Scripture Reading: Matthew 15:7-14

"If the Blind Leads the Blind"

Intro.

1. His disciples pointed out the Pharisees’ displeasure at Christ’s teaching (Matt. 15:1-11), 15:12. Their said what Jesus taught was a snare to them. skandalizo: “to entrap, i.e. trip up fig. stumble…or entice to sin…” (Strong’s).

2. Christ’s answer was simple, Matt. 15:13-14.

a. He stated the principle, 15:13.

b. He made the application, 15:14.

3. Applications for us:

a. Jesus and His gospel offend people, Jno. 6:61; Matt. 11:6. They stumble over Him in their disobedience to the word, 1 Pet. 2:8.

b. The reaction of our audience (“offended”) cannot keep us from preaching the truth, Titus 2:15.

c. Sometimes you have to “let them alone,” Matt. 15:14. They are blind guides leading blind followers (both fall), cf. Matt. 10:14-15.

4. Terrible results when the blind leads the blind.

I. EXAMPLES AND WARNINGS OF THE BLIND LEADING THE BLIND.

A. Teens Advising Teens, cf. Young man Rehoboam, 1 Kgs. 12:8-11.

1. Youth should listen to age, Job 32:4, 7 (but, 32:9).

2. Children advising children is foolish.

3. Wise young people seek counsel from parents, older people of faith, Prov. 15:20; 6:20-21 (4:1-2, 20) vs. Prov. 1:10.

B. Young Wives Advising Young Wives, Titus 2:3-5.

-Wisdom of a godly wife – Young wife must be humble to receive it.

C. Young Preachers Advising Young Preachers, cf. Phil. 2:20-22.

-Novices are in danger of pride and its condemnation (1 Tim. 3:6).

D. Christians Who Look for Authority in Preachers’ Words and not in the Authority that Comes from God’s Word, 1 Cor. 3:7; 4:6.

1. We must do the hard work of impartially studying the Bible, not put our trust in the study done by others, 2 Tim. 2:15 (Gal. 1:8-9).

2. How do you know the one you are trusting is not “blind?”

E. Non-Christian Friends Advising Christians on Spiritual Matters, Col. 2:8, 20-23.

1. Go to the world and false teachers for godly counsel.

2. cf. Marriage; Doctrinal studies (grace, salvation, covenants, the kingdom, worship, etc.)

F. Non-Christian Relatives Advising Christian Relatives, Matt. 10:37.

1. On the value of regular worship assembly (Heb. 10:25).

2. How to treat a fallen away family member (2 Thess. 3:6, 13-15).

G. Academia Elevated Above the Scriptures, Psa. 119:99-100.

1. Worldly wisdom elevated above God’s wisdom, 1 Cor. 1:21-25.

2. Consider Jesus and His apostles, Jno. 7:15; Acts 4:13.

3. Our teacher must be Christ (Scriptures) above everything else.

H. Emotional Leaders Teaching Christians to Get in Touch with Their Feelings Instead of Seeking God’s Word, Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23; 17:9. (cf. “H.S. dwelling in you” doctrine)

Conclusion

1. All of these amount to the influence of darkness leading those who should be walking in the light (1 Jno. 1:5-7).

2. Let us all look a little closer at what we are swallowing and following as the truth of God.

3. None of us want to follow blind guides. God’s truth shines in the darkness – we must open our eyes (hearts) and follow it – or, we will fall into the ditch along with our blind guides.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted January 6, 2020