11/10/14

From Mark Copeland... Beware Of Leaven (Matthew 16:5-12)

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                       Beware Of Leaven (16:5-12)

INTRODUCTION

1. In the course of His public ministry, Jesus was often challenged by
   the Pharisees, along with the Sadducees...
   a. They questioned why He ate with sinners - Mt 9:11
   b. They accused His disciples of breaking the Sabbath - Mt 12:1-2
   c. They accused His disciples of violating the traditions of the
      elders - Mt 15:1-2
   d. They sought to test Him by asking for a sign - Mt 16:1

2. Jesus therefore warned His disciples concerning these religious
   leaders...
   a. They were "blind leaders of the blind" - Mt 15:12-14
   b. The disciples were to beware of their doctrine - Mt 16:5-12

3. Jesus described their doctrine as "leaven" (yeast)...
   a. Used in the making of bread, leaven gradually spreads through
      the dough, making it rise
   b. Jesus used the figure of leaven to describe the spread of His
      kingdom - Mt 13:33
   c. But in Mt 16:6, He uses it to depict the pernicious doctrines of
      the Pharisees and Sadducees - Mt 16:11-12

[What were the doctrines of the Pharisees and Sadducees that Jesus
warned about?  Are there modern Pharisees and Sadducees that we should
beware of today?  To answer these questions, let's begin by taking a
look at...]

I. THE LEAVEN OF THE PHARISEES

   A. THE PHARISEES IN JESUS' DAY...
      1. A religious and political group noted for its conservatism
         a. They were strict observers of the Law of Moses
         b. They also adopted "the traditions of the elders", 
            interpretations of the Law that had been handed down 
            - cf. Mk 7:1-5
      2. Jesus described them as "blind leaders of the blind" - Mt 15:
         12-14
         a. They made the commandments of God of no effect by their
            traditions - Mt 15:3-6
         b. They were hypocrites, teaching one thing and practicing
            another - Mt 15:7-8; 16:3; 23:1-4, 27-28; cf. Lk 12:1
         c. They did their works to be seen of men - Mt 23:5
         d. They loved the attention and special treatment by others 
            - Mt 23:6-7
         d. They wore religious titles - Mt 23:8-10
         e. They prevented others from finding the way to the kingdom
            of heaven - Mt 23:13
         f. They used their religion to make money and impress others
            - Mt 23:14
         g. They didn't make people better, they made them worse! - Mt 23:15
         h. They made distinctions where God did not - Mt 23:16-22
         i. Though sticklers for some commandments, they ignored others
            - Mt 23:23-24
         j. They honored men of God who went before them, but were more
            like those who persecuted the people of God - Mt 23:29-31

   B. PHARISEES IN OUR DAY...
      1. Many people accuse those who stress the keeping of God's 
         commands as legalists, and therefore "Pharisees" today - but 
         consider:
         a. The words legalism, legalist, are not found in the 
            Scriptures - they are labels often used to defame those who
            seek to encourage the keeping of God's commands
         b. Jesus never faulted the Pharisees for strict adherence to
            the Law itself
            1) Only for making the commands of God of no effect by 
               their traditions!
            2) Only for leaving some commands of God undone while doing
               others!
         c. If calling for strict observance of God's commandments 
            makes one a legalist, then Jesus was a legalist!
            1) While the Law was in force, He expected it to be taught
               and observed down to its smallest detail - Mt 5:17-19
            2) He expected His disciples to surpass the Pharisees in
               their righteousness - Mt 5:20
            3) He called for His disciples to express their love for
               Him by keeping His commandments - Jn 14:15,21,23
            4) He promised His love and friendship to those who would
               keep His commandments - Jn 15:10,14
            5) He expected disciples from all nations to observe 
               whatever He commanded His apostles - Mt 28:19-20
         d. If calling for strict observance of God's commandments
            makes one a legalist, then the apostles were legalists!
            1) Paul stressed the keeping of commandments - 1Co 7:19;
               1Th 4:1-2
            2) John stressed the keeping of commandments - 1Jn 2:3-5;
               3:22-24; 5:2-3
      2. The true Pharisees today are those who:
         a. Teach and practice traditions of men, instead of the 
            commands of God
         b. Teach one thing, while practicing another
         c. Do things to be seen of men, wearing special garments and
            asking to be called by religious titles
         d. Do not truly show people the way to the kingdom of heaven
         e. Use religion to make money and impress others
         f. Make distinctions where God has made none
         g. Stress some commands, but neglect others as unnecessary

[Such are the Pharisees of today, who often condemn others as
"legalists" (as a way to deflect the charge that their lives and 
teachings are contrary to the commandments of our Lord).

