Unbelief: An Active Stance with Eternal Consequences
Summary
In our exploration of unbelief, we find that it is not merely a passive state but an active stance that determines one's eternal future. Unbelief, as seen in the temple of Jerusalem, is as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. It is not an academic exercise but a matter of eternal consequence. Belief in Christ leads to life and salvation, while unbelief leads to eternal misery. This evening, we delve into the nature of unbelief and its implications.
Firstly, when we think we are examining Christ, it is actually He who examines us. The religious authorities in the temple believed they were scrutinizing Jesus, yet it was He who was revealing their true nature. This is a reminder that approaching Christ is not a neutral act; it exposes our true selves. Our words and judgments about Him reveal more about us than about Him.
Secondly, Christ knows us in a way that no one else does. He sees beyond the surface, understanding the hidden intentions and desires of our hearts. The Jews in the temple were unaware of the murderous intent within them, but Christ saw it clearly. This knowledge is both a warning and a comfort, as it assures us that nothing is hidden from Him.
Thirdly, unbelief is often hypocritical and dishonest. The Jews prided themselves on the law, yet they did not keep it. This hypocrisy is a common trait of unbelief, where there is a disconnect between what is professed and what is practiced. True belief requires honesty and a genuine pursuit of God.
Furthermore, unbelief misses the spirit of the matter. The Pharisees focused on the letter of the law, missing its true intent. They were more concerned with the fact that Jesus healed on the Sabbath than with the miracle itself. This focus on minor details blinds one to the greater truths and principles of faith.
Finally, unbelief is characterized by a failure to see the big picture. The Jews were so caught up in their prejudices and preconceived notions that they missed the significance of Christ's actions. This is a cautionary tale for us to not let our biases prevent us from seeing the truth of Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Examination by Christ: When we approach Christ, we are not merely examining Him; He is examining us. Our judgments about Him reveal our own hearts and intentions. This realization should lead us to humility and self-reflection. [10:44]
- Christ's Omniscience: Christ knows us intimately, seeing beyond our outward appearances to the hidden truths of our hearts. This knowledge is both a warning and a comfort, reminding us that nothing is hidden from Him. [16:18]
- Hypocrisy of Unbelief: Unbelief often manifests as hypocrisy, where there is a disconnect between what is professed and what is practiced. True belief requires honesty and a genuine pursuit of God. [26:01]
- Missing the Spirit: Focusing on the letter of the law can cause us to miss its true intent. The Pharisees were more concerned with the technicalities of the Sabbath than with the miracle of healing. We must strive to understand the spirit of God's commands. [32:08]
- Seeing the Big Picture: Prejudices and preconceived notions can blind us to the truth of Christ. We must be willing to set aside our biases to see the greater truths and principles of faith. [37:10]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [07:22] - The Consequence of Unbelief
- [08:44] - Eternal Implications
- [09:01] - Examination by Christ
- [10:44] - Revealing Our True Selves
- [14:32] - Christ's Omniscience
- [18:19] - Knowing the Heart
- [22:02] - Humility Before Christ
- [25:24] - Hypocrisy of Unbelief
- [31:01] - Missing the Spirit
- [33:39] - The Big Picture
- [37:10] - Prejudices and Truth
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 7:19-24
2. Hebrews 4:12-13
3. Matthew 5:17-20
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Observation Questions:
1. In John 7:19-24, how does Jesus reveal the hypocrisy of the religious leaders? What specific actions or attitudes does He point out? [14:47]
2. According to Hebrews 4:12-13, what does it mean that "all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do"? How does this relate to Christ's omniscience as discussed in the sermon? [20:59]
3. In Matthew 5:17-20, how does Jesus describe the true intent of the law? How does this contrast with the Pharisees' focus on the letter of the law? [32:08]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the consequences of unbelief, and how is this illustrated through the actions of the Jews in the temple? [07:22]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being examined by Christ, rather than examining Him, challenge the way individuals approach their faith? What implications does this have for personal humility and self-reflection? [10:44]
