Matthew 12:25-26……Working

Matthew 12:25-26……Working

12:25 Jesus knew their thoughts (deceitfulness. They probably didn’t say these thoughts out loud. Or Jesus read the skeptical expression on their faces that revealed their hearts) and said to them, (By way of an axiomatic universal truth that all would agree with) “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.  26 If (To draw a line in the sand)  Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? (For Complete Expository See Book)

Extended Sermons

“Teaches rather than get argue or debate we’re to use logic and common in reasoning with others.” → This approach helps us respond thoughtfully when challenged or misunderstood, encouraging respectful dialogue instead of hurtful arguments. When disagreements or misunderstandings arise—whether at work, home, church or in community settings—we’re to pause, listen carefully, and respond with logical explanations and common sense. As an example, people argue where did Cain get a wife since Adam & Eve were the first humans?-(Gen. 4:16-17) Logic assumes since Adam lived 930 years-(Gen. 5:5) Adam and Eve had many additional children, and Cain married a sister a or niece. And because Adam & Eve were created perfect, their early descendants had fewer genetic mutations, making close intermarriage biologically safe in the early stages of humanity. Others argue how could Jesus be with God and God at the same time.-(John 1:1) Logic clarifies that a person cannot be with themselves. Therefore, John is likely referring to Jesus’ divine nature as a separate entity sharing the same essence, not as the exact same person as God the Father. Others argue how could Jesus be declared sinless when He got angry and throw out those buying & selling from the Temple-(Matt. 21:12-13 ) Logic reasons that Jesus’ anger came from a place of righteous indignation and zeal for God and not a personal, selfish, or malicious outburst. By using logic and common sense, we can address misunderstandings and refute bible contradictions and unfounded claims effectively. This approach not only maintains our integrity, but also demonstrates respect for others and encourages constructive dialogue.

“Teaches since Jesus already knows our hearts & minds we don’t have to hide, we can be honest and open with Him.”  → Since Jesus fully understands our inner thoughts, feelings, and intentions, there is no reason to pretend or conceal what is truly in our hearts. He is aware of our struggles, our doubts, and even our hidden motivations. Because nothing is hidden from Him, we are free to come to Him with complete honesty and openness. This means we do not need to put on a façade or try to appear better than we are. Instead, we can approach Jesus just as we are, admitting our weaknesses and seeking His help. This kind of transparency allows for genuine relationship and growth, as we trust that Jesus receives us with love and grace, knowing everything about us.

“Calls for keeping unity in the Church by putting differences aside and standing together.” ⇒ We can’t keep the unity of the church while divided on petty disputes, doctrinal differences, and personal preferences. We need  harmony and coherence within the house of God. Division and discord among believers can lead to spiritual desolation and ineffectiveness in fulfilling God’s purposes. This principle has implications for the Church as a whole, as well as for individual believers. We should always be careful to not let our personal preferences get in the way of unity. We need to be careful not to turn secondary issues into primary issues. We should have unity in the essentials of the faith and liberty in the non-essentials. We should be willing to put aside our own desires for the sake of the body of Christ. When we do not forgive each other and harbor anger and bitterness in our hearts, it causes division. When we are focused on ourselves and not on others, it causes division. When we do not love others as ourselves, it causes division. When we are not unified, we are not strong. The Bible warns against those who promote division: Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.-(Rom. 16:17)  As the body of Christ, we are called to love one another and to live in harmony with each other. This is how the world will know that Jesus is the Savior and we are His disciples. [Note: This not suggesting that we are to sacrifice truth for the sake of unity. We should always stand firm on the Word of God and what it teaches. While at the same time be agreeable over the non-essential issues of faith.]

