"Live before an Audience of One" (Matthew 6:1-18)

Many of you know what a profound impact my grandfather had on my life. During my rebellious years in my twenties he would often pull me aside and try to talk sense into me.

After the decisions I’d made, it looked to many like I was the bad one, the black sheep, but my grandpa saw something different. And when he became a born again Christian, he gave me a Bible and began sharing the gospel with me, and it changed my life. I gave my life to Christ, and never looked back.

But I remember at his funeral there was a time of testimonies, where people could share about grandpa. And person after person came forward, sharing how grandpa had mentored them, prayed with them, helped them, gave them money, helped with a project, and I remember being absolutely shocked. The whole family was. He hadn’t told anyone about these things he was doing.

He was living for an audience of one, he was living before the Lord. The praise of people, well, he could’ve told us about it, but he didn’t. And we only discovered it after he died. Most of my family never knew he helped me until I shared about it.

As we go through this series about the sermon on the mount, and it’s impact on our heart... Let me ask you today: Where is your heart?

Is it to please an audience of one, your heavenly Father? Or is it to receive the approval and applause of others?

The good news is, we can always make a change. With God’s help of course.

So as we continue through this famous sermon, we recall how last week Jesus challenged us to guard our hearts, and live a pure life, and even, to love our enemies.

He gave us several areas of concern to avoid, anger, sexual immorality, and hate. Now he’s going to talk about three areas of the good we do, and how to do it in the right way. Jesus is going to ask us: What’s in your heart? And answer the question: How do we live before an audience of one?

We will be in Matthew 6:1-18.

Starting in verse 1 today: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”

This is the key thesis statement for our entire sermon today. Be cautious, Jesus tells us, to not get into the mindset, of doing good things. to.be.seen. By others… for the admiration of others. To show off.

And he explains the cost: If you do, you’ll have no reward from the Father, in heaven.

Every good thing you do for God, stores a particular reward for you in paradise. But, Jesus is going to show us how doing something good, and then telling everybody what you did, means the reward is removed.

First area Jesus will discuss is giving to those in need. First we get a bad example of giving.

Verse 2: “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”

Ever wonder where the expression “tooting your own horn” came from?

There was an entire culture apparently in this time in Israel, where those who gave to the poor made sure everyone knew about it. Did they actually blow shofars when they did it? Maybe. We don’t have any direct evidence of that, but it’s possible.

There was a trend on social media for a while, where influencers would take a selfie of themselves giving money or food to a needy person. But it quickly became something less than popular, for obvious reasons.

Jesus is saying, if we give to the needy, we shouldn’t tell others about it.

A heart dependent on the approval of others will be a heart lost in fear, stuck on constantly rolling seas, and a heart imprisoned by the opinions and praise of others.

Verse 3: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing…”

Here is the good example. Someone gives some money to a homeless person, walks away, and never tells anyone. But Jesus takes it a step further.

He uses this fascinating phrase, “don’t let your left hand know what your right is doing.” The word Jesus uses for “know” is Ginosko’ in the Greek. He uses the word Ginosko twice, a heart knowing.

What’s Jesus really saying? Even when you do something good for someone, don’t contemplate it in your own heart, “oh look at me, look at how good I’m being, look at me, I’m a good servant of God.” No, simply give, with joy, and don’t contemplate it further. Or it may begin to build pride in us. And pride is the deadly enemy of every Christian. A prideful Christian is useless, for what they do, they do for themselves.

“Lord I give you all the glory” “For you Lord” Give it all for God. Not for you. Not to be seen. But before Him.

Verse 4: so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

The secret giving, is between you and the Father. No one else knows, well aside from the person you helped. But ultimately it’s a little wink and nod to your Father, quietly, Father, I love you, and no one else needs to get between that.

But we do need to balance this scripture with Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

OK, so, how can we obey both scriptures? God does this a lot in scripture, he gives us two scriptures that might seem to contradict each other, but they don’t when you look at the heart of it.

How do we “give in secret” but also “let our good deeds shine before others so they may glorify our Father in heaven.”

It’s about the heart. Yes, give in secret, don’t tell anyone if your heart desire is to show off how good you are, but if your heart is to show what God did in the situation, then share it freely.

Next, Jesus is going to switch to the topic of prayer.

Verses 5-6: 5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Jesus gives an example first of improper prayer. He looks to the heart. The crowd apparently is well aware of people who stand on the street corners praying out loud trying to get attention, and show that they are good people.

That is not the purpose of prayer, or giving. Does this mean we can’t pray with someone in a public place? Of course not. But we should make sure our heart is right, are we talking to God, or are we saying it’s a prayer, but we’re really talking to the crowd to show how good we are. This is not pleasing to God.

Again, it all goes back to the heart. And if our heart is right, we will want to get along with God, and pray. And God says, reward will be the result.

Next, verses 7-8: “7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

During the time of Jesus, it was common for pagans, people who worshiped idols, to repeat the same prayer or incantation over and over and over, repeatedly, with the idea that repeating the same phrases long enough would “Wear down” the god or goddess to acquiesce to their request. Jesus says don’t do it the pagans do. You don’t need to repeat mindless phrases over and over. You need to pray from the heart.

I think we all can be tempted at times to pray in a way that is not from the heart, it’s just ritual, it’s just doing our due diligence, doing our duty, Lord bless so and so, and bless this person and bless that person. But there is no heart in it. There is no heart cry for their healing or salvation. I fall into this from time to time. And I have to remember, the Father wants our prayer to be heart-felt, an inner longing of our heart expressed to God, through the Spirit’s leading.

God knows what we need before we even ask Him. Yet God wants us to ask. Not in endless words. But in clear heart guided requests. Sometimes the most simple prayer can be the most powerful: “Lord please help me.” I do that one a fair amount when I’m struggling.

Next, Jesus is going to show us how to pray. Verse 9:

“This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name”

We are going to walk through the prayer Jesus gave us, and I think we’ll see it’s about positioning our hearts to embrace the truth about reality, the universe, and everything.

God is your Father. Is that real to you? Every time you declare it, and call God Father, it does something in your heart. You believe it more and more.

Holy or hallowed be your name. We declare to God, “you are holy” which reminds us to always view God that way, as perfect, righteous, good.

Verse 10: “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

This portion of the prayer positions our heart to desire God’s kingdom, not ours, and God’s will to be done, not our own.

We typically will tend to want our little kingdom to grow, and our will to be done, what we want to happen, God helps us to declare openly the opposite. And this helps our heart and molds us into that way of thinking.

On Earth as it is in heaven, is a reminder that the Earth is under the control of the evil one, and we desire the government of heaven, which is God, to reign on the Earth, one day soon.

