”Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.” | Psalm 24: 3-4

Seek not to be masters: teachers, rulers or judges over men.

“Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.” (Matthew 23: 1-3)

In the day in which James ministered this disease of the flesh spread throughout the land — men seeking a reputation as being the wisest among men.

“For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,” (Matthew 23: 4-5)

The most common avenue men took to achieve this coveted praise was to oppress sinners with religious rules and regulations — some from God’s word – others made up by men.

“And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.” (Matthew 23: 6-8)

Then when the sinner committed an offense, the self-appointed wise man would expose them to others.

“And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” (Matthew 23: 9)

The motive was ambition and pride — a desire to exalt oneself above others, in the eyes of men – so as to appear “more holy than any of their peers”.

“Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23: 10-11)

Knowing That The Greater the Judgment We Use Against Men, the Greater the Judgment God Will Use Against Us

“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23: 12)

Every man is an offender in many things and offending in one point is to break all the law of God — so then it is hypocritical of us to deny to others the mercy we need ourselves.

Nothing causes us to be merciful to our brethren like knowing our need of mercy.

The man who covets a reputation as being wise — with his ungracious rebuke and strictness over men – reveals he is not wise at all.

“Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” (James 3: 3-5)

Like the small bit in the mouth of a horse and the small rudder on a ship our tongues are capable of turning the whole body — for good or for evil.

Both the bit and the rudder are at the command of the Rider and the Captain of the ship.

But the Holy Spirit says the man whose religion is vain can’t bridle his tongue or his body.

It is as if the tongue rules the man rather than the man ruling the tongue.

“When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;” (Proverbs 2: 10-12)

Christ our Wisdom is full of mercy and good fruits

He visited us orphans and widows in our affliction.

He gives ears to the deaf and sight to the blind

He feeds us the Bread from heaven – a feast of fat things.

He clothes us in his garments of righteousness

He hedges us about as a flaming fire to protect and keep us as the apple of his eye.

“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” (1 Corinthians 1: 30)

Christ our Wisdom is without partiality, and without hypocrisy

He shows no respect of persons based on outward appearances

He does not prefer or despise men, because of their being of this nation or that nation.

Or because they are circumcised, or not circumcised

Or because they are high or low, rich or poor, free or bound, male or female

There is no deceitfulness in our Savior.

What he does is right, it is holy, no man can question him–shall not the God of the whole earth do right–he loves freely without a cause in us.

He is the PeaceMaker–He Made Peace Between His People and their offended God.

And through the Holy Spirit the seed that is sown in our heart is Christ – He sows the fruit of righteousness into our hearts in peace

~ Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “Wisdom From Above” (54:30 minutes)

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

Sovereign Grace Baptist Church Bulletin Article date: 29 June, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Ewing, New Jersey