Do You See The Danger?

Introduction Some see Danger and ignore it. To fail to heed the warning signs could cost us our soul. Selfishness (covetousness, idolatry) is a personal destruction upon ourselves. Despising our brothers hurts our relationship with them and God.

The danger of Human Movements Jesus often spoke of the influence of men and their movements. (Mt 7:15)

The danger of Human Movements Matthew 7:15 (NKJV) - “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

The danger of Human Movements Some have made the issue of false teachers so specific as to have no meaning.

The danger of Human Movements There is power in relationships. (Gal 4:16-17)

The danger of Human Movements NKJ Galatians 4:16 - Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth? 17 They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them.

The danger of Human Movements The most influential teaching comes in connections with men and their relationships. (Mt 16:6; Mk 8:15, Jn 5:40-44)

The danger of Human Movements Matthew 16:6 (NKJV) - Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.”

The danger of Human Movements Mark 8:15 (NKJV) - Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”

The danger of Human Movements NKJ John 5:40 - "But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. 41 "I do not receive honor from men. 42 "But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 "I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive.

The danger of Human Movements 44 "How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?

The danger of Human Movements We must constantly fight to keep our loyalty to God.

The danger of Human Movements We must constantly fight to keep our loyalty to God. It is amazing to see our present day institutions and how men will follow.

The danger of Human Movements We must constantly fight to keep our loyalty to God. It is amazing to see our present day institutions and how men will follow. Jesus is our head, we are the members! (Col 1:15-18)

The danger of Human Movements Colossians 1:15-18 (NKJV) - He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

The danger of Human Movements 17And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

The danger of Human Movements This body or church is a universal relationship with Jesus and all Christians.

The danger of Human Movements This body or church is a universal relationship with Jesus and all Christians. There is only one way this relationship can exist. Jesus must have preeminence.

The danger of Human Movements Preeminence - the first reclining-place, the chief place, at table (…the relative rank of the several places at table varied among Persians, Greeks, and Romans; and what arrangement was currently followed by the Jews in Christ's day can hardly, perhaps, be determined; … Matt. 23:6; Mark 12:39; Luke 11:43…) – Thayer’s Lexicon.

The danger of Human Movements To be in the first position, with the implication of high rank and prominence - 'to be the first, to have superior status.– Louw-Nida

The danger of Human Movements To be in the first position, with the implication of high rank and prominence - 'to be the first, to have superior status.– Louw-Nida Jesus used a word that the Jews understood as prioritizing men in a social arrangement. (Mt 23:6; 20:21-23; Lk 14:8- 11)

The danger of Human Movements Matthew 23:6 (NKJV) - They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,

The danger of Human Movements Matthew 20:21-23 (NKJV) - And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.”

The danger of Human Movements 22 But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.”

The danger of Human Movements 23 So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.”

The danger of Human Movements Luke 14:8-11 (NKJV) - “When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; 9 and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place.

The danger of Human Movements 10 But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. 11 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

The danger of Human Movements We can easily out of a desire for association with certain men lose our loyalty to Jesus.

The danger of Human Movements We can easily out of a desire for association with certain men lose our loyalty to Jesus. We must fight to remain steadfast. (2 Pt 3:17-18)

The danger of Human Movements 2 Peter 3:17-18 (NKJV) - You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

The danger of Human Movements Over time our hearts can harden and we be lost to the Lord. (Heb 3:12-15)

The danger of Human Movements Hebrews 3:12-15 (NKJV) - Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end,

The danger of Human Movements 15 while it is said: “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

The danger of Human Movements Do you see the danger?

The danger of Human Movements Do you see the danger? If so then the arm of the Lord can save you!

The danger of Human Movements Do you see the danger? If so then the arm of the Lord can save you! Will you watch and laugh as disaster moves directly toward you? (1 Thess 5:1- 4)

The danger of Human Movements 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4 (NKJV) - But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.

The danger of Human Movements 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.

Conclusion God’s ways are right and the ONLY pathway to eternal life. Do not let men dictate how you live your life, and worship your God. You must make the choice yourself. Do you see the danger? Respond now, while it is not too late.