Youth DCLM Search The Scripture 19 June 2022 | Lesson 24 || Warning Against Evil Speaking
Youth DCLM Search The Scripture 19 June 2022
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Youth DCLM Search The Scripture 19 June 2022Â LESSON 24
WARNING AGAINST EVIL SPEAKING
TEXT: Matthew 12:22-50; Luke 11:14-36
MEMORY VERSE: “But 1 say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:36,37).
Youth DCLM Search The Scripture 19 June 2022 | Lesson 24
In our text, Jesus Christ rebuked the Pharisees who accused Him of casting out devils through Beelzebub. The Lord had so perfectly healed a man that had a triple problems of demon possession, dumbness and blindness that people marveled at the greatness of His power. The people knew such a demonstration was nothing less than the manifestation of the power of God. But the Pharisees, who also obviously knew this so well, chose to attribute the feat to the power of a high ranking demon.
This callous misrepresentation was to belittle Christ, rob God of the glory due to Him, and confuse the people with intent to lead them from the Truth, and ultimately, God. In the course of His response, Christ said “…blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men” (Matthew 12:31). Youth DCLM Search The Scripture 19 June 2022
Question 1: Like the Pharisees, what risks do opposers and doubters of Jesus Christ face?
The opposers and doubters of Jesus Christ face dual risk of being condemned and rejected on the last day. He confronted the Pharisees with their hypocritical lifestyle as He rebuked them of speaking evil in respect of the miracle that has just been performed. Christ intimated them with the risk of condemnation for their poor rating in comparison with those in previous dispensations. “But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: …
The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and behold, a greater than Jonas is here. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here…” (Matthew 12:3945).
Finally, Jesus set out the true credentials of those who genuinely belong to His family. “For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother” (Matthew 12:50).
Youth DCLM Search The Scripture 19 June 2022 | Lesson 24
JESUS CAST OUT DEVILS BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD (Matthew 12:22-29; Genesis 6:5; Matthew 15: 18-20)
“Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?” (Matthew 12:22,23). On one of the occasions when the Lord Jesus preached in the synagogue, people brought to Him a man that was possessed with a blind and dumb spirit, and immediately„ the Lord healed him. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8).
Our Saviour is still doing the work and deliverance for as many that believe in His power. While the people wondered at the demonstration of such power, the Pharisees were unwilling to acknowledge such divine manifestation; rather, they attributed the healing to Beelzebub, the prince of demons. Why did the Pharisees resort to this blasphemy? They were simply envious of the power of Jesus. Their own religion was in outward form only. Hence, could not attract divine power and approval such as manifested in the ministry of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Youth DCLM Search The Scripture 19 June 2022 | Lesson 24
The Bible warns against, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof…”(2 Timothy 3:5). God gave us the ability of communication through the use of our tongue. But each individual can decide to use it for good or for evil (Proverbs 18:21). Actually, the unregenerated speak evil because that is their nature: “every tree is known by his own fruit”, “For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. A good man out the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth that which is evil: for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh” (Luke 6:43-45).
All evil speaking is from the heart and it defiles the man (Genesis 6:5; Matthew 15:18-20). The heart that is not regenerated is as a root that bears the fruit of evil; a fountain which generates evil thoughts that result in wickedness; and a treasure source of evil imaginations. The problem of the Pharisees in our study also stemmed from the heart. Since they were unregenerated and they were not willing to be spiritually helped, they antagonised Christ and the truth for the fear of losing their members and gains. Youth DCLM Search The Scripture 19 June 2022
Question 2: What are the characteristics of the unregenerated heart?
Like the Pharisees, quite a number of youths speak evil in different ways. One, they give negative comments about a person even when their opinion is not sought. Two, they accuse others falsely. Three, they exaggerate the failings and faults of others. Four, they unnecessarily repeat the faults of others. Five, they misrepresent others. Six, they involve in slander. The heart of unregenerated youth is the devil’s factory where he manufactures all kinds of evil, such as envy, malice, pride, vengeance, desire to promote self, desire to please others and so on: the end of these will be terrible.
As a caring Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, our Redeemer has given us serious warnings against evil speaking, which is common in contemporary times. Some Christian youths are ignorantly involved in this deadly act. Some speak evil of their teachers, and at times, even anointed men of God. Yet, they presumptuously claim to know and honour Jesus. Christian youths should understand that, “…every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36).
- Youth DCLM Search The Scripture 19 June 2022 | Lesson 24
JESUS CASTIGATED PHARISEES FOR EVIL SPEARING (Matthew 12:30-45; Numbers 16:23-33; Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:8)
Every evil speaking has negative repercussions. For example, the young people that made jest of Prophet Elisha perished for their folly. Likewise, Miriam suffered for the misuse of her tongue (Numbers 12:14-16). Some people love to talk evil about others. They give (i) ungodly speech, (ii) impulsive speech, (iii) uncontrolled speech, (iv) insincere speech, (v) evil speech, (vi) curse. All these speeches are contrary to the gospel and they have great, unpleasant and unbearable consequences (Matthew 12:36).
