The Motivation of Hell

“The Motivation of Hell”

Rev. 20:11-15 

SUBJECT: HELL/EVANGELISM

THEME: Effective evangelism is hard work and many grow weary in this area of ministry. Even though we have a command to reach the lost with the gospel, we sometimes require additional insight to motivate us to the work. Perhaps a better understanding of Hell will stir us to become more consistent evangelists for our Lord.

RELEVANCE: Our compassion for the perishing multitudes must be stirred by the reality of Hell, to encourage us to become involved or remain with the task of Evangelism. Sometimes we become cold towards this area of ministry, sometimes we treasure our relationship with a lost person more than we cherish their soul’s salvation. Multitudes are dying and going to Hell, who will give themselves to consistently get in their way and point them to Christ.

INTRODUCTION:

This scene in Revelation 20 portrays the grand event of the Great White Throne judgment! This event occurs just prior to the establishment of the new heaven and new earth (Re. 20:11-15). Only the unsaved are resurrected to this judgment. The saved will already have been resurrected and would have reigned and served with Christ for a thousand years on the earth (Re. 20:1-5).

This judgment is for the evil works of the unsaved (Re. 20:12-13). Since everyone’s works are sinful before God, and since these unregenerated individuals did not receive Jesus Christ as their Savior from sin during their earthly lives, they will be judged and suffer eternal punishment for their evil deeds and rejection of God.

Notice the final destiny of the unsaved person is unmistakenly spelled out for everyone to see! Rev. 20:14-15, And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

This is why we need to be motivated to share the Gospel and send out missionaries! The world and our neighbors are destined for a Devil’s Hell forever! We must be stirred to reach them with the gospel of Christ. Does not God deserve the worship, obedience, honor, and service of these people also? Are not the gravity and weight of sin more incredibly significant than we could ever imagine or quantify? Does not a love for our fellow man compel us to engage them with the hope of the gospel? Isn’t it right for the Supreme Judge of the entire world to hold everyone accountable for their deeds?

MESSAGE:

I.  What Is Meant by “Hell”?

Hell is the place of imprisonment and punishment for those who revolt against God.

A. HELL WAS ORIGINALLY CREATED FOR SATAN AND THE REBELLIOUS ANGELS. Matthew 25:41, Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

1.    This fire was prepared for the devil and his angels, not originally for people. God’s initial intention was not for people to suffer this fate, but rather that those fallen creatures who choose a lifestyle of rebellion and indifference effectively align themselves with the devil and evil share this ultimate destination.

2.    We must emphasize that people are not passively ‘sent’ to Hell; rather, by continually rejecting God, people ultimately choose to distance themselves from God’s presence, which results in eternal separation. God respects and accepts their choices!

B. UNSAVED PEOPLE WILL BE COMMITTED TO HELL ALSO (Mt. 25:41-46). Luke 16:22-24, And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; [23] And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. [24] And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

1.    The Lord Jesus authoritatively describes the stark reversal of consequences after death for a poor beggar named Lazarus and an unnamed rich man. We witness the concepts of the afterlife, conscious torment, and the finality of earthly choices.

2.    Abraham’s bosom is a symbolic expression to denote the place of bliss. To any Jew, the thought of enjoying fellowship with Abraham would suggest inexpressible bliss. We take it that Abraham’s bosom is the same as heaven.  

It must have come as a shock to the disciples when Jesus said that this rich Jew went to Hades. They had always been taught from the OT that riches were a sign of God’s blessing and favor. An Israelite who obeyed the Lord was promised material prosperity. How then could a wealthy Jew go to Hades? …They are a test of a man’s faithfulness in stewardship. To whom much is given, of him will much be required.^[1]

3.    The idea that non-believers go to Hell is one of the most heavily debated concepts and beliefs varying widely; perspectives on this topic differ significantly. We emphasize that salvation requires definite faith in Jesus Christ. So, we reject any notion that God still accepts people even if they did not hear the gospel. We believe even these individuals will face eternal separation from God because of our inherent sin, the sheer gravity and seriousness of offenses, and the just nature of God. One additional note is significant, there is NO Bible evidence to contradict or even modify these conclusions.

C. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST TAUGHT AND WARNED PEOPLE MUCH OF AN ENDLESS HELL.

Yes, Jesus taught a place of final judgment and punishment for the unrepentant, using imagery like Gehenna, eternal fire, and outer darkness. The Lord Jesus was not passive or inactive about this important matter! See Matt. 5:22; 12:23; 13:42, 50; 18:8-9; 23:33; 25:41, 46; Mk. 9:43-48; Lk. 16:19-31. 

1.    “Outer Darkness”: A place of final judgment, crying, and a definitive split with God. Jesus describes Hell as a place of “weeping and gnashing of teeth” away from God’s company…a total departure from God’s light and joy. Cast out into dark night is another revealing portrayal of Hell outside where a rejected guest is thrown accompanied by deep sorrow in the heart and sharp pains or regret. See Matt. 8:12; 22:13, and 25:30.

2.    “Everlasting Punishment” (Matt. 25:46): Jesus during the Olivet Discourse, describes a judgment separating the nations into two groups. Also in Matthew 25:41, Jesus speaks of “everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels”. See Mark 3:29.

Jesus most often referred to the Valley of Hinnom outside Jerusalem when speaking of Hell. Historically, this valley was a trash dump where fires burned constantly, serving 1st-century Jews as a stark symbol for God's judgment and destruction.

3.    So, the Lord Jesus was completely bold enough to Teach on Hell and Judgment!

·        Yes, Jesus did speak about hell using vivid imagery to warn listeners about spiritual danger and final judgment as direct warnings.

·        When emphasizing these same warnings today we must note that Jesus spoke of judgment directly to urge immediate repentance and to recover people from spiritual ruin, rather than out of an obsession with punishment.

4.    Bible students estimate that Jesus spoke about heaven or the Kingdom of God about 3 to 4 times more often than Hell. He mentioned heaven, eternal life, or the Kingdom over 160 times in the Gospels, while His direct references to hell (or Gehenna) range from roughly 12 to 30 times.

Jesus described a real place of endless, conscious torment for those who reject God. He like John the Baptist warned about an “unquenchable fire” (Matt. 3:12; Mark 9:43) and a “fiery furnace” (Matt. 13:42) where people would experience unimaginable anguish—God’s severe punishment of the unrepentant!

D. IN THE O.T. THE WORD HELL (SHEOL) HAS TWO MEANINGS WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND. Hell in common usage designates the place of future punishment for the unsaved unbelieving. The word has other meanings we must differentiate to prevent mistakes and confusion.

    1. The Grave Itself—Sometimes it Refers the Place Where the Bodies of the Dead Are Laid—the Grave. Psalm 6:5, For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks? (Ec. 9:10; Is. 38:18,19). 

In some cases, it refers to the grave, in others to the place of disembodied spirits without any necessary implication as to their happiness or unhappiness. 

     2. The Realm of Departed Spirits—Usually, Though, it Means the Place Where Departed Spirits go to Reside. This is commonly called the afterlife, the underworld, or Sheol/Hades. This neutral, shadowy resting place or the grave where all the dead go…the subterranean realm of the dead. (See Ge. 37:35; De. 32:22; Ps. 9:17; 16:10; 55:15; 30:3; Pr. 9:18; 15:24; 23:14; Is. 5:14; 14:15; Eze. 31:16; 32:21,27).

 

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^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1433.

The Great Whore's Execution

“The Great Whore's Execution” 

REVELATION 17:14-18

THEME: In highly metaphorical language the filthy religious prostitute and her judgment by the Lord Jesus are described. Be assured that God hears the prayers of his persecuted, justice is a divine priority, and martyrs will eventually be vindicated. 

INTRODUCTION: 

John describes the Lamb’s phased and progressive victory over "the beast" and his kingdom. Here the religious system is destroyed; then later the political and economic systems fall also (Rev 18). Afterwards, the Lord Jesus returns to earth; condemns Satan, "the beast" and the false prophet (Rev 19:19-20); and then establishes His kingdom.

Likewise, every age has featured a "Babylon," a rebellious political and economic system that has sought to control people’s minds and destinies. Just as the contrast to the "whore" is the pure bride, so the contrast to "Babylon" is the City of God, the New Jerusalem, the eternal home prepared for the Lamb’s wife (Rev 21:9). Each generation of believers must keep itself pure from the pollution of both the "whore" and "Babylon."

