On The Mount - Week 7
Week 7 Recap:
Striving for Holiness: Lessons from Matthew and Peter
Introduction: We're diving into Matthew chapter seven as we continue our exploration of the Sermon on the Mount. Recently, a verse from the First Epistle of Peter has been on my heart, and it encapsulates a central theme of Jesus' teachings: holiness. Holiness is a term we've been singing about and reflecting upon, but what does it truly mean for us as Christians? How do we align our lives with God's call to be holy? Let's explore this profound concept through the lens of Jesus' teachings and Peter's exhortations.
The Call to Holiness: In 1 Peter 1:14-16, Peter writes, "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. But as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct. For it is written, 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This call to holiness is not just a command but a reflection of God's character. To be holy is to be set apart, to live in a way that reflects God's purity and righteousness. Over the past few weeks, this call has been particularly poignant for me. It's a reminder that our priorities should align with God's, and our lives should be a testament to His holiness.
God's Concerns vs. Human Concerns: Jesus' rebuke of Peter in Matthew 16:23, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me because you're not thinking about God's concerns, but human concerns," highlights the conflict between divine priorities and human ones. Peter, despite his good intentions, failed to grasp the necessity of Jesus' mission. This passage underscores the importance of aligning our concerns with God's. Often, our worries and ambitions are rooted in worldly desires rather than God's eternal plan. As Christians, we are called to discern and prioritize God's will above our own.
Judging Others with Righteous Discernment: In Matthew 7:1-6, Jesus teaches, "Do not judge, so that you won't be judged." This passage has often been misunderstood. Jesus is not prohibiting all forms of judgment but is warning against hypocritical and self-righteous judgment. We are reminded to first examine our own lives and remove the "beam of wood" from our own eye before addressing the "splinter" in our brother's eye. This teaching emphasizes humility and self-reflection, urging us to approach others with grace and understanding rather than condemnation.
Hypocrisy and Authenticity in Christian Living: Jesus' strong words against the Pharisees' hypocrisy serve as a caution for us. The Pharisees were meticulous in their observance of the law but lacked genuine compassion and humility. Similarly, we must be wary of becoming self-righteous. Authentic Christian living involves acknowledging our own shortcomings and striving to improve, not just pointing out the faults in others. As Paul writes in Romans 2, we must first teach ourselves and live by the standards we set for others. Hypocrisy dishonors God and undermines our witness to the world.
The Importance of Confession and Accountability: Confession and accountability are vital components of a holy life. As John encourages in 1 John, we should confess our sins to one another. This practice fosters honesty, humility, and mutual support. We often try to fight sin in isolation, but true transformation occurs in community. By sharing our struggles and holding each other accountable, we can overcome sin and grow in holiness. This openness also guards against the hypocrisy Jesus condemned, as it keeps us humble and reliant on God's grace.
Closing: In conclusion, the call to holiness is a profound and challenging aspect of Christian life. It requires us to align our priorities with God's, to exercise righteous discernment, to live authentically, and to practice confession and accountability. As we reflect on the teachings of Jesus and Peter, let's strive to embody the holiness that God calls us to. By doing so, we not only honor God but also become effective witnesses of His grace and truth in a world that desperately needs it. Let us commit to this journey of holiness together, supporting and encouraging one another along the way.
