The Great Whore's Betrayal

“The Great Whore's Betrayal” 

REVELATION 17:7-13

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

INTRODUCTION: 

One reason John used symbolism was so that his message would encourage believers in any period of Christian history.  The true churches are like pure virgins (Rev 19:7-8; see also 2 Cor 11:2), but the false religious system is a "whore" who has abandoned the truth and prostituted herself for personal gain. In every age, there has been a "whore" who has used, abused, and persecuted God’s people; and this will culminate in the last days in a worldwide apostate religious system.

MESSAGE:

II. The Great Whore Explained (Rev. 17:7-13)

What follows is an angelic explanation of the judgment of ‘Mystery Babylon the Great,’ showing an anti-Christian political and religious system that is finally crushed by King Jesus. (Bible Gateway) 

A.  EXPLAINING THE BEAST (Rev. 17:7-9)

An angel explains to John “the mystery of the woman” (whore, prostitute, idolater) and the beast, as a power that is historical, presently absent, but is indeed future coming out of the Abyss before its final destruction. It points to a deceptive, blasphemous power that astonishes earth-bound unbelievers. 

   1. Notice What is Perceived (Rev. 17:7)

1. A Description.

1.     He sees a “woman” (Worldwide Religious System of Idolatry) riding a “beast” (the Empire of Antichrist) with “seven heads” (Seven historical political kingdoms) and “ten horns.” (Future Ten Kingdom Confederation in Europe).

2.     The woman represents a corrupt religious system depicted by the city of Babylon (Rev. 17:7).  This “one world” religion in the Western Europe will accompany political unification under the Antichrist and will support his drive toward power.

2. A Downfall. But when the Antichrist has achieved power, he will overthrow the religious organizational federation and insist that the entire world adore and worship him (Rev. 17:16).

   2. Notice What is Professed (Rev. 17:8-9)

       A.  Regarding the Beast. (Rev. 17:8)

The beast represents the Antichrist and his empire.  “The beast” both a king and kingdom are referred to in this term.

             1. Beast Considered as an Individual.   (Rev. 17:8)

                  A.  He Was— was alive

                  B.  He Is Not—dead, was killed

“Was, and is not, and shall ascend.” A reference to the Antichrist’s false resurrection (Rev. 13:3,4,12–14; see Rev. 13:3).

                  C.  He Shall Ascend—raised up from the Abyss

“Out of the bottomless pit.” After his “resurrection,” the Antichrist will become possessed by a great demon, most likely Satan himself, from the abyss (see Rev. 13:1,3).  This indicates that the power behind the ruler is satanic (cf. 13:4) and that Satan and the man he controls are closely identified. Their power is one.

                  D.  He Shall Go In— go into eternal punishment

“Perdition.” Eternal destruction (Rev. 17:11; Matt. 7:13; John 17:12; Phil. 1:28; 3:19; 2 Thess. 2:3; Heb. 10:39; 2 Pet. 2:3; 3:7,16). This is the lake of fire, the place of Antichrist’s destruction (Rev. 19:20).

                  E.  He Will Inspire Wonder (Rev. 17:8)

                        1. Among the Lost of the Earth

                             a. “Book of Life.” The roll of the Redeemed, written in eternity past by God (see Rev. 3:5).                  

                             b. Only the Tribulation Saints will escape the Antichrist’s deception (Matt. 24:24).

                             c. “From the foundation of the world.” See 1 Tim. 1:9; Titus 1:2 (“before time began”). A frequent phrase (Matt. 13:35; 25:34; Luke 11:50; John 17:24; Eph. 1:4; Heb. 4:3; 9:26; 1 Pet. 1:20) referring to God’s pre-creation plan.

                        2. About His Resurrection

The fact that the beast “was, and is not, and shall ascend” in the future is another indication of what was introduced in Rev. 13:3. 

             2. The Beast Considered as an Empire.    (Rev. 17:8)

                 A.  It Was— The Empire Existed Before

                 B.  It is Not —The Empire Ended

                 C.  It Shall Ascend— The Empire was Revived through Satanic Power

                 D.  It Shall Go— The Empire Will be Condemned

                 E.  The Empire Will Cause Wonder

                       1.  Among its Loyalists

                       2.  About Its Revival

The supernatural survival and revival of both the world ruler and his empire will impress the world as being supernatural and will lead to the worship of the beast and Satan.      

