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13. Jesus Reveals to the Hypocrites the Truth of Their Hearts (Mark 7:14-23)
MARK 7:14-23
14 He called all the multitude to himself, and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. 15 There is nothing from outside of the man, that going into him can defile him; but the things which proceed out of the man are those that defile the man. 16 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!” 17 When he had entered into a house away from the multitude, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18 He said to them, “Are you thus without understanding also? Don’t you perceive that whatever goes into the man from outside can’t defile him, 19 because it doesn’t go into his heart, but into his stomach, then into the latrine, thus purifying all foods?” 20 He said, “That which proceeds out of the man, that defiles the man. 21 For from within, out of the hearts of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts, 22 covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”
The greatest temptation of godly believers is that they endeavor to sanctify themselves by their own efforts; and therefore, they abstain from certain dresses and foods, or recite many verses to please God.
The churches and groups that forbid a certain fashion, or the using of radio or TV, have not yet recognized the bitter truth that outer observances and appearances are not the cause, but the result of our sins. They resemble those who cut weeds from the ground and do not pull them up by the roots. They work in vain, for it is necessary to uproot evil from our minds, and then the bad fruits will wither away.
Do you believe that no man is good in himself? Christ teaches us the bankruptcy of oneself, for the heart of man is the source of poison and evil. Dear reader, be truthful and confess what you think during the day, and what you imagine during the night. Accept the words of Christ as a surgeon’s scalpel, which opens our hearts and brings to light what is within.
The Son of God mentioned that your first sins, which defile you, comes from your lusts and impurities, and even fornication and homosexuality. Do not lie, but tell God frankly about your lustful thoughts, unclean sayings, and known sins that he may forgive and heal you.
Christ calls you a murderer, not because you killed anyone, but because you hate others and reject them in your heart, and want to be rid of them that you might never see them again. Yet Jesus teaches you to love your enemies and forgive your adversary completely. Christ also shows you that the thought of stealing is in the heart of every man. More visibly, you have become a thief. Do you have anything in your hand, which does not belong to you? Do you rob others of their time, thoughts, and small or great things? Give back to its owner all that is not yours, and confess your sin before him. Men wish to have money and properties and do so without God. We often do not realize that we rob the Most High, who has the whole earth, of his right. Do you turn away your body, strength, and mind from God, or do you put yourself as his own at his command? Examine yourself: do you recognize your situation in Jesus’ Spirit? Do not be proud. Confess truthfully.
Your heart is filled with malice, cheating, and hatred to men. You pamper yourself with luxury. Your self has become your own idol. You worship in the name of yourself, measuring yourself against others, and blaspheming against God with your prayers, because you do not love him with all your heart, but are driven by your own malicious wishes. You turn night and day around the hateful, proud ego.
How often Do you use the name of God in vain, during the day, without making him the center of your life and your thoughts? Be aware that you are proud and arrogant. This is exactly the original sin of Satan who separated himself from God, and full of pride.
Dear brother, Do you admit with us that you are really a fool, and that you will never know God and yourself, unless the Holy Spirit enlightens your mind and leads you to the repentance of faith and renewal in the love of the Lord?
PRAYER: O holy God, forgive our evil heart, and cleanse us of our unclean lusts. Purify us from hatred and from all kinds of stealing, and overcome particularly our pride, malice, and foolishness. I confess my sin before you, and seek my sanctification in the blood of Christ. Complete my renewal in your Holy Spirit that I may not fall. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Amen.
QUESTION:
- What are the original sins, which crop up in the heart of each man?