Now let's take a look at...]

II. THE LEAVEN OF THE SADDUCEES

   A. THE SADDUCEES IN JESUS' DAY...
      1. A religious and political group noted for its liberalism
         a. Included many powerful members of the priesthood - Ac 5:17
         b. They insisted only the laws found in the Pentateuch (first
            five books of the OT) were binding
         c. They rejected "the traditions of the elders", 
            interpretations of the Law that had been handed down
         d. They did not believe in the resurrection, spirits, angels 
            - Ac 23:8; Mt 22:23
         e. They did not believe in rewards or punishment after death,
            nor in heaven or hell
      2. Jesus charged them with two faults - Mt 22:23-29
         a. They did not know the Scriptures
            1) Even those scriptures they held to be true!
            2) For Jesus used a statement in the Pentateuch to show
               their error - Mt 22:31-32; Exo 3:6
         b. They did not know the power of God
            1) Like many liberals, they were influenced by rationalism
            2) They assumed that if they could not conceive or 
               comprehend something, it could not be
            3) They failed to believe what Gabriel and Jesus both knew:
               that with God, nothing is impossible! - Lk 1:37; 
               Mt 19:26

   B. SADDUCEES IN OUR DAY...
      1. Those who take some portions of God's word, but reject the 
         rest; such as:
         a. Those who heed only the "red-letter" words of Jesus
         b. Those who will accept the words of Jesus, but not His 
            apostles
         c. Those who accept the words of His apostles, but hold that
            all of Jesus' teachings in the gospels are Old Covenant 
            teaching
         -- The apostles' words are just as authoritative (Jn 13:10;
            Ac 2:42; 1Co 14:37), and so were the words of Jesus 
            spoken during His earthly ministry (Mt 28:20; Ac 20:35;
            1Ti 5:18b; Lk 10:7)
      2. Those who accept human reason over divine revelation
         a. Many will not accept a Biblical doctrine unless it "makes 
            sense" to them
         b. A dangerous position to hold, since God has chosen to 
            confound the wise and arrogant with the foolishness of the
            gospel message - cf. 1Co 1:18-31
         c. Some doctrines revealed may contain elements beyond man's
            ability to fully comprehend (such as the mystery of 
            godliness:  God manifested in the flesh - 1Ti 3:16; or the
            nature of the Godhead itself)
         -- A child-like trust is more becoming of a Christian - cf. 
            Mt 18:3; Ps 131:1-3
      3. Those who rule out the power of God
         a. Who reject any doctrine, any promise, of the Scriptures if
            conceived as not being physically possible
         b. Such as the creation of the world, the virgin birth, the
            miracles of Jesus, the resurrection of the dead
         -- Once we accept the premise that with God all things are
            possible, we cannot reject Biblical testimony or doctrine
            just because it does not fit our preconceived ideas of what
            is possible

CONCLUSION

1. Is there a need to "Beware Of Leaven" today?
   a. Are there modern-day Pharisees and Sadducees?
   b. Are there doctrines that can permeate and spread through the 
      Lord's church like leaven?

2. The answer to such questions is a resounding "Yes!"
   a. Such doctrines abound in the denominational world around us
   b. Much error that makes its way into the church usually falls into
      one of two categories:
      1) Traditions of men proclaimed as doctrines (like the Pharisees)
      2) Doctrines of the Bible rejected as impossible (like the
         Sadducees)

And so the warning by Jesus is just as great today:

 "...beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." (Mt 16:11)

From Mark Copeland.... Blind Leaders Of The Blind (Matthew 15:12-14)

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                 Blind Leaders Of The Blind (15:12-14)

INTRODUCTION

1. Who can you trust regarding religious matters today?
   a. Many people trust their preacher, priest, or pastor
   b. They assume that "a man of God" must be trustworthy

2. Yet the Bible does not always speak highly of religious leaders...
   a. Paul warned about "savage wolves" not sparing the flock of God
      - Ac 20:29-30
   b. Peter wrote of "false teachers" bringing in destructive heresies
      - 2Pe 2:1-2
   -- Such men would knowingly destroy the people of God

3. Not all those who mislead do so knowingly...
   a. Jesus told His disciples about "blind leaders of the blind"
      - Mt 15:12-14
   b. Being "blind" themselves, they may not be aware of how they
      mislead others

4. The end result is still the same, however...
   a. Those misled still "fall into the ditch" and are destroyed - Mt 15:14; Isa 9:16
   b. Whether led by a "false teacher", or by a "blind leader"

5. That we ourselves might not blindly follow a blind leader...
   a. What are some of the characteristics of a blind leader?
   b. How can we be sure not to be misled by a blind leader?
   -- These are the questions we hope to answer in this study

[While Peter had much to say about false teachers (cf. 2Pe 2), Jesus
had much to say about blind leaders...]