2. In what ways does Christ's ability to see beyond outward appearances serve as both a warning and a comfort to believers? How should this influence one's daily life and decisions? [16:18]
3. The sermon highlights the hypocrisy of unbelief. How does this hypocrisy manifest in modern contexts, and what are the dangers of professing faith without genuine practice? [26:01]
4. How does focusing on the letter of the law, rather than its spirit, lead to missing the greater truths of faith? What are some modern examples of this tendency? [32:08]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you approached your faith with a critical or judgmental attitude. How did this affect your relationship with Christ, and what steps can you take to approach Him with humility and openness? [10:44]
2. Consider the hidden intentions and desires of your heart. How can you invite Christ's omniscience into your life as a source of guidance and transformation? [16:18]
3. Identify an area in your life where there might be a disconnect between what you profess and what you practice. What practical steps can you take to align your actions with your beliefs? [26:01]
4. Think of a situation where you focused on minor details and missed the bigger picture of faith. How can you shift your perspective to embrace the spirit of God's commands? [32:08]
5. Reflect on any prejudices or preconceived notions that might be blinding you to the truth of Christ. How can you actively work to set these aside and seek a deeper understanding of your faith? [37:10]
6. How can you cultivate a genuine pursuit of God in your daily life, ensuring that your faith is not just theoretical but lived out in practical ways? [30:46]
7. In what ways can you encourage others in your community to see beyond the letter of the law and embrace the spirit of faith? How can you model this in your interactions with others? [33:39]
Devotional
Day 1: Christ's Examination Reveals Our True Selves
When we approach Christ, it is not a neutral act; rather, it is an encounter where He examines us, revealing our true nature. The religious authorities in the temple believed they were scrutinizing Jesus, but in reality, it was He who was exposing their hearts. This realization should lead us to humility and self-reflection, as our judgments about Him reveal more about us than about Him. We are called to approach Christ with openness, allowing His light to shine on our intentions and desires. [10:44]
Jeremiah 17:10 (ESV): "I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds."
Reflection: What judgments or assumptions about Christ might be revealing something about your own heart today? How can you invite Him to examine and transform those areas?
Day 2: The Comfort and Warning of Christ's Omniscience
Christ knows us intimately, seeing beyond our outward appearances to the hidden truths of our hearts. This knowledge is both a warning and a comfort, reminding us that nothing is hidden from Him. The Jews in the temple were unaware of their own murderous intent, but Christ saw it clearly. This awareness should lead us to live transparently before Him, knowing that He understands our struggles and desires. It is a call to authenticity in our relationship with Him. [16:18]
Psalm 139:1-4 (ESV): "O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find comfort in knowing that Christ sees and understands you completely? How can this knowledge encourage you to live more authentically?
Day 3: The Hypocrisy of Unbelief
Unbelief often manifests as hypocrisy, where there is a disconnect between what is professed and what is practiced. The Jews prided themselves on the law, yet they did not keep it. This hypocrisy is a common trait of unbelief, and it challenges us to examine our own lives for inconsistencies. True belief requires honesty and a genuine pursuit of God, aligning our actions with our professed faith. It is a call to integrity in our walk with Christ. [26:01]
Matthew 23:27-28 (ESV): "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where your actions do not align with your professed beliefs? What steps can you take today to pursue greater integrity in your faith journey?
Day 4: Understanding the Spirit of God's Commands
Focusing on the letter of the law can cause us to miss its true intent. The Pharisees were more concerned with the technicalities of the Sabbath than with the miracle of healing. This focus on minor details blinds one to the greater truths and principles of faith. We must strive to understand the spirit of God's commands, seeking to grasp the heart behind His instructions. It is an invitation to deepen our understanding of His will. [32:08]
2 Corinthians 3:6 (ESV): "Who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from merely following rules to understanding the heart and spirit behind God's commands? What might this look like in your daily life?
