Love, Submission, and Discernment by Brother Curtis Hansen

         The message this morning is going to have three key points for us to focus upon. They are love, submission, and discernment. Now, love is somewhat misconstrued and mangled by people and culture today. Submission is key in love because it requires you and I to let allow to happen. 

        Our scripture text will be in the book of Matthew chapter 22. We will be reading at verse 15. This is a pretty familiar scripture that we will read to some. The preceding verses were a parable Jesus spoke about the wedding feast. 

        15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.

        Some background for you in setting up the next few scriptures. Jesus has entered Jerusalem for the week of passover. The pharisees were once again trying to trip up Jesus in his counsel. They are getting advice talk among themselves. Believers today can often become a pharisee with other christians when they are completely tied to the rules of scripture. They fall into the pitfall of legalism.

        16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man; for thou regardest not the person of men.

        The Herodians are not a religious group in this time. They were a political party supporting King Herod Antipas. They submitted to the Herods, and therefore to Rome for political expediency. Watch out for acquired iniquity in your life. When you are bothered by someone's past or you find something offensive about them, you should hope you are using your spiritual discernment. Watch out for people who will inflate your ego. That action can be a trap as well. Charm, title, admiration will be present. This is where discernment that comes in at life. Discernment comes from God. Let's turn to the book of Proverbs chapter 29 and verse 5.

        5 A man that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a net for his feet.

        Your discernment needs to be stronger than your insecurity. When you deal with people you should ask, what is your intention? If something doesn't match what is in the scripture, put a check mark by it.

        Look at those who are surrounded by yes men if you can't take a criticism of various things, are you really effective? Let's go back to the scripture in Matthew.

        17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?

        The ruse employed is to trip Jesus up on government. It's the one thing to try and catch Jesus with mosaic law, but government would be different.

        What are you submitted on in your life? What facet of your life is unchecked?

        18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

        Wisdom is calling out what is in front of you. Where does your goos come from? Your parents? Your environment? God? Christians only motive in life is to get to heaven. What is your motivation? Everyone doesn't have your best interest at heart. What do you do? You pray for them but pray correctly.

        Access and love. We owe love to everyone in life. We don't give everyone access. Access must be earned through consistency, faithfulness, and godliness. Discernment is the truth behind the truth in the flesh. Stop letting people use your heart as a free all for advice. God wants full time and full hearted people. Half hearted people burn out and fall away over time.

        The bible says to guard your heart. Don't let the crowds you are surrounded by at times plant seeds. Let the scripture and allow that to plant seeds in your life. A final question for you this morning, What is the intention behind your interactions?