Confronting an Evil World

Matthew 10:7-8. "Confronting an Evil World" (p.764) Ajax Alliance Church. Sunday November 26th, 2023. Matthew 10:7-8 [7] And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' [8] Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. (ESV) A common practice in warfare is psychological operations, or Psych. Ops. Key to Psych. Ops. is to demonize the enemy. Over this past week while Lisa and I were in New Orleans, we had the opportunity to visit the WWII museum that was there. Among the exhibits they presented were WWII Psych. Ops. that each side undertook. For the Asia-Pacific war, both sides used propaganda in posters, music, and movies to inflame opinions and win hearts and minds. The Japanese played on resentment of Western colonization throughout Asia to portray themselves as liberators bent on creating a new, prosperous Asia free from Western control. Japanese propaganda depicted (Westerners) as beasts, vermin, or demons that threatened Japanese civilization and had to be destroyed. The racial stereotyping was so deeply engrained that American authorities embarked on an extensive propaganda campaign to distinguish between the "good" Asians (The Chinese allies) and the "barbaric" Japanese. Our Lord, while acknowledging the reality of evil in this world, called his followers to distinguish between the Satanic forces, who are enemies of those who belong to the Kingdom of God, and a lost humanity that may be hostile to our efforts but are not our enemy. As they began to see the world as He sees it, looking out on lost humanity through their Lord's eyes and with His heart of compassion, they also began to see that they themselves were called to go out and warn that lost world of the coming harvest of judgment and to invite them into the Lord's kingdom. This world is not a place of positive direction and affirmation. Lurking behind some outward tolerance, is real evil. Jesus demands that we not remain silent or impotent in the face of evil. The calling of every Christian is one to confront an evil world through the power of the Holy Spirit. All those who have the Holy Spirit within them through faith, and utilize the word of God, have all the tools they need. In explaining this, Jesus shows how to Confront an Evil World through presenting 1) A Clear Message (Matthew 10:7), and confidence of 2) Confirming Credentials (Matthew 10:8) Jesus shows how to Confront an Evil World through presenting: 1) A Clear Message (Matthew 10:7) Matthew 10:7 [7] And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' (ESV) Satan's surest way of making the gospel impotent is simply to keep it from being understood. When the gospel is clouded with political, cultural, social, economic, environmental, ecclesiastical, and other such causes, its message is muddled and its power is diluted. The word in verse 7 translated "proclaim/preach" here means to herald as a crier, "to make a public proclamation with such gravity, formality, and authority as must be heeded". This style was not a mild-mannered (person) speaking in a mild-mannered way and giving a mild-mannered message (Butler, J. G. (2008). Analytical Bible Expositor: Matthew (177). Clinton, IA: LBC Publications). The action here is to proclaim/preach came to be used characteristically for the preaching of the gospel, but it cannot have that technical meaning here (Jesus had not yet died and risen). It means here the preaching of the same message as Jesus (Morris, L. (1992). The Gospel according to Matthew. The Pillar New Testament Commentary (246). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.) The message is to be proclaimed "as you go;" as vv. 11-15 will make clear, this is to be an itinerant mission, not a settled ministry in one place (France, R. T. (2007). The Gospel of Matthew. The New International Commentary on the New Testament (383). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publication Co.). * To confront an evil world, means being ready to proclaim the realities of the gospel in every sphere that we travel. This world is not our home. We are all to be itinerant missionaries. The message Jesus gave the apostles to proclaim/preach was simply stated: The kingdom of heaven is at hand. The message of God's impending reign is most appropriate for those deemed "subjects of the kingdom" (8:12). The authority granted to them (10:1) enables them to exhibit the reality of God's presence (Chouinard, L. (1997). Matthew (Mt 10:7-8). Joplin, MO: College Press.) Please turn to Acts 3 (p.857) In Scripture, the kingdom of heaven can be viewed in three aspects. First, it is manifest in conversion, when a person enters the sovereign rule of God by trusting in Christ for salvation (cf Matt. 18:3). Second, it is manifest in consecration, as believers live out the divine principles of God's revelation by obedience to His Word. "The kingdom of God is ... righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Rom. 14:17). Third, the kingdom will be seen in its glorious consummation when Christ returns to earth to establish and rule it in person and then sets up His eternal kingdom (Matt. 25:31; Acts 3:19-21; Rev. 11:15; 20:4). Summed up, the kingdom is the reign of God ... which will one day be consummated over all the earth. Although the disciples did not understand it yet, it began with the Incarnation of Christ (the Messiah) and will be consummated at the Second Coming of Christ.