Doting Lips & Distant Hearts

Text: Matthew 15:1-9

Place Preached - (Mississauga International Baptist Church)

Date Preached - (09/22/02)

Introduction:   

EXPLANATION of TEXT –

I’ll give you a lot of introduction – Then we will deal with our key verse (Verse 8) and the theme of this message

VERSE ONE

There were Scribes and Pharisees throughout the land, but those of Jerusalem were the chief; they were men of the greatest learning and abilities, and were more expert in their religion and customs:

These were either sent by the Sanhedrim at Jerusalem, or came of themselves; taking upon them a greater power, and authority of examining, correcting, directing, and advising.

They were sitting in judgment on Christ and His disciples based on Pharisaical tradition.

VERSE TWO – Further explained in……..

Mark 7:3-4  For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.

4  And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.

They had many foolish rules about it: as, the quantity of water that was to be used; the way in which it should be applied; the number of times it should be changed; the number of those that might wash at a time, etc.

These foolish rules our Saviour did not think it proper to regard; and this was the reason why they found fault with him.

In Rabbinical writings…..

"My son, attend to "the words of the Scribes", more than to the words of the law; ……..everyone that transgresses the words of the Scribes", is guilty of death.''

Further such things as…..

"whoever eats bread without washing of hands, is as if he lay with a whore”

“whoever despiseth washing of hands, shall be rooted out of the world.''

"he that blesseth (food) with defiled hands, is guilty of death.''

There is an account of one who was excommunicated for despising the tradition concerning washing of hands; and when he died, the Sanhedrim stoned his coffin, to show, that he that died in his excommunication.

VERSE THREE

If by keeping the traditions of the elders, they broke the commands of God, it was a very good reason why they should not observe them.

And if that was their character, then they could not blame him for not regarding them.

VERSE FOUR

Now Christ turns the tables on them.

Violation of God’s Law

Verse 4 – “For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.”

SEE Exodus 20:12 & 21:17

VERSE FIVE & SIX

In Mark 7:11 "Corban" signifies a gift, or offering, which was devoted to sacred use; the service of God, and was unalienable, and could not be converted to any other use;

In other words, I vow and protest thou shalt never have any profit from me.

Now, when a man had made such a vow as this, according to this tradition, it was to stand firm and good, and he was not to honour his father or mother, or do anything for them, by way of relief:

A man so vowing might in actual fact give nothing to the service of God, but keep his whole substance to himself; which he might make use of for his own benefit.

VERSE SEVEN

He is about to quote from Isaiah 29:13.

He did not mean particularly to speak of the nation in the time of Christ; but he spoke of them as having a national character of hypocrisy.

Isaiah 1:4  Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

VERSE EIGHT

DOTING - foolishly or excessively fond

They approached the ordinances of God, and drew nigh to him, and attended him in outward worship.

They prayed unto him publicly, and constantly, in the streets, in the synagogues, and temple, and with much seeming devotion and sanctity:

They brought their sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving.

They were aware of the many unique mercies, privileges, and favours, bestowed upon them as a nation, and people, and with much seeming sincerity and affection.

One of their own doctors, who lived not very distant from this age, says  that

"if the hypocrites of the world were divided into ten parts, nine of them would belong to Jerusalem, and one to the rest of the world.''

I. Forms of Hypocrisy

Now there are several different forms that this hypocrisy can take and some forms in which we see it today….

A. Nations which claim to be Christian while rejecting the moral absolutes of Scripture.

A nation that publicly funds the murder of over 100,000 innocent unborns annually is not a Christian nation

A nation that calls sin an alternative lifestyle…

That is taking steps to full recognition of homosexual “marriages” with rights to adoption etc.

Would entertain legislation (Bill C-415) allowing for the criminal prosecution of those who speak out against it.

A nation which has rejected God and His Word in its schools and many of its pulpits is not a Christian nation.

B. Churches that carry on their programs divorced from the preaching of the Gospel & sound Bible Doctrine.

There are many churches in our city.

How many of them could one walk into and find a Biblical answer to life’s most important questions.

Who made me?  Why am I here?  Where am I going?

2 Timothy 3:5  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

They ought to be honest enough to take the name Church off their signs.

C. Individuals who pride themselves of good works but are devoid of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

John 17:3  And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Matthew 7:22-23  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

D. Believers who are occupied with religious activity, but are not growing in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:10  That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

What are the religious activities that occupy us?

These are all good in their place, but are poor substitutes for knowing Christ.

1. Ministry

Teaching a SS Class / Singing in the choir / Busy doing things.

2. Doctrine

Is it important? ABSOLUTELY

Bible = Written Word

Not just given so we could have theological knowledge.

1 Corinthians 8:1  …..Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

Some are educated beyond their obedience.

We might exchange some theology for some kneelology!!

Jesus = Living Word

3. Personal Piety - Holiness

1 Peter 1:16  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

4. Fellowship

1 John 1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

II. How Does this Happen?

A. The Heart is Deceived

We accept the good in place of the best.

Good becomes enemy of the best.

B. The Heart is Distracted

2 Timothy 4:10  For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world,…..

Perhaps some, like Demas, have been distracted by the world.

More likely however, is that we are distracted by “good” things.

We don’t mean to, it’s just the Tyranny of things Urgent that draws us away.

C. The Heart is Neglected

Proverbs 4:23  Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Maintain daily devotions.

Be found in the secret place / the prayer closet.

Daily prayer and Bible Study.

Conclusion:     (Review)

ILLUS: Verse from Grandpa Isa 41:13 (Relate the refinding of the verse as well as original circumstances in which it was given)

My heart lept at the thought of a reunion with Grandpa.  Why? - because I knew him!!

Does your heart leap at the thought of being in Christ’s presence?  It will if you know Him.