I. CHARACTERISTICS OF A BLIND LEADER

   A. HOLDING TO THE TRADITIONS OF MEN...
      1. This was the case of the Pharisees in Mt 15
      2. They were willing to put their traditions above God's word 
         - Mt 15:3,6,9
      3. Blind leaders today will do the same
         a. Teaching as doctrine their traditions
         b. Not knowing that what they teach comes from man, not God

   B. MAKING DISTINCTIONS WHERE GOD HAS MADE NONE...
      1. This was the case of the Pharisees in Mt 23, where they are
         called "blind" five times
      2. They made fine distinctions between the types of oaths one
         could swear - Mt 23:16-22
      3. Blind leaders will often do the same today
         a. Making fine distinctions so that one need not keep God's
            word
         b. Saying some commands of God are essential to salvation, and
            others not

   C. LEAVING COMMANDS OF GOD UNDONE...
      1. Again, the Pharisees were guilty of this, for which they were
         called "blind guides"
      2. They left undone the "weightier" matters of God's law - Mt 23:
         23-24
         a. They stressed tithing, but neglected justice, mercy, faith
         b. Thus they would strain out a gnat, but swallow a camel
      3. Blind leaders today often do the same, but in reverse...
         a. They are quick to stress the "weightier" matters, and leave
            what they consider the "lighter" things undone
         b. But Jesus said we should do both, leaving neither undone!

   D. FOCUSING ONLY ON THE OUTER MAN...
      1. The "blind Pharisee" worked only on the outside - Mt 23:25-28
         a. Concerned with keeping the traditions of ritual cleansing
         b. Willing to put up with extortion, self-indulgence,
            hypocrisy and lawlessness
      2. Today, blind leaders are happy with the appearance of 
         success...
         a. Big buildings, large crowds
         b. Accepting people into the church without challenging them
            to true repentance

   E. OTHER CHARACTERISTICS...
      1. From this passage (Mt 23) in which Jesus assails the 
         Pharisees, we glean some other characteristics of those who
         were blind leaders
      2. Summarizing these quickly...
         a. They say and do not, binding heavy burdens on others - Mt 23:1-4
         b. They do their works to be seen of men - Mt 23:5
         c. They love the attention and special treatment by others 
            - Mt 23:6-7
         d. They wear religious titles, though Jesus condemned it - Mt 23:8-10
         e. They fail to truly show the way to the kingdom of heaven 
            - Mt 23:13
         f. They use their religion to make money and impress others 
            - Mt 23:14
         g. They don't make people better, they make them worse! - Mt 23:15
         h. They honor the men of God who went before them, but are
            more like those who persecuted the people of God - Mt 23:
            29-31

[Sadly, this sounds like many religious leaders today, especially some
on TV!  If we are not careful, we can easily be led astray by them.  
This leads to our next point...]

II. HOW NOT TO BE MISLED BY BLIND LEADERS

   A. LISTEN TO THEM CAREFULLY...
      1. We need to have the same attitude as the Bereans - Ac 17:11
         a. When Paul came to town, they "received the word with all
            readiness"
         b. This describes how they listened to Paul - paying close
            attention to the things he was teaching
      2. We must first give all teachers a fair and careful hearing
         a. Seek to understand exactly what they are saying
         b. It requires that we be good listeners
      -- Many are misled because they have never learned to listen
         carefully to what is being taught them! (How well do you
         listen?)

   B. SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES DAILY...
      1. This was another noble quality of the Bereans - Ac 17:11
         a. Having listened carefully, they then went home and compared
            what Paul said to the Scriptures
         b. They did not simply accept whatever Paul said
      2. Unfortunately, many today are Biblically illiterate...
         a. They do not follow along in their Bibles when someone is
            teaching or preaching
         b. They do not read their Bibles daily
      -- Failure to do these things leaves one in a blind condition,
         unable to discern what is the word of God, or some teaching
         and tradition of man!

