To do or not to do? (2)
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To Do OR Not To Do?
To Do OR Not To Do?
If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
James 2
If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified. Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him. But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover? And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.
Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.
And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.
And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end. Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
These are both passages that people may use that will lead us to think this is for those who are called to the pulpit only but not for me.
Or for those who have big hearts and the people that always go the extra mile.
We like to think to ourselves that its great if you do all these extra things but it’s only talking to the elite few, and these will have a greater reward for doing more.
We trick ourselves into a state of complacency and self-righteousness.
Pastor talked about deceit this morning, not only do we deceive others, but we can also deceive ourselves.
Sometimes we go through life deceiving ourselves because it is easier to not believe the whole truth, than to hold yourself accountable.
Let’s finish these passages we started reading.
9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
We can confess that Jesus is Lord all day long, but if our actions show others we don’t really believe, what good is it?
It is mouth service only, and does no good!
God is looking for heart service!
People who not only speak words of confession, but back it up with actions.
If I tell you that I will give you a million dollars
How many times have we said these same kinds of words to people in need.
Depart in peace, be warmed and filled, but then gave nothing to the cause?
Lets finish the next passage:
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
Matthew 25.41-
This is why I came up with the title To Do Or Not To Do, that is the real question!
This parable Jesus taught doesn’t allow for a state of complacency or stagnation.
It is a call to action!
Yes their is reward if you Do something but there is also punishment for Not doing something!
There are consequences to our actions.
One day we will all be accountable for not only what we have done on this earth, but also the things we have not done.
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
We are being held accountable in the Word of God, for what we have learned.
We can try to turn our heads, deny the truth, or let others lead us astray, but God’s Word doesn’t change because it offends me or judges me.
If someone has never been taught what a true christian is all about, then they might not understand our motives.
Why we have compassion, love our enemies, help those in need, and try to win souls to God.
What they see and hear about are these preachers of another gospel, that Paul warned us about.
If we set back and don’t speak out and try to teach the true Word of God, this prosperity teaching will be all anyone knows.
It is false doctrine that places ourselves in the center of the universe.
No longer do we see ourselves as servants of God, but rather we see God as a means to an end.
In reality we are taught to serve God means that he will answer our prayer for prosperity and wealth on this earth.
If you can name it you can claim it mentality.
They confuse Jesus with Santa Clause.
He is not there to meet our demands of Him.
We are here to serve Him, not the other way around.
Why have these kinds of messages gained traction in today’s society?
One reason is we our becoming more selfish as a society than ever before.
There are so many different groups in the US alone who talk about their uniqueness but miss the one thing they all have in common.
There spirit of entitlement.
The belief that because they want something bad enough in this life, someone has to give it to them.
This self centered love of self has creeped into the doors and hearts of the American Church today.
They want to speak only of gain and not sacrifice.
We have been told this would come by the Word of God.
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Matthew 25.31-40
Matthew 25.31-46
ephesians 7.20
Doesn’t that sound just like the new age teaching that are spreading in today’s world?
Contrary to popular belief, the Bible does not teach “God will give you the strength to do whatever you set your mind to.” God is not a heavenly bellhop or divine sugar daddy or cosmic power plant to fuel your dream-quest. Instead, the Bible teaches, God is a sustainer when life feels unsustainable.
People are believing these prosperity teachings and being turned from the truth.
They read only the parts of the Bible they are told to read and give no thought about the rest of God’s Word.
People don’t want to be held accountable, or submit themselves, or answer to a God who says “Be ye holy, for I am Holy”.
For the atheists out there it is much easier to not live under the morale standard they find in the Word of God.
If they were to believe that God is real, they must admit to themselves that they can’t live their life under the direction of anywhere their lusts lead them.
One day there will be a reckoning for our deeds, and as I have pointed out tonight, our lack of deeds.
It’s like the truth is too much for them to bear so they believe in words of anyone who believes like they do.
It’s like the saint that goes to their pastor for spiritual advice, but then the next day he is asking other people for their opinion until they find someone that will agree with them.
Why did you ask for truth and guidance if you were not willing to submit to your shepherd in the first place?
This kind of mentality is a slippery slope, that will lead you abroad in your journey.
And we know what the Bible says about entering into the gates of heaven?
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
The atheist, the sinner, and the prosperity gospel, hates this verse!
Because it means that we have to give more and take less on our journey to heaven.
