Sermon Central
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The Blacklist - Pt. 1 - Black Eyes Series
Contributed by Steve Ely on Apr 18, 2015 (message contributor)
Summary: We are familiar with lists. To Do Lists, shopping lists, Santa's Naughty List. We know God has lists. The 10 Commandments, Fruit of the Spirit, Gifts of the Spirit. . . but are we familiar with God's "Blacklist"?
The Blacklist
Pt. 1 – Black Eyes
I. Introduction
Lists are a part of life. Lists on paper. Lists on your phone. Lists are supposed to keep us ordered. "To Do Lists" and "Honey Do Lists". They are supposed to keep us on track . . . "Shopping Lists". There are lists you want to be on . . . "Who's Who" and "VIP". There are lists you don't want to be on . . . some more seriously than others "Santa's Naughty List", the "No Fly List" and you definitely do not want to be on God's Blacklist. That's right most of us are not even aware of the fact that God has a blacklist, but He does. We are not aware of this list because we tend to focus so strongly on God as love. It is the premier attribute He has when it comes to His dealings with us. It is the attribute that shields us from what we deserve. It is the attribute that motivated the greatest gift that could be given . . . His Son. God is love and we should be thankful for that. So with the intense focus on His love when we are then told that God hates something we should be inclined to sit up and take notice.
We should be diligent to know His blacklist so that we avoid it at all costs. Let's read God's Blacklist!
II. Text
There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
God has gone on record that he hates these things. God denies the thesis of liberal theology that He is some sentimental and senile old man who weeps but never works, that He simply shuts His eyes to the sins of mankind and is tolerant of evil, that he forgives because he hasn’t the intestinal fortitude to punish sin. God says, “I love,” but He also says, “I hate.” - J. Vernon McGee
Solomon uses incredibly strong language here. He declares that there are six things that God hates and one more that is detestable. Contrast that with our concept of God is love. It is imperative to make sure we to know what God loves, but we must also understand what He hates. Over the next few weeks we are going to examine each item on "The Blacklist!"
The #1 Item on the Blacklist is proud eyes.
Listen to how it is said in several other versions . . .
"eyes that are arrogant"
"snobbish eyes"
"A proud look the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others"
Solomon makes it clear that the chart topper with God is pride. God hates pride. We already know that "pride comes before a fall." That should warn us of the danger of pride. Pride sets us up for failure every time.
I can make another list of all the examples that drive this truth home . . . Satan (who was the first fruit of pride), Nebuchadnezzar, Samson, Saul, Pharisees, and the list could go on and on. Pride destroys.
And God hates it. I believe there is another reason He hates it so much. How are people supposed to know us? What is the one attribute that we are to have above every other attribute? Love . . . we are to be known as His because we become representatives, carriers and ambassadors of His love. I believe God hates pride so much because it interrupts and stifles our ability to effectively represent Him! When we are proud we give love a bad name. In fact, pride destroys love.
Proud eyes block our ability to see others correctly!
Remember one of the characteristics of Kingdom Climate that we are committed to around here is empathy. However, if we are proud it blocks our ability to view people with any sense of grace or love. Pride keeps us from being able to put ourselves in their shoes. Instead, pride causes us to look down on, make judgements, and diagnose without all of the facts.
Pride impedes grace!
Let's be honest . . . haven't you made a judgement about someone's situation without really knowing what that person is facing. If I was in their shoes, then I would . . . how do you know you would? I see the choice they make and shake my head thinking what a terrible decision, but I haven't dealt with what they have dealt with and I can't really say I wouldn't do the same thing.