       B.  Regarding the Whore. (Rev. 17:9)          

             1. The Wisdom (Rev. 17:9)

                  A.  QUOTE: “The truth that is being presented here symbolically requires spiritual insight to be understood, and the difficulty of correct interpretation is illustrated by the various ways it has been interpreted in the history of the church.”  — Walvoord, J. F.

             2. Remember What the Whore Is (Rev. 17:9)

                  A.  The Seven Mountains Stated.

                         1. Seven Heads Equal Seven Mountains.

                         2. The Seven Mountains Equal Seven Kings and Kingdoms. (Rev. 12:3; 13:1,3)

The 7 mountains in context likely symbolize the 7 kingdoms and their kings of Rev. 17:10.

Daniel 2:35, Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.

                  B.  The Seven Mountains Explained.

                       1.  They Likely Are Not Literal Mountains–City of Rome

QUOTE:  “While Rome is often referred to as having seven hills or mountains, different writers do not necessarily name the same seven mountains.”  — Walvoord, J. F.

                       2. They Most Likely Represent Seven Kings & Kingdoms (Rev. 17:9-11)

QUOTE: “A close study of the passage does not support the conclusion that this refers to the city of Rome. Seiss, for instance, offers extensive evidence that the reference is to rulers rather than to physical mountains (The Apocalypse, pp. 391-94). This is supported by the text which explains, They are also seven kings (lit., “the seven heads are seven kings”). If the mountains represent kings, then obviously they are not literal mountains and refer not to a literal Rome but to persons.”  — Walvoord, J. F.

             3.  Remember Where the Whore Resides (Rev. 17:9) “On which the woman sitteth”

                  A.  The Religious System is Headquartered in Rome (Geographically) (Rev. 17:18).

                  B.  The Religious System Influences the Empire of Rome (Spiritually) (Rev. 17:2, 3).

                        1. It Influenced the Seven Kings and their Seven Kingdoms (Historically) (Rev. 17:9, 10).

                        2. It will Influence the Ten Kings and Their Kingdoms (Futuristically) (Rev. 17:15, 18).

While this religious system is headquartered in the city of Rome, it will grow to worldwide influence after it flourishes in Europe.

B.  EXPLAINING THE KINGS (Rev. 17:10-13)

   1. The Seven Kings Explained.  (Rev. 17:10-11)

These “seven kings” are representatives of the 7 great world empires (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and that of the Antichrist). See Daniel’s image in Dan. 2:37–45.

      A.  Considered as Kingdoms

I favor this view because it fits the total picture of the text better than the view which regards these as Roman kings.

           1.  Five are Past–World Empires—"Five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come”.

a.      When John wrote, the Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Medo-Persian and Greek empires had gone out of existence.

b.     According to Rev 17:10, five of these kings (or kingdoms) had passed off the scene, one was present in John's day, and one was yet to come. If so, then the five past kingdoms would be Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, and Greece.  All these world empires where influenced by this religious system of idolatry and false worship. While the religious systems may have had a different name and outward appearance during the time of each empire, its essential elements, nature, character, motives, and beliefs were the same.

c.      Remember this is “THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.”  The system of the future will not be anything new!                

           2.  One was Present–Roman Empire

The present kingdom would be Rome, and the future kingdom would be that of "the beast." To understand Rev 17:10-11, we must consider Rev 17:12. Rome still existed; and the Antichrist’s empire had not yet come.

           3.  One Was Future—Revived Roman Empire of Antichrist

               A.  The Roman Empire is the Seventh Kingdom

               B.  The Roman Empire is the Eighth Kingdom (consisting of a 10 kings confederation)

                     1. When it comes, it will be brief (Rev. 12:12; 13:5) and

                     2. He will end in perdition (Also Rev. 17:11; Rev. 17:8).

      B.  Considered as Kings (Rev. 17:10-11)

This is a popular view also, but probably unlikely the meaning of the text. 

   2. The Ten Kings Explained. (Rev. 17:12-13)

Verse 12 informs us that the 10 horns of the beast represent 10 kings.

      A.  Ten Kings Are Yet to Rule (Rev. 17:12). See Rev. 12:3; 13:1

Daniel 2:41-42, And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. [42] And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.

These are not 10 successive kings of the past, they are contemporaneous kings who are leaders of the kingdoms which will form the original alliance in the Middle East that will unite their power to support the beast (v. 13).