CONCLUSION

1. What will be the end of blind leaders, and those who follow them?
   a. Like plants, they will be "uprooted" by the Heavenly Father - Mt 15:13
   b. Together they will both "fall into a ditch" - Mt 15:14
   c. Though very religious, thinking that they serve the Lord, Jesus
      will tell them:  "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who
      practice lawlessness!" - cf. Mt 7:21-23

2. Who are to blame, if people are misled by blind leaders?
   a. The blind leader will be held accountable, but not totally
   a. If people are blind, it is only because they have closed their
      own eyes - Mt 13:15

May the example of the Bereans remind us of what is necessary not to be
misled by blind leaders, and may we so see and hear that what Jesus
said will be true of us:

   "But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they
   hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous
   men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear
   what you hear, and did not hear it."  (Mt 13:16-17)

From Mark Copeland.... The Danger With Traditions (Matthew 15:1-9)

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                  The Danger With Traditions (15:1-9)

INTRODUCTION

1. As Jesus went about preaching and teaching, He often ran afoul of
   the religious leaders over the matter of keeping traditions...
   a. E.g., plucking heads of grain on the Sabbath - Mt 12:1-8
   b. E.g., healing on the Sabbath - Mt 12:9-14
   c. E.g., eating with unwashed hands - Mt 15:1-9

2. In Mt 15:1-9, Jesus describes the danger of traditions at length...
   a. How keeping them can make void the very commands of God
   b. How keeping them can make our worship vain before God

3. Traditions are very important in some religions...
   a. In the Roman Catholic church, tradition is place on par with
      God's Word
      1) "It is an article of faith from a decree of the Vatican
         Council that Tradition is a source of theological teaching
         distinct from Scripture, and that it is infallible.  It is
         therefore to be received with the same internal assent of
         Scripture, for it is the word of God." - Catholic Dictionary,
         p. 41-42
      2) "Do you have to believe in Tradition?  Yes, because it is the
         Word of God and has equal authority with the Bible."
         - Catholic Catechism For Adults, p. 11
   b. Just about every Protestant church has its own traditions
      1) It is often the accepted traditions that distinguish between
         the denominations
      2) To be a member of a particular denomination, one must accept
         its traditions

4. In this study, we will address the following questions...
   a. What are traditions?
   b. Are traditions always wrong?
   c. If not, when does a tradition become sinful?

[Let's begin with...]

I. THE MEANING OF TRADITION

   A. THE WORD ITSELF...
      1. The Greek word is "paradosis", which means "giving over" or
         "handing down"
      2. It refers to teaching that is handed down either by word 
         (orally) or in writing

   B. AS UNDERSTOOD BY THE JEWS...
      1. It was often applied to the oral teachings of the elders 
         (distinguished elders from Moses on down)
      2. These traditions were often divided into three classes...
         a. Some oral laws supposedly given by Moses in addition to the
            written laws
         b. Decisions of various judges which became precedents in
            judicial matters
         c. Interpretations of highly respected rabbis which were held
            in reverence along with the OT scriptures
         -- Article on "Tradition", ISBE
      3. Prior to his conversion, Paul was a staunch supporter of
         Jewish tradition - Ga 1:13-14

   C. AS UNDERSTOOD BY ROMAN AND GREEK CATHOLICS...
      1. Their views appear to be parallel to that of the Jews
      2. What they consider "Tradition" is what they believe to be the
         teachings:
         a. Of Jesus or the apostles, persevered orally rather than
            through writing
         b. Of various councils which have left various decrees
         c. Of various church leaders (such as the pope) considered to
            be inspired with later revelations from God
      3. Of course, one is expected to take their word for it that
         these "traditions" were truly from God and have been 
         faithfully transmitted

   D. AS FOUND IN THE SCRIPTURES...
      1. The word "tradition" as such is not found in the Old Testament
      2. It is found thirteen times in New Testament
         a. Three times it refers to "apostolic teaching"
            1) That which had been delivered by the apostles - 1Co 11:2
            2) Whether by word (in person) or epistle - 2Th 2:15
            3) Which Christians were expected to keep - 2Th 3:6
         b. Ten times it refers to "the tradition of the elders" or
            "the traditions of men"
            1) As in our text and parallel passages - Mt 15:2-6; Mk 7:
               3-13
            2) Of which Paul warned the Colossians - Col 2:8
            3) From which Jewish Christians had been delivered 
               (including Paul) - 1Pe 1:18; Ga 1:14
      3. Jesus did not feel bound to abide by "the traditions of the
         elders"
         a. Some traditions He had no problem keeping
            1) Such as going to a wedding feast - Jn 2:1-2
            2) Or attending the Feast Of Dedication - Jn 10:22-23
         b. But He just as easily had no problem with violating other
            traditions
            1) Plucking grain or healing on the Sabbath
            2) Eating with unwashed hands
         c. Evidently Jesus did not subscribe to the view of 
            "traditions" handed down orally
            1) He never appealed to the traditions of the elders
            2) He either appealed to the authority of the written Word
               (the Law of Moses), or to His own authority as the Son
               of God
   