( Utley, R. J. (2000). The First Christian Primer: Matthew (Vol. Volume 9, p. 88). Marshall, TX: Bible Lessons International.) Luke sets out the message Jesus gave to proclaim/preach that: The kingdom of heaven is at hand in Luke 3 Acts 3:19-21 [19]Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, [20]that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, [21]whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. (ESV) * A life of sin that Satan encourages and human depravity wants, is the ultimate bait and switch. Sin promises liberation and delivers bondage. It promises fulfillment and ultimately brings destruction. A holy life, one begun with repentance of that sin brings refreshing. The personal and societal destruction that we see all around us will one day be reversed, restored to the condition that God intended, when Christ comes again, fulfilling His kingdom. The central message of the kingdom is the message about the King. By definition, a kingdom is the domain ruled by a king, its sovereign. But the essence of a kingdom is not the geographical area but the actual ruling of the king, the administration of his will over the citizens of the kingdom. The kingdom of heaven is above all the domain of God's lordship, where He rules by His divine will. All of Jesus' teachings-from His public instruction of the multitudes in the Sermon on the Mount through His private instruction to the twelve disciples at the Last Supper and for forty days after His resurrection-was teaching the truths and principles of life in God's kingdom. To make disciples for this King is to proclaim the good news that God's future reign is already active in this age (cf. 28:20). (Keener, C. S. (1997). Matthew (Vol. 1, Mt 10:7). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.) * The gospel of the kingdom has many practical ramifications, social as well as personal. But until its central message of God's sovereign provision for man's salvation is clearly understood, accepted, and obeyed, trying to apply it to any other area of life is both disobedient to Christ's command and futile. The gospel transforms society only as it transforms individuals. The message the apostles were to proclaim/preach was constant: they were not directed to preach a variety of topical sermons but simply to say, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand/has drawn near," the message of John the Baptist (3:2,) and of Jesus himself (4:17). The message of the kingdom included the thought that Jesus had a special place; so, as the disciples went on this preaching tour, they would be proclaiming their Master. It was not their business to work out the solution to contemporary problems, but to sound out the message Jesus was proclaiming. ... The fact that the kingdom was at hand/near shows that their message concerned a present reality rather than a distant future possibility (Morris, L. (1992). The Gospel according to Matthew. The Pillar New Testament Commentary (246). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.). * The Gospel is to make an impact on our evil world here and now. This is not the realm of Satan. Even Hell itself exists under the control and dominion of God Himself. That the Kingdom of heaven is "at hand" speaks of opportunity passing by. Here is a message that needs to be responded to immediately. Opportunity does not pass by forever. When opportunities presents themselves, especially spiritual opportunities, (people) must act now. "Now is the day of salvation" (2Corinthians 6:2) (Butler, J. G. (2008). Analytical Bible Expositor: Matthew (178). Clinton, IA: LBC Publications.) The present imperative seems to point us to continuous action. We are to make this our chief work, to announce this good news as heralds (κηρύσσειν, "to make a public proclamation"). We are thus to continue the work the Baptist began (3:2) and Jesus continued (4:17) (Lenski, R. C. H. (1961). The Interpretation of St. Matthew's Gospel (392). Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House.). * Confronting an evil world means that everyone goes to war. It would be foolish for just the commander of the troops to go to the front lines. An effective army deploys together to the battle. Illustration: On Monday, December 8, 1997, tragedy struck Heath High School in Paducah, Kentucky. According to Roy Maynard in World magazine, a small group of students, who conducted a daily prayer meeting in a hallway near the administrative offices, finished their morning prayers and were about to head off to classes. Shortly after the final amen, it is alleged that a freshman named Michael, whom the prayer group leader had befriended earlier in the year, opened fire on the students with a .22-caliber automatic. The group's leader, Ben Strong, called out, "Mike, what are you doing?" and walked toward him. After firing ten rounds, Michael finally dropped his gun. Ben walked up and put his arms around the gunman, urging him to calm down. Three students were killed in the shooting spree, and five were wounded, including one paralyzed. In the aftermath of the tragedy, pastors and youth ministers were called in to counsel the students. According to one counselor, "The thing the kids are asking most is 'Why?' And all I can tell them is that what Satan means for evil, God can bring good out of. And it's already happening." "The morning prayer meetings," writes Maynard, "usually attract 25 to 30 kids; on Tuesday morning, nearly half the school-more than 250 students-attended. A number of the youth ministers who have compared notes all say that they've led kids to Christ in the aftermath of the shooting." Ben Strong said: "God's the only one we can turn to in something like this, and a lot of people are turning to him. I believe God can bring revival out of this." Whatever happens, one thing is sure: good can overcome evil. Fifteen-year-old Melissa Jenkins, paralyzed in the shootings, was one of the first victims to send a message to the assailant: "Tell Michael I forgive him." (Roy Maynard, "Strong Arms," World, 13 December 1997, 13-14.) Finally, Jesus shows how to Confront an Evil World through presenting: 2) Confirming Credentials (Matthew 10:8) Matthew 10:8 [8] Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. (ESV) Doctors, lawyers, and other professionals prominently display the diplomas and other documents that certify their qualifications and authority to practice. In a far more important way, those who represent Christ must have credentials that confirm their divine mission and message. Jesus gave confirming signs for His own ministry, and now He calls the apostles to demonstrate their authority by performing works confirming their message. The actions listed here authenticate the disciples' message. These actions also show the arrival of the kingdom of heaven (Luke 4:17-19). (Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., ... Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Mt 10:8). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.) Because the twelve had no formal training and were obviously not part of the established Jewish religious leadership, which was dominated by the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and priests; because they were not even itinerant rabbis like Jesus; and because there was no New Testament to confirm their message, and most Jews had a distorted understanding even of their own Scriptures, the Old Testament, they had to have a special means of confirming their preaching and teaching. "The signs of a true apostle," Paul declared, are "signs and wonders and miracles" (2 Cor. 12:12). It was with those evidential signs that Jesus empowered the apostles as He sent them out on their first mission to preach to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel." The four imperatives of v 8 are subordinate to the proclamation of the kingdom. Healing of the sick, raising of the dead, cleansing of lepers (these middle two not mentioned in v 1), and casting out of demons are not of importance in themselves but only as a part of the good news of the kingdom-indeed, it is that which they exemplify and symbolize (Hagner, D. A. (1998). Vol. 33A: Matthew 1-13. Word Biblical Commentary (271). Dallas: Word, Incorporated.). If someone is going to insist that all these gifts are normative or available for everyone to use at will now, note that raising the dead is included! Obviously, this was applicable to the time and circumstances under which it was given. (McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (Matthew 1-13) (electronic ed., Vol. 34, p. 141). Nashville: Thomas Nelson) First as an overview, most translations have "the sick," and perhaps this is the way we should take it. But since the word lacks the article, it may be that the direction is not that they should heal sick people as a class and thus turn into full-time healers. Rather, they were to preach the kingdom, and as an adjunct to that they were to do some works of healing. So, too, they were to raise dead people. Again there is no article, so it is not the dead as a class that are in mind, but those dead people whom they would encounter in the discharge of their commission. There are no recorded examples of their raising dead people (though later some disciples did this, Acts 9:40; 20:9-10), but then there are no recorded examples of their healing sick folk either. We do not know how they did either or how frequently. A similar remark attaches to their cleansing of lepers; it is good to know that these needy people came within the scope of their commission, but we have no information about how extensively they performed this task. And, finally, they were to cast out demons. Jesus' power is greater than Satan and the demonic (cf. 1 Jn. 4:4). The demons are designated by the terms "spirits," (cf. 8:16) and "unclean spirits," (cf. 10:1). ... They seem to be the fallen angels who serve Satan, who is a covering cherub (cf. Ezek. 28:12-16).