           1.  These kings are sub-rulers under the Antichrist, whose empire will apparently be divided into 10 administrative districts. The ten kings unanimously yield their power and authority to the beast. In other words, ten countries (or governments) surrender their national sovereignty to him.

           2.  They possessed “no kingdom as yet.” Thus, the kings cannot be identified with any historical figures.

           3.  They are Empowered after “one hour with the beast.” Symbolic of the brief 3½ year period of time (Rev. 11:2,3; 12:6,12,14; 13:5; 18:10,17,19).

Again the 10 horns are contemporaneous with each other, and as the text indicates they will receive political power for a brief time.

      B.  One King Will Be the Most Powerful (Rev. 17:13).

          1. The ten horns in Revelation 17:12, 13 are said to represent the ten-nation federation which will give its power and strength to the beast (compare Dan. 7:23, 24 with Rev. 13:1).

Daniel 7:23-24, Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. [24] And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.

          2. “The beast" not only has seven heads, but also ten horns, which represent ten kings.

The Middle East ruler who will emerge in the end time and will make a covenant with Israel seven years before the second coming of Christ. This ten-kingdom empire goes to war against the Lord Jesus when He returns to earth at the end of the Tribulation.

QUOTE: “But these are very special kings: they enable "the beast" to rise to power and are even willing to yield their authority to him. Recall that at the opening of the first seal (Rev 6:1-2), Antichrist began his "peaceful" conquest of the nations. He organized a "United States of Europe," brought peace to the Middle East, and appeared to be the great leader the troubled world was seeking.”   —W. W. Wiersbe

          3.  But during the seven-year period, this ruler broke his covenant with Israel (Dan 9:27) and began to persecute the people of God as well as the nation Israel. Energized by Satan and assisted by the false prophet, "the beast" became the world’s dictator and its god. In this way, "the beast" was both "one of the seven [kings, kingdoms]" but also "the eighth." His kingdom was nothing but a revival of the Roman Empire ("one of the seven"), but it was a new kingdom ("the eighth').

           4.  The Babylonian system in is a seductive religious power that minimizes doctrinal truth, rejects the authority of the Word, and tries to unite the world’s political powers based on faith in the Antichrist.

APPLICATION: As we ponder the identity of the seven kings and the emergence of the ten kings, we must see John's theme of worldly power and its ultimate ineffectiveness against God and his people. Their authority only lasts for "one hour," symbolizing its brevity and ultimate destruction. As Christians, have we become infatuated with the worldly power of movie stars and sports celebrities, political coalitions, and world economic forces? Are you craving the power and prestige that position, wealth, and connections offer? If so, you are an easy target for Satan’s great deception. Worldly power is Satan’s trap; the desire for it can turn us away from God. Worship only God and make it your strongest desire to serve him. (W. W. Wiersbe)

 

Choose to Be a Blessing

1 Peter 3:13-22 

SUBJECT: The Glory Inherent in Christian Suffering

THEME: Christ will turn our suffering and unfairness of today into triumph and glory for eternity because we are called to bless others.

RELEVANCE: being treated unfairly can leave us hurt, confused, disconcerted, and angry. The desire to get back at them…to make them feel the pains we have felt, is incredibly strong! These very real troubled heart feelings…. God addresses to guide our actions.

INTRODUCTION: No doubt Peter is addressing Believers who have already experience some lose because of their faith in Christ. These believers are not suffering because of some mental, emotional, or relational abnormality. They are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ, they are disadvantaged by society because they confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord and not some self-absorbed political leader. This is why they are suffering… (1Pet. 1:10-2:25). There is room to apply this counsel to our own sufferings rooted in a bold testimony for the Lord Jesus Christ in our own time. Many countrymen may not agree…unfortunately many ‘Christians’ will reject this notion in favor of a softer and more traditional view. None of this changes what God vitally said to hurting Believers.

MESSAGE:

BELIEVER’S SUFFERINGS FOR CHRIST’S SAKE WILL RESULT IN REWARDS; OUR SPIRTUAL TRIBULATIONS WILL BECOME TRIUMPHS IN GOD! 1 Peter 3:13-22

  A.  THE SUFFERING BELIEVER’S IS CHARGED TO DEFEND OUR FAITH IN CHRIST, 1 Pet. 3:13-15

           1. We Are Charged to Walk in Faith and Not Fear   vs 13-14

                  (a) It is unlikely that a Christian will suffer for doing good.  The government and the boss will very likely appreciate it. Husbands and fellow believers will appreciate it too.    Vs 13

                  (b) There is the possibility of suffering for righteousness’ sake, this is a blessed condition from God’s perspective.   Vs 14  

Matt 5:11-12, Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12,  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

                  (c) What can I expect as the result of my suffering? 