Verse 11: “Give us today our daily bread.”

The prayer switches from declarations toward God, to requests we make of Him. God, please give us food and drink for today. The things we need. But again, it helps our heart. By declaring it as a request, we are saying to God: We rely on you. Not our bank account. Not our wallet or purse. But on you. It all comes from you, and no other source.

Verse 12: “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

I prefer the NLT’s rendering of this verse, Forgive us our sins and we forgive those who sin against us. Debts, sins, it’s the same thing Jesus is referring to.

This is a good reminder to our heart, for the need of confession. I asked the Lord the other day, Lord search my heart, are there any sins in my life I need to repent of, and God brought several things up, one after another. Our heart ought to always seek the Lord’s forgiveness for sins. Particularly, those sins we commit in the future. Or those we commit today. Less and less though, as we grow in His likeness.

But also notice it says, as we forgive our debtors. This is a declaration of saying, “Lord, I forgive those who have hurt me recently, I do not remember their sins against me any longer.” Powerful stuff. Heart changing stuff.

Verse 13: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

Two key statements made to God, first, lead us not into temptation. This statement to God is declaring our need for Him. There are dangerous temptations in the world, Lord, lead us away from temptation and toward yourself. We are reliant on you.

Second, deliverance from the evil one. We know the enemy is like a lion prowling around seeking someone to devour, so again we see our reliance on God, we can’t fight the devil on our own, we need God, Lord, deliver us from the evil one.

The Lord’s prayer is a prayer I memorized as a child raised in the Roman Catholic church. I knew how to repeat the words. But I don’t think I understood what it meant to declare it. Now, I pray the Our Father once a day at night before I go to bed, and I pray it slowly, thinking carefully about each phrase I say, at least I try to, because I know the words declared to my Father, will result in a slight shift in my heart attitude, toward the way God desires it to be.

Next, Jesus is going to stop to comment on one particular portion of the Lord’s prayer, which his quite surprising. He doesn’t comment on any other portion of it, but the portion about forgiving others.

Verses 14-15: “14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

I think Jesus highlights this here because it’s so important for our hearts to be free from hatred of our neighbor. Hatred ruins our heart. Sets it ablaze with anger, rage, resentment, it does such terrible damage. So Jesus reminds us, the Father has forgiven so many of your sins, an endless record of sins from your past. And what the Father requires of you, is that you also forgive in a similar way, a much smaller debt that your neighbor owes you, for when they wronged you.

And it includes a serious challenge, Jesus says, if you don’t, if you refuse to forgive people who sin against you, he says, the Father will withhold forgiveness for some of your sins too. And we know where that will lead us. So Jesus is very serious about forgiveness.

He discusses this in one of his famous parables, where a master forgave his servant a massive debt of millions, and then that same servant refused to forgive someone who owed him a few thousand. And the master called the servant back and threw him in prison.

We are commanded to learn forgiveness. Why? Because God is mean? No, because he knows what unforgiveness does to our hearts. It turns them rotten with hate. All of this is about the heart.

So Jesus continues. He’s talked about how to help people in the right spirit, he’s shared about how to pray in the right spirit, now he’s going to tell us how to fast in the right spirit.

I hope and pray that every person in this church fasts and prays from time to time. I’ve talked to a few of you who have done it from time to time, and it’s always a blessing.

Here’s the excuses, I can’t because of my health. Nope. Not true. I don’t feel called to that. Yes you are, we all are. I will when God prompts me. If he hasn’t prompted you in the last year, you aren’t listening.

Jesus uses three big words: ‘When you fast’ which implies we are fasting and praying from time to time. Fasting is awesome though you guys. I think it’s a wonderful and exciting way to experience God in a deeper way. If you’re not sure how, I’ve got some great books on it, and if you want to talk about it more, just come to me, I’d be happy to discuss it.

Jesus says, “16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”

So, many in the time of Jesus would fast, but they would intentionally make themselves look rough, so others would see and say oh wow, look at so and so, they’re fasting again, how amazing of them. But Jesus reminds us for the third time, if we do with a heart to be seen by others, then that’s the only reward we will get.

Verses 17-18: 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting…”

Because they lived in a desert nation, it was very common to put oil on your head to prevent cracking of the skin. So he says, intentionally clean up, and anoint yourself, wash your face, so people don’t know that you’re fasting.

If you’re fasting, you shouldn’t tell people. I think there are exceptions to that, you can tell me, I’m your pastor, I can give you tips and help guide you. If you’re fasting with someone, same thing. If you’re fasting for someone, it may be appropriate to let them know, in the right spirit. But in general, keep it secret.

And finally, last part of verse 18, so it won’t be obvious that your fasting to others, “but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Do it before God. Honestly, do it before God. When you give to someone whose needy, do it before God, and no one else. An audience of one. When you pray, do it for God. An audience of one. When you fast, do it for God. An audience of one. This is pleasing to your Father in heaven, and Jesus says three separate times here, your Father will reward you.

What reward does the Father refer to? The reward is waiting for us in heaven. Though I imagine some of these promises could include rewards on earth in some way. But I think in general Jesus is talking about heavenly rewards. What are they?

Mansions or homes in heaven, a living place for you.

Different crowns to wear, based on your actions in this life.

Authority and responsibility in heaven, leadership position.

And treasure in heaven. And ultimately, being with God.

The question in the end is, where is your heart? Are you stuck in this world? Then you’ll want praise from people. I think it’s natural that we all do. But, God says I have a higher way for you. The way of the heart after God’s heart. And if your pursue this way, more and more, you’ll long for the treasure of heaven. A heart that is focused on your Father, and on your future in heaven.

Guide your own heart toward the beauty of living before God your Father, an audience of one, not for people’s applause. Do it in secret. Do it for Him.

There was a man during the start of World War II, named Nicholas Winton who worked tirelessly to help get Jewish children out of Nazi occupied territory, and with precise planning it succeeded. Nearly 700 children were saved. The amazing thing is Nicholas never told anyone, not even his own wife. One day his wife was looking through old scrapbooks in the attic and she discovered records of the children he saved.

She contacted the BBC, and Nicholas was invited to attend a television show, called That’s Life. He just thought he was going as an attender. But the host pointed him out, and talked about his rescue operation.

“The host, Esther Rantzen, began explaining his rescue operation. Then she asked the audience a question:

"Is there anyone in our audience tonight who owes their life to Nicholas Winton?"

People sitting all around him began standing up.

They were the children he had rescued nearly 50 years earlier.

They were now grown men and women, many with children and grandchildren of their own.

Winton was surrounded by people who would not have been alive had he not intervened.”