[Not all "traditions" are wrong.  When they are teachings inspired of
God, given and "written" by men approved of God, they are to be heeded.
But when they are doctrines or interpretations handed down by 
uninspired men, then like the traditions of the Jews they are suspect.

As we return to our text (Mt 15:1-9), Jesus points out...]

II. THE DANGER OF TRADITIONS OF MEN

   A. THEY CAN MAKE VOID THE WORD OF GOD...
      1. Jesus gave the example of honoring one's parents - Mt 15:3-6
         a. The tradition of the elders taught giving to the temple
            freed one from giving to his or her parents
         b. Thus rendering the command of God of no effect
      2. There are traditions of men today with similar affect
         a. Such as the practice of sprinkling for baptism, a tradition
            of man
         b. When one keeps the tradition of sprinkling, they make the
            command of God to be baptized (immersed) of no effect!
      3. Through keeping such traditions, one is actually rejecting the
         command of God! - cf. Mk 7:8-9

   B. THEY CAN LEAD TO VAIN WORSHIP...
      1. When traditions of men are taught on the same level as the
         commands of God, it leads to vain worship - Mt 15:9
      2. Such worship may appear to be impressive, but it in actually
         "empty, worthless"
         a. First, because God did not command it
         b. Second, because it does not accomplish the good we really
            need - cf. Col 2:20-23

   C. THEY CAN LEAD TO HYPOCRITICAL WORSHIP...
      1. Traditions of men tend toward ritualism (just look at the 
         rituals found in many religions that have no scriptural basis)
      2. Such ritualism is often done repeatedly, with little thought
         as to its origin and purpose
      3. It is easy to go through such rituals, with the heart and mind
         on other things
      4. Worship without the heart (or mind) of man is hypocritical
         worship! - Mt 15:7-8

CONCLUSION

1. What are traditions?
   a. They are simply teachings that have been handed down
   b. In the case of inspired men (like the apostles) given in person
      or through their writings, such traditions are good and to be 
      followed

2. In the case of oral transmissions, given through a chain of 
   uninspired men, traditions are at best suspect...
   a. Jesus did not hold the "traditions" orally transmitted through
      the Jews on par with God's written word
   b. Neither should we hold "traditions" orally transmitted through
      Christians on par with God's written word

3. At worst, traditions of men can be vain and deadly...
   a. When their observance leads one to not keep a command of God
   b. When they are taught as doctrine, on par with God's word
   c. When they lead to ritualism, done without engaging the heart and
      mind of man

From Jesus' words, let us be aware of "The Danger With Traditions", and
make sure that our faith and practice is based upon the written Word of
God, not the interpretations and teachings of uninspired men!

From Gary.... The SEX TALK - 2014

I showed this to my wife today- and boy did she laugh. She suggested that I share this, so here we go.... SEX, we would be here without it; but it doesn't have to be viewed crude or dirty!!! Within the confines of a martial commitment, it becomes a bond that further cements a relationship- and that is a very good thing!!! Children that learn about it from bathroom walls, dirty jokes or even sex education are missing something. And that something is a bond with their parents. So, go ahead, talk with your kids- but be careful!!! Remember this...

Ephesians, Chapter 4 (WEB)

29 Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.

11/8/14

From Jim McGuiggan... USING GOD FOR OUR PURPOSES

USING GOD FOR OUR PURPOSES

As 1 Samuel closes and 2 Samuel continues Saul dies, David is publicly proclaimed king over Judah and civil war breaks out between the northern ten tribes and the two southern tribes [Judah and Benjamin], which constitute the “house of David”. Following the victory of David’s forces, Abner’s coming over to David and the death of Ishbosheth [which ends any hope of a Saulide dynasty] the ten tribes acknowledged David as king over them as well. [See 2 Samuel chapters 2—5.]
But the unity is fragile and it will remain that way throughout the reign of Solomon and will finally fracture when Rehoboam begins to reign. David is well aware of the brittle nature of the union and is anxious to secure his place on the throne over all Israel and this is where the events of 2 Samuel 6:1-11 enter the picture.

