Judgment, Love, and Accountability in Christian Faith
Summary
The sermon explores the biblical theme of judgment and the importance of how we treat others, particularly in the context of the relationship between Israel and Edom. The speaker begins by discussing the day of judgment and the necessity of being in Christ, with one's name written in heaven's roll. The congregation is urged to reflect and pray, ensuring their hearts are right with God and their brethren, and to commit to loving others as an expression of God's love through the Holy Spirit.
The importance of loving God and others is further emphasized through Jesus' teachings from The Sermon on the Mount. The speaker reminds the congregation that judgment will be based on adherence to these commandments and that failing to do what is right, as exemplified by the sins of Edom, will lead to accountability. The speaker references the prophecy that Jacob will be a fire and Joseph a flame, symbolizing the power of these virtues.
The sermon then delves into the New Testament, where Jesus states the greatest commandment is to love God and others. This message is connected to the book of Obadiah, which addresses how we treat others, and the "love chapter" in 1 Corinthians 13. The speaker analyzes the actions of Edom towards Israel and emphasizes the importance of love as a standard for evaluating our actions.
The role of Israel in God's redemption plan is highlighted, with Jesus from the tribe of Judah being the Messiah for both Jews and non-Jews. The congregation is encouraged to pray for Jerusalem's peace and prosperity and to recognize the significance of how they treat others, including Israel, in God's eyes.
The speaker also addresses the negative attitude of the Edomites towards the Israelites during their disaster and captivity, comparing it to present-day attitudes. The heart of the Edomites is described as holding a grudge and being twisted, which is contrasted with the day of the Lord, a time of judgment for all nations.
The background of the prophet Obadiah is introduced, with his message focusing on judgment against those who mistreat their brothers. The story of Jacob and Esau is recounted, highlighting the rivalry and mistreatment between their descendants, Israel and Edom. The sermon points out that Edom's pride led to their downfall and that their indifference during Israel's misfortune was condemned.
The speaker references the prophecy from Obadiah, which foretells the occupation of Edom's mountains by the people from the Negev and the possession of various lands by Israel. This prophecy is presented as being fulfilled in current times.
The fulfillment of prophecies in the book of Obadiah is discussed, with historical events such as the destruction of Esau by Rome and the rebirth of Israel in 1948 being cited as evidence. The sermon concludes with the story of Esau and Jacob, focusing on Esau's shortsighted decision to trade his birthright for a bowl of stew, which led to his nickname, Edom.
Key Takeaways:
- The day of judgment emphasizes the critical nature of being aligned with Christ and having a heart that is right with God and others. This alignment is not just a matter of faith but also of action, as it requires actively loving and forgiving others, which reflects the transformative power of the Holy Spirit within us. [01:04:22]
- Jesus' teachings underscore that our treatment of others is a significant criterion for judgment. The commandments to love God and others are not merely suggestions but are central to Christian living and will be the basis for divine assessment of our lives. This highlights the gravity of interpersonal relationships in the spiritual realm. [49:33]
- The story of Edom and Israel serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of failing to love and support our brethren in times of need. The Edomites' lack of empathy and schadenfreude during Israel's disaster is a stark reminder that our actions and attitudes towards others are observed by God and will be judged accordingly. [42:03]
- The prophecies of Obadiah, which have been unfolding over centuries, demonstrate the reliability of God's word and the certainty of its fulfillment. The historical and ongoing realization of these prophecies serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and the prophetic accuracy of the Bible. [55:16]
- Esau's impulsive trade of his birthright for immediate gratification is a powerful lesson on the importance of valuing our spiritual inheritance over temporary pleasures. This narrative warns against making decisions that prioritize the flesh over the spirit, as such choices can have long-lasting and detrimental effects on our destiny. [35:20]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Obadiah 1:1-21
2. Genesis 25:25-26
3. Matthew 22:37-39
Additional references:
- Genesis 27
- Matthew 25:31-46
- Zechariah 2:8
- 1 Corinthians 13
- James 4:17
### Observation Questions
1. In the book of Obadiah, what actions of Edom are highlighted, and what consequences are mentioned for these actions?
2. How do the descriptions of Esau and Jacob at birth in Genesis 25 set the stage for their future relationship and the choices they make?
3. What does Jesus identify as the greatest commandments in Matthew 22, and how are these commandments connected to the way individuals should treat one another?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Considering the message of Obadiah, what might be the implications of harboring indifference or hostility towards one's "brother"?