That is how we as Christians should live. Not looking for praise. Not looking for honor. Simply looking to do our Heavenly Father’s will. And one day, God will honor us, just like Nicholas Winton was honored for something he kept secret nearly his whole life. You may yet one day, in heaven, find yourself surrounded by people.

And you might say to God, “ who are these people?” And God may reply, “These are the people who you helped or blessed on the Earth and they’re here to help welcome you into heaven.”

Love Your Enemy

Corrie Ten Boom and her sister Betsie had helped save over 800 Jews during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Unfortunately they were captured by the Nazis and put in an all female concentration camp where Betsie later died. Years after the war Corrie traveled the world speaking about Jesus and her experiences during the war. One day she spoke at a church service in Munich, where she had the most unlikely encounter of her life...

“It was at a church service in Munich that I saw him, the former S.S. man who had stood guard at the shower door in the processing center at Ravensbruck. He was the first of our actual jailers that I had seen since that time. And suddenly it was all there – the roomful of mocking men, the heaps of clothing, Betsie’s pain-blanched face. 

He came up to me as the church was emptying, beaming and bowing. ‘How grateful I am for your message, Fraulein.’ He said. ‘To think that, as you say, He has washed my sins away!’ 

His hand was thrust out to shake mine. And I, who preached so often to the people in Bloemendaal the need to forgive, kept my hand at my side.

Even as the angry, vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin of them. Jesus Christ had died for this man; was I going to ask for more? Lord Jesus, I prayed, forgive me and help me to forgive him. 

I tried to smile, I struggled to raise my hand. I could not. I felt nothing, not the slightest spark of warmth or charity. And so again I breathed a silent prayer. Jesus, I cannot forgive him. Give me your forgiveness.

As I took his hand the most incredible thing happened. From my shoulder along my arm and through my hand a current seemed to pass from me to him, while into my heart sprang a love for this stranger that almost overwhelmed me." -Excerpt from The Hiding Place, by Corrie Ten Boom

“I forgive you, brother!” I cried. “With all my heart.”

For a long moment we grasped each other’s hands. I had never known God’s love so intensely as I did then. But even so, I realized it was not my love. I had tried, and did not have the power. It was the power of the Holy Spirit.
-Excerpt from 7 Women: And The Secret Of Their Greatness by Eric Metaxas

Remember this moment today, as we discuss some of the hardest teachings Jesus ever gave us.

“You have heard that it said” “But I tell you” You will hear these phrases used repeatedly by Jesus. He is saying, my teachings go beyond the Torah. My teachings touch not only the actions of a human being, but their hearts.

We will be in Matthew 5:21-48.

Last week we saw Jesus end his opening statements in the sermon on the mount, by declaring that if our righteousness does not surpass that of the pharisees, we will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Now, he is going to explain what he means by that.

Let’s begin with verses 21-22: “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”

In the ten commandments it said 'You shall not murder,' 6th commandment. But Jesus says, in truth, it goes further than this.

Anger with another person, prolonged can lead down an ugly path. He uses the word “Raca” which is an Aramaic term used for contempt for someone else. Particularly, when we view someone as unworthy/worthless. And he goes even further, “you fool!” calling someone a fool in biblical terms was very serious. To call someone a fool was to accuse them of being immoral.

Something as simple as anger can begin to lead to contempt. We begin to despise that person. And soon, we begin to view them as a fool, someone who is morally evil and backwards. And Jesus says, this is a pathway to destruction. Do not allow your heart to go down this road.

Next, 23-24: 23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

Just like last week, we see how Jesus gives us concrete actions that will help guide our own hearts toward the right. Jesus tells us, if we find that another person has something against us, we should take action as soon as possible to make it right.

It’s interesting too, it doesn’t say if we have something against someone else, but if someone else has something against us, we should try to make it right, if we can.

The result of such an action? Our heart is affected in a positive way. 

Next, 25-26: 25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Jesus continues on the topic of anger, and controlling our emotions. He reminds us, to settle matters quickly with our adversary. This certainly could refer to an actual legal situation. But, it’s also a great metaphor for a conflict with a friend or family member that begins to escalate. And Jesus tells us, it’s best if possible to resolve it. Sometimes a very small dispute can spiral out of control so quickly, and over time the relationship is ruined. But, if we pause when agitated, stop, and figure it out, we can make it right before it goes too far. He’s reminding us: Don’t let pride get in the way, these situations are too important. Choose to be the bigger person and make it right.

I’ve found being a Christian is essentially choosing over and over to be the bigger person in any given situation.

Next, Jesus is going to move on to the topic of lust and human sexuality.

Verses 27-28: 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

This is the 7th commandment in the 10 commandments. Again Jesus takes us to the heart. It’s not just about not having an affair. It’s goes further. If you even look at a woman lustfully, you’ve already broken that commandment.

Now, we’re Christians, yet many can attest to struggling with lust, or anger. Why? It’s because we’ve been given a new heart, but we still live in a fallen world. Our heart is redeemed, but still battles a fallen nature. So our hearts are undergoing a change from the Lord, from glory to glory. And the Lord wants us to cooperate in that process, by living the things Jesus is telling us.

Jesus goes on in the next two verses to explain the seriousness of sin. God takes sin very seriously, and we should too. Sin can affect our hearts in a profound way. But in the wrong direction! Jesus gives one of his strongest warnings in the entire New Testament here:

Verses 29-30: 29 “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.”

Guard your heart. By your choices, you can participate in guarding your heart. Or our hearts can become slowly corrupted by wrong choices. But do not be afraid! As always you have three powerful friends to help you in this journey: God your Father, Jesus Christ your savior, and the Holy Spirit within you.

If your eyes are leading you to lust, take action. Repent quickly. If your hand is causing you to stumble, take action, repent quickly. And by so doing, you will guard your heart.

Jesus is going to continue on the topic of sexuality, and now he’s going to speak particularly about marriage.

Verses 31-32: 31 “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Here we see that the law of Moses allowed a man to divorce a woman simply with a certificate of divorce, but, Jesus says the way of the heart is different. He says, divorce should be very rare, only in the case of sexual immorality, though other scriptures imply abandonment by an unbelieving spouse is also grounds for divorce (1st Cor 7:15). With these issues it’s always wise to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

But the message is clear: Divorce is destructive, and marriage is meant to be permanent. He doesn't want us getting divorced and remarried every time we have a disagreement or catch feelings for someone passing by, he wants us to recognize the importance of marriage as a lifelong commitment before God.

Jesus is next going to get into community relations.

Verses 33-37: “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ 34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."