In these two chapters, John prophesies two divine judgments. In Revelation 17 and 18 John revisits that destruction and deals in detail with the fall of Babylon.

MESSAGE:

III. The Great Whore Executed (Rev. 17:14-18)

 The scarlet woman is both a religious system and a city (Rev. 17:18) which will “ride the beast” for a while. However, in the days when John’s prophecy will be fulfilled, an amazing thing will happen: "the harlot" will be made desolate by the very system that carried her!

A.  HER EXCLUSION BY ANTI-CHRIST (Rev. 17:16) 

    1. Finally, when the worship of the Beast is set in place (Rev. 13:4, 14, 15).

    2.  The coalition of kings “these will hate the whore” will resist her choke-hold on their freedom and finances and react with vengeance.

    3.  These kings will destroy the woman but will themselves be destroyed by the Lamb (Rev. 17:14-18). 

QUOTE: “It is important to note that "the beast" carries "the harlot" Satan (and Antichrist) will use the apostate religious system to accomplish his own ends (i.e., attain world power); but then he will do away with "the harlot" and establish his own religious system. And all of this will be the fulfillment of God's Word (Rev 17:17).

Since "the beast" sets up his image in the temple about the middle of the Tribulation, we can assume that "the harlot" and "the beast" work together during those first three-and-a half years. This is corroborated by the fact that the ten kings assist him in desolating "the harlot" (Rev 17:16). These are the same ten kings associated with "the beast" when he sets up the "United States of Europe" during the first half of the Tribulation.”  —W. W. Wiersbe

B.  HER ELIMINATION BY THE BEAST (Rev. 17:16)

Their antagonism to Christ will drive these 10 kings to war against Him but they will be soundly defeated (v. 14) by the Lamb—the Lord of lords and King of kings (1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 19:16). They will meet their demise in this battle.

    1.  After using the false religious system to unify the world kingdoms and gain control of all, the Antichrist—with the help of his 10 sub-rulers—will turn against the system, plunder and destroy it, and seize all power and worship for himself.

QUOTE: “Throughout history, political systems have "used" religious bodies to further their political causes. At the same time, church history reveals that religious groups have used politics to achieve their purposes. The marriage of church and state is not a happy one, and has often spawned children that have created serious problems. When dictators are friendly with religion, it is usually a sign that they want to make use of religion's influence and then destroy it. The church of Jesus Christ has been most influential in the world when it has maintained a separated position.

Compare the description of "the harlot's" desolation with that of the death of Jezebel (2 Kings 9:30-37).”     —W. W. Wiersbe

    2.  The vivid picture of evil that the angel showed John -- Beast, kings, Whore -- also displays the destructive nature of selfishness. Past and future kings give their authority and power to the Beast with greedy desire for even greater power. The whore depends (sits on) the Beast. The Beast, the kings, and the whore are allies until the Beast and kings turn on the whore and betray, humiliate, sacrifice, and consume her. Faced with doom, they turn on each other.

    3. Evil proves to be vicious and destructive. It hates everything good that God has made. Evil people may profess values such as loyalty and unity, but in the end, they will destroy their allies to preserve themselves.

    4. Compromises and alliances with evil, to accomplish a "greater good," also prove to be deceptions. Satan uses an effective tactic. He tried it with Jesus himself (Matt 4:1-11) by tempting him to use his power to make a "shortcut" to a good goal. The temptations were real. Jesus could have gained the whole world in a moment, but he would have also abandoned God's plan. Christians face the same kinds of temptations today.

     5.  But "good ends" accomplished by evil means serve Satan, not Christ. Only what we do for Christ and by his power will last.

C.  HER EXECUTION BY GOD.   (Rev. 17:14-15, 17)

 United, they will gather to make war with the Lamb, seeking to prevent Him from setting up His universal messianic kingdom (Rev. 19:19). Armageddon decides their awful fate.

