Tag Archives: Mark 12

The Danger of Extremism (Mark 12:1-44)

The Danger of Extremism (Mark 12:1-44)

(Mark 12:1-44)

I. Jesus opposed extremism

    A. The parable of the wicked vinedressers (12:1-9)

      1. The vinedressers represented the religious leaders who misused and abused their position
      2. God’s servants (prophets) had been mistreated
      3. God’s own Son would be killed
      4. Those vinedressers would be destroyed, and the vineyard would be given to others

    B. Jesus applies Scripture to Himself (12:10-11)
    C. Just as Jesus opposed extremism, extremists opposed Jesus (12:12)

II. Testing questions from extremists

    A. Pharisees and Herodians asked about taxes (12:13-17)
    B. Sadducees asked about marriage and the resurrection (12:18-27)
    C. A scribe asked about the greatest of the commandments (12:28-34)

III. Jesus warns against extremism

    A. Extremists do not respect the Scriptures or the nature of God (12:35-37)
    B. Extremists desire glory and praise for themselves, not for God (12:38-40)
    C. Extremists will do anything for themselves, but not for God (12:41-44)

Read the New Testament in a year, one chapter a day, five days a week

Day 80/260: Read Mark 12

Love reigns above all. Everything God commands has its basis in love, either love of God or love of man.

Jesus declared, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). How can one claim to love the Lord while ignoring His Word? We must do those things which glorify God, in the way that He says to do them!

Concerning love of man, Paul put it this way: “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 12:8-10).

In our dealings with our neighbor in sin, we should exhibit compassion while guiding them to the truth without indicating compromise or condoning their sin. “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:5-6).

Memory (Recite to a friend without looking)

Mark 9:50. “Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”

Pray

Pray for the wisdom to teach the truth in love.

Commitment to the Lord

Commitment to the Lord sermon

Mark 12:28-30

I. LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART

    A. More than just words (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3)
    B. Full dedication (Matthew 6:24)

II. LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR SOUL

    A. Barnes: “to be willing to give up the life to him, and to devote it all to his service; to live to him, and to be willing to die at his command”
    B. Stephen (Acts 7:57-60)
    C. James (Acts 12:1-2)
    D. Smyrna (Revelation 2:10)

III. LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR MIND

    A. Train our minds (Acts 17:11)
    B. Realize the importance of God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Timothy 2:15)
    C. Realize the importance of fellowship (Hebrews 10:23-25)
    D. Realize the importance of obedience (Hebrews 2:3; 1 John 5:3)

IV. LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH

    A. Commitment (Romans 12:1)
    B. Strength comes from the Lord (Philippians 4:13)