Let your “yes” be “yes” and let your “no” be “no.” This is heart integrity. There shouldn’t be a need for taking oaths, the integrity of a Christian should be so complete, that when we say something, we mean it, and we do it. And everyone simply expects that from us. Swearing oaths was a big thing in ancient times, and we still do it in court rooms today, but, God prefers our character be that we don’t need to swear anything, people simply know they can trust our word and our actions. This flows from a heart choice of integrity.

By series of decisions we build integrity, or we begin to lose integrity. But nothing is final, always come to Jesus, and he can fix anything in us, if we’ve lost integrity, Jesus can restore it, if we’ve developed sexual misconduct, Jesus can redeem it, if anger controls us, turn to Jesus, he will help us. Always, with all of this, remember the answer is to turn to Jesus, and ask Him to do a work in your heart, and then obey what Jesus speaks to you in the Holy Spirit.

The last ten verses are really going to round out this way of heart holiness that Jesus is explaining. He’s going to directly address how we deal with people who have hurt us, make us angry, and those we consider enemies.

Verses 38-39: 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.”

The old testament said, if you are attacked, you may retaliate. Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. But Jesus says, do not resist an evil person.

If they speak poorly about you, don’t say to yourself, well I’m going to spread some rumors about them. Instead, take actions that are shockingly different then the way of the world. Pray for them. Set good boundaries, but refuse to hate them. Love them. It is radical act in a sinful world, and no one knows how to respond when they've spewed out hate and you've responded with love. 

Jesus continues, 39b: "If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also."

When Jesus was taken to the cross... When he was spit on, reviled, mocked, when nails were driven through his hands and feet, so much abuse was heaped upon him... it stopped there. Jesus did not return it to those who harmed him. He absorbed it. He took it upon himself. Hate, shame, rage, disdain, all ended. It did not boomerang back. It stopped. 

In middle-eastern culture, a slap was not a physical assault as much as it was an attack on the person’s honor. Jesus tells us: Don’t continue the cycle of hate. Let it end with you. And yes, you’ll look like you lost. But you actually won. Because hate and disdain was poured on you, and you refused to continue the cycle of hate, you ended it. That is holy love.

He continues, verse 40: "And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well."

Imagine, if someone takes something from you, and you offer them, without being ironic, your jacket too. This would speak to their greed, possibly change their life forever. But ultimately again, the act changes you. It changes your heart. By choosing a higher path, your heart begins to get used to choosing a higher path, and more and more, we choose the higher path naturally.

Does this mean we must always give someone something more if they steal from us? No, this is very situational, and must be led by the Holy Spirit. But the principle is clear: Don’t demand your rights, don’t retaliate. Love your enemy.

Next, verse 41: "If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles."

Roman soldiers could compel civilians to carry supplies or belongings, and it was believed the rule was: Not beyond 1 mile. But Jesus says: Go the second mile.

It would’ve been so humiliating to be forced by foreign soldiers to carry their belongings, but Jesus flips the script, and says go a second mile with them. Suddenly a task forced on them, became an act of charity. And it shifts the entire spiritual environment.

Verse 42: “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”

Are we willing to help those in need? Poverty was very common at this time in Israel. There were many taxes from the Romans. And many felt they needed to protect what they had, instead of helping the poor. This is a great reminder that we ought to give generously to those in need, even if we risk our own financial safety.

In these last few verses, Jesus is going to get to the very heart of the matter. And he’s actually going to call it: “Being like your Father in heaven.”

So if you really want to go all in with God, which we all should, this is the way:

Verses 43-45: 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Jesus says, love your enemies. Not just your neighbors. Not just family or friends. But your actual enemies. And pray for those who persecute you. Is that possible? Or is this teaching too hard? I firmly believe, it is possible, and it's not too hard.

There’s something many practice in recovery. If you have a resentment toward someone you’re instructed to pray for that person every night for two weeks, for God to guide them, favor them, and give them every good thing you want in life. What does this do? Over those two weeks, it changes your heart. And you begin to love that person.

Now, you should set firm boundaries with abusive people, but you can still forgive, love, and pray for them.

And we’re told by Jesus, if we do this, we’re being true sons and daughters of our Father in heaven. Because God does the same thing. He gives rain and food and safety to both those who love him and those who reject him. There are thousands of people in this city who reject and ignore God, yet they have air in their lungs, food, safety, jobs, and housing. God loves and cares for his enemies. Jesus wants us to do the same thing. By choosing this path in Christ, over and over, our hearts are placed in His hands, and he molds our hearts through these actions.

Jesus explains further: v.46-47: "46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”

Anyone can love someone who loves them. But you are called to a higher way. The way of holy love.

Lastly, verse 48 says: "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

This verse can feel intimidating, but see it in it’s context: The perfect way of love, to be like our Heavenly Father, is to love and pray for our enemies. To turn the other cheek. To go the extra mile. To refrain from lust. To keep our anger in check. And if we live out those things, we are indeed, living a way of life, where it can be said: They are perfect as their heavenly father is perfect.

This is the high calling. The holy path. It’s beautiful. It’s scary. It’s a bit intimidating. It’s exciting. It’s raw. It’s real. It gets into the nitty gritty of life. But when we look at it, we can all agree, it’s right. It’s really right.

Yet I think we look at it and think: “There’s just no way I can do that.” And we look down sadly, and want to give up.

But as we look down at the ground, something begins to spark in us, and it’s the Holy Spirit, whispering to our hearts: With Christ, anything is possible. 

A little ember begins to glow in us, and it bursts to life. And we begin to dare to believe. We see Jesus holding our hand. We see our Father walking beside us, holding our other hand. We see the Holy Spirit glowing within us. And we slowly go from looking down, to looking up to heaven, with courage and faith, and growing determination in our hearts, and we whisper: “With God, I can.”

Love. Your. enemy. Corrie Ten Boom learned this mystery through a single moment, seeking Jesus’ help. That then, must be the mystery of how to live the teaching of Jesus, in the moment of action, ask Him for help, and he will give the help, to complete the action. Her hand connected with the man who had tormented her in the concentration camp, and holy brotherly love was the result. 

Corrie Ten Boom learned that this was the way to have a heart like her Father in heaven. And so we may too, through walking in these footsteps, know the path that leads to the Father's heart.

A Heart Transformed: The Message of the Beatitudes

This is a story that Pastor David Gibbs from Lancaster Baptist Church tells of his upbringing: One day my dad came to me and he said, "I'm worried about you, David." He said, "You're selfish. I don't ever see you offer to help people. It's time for you to learn to serve.” 

I said, "What do you have in mind?" And he said, "Our neighbor down the road, the Tates, he's dying. He's really sick. And he's too sick to put out his corn. And I want you to go down and talk to Mrs. Tate and offer to serve them.”

"I want you to do something for them, not looking for something in return." 