2. Reflecting on the birth narrative of Esau and Jacob, what can be inferred about the significance of birthrights and blessings in the context of their family dynamics?
3. How might the commandments to love God and love one's neighbor as oneself challenge traditional views of religious practice and priorities?
### Application Questions
1. Identify a situation in the past week where you may have witnessed or participated in an act of indifference towards someone's misfortune. What is one concrete step you can take to show empathy in similar situations moving forward?
2. Think of a time when you had to choose between immediate gratification and a more significant future benefit. What is one decision you are currently facing where you can apply the lesson from Esau's choice, and how will you approach it differently?
3. Is there a specific individual or group you find challenging to love as yourself? What is one act of kindness you can commit to doing for them this week?
4. Reflect on a recent conflict or disagreement. What is one action you can take to initiate reconciliation with that person in the coming days?
5. Consider your current prayer life. What is one way you can incorporate prayers for peace and justice in places of conflict, such as Jerusalem, into your daily prayers?
Devotional
Day 1: Reconciliation Precedes Worship
True worship begins with reconciled relationships, reflecting God's love through our actions towards others. It is essential to seek forgiveness and mend broken bonds before we can truly engage in worship. [49:33]
Matthew 5:23-24 - "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift."
Reflection: Is there someone you need to reconcile with before you can offer your worship to God with a clear conscience?
Day 2: Love Reflects Divine Scrutiny
Our love for God is demonstrated in how we treat our neighbors, and our actions towards them are under God's watchful eye. This divine scrutiny calls us to love others genuinely, as a reflection of our love for God. [46:44]
1 John 3:17-18 - "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."
Reflection: How can you show tangible love to a neighbor today, reflecting your love for God through your actions?
Day 3: Praying for Jerusalem's Peace
The peace of Jerusalem is close to God's heart, and as believers, we are called to align our prayers and actions with God's plan for redemption and reconciliation. [01:00:06]
Psalm 122:6-7 - "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.'"
Reflection: How can you actively participate in praying for the peace of Jerusalem and demonstrate your support for God's redemptive plan?
Day 4: Consequences of Indifference
Indifference towards others, especially during their times of need, can lead to severe consequences. We are reminded to empathize and not to take pleasure in the misfortunes of others. [33:57]
Proverbs 24:17-18 - "Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them."
Reflection: Can you think of a time when you were indifferent to someone's hardship? How can you make amends and show empathy moving forward?
Day 5: Valuing Our Spiritual Inheritance
Our spiritual inheritance is a precious gift that should not be traded for temporary pleasures. We must prioritize our spiritual well-being and future blessings over immediate gratification. [01:02:57]
Hebrews 12:16-17 - "See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are trading spiritual depth for temporary satisfaction? How can you begin to prioritize your spiritual inheritance today?
Quotes
"Jesus held how we treat each other, how we love each other, as high as he could possibly elevate it, and for that, we will give an account." [50:14] (Download)
"If anyone then knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it's sin. The sins of Edom had piled high; they knew what to do for their brother and they didn't care." [50:53] (Download)
"The greatest things: love God and love others with all our heart. This is just a little slice for you to evaluate how you're doing with that, how you will answer for that." [48:51] (Download)
"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth; it protects. Do you see how the call to love others, if we were to take that as the plumb line that we weighed Edom against, how did they do?" [48:04] (Download)
"God cares about how I care for other people. If there's problems in your family, it's time to leave them behind. If there's stuff in your heart, bring it to the Lord." [01:02:57] (Download)
"Whatever is in you today, God can make your heart right. You can receive living water, Holy Spirit anointing with love that is the Holy Spirit within us to live a Godly life of love for other people." [01:03:44] (Download)
"Is your love tank low? Do you find that you're in that place where loving some people you just don't have it? You don't, but do you know who does? Jesus does." [01:04:22] (Download)
"We have a choice to make, where we will stand with Jesus. Will we honor him with our heart and soul and mind? Will we recognize when he calls us to love others, we'll be held to account for it?" [59:28] (Download)
"How we treat other people matters to God. And how we treat Israel matters to God. Jesus was very clear: pray for your enemies, love those who hate you and persecute you." [01:00:50] (Download)
"The pride of your heart has deceived you, you Edom, who live in the cliffs of the rock. That's the background to which this book is written." [38:42] (Download)
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