    1.  The Place is Armageddon.

        A.  The kingdom of Antichrist will “make war.”

        B.  A reference to the battle of Armageddon (Rev. 16:14–16).

        C.  This is where the Lamb will utterly destroy the 10 kings (Rev. 19:17–21).

    2.  The Person is Christ, Jesus the Lord.

“The Lamb,” “Lord of lords and King of kings.” A title for God (Rev. 19:16; 1 Tim. 6:15; Deut. 10:17; Ps. 136:3) that emphasizes His sovereignty over all other rulers to whom He has delegated authority.  The Lamb will overcome and be victorious! 

    3. The People with Him are the Saints of Heaven. (Rev. 17:14)

 The King of kings will bring his chosen ones with him. We will be with Christ then, but we are also with him now. The battle will be won against Satan then, but with Christ in us, we can win the battles against Satan every day.

        A.  If we accept compromise and defeat, we surrender to Satan.

        B.  But if we trust Christ, claim his victory, and live by his power, we can defeat Satan. 

    4.  The Successes of the ‘Whore’ Once Multiplied Globally. (Rev. 17:15)

Rev. 17:1 stated that the woman “sitteth upon many waters.” These “waters” are now interpreted as “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” This indicates that there will be one ecumenical world religious system, embracing all nations and languages.

5. They Will Be Carrying Out God’s Purpose to Condemn Evil (Rev. 17:17).

Gen. 50:20. This is part of God’s sovereign purpose to bring evil leaders into judgment; He has placed it into their hearts to accomplish His purpose by cooperating with the beast to give him their power to rule.

QUOTE: “What do we mean by this expression "the sovereignty of God"? We mean the supremacy of God, the kingship of God, the godhood of God. To say that God is sovereign is to declare that God is God. He is the Most High, doing according to his will, so that none can stay his hand, defeat his counsels, or thwart his purpose.”  —  Arthur W. Pink 

CONCLUSION: 

Finally, note that those who trust the Lord are not influenced by "the whore" or defeated by the kings (Rev 17:14). Once again, John points out that the true believers are the "overcomers.”

Satan's counterfeit religion is subtle, requiring spiritual discernment to recognize. It was Paul's great concern that the local churches he founded not be seduced away from their sincere devotion to Christ (2 Cor 11:14).

In every age, there is the tremendous pressure to conform to "popular religion" and to abandon the fundamentals of the faith. In these last days, we all need to heed the admonitions in 1 Tim 4 and 2 Tim 3 and remain true to our Lord.

If we merely relegate the previous ideas as futuristic or place them geographically in Europe but fail to recognize the source and magnitude of these compromises, then we have missed the entire message the Lord sought to convey to us down through the ages of the Christian Faith. The religious system is a “whore,” who compromises with political systems around the world to serve Satan’s will of securing devotion to himself alone. A whore is not a wife, and she aggressively enters ‘situationships’ with various countries of the world to gain their power and impact in exchange for her control, constraint, and manipulation. These countries are motivated by greed, exploitation, wealth, affluence, power, and control! They will go to extremes to secure or maintain their strength over the masses of humanity. The “whore” will compromise, fornicate, and alley idolatry to keep and maintain her position of influence. She parades herself as useful, enduring, influential, powerful, worthy, and desirable. She can only offer carnal, worldly, temporal, and elevated enticements afforded by the various countries she already influences. Those political systems get what they want with such ‘payments,’ and manipulation is at the heart of the relationship for them. Any religious system presuming to interact with the ‘whore’ and these ‘kingdoms’ must allow the ‘system’ to control their voices and allegiances…not their beliefs or convictions. That religious component cannot say certain things, must toe the line, must stay in their pre-relegated place, and may give mere half-hearted allegiance to Jesus Christ. If certain issues surface occasionally from religious adherents, they are explained away or deem inconsequential by official sanctions, executive procedures, administrative jargon, and approved policies or laws rooted in governmental allegiance! Thus, the political system supports the great whore’s worship and loyalty to the antichrist, Satan. Many ‘Christian movements’ have been seduced into this type of compromise with governments to continue to enjoy certain political benefits, advantages, perks, and bonuses. Most of us are aware of the ‘unholy marriage of the Church and State!’ However, Jesus Christ calls us to worship God alone without any compromise of our beliefs or convictions that are rooted in the Scriptures. The freedom to which Christ calls us may actually look like bondage in the ‘eyes’ of the sophisticated organizations who punishes anyone for their complete loyalty to Jesus Christ. Beloved, it matters now who you pledge your allegiance to. Antichrist or Jesus Christ…Satan or God. There is no room for compromise.