And I said, "Whoa, dad, I know you love me and I don't want to be selfish. That's a sin. But dad, we don't want to do the Tate's corn.” I said, "There's not a nastier, meaner woman on the planet than Mrs. Tate!"

My dad said, "I picked the Tate's for a reason son. If you can't learn to serve you're going nowhere with God." Well, we went down to the Tate's knocked on their door  and here come Mrs. Tate. She opened the screen door, she didn't say "hi" she started cussing me out standing there, "What do you want little Gibbs!?"

I told my dad, "Do you hear this?" Then I turned to her, "I don't want nothing my dad wants to talk to you." 

My dad said, “No, tell her what you want to do.” 

I said, "Mrs. Tate I know your husband's dying, and you're not getting your crop out. Well we'd like to help get your crop out-" And my dad stopped me. He said, "Tell her it would be your privilege." 

I said, “My dad thinks I'm selfish. I probably am. But my Bible says it would be our privilege to serve you." 

She replied, “Well, my equipment is not ready.” My dad said, "That's okay. We'll use ours. My boy wants to serve you because he's a Christian.”

She looked at me and she said, “Is that right?” I said, "well, yeah.” So we got their crop out. Then we got it harvested. My dad sold the corn. He said, "Now I want you to take the money to her and thank her for the privilege."

I went down the road and knocked on her door. And I said, "Here you go, Mrs. Tate." 

She looked at me and said, "I know you guys are always inviting us to go to church. We've never gone, but any chance we could go this Sunday with you?" They both went and he got saved.

In less than two weeks, he was in eternity. At my wedding, years later obviously, Mrs. Tate was there. She came up to me and said that day: "I'm so glad your dad taught you to serve, son."

Two things happened, first, a family got blessed, but additionally, for David Gibbs, his heart was deeply affected by these events. He was changed.

When I think of the life of Jesus, he lived these truths. And he also taught them. And we teach about them in our sermons today. Our sermons attempt to communicate truths that will help us to live the way described in this true story from the life of pastor David Gibbs.

A sermon can teach us and inspire us to live out a heart of loving service. I'm sure you can think of many sermons in your life that have deeply touched you. I think of so many of the greats. Certain names come to mind, John Wesley, Charles Spurgeon, A.W. Tozer... But there is one single, great, perfect sermon. And it was given by none other than Jesus our savior himself. Today we refer to it as the sermon on the mount.

For this new sermon series the Lord has given us, we are going to go through the different sections of the sermon on the mount, examining what they mean for our hearts.

We will be in Matthew 5:1-20.

Beginning in Matthew 5:1-2: “1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.”

As often was the case, Jesus sat down to begin teaching. His 12 disciples gathered closest around him, and the crowds gathered on the hillside for the message.

We don’t know exactly how many were present, but most likely there were thousands, possibly even more.

This sermon message would be the key manifesto of the kingdom of God: How to live as a Christian in a broken world. This first section deals with the human heart. And as Jesus often did, he flips the expectations of the world on their head.

He began this way, verse 3: “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

When you see that word blessed, you can also think of it as if Jesus was saying “happy are those who…” "Or favored are those who…"

The first thing he mentioned is the concept of being poor in spirit. What does this mean? The original Greek here pictures someone who is a complete beggar, something with inner bankruptcy toward God.

It reminds me of step 1 in the 12 steps: "I admitted I was powerless, that my life is unmanageable."

God wants us to come to him, and he says we are blessed and happy, if we come to him knowing we are completely reliant on Him for everything.

Complete and utter dependence on God. Is that who you are today?

I need Jesus. Totally reliant or…

I’m in control, and I tag religion on to the side. Do we have some controlling domineering types in the room? You must surrender and become totally reliant on God. You are not in control. God is in control. And when we try to be in control, we’re usurping the place of God. We are playing God, and that is idolatry.

Those who recognize, they are poor in spirit, totally dependent on God, Jesus says, will belong in the kingdom of God. They find a safe comfortable place within it’s borders.

Next, verse 4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

A mourning heart is a heart that is grieved over their own sins, the sins of the world around them, and the unsaved people in the world. This Greek word pictures heavy grief. And remember, Jesus is speaking to a crowd where many have not embraced him as their savior, so he’s pointing to people who are unsaved, and he’s saying if you grieve over your inability to follow the Torah, you will be comforted, if you grieve over your sin, and I think this is key: If you grieve over your disconnectedness from God, you will be comforted.

Next, verse 5: "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."

In English we often think of meek as being the same thing as weak or pandering. But in the original Greek, it pictures great strength placed under control, a strength tamed and submitted to God, and channeled toward God’s purposes.

In Greek literature praus was the exact Greek word used for when a wild horse was captured, tamed, and broken in, to be a warhorse. It’s strength wasn’t removed, but it was channeled toward a different purpose.

Next, verse 6: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

The first three mentioned here, poor in spirit, mourning over sin, and meek/humble, all bring someone to the point of hungering and thirsting for something more, something holy, something pure, hungering and thirsting for righteousness. And Jesus promises, if you do, you will be filled.

Filled by Jesus Christ himself. Filled by his body and his blood. Filled with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus takes the person who is poor, mourning, and meek, and longing for righteousness, and that person is in a perfect position to recognize their need of a savior, and receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior. Isn’t that amazing?

And I think the next few verses of the beatitudes are all going to explain, after receiving Christ, how to live.

Verse 7: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

Once we’ve seen God’s mercy to us, all our sins forgiven, God wants us to show mercy to others. To avoid judgment. But to forgive quickly and love. Position of the heart.

Verse 8: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."

This depicts the second work of grace, a heart made pure and holy in love. The pure in heart, made so by Jesus, made so by the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying work, will see God face to face.

Verse 9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

What does the word of God mean by peacemaker? This is very important, we are called in the Bible, ambassadors, peacemakers in the world.

But this does not refer to the modern concept of “keeping the peace” by staying quiet. I think many Christians think that, if I just stay quiet I can keep the peace, but it’s a false peace.

The biblical concept of peacemaker, is “making peace” by actively stepping into broken situations, and bringing healing and peace of Christ.

Often we think well, just don’t make waves. Jesus made waves. For the right reasons of course. Make waves when Jesus calls you to, for a holy purpose. Don’t “keep the peace” be one who goes out and makes peace a reality in people’s lives by ministering to them.

Next, verse 10: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Essentially, it’s saying, to live holy, in accordance with the kingdom of God as Jesus is describing it, means you will be persecuted.

Verses 11 and 12 are going to expand on this: 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Happy are you if you’re insulted, persecuted, and falsely called evil things, because of Jesus. The result? A great reward is waiting for you in heaven.