The ark of the covenant was the visible sign of God’s presence and his Kingship—see passages like Numbers 7:89; 1 Samuel 4.4; 2 Samuel 6.2.
To serve their own ends Israel brought in the God they were dishonoring [note 1 Samuel 7:3-4 and 8:8] to defeat the stronger Philistines but God would not be so used [1 Samuel 4].

The Philistines then used the Ark of the Covenant to proclaim their glory and the power of their gods but God would not be so used [1 Samuel 5—6].
In 2 Samuel 6 David tried to use the ark to secure his place as king over all Israel but God would not be so used [6:1-11].

In the Ark was the law of the Lord God, the manna by which the Lord had sustained Israel and Aaron’s rod that proclaimed God’s decision on how Israel would access his presence.

But above all that, and what gave all that its meaning and power, was the King who sat enthroned above the cherubim, which were on the lid of the ark [see the texts above]. This King would not be controlled, would not be used, not by any person or persons and not for any reason!

When the kingdom later divided due to the wickedness of David’s son Solomon and his son Rehoboam God gave kingdom authority over the ten northern tribes to Jeroboam, son of Nebat [I Kings 11:26-40]. God made promises to Jeroboam similar to those he made to Saul but Jeroboam wasn’t content with God’s promise; he felt he must secure his throne even if it meant disobeying the King.

1 Kings 12:25-33 explains his reasoning and his disobedience. He didn’t want the twelve tribes going to Jerusalem to worship because he feared that would bind them to the house of David so he sets up alternative places of worship. His purpose in establishing worship centers away from Jerusalem was not to bring honor to God but to secure his personal dominion and his dynasty. Of course, if God got glory also that would have been all right with Jeroboam but that was not his intention.

This was precisely David’s thinking when he brought the ark up to Jerusalem to a tent he had set up for it. He wanted to ensure tribal loyalty from the northern tribes by bringing the ark up to Jerusalem so that they would come there to worship but we need to note that his stated concern was [2 Samuel 6.9], “How can the ark of the Lord come to me?” In his eagerness to secure his throne his behavior led to the King’s throne being manhandled by Uzzah. Uzzah keeps the King’s throne from falling in order that David’s throne to be made secure.
The Samuel and Kings literature is written [among other things] to teach Israel that thrones rise and fall, that kings are made and unmade by the King and he will not be used. God sets up kings whose authority is to be used to glorify the King and further his kingdom purposes [it’s at this point that the Lord Jesus’ glory shines brightest].

Jeroboam and David [in this instance] insult the majesty of God, the King of Kings; David in one way and Jeroboam in another. But David learned his lesson and the rest of 2 Samuel 6 has him not only transferring the ark of the Lord correctly [in accordance with Mosaic instruction and with added reverence] but by behaving in a way that humiliated himself instead of exalting himself [6:14-23], in a way that exalted God who gives the throne to whom he will [6:21-22].

Major questions for all kings and those in authority would include these: Is God to serve your purposes or are you to serve His? Are you the rulers or is God?

[The questions, of course, must be addressed in their own contexts to all who are called by Him to his service as well as to those who have not yet heard and obeyed the gospel. The questions will or should lead us to examine our programs and ask ourselves if we are glorifying God or ourselves and if our programs are such that they will honor and further God’s kingdom purposes.]

Must the Children Suffer? by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=4185

Must the Children Suffer?

by	Dave Miller, Ph.D.