Prepare Like a Faithful and Wise Servant (Part II)

 

Prepare Like a Faithful and Wise Servant

Matthew 24:44-51, Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. ⁴⁵ Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? ⁴⁶ Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. ⁴⁷ Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. ⁴⁸ But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; ⁴⁹ And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; ⁵⁰ The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, ⁵¹ And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Theme: Bible predictions should not inspire selfish behavior, wicked associations, our reservation--fears, nor merely pique our interest, but encourage active service to accomplish God’s will until He comes for us in the Rapture.

Introduction: 

By application, we must live in constant readiness for the abrupt, surprising return of Jesus Christ in the Rapture by faithfully fulfilling our assigned spiritual duties. Using this comparison of the faithful and evil servants, we are warned that while diligent stewards will be rewarded, unfaithful ones, who also reveal their worldly and abusive character, will face severe judgment and exclusion from the kingdom. This passage gives us two more ideas to be mindful of. 

Message:

I. Respect The Dangers of Indifference (Matt. 24:48-49).

The “evil servant” believes the Lord is delayed and, as a result, choses worldliness, selfishness, and mishandlings his fellow servants. Loosing focus, abusing authority, mistreating others, self-serving, overindulgent, excessive force, godless associations, and sinful living are temptations we must always refuse.

• “Such behavior demonstrates that he is not ready for the kingdom.”^[1]
• Such a servant, concluding that his master was not returning for a long time, took advantage of others (he beat his fellow servants) and lived wickedly (eating and drinking with drunkards).^[2]

One thing we cannot afford to be indifferent about is the pain, tears, and suffering of others. There is not a person on earth today who is not hurting or needy in some way. Everyone you and I know has a burden—a heartfelt need. Behind every plastic smile there is a world of burdens that we struggle and strain to cover up. We don’t want anyone to know our pain…we want to appear strong so that we don’t cause others to stumble. Remember, every set of eyes you will ever gaze into have shed hundreds of tears in secret when no one else but God was watching. That lady who is always smiling at church will one day need a shoulder to cry on. That guy who loves to laugh, cut up, and tell jokes will need encouraging one day. Our world is in a state of emergency and the disease is “an overdose of hurts and burdens,” and the medicine they need is someone unselfish enough to help when they hurt. Someone to love them and reassure them of God’s great love for them!

  o   Trials and temptations are the universal lot of us all, and only Christ can give that measure of strength necessary to overcome them.

§  1 Cor. 10:13, There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

§  Look to the Lord for that way of escape and the power to endure until the temptation passes. Be assured He will never lead you into a scenario that is more than you can deal with. His grace is sufficient for you and me.

  o   Christians desperately need to be sensitive to the needs of others and to help bear another’s burdens (Rom. 15:1). This is a repeated instruction in the Word.

§  Gal 6:2, Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

§  1Thes 5:14, Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

§  Gal 5:13-14, For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14, For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

  o   Because we all face similar trials, we may be used of God to help another overcome a challenge we have previously experienced ourselves. That is one reason why God allows us to suffer hardships. We learn to accept His help, strength, and comfort and as a result we can be of aid to someone else. (See 2 Cor. 1:3, 4.)

§  2 Cor. 1:3-4, Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; [4] Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

God Himself comforts us when life hurts, and He provides fellow comforters among the brethren as we receive His comfort through our personal trials. All of this says that God cares about what hurts you. Many of you know exactly what I mean when I say, “The pain can overwhelm us at times….” We can become confused, perplexed, and our souls ache beyond our ability to express…. We can become lost in our sorrows were it not for the sweet Savior, the Lord Jesus.

II. Take His Judgment Seriously (Matt. 24:50-51). 

The Master returns unexpectedly to punish the unfaithful servant. The phrase “cut him asunder” represents severe judgment, separating him from the righteous and placing him with hypocrites, where there is “weeping and gnashing of teeth” in Hell. 