If we carry too much baggage how can we enter a way that is narrow and a gate that is straight?
Yes the Word teaches us that God is a provider.
That doesn’t means he is a magic genie lamp!
How familiar are we with this scripture?
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Many people use this as a scripture to make them think that all their dreams can come true, and anything they want they can have!
One prosperity preacher even wrote this about :
“Most people tend to magnify their limitations. They focus on their shortcomings. But scripture makes it plain: all things are possible to those who believe. That’s right! It is possible to see your dreams fulfilled. It is possible to overcome that obstacle. It is possible to climb to new heights. It is possible to embrace your destiny. You may not know how it will all take place. You may not have a plan, but all you have to know is that if God said you can…you can!”
Did he forget while teaching this to people, that it turns everyone’s attention away from the rest of Paul’s words?
This was written while Paul was in prison!
Surely Paul didn’t want to be in prison.
Surely he wasn’t looking for a way to cause himself more pain!
If Paul was teaching this during this time in his ministry, there must be more to it than this scripture that’s been taken out to stand by itself.
If Paul meant what the prosperity teacher’s are saying today, then Paul could’ve simply told God to release him and POOF it would be done!
To understand this scripture a little better we have to look at the preceding scriptures a little closer, keeping in mind where Paul was writing from.
Philippians 4.11-
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
He was talking about during his suffering, (a word that people cringe to these days), and how through all of it Christ strengthened him.
This gives you a little different perception of where Paul was coming from when he wrote the 13th verse.
We get a better picture of his overall mindset with the situation we find him in.
I believe that false teaching is becoming contagious in the age we live in.
Why not, they promise you can have everything you desire right now, if you just believe hard enough.
Then they can easily step back and say your faith is not strong enough if you didn’t get what you asked for.
They use this scripture to back the teachings:
2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
They love to fill our heads with the last part of the scripture, “Yet ye have not, because ye ask not” leaving the scriptures leading up to this verse and following it.
1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
James 4.1-
And then what about the verses after?
3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. 5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? 6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
James 4.
Noticed how verse 7 leads us into submission?
James 3.3
A really nasty word to people who believe they have no one to answer to but themselves.
I heard it said that some people hate the word submit, and that obey sounds better.
I’ve been thinking about this as I studied this sermon.
I learned to obey my superior officers in the military, but I didn’t do it always with a humble spirit, with joy, or respect of that person.
I would say things to other people like, “I respect the rank, not the person”!
That’s great to know and practice, but with God he wants the kind of relationship that says I love God for who He is not just because I am following a set of orders and regulations.
When you learn to submit to those who have rule over you, you actually do with heart service.
It’s a different level of obedience that calls for us to actually humble ourselves.
People that have a problem with pride, will always want to kickback against words like submission.
9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
James 4.
Living for God doesn’t mean He will give you your hearts every desire.
Sometimes it calls for humbleness, submission, and dedication coming from our heart.
I am finishing up tonight, but as this night has usually been a night of leadership teaching in the past, I wanted to address some of the real issues we face today.
I talking with my son about the current events going on around us.
He spoke about racism and if we as christians don’t speak out against it, then we are almost condoning their behavior.
When we turn our back on issues of abortion, gender confusion, and racism we are allowing others to take our silence as affirmation that we really don’t care what they do.
When in reality it hurts me to see the helpless unborn babies in our world murdered, it hurts to see the nastiness of racism, and it hurts me to see our country allowing gender confusion to be taught to our children.
It’s all a redefining of normal.
According to the parable we read to begin with.
There is a reward for action but don’t forget the penalty for inaction!
It’s an everlasting decision I’m asking each of you to make tonight.
Will you do or not Do?
Will you follow God with all your heart?
Will you submit to Him and obey the whole word, not dissecting it for your personal gain as this world has done?
You would think that the apostles didn’t deal with politics when it fell on the wrong side of the gospel, but we all know that the gospel turned their worlds upside down!
Remember John the Baptist was beheaded because he taught the truth of accountability to one of their politicians?
Please don’t leave here tonight and think I am telling you to do any harm to others if they don’t agree with the Word of God.
How many people are won to God through arguing over His Word?
We must love our neighbors as ourselves.
It didn’t say unless they were gay, racist, democrats, republicans, socialists, abortionist, or sinners!
Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself, this was like unto the first and greatest commandment!
We must be people of action!
To Do or Not to DO, is the question I’m asking you tonight?