- Joined
- Apr 25, 2006
- Messages
- 17,520
13 March 2008
John 18 v 19-24
The high priest asked Jesus questions about his followers and his teaching. Jesus answered, "I have spoken openly to everyone. I have always taught in synagogues and in the Temple, where all the Jews come together. I never said anything in secret. So why do you question me? Ask the people who heard my teaching. They know what I said."
When Jesus said this, one of the guards standing there hit him. The guard said, "Is that the way you answer the high priest?"
Jesus answered him, "If I said something wrong, then show what it was. But if what I said is true, why do you hit me?"
Then Annas sent Jesus, who was still tied, to Caiaphas the high priest.
"If what I said is true, why do you hit me?"
Jesus said "he who is not with Me is against Me" (Matthew 12:30). If there's an area in our minds, hearts or lives that's not given and submitted to Jesus, His ways and His kingdom it's against Him. Are we totally submitted? Completely sold out?
When we love anything more than Jesus we have an idol. We won't worship Him in the fullness He deserves, won't be utterly dependent and, with each step, we will get further from Him - we lose our passion, become comfortable and ask why.
Focussing on suppressing sin is like trying to fill a black hole - dark and light cannot coexist. So how do we conquer and overcome? How do we become godlier? We need to get to the root of why we have idols and let God pour in His light.
Idolatry often arises from brokenness. If we believe God doesn't love us - we fly from Him. If we don't care about sin - we neglect God's ways. If we believe God can't use us for His kingdom we'll step down. If we have the head-knowledge but not the heart-knowledge we won't live it. We must let God destroy the lies of our hearts. With God impossible does not exist.
Dealing with such a serious issue isn't something that's easy or sensible to do alone. It would be wise - if you plan to - to tell a mentor, counsellor, youth leader or spiritual authority so they help you walk it through.
Father, healer, we're all broken people. Please help me see where I need to be changed and guide me through that. Please come and help me live for and love You today. Amen
Written by members of Xplore
John 18 v 19-24
The high priest asked Jesus questions about his followers and his teaching. Jesus answered, "I have spoken openly to everyone. I have always taught in synagogues and in the Temple, where all the Jews come together. I never said anything in secret. So why do you question me? Ask the people who heard my teaching. They know what I said."
When Jesus said this, one of the guards standing there hit him. The guard said, "Is that the way you answer the high priest?"
Jesus answered him, "If I said something wrong, then show what it was. But if what I said is true, why do you hit me?"
Then Annas sent Jesus, who was still tied, to Caiaphas the high priest.
"If what I said is true, why do you hit me?"
Jesus said "he who is not with Me is against Me" (Matthew 12:30). If there's an area in our minds, hearts or lives that's not given and submitted to Jesus, His ways and His kingdom it's against Him. Are we totally submitted? Completely sold out?
When we love anything more than Jesus we have an idol. We won't worship Him in the fullness He deserves, won't be utterly dependent and, with each step, we will get further from Him - we lose our passion, become comfortable and ask why.
Focussing on suppressing sin is like trying to fill a black hole - dark and light cannot coexist. So how do we conquer and overcome? How do we become godlier? We need to get to the root of why we have idols and let God pour in His light.
Idolatry often arises from brokenness. If we believe God doesn't love us - we fly from Him. If we don't care about sin - we neglect God's ways. If we believe God can't use us for His kingdom we'll step down. If we have the head-knowledge but not the heart-knowledge we won't live it. We must let God destroy the lies of our hearts. With God impossible does not exist.
Dealing with such a serious issue isn't something that's easy or sensible to do alone. It would be wise - if you plan to - to tell a mentor, counsellor, youth leader or spiritual authority so they help you walk it through.
Father, healer, we're all broken people. Please help me see where I need to be changed and guide me through that. Please come and help me live for and love You today. Amen
Written by members of Xplore
Last edited:
