Title: Spiritual Discernment / Matthew 7:6
A Christian said not to criticize others and especially not to be a hypocrite. But he said, 'Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them and turn around and tear you to pieces.' Many people associate this verse with a narrow-minded and prejudiced bad man, but this is a call to spiritual discernment.
I. Not everyone is saved
This verse teaches the salvation of the elect, not universalism. “Leave them alone; they are the ones who lead the blind, and if the blind lead the blind, they will both fall into a pit.” (Matthew 15:14) The disciples say that there are some who cannot be converted. “If anyone comes to you without this teaching, do not bring him into your house, and do not greet him, for he who greets him is a partaker of his evil works” (2 John 10-11). Have mercy" (Jude 22) "As we have said before, I say again now, if anyone preaches any other gospel than what you have received, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:9). .
II. Truth and Unbelievers
What is the practical meaning of "do not give dogs anything holy"?
The truth of the Bible is that it is not for unbelievers. Christian ethics do not apply to unbelievers. We do not preach things like love, sacrifice, and mercy to everyone. As mentioned at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, this is a lesson given to the poor in spirit (those who are not proud), those who mourn over their sins, and the meek. Before I choose the ethics of Christ, I must have the Spirit of Christ in me.
Can we teach unbelievers about prayer too? The answer is no. The Bible teaches that unbelievers have no value in prayer. God does not hear the prayers of unbelievers. “When you stretch out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you, and though you pray a lot, I will not hear you, for your hands are full of blood” (Isaiah 1:15). The only prayer that God can hear from an unbeliever is a prayer for salvation based on the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. This doctrine can also be preached to those who have not become children of God by faith.
III. sacrament meeting and church membership
These verses also refer to the standards of membership in the Church. The members of the local church become members of the body of Christ. We become members of the body of Christ only through faith in the gospel. Unfortunately, the modern church allows anyone to become a member in terms of social status, status, and church expansion without a clear confession of faith. "Now, ye priests, I command you, saith the LORD of hosts, If ye do not listen and take not to heart, and do not glorify my name, I will curse you and curse your blessing, which I have cursed. Because ye have not put it in your heart" (Mal 2:1-2) With the growing number of Nominals, the church should not be the main culprit in increasing these numbers.
Those who are baptized and partake of the sacrament table without even having a right relationship with God Receiving the sacrament as a religious ceremony without complete devotion to the Lord is terrifying. Those who abuse the sacrament, knowing that it is the privilege of being blessed, will have to fear the curse of God. Do not give holy things to unconsecrated dogs. Holy Communion is to be given only to Christians.
IV. for evangelism
There are some who are worse than mere unbelievers. Jesus called them children of the devil. According to God's Word, we are commanded to preach the gospel to simple unbelievers. But from those who hear the Gospel and harden their hearts, and those who oppose or ridicule the Gospel, shake the dust off their feet and leave.
There are those who reject the gospel without receiving it. Those who ridicule the gospel are the outline pigs mentioned here. Do not throw holy pearls at them. A Christian who throws pearls at these people is disobeying God.
Is there any hope for such a human being? we can't say If there is, it will be accomplished in God's deep providence, or we will be able to evangelize by showing our deeds, not our words.
Spiritual discrimination against dogs and pigs may sound offensive, but the word pearl makes us very happy.
① We are considered the true rich with pearls.
Matthew 6 speaks of worldly wealth, but here it is taught that Christian wealth is found in the Word of God. The truth of the Word is our jewel.
② We must be content with this pearl that the world ignores.
We may lose health, wealth, friends, and fame, but this treasure is forever. A lamp in the dark night (Psalm 119:105), a comfort in suffering (119:50), and a song of praise on the pilgrimage (Psalm 119:54).
Pearls are expensive. A wise man endures pain to obtain pearls. The word of God is like a precious pearl. Have you read, recite, and learn to keep that pearl in your heart? David said, "I have put Your word in my heart, that I may not sin against You" (Psalm 119:11).