Read Matthew 22:15-46 and 1 Corinthians 3:10-17
I. Jesus Answers the Pharisees and Sadducee
- Matthew 22:15-46, Jesus reminded us that we have dual citizenship here on earth. First, we are citizens of this earth. What is of this earth, we should give to the authorities. If our government asks for taxes, let us freely give it to them to pay for the services that they have provided us. All our money and possessions have no value in the eyes of God. At the same time, we are also citizens of the Kingdom of heaven. God requires our full commitment and obedience to Him. As His children, we have to show Him that we love Him and the only way we can show this is living the life that He wants us and 100% obedience. This is not a part-time or a weekend job where we look righteous while at church. This is a full turnaround and devotion to Him. Once we are baptized in the Spirit, we are to reject all temptations and sinning. Jesus also reminded us that God is the God of the living and not of the dead. When we are accepted in His Kingdom, we are promised salvation and eternal life and what He had planned for us in heaven does not compare to anything that we have experienced here on earth. Finally, Jesus shared with us the new covenant. He gave us two commandments that covers all of the 10 that God gave to Moses. First, the greatest commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ If we love God; we would only have one God, we would not create and worship idols, dead people, saints, Mary, Buddha, animals, or other earthy things; and we will keep Holy whatever God determines as Holy. The next commandment, "Love our neighbors as ourselves" will cover honoring our parents, not murdering, committing adultery, steal, giving false testimonies, and coveting our neighbors possessions.
II. Building on the Right Foundation
- 1 Corinthians 3:10-17, if we were to build our house, would we build it on sand or should we find a solid foundation such as a rock. Remember, a building is only as solid as its foundation. Even if the exterior of our houses look great, it will not stand when it faces an earthquake. This goes the same way for our lives. We need to have God as our center and with Him, we can accomplish anything. Let us not build our foundation on wealth, successes and fame for all these will vanish in a blink of an eye. We need to focus on things that are eternal and not on materials that turn back to ashes. We need to build our lives according to God's will and plans so we can receive His grace and salvation.
III. Proverbs for Today / 10:18
He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
IV. Old Testament Reading
Leviticus 20:22-27, Leviticus 21, Leviticus 22:1-16, and Psalms 43:1-5