Jesus understands that it’ll hurt, but, he reminds us that our response should be to rejoice, have joy when we’re persecuted, because we know it means rewards in the future. (Not an easy thing to do apart from the Lord)

Verse 13 is fascinating: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”

It is possible, Jesus is saying, for a disciple to be the salt of the Earth, on the cutting edge of culture and society and leading the way of humanity toward truth, or a disciple can drift, and become bland, and then he says, once bland, it’s no longer good for anything but to be trampled under foot.

We are called to be a physical extension of God’s kingdom. Every offering given in the Old Testament, in Leviticus was to be salted, Leviticus 2:13 said, "Salt all your grain offerings, do not withhold the salt of the covenant you have with God."

Jesus gives another metaphor, verses 14-16: “14 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

So Jesus has gone through 9 heart positions, internal heart positions, but now he quickly points to externally focused actions. Be salt to the world, don’t lose your saltiness. Be light to the world, do not hide your light, but let your light shine through actions that flow from a heart devoted to God.

In Jewish culture, it’s interesting, the temple was considered the light of the world, but Jesus is saying "No, it’s you."

In the last four verses, Jesus is going to tie together the opening section of his sermon with profound statements.

Verses 17-18: 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”

Many in the crowds I’m sure were beginning to believe that Jesus was doing away with all the commandments of God, in favor of a different way. But Jesus says, that isn’t the case. He didn’t come to abolish the Torah, but fulfill the Torah. In fact what Jesus brings builds on the torah, it’s the next step in the spiritual development of humanity.

For us today, Jesus speaks again to our hearts, often our hearts want to “get out” of the responsibility of obedience to God. We tell ourselves well Jesus paid it all, so I can live however I want, and even if I keep sinning it’s ok, but Jesus says no, I haven’t come to do away with God’s commands, I’ve come to fulfill them. Jesus comes to give new commands, his two great commands to love God and love others. And to follow the Spirit, to love our neighbor, to repent of sin by the power of the Holy Spirit. He didn’t come to end all law, but to fulfill an old law, and bring a new law, the law of love, of the life giving Spirit.

Jesus continues: v. 19 “Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

If we teach God’s commands as optional, we will still go to heaven, but we’ll be considered least in the kingdom of God. But, if we teach the whole counsel of God, the whole word of God as commands, we will be called great in the kingdom of God.

Lastly, verse 20, Jesus dangles us on a ledge: “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

How could that be possible? Jesus would willingly give His life on the cross, to make us holy. And he would send us the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit would sanctify us, cleanse us, so that we would go even further than the old laws. The old testament law said, "an eye for an eye", we are told to love and pray for our enemies. The Old Testament said by your actions you’ll be judged, for us, our thoughts are considered also.

Many denominations would say that Jesus fulfilled it all, so we will sin all the times, but it’s OK. The word of God tells us, shall we go on sinning so grace may abound? By no means (Romans 6:1). By the Spirit, we are to put to death the deeds of the flesh (Romans 8:13). And it all goes back to the heart. Because of Jesus Christ, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit with us, we can live a righteous life. With a new heart, given by Jesus, anything is possible!

Think back to the opening illustration: Little David Gibbs was discipled by his dad, to go do an act of service, and it changed the lives of people he served, but it also changed David’s own heart. Jesus is like the dad in the story, calling us to acts of love and service, and those acts definitely do help other people, but those acts also change our hearts. They mold our hearts into Christ’s likeness. But, when we avoid them, or ignore them, or even do something the opposite of love, that also forms and shapes our heart, in the wrong direction.

Do you long for a heart change today? Maybe you need the first heart change today, that is stone to fresh, that is giving your life to Jesus Christ and being born again? If that's you, give your life to Him today. But perhaps as a Christian you need a heart change?

Maybe you need to go from wounded, to healed? Ask Jesus.

Maybe you long to go from controlling to submitted? Ask Jesus.

Maybe you desire to go from angry to gentle? Ask Jesus.

Maybe you need to go from ashamed to set free? Ask Jesus. 

Maybe you need to go from bitter to joyous? Ask Jesus.

Maybe you long to go from selfish to servant heart? Ask Jesus.

He will changes our hearts. All we have to do is ask. But, don't be surprised if His answer includes an action that will craft the heart change in you that you desire. 

Stephen's Prophetic Message to the Sanhedrin (Acts 7)

I was in Cancun over the last week, thanks to the generosity of my mom and step-dad, who have a time-share there. We had a wonderful time. Such a beautiful place, we saw the sunrise, the beaches, the pools, enjoyed good food.

The Lord guided us, and my mom, bless her, she handed out so many Spanish gospel tracts, and little Jesus’ to people, to children, and to workers. And I did a few times as well too.

But one night I needed to do laundry. They had a laundry service there. So I took my laundry down, and there was a lady named Isela who was there to help me. Before I left I felt the Lord urge me to take a tract and a little Jesus downstairs with me. So I reluctantly did. I was tired, didn’t feel like doing ministry, but, I felt the Lord’s nudge, after listening to a sermon from Joe Sweet.

So I came in and she set me up with two laundry machines to use. I paid the bill. And I noticed a little Jesus on her computer, so I assumed she had already received one. So, I went to leave, and the Lord told me, go back and give to her what I had you bring. And I said in my heart, "But she already has one." The Lord pressed on my heart again, so I walked back in, and I said I want to give this to you. And she was so touched. She said her coworker had one, but she didn’t and she was so excited. She teared up. She treasured this gift so much. It was beautiful the look on her face brought me to tears. I came back to the room, so touched, thanking God.

Two hours later I came back, she had done all my laundry for me, and put it back into my bag. And she smiled and said, “you’ll like what I did with your clothes.” And I opened my bag later that night, and found she had folded every piece of clothing and put them in bags grouped by item. I was so moved.

This beautiful moment happened because of God. I obeyed, I was blessed. She obeyed and blessed me back, and so we both were blessed. Remember this, as we go into our message today.

This will be our last message in the Follow Me series, which has taken us through the first 7 chapters of the book of Acts, and followed the disciples actions as they sought to live out the things Jesus taught them during his Earthly ministry.

We conclude this series with God’s final message to the nation of Israel, after they had crucified their messiah. Throughout this message we will look at the words of Stephen, the longest speech recorded in the New Testament. But, I encourage today all of us to see, that it is not simply Stephen speaking, but God speaking through Him.

If you recall two weeks ago, we had seen Stephen rising to prominence in the early church, filled with the Spirit and full of wisdom. He was sharing the word about Jesus boldly, and this led a group from the synagogue of Freed Men to begin to debate with him. A controversy broiled around Stephen, until he was seized and taken before the Sanhedrin. There many false charges were brought against Stephen.