                              * God could overcome the suffering for His own glory. (Example in the Book of Esther--God delivered the suffering Jews from the wicked Haman and the Jewish Holiday Purim celebrates the great deliverance of God and thus He is glorified).

                              * God could use the suffering to bring blessing to others. (Example of using your testimony of a trial to help someone else through a difficult time).

                              * God could bless the one who suffers for His name’s sake. (Example of mature saints who have suffered much and they have a real deep knowledge of God’s goodness and Faithfulness). Hudson Taylor the great missionary was a powerful Christian who suffered much, and God rewarded him over and over with the blessing of a deepening and healthy fellowship with his Savior.                            

           2. We Are Charged to Defend the Faith    Vs 15

                    (a) We are to Set the Lord Apart in our Hearts. 

This should be to such an extent that He has our entire life.  There is no room for your will anymore, only the will of God.  There is no room anymore in your life for your hang ups, only the plan of God for your life.  All that we do and say should be for his glory and pleasure.

The Lordship of Christ should dominate every area of our lives---our possessions, our occupation, our library, our marriage, our spare time---nothing can be excluded.

                     (b) We are to Readily Defend and Share our Faith and Hope in Jesus Christ.

Vs 15, ‘Answer’ here means a defense for one’s belief. Primarily this deals with the saint under heavy persecution.  They should not cower but boldly defend the faith with reverence to God and respect to one’s persecutors.

Also, we from day to day will have opportunity to witness of God’s goodness in our lives and we are to do it with gentleness ‘meekness’ and with reverence ‘fear”.  There should be no trace of harshness, bitterness or flippancy when we speak of our Lord and Savior.

  B.  THE SUFFERING BELIEVER IS CONSCIENCE OF GOD’S WILL IN THE PURSUIT OF DOING WELL, 1 PET. 3:16-17

           1.  Let Us Maintain a Good Conscience   vs 16

‘Conscience’ means an awareness of God’s presence and will.  When we conduct ourselves in accordance with His will and walk in light of His presence, we maintain a ‘good conscience’. It is the Lord God that we want to please and represent more than any thing else. The question is are our values cultural or eternal?

           2.  Let Our Suffering Be Because of Well Doing   vs 17

Christians who suffer unjustly and keep a clear conscience put to shame those who slander their good behavior in Christ. Once again Peter encouraged his readers with the fact that good behavior is their best defense against unjust punishment and persecution.

3:17. However, Peter pointed out that it may be God’s will (thelēma; cf. 2:15; 4:2, 19) for them to suffer for doing good (cf. 1:6; 2:15; 4:16, 19). This, as he told them earlier, “is commendable before God” (2:20) and so is better than deserved suffering for doing evil (cf. 2:14). First Peter 3:17 is an effective summary of the content of 2:15, 19–20.^[a]

If a Christian must suffer, which might sometimes be God’s will for him, it should be for doing good. But he should not bring suffering on himself for his own misdeeds; there is no virtue in that.^[b]

  C.   THE SUFFERING BELIEVER IS CALLED TO FOLLOW THE HOPE FILLED EXAMPLE OF CHRIST’S TRIUMPH, 1 Pet. 3:18-22

           1.  We Are Called to Follow Christ’s Example, vs 18   

(He suffered unjustly to, but it was for our benefit) “That He might bring use to God”

                *Christ suffered unjustly—we will suffer unjustly too for righteousness sake.

                *Christ suffered for our benefit—"to bring us to God”—we must suffer for others benefit.  This is part of what being a Missionary is all about.  This is part of what serving in a church is all about.  You may have to miss out on a Sunday School class or a Message to serve others. This is what serving in the nursery is all about. But we still do it to follow our Savior’s example and to bring others closer to the Lord.

                *Christ suffered even unto death—We will need to die to self to follow Christ. We must take up our cross daily and follow Him. Some may even sacrifice themselves to protect other Believers.

