285 – The Prostitution of Holy Things

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE: SOTERIOLOGY VI LESSON # 85

SERMON ON THE MOUNT
THE PROSTITUTION OF HOLY THINGS

INTRODUCTION:

have a warning against unwarranted holding of others in low esteem.
2. Remember, it was not the forbidding of any kind of judgment or discrimination.
3. Verse 5 illustrates the hypocritical claim of charitable activity where contempt abides.
4. But this verse is a counterbalance lest we abandon all discriminatory responsibility.

III: You do not count the “low life” unworthy of care, nor do you offer him your daughter’s hand in marriage.

5. While bringing this balance into all religious activity is difficult, it is needful.

I. THE HYPERBOLE AND THESE PEOPLE’S UNDERSTANDING OF IT

1. By hyperbole, we mean an exaggerated figure of speech designed for special effect.
2. Explain the nature and perception of dogs and swine in that day and that society.
3. You must see two things for proper application:

i. The Lord is speaking of people, not hogs and dogs.
ii. The statement must be kept relevant to context.

4. He is likening total abandonment of judgment to giving holy things to dogs, etc.

II. HOLY THINGS THAT SHOULD NOT BE PROSTITUTED (EZE. 22:26 )

1. By prostitute, I mean a profane or unworthy use of a person or thing. What things?
2. Any and all names and appellations of our God, and holy phrases. (Exo. 20:7

)
1. Our family, by the careless opening of our homes, or taking them to improper places.
2. Our bodies (God’s temple), by careless exposure to the lusting or ridiculing world.
3. Our church’s meeting house, by indiscriminate and inordinate use, activity, or dress.
4. Our worship, by placing it in an unworthy setting, like some hospital rooms and restaurants.
5. Our witness, by seeking to teach, preach and witness in prevailing filth.

III. THE NECESSITY OF SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT FOR BALANCE

1. We could wrongly judge a place, atmosphere or circumstance unworthy. (Verse 5)
2. Conversely, we can profane the holy by being spiritually indiscriminate.
3. Our Lord warns us against both of these, therefore, we must discern. But how may we discern?

i. Maintain our heart so the holy seems to be holy.
ii. Cultivate truth and mercy so the fallen do not seem worthless to us.

iii. Seek to make righteous judgment, not Pharisaic.
iv. Maintain humility so as to follow God, not personal wisdom.

4. There are people everywhere who need our pearls, our holy things.
5. There are many atmospheres where the Gospel will be prostituted, and the hearer alienated.
6. To be wise in this discernment, we must follow at least two Bible patterns:

i. Be ready to receive the publicans and harlots.
ii. Do not eat and drink with the drunken.

7. Are there those who need to rededicate and reconsecrate in this area of life?

Berean Baptist Church