• When the King comes, He will punish him and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites….”^[3]
• Like the wicked people of Noah’s day (vv. 37–39), he was unaware of the sudden coming judgment (v. 50). But the judgment will come and he will be dealt with as one would deal with a hypocrite, which is precisely what an unfaithful servant is. His separation will result in eternal judgment (weeping and gnashing of teeth; cf. comments on 13:42) apart from his master. Likewise, the judgment of the wicked at the Lord’s second coming will separate them eternally from God.^[4]

Will you be ready when Jesus comes? He could come in the rapture at any moment now!

Rom 10:8-10, But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10, For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

2 Cor 6:2, (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

           1. Acknowledge immediately that you cannot save yourself no matter how diligently you may try.

           2. Acknowledge that you deserve hell for your sin just like the rest of all humanity. We could never earn him dealing with us in mercy and grace.

           3. Acknowledge that you need the Lord Jesus to save you like the rest of us. It is Christ who died for our sin in our stead, was buried, and rose again the third day as he predicted and the scriptures foretold. Yes, Jesus is alive forevermore to save any one who calls on Him in faith.

Another question is, what would we change in our lives if we know He was coming in 10 minutes? As Believers we can rest assured that we will not go through the Great Tribulation, but we will have some tribulation in our lives as saints. John 16:33, These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Beloved, don’t place your hope in the next administration, a person, nor a strong economy, put it Jesus!

Jesus will faithfully and fairly judge the world in the future! Matthew 16:26-27, For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? [27] For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Jesus Christ has been given the authority to judge all the earth (Rom 14:9-11; Phil 2:9-11). Although his judgment is already working in our lives, there is a future, final judgment when Christ returns (Matt. 25:31-46) and everyone’s life from the Tribulation Period will be reviewed and evaluated. This will not be confined to unbelievers; Christians from the Tribulation Period too will face a judgment. Their eternal destiny is secure, but Jesus will look at how they handled gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities to determine their eternal rewards. At the time of judgment, God will deliver the righteous and condemn the wicked. We should not judge others' salvation; that is God’s work.

Conclusion:
This passage refers to Christ’s visible return to earth as Messiah-King, but the principle equally applies to us anticipating the Rapture. “Many who profess to be Christians show by their hostility toward God’s people and their fraternization with the ungodly that they are not looking for Christ’s Return. For them it will mean judgment and not blessing.”^[5]

Indeed, our Lord finishes his lessons on the end times (the Olivet Discourse), giving us practical insight on how to live during these last days—not in fear, but in active service to execute God’s purpose. It highlights that real preparation and readiness are the central conditions of loyal service, not just hypothetical and theoretical knowledge of end time events. 

In addition, this kind of divine activity truly magnifies the grace of God! Really, we have NO REAL comprehension of the MERCY and GRACE of God until we first understand something about His GREAT WRATH (Rom. 11:22). When we see God govern Himself in this capacity, we should shout the praises of God for His great mercy and grace toward us undeserving sinners. Secondly, we should walk before God in the fear of the Lord our entire life!

Beloved, God is not obligated to give anyone a second chance to be saved in any age or dispensation. It was not obligation that made God seek to save any sinner in the first place! It was all a matter of His undeserved favor toward all of us as sinners deserving of Hell. WO! Unto them that reject the Savior, because one day they will face the wrath of an angry Judge! Ephes. 2:8, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.

For the faithful witness and soul winner, we should ensure that our gospel presentation is clear, well organized, understandable, and Spirit lead. I am not trying to discourage you from witnessing I am trying to encourage you to be well prepared as you fervently endeavor to share Christ through the gospel.

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^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1297.

^[2] Louis A. Barbieri Jr., “Matthew,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 79.

^[3] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1297.

^[4] Louis A. Barbieri Jr., “Matthew,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 79.

^[5] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1297.

Discretion...Proceed with Caution

 

MATTHEW 7:13-20

Theme: When we reject a fake righteousness, it will enable us to reject a false system of judgment also.

Relevance: The Lord wants us to exercise wise judgment regarding ourselves, other people, and the Lord himself.