This brings us to our scripture today, which is Acts 7, and we’ll be looking at the whole chapter today. This sermon is going to a bit different, more than half of the message is scripture itself, so we are going to largely let scripture speak for itself today.

It begins like this: (v.1-3) Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these charges true?”

2 To this he replied: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Harran. 3 ‘Leave your country and your people,’ God said, ‘and go to the land I will show you.’

Stephen’s speech is going to depict the history of the nation of Israel, and so many of the great things God did.

The glory of God showed up in history, to one man, Abraham. A man living in Mesopotamia. A man called out of Babylon (modern day Mesopotamia is Iraq, which was once Babylon). The God of glory showed his glory to one man.

Next, verses 4-5: 4 “So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Harran. After the death of his father, God sent him to this land where you are now living. 5 He gave him no inheritance here, not even enough ground to set his foot on. But God promised him that he and his descendants after him would possess the land, even though at that time Abraham had no child."

So he left Babylon, and to understand human history, you must understand the dichotomy between Israel and Babylon. Babel represented the nations under the control of Satan, and God called Abraham out of that world, to a land that his ancestors would one day inherit.

What's amazing is Abraham had no children yet. He and his wife Sarah were elderly. Yet God promised that his descendants would become His own special people. 

Next verses 6-7: 6 God spoke to him in this way: ‘For four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated. 7 But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves,’ God said, ‘and afterward they will come out of that country and worship me in this place.’

God spoke of hard times to come for the nation, but he would deliver them.

“In this place.” On ground that did not yet belong to him. The temple would one day be built.

Next verse 8: "Then he gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. And Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him eight days after his birth. Later Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs."

History continues, Stephen is connecting everything together before the Sanhedrin, explaining all that had happened over the entire history of the nation.

Abraham received a covenant agreement with God. Isaac was Abraham’s son. And his wife gave birth to Jacob and Esau. And Jacob’s 12 sons would become the future 12 tribes of Israel. God was slowly building a nation from one man!

Now the narrative switches from Abraham, to Joseph.

Verses: 9-10: “Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him 10 and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt. So Pharaoh made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace.”

We begin to see a pattern, of the patriarchs persecuting those God calls. Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. But, God was with Him.

Next, 11-16: “Then a famine struck all Egypt and Canaan, bringing great suffering, and our ancestors could not find food. 12 When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our forefathers on their first visit. 13 On their second visit, Joseph told his brothers who he was, and Pharaoh learned about Joseph’s family. 14 After this, Joseph sent for his father Jacob and his whole family, seventy-five in all.

15 Then Jacob went down to Egypt, where he and our ancestors died. 16 Their bodies were brought back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a certain sum of money.”

The nation had grown from one man, Abraham, to 75, who went to Egypt to escape a famine. God had given Joseph supernatural wisdom, to store up grain for a coming famine, Joseph had interpreted a dream God gave the king of Egypt, that a famine was coming. And so Israel survived by coming to Egypt during the time of famine.

How does this apply to us today? Joseph went through a horrible life, from external standards. Many of us have been through difficult times as well. Joseph was taken as a slave, endured temptations, trials, prison, but God took him to leadership over all of Egypt; for a purpose, to help supply the surrounding region during a famine.

Remember that the trials you’ve gone through, they have a purpose, a purpose you may not understand yet, but, one day you’ll look back and realize, God was doing something in me, and for those around me.

So we saw how Joseph was persecuted, yet God protected him. Now we’re going to see Stephen focus in on Moses.

Next, verses 17-22: 17 “As the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt had greatly increased. 18 Then ‘a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt.’

19 He dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our ancestors by forcing them to throw out their newborn babies so that they would die.

20 “At that time Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child. For three months he was cared for by his family. 21 When he was placed outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. 22 Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.

God protected Moses, his chosen leader, and made sure that he would be cared for by Pharaoh’s daughter. God protected Abraham. He protected Joseph. He protects Moses. All for the purpose of guiding and building a nation that belonged to Him.

God is also your protector. But we have to understand what that means and how that works. Did Abraham, Joseph, and Moses have no problems? Of course not! They went through terrible problems and difficulties, but God protected them, and cared for them through it all. Joseph was sold into slavery. Moses was driven into the wilderness for 40 years. Abraham had to wait for years to finally have a child. So, God’s protection is nuanced, it does not mean we won’t have problems, we certainly will, but God will see us through them if we trust in Him.

What made Abraham, Joseph, and Moses special? Their hearts followed God in obedience even when it was hard. As you grow in your walk with Jesus, you can also train your heart to obey even when it’s hard. How? Small acts of obedience. They lead to large acts of obedience.

Obedience isn't always easy. But it's worth it. 

Next, verses 23-29: 23 “When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his own people, the Israelites. 24 He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defense and avenged him by killing the Egyptian. 25 Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not. 26 The next day Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them by saying, ‘Men, you are brothers; why do you want to hurt each other?’

Again, we see that God’s people did not recognize the leader that had been sent to them. They rejected Moses.

27 “But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us? 28 Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’ 29 When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons.

Moses fled into the wilderness, they had said of him: “who made you judge and ruler over us?” Stephen is pointing to a pattern in Israel’s history, rejection of those whom God sends. God uses people. Often he uses one person, like Moses, or Joseph, or Abraham, and so many times, God’s people were rejecting the ones he sent to them. Why? Pride is often the cause.

We too must guard our hearts against pride. It’s not about us, we are simply humble servants. I try to remind myself of that, any time I might think I’m so special, I’m a pastor, no, I’m a servant of God, that’s what the Bible says. And so we all are that. If we forget that fact, pride will destroy us.

Next: 30-34 “30 After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. 31 When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to get a closer look, he heard the Lord say: 32 ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look.

33 “Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. 34 I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’

Moses meets the God of Abraham and Joseph. And he is called by God to go back to Egypt, to a people who had rejected him.

Verses 35-36 “This is the same Moses they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 He led them out of Egypt and performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and for forty years in the wilderness.”

Rejected by the people, but called by God. The story repeats itself. 

Verses 37-38 are key: “This is the Moses who told the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your own people.’ 38 He was in the assembly in the wilderness, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors; and he received living words to pass on to us.”

God will raise up a prophet like me from your own people, that’s the messiah, that’s Jesus. Stephen identifies the spiritual authority of Moses, given by God, he was in the assembly, he was with the angel, with the ancestors, and he received living words to pass to us. But I wonder if that phrase right there is not referring just to Moses, but also to Jesus himself, that he was with the assembly, with the angel, with the ancestors, and Jesus received living words to pass on to Israel. I have no doubt Jesus was with Israel in all those circumstances.

Next 39-40: 39 “But our ancestors refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. 40 They told Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who led us out of Egypt—we don’t know what has happened to him!’