Arriving at the border of the Promised Land, the Israelites sent out 12 spies to reconnoiter the areas. When 10 of the 12 spies brought back an “evil”(Numbers 13:32) analysis of Canaan’s conditions and the people accepted their faithless assessment. God condemned the population to 40 years of desert meandering until all those 20 years and older had died (Numbers 14:29). God would only permit the next generation to enter the land (Numbers 14:30-31).
But what, in the meantime, were these children, the younger generation, to do? Must they actually suffer for their parents’ sin and wander in the desert for 40 years as well? Notice God’s answer: “And your sons shall be shepherds in the wilderness forty years, and bear the brunt of your infidelity…” (Numbers 14:33). Other translations render the last phrase “suffer for your unfaithfulness” (NASB, NIV; cf. ESV, RSV). The children would suffer for the unfaithfulness of their parents. Many people simply do not accept this biblical principle. They cannot see how the innocent can suffer for the sins of others. This misconception easily leads to further error: seeking to offset the unavoidable consequences of man’s disobedience to God (cf. Numbers 14:40-45).
When parents forsake the assembly (Hebrews 10:25), their sin takes its toll on their children in the form of lost teaching, poor parental example, absence of Christian association, etc. The children suffer for their parents’ sin.
When parents abuse their bodies by taking drugs, drinking alcohol, smoking, contracting venereal disease, etc., their children experience physical problems at birth and later hardships in the form of inadequate nutrition, insufficient finances, neglect, etc. The children suffer for their parents’ sin.
When parents hypocritically instruct their children to conduct themselves in certain ways, but then fail to follow their own advice and excuse their behavior by telling their children to “do as I say, not as I do,” the children grow up rejecting the parents’ good instruction. The children suffer for their parents’ sin.
When parents divorce and remarry in violation of God’s law, forming an adulterous union that, in God’s sight, cannot continue, the children experience rejection, loneliness, bewilderment. If the parents obey God and terminate the unlawful marriage, the children will live in a home environment that’s not all it could have been. The children will suffer for their parents’ sin. But such is no justification for encouraging the parents to continue committing adultery in order to minimize the children’s suffering.
Must the children suffer? Sadly, tragically, yes—when parents sin. But rather than change God’s law, doubt God’s mercy, or dodge the consequences of sin, put the blame where it belongs: man’s defiance of God. Then, obey God—no matter what.

From Mark Copeland... The Death Of John The Baptist (Matthew 14:1-12)

"THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

The Death Of John The Baptist (14:1-12)

INTRODUCTION

1. A sad story in the Bible is that of "The Death Of John The Baptist"
a. His imprisonment occurred near the beginning of Jesus' ministry
- Mt 4:12
b. Some time later, John sent two of his disciples to Jesus - Mt 11:
1-3
c. Eventually he was beheaded by Herod - Mt 14:1-12

2. The sadness of the story, though, is tempered by the contrast
between John and those responsible for his death...
a. A remarkable contrast between a godly man and a depraved family
b. A contrast that certainly provides several object lessons,
encouraging godly living

3. In this study, we shall review what is said about "The Death Of John
The Baptist"...
a. Noticing the four key persons in this narrative
b. Considering a few lessons and points that might be gleaned from
this passage

[We begin with...]

I. THE FAITHFULNESS OF JOHN

A. JOHN PROVED TO BE A FAITHFUL PROPHET...
1. His message was a call to repentance - Mt 3:1-2
2. He called the religious leaders to repentance as well - Mt 3:
7-8
3. Nor did he back away from pointing out the sins of the king
- Mt 14:3-4
a. Herod had married his brother Philip's wife, Herodias
b. It was an unlawful marriage, for several reasons:
1) Philip was still living, making it adultery - Ro 7:1-3
2) She was Herod's niece, making it incest
3) The Law prohibited marrying a brother's wife - Lev 18:
16; 20:21
4. Rather than change his message to accommodate the king, John
was willing to go to prison and ultimately die for the Word of
God!

B. HIS FAITHFULNESS SHOULD INSPIRE US TODAY...
1. To be true to God's Word, even when not politically correct
2. To proclaim God's law on marriage, even if it angers others
a. God's law on marriage goes all the way back to the creation
- Mt 19:4-8
b. Christ defined the one circumstance when one may divorce
and remarry - Mt 19:9
c. Therefore not all marriages are "lawful"; there may be
times when we must tell one: "It is not lawful for you to
have her" - Mt 14:4

[The faithfulness of this godly man stands out, especially when
contrasted with the members of the ungodly family we now consider.
Beginning with...]

II. THE SHAMELESSNESS OF SALOME

A. SALOME WAS A GIRL WITH NO SHAME...
1. Of course, she was the daughter of a shameless woman - Mt 14:6
2. From the Greek, Robertson describes her dance as "some kind of
rapid motion...a shameful exhibition of lewd dancing"
(Robertson's Word Pictures)
3. She danced this way, not just before Herod, but his guests as
well - Mk 6:21-22

B. HER SHAMELESSNESS IS OFTEN REPEATED TODAY...
1. Much modern dance is similar to the lewdness of Salome's
dancing
a. Designed to arouse fleshly passions
b. "Because of its physical appeal, dance lends itself to
erotic purposes and has been practiced to these ends by
both sexes." - Encyclopedia Britannica, "The Art Of Dance"
2. Such shamelessness is condemned as lewdness (lasciviousness,
licentiousness)
a. The Greek word for "lewdness" (aselgia) is "unbridled lust
...wanton acts or manners (including) filthy words,
indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and
females" (Thayer)
b. Condemned as a work of the flesh - cf. Ga 5:19-21
3. Christians (esp. women) are to possess a sense of
"shamefacedness" - 1Ti 2:9 (KJV)
a. That is, a sense of propriety (NKJV), that which is proper
b. The Greek word (aidos) means "a sense of shame, modesty"
(Vine)
c. "Aidos would always restrain a good man from an unworthy
act..." (Trench)

