The Gospel Brings Division

In last weeks message we talked about how the disciple is not above his master. If the Master , Jesus Christ was treated with contempt, how much more can we expect to be treated the same way in this world. Yet we were told that we should not fear. The last passage we read was Matthew 10:29-31

Matthew 10:29–31 CSB

29 Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. 30 But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

So it is with this encouragement that we come to this next passage of scripture Matthew 10:32-42 We know that what Jesus is about to say is connected to this idea of not being afraid because we see the word “therefore”. In other words, Jesus is connecting the previous idea with the next.

Matthew 10:32–42 CSB

32 “Therefore, everyone who will acknowledge me before others, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever denies me before others, I will also deny him before my Father in heaven. 34 Don’t assume that I came to bring peace on the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household. 37 The one who loves a father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; the one who loves a son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever doesn’t take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Anyone who finds his life will lose it, and anyone who loses his life because of me will find it. 40 “The one who welcomes you welcomes me, and the one who welcomes me welcomes him who sent me. 41 Anyone who welcomes a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. And anyone who welcomes a righteous person because he’s righteous will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.”

I. There are no Secret Disciples in God’s Kingdom.

Matthew 10:32–33 CSB

32 “Therefore, everyone who will acknowledge me before others, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever denies me before others, I will also deny him before my Father in heaven.

Jesus just told his disciples that they should not fear. He also, warned them specifically not to fear those who can kill the body but rather the one who can cast both body in soul in hell.

Jesus takes this idea a step further. In this passage we see the tension between acknowledgement and denial.

The term “acknowledge me” or “confess me” depending on what translation you use is a Aramaic “idiom”. An Idiom is a phrase that only really makes since in the context of the culture. An example of this would be the American usage of “costs an arm and a leg” . We mean its to expensive. However, take that same phrase to the middle east and they may ask you “What did you steal?” Because that is the punishment for theft.

This term “acknowledge me” is more than just a head nod in the direction of the savior or a mere utterance by our mouth. It’s meaning is much weightier than that. Rather it indicates a man or woman that takes an open stand for Christ. A person that openly admits a unity with Christ, an Identity with Him and by Him. A life that is ordered by the savior.

We see that a true disciple of Christ will openly confess it before men in any circumstances. A true disciple of Christ will have this identity on display. He will not be ashamed to be counted with Christ. His life is defined by Christ

But then we see the inverse and it has a terrible ramification.

Matthew 10:33 CSB

33 But whoever denies me before others, I will also deny him before my Father in heaven.

The phrase “denies me” has the idea of a complete breach. In other words someone who out of fear or trials desires to distance themselves from any association with the savior.

On the one side you have those that openly confess and order their lives after Christ. They desire to be counted with the savior. Jesus will confess these before the Father in heaven.

Then on the other-side you have those that maybe claim to be a christian with their mouths, but in the face of trouble, cultural condemnation or fear., do not want identify with Christ. These will be denied by Christ himself before the Father.

He will say, depart from me, I never knew you”

This is test of true saving faith. Is this to say that a person who denies Christ cannot be forgiven if, at some point, he turns to Christ. Of course, Peter denied Christ, yet upon seeing the risen savior believed and was forgiven. But what do you noticed about that story. Peter never denied Christ again. In fact, according to church history, Peter died by crucifixion upside down because he didn’t think himself worthy of dying in the same manner as Christ.

You see there is no such thing as a secret disciple of Christ. Those who are in Him will identify with him. Your faith is not private matter. We should count it as an honor to be associated with Christ.

II. Three reasons why people choose to deny Christ

#1 Many will choose unity with family and friends over unity with Christ.

Matthew 10:33–36 CSB

33 But whoever denies me before others, I will also deny him before my Father in heaven. 34 Don’t assume that I came to bring peace on the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household.

When we read a passage such as this our minds are instantly conflicted. We if we are honest, will find ourselves thinking “Well, that isn’t the Jesus I know”. Jesus brings peace and unity. Isn't the fruit of the spirit peace?

The key to understanding this passage is found in Romans 5:1

Romans 5:1 CSB

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Peace comes from being justified by faith or rather being in Christ. The peace that Jesus brings is only promised to through him but to those who reject Christ a division is created.

2 Corinthians 6:14 CSB

14 Do not be yoked together with those who do not believe. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?

In this way the gospel of Jesus acts like a sword. It separates as it bring people from darkness into light.

The gospel bring peace to those who are in Christ but to those who reject it a division is created.

Regrettably today we live in a world that believes in unity at all costs. We live in a world that will sacrifice truth at the alter of unity.

Unfortunately it seems that our own denominational leaders in the national convention are being sucked into this lie. Following Christ will cause a natural division between the obedient and the rebellious.

The Gospel message and the Word of God does not bend or compromise to make itself more palatable to those who reject it.

This is why Jesus said this

Matthew 10:37 CSB

37 The one who loves a father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; the one who loves a son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

The gospel demands loyalty to Christ despite rejection by those we hold dear.

The next reason people reject the Gospel is

#2 Fear of Suffering

Matthew 10:38 CSB

38 And whoever doesn’t take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

The cross was a well known instrument of suffering used by the Romans on criminals and political enemies. Of which Jesus and his disciples would eventually be considered as both. It was common for those who were found guilty to be forced to carry their own cross.

To take up ones’s cross was to march toward your own demise while carrying the very instrument that would be used to kill you.

I think in this picture we often miss the idea. Men who carried there cross were seen as guilty.

Does the world see you as guilty of following the savior? Do you hold so tightly to your faith that you are willing to be counted with Christ even to the point of death.

Or are you more like those found in this next statement.

Matthew 10:39 CSB

39 Anyone who finds his life will lose it, and anyone who loses his life because of me will find it.

The third reason why people reject the gospel is

# 3 - Do not want to give up control of their lifestyle and actions.

How many people in our world today will reject the gospel, preferring hell, because they don’t want God involved in their sex life, finances, our lifestyle.

But those that will submit to Christ rule repenting of their sin, in essence (handing Christ control) will find life. Not just any life, but abundant life.

III. God Will Reward Those Who Serve and Follow Him.

Matthew 10:40–42 CSB

40 “The one who welcomes you welcomes me, and the one who welcomes me welcomes him who sent me. 41 Anyone who welcomes a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. And anyone who welcomes a righteous person because he’s righteous will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.”

Our service to Christ through serving other results in eternal reward.

In Just a moment we will partake of the Lord’s supper.

Before we enter into this sacred time of reflection, I want to make this statement. I think the biggest sin of the American Church is not neccesary moral failure but rather a lack of total commitment to Christ and His Kingdom Mission.

After I read the scripture we take time to reflect and ask the Lord to reveal to us any sin in our lives and when you do this ask this question, Lord, do you see me as truly commited to you and your mission?

We as church practice open communion. This means that anyone who has put their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior may participate.

If this doesn’t describe you, then we for your sake ask you to abstain.

1 Corinthians 11:27–29 CSB

27 So, then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sin against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself; in this way let him eat the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For whoever eats and drinks without recognizing the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.

this is a serious matter and only those in the faith should participate. I promise you no one is looking to see who participates and who does not.

Luke 22:19–20 CSB

19 And he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way he also took the cup after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

1 Corinthians 11:26 CSB

26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.