                *Christ was raised from the dead by the power of the Spirit-- “quickened by the Spirit”.  We today as believers are to walk in the power of a new life and we in this new life are called to bring others to Christ, following our Lord’s example. Just as the Spirit raised Christ, He will empower us to fulfil the will of God.  Let God use our sufferings to bring others to God!

           2. We Are Called to Bare Witness Through Our Sufferings, vs 19-20   

(Christ never forsook His witness and no matter how low we get; we must never forsake our Testimony and Witness)

       * ‘PREACHED UNTO THE SPIRITS IN PRISON’   vs 19

               (a)  The act of Christ between His death and resurrection when He descended into Hell and proclaimed His victory at Calvary to the demonic hordes held in that part of Hell. Jesus made a proclamation of His victory over death to the rebellious angels who had been placed in prison. His proclamation was also a form of judgment on them because of their sin and rebellion. This idea also seems to be supported by <2 Peter 2:4> and <Jude 6>.  (See also Eph.4:8-10)

              (b) Vs 20, Christ also Proclaimed His Victory to the Saints of God from all the Ages and this act vindicated their faith before the unbelievers of all ages. Especially the unbelieving Souls of Noah’s day.   Just as God Vindicated the faith of Noah and His family by saving them through the flood in the safety of the Ark; He will also Vindicate the Faith of the saint who suffers for righteousness sake in our time. Just as Noah and His family experienced deliverance from judgement, and deliverance into a new day and new hope, we will also experience safety from divine judgement and deliverance into a new and glorious day free of suffering, persecution, pain, and rejection.  Delivered into the very presence of God by the Ark of Jesus Christ accompany by everlasting triumph.

THE TRUTH IS NO MATTER HOW MUCH WE ARE MOCKED AND PERSECUTED IN THIS LIFE, NO MATTER HOW STUPID WE MAY LOOK IN THE EYES OF PEOPLE FOR FOLLOWING OUR LORD’S INSTRUCTIONS….  WE WILL BE COMPLETELY VINDICATED FOR OUR FAITH AND OBEDIENCE BEFORE THE FALLEN ANGELS AND BEFORE THE LOST OF ALL GENERATIONS. OUR COMMITMENT AND FAITHFULLNESS WILL PLACE US IN THE VERY PRESENCE OF GOD RADIATING WITH THE GLORY OF CHRIST JESUS! OUR SUFFERING FOR CHRIST’S SAKE IS NOT IN VAIN, IT WILL CLIMAX IN SPLENDID GLORY! THIS IS THE SUM OF SUFFERING FOR CHRIST’S SAKE!

APPLICATION: Child of God, when you are most angry…when you know the situation is not fair…when people treat you wrong for doing right…when you feel justified and encouraged to get even…think instead about the eternal, the final triumph, standing vindicated and blameless in the very presence of Almighty God. Make the conscience choice to take it, accept the unfairness from people, focus on their needs and not necessarily what they say…persist and insist on doing good regardless. Tell God honestly what you are feeling…that is enough for now…He is enough even when life hurts…. Continue to be a witness.

               3.  We Are Called to Completely Identify with Christ’s Triumph, vs 21-22 (Those who suffer with Christ will Reign with Christ)

                    (a) Jesus Christ was Raised to a Justified Life. We Identify (baptism) with this justification when we trusted Him as Savior.  His life counts for our life. His death count for our death. His resurrection counts for our resurrection. We receive credit for having paid our debt to sin and are no longer obligated to sin.  Christ suffering for our sin was a BAPTISM.

Luke 12:50, But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

Mark 10:38, But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?

Rom 6:3-4, Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4, Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

                    (b) Vs 21, Jesus Christ fulfilled a purpose in His Sufferings, and we must Identify with this Purpose in our sufferings, which is the answer of a good Conscience towards God.  Conscience is the awareness of God’s will and Presence.  God wants us to submit ourselves in suffering and be a good witness. We understand now what His will is for suffering saints, and we must act accordingly to maintain a good conscience before God.

                     (c) Vs 22, Jesus Christ suffered unfairly, but now He is exalted and glorified. Suffering always leads to Glory. If we suffer with Him or if we more completely Identify (Baptism) with Him, we will be glorified together with Him.  We will reign with him in Victory—Our Tribulation, Suffering and Submission will turn to Triumph, Honor, Dominion and Power!