Again, we see the pattern of the people is to turn away from God. They turned in their hearts back to Egypt. They rejected Moses, they rejected Joseph, but, ultimately, the truth is, they were rejecting God himself. And at this moment it was made plain.

We too, in our walk with Jesus, can in our hearts turn back to the world. And we’re just going through the motions, showing up to church, but our heart really belongs to the things of this world.

Our heart can long for what’s familiar, because being a Christian can feel so new and different.

Next, verses 41-43: 41 "That was the time they made an idol in the form of a calf. They brought sacrifices to it and reveled in what their own hands had made. 42 But God turned away from them and gave them over to the worship of the sun, moon and stars. This agrees with what is written in the book of the prophets:

“Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings
forty years in the wilderness, people of Israel?
43 You have taken up the tabernacle of Molek
and the star of your god Rephan,
the idols you made to worship.
Therefore I will send you into exile’ beyond Babylon.”

They rejected God, and made a golden calf. And that continued, so much so, that we see Stephen quote from Amos 5:25–27, specifically adjusting it to point toward the Babylonian captivity.

We see again the dichotomy between Babylon and Israel, God took Abraham out of spiritual Babylon, yet Israel in their hearts kept turning back toward spiritual Babylon, a place without God. So God would one day physically send them into captivity to Babylon.

We took can end up “turned over” to false things, if we choose them in our hearts. Romans 1 talks about that. We must guard against idols, and make sure God is first in our heart, before our family, before our friends, before our money or possessions, God must be first. He will not allow an idol in his place.

Next, 44-47 “44 Our ancestors had the tabernacle of the covenant law with them in the wilderness. It had been made as God directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. 45 After receiving the tabernacle, our ancestors under Joshua brought it with them when they took the land from the nations God drove out before them. It remained in the land until the time of David, 46 who enjoyed God’s favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. 47 But it was Solomon who built a house for him."

Here we see Stephen explaining how God’s presence traveled with Israel, in the wilderness God’s presence was exemplified by the tabernacle, carried by the people under Joshua, it remained in the land under King David, who enjoyed God’s favor. But it was David’s son Solomon who would build the temple where God’s presence would reside.

But next we see Stephen explain that God’s presence goes beyond buildings made of brick.

Next, 48-50: “However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says:

49 “‘Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
What kind of house will you build for me?
says the Lord.
Or where will my resting place be?
50 Has not my hand made all these things?’"

Stephen hints, God’s presence isn’t just for the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, or Solomon's temple, or Herod's temple, but instead God ultimately desires that we would be His temple.

All of this has been building to this moment. Over Israel’s history they were blessed and guided by God. Yet the people often rejected the rulers God sent to them, they rejected Joseph, Moses, the prophets, but ultimately, the nation was rejecting Him.

Now Stephen makes his final charge against Israel’s Sanhedrin. And we discover that this entire speech God spoke through Stephen to Israel's leaders, is a grand rebuke.

Next 51-53: “51 You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53 you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.”

The central charge is clear: You are just like your ancestors, which he had just been describing, you always resist the Holy Spirit. You resist God.

He tells them, you persecuted the prophets, you killed John the Baptizer, and then you betrayed and murdered God’s Son who was sent to you. You received so many beautiful things from God over your history, but you did not obey the commands God gave you.

This whole speech can be seen as a prophetic judgment against Israel, pointing toward the destruction of Jerusalem, and the diaspora/exile.

"You always resist the Holy Spirit" is the central charge. But I had to ask myself: Are we so different today?

Are we obedient to the Holy Spirit within us? Or have we already decided ahead of time that we're going to do things our own way? Are we living out God's agenda, or choosing our own path? Maybe we aren't so different from Israel. 

Yet with all of this one might be tempted to think that God doesn't love Israel. In our world today there is a growing hatred for Jews in the world. But none of this is a reason to hate Jews. God has preserved the Jews through the centuries. He gave them a homeland again after World War II. And in the end times we know that Israel will at last be saved. God loves the Jews, and has a plan for their redemption.

As it says in Romans 1125-27: "25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, 26 and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written:

“The deliverer will come from Zion;

    he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.

27 And this is my covenant with them

    when I take away their sins.”

So we see that one day, in the events of the book of Revelation, Israel will finally turn to Jesus their true savior. 

So next we see how the Sanhedrin responded to the accusations of God against them, spoken through Stephen... 

Next 54-56: "54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

The glory of God is revealed to Stephen, just as it was to Abraham, so long ago. It reminds me that not all of Israel was condemned, there was a remnant of tens of thousands who had turned to Jesus, and would flee the city before it’s destruction in 70 AD.

Next 57-60: "At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep."

They covered their ears, resisting the Spirit. We also get our first mention of the young man named Saul, who was there...

As they pelted him with stones, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus receive my spirit." He fell to his knees, I’m sure in great pain, and prayed “Lord don’t hold this sin against them." Much of this is similar to the crucifixion of Jesus, a martyr joins in the sufferings of Jesus, even to death, which is a beautiful offering before God. Yet Jesus is with him through all this, he sees a vision of Jesus standing to welcome him into heaven. And finally, Stephen dies, and it says he fell asleep. Because, he wasn’t really dead, though his body died, his spirit lived on. 

In Acts chapter 8 we see the church in Jerusalem is scattered by a rising persecution. They flee to Judea and Samaria, preaching the gospel to the rest of the nation, before heading out into the Roman empire, to begin the next phase of the mission: The gospel had gone out to Israel, and now, it would begin to go out to the Gentile nations. Only the 12 apostles themselves would stay in Jerusalem, for the time being.

We know from history, that in 66 AD Israel revolted against the Roman empire and expelled them from the nation successfully. However, Rome raised an army and attacked Israel, and in AD 70, they destroyed Jerusalem completely, and destroyed the temple, and the Jews were scattered among the nations.

Jesus said it, the temple would be destroyed, and it was, Stephen echoed it as well, and indicated the condemnation of Israel. And yet, we know there is great hope for a future salvation of Israel, in the end times.

So the gospel began to go out among the Gentile nations, to us, praise the Lord.

So in conclusion, I think to apply this message we can remember a simple truth: Humbly watch for the agenda of God in the world and in our personal lives. Don’t resist the Holy Spirit. Listen for the Spirit. Follow the Spirit. And don’t become prideful, because then we begin to grow deaf to the voice of the Lord Almighty. As Stephen, let us remember, we are humble servants of God, called to obey His Spirit.

Just like Isela, remember, to be obedient in the small things, because the small things can be big things, if we’ll just step out in faith, do something a little uncomfortable, we will have a beautiful story to tell.