Question 3: What are the repercussions of evil speaking?
Any youth that engages in speaking evil against pastors, leaders, teachers, government functionaries or fellow student will not go unpunished. Such may: (i) stand the danger of untimely death as in the case of Korah, Dathan and Abiram (Numbers 16:23-33), (ii) have unfulfilled destiny, (iii) be cursed and thereby carry different sicknesses and diseases, (iv) face the danger of etemal separation from God. Since they will be rejected in heaven, they will have to spend eternity in hell fire.
- Youth DCLM Search The Scripture 19 June 2022 | Lesson 24
Question 4: How wilt one escape the punishment reserved for evil speakers?
A caring and loving father who looks forward to the success and breakthrough of his children will not close his mouth when serious warning is to be given. Jesus Christ, our incomparable Father is telling us to beware of dangers of evil speaking. “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:37).(Youth DCLM Search The Scripture 19 June 2022)
Since a bad tree cannot bear good fruit, youth that really want to avoid the damnation coming upon evil speakers and carriers must do the following:
(i) Be born again. Unless the heart be transformed, it will not be thoroughly reformed. To be born again is simple as ABC. Acknowledge yourself as a sinner; Believe in the saving power of Jesus Christ; Confess your sins including evil speaking with a solemn promise not to go back to any sin.
(ii) Humble yourself and be ready to obey God at all times.
(iii) Be guided and controlled by His word.
(iv) Control your tongue
(v) Have no intimate, unfruitful or sin-inducing fellowship with unbelievers or unregenerated youth
(vi) Forgive and forget the sin of others against you (vii) Be in fellowship with heaven-minded believers.
(viii) Take all bitterness away (Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:8).
Like the psalmist, Pray: “set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3). (ix) Avoid the folly of speaking whatever crosses your mind: sift such before you speak it (Proverbs 29: 11).
First consider whether it is edifying or not; God-glorifying or self-serving; acceptable before the eternal Judge or not (Philippians 4:8). If your truthful assessment of yourself implies you are at risk of condemnation, you can quickly change camp today by returning to the Lord, resolving not to allow the devil to lure you into evil speaking any longer, by resisting any such suggestion from within yourself or the agency of any colleague or superior human.
- Youth DCLM Search The Scripture 19 June 2022 | Lesson 24
JESUS CLARIFIED ON HIS BELOVED RELATIONS (Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:31; Luke 11:29-32; Matthew 7:2127; James 1:22-25; Revelation 22: 14)
It is heartwarming that despite the unceasing spate of attacks on the person and ministry of Christ, He could still Confidently refer to some people as His brethren. “And he Stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!” (Matthew 12:49). The Point is that Jesus again refuted the error that anyone that appears to stay close to Him is acceptable.
The important thing is not the filial but the spiritual relationship. For example, even though His genealogy is clearly traceable to the Hebrew race, many of them do not believe or follow Him they are not His brethren or members of His Father’s spiritual family. Likewise, unserious professing Christians are not reckoned with. Anyone who practises any form of iniquity is not known in the family of God. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).
What makes an individual better than another in the economy of God is the response and disposition to the word of God. “The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here” (Luke 1 1:32).(Youth DCLM Search The Scripture 19 June 2022)
The primary defining feature of true disciples of Christ is freedom from sin. The reason Christ came is to purge repentant sinners, empower them to become members of the family of God, prepare for them as vessels for His honourable use in this world, and prepare them an habitation in His glorious kingdom (Matthew 3:12; John 1:12; 14:1-3; 2 Timothy 2:20,21).
This is precisely the summary of the ministry He left to His faithful disciples. It implies that both they and their converts must continue to do the will of God. “For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother” (Matthew 12:50).
Question 5: What steps can a believer take to continue with the Lord?
To continue in the privilege, a believer must: one, be daily minded to do so. It requires a daily recommitment of oneself to follow the Lord. “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end” (Hebrews 3:12-14). Two, one must read and meditate on His word with a non-negotiable resolve to live by it (Joshua 1:8; Deuteronomy 5:29; Luke 11:28; John 14:21).
Three, be committed to the sound doctrine of the Lord in preference of any other person’s opinion or option (Job 23: 12; Romans 16:17; 1 Timothy 4:6; 2 John 9). Four, be poised to fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6: 12; Ephesians 6:10-12).
This involves watchfulness against the incursions or wiles of the devil, consistently speaking the truth, interminable life of righteousness, readiness to preach the gospel, living by faith, trust and dependence on the word of God, militantly wielding the sword of the spirit against any spiritual foe and a life of importunate praying for self, family, ministry and genuine gospel ministers. As each youth focuses on Christ and makes good use of the avenues of grace, no one will be disappointed.
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