In Light of Others' Behavior, Be Different | Matthew 23:8-12

Opening illustration

At What Age Does Stewardship Start?

“As the offering plates were being passed during worship, a little boy seated with his father whispered loudly: “Don’t pay for me, daddy. I’m under five.”

(Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1986), 176.

Introduction

As people who profess to be Christians or followers of Jesus Christ, the redeemer and savior, we must stand out and live a life that is different from the world around us. Jesus commands us to be genuine both in public and in private, speech and conduct. The fundamental duty of humanity is: "To Love God with one's whole heart (Heart, Soul, and Mind) And seek the well-being of Others."

If we live our lives in reverse order of this foundational responsibility, we are hypocrites and out of alignment with God.

The Source of Power

What empowers a Christian to be bold and courageous in the face of difficulties, internally and externally, is their relationship with God first. In John 15:5, Jesus says:

"I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me, and I in them, produces much fruit because you can do nothing without me."

For the church of Jesus Christ, and as individuals, to produce authentic fruit such as love, joy, and answer prayer, we must remain in Christ-believe and Do What God Says. It is our connection and close relationship with Christ that empowers us to love the difficult to love through our service and kindness toward them. Many people try to be good and honest and try to do right. But Jesus tells us that the only way to live a good life is to stay close to Him.

TEXT: MATTHEW 23:8-12

"Don't let anyone call you 'Rabbi,' for you have only one teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters. And don't address anyone here on earth as "Father",for only God in heaven is your Father. And don't let anyone call you "Teacher," for you have only one teacher, the Messiah. The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

After answering their trick questions and calling out the hypocrites of the religious leaders (Pharisees and Sadducees) of His days on marriage in heaven and paying taxes to Cearser in Chapter 22, Jesus now turned his attention to the second group of his audience, Disciples, and the crowds to warn them about the first group-Pharisees and Sadducees.

CONTRAST

Jesus paints a picture of a new believer's mindset and focus to Love God with all heart, mind, and soul and to love each. He says do not get wrapped up in being called by titles of honor, postion but focus on God your heavenly Father, and on Christ to whom all honor is owned. Jesus is not against all leadership. We need Christian leadership. Everything rises or falls based on leadership. But Jesus' warning here is against Christian leadership that serves itself rather than God and others. Regardless of your position in Christ, we are all the same in the sight of God. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ.

ILLUSTRATION POINT

You can take a one hundred dollar bill, crumble it up, and rub it in the dirt when you are done; it will still be worth the same. It may look unattractive and dirty, but it holds its value. We are all called to one ministry to Love God with devotion and to serve each other with respect and humility. That's the different Christians are called to be.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Finally, to live differently today, we must know who we are and what we have received from Jesus Christ. In Micah 3:8, the prophet Micah contrasts himself with the false prophets who are leading the people astray from God.

"But as for me, I am filled with power with the Spirit of the Lord. I am filled with justice and strength to boldly declare Israel's sin and rebellion."

THE ENABLING POWER TO BE DIFFERENT

What made Micah bold? and different? What give him such audacity to speak truth to power ?

What was on Him?

Grace empower us to be different from society and the circumstance we find ourselves in. God's grace can give you the courage and boldness to call out sin in society and the church.

To be different is to see things from God's perspective.

To be different means to love the Lord above all else and to put Him first in your daily life.

TO BE DIFFERENT YOU MUST BELIEVE DIFFERENTLY.

Prayer