Rom 8:17-18, And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18, For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

CONCLUSION: 

News like this will help us smile through the tears, confusion, and persecutions when life hurts the most! The temptation to settle the score or get even is tremendous, multifaceted, unrelenting, and rooted in a people or cultural sense of identity. Be really careful with ‘door mat’ or ‘good guy’ analogies they are more cultural and are built on humanistic ideas of our value and worth. Our goal is to be of value to God’s character as His witnesses, and to advance His kingdom above all else which has eternal significance. It helps when you are bent on living for eternal importance rather then cultural, political, or religious ideas.

There is no doubt, there will come a day when the Sum of Our Suffering will equal Glory!  Life may be unfair for the moment, and we may have to endure difficulties and hardships for some time. But great will be the reward of the saint who stays true to the Lord. Beloved, this is far more then an oversimplification. I get it…life is complex and messy, but these principles are still applicable to us today.

We must, therefore, conduct ourselves as brothers with compassion and sensitivity one towards others. 

We must seek peace and prayerfulness with each other and all men as much as possible; refusing to resort to an attitude of retaliation and getting even. 

Most of all, we need to look to the example of our Lord Jesus and follow closely in His steps for they lead to glory with Him in the presence of God. Beloved, we are called to be a blessing and not a curse! May we treat others like God treats everyone, including us.

Continue to follow God’s instructions as a suffering saint, He will one day vindicate our faith before this wicked generation just as He did with Noah in his day. You do not need to worry about doing this for yourself at this time in this generation.

When dreams seem to fade in this life, we will still have the hope of the next life with Christ! Therefore, it is glory all the way!

---

^[a] Roger M. Raymer, “1 Peter,” 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), 850.

^[b] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2271. 

Asking for Supernatural Help

 

MATTHEW 7:7-12

 

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: “They have a right to censure that have a heart to help.” -- William Penn

1. This is a final illustration of Pharisee’s practices pertaining to judging. The Pharisees were then judging Christ and finding Him to be inadequate. He was not offering the kind of kingdom they anticipated or asking for the kind of righteousness they were exhibiting. So, they rejected Him. Jesus therefore warned them against hypocritical judging.

2. The scribes and Pharisees were guilty of exercising a false judgment about themselves, other people, and even the Lord. Their false righteousness helped to encourage this false judgment. This explains why our Lord closed this important sermon with a discussion of judgment. In it He discussed four different aspects of judgment: discernment, dynamics, discretion, and discipline.

MESSAGE: 

I.               Dynamics: Ask God for the Ability to Judge Righteously (Matt. 7:7-12).

God gives us the dynamic resources we need to live and treat people fairly and wisely. Why did our Lord discuss prayer at this point in His message? These verses seem to be an interruption, but they are not. You and I are human and fallible; we make mistakes. Only God can judge perfectly. Therefore, we must pray and seek His wisdom and direction. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5).

Young King Solomon knew that he lacked the needed wisdom to judge Israel, so he prayed to God; and the Lord graciously answered (1 Kings 3:3ff). If we are to have spiritual discernment, we must keep on asking God, keep on seeking His will, keep on knocking at the door that leads to greater ministry. God meets the needs of His children.

a.    The Command is to Keep Asking, Seeking, and Knocking (Matt. 7:7).

                                                    i.     Righteous Discernment Requires Supernatural Help.

a.      If we think that we can live out the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount by our own strength, we have failed to realize the supernatural character of the life to which the Savior calls us. The wisdom or power for such a life must be given to us from above. 

b.     How to treat the lost people of this world is a great challenge facing a child of God.

                                                                                                                i.     Every day we rub shoulders with princes and paupers, gentlemen and scoundrels, true and false professors.

                                                                                                              ii.     Some folk need our friendship and help, and we need them, and we ought to pull them to our hearts.

                                                                                                            iii.     Others are rascals and will bring great harm or even destroy us, and we need to push them from us.

                                                                                                            iv.     How are we to know? To ask, seek, and knock definitely is the Christian’s answer to this problem.  

c.      You would be surprised at how many times I have been fooled by people.

                                                                                                                i.     I tend to have a more trusting than suspicious nature. Sometimes this is a great benefit, but other times it can get me into trouble.

                                                                                                              ii.     Isn’t it interesting that Peter, in the early church, knew Ananias and Sapphira were lying (Acts 5:1–11)? I can’t always tell when someone is lying. This is why it is important to make discernment a matter of prayer. 

d.     When you meet new friends, do you ever ask God to make it clear to you how to treat them? I have found out that it is a good idea to do this. 

