Matthew 12:27………..Ready

Matthew 12:27………..Ready

12:27  And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your People drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. (For Complete Expository See Book)

Extended Sermons  

“Warns against holding double-standards in condemning behaviors in others while practicing those same behaviors our self”→ When we point out the flaws or shortcomings in others—whether it’s lack of punctuality, gossip, impatience, or reluctance to forgive—without acknowledging or addressing our own similar faults, we risk appearing insincere and judgmental. By recognizing our own shortcomings and striving to correct them, we set a positive example and become more effective in encouraging positive change in others. This approach not only prevents hypocrisy but also promotes genuine growth, both personally and within our communities. Ultimately, the call is to be honest with ourselves, embrace humility, and pursue consistent integrity—so that our guidance to others is rooted in authenticity rather than contradiction.

“Calls for celebrating what God is doing through others even if it differs from our method or practice.“ → People will refuse to celebrate the work of God because it didn’t happen through their group, their style, or their religious framework. People will celebrate God’s work when it happens their way, but criticize it when it happens some other way?” We often criticize someone else’s worship because it doesn’t look like ours. Will critique someone’s spiritual practices because it doesn’t match our style. Will downplay God’s work in someone else’s life because it didn’t happen through our method, our denomination, our tradition, or our preference. Will call into question another’s spirituality; “They don’t pray like I do.” “They don’t read the Bible or use the Translation I think they should.” “They don’t serve the way I serve.” Or will compare spiritual growth “Why is God moving so fast in their life and not mine?” “Why did they get breakthrough while I’m still waiting?” “Why did their worship touch heaven while mine felt dry?” And as a result instead of celebrating, we slip into quiet resentment. Will you pray “God, I praise You for what You’re doing in them — even if You’re doing it differently than You do it in me.”

“Even today, do you point out flaws in someone else’s life, while overlooking similar weaknesses in our own life. Do you call others to be more generous and compassionate, yet reluctant to give your time   or resources when an opportunity arises. ” → Do you warn people against gossiping, yet find yourself sharing rumors about others. Do you advocate forgiveness & reconciliation, but struggle to let go of grudges and bitterness in your own life. Do you tell people to resist the urge to always be right, yet argue for your own opinions without listening? Do you demand punctuality from your colleagues, but often arrive late to work yourself” Do you preach patience to others, but don’t practice it yourself during traffic jams. Do you advocate a healthy lifestyle in exercising and eating better, but never go to the gym or eat healthier foods yourself. Or do you say “yes” to the authority of God’s Word, but look for advice from experts on the internet and T.V. shows? Do you read the bible and say “yes”, but look for what psychology teaches? Do you read the bible and say “yes”, but look to see what philosophy teaches? Do you value morality and ethics, but embrace a world view?

Additional Notes & Applications

Calls for calmly defusing unfair attacks by pointing out the logical contradictions in an opponent’s position.

Warns how being “right” can become more important than being receptive.

Warns how personal prejudice can blind us to the truth, shaping our negative views of others.

Teaches if were going to have Jesus’ help we need to be honest and upfront about those areas of our  where our actions, attitudes, or perspectives are skewed or not aligned with His teachings.

Calls for focusing on positive results of an action rather than letting prejudice dictate our view of the person performing it.

Warns how the Enemy will make sin, hypocrisy, and half-truths seem less terrible than it really is.

Demonstrates how oftentimes were more lenient with those who support us over those who don’t.

Note: The passage emphasizes the importance of humility, self-reflection, and sincerity in our interactions and judgments. In Matthew 12:27, Jesus challenges His critics by highlighting the inconsistency in their reasoning, urging them to examine their own actions and standards before passing judgment on others.