2015.9.20 礼拝

2015.9.20 礼拝

2015.9.20：John 18:19-24 “Oppose the work of darkness”

Jesus was arrested, judged and put on the cross at night. This reminds us of the typical nature of sin by humankind disobeying God’s will. What was done to Jesus was not someone else’s business. Of course, what took place on the cross was God’s plan, however, the people were not just manipulated like a robot.

The point today is to “oppose the work of darkness.” What should we do not to be involved in the conspiracy in darkness?

A. Obey Christ and “speak in the open
John 18:20 – Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret.”

Jesus spoke the truth without hiding anything even when he knew there would be anger and a plan to kill him.　He has shown us the good example.

B. Don’t hide the truth of Christ
John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

We are faced with a temptation to “withhold topics which may make a person stumble and just speak things which are pleasant to the ears” when we engage in missions. For example, the first part of John 14:6 sounds acceptable while the latter part, “no one comes to the Father except through Me,” may lead to oppositions.

It seems such thinking as “the entrance to all religion may vary but the goal is all the same!” is popular and easier to accept. However, when we cover the words of Christ in a veil, we are actually creating the shade and darkness.

C. Don’t hide the call from Christ
Matthew 10:37-38 – 37 “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.”

Most people have the desire of going to heaven and may have interest in the gospel to some extent. Therefore, the message, “if you believe in Jesus, your sin will be forgiven and you can go to heaven!” would sound pleasing.

If it was our purpose just to secure a large number of believers like some religions, it may be all right. However, such is not the call of Christ, but to urge the believers to primarily love Christ and decide to give their lives to Christ. In Matthew 7:14, Jesus said, “Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Therefore, we should not cover up our call from Christ.

D. Don’t take part in the work of darkness
Luke 22:53 – “When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”
Ephesians 5:11 – And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

I have talked about “mission” in B and C but finally will talk about ethics of church life. As a matter-of-fact, relationships at church is filled with differences in opinions and could create clashes among members, which in turn brings about the danger of putting us in the works of darkness.

The important thing is not to find who is participating in the works of darkness, but to take an honest look of your own self. This can be applied not only at church but at home, school and work to build a healthy relationship with people. Checking your own self is quite easy.

・Are you sure you have no spiteful thought?
・Hasn’t it become your goal to defeat the other person?

This is summarized in what Jesus said, “do not judge.” The Pharisees, the high priest and the priest emphasized their correctness.

The problem was that their real purpose was ill-natured. They seized Jesus and put him on trial at night in darkness because they were aware of their malicious plans. We could also lose track of our own spiteful thoughts especially when we are convinced that we are correct and go so far as to attack the other person. Even when we speak ill of a person behind his back, we may be doing this without being aware.

However, if we really look into our own self, we should be able to realize our dark side.

Finding the one responsible for the works of darkness will not solve any problems. On the other hand, forgiving the one you “dislike” and moving forward toward the same goal, accepting each other’s imperfections, will bring about joy and peace.

Let us oppose the works of darkness and walk in the light of God and come to God.