( Utley, R. J. (2000). The First Christian Primer: Matthew (Vol. Volume 9, p. 89). Marshall, TX: Bible Lessons International.) Matthew has the word "demon" 11 times, of which 7 refer to these evil spirits being cast out and an eighth to a demon going out (17:18; cf. 7:22). Mark records that the disciples cast out demons (Mark 6:13), and Luke that demons were subject to them (Luke 10:17) (Morris, L. (1992). The Gospel according to Matthew. The Pillar New Testament Commentary (246-247). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.). * I believe that the lack of a specific formula for the performing of these works is instructive. These were specific sign gifts for a particular time and place. We must be cautious of going out with the intent of delivering people from demons. Even this command to the Apostles was directed to act first in the proclamation is the Gospel. * In a spiritual sense, sin is a sickness that the message of the gospel curses. Those dead in trespasses and sins, are raised to life through the gospel. Those who are spiritually unclean, represented here by lepers, can be cleansed and made spiritually whole by the gospel. Finally, those under the dominion of Satan, and the demonic, can enter God's kingdom through the gospel. Please turn to John 9 (p.842) Focusing now on the Two miraculous healing credentials we see the ability to heal the sick and cleanse lepers. Jesus did not want the people simply to know God's power, but to know that He offered His power to help them. The miracles were signs pointing to God's compassion and mercy. They demonstrated the sympathetic heart of God, who cares for the suffering, the hurting, the afflicted, and the needy. The future kingdom coming to earth will bring the removal of disease and the restoration of broken bodies, just as God's Word had predicted (Isa. 29:18; 35:5-6; 42:7). Thus these miracles not only revealed the nature of God but foreshadowed the consummation of the kingdom. The Jews demanded signs (1 Cor. 1:22) so God graciously condescended to give them signs. (MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer's Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1238). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.) The blind man healed in Jerusalem immediately recognized Jesus' power to heal as proof He was from God. He told the unbelieving Pharisees: John 9:30-33 [30]The man answered, "Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. [31] We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. [32] Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. [33] If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." (ESV) * Though such apostolic miracles ceased with termination of the apostles' work, those who genuinely represent Jesus Christ still give themselves to the sick, the suffering, the downtrodden, and the needy of every sort. * Christians who show little compassion for the poor, the sick, and the afflicted are ineffective and inconsistent representatives of Jesus Christ, despite their sound doctrine and high morals, because they lack an important credential that should mark the servant of Christ. The world and its evil representatives have little compassion. The godless person "oppresses the poor and needy, commits robbery, does not restore a pledge" (Ezek. 18:12). He persecutes the poor (Ps. 10:2), puts heavy burdens on them and defrauds them (Amos 5:11; 8:5-6, grinds them down (Isa. 3:15), and devours them (Hab. 3:14). The world has little use for the afflicted. False prophets have no mercy or compassion but rather use and abuse people to their own selfish advantage. Jesus warned about "the scribes who like to walk around in long robes, and like respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues, and places of honor at banquets" but "who devour widows' houses" (Mark 12:38-40). The second area apostolic credential was the power to raise the dead and cast out demons. Here the apostles are enabled to manifest God's power even in bringing the dead back to life and in invading and conquering the unseen demonic kingdom of darkness. Such gifts of miraculous powers (on demand) were restricted to the apostolic age, and no believer today manifests such supernatural apostolic credentials. Now the kingdom of God is come; to call for miracles now is to lay again the foundation when the building is reared. The point being settled, and the doctrine of Christ sufficiently attested, by the miracles which Christ and his apostles wrought (Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry's commentary on the whole Bible: Complete and unabridged in one volume (Mt 10:5-15). Peabody: Hendrickson.) * Though it is shown in less dramatic and physically awesome ways, the mark of