May 18, 2008

  • MARKS GOSPEL [#25]

    Religious Controversy
    Mark 7:1-23
    Pastor Dennis Rost (    02/24/2008)

    INTRO:
    • Why don't we all just "get along"?
        > not always brothers
        > even brothers are sometimes wrong
        > Satan & our sinful flesh are still at work
    • Religion often breeds controversy, and such is the case here in Mark 7. Jesus addresses organized religion, and specifically the errors that are most prone to creep up again and again… even in our day.

    1. CONDEMNATION
      • vs. 1-4
      • The disciples eat with unwashed hands; the Pharisees and scribes take note with STRONG DISAPPROVAL
      • refers to a ritual washing / cleansing...

    2. CONFRONTATION
      • v. 5
      • The Pharisees and scribes REBUKE Jesus for the behavior of His disciples.
      • They DON'T ask about conformity to the Scriptures BUT to their traditions

    3. CORRECTION
      • vs. 6-16
      • Jesus turns the tables on His accusers. His words are not defensive words meant to stick up for His disciples. Rather, these words are designed to expose and condemn the empty religion of the Pharisees and scribes. Their religion is faulty in two critical areas:
      • vs. 6-13    They have exchanged God's TRUTH for the TRADITIONS of men.
          >  Biblical example:  in their neglect of elderly parents
          >  Historical example:  the evolving of Roman Catholicism...
          >  Current examples:  meeting times, structure of meetings, music, programs, sunday schools, choirs, manner of dress
      • vs. 14-16   They have focused upon EXTERNALS rather than MATTERS OF THE HEART (internals).
          >  In the example of a Jew who ate “unclean” food, the defilement (spiritual) was not caused by the food itself, but by the rebellious heart that acted in disobedience to God.

    4. CLARIFICATION
      • vs. 17-23
      • The issues of spiritual defilement all begin in the heart.  It is the corruption of one's inner man that defiles his words and his deeds.
      • God is supremely concerned about your heart!
      • Prov. 4:23  “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”  (NIV)
      • Deut. 10:16  “Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer.”  (NIV)

    CONCLUSION
      • The warning is clear: Never ever treat your church's traditions or preferences or even it's constitution as though they were in some way equal to the Word of God.
      • Preferences change… programs change… traditions change. That which must never change is our submission and obedience to the Holy Scriptures.
      • In addition, the Biblical order is to address the HEART, and know that a pure and humble heart will produce a righteous and godly WALK. However, to address only the externals is a sure way to produce that which even the ungodly ones of the world despise - HYPOCRITES!
      • if you only address & emphasize externals & not the heart the BEST you will get is a hypocrite