Discernment in Sharing God's Word: A Cautious Approach
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Community Baptist Church. Today, we delved into Matthew 7:6, where Jesus instructs us not to give what is holy to dogs or cast pearls before swine. This metaphor teaches us the importance of discernment in sharing God's Word. Dogs and pigs in biblical times were seen as unclean and dangerous, much like some people who reject spiritual truths today. Jesus warns us to be cautious when sharing the Word of God, as some people will not appreciate it and may even react with hostility.
We explored how to apply this teaching in two main ways. First, within the church, we must recognize that not everyone who claims to be a follower of Christ truly is. Their response to correction from God's Word reveals their true spiritual condition. If someone consistently rejects biblical correction, it may indicate they are not genuinely saved. Second, in our evangelistic efforts, we must be wise and discerning. There comes a point when we must stop sharing the gospel with those who persistently reject it, as continuing to do so may only harden their hearts further.
We also discussed the importance of examining our own lives. How do we respond when rebuked by the Word of God? Our reaction can indicate whether we are truly born again. A humble and repentant response shows a heart transformed by Christ, while a defensive or hostile reaction may reveal a lack of genuine faith.
In conclusion, we must shine our light with caution. Be bold in sharing the Word of God, but also be discerning. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you in knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. Let us pray for wisdom and courage to faithfully live out and apply these truths in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Discernment in Sharing God's Word: Jesus teaches us to be cautious when sharing spiritual truths. Not everyone will appreciate or accept the Word of God, and some may even react with hostility. We must discern when to share and when to withhold, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us. [37:05]
2. True Spiritual Condition Revealed: A person's response to biblical correction reveals their true spiritual condition. Consistent rejection of God's Word may indicate a lack of genuine faith. We must be willing to confront sin in love but also recognize when someone is not truly a follower of Christ. [44:13]
3. Evangelistic Wisdom: In our efforts to share the gospel, we must be wise and discerning. There comes a point when we must stop sharing with those who persistently reject it, as continuing may only harden their hearts further. This requires sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading. [51:19]
4. Self-Examination: How we respond to rebuke from God's Word is a strong indicator of our spiritual health. A humble and repentant heart shows true transformation, while a defensive or hostile reaction may reveal a lack of genuine faith. Regular self-examination is crucial for spiritual growth. [01:00:43]
5. Balancing Boldness and Caution: We must be bold in sharing the Word of God but also exercise caution. Start with boldness, but adjust based on the response. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you in knowing when to speak and when to remain silent, ensuring that your efforts are fruitful and not counterproductive. [58:02]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[05:35] - Announcements
[06:26] - Opening Prayer
[17:58] - Worship Through Song
[20:07] - Introduction to the Sermon
[28:14] - Personal Anecdote About Animals
[29:24] - Biblical Context of Dogs and Pigs
[31:07] - Dogs and Pigs in Modern Context
[32:38] - Helping Others with Sin
[34:06] - Understanding Matthew 7:6
[35:29] - The Chiasm Structure
[37:05] - Discernment in Sharing God's Word
[39:58] - The Value of Pearls
[42:42] - Applying the Metaphor
[44:13] - True Spiritual Condition Revealed
[51:19] - Evangelistic Wisdom
[55:54] - Balancing Boldness and Caution
[58:02] - Trusting the Holy Spirit
[01:00:43] - Self-Examination
[01:01:38] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 7:6 - "Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."
2. Romans 15:1 - "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves."
3. Galatians 6:1-2 - "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean by "dogs" and "swine" in Matthew 7:6? How were these animals viewed in biblical times? ([29:24])
2. According to the sermon, what are the two main ways we should apply the teaching of Matthew 7:6 in our lives? ([42:42])
3. How does Romans 15:1 instruct us to interact with those who are weak in faith? ([32:38])
4. What does Galatians 6:1-2 say about how we should approach someone caught in sin? ([32:38])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to discern when to share the Word of God and when to withhold it, according to the sermon? ([37:05])
2. How can a person's response to biblical correction reveal their true spiritual condition? ([44:13])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the potential consequences of persistently sharing the gospel with those who reject it? ([51:19])
4. How does the sermon explain the balance between boldness and caution in sharing the Word of God? ([58:02])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you shared the Word of God with someone who reacted negatively. How did you handle the situation, and what might you do differently now based on the sermon? ([37:05])
2. How do you typically respond to correction from God's Word? Can you identify any patterns in your reactions that might indicate your spiritual condition? ([44:13])
3. Think of someone in your life who consistently rejects the gospel. How can you discern whether to continue sharing with them or to step back? What signs might you look for? ([51:19])
4. In what ways can you practice self-examination to ensure your heart is humble and repentant when confronted with sin? ([01:00:43])
5. How can you balance being bold in sharing your faith with being cautious and discerning? Can you think of a specific situation where you might need to apply this balance? ([58:02])
6. Identify a person in your church or community who might be struggling with sin. How can you approach them with love and caution, as instructed in Galatians 6:1-2? ([32:38])
7. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you in knowing when to speak and when to remain silent? Share a recent experience where you felt the Holy Spirit's leading in a conversation. ([58:02])
Devotional
Day 1: Discernment in Sharing God's Word
Jesus teaches us to be cautious when sharing spiritual truths. Not everyone will appreciate or accept the Word of God, and some may even react with hostility. We must discern when to share and when to withhold, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us. This discernment is crucial because it helps us avoid unnecessary conflict and ensures that our efforts to share the gospel are fruitful.