                                                  ii.     Righteous Discernment Requires Persistent Prayer.

a.      So here we have an invitation to ask and keep on asking; to seek and keep on seeking; to knock and keep on knocking.

b.     Wisdom and power for the Christian life will be given to every believer who earnestly and persistently prays for it.

                                                                                                                i.     “Ask with confidence and humility. Seek with care and application. Knock with earnestness and perseverance.”  ---Adam Clarke's Commentary 

                                                                                                              ii.     “Jesus encourages his followers to ask, seek, and knock, that their deficiencies may be met from the divine supply. The three imperatives … suggest not only perserverance but frequent prayer for any and all needs.” ---The Wycliffe Bible Commentary

b.    The Promise is God Will Give You All You Need to Live With Discernment (Matt. 7:8).

                                                    i.     Be Assured of God’s Answer to Your Requests.

a.      When the conditions for prayer are met, the Christian can have utter confidence that God will hear and answer. This assurance is based on the character of God, our Father.

b.     “Ask God, and he'll answer! Believers should never hesitate to seek God's richest blessings (7:7-8), for God's generosity toward his children far exceeds our human understanding of generosity (7:9-11).” ---Harold Willmington

                                                  ii.     Be Sure You Honor God’s Conditions for Prayer.

a.      Taken out of context, verses 7 and 8 might seem like a blank check for believers, i.e., we can get anything we ask for. But this is simply not true.

b.     The verses must be understood in their immediate context and in light of the whole Bible’s teaching on prayer.

c.      Therefore, what seems like unqualified promises here are actually restricted by other passages.

                                                                                                                i.     For example, from Psalm 66:18 we learn that the person praying must have no unconfessed sin in his life.

1.     Psalm 66:18, If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: 

                                                                                                              ii.     The Christian must pray in faith (Jas. 1:6–8).

1.     James 1:6-8, But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. [7] For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. [8] A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

                                                                                                            iii.     And in conformity with the will of God (1 Jn. 5:14).

1.     1 John 5:14, And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

                                                                                                            iv.     Prayer must be offered persistently (Luke 18:1–8).

1.     Does prayer ever feel as though you are talking to an empty room when nobody's listening? Do you wonder if your requests are an exercise in auto-suggestion? Is prayer a waste of time because God has more important things to do?

2.     Jesus used the ‘how much more’ argument to demonstrate that God is not indifferent or inattentive. Do not attribute those qualities to him. God hears your prayers eagerly and compassionately. God acts on your behalf and for your best. God cares about you personally.

3.     When you pray, remember God's promise to hear your prayer.  If an unjust judge will respond to constant pressure, how much more will a great and loving God respond to his people? We know he loves us; we can believe he will hear our cries for help. We can trust that one day God will bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night. We know as we persist in prayer (Luke 18:1) as we seek to be obedient in this sinful world, can know that God will not keep putting us off. It may seem for a time that our cries go unheard. But one day, God will see that we get justice, and quickly. 

                                                                                                              v.     And prayer must be offered sincerely (Heb. 10:22a).

1.     Hebrews 10:22, Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

c.     The Reason is God Delights in Giving Beneficial Resources to His Praying People (Matt.7: 9-11).

                                                    i.     On the Human Level.

a.      We know that if a son asks for bread, his father will not give him a stone. Neither would he give him a serpent if he had asked for a fish.

b.     An earthly father would neither deceive his hungry son nor give him anything that might inflict pain or be harmful to him.

c.      His natural love and desire to provide for his own would guide him to meet the needs of his child.

                                                  ii.     On the Divine Level.

a.      The Lord argues us to realize that if human parents reward their children’s requests with what is best for them, how much more will our Father who is in heaven do so.

b.     Beloved, God is not a deadbeat dad! He provides for his children!

d.    The Principle is to Treat People With Love and Kindness in Matters of Judging (Matt. 7:12).

                                                    i.     Imitate Your Heavenly Father by Showing Kindness to Others.

a.      The immediate connection of verse 12 with the preceding seems to be this: since our Father is a giver of good things to us, we should imitate Him in showing kindness to others.

                                                  ii.     Test Your Actions By Following the “Golden Rule.”

a.      The way to test whether an action is beneficial to others is whether we would want to receive it ourselves.