Introduction: Discretion is the quality of being discreet; using good judgment; care in speech or action; wise caution. Unfortunately, many people rushed into things because they are popular and gratifying; however, the disciple must show discretion—we must look beyond the appearance of things and note what is really happening. 

There is also a need to be determined in the matter of using discretion throughout the course of life and discipleship. After presenting the true way of access into His anticipated kingdom, Jesus gave a warning about false prophets. Since there are false prophets in the world, we must always be careful of deception.

Message:

I.               Discretion: Stay on the Straight and Narrow Because It Is the Path of Life (Matt. 7:13-20).

But the greatest danger is self-deception. The scribes and Pharisees had fooled themselves into believing that they were righteous and others were sinful. It is possible for people to know the right language, believe intellectually the right doctrines, obey the right rules, and still not be saved. Jesus gives us reliable advice to help us judge ourselves and others righteously.

a.    Determine to Stay With The Narrow Way Because it is the Right Way (Matt.. 7:13-14).

These verses have a wonderful application to the gospel by depicting the two roads and destinies of the human race. The wide gate and broad way lead to destruction (Prov. 16:25). The strait gate and narrow way lead to life. Jesus is both the gate (John 10:9) and the way (John 14:6).

But while this is a valid application of the passage, the interpretation is for believers. The two ways mentioned here are not the way to heaven and the way to hell, but the way of discipleship contrasted with a wasted life.

                                                    i.     From the Beginning: We Must Choose the Strait Gate and Avoid the Wide Gate.

a.      The Lord warns that the gate to Christian discipleship is strait [small, narrow, and difficult to enter] and the road way is narrow and difficult also. 

                                                                                                                i.     But those who faithfully follow His teachings find the abundant life he promised (John 10:10).

                                                                                                              ii.     Jesus presented the clear way of access into a righteousness lifestyle. The righteousness He demanded (Matt. 5:20) comes through adherence to His teachings alone which emphasize internal transformation and not mere external requirements. 

b.     On the other hand, there is the wide gate—the life of self-indulgence and pleasure.

                                                                                                                i.     Jesus was comparing the wide gate and the broad roadway to the outward righteousness and external requirements of the Pharisees.

                                                                                                              ii.     If people followed the Pharisees’ teachings, their path would lead to certain ruin. The end of such a life is destruction. This is not referring to losing one’s soul, but of a failure to live out a truly righteous life--- the purpose of one’s existence as a disciple.

                                                  ii.     During the Journey: We Must Choose the Narrow Way and Avoid the Broad Way.

a.      Jesus is saying that to follow Him would require faith, discipline, and endurance. But this challenging life is the only life worth living.

                                                                                                                i.     The reason is not difficult to discover: The way of life is narrow, lonely, and costly; it is marked with sufferings, troubles, and afflictions.

                                                                                                              ii.     We can walk on the broad way and keep our “baggage” of sin and worldliness. But if we enter the narrow way, we must give up those things. 

b.     Here, then, is the first test: Did your profession of faith in Christ cost you anything?

                                                                                                                i.     If not, then it was not a true profession. Many people who “trust” Jesus Christ never leave the broad road with its appetites and associations. They have an easy Christianity that makes no demands on them.

                                                                                                              ii.     Yet Jesus said that the narrow way was hard. We cannot walk on two roads, in two different directions, at the same time.

                                                iii.     Despite Conditions: We Must Choose the Life Few Leads and Avoid the Life the Majority Lead.

a.      True discipleship is a minority position, a matter of deliberately opting out from the mainstream, but it is a matter of life and death.

                                                                                                                i.     If you choose the easy way, you will have plenty of company, but you will miss God’s best for you.

                                                                                                              ii.     The broad way is the easy way; it is the popular way. But we must not judge spiritual profession by statistics; the majority is not always right. The fact that “everybody does it” is no proof that what they are doing is right. 

b.     Quite the contrary is true: God’s people have always been a remnant, a small minority in this world.

b.    Determine To Stay Away from the Influence of False Prophets Because they Will Lead You Astray (Matt. 7:15-20).

Wherever the stern demands of true discipleship are taught, there are false prophets who advocate the wide gate and easy way. They water down the truth until, as C. H. Spurgeon said, “There is not enough left to make soup for a sick grasshopper.”

