Man's Reasoning Versus Spiritual Enlightenment

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Man's Reasoning Versus Spiritual Enlightement


Title: Man’s Reasoning Versus Spiritual Enlightenment
Scripture: Matthew 16:1-17
Date: July 12, 2009

• Carnal: adj. 1. Relating to the physical and especially sexual appetites: carnal desire. 2. Worldly or earthly; temporal: the carnal world. 3. Of or relating to the body or flesh; bodily:


I. Give us a sign. Vv.1-4
..A. The Pharisees and Sadducees came testing Jesus.
....1. They were not looking for answers for evidence to accuse Jesus with.
..B. They sought a physical sign.
....1. Their request, though a trap, was based on physical evidence.
..C. Jesus responds.
....1. Jesus reveals that their focus is on the flesh (carnal), not the spiritual.
......a. Physical signs versus spiritual evidence.
........1) They can discern the face of the sky to know what the weather will be like. (carnal)
........2) They cannot discern the signs of the times (spiritual)
......b. They want external proof when God’s Word is truth.
........1) They seek a physical sign. (carnal)
........2) They ignore the fulfillment of prophecy and God’s Word. (spiritual)

II. Beware of the leaven. Vv.6-12
..A. Jesus presents a warning.
....1. Take heed and beware of the leaven of …
....2. Jesus uses specific language on purpose.
......a. They had forgotten to take bread and Jesus uses this little fact to bring forth an important teaching.
....3. He is testing the disciples.
......a. A test in which they fail.
......b. The test was not a trap, but used to illustrate where they were in their walk with Christ.
......c. The revelation of where they were was for their good.
..B. The disciples reasoned.
....1. They reasoned amongst themselves. (carnal)
....2. Note that they did not inquire of Jesus.
......a. Jesus was right there.
....3. They arrived at the wrong conclusion.
......a. “Because we have taken no bread.”
........1) Imagine if Jesus left them alone regarding this conclusion.
..........a) They would have feared the literal bread of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
..C. Jesus points out two important things to the disciples.
....1. He points out their “little faith” again.
......a. True faith would not have been concerned with physical bread.
........1) Luke 12:22-23
....2. He points out their failed reasoning.
......a. Their reasoning was based on carnal things, not spiritual things.
........1) They could not reason past physical bread.
........2) Their concern was based on a lack of physical bread.
..D. Jesus further illustrates their little faith and failed reasoning.
....1. Do you not yet understand or remember …?
....2. Jesus concludes the following regarding them.
......a. Either they do not yet understand that He is in control and that they can trust Him with their very lives – or – They have forgotten the miracles of Him feeding the two large groups.
....3. After further explanation, they finally understood that Jesus meant the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

III. Who is Jesus? Vv.13-17
..A. What is the word on the street regarding Me?
....1. The word is that some believe that Jesus is either John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the prophets. (carnal)
......a. They were proclaiming that Jesus was one who had already been.
......b. They were looking back into Israel’s history.
......c. This is the results of man’s reasoning.
....2. They did not see Him as the One to come based on God’s Word. (spiritual)
..B. Jesus asks the disciples directly what they believe.
....1. Peter responds with the correct answer.
......a. This knowledge did not come through some carnal means.
........1) Man did not reveal this truth to you, he did not discern this truth on his own.
........2) This, even though, he walked with Jesus.
......b. This knowledge can only come through the work of God.
........1) Jesus clearly reveals that this truth came to Peter through the Father only.
..........a) John 6:44-46; John 16:8-11

IV. Conclusion
..A. Seven truths to live by.
....1. Do not trust, place your hope, in human reasoning. 1 Corinthians 2
....2. Do not be proud as one thinking they have great faith, but be hungering after Jesus. Romans 12:3-4
....3. Examine your faith regularly. 2 Corinthians 13:5
....4. Study and search God’s Word. 2 Timothy 2:15
....5. Prayer and supplication. Inquire of the Lord. Philippians 4:6-7
....6. Ask for wisdom. James 1:5
....7. Praise and thank God if you believe in Jesus, because if you do, the Father has revealed Him to you. John 6:44-46
......a. This and 2 Corinthians 4:4 explain why so many reject God’s Word and His Son Jesus Christ