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“Shrewd as serpents”

Matthew 10:18 “brought before governors and kings for My sake”. “Shrewd as serpents”. Matthew 10:16 “sheep in the midst of wolves”. “Sheep in the midst of wolves”. Jesus knew this world is a rough place Acts 20:29 “savage wolves” Jude 4 “crept in unnoticed”

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“Shrewd as serpents”

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  1. Matthew 10:18 “brought before governors and kings for My sake” “Shrewd as serpents” Matthew 10:16 “sheep in the midst of wolves”

  2. “Sheep in the midst of wolves” • Jesus knew this world is a rough place • Acts 20:29 “savage wolves” • Jude 4 “crept in unnoticed” • Hebrews 4:12 “sharper than any two-edged sword” • 1 John 5:4,5 “the is the victory that has overcome the world- our faith”

  3. Stepping Back for a Moment • In the midst of trial may seem like the world is more powerful than the gospel • Matthew 13:19ff “wicked one snatches away what was sown in his heart” • Acts 8:1-3 “made havoc of the church” • Revelation 2:10 “devil is about to throw some of you into prison” • 2 Peter 2:1-3 “destructive heresies” • Revelation 2:14 “doctrine of Balaam”

  4. Stepping Back for a Moment • Where is the Roman Empire with all of its power today? • LONG GONE! • Those who sought to corrupt God’s people are currently under punishment • 2 Peter 2:4, 9 • It may appear wolves are devouring the sheep • Hebrews 12:28 “receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken”

  5. Innocent as Doves • “Be shrewd as serpents” – Hebrews 12:28 • Matthew 5:6-8 “hunger and thirst for righteousness” • Seek honest and true praise from Him after living a life that was actually godly- Matthew 6:1 • Galatians 6:10 “to please men” • 2 Timothy 4:3 “have itching ears” • Acts 20:30 “speaking perverse things”

  6. Shrewd as Serpents • Martyrdom was not the goal of Jesus’ servants - • Matthew 10:23 “When they persecute your in this city, flee to another” • Acts 23:1-9 “Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees” • Philippians 1:19-26 “for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”

  7. Applications • When people attempt to put us on the spot concerning what the Bible teaches, put them on the spot: “Okay, what do you believe and why?” • When people attack our stand on a practice that the Bible says is sinful, we need to press them: “Okay, prove to me that the practice is morally good?” • Instead of just telling someone what the Bible says on a subject, have them read a section of verses that addresses the subject and ask them: “So, what does the word of God teach on that?”

  8. Applications • Hold unbelievers accountable for their positions and insist on consistency and point our various inconsistencies • When people claim there is no absolute truth, insist that they absolutely prove that claim • If someone does not want to follow Jesus, press them for a real reason • When someone falls away from the faith and is tempted to complain about the church – press them for the real reason for their departure

  9. Beware of Men • Matthew 10:17 “Beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils” • “Be on your guard against” “Do not put your trust in men” • Doesn’t mean “don’t trust anyone” • Strong warning for people who naively believe that the gospel can be made “attractive” to the world!

  10. Beware of Men • Do not attempt to win converts by watering down the gospel to attract more people • Government never has all the answers or solutions • Beware of following mere human solutions for spiritual problems • Avoid courting popularity, for the world will often turn on you • The world enjoys building people up only to enjoy tearing them down

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