In practical terms, this means being sensitive to the reactions of those we are sharing with. If someone consistently rejects or mocks the message, it may be wise to step back and pray for them rather than continuing to press the issue. Trust that the Holy Spirit will open doors and soften hearts in His timing. [37:05]
Matthew 10:14-15 (ESV): "And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town."
Reflection: Think of a person in your life who has consistently rejected the gospel. How can you pray for them and trust the Holy Spirit to work in their heart instead of continuing to press the issue?
Day 2: True Spiritual Condition Revealed
A person's response to biblical correction reveals their true spiritual condition. Consistent rejection of God's Word may indicate a lack of genuine faith. We must be willing to confront sin in love but also recognize when someone is not truly a follower of Christ. This discernment helps us to invest our time and energy wisely in those who are open to growth and transformation.
When someone consistently rejects biblical correction, it may be a sign that they are not genuinely saved. This doesn't mean we give up on them, but it does mean we approach them with a different mindset, understanding that their heart may not yet be receptive to the truth. This awareness helps us to pray more effectively for their salvation and to seek opportunities to share the gospel in ways that might reach them. [44:13]
1 John 2:19 (ESV): "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who consistently rejects biblical correction? How can you lovingly confront them while also praying for their true spiritual transformation?
Day 3: Evangelistic Wisdom
In our efforts to share the gospel, we must be wise and discerning. There comes a point when we must stop sharing with those who persistently reject it, as continuing may only harden their hearts further. This requires sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading. Evangelistic wisdom involves knowing when to speak and when to remain silent, ensuring that our efforts are not counterproductive.
This wisdom is not about giving up on people but about recognizing the right timing and approach. Sometimes, stepping back and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in someone's heart is the most loving thing we can do. Trust that God is in control and that He will provide opportunities for the gospel to be received in His perfect timing. [51:19]
Proverbs 9:7-8 (ESV): "Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent evangelistic effort that seemed unfruitful. How can you seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to know when to speak and when to remain silent in future efforts?
Day 4: Self-Examination
How we respond to rebuke from God's Word is a strong indicator of our spiritual health. A humble and repentant heart shows true transformation, while a defensive or hostile reaction may reveal a lack of genuine faith. Regular self-examination is crucial for spiritual growth. This practice helps us to stay aligned with God's will and to continually grow in our faith.
Self-examination involves honestly assessing our reactions to correction and being willing to change. It requires humility and a desire to grow closer to God. By regularly examining our hearts, we can identify areas where we need to repent and seek God's help to transform us. This ongoing process of self-examination and repentance is essential for maintaining a healthy and vibrant spiritual life. [01:00:43]
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"
Reflection: Think about a recent time when you were rebuked by God's Word. How did you respond? What does your reaction reveal about your spiritual health, and how can you seek to grow from this experience?
Day 5: Balancing Boldness and Caution
We must be bold in sharing the Word of God but also exercise caution. Start with boldness, but adjust based on the response. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you in knowing when to speak and when to remain silent, ensuring that your efforts are fruitful and not counterproductive. This balance is essential for effective ministry and evangelism.
Boldness in sharing the gospel is important, but it must be tempered with wisdom and discernment. Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading helps us to know when to push forward and when to step back. This balance ensures that we are not only faithful in sharing the gospel but also effective in reaching hearts and minds for Christ. [58:02]
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV): "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Reflection: In your recent interactions, have you been more bold or cautious in sharing the gospel? How can you seek a better balance, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide you in each situation?
Quotes
1. "So people, say mean thanks to you. Bless them, do good to them, love them which don't love you. Be kind to those who are unkind to you. Let's apply the Word of God to our lives and live it out this week." [20:07] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We should help other people when they have something in their spiritual eye. And while we should be more than willing to help people in their spiritual walk and development, we must understand that we have to use caution while doing so." [32:38] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "No matter how good the advice that we give to people, no matter how sound and biblical our advice might be, some people just won't appreciate it. Some people just won't appreciate the value of the word of God, as we share it with them, they won't appreciate the wisdom that comes from God's word." [41:16] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "How a person responds to the truths of God's word reveals their true spiritual condition. There are many who proclaim to be saved, to be followers of Jesus Christ, but who in reality are not." [44:13] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We must recognize that all are called as Christians to care enough to humbly confront people with the truth of the word of God. Sometimes we're going to encounter repentance through faith. Isn't that great when that happens?" [55:54] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We shine our light by using discernment. We shine our light by being cautious and helping other people know God and walk with God. We shine our light by telling people about Jesus and by leaving people alone when they don't want to hear about Jesus." [59:44] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "How we respond to the precious and holy Word of God when it points sin out into our life gives an indication of whether we're sheep or whether we're dogs and pigs. We must respond with repentance to the Word of God." [01:00:43] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We need God's help in this. We also need his courage to be faithful in communicating the truth of the Word of God. We need faithfulness that only comes through a close walk with God. And we need it to be dependent upon him through prayer." [58:02] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We can trust God to guide us and lead us. We're not smart enough. We're not wise enough to know the difference between a sheep and between swines and between dogs. I mean, Judas Iscariot, he had everyone bewildered. They had no idea that he was going to betray." [58:53] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We must be sharing and witnessing. If we are to know when enough is enough, we can't even for a moment think that we should share a God bless you once and think that we have been a witness and that to press things any further would violate this principle." [54:32] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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