[The shamelessness of Salome contributed to the death of John the
Baptist. Similar lack of propriety among men and women leads to much
trouble today as well. Of course, this young girl was undoubtedly
influenced by her mother...]

III. THE VENGEFULNESS OF HERODIAS

A. HERODIAS WAS A VENGEFUL WOMAN...
1. She was the subject of John's rebuke to Herod - Mt 14:3-4
a. She had been married to Philip, Herod Antipas' half-brother
b. Herod had been married to the daughter of Aretas, an
Arabian king of Petraea
c. After Herod had been a guest in Philip's home, he and
Herodias eloped while still married to their spouses
d. At some point they married, for which John rebuked them
- Mk 6:17-18
2. In her vengefulness...
a. She prompted Herod to imprison John - Mk 6:17-18
a. She wanted to kill John, though temporarily prevented from
doing so - Mk 6:19
b. She prompted her daughter to ask for John's head on a
platter - Mk 6:22-25

B. SUCH VENGEFULNESS OFTEN DESTROYS LIVES TODAY...
1. Through vengeance people often resort to desperate measures
a. E.g., Simeon and Levi, whose vengeance killed those of
Shechem - Gen 34:1-31
b. It moved Joab to kill Abner, an honorable man - 2Sa 3:27;
1Ki 2:29-33
2. Vengeance led to the downfall of such people as:
a. Haman, who tried to kill Mordecai and the Jews - Esther 3-7
b. The Edomites and the Philistines, who took vengeance on
Judah - Eze 25:12-17
3. Vengeance destroys families, friends, associates; hurting most
those who exercise it
4. Which is why we are commanded to leave vengeance to God - Pro 24:29; Ro 12:17-19; 1Th 5:15; 1Pe 3:9

[Finally, we consider the king who was manipulated like a pawn, as we
look at...]

IV. THE WEAKNESS OF HEROD

A. HEROD ANTIPAS WAS A WEAK MAN...
1. Son of Herod the Great, we see his weakness manifested by:
a. His superstition, supposing Jesus to be John raised from
the dead - Mt 14:1-2
b. His unfaithfulness, in leaving his first wife and marrying
Herodias - Mt 14:3-4
c. His fear of the multitude and John himself, which prevented
Herod from killing him at first - Mt 14:5; Mk 6:20
d. His manipulation by Salome and Herodias - Mt 14:6-8
e. His fear of his guests, before whom he was afraid of
ridicule - Mt 14:9
2. His weakness eventually led to his death
a. For Herodias later prompted him to join her in appealing
for favors from Caesar
b. But they were accused of high treason and banished to Lyons
in Gaul, where he died in great misery (Josephus,
Antiquities Of The Jews)

B. SUCH MORAL WEAKNESS CAN BE A PROBLEM TODAY...
1. We can be destroyed by weakness through:
a. Succumbing to temptation
b. Allowing others to pressure us in doing evil - 1Co 15:33
2. Christians need to stand strong...
a. Cf. The example of young men as Joseph and Daniel - Gen 39:
1-12; Dan 1:8
b. Looking to God for help and strength - 1Co 10:13; Ep 3:16;
Php 4:13
c. Seeking the approval of God, not men - Ga 1:10

CONCLUSION

1. In "The Death Of John The Baptist", it initially appears that evil
was the winner...
a. Herod succeeded in imprisoning and killing John
b. Herod and Salome succeeded in manipulating Herod and getting rid
of John

2. There are times today when it seems that evil people are the ones
who win in life...
a. People who blatantly disregard God's law on divorce and
remarriage
b. Young people who gain popularity through shameless conduct

3. But as revealed by the Psalmist (Ps 73:1-28), such apparent success
is fleeting...
a. God will eventually bring the wicked into judgment
b. Sometimes judgment is received even in this life, as with the
exile of Herod and Herodias
c. Whose shoes would you want to be in now? Herod's? Herodias'?
Salome's?

May the faithfulness of John remind us that serving God is the only way
to eternal life and true happiness...!