“Even today, being double-minded in our thoughts, theology, and beliefs can lead to internal division & instability. We can’t profess ourselves Christian and yet deny the death, burial, and  resurrection of Jesus. We can’t spend an hour in prayer and then the rest of the day sowing anger, hate, discord, and division.” → We can’t claim compassion as taught in scripture, but practice judgment in daily life. We can’t live spiritual lives while at odds with a neighbor or family member. We can’t have the love of Jesus in our hearts while holding onto grudges and bitterness. We can’t seek peace and fulfillment in God while seeking approval and validation through social media or material gain. We can’t study scripture and theology while our hearts are doubting. We can’t say we trust God with our lives and then live in worry, fear, and anxiety. Division frequently begins in secret. Starting in the inner thoughts of the mind and working itself out in open rebellion. That’s why it’s important that we keep unity, whether it’s theological unity, doctrinal unity, philosophical unity, or it only creates confusion within ourselves and weakens our witness to others. We need to ask ourselves the question am I acting and thinking in a way that’s in agreement with Orthodox Christianity and Church doctrine?  Or am I moving away from the core beliefs of the faith. The Trinity, The virgin birth, The deity of Jesus Christ, His substitutionary atonement and physical resurrection, and Salvation by grace through faith alone? If were to stay consistent in our beliefs we need to spend time in God’s Word. As we regularly engage with Scripture, we reinforce our understanding of these foundational doctrines and equip ourselves to discern truth from error. Immersing ourselves in God’s Word not only strengthens our convictions, but also helps us recognize when our thoughts or actions begin to stray from biblical principles. Let us commit to ongoing spiritual growth, seeking God’s guidance through prayer and study, so we remain firmly rooted in the truth. When uncertainties arise, instead of ignoring them, dismissing, or accepting others’ perspectives, we need to stay anchored in the core teachings of Christianity. In doing so, we not only maintain our own faith and spiritual integrity, but also contribute to the unity and strength of the Church.

Additional Notes & Applications

Demonstrates how no human motive or intent is hidden form the Lord! (cf. 1-Tim. 6:3-5)

Calls for staying dialed in to what our enemies are thinking. Are you keeping your enemies on your radar, or do you even care?

Displays the gracious and loving manner of Jesus in explaining things to us in a reasonable and logical ways.

Teaches the importance of aligning actions with core values and beliefs so our internal house does not fall.

Warns of what can happen when our lives, actions, and loyalties drift out of alignment with the truth we claim to follow.

Calls for seeing that our actions and behaviors are in line with Jesus’ teachings and the Gospel message.

Teaches if success is going to achieved things have to work together if anything is to be accomplished.

Teaches how often times the critiques and criticism made about us will not always be loud and direct.

Note: We may not be Omniscient like Jesus, but we do know the heart of men having once been lost in life of sin, lustful thoughts and passions of the flesh. People who don’t want to face the truth because the darkness their living in. (Eph. 2:1-3, Jer. 17:9)

Note: In His declaration Jesus affirms the reality of Satan and that he does have power. This is not merely a symbolic or metaphorical statement; rather, Jesus openly acknowledges that there is a personal being known as the devil or Satan. The Bible consistently teaches this truth, emphasizing that Satan is a real adversary who opposes God and His people. By affirming Satan’s existence, Jesus clarifies that spiritual warfare is genuine, and believers must be aware of the enemy’s presence and influence. Understanding this reality is essential for living a spiritually alert and prepared life, as it brings awareness to the challenges and temptations that may arise from Satan’s activity.

Note: To display just how ridiculous and illogical the Pharisees reasoning is here. It would be like a child saying, “I want a new rule for our family: no candy!” It’s like a football coach saying, “Ok, no more football practice!” It’s like a citrus farmer petitioning for people not to drink orange juice. It’s like a church saying we shouldn’t use the Bible any longer.  

DIVIDED HEART CAN LEAD TO:

• Confusion

• Compromise

• Powerlessness

• Hypocrisy

• Spiritual instability

• Loss of fellowship/lukewarmness

• Spiritual & Emotional burnout

• Inability to Serve God

• Ineffectiveness in Witness

SIGNS OF A DIVIDED HEART

• Putting trust in ourselves rather than God

• Becoming self-absorbed and unaware of how our actions affect others

• Growing complacent in our spiritual walk

• Making decisions based on our desires rather than God’s will

HOW TO GUARD AGAINST A DIVIDED HEART

• Regularly examine our motives and loyalties

• Surround ourselves with honest advisors who will speak truth

• Keep our focus on God rather than our circumstances

• Resist becoming self-absorbed in times of difficulty

• Maintain gratitude for God’s faithfulness