Day 5: Seeing Beyond Prejudices to Embrace Truth
Prejudices and preconceived notions can blind us to the truth of Christ. The Jews were so caught up in their biases that they missed the significance of His actions. This is a cautionary tale for us to not let our biases prevent us from seeing the truth of Christ. We must be willing to set aside our assumptions and be open to the greater truths and principles of faith. It is a call to openness and receptivity to God's revelation. [37:10]
James 1:19-21 (ESV): "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."
Reflection: What preconceived notions or biases might be hindering your ability to fully embrace the truth of Christ? How can you actively work to set these aside and be more open to His revelation today?
Quotes
Unbelief, as seen in the temple of Jerusalem, is the simple truth this evening. Perhaps the terms and the categories have changed a little, the actual form of the opposition, but that doesn't matter. What he's concerned with is principles, and these abide the same. Everything we've considered so far about these people we have seen to be the simple truth about unbelievers tonight. [00:07:07]
While we think that we are examining him, what is really happening is that we are being examined by him. Now look at the position here in the temple at Jerusalem. Here are these Jews, and remember these are the doctors of the law, the Pharisees and scribes and others. You notice that we shall be dealing in a moment with a reference to the people. [00:09:19]
What is really happening is, of course, that he's examining them. The tables are turned, and as you read the entire section, you will see it. You can't fail to see it. They become silent, and he goes on talking, and he's telling them things about himself and exposing them to themselves. You know, it's a dangerous thing in a sense to come anywhere near the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:10:32]
Be careful what you say about this person. He himself said on one occasion, by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned. Any passing light word you may utter about him is recorded and will be produced in the day of judgment, so that our very approach to this person needs to be rather careful. [00:13:52]
He knows us in a way that nobody else knows us. Where do you find that, sir? Someone will let me tell you. Here is our Lord addressing the Jews. He said, did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law. Why go ye about to kill me? That's what he said to the Jews. [00:14:38]
Here is one, I say, who knows us in a way that nobody else knows us. We have all got skeletons in the cupboard, and not one of us is what we appear to be. We pay attention to the externals, to the surface, and people accept us at our own valuation, never more so than today, and the world doesn't know us. [00:17:04]
He knows the heart, and he alone knows the heart. It's here in two of our verses this evening. You see, he knows that in the heart of these Jewish authorities there is this murder, this murderous intent, this hatred, this anim. Of course, they don't speak like that. They speak with sarcasm, and the average man only heard the sarcasm. [00:18:09]
He knows all about you, everything, all the secret hidden recesses of your inous being. They're all before him. He knows everything, our thoughts, our desires, our imaginations. But oh, says a man, you can't point a finger at me. I haven't done this or that or the other. Wait a moment, says Christ, I know your thoughts. [00:19:29]
Unbelief is always hypocritical and dishonest. That's a strong statement, isn't it? But I'm going to substantiate it. Unbelief is always hypocritical and dishonest. Oh, but says somebody, I thought it was you religious people who are the Hypocrites. Not at all, says Christ. It's the man who's not a Christian as the hypocrite. [00:25:53]
The Pharisees had reduced the law of God to a matter of the letter. These men were doing it. Murder, they were never going to commit murder, you know. None of these ever took a club and beat the Lord Jesus Christ on his head. No, no, of course, they'd never committed murder. They arranged somebody else should do it, but then that meant they were all right. [00:31:08]
What matters with regard to the law is not the letter but the spirit. You can prove, you say, that you've never murdered a man. Have you ever said about your brother, thou fool? If you have, says Christ, you're of murder in your heart. You say, I've never committed adultery. All right, says Christ, have you ever looked upon a woman to lust? [00:32:08]
They are so tied down by their prejudices and their preconceived notions that they're arguing against themselves and are utterly ridiculous. So bed down, I say, by details that they don't see the big principle, the great fact, the spirit of it all. And isn't that the trouble with all who do not believe on the Lord Jesus Christ? [00:37:10]
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