divine power still validates the work of those God sends out to do His will. The ministry of the true servant of Christ is characterized by God's power in redeeming lives, giving divine spiritual understanding, and bringing spiritual growth. Through the faithful witness even of the least-gifted believer the gospel has unleashed power to raise the spiritually dead to life and to shatter the work of demons and of Satan himself. Finally, the third confirming credential was obedience to Christ's admonition: You received without paying; give without pay/ freely you received, freely give. Until now the verbs have all been present tense, but now we have two aorists. "You received" points back to what God has already given to them; give points forward to their own act of giving (Morris, L. (1992). The Gospel according to Matthew. The Pillar New Testament Commentary (247). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.). Exorcists were common among the Jews of Jesus' day, and many of them made a lucrative living purporting to cast out demons. People who were demon possessed or had loved ones who were possessed were willing to pay almost any price for deliverance, and there were plenty of charlatans willing to take advantage of their desperation. People would also pay whatever they could for physical healing, and many became like the woman with the hemorrhage, who "had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all" (Mark 5:26). God's intended connection between His sheep and His under shepherd, as D. A. Carson comments, "The church does not pay its ministers; rather, it provides them with resources so that they are able to serve freely." (Blomberg, C. (1992). Matthew (Vol. 22, pp. 171-172). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.) Once assured that needs are provided though God's saints, the faithful under shepherd is to freely give. This refers both to their teaching, and to the miraculous help which they were to bring. (Lange, J. P., & Schaff, P. (2008). A commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Matthew (p. 185). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.) The message of the gospel is not to be sold for a profit, though teachers may depend upon the church for their financial support (v. 10; 1 Cor. 9:14; 1 Tim. 5:17). (Beeke, J. R., Barrett, M. P. V., & Bilkes, G. M. (Eds.). (2014). The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible (p. 1372). Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books.) Please turn to Acts 8 (p.862) The apostles could have become immensely wealthy had they charged for healing, raising the dead, and casting out demons. Simon the magician had visions of such wealth as he saw the dramatic miracles being performed in Samaria by Philip. When Peter and John came up there and began laying their hands on the believers that they might receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:18-20 [18]Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, [19]saying, "Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." [20] But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! (ESV) The apostles were given their miraculous power from God, and they were to use it without thought of personal gain or advantage. It was God's power, not theirs, and it was to be used for His glory, not their prosperity. The faithful servant of Jesus Christ is marked by unselfishness. Believers today, in our comfortable lifestyles, tend to be hoarders of all we have received from the Lord-physical wealth, spiritual gifts for ministry, time, as well as the truth of the gospel and the authority to take it to others. We have earned none of this. It is all a gracious gift from the Father, given primarily so we might use it to further his kingdom. We must be careful stewards of what has been entrusted to us (1 Cor. 3:12-15; 9:24-27; 2 Cor. 5:10; Phil. 3:7-21) (Weber, S. K. (2000). Vol. 1: Matthew. Holman New Testament Commentary (142). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.). What was true of the Apostles at that time in redemptive history is equally true of us today. If you are a Christian, if you have received the greatest benefit that a human being can receive, you need to remember always that you did not earn it. You did not merit it. You did not buy it. Rather, it was a gift given to you by the grace of God freely. Therefore, you need to extend the kingdom to others freely.( Sproul, R. C. (2013). Matthew (p. 307). Wheaton, IL: Crossway.) (Format Note: Outline & some base commentary from MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1985). Matthew. MacArthur New Testament Commentary. Chicago: Moody Press.) Closing Hymn - Prayer Room Invitation. (085) BENEDICTION: May He who guides our feet through this vain world, To lead us to His heavenly seat; Whose mercies shall ever endure, When this frail world shall be no more. Help you to contend in the cause of the Gospel, to triumph over evil in the strength afforded the redeemed in His glorious kingdom. AMEN. (cf. Phil. 4:3). * 6