                                                    i.     Realize they are Wolves and Only Appear to be Sheep (Matt. 7:15).

a.      These men who profess to be speaking for God come in sheep’s clothing, giving the appearance of being true believers.

                                                                                                                i.     They present themselves as insiders, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

                                                                                                              ii.     Their intention is destructive; they are vicious unbelievers who prey on the immature, the unstable, and the gullible.   

b.     So not all alleged preaching, teaching, Christian books, music, and videos are to be taken at face value; it must be tested (1Jn. 4:1-6).

                                                                                                                i.     How can one determine the character of false teachers? The test is not the prophets’ profession but their fruit. We need only look at the fruit they produce. Are they influencing people regarding true inner righteousness of the heart?

                                                                                                              ii.     The meaning of fruit usually indicates behavior which is genuinely pleasing to God (Matt. 3:8–10; 12:33–37; 21:43). 

                                                  ii.     Recognize that Good Fruit Comes from Good Trees (Matt. 7:16-18).

a.      This is God’s detection system for the false prophets: ye shall know them by their fruits. Their licentious lives and destructive teachings betray them.

b.     A tree or plant produces fruit according to its character.

                                                                                                                i.     Thorn cannot bear grapes; thistles do not bear figs. A good tree bears good fruit and a corrupt tree bears evil fruit.

                                                                                                              ii.     This principle is true in the natural world and in the spiritual world. The life and teaching of those who claim to speak for God should be tested by the Word of God: “If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isa. 8:20).

                                                                                                            iii.     The Savior gives the correct test of their character.

1.     Generally we do not judge a fruit tree by its leaves, or bark, or flowers, but by the fruit it bears. The flowers may be beautiful and fragrant, the foliage thick and green; but these are merely extras. It is the “fruit” that is of primary benefit to people; and we form our opinion of the nature and value of the tree by that fruit.

2.     The same is true about those who pretend to have saving faith and to engage in Christian service. Their claims may be clear; but the “conduct”-the fruit-is the determining factor about the true nature of the person.

3.     Those religious leaders, who seemed to be good men, who taught spiritual truths about Messiah and His kingdom were exposed by the Lord. Jesus made it clear they were not good for they were leading others astray. 

c.      The two trees show that true faith in Christ changes the life and produces fruit for God’s glory.

                                                                                                                i.     Everything in nature reproduces after its kind, and this is also true in the spiritual realm. Good fruit comes from a good tree, but bad fruit comes from a bad tree.

                                                                                                              ii.     The second test is this: Did my decision for Christ change my life?

1.     False prophets who teach false doctrine can produce only a false righteousness (see Acts 20:29). Their fruit (the results of their ministry) is false and cannot last.

2.     The prophets themselves are false; the closer we get to them, the more we see the falsity of their lives and doctrines. They magnify themselves, not Jesus Christ; and their purpose is to exploit people, not to edify them.

3.     The person who believes false doctrine, or who follows a false prophet, will never experience a changed life. Unfortunately, some people do not realize this until it is too late. 

                                                iii.     Remember the End for False Preachers is the Fire (Matt 7:19-20).

a.     The destiny of the false prophets is to be cast into the fire. The doom of false teachers and prophets is “swift destruction” (2 Pet. 2:1). Like the tree that produces rotten fruit they too will be cut down and thrown into the fire. If they do not fulfill their purpose for existence, they should be removed.

b.     They can be known by their fruits. “Wherefore, by their fruits you shall know them” (Matt. 7:20).

 

Conclusion:

When we reject phony righteousness, we become able to eliminate false systems or sanctimonious standards of judgment also. Our Lord invites us to exercise wise, loving, sensitive, compassionate discernment towards ourselves and other people. Will you accept his generous invitation?

1.  How shall we test our profession of faith? By popularity? No, for there are many on the broad road to destruction. And there are many who are depending on words, saying “Lord, Lord”—but this is no assurance of salvation. Even religious activities in a church organization are no assurance.

2. How then shall we judge ourselves and others who profess Christ as Savior?

The two ways tell us to examine the cost of our profession. Have we paid a price to profess faith in Christ?

The two trees tell us to investigate whether our lives have really changed. Are there godly fruits from our lives?