Sermons on Matthew 15:18-20
The various sermons below interpret Matthew 15:18-20 by focusing on the internal nature of sin, emphasizing that sin originates from within the human heart rather than being solely a response to external temptations. Both interpretations highlight the heart as the central source of sinfulness, with one sermon using the analogy of a "hell virus" to describe sin as an inherent and pervasive part of human nature. This perspective underscores the need for divine intervention for cleansing and redemption. Another sermon similarly emphasizes the heart's deceitfulness, portraying it as the core of human identity that influences thoughts and actions. Both interpretations agree that the problem of sin is deeply rooted in the human heart, beyond mere intellectual understanding or education, and that true redemption requires a transformation that goes beyond external behavior.
While both sermons agree on the internal origin of sin, they diverge in their thematic focus. One sermon introduces the concept of the "hell virus" to illustrate the insidious nature of sin, emphasizing the need for divine intervention to cleanse and redeem humanity. It also explores the theme of divine judgment, drawing parallels between God's judgment of Egypt and His promise to eradicate evil from the world, portraying judgment as an act of love and justice. In contrast, the other sermon focuses on the heart's role in spiritual warfare, suggesting that true redemption requires a transformation of the heart itself, not just changes in behavior or intellect. This interpretation highlights the heart as the center of personality, emphasizing its deceitfulness and wickedness as the root of human sinfulness.
Matthew 15:18-20 Interpretation:
Deliverance from Sin: Embracing God's Grace and Judgment (Fierce Church) interprets Matthew 15:18-20 by emphasizing the internal nature of sin, using the analogy of a "hell virus" to describe the inherent sinful nature within humans. The sermon suggests that sin is not just about external actions but originates from within, likening it to a virus that affects every part of a person. This perspective highlights the pervasive and insidious nature of sin, suggesting that it is a fundamental part of human nature that requires divine intervention for cleansing and redemption.
The Deceitful Heart: Spiritual Warfare and Redemption (MLJTrust) interprets Matthew 15:18-20 by emphasizing the profound nature of sin as originating from the heart. The sermon highlights that the heart is the center of personality, not merely the mind or intellect. It argues that the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, which aligns with the biblical passage that evil thoughts and actions come from within. This interpretation stresses that the problem of sin is not superficial but deeply rooted in the human heart, which is beyond mere intellectual understanding or education.
Matthew 15:18-20 Theological Themes:
Deliverance from Sin: Embracing God's Grace and Judgment (Fierce Church) presents the theme of internal sinfulness, emphasizing that sin originates from the heart and is not merely a response to external temptations. This sermon introduces the concept of the "hell virus," which suggests that sin is an inherent part of human nature that affects all aspects of life, requiring divine intervention for redemption.
The sermon also explores the theme of divine judgment and deliverance, drawing parallels between God's judgment of Egypt and His promise to judge and remove evil from the world. It emphasizes that God's judgment is an act of love and justice, aimed at ultimately eradicating evil and restoring righteousness.
The Deceitful Heart: Spiritual Warfare and Redemption (MLJTrust) presents the theme that the heart's deceitfulness is the root of human sinfulness. It emphasizes that the heart is not just a source of emotions but the core of human identity, influencing thoughts and actions. This theme is distinct in its focus on the heart's role in spiritual warfare, suggesting that true redemption requires a transformation of the heart, not just changes in behavior or intellect.
Matthew 15:18-20 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Matthew 15:18-20 Cross-References in the Bible:
Deliverance from Sin: Embracing God's Grace and Judgment (Fierce Church) references several biblical passages to support its interpretation of Matthew 15:18-20. It cites Revelation 21:1, which speaks of a new heaven and a new earth, to illustrate the ultimate removal of evil and the establishment of God's kingdom. The sermon also references Matthew 12:36 and Romans 2:16 to emphasize the accountability of every word and action before God, reinforcing the idea that sin originates from the heart and will be judged accordingly.
The Deceitful Heart: Spiritual Warfare and Redemption (MLJTrust) references several biblical passages to support its interpretation of Matthew 15:18-20. It cites Jeremiah 17:9, which describes the heart as deceitful and desperately wicked, reinforcing the idea that sin originates from within. The sermon also references Romans 6:14 and 7:14, which discuss the dominion of sin and the struggle against it, illustrating the power of sin over human will and intellect. These references are used to expand on the concept that sin is a deep-seated issue of the heart, not merely a matter of external actions or lack of knowledge.
Matthew 15:18-20 Christian References outside the Bible:
Deliverance from Sin: Embracing God's Grace and Judgment (Fierce Church) references the character of Oscar Schindler, portrayed by Liam Neeson, to illustrate the concept of moral clarity and judgment. The sermon uses Schindler's actions during the Holocaust as an example of someone who, despite the prevailing evil, chose to act righteously, drawing a parallel to God's perfect judgment and moral clarity.
Matthew 15:18-20 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Deliverance from Sin: Embracing God's Grace and Judgment (Fierce Church) uses the analogy of a cooking show with judges to illustrate the concept of judgment. The sermon describes how judges on these shows have a refined palate and can discern what is right or wrong with a dish, likening this to God's judgment, which is perfect and discerning. This analogy helps to convey the idea that God's judgment is not arbitrary but based on a clear understanding of right and wrong.