The Supremacy of Genuine Faith and the Incomparable Power of the Gospel (05/25/'24) -Passage

The Supremacy of Genuine Faith and the Incomparable Power of the Gospel "People say a lot. SO, GOD WATCHES WHAT THEY DO: “If you do extract the precious from the worthless, YOU SHALL BE AS MY MOUTH (Jeremiah 15:19).” Your actions are what you believe, and words are what you think." Meaning: People often talk a lot, but what truly matters to God is their actions. Words are merely thoughts expressed, but actions reflect genuine beliefs and intentions. The reference to Jeremiah 15:19 underscores the importance of discerning and separating what is valuable from what is worthless. If one can do this, they become a spokesperson for God, embodying His will and wisdom. Purpose: The purpose of this sentence is to emphasize the importance of integrity and sincerity in one's faith. It highlights that God values actions that align with His will more than mere verbal professions of faith. What is Worthless and What is Valuable to God Worthless: Empty words, superficial actions, and insincerity in faith and practice. Valuable: Genuine actions that reflect true faith, integrity, and obedience to God's will. Actions that are in line with the teachings of the gospel and reflect a true transformation of the heart. Why Worldly Powers Cannot Compete with the Gospel "The nets of the gospel of Jesus have huge holes for followers (Mk 1:17; Mt 4:19; Lk 5:9-10), and it seems sloppy, but it does not miss anything (Mt 13:47-48; Lk 5:5-8; He 4:12)." Explanation: The metaphor of nets with huge holes suggests that the gospel, at first glance, might appear inefficient or lacking in structure. However, this is not the case. Despite its perceived flaws, the gospel is thorough and comprehensive in its reach and impact. The gospel's power lies in its divine origin and its ability to transform lives deeply and authentically. It is not constrained by human limitations or appearances of strength and order. "Jesus Christ did not contend with the power of the world (Mt 16:53; Jn 18:36; Lk 17:21), but overcame it, therefore, the power of this world is impossible to compete with the gospel of Christ (Mk 12:24; Mt 22:29; Rev 7:12 etc.)." Explanation: Jesus did not engage in direct confrontation with worldly powers but instead transcended them through His divine mission and resurrection. The true power of the gospel is its divine authority and the eternal truths it embodies. Worldly powers, being temporal and flawed, cannot match the eternal and spiritual power of the gospel. Presence of Heaven Amid Conflict Between Heaven's Will and Earth's Will "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven (Jesus Mt 6:10). From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near (Mt 4:17)).'" Explanation: The presence of heaven on earth is achieved through repentance and the alignment of human will with God's will. When individuals repent and seek to live according to God's commandments, they bring a piece of heaven to earth by manifesting God's will in their lives. The conflict between the will of heaven and the will of earth is resolved when believers choose to prioritize God's will, thereby advancing the kingdom of heaven on earth. In summary, the passage underscores the supremacy of genuine faith and actions over mere words, the unmatched power and completeness of the gospel, and the realization of heaven on earth through repentance and obedience to God's will. The gospel, despite its apparent simplicity, is divinely perfect and unfathomably powerful, transcending and overcoming all worldly powers. Pastor Steven G. Lee (May 25, 2024)