Internal Purity: The Heart of True Faith
Summary
### Summary
This week's lesson, titled "Inside Out," delves into the different types of laws in the Old Testament and their relevance today. The moral law, encapsulated in the Ten Commandments, is eternal and foundational to God's government. Health laws, designed to keep God's people in good health, are also eternal. In contrast, ceremonial and civil laws were temporary, serving specific purposes for the Israelites and ceasing with the advent of Christ and the end of Israel as a nation under God.
In Mark chapter 7, Jesus addresses the Pharisees' emphasis on human traditions over God's commandments. The Pharisees criticized Jesus' disciples for eating with unwashed hands, a tradition rooted in ceremonial cleanliness rather than health. Jesus rebukes them, emphasizing that true defilement comes from within, from the heart, and not from external factors like touching a Gentile or eating certain foods. This teaching underscores the importance of internal purity over external rituals.
The story of the Syrophoenician woman in Mark 7:24-30 highlights the power of persistent faith. Despite being a Gentile, her unwavering faith and humility lead Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. This narrative illustrates that even the smallest blessings from Jesus can have profound impacts.
In Mark 7:31-37, Jesus heals a deaf and mute man, demonstrating His compassion and sensitivity. Jesus uses the man's remaining senses to communicate and heal him, showing that He meets us where we are and addresses our deepest needs. This miracle also serves as a reminder that while Jesus can open deaf ears, He cannot force unbelieving hearts to accept Him.
Finally, in Mark 8, Jesus warns against the "leaven of the Pharisees," symbolizing their corrupting influence and hardened hearts. He urges His followers to remain open to spiritual truths and avoid the pitfalls of cynicism and criticism. The lesson concludes with a call to focus on internal purity, kindness, and love, rather than external rituals and disputes.
### Key Takeaways
1. Eternal vs. Temporary Laws: The moral and health laws in the Old Testament are eternal, reflecting God's unchanging principles. In contrast, ceremonial and civil laws were temporary, serving specific purposes for the Israelites and ceasing with Christ's advent. Understanding this distinction helps us comprehend the New Testament teachings better. [01:23]
2. True Defilement Comes from Within: Jesus teaches that true defilement is not about external rituals but what comes from the heart. Evil thoughts, adulteries, thefts, and other sins originate from within, emphasizing the need for internal purity over external cleanliness. This challenges us to focus on our inner spiritual state rather than mere outward compliance. [08:11]
3. The Power of Persistent Faith: The Syrophoenician woman's story illustrates the power of persistent faith. Despite being a Gentile, her unwavering belief and humility lead to her daughter's healing. This teaches us that even the smallest blessings from Jesus can have profound impacts, encouraging us to persist in faith and humility. [12:41]
4. Jesus Meets Us Where We Are: In healing the deaf and mute man, Jesus uses the man's remaining senses to communicate and heal him. This demonstrates Jesus' compassion and His approach of meeting us at our point of need. It reminds us that Jesus understands our unique circumstances and addresses our deepest needs with sensitivity and care. [15:20]
5. Beware of Spiritual Blindness and Cynicism: Jesus warns against the "leaven of the Pharisees," symbolizing their corrupting influence and hardened hearts. He urges us to remain open to spiritual truths and avoid cynicism and criticism. This calls us to focus on internal purity, kindness, and love, rather than getting entangled in disputes and external rituals. [19:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:23] - Understanding Old Testament Laws
[02:46] - Human Traditions vs. God's Commands
[04:06] - Ceremonial Cleanliness Explained
[05:35] - Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees
[06:50] - True Defilement Comes from Within
[08:11] - The Heart's Role in Defilement
[09:34] - Invalidating Touch Contamination
[11:11] - The Syrophoenician Woman's Faith
[12:41] - The Power of Persistent Faith
[14:03] - Healing the Deaf and Mute Man
[15:20] - Jesus' Compassion and Sensitivity
[16:47] - Limits of Free Will
[18:17] - Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees
[19:33] - Avoiding Spiritual Blindness and Cynicism
[21:15] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Inside Out"
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 7:1-23 - Jesus addresses the Pharisees' emphasis on human traditions over God's commandments.
2. Mark 7:24-30 - The story of the Syrophoenician woman's persistent faith.
3. Mark 7:31-37 - Jesus heals a deaf and mute man, demonstrating His compassion and sensitivity.
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the four types of laws mentioned in the Old Testament, and which ones are considered eternal? [01:23]
2. In Mark 7, why did the Pharisees criticize Jesus' disciples for eating with unwashed hands? [02:46]
3. How did Jesus respond to the Pharisees' criticism about ceremonial cleanliness? [05:35]
4. What was the Syrophoenician woman's request to Jesus, and how did He respond to her persistence? [12:41]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize that true defilement comes from within rather than from external factors? How does this teaching challenge traditional views on purity? [06:50]
2. What does the story of the Syrophoenician woman teach us about the nature of faith and humility? How does her interaction with Jesus illustrate these qualities? [12:41]
3. In what ways does Jesus' healing of the deaf and mute man demonstrate His compassion and sensitivity? How does this miracle reflect Jesus' approach to meeting people at their point of need? [15:20]
4. What does Jesus mean by warning against the "leaven of the Pharisees"? How can this warning be applied to our spiritual lives today? [19:33]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the distinction between eternal and temporary laws. How does understanding this distinction help you better comprehend New Testament teachings? [01:23]
2. Jesus teaches that true defilement comes from the heart. What are some internal attitudes or thoughts you need to address to achieve internal purity? [06:50]
3. The Syrophoenician woman's persistent faith led to her daughter's healing. Can you recall a time when persistent faith and humility led to a significant change in your life? How can you cultivate such faith in your current circumstances? [12:41]
4. Jesus met the deaf and mute man at his point of need, using his remaining senses to communicate. How can you show compassion and sensitivity to those around you, meeting them where they are? [15:20]
5. Jesus warns against the corrupting influence of the Pharisees' hardened hearts. Are there areas in your life where cynicism or criticism has taken root? How can you remain open to spiritual truths and focus on internal purity, kindness, and love? [19:33]
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of internal purity over external rituals. What are some practical steps you can take to focus more on your inner spiritual state rather than outward compliance? [06:50]
7. Jesus' miracles often involved personal interaction and compassion. How can you bring someone to Jesus through acts of kindness and love this week? [14:03]
This guide aims to foster a deeper understanding of the sermon "Inside Out" and encourage practical application of its teachings in daily life.
Devotional
Day 1: Eternal Principles of God's Law
Description: The Old Testament contains various types of laws, each serving different purposes. The moral law, encapsulated in the Ten Commandments, is eternal and foundational to God's government. These laws reflect God's unchanging principles and are meant to guide our behavior and relationship with Him and others. Health laws, designed to keep God's people in good health, are also eternal, emphasizing the importance of our physical well-being. In contrast, ceremonial and civil laws were temporary, serving specific purposes for the Israelites and ceasing with the advent of Christ and the end of Israel as a nation under God. Understanding this distinction helps us comprehend the New Testament teachings better and apply God's eternal principles to our lives today. [01:23]
Deuteronomy 6:24-25 (ESV): "And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as we are this day. And it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to do all this commandment before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the eternal principles of God's moral and health laws into your daily routine to honor Him and improve your well-being?
Day 2: True Defilement Comes from Within
Description: Jesus teaches that true defilement is not about external rituals but what comes from the heart. In Mark chapter 7, He addresses the Pharisees' emphasis on human traditions over God's commandments. The Pharisees criticized Jesus' disciples for eating with unwashed hands, a tradition rooted in ceremonial cleanliness rather than health. Jesus rebukes them, emphasizing that true defilement comes from within, from the heart, and not from external factors like touching a Gentile or eating certain foods. Evil thoughts, adulteries, thefts, and other sins originate from within, emphasizing the need for internal purity over external cleanliness. This challenges us to focus on our inner spiritual state rather than mere outward compliance. [08:11]
Matthew 15:18-20 (ESV): "But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone."
Reflection: What are some thoughts or attitudes in your heart that you need to address to achieve true spiritual purity?
Day 3: The Power of Persistent Faith
Description: The story of the Syrophoenician woman in Mark 7:24-30 highlights the power of persistent faith. Despite being a Gentile, her unwavering faith and humility lead Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. This narrative illustrates that even the smallest blessings from Jesus can have profound impacts. The woman's persistence and humility in approaching Jesus, despite cultural and religious barriers, demonstrate the importance of steadfast faith. Her story encourages us to persist in our faith and humility, trusting that Jesus hears our pleas and can bring about miraculous changes in our lives. [12:41]
Matthew 15:27-28 (ESV): "She said, 'Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.' Then Jesus answered her, 'O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.' And her daughter was healed instantly."
Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you need to persist in faith and humility, trusting Jesus for a breakthrough?
Day 4: Jesus Meets Us Where We Are
Description: In Mark 7:31-37, Jesus heals a deaf and mute man, demonstrating His compassion and sensitivity. Jesus uses the man's remaining senses to communicate and heal him, showing that He meets us where we are and addresses our deepest needs. This miracle also serves as a reminder that while Jesus can open deaf ears, He cannot force unbelieving hearts to accept Him. Jesus' approach of meeting us at our point of need reminds us that He understands our unique circumstances and addresses our deepest needs with sensitivity and care. This encourages us to trust in His compassion and seek His help in our times of need. [15:20]
Isaiah 35:5-6 (ESV): "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust Jesus to meet you where you are and address your deepest needs?
Day 5: Beware of Spiritual Blindness and Cynicism
Description: Jesus warns against the "leaven of the Pharisees," symbolizing their corrupting influence and hardened hearts. He urges His followers to remain open to spiritual truths and avoid the pitfalls of cynicism and criticism. The Pharisees' focus on external rituals and their critical, cynical attitudes blinded them to the truth of Jesus' teachings. This calls us to focus on internal purity, kindness, and love, rather than getting entangled in disputes and external rituals. By remaining open to spiritual truths and avoiding cynicism, we can cultivate a heart that is receptive to God's guidance and love. [19:33]
Hebrews 3:12-13 (ESV): "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where cynicism or criticism has taken root? How can you cultivate a heart that is open to spiritual truths and God's love?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "The woman is persistent. The woman had faith. And the woman reached out even for the littlest blessing of Jesus. I say to you today, reach out for the littlest blessing of Jesus. The littlest blessing, the crumbs that come from Jesus, even those crumbs are a mighty, powerful blessing." [12:41] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Somebody brings somebody to Jesus. Who are you bringing to Jesus? Who are you sharing? Jesus' love with. Somebody is not going to come to Jesus unless you bring them, unless you share the love and grace of Christ." [14:03] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus always begins where we are. Never where we are not. Jesus always comes to us in the place of our greatest need and ministers to us in the very, very place we are." [15:20] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus can open deaf ears, but he cannot open blind eyes that do not see and deaf ears that do not want to hear and hard hearts that do not want to respond to his grace, his goodness and love." [16:47] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Open your heart to me. Don't have the attitude of disputing, criticizing, because looking for evil in others, don't miss this, looking for evil in others, we're told, produces evil in those that look. Looking for evil in others produces evil in those that look." [19:33] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "The Ten Commandment law of God is eternal. The commandment that said, thou shalt have no other gods before me, is an eternal command. Thou should not make into any graven images. Thou should not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. Remember the Sabbath. These are all eternal." [01:23] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus is showing a contrast. You're keeping these traditions, like bumping into some gentile and being unclean, and then thinking that you got to wash every pot and cup, think you got to wash your hands. No, Jesus is not teaching here that children shouldn't wash their hands. I want to make that very, very plain. He's not teaching children shouldn't wash their hands before they eat, eat. That's a whole different story. He's teaching about ceremonial defilement." [06:50] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus miraculously restores the man's hearing and enables him to speak clearly. Now notice what it says that in verse 34, looking up to heaven, he sighed. What does it mean Jesus sighed? Again, this is something I had missed studying this passage. But our author of our lesson makes a very critical point here. He quotes Ellen White in page 404, Desire of Ages. Jesus, he sighed at the thought of ears that would not open to the truth, the tongues that refuse to acknowledge the Redeemer." [16:47] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus says, look, this is a tradition that you have. And then he goes on to explain, all too well you reject the commandment of God, you keep your traditions. And then he quotes a commandment. For Moses said, honor your father and mother, and he who curses his father and mother, let him be put to death. But you say, if a man says to his father and mother, what profit you might have received from me as Corban, let me explain Corban to you." [05:35] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus goes there purposely to show that the gospel goes also to the Gentiles, not simply to the Jews. You might remember Tyre and Sidon mentioned in the book of Ezekiel that Tyre would be destroyed and never rebuilt. It doesn't say anything about Sidon being rebuilt. Sidon was destroyed. And was rebuilt. But Tyre, not rebuilt on that location." [11:11] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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