                                                                                                                i.     The “Golden Rule” point to the fact that Christianity is not simply a matter of abstinence from sin; it is positive goodness.

                                                                                                              ii.     It may be easy to refrain from harming others, but it is much more difficult to take the initiative in doing something good for them.  The Golden Rule is the foundation of active goodness and mercy -- the kind of love God shows to us every day.      

b.     This is Our Moral Duty to Others.

                                                                                                                i.     That which is pleasing to your self is likely to be pleasing to others.

1.     This is recognized as a good assumption to start with; but it is not always appropriate. Perhaps it would if the “pleasing” was not a matter of self-indulgence. Clearly we should try to please others.

2.     The standard to begin with is what would be pleasing to us; but this will be adjusted as we get to know them better.

                                                                                                              ii.     That which is right for your self is likely to be right for others. But we make at least two mistakes with this.

1.     We claim rights and privileges which we are not prepared to give equally to others. 

2.     We give ourselves freedoms and liberties which we consistently deny to others. This is completely unfair.

3.     My rights should also be afforded to my spouse or brother equally; and my freedoms and liberties are my brother's due also.

4.     What is good for the goose is also good for the gander!  Fair treatment to all regardless of position, station, race, or gender.

                                                                                                            iii.     That which we expect from others we may reasonably expect others to claim from us.

1.     This may appear to fail in recognizing the various relations of classes in society.

2.     But it is based on what is the true equality of mankind. Equality of ability, place, opportunity, education, influence, even of character, there can never be.

3.     But equality in service, mutual service, there can be. The master serves the servant; the servant serves the master. Then Christ's Law clearly applies.

4.     The service I seek is the service I should give. 

                                                iii.     Live in Love to Be Obedient to What the Word Requires (Matt. 7:12).

a.      Not only does this rule describe briefly the behavior expected of Jesus' followers, it also sums up the Law and the Prophets.

                                                                                                                i.     This principle by Jesus is a summary of the moral teachings of the Word. The righteousness demanded by the OT is fulfilled in converted believers who thus walk according to the Spirit (Rom. 8:4). If this verse were universally obeyed, it would transform all areas of international relationships, national politics, family life, and church life.

                                                                                                              ii.     This guiding principle is one of the most misunderstood statements in the Bible. This statement is not the sum total of Christian truth, nor is it God’s plan of redemption. We should no more build our theology on the Golden Rule than we should build our astronomy on “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” 

b.     This great truth is a principle that ought to govern our attitudes toward others.

                                                                                                                i.     It only applies to believers, and it must be practiced in every area of life. The person who practices the Golden Rule refuses to say or do anything that would harm himself or others. If our judging of others is not governed by this principle, we will become proud and critical, and our own spiritual character will degenerate.

                                                                                                              ii.     Practicing the Golden Rule releases the love of God in our lives and enables us to help others, even those who want to hurt us. 

c.      But remember that practicing the Golden Rule means paying a price.

                                                                                                                i.     If we want God’s best for ourselves and others, but others resist God’s will, then they will oppose us.

                                                                                                              ii.     We are salt, and salt stings the open wound. We are light, and light exposes dirt.

 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?

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. 

So then...the Cross points to the fact that Jesus is the Savior! As the little chorus goes, “He paid a debt He did not owe, we owed a debt we could not pay.” We have one hope: Salvation through Jesus Christ. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as our Substitute, Redemption, and Forgiveness of sin.

This is exactly what Paul outlines in Romans 10:9-10, writing, “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.” We must believe that the Son of God died for our sins, was buried, and God raise Him up again the third day for our justification. It is crucial that we place our faith in Jesus Christ and His Gospel! This is the power of God that saves us (Rom. 1:14-17).

Christ’s suffering at Calvary was God providing payment for our sins. At Calvary sin was paid for in full. Now sinners can be saved—born again to enter a relationship with God. We cannot save ourselves no matter how good, sincere, or diligent we are. Being born again means we become a part of a new family; God is our Father who shares with us His very own divine nature.

Turn then from your unbelief, rejection of God, freestyle living, and self-willfulness and trust Christ the Savior. Turn from your wicked ways and turn to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today. He promised to save whoever will repent and believe on Him (John 3; Rom. 10:8-13). He is God, who came to earth and became a man to die in our place for our sins. Because of that, we can know God and be with Him forever. How wonderful!