O DEUS QUE JOGA LIMPO - Homilia - VI Feira - XIV TC (2024)

Summary

This sermon delves into the core of the missionary message from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 10. It emphasizes the stark reality of being sent as 'sheep among wolves,' highlighting the need for believers to be both prudent like serpents and simple like doves. The speaker warns against the illusion of a harmonious world, urging caution and reliance on the Holy Spirit to navigate opposition and persecution. The sermon calls for a balance between prudence and simplicity, avoiding both the pitfalls of malice and naivety, and stresses the importance of enduring to the end for salvation.

Takeaways

• 📜 The sermon emphasizes the reality of being sent as 'sheep among wolves,' indicating the potential for persecution and the need for disciples to be aware of the world's opposition to the gospel message.
• 🐍🕊 The disciples are urged to be 'wise as serpents and innocent as doves,' highlighting the balance between prudence and simplicity in their approach to challenges and opposition.
• 🔪 The metaphor of being 'torn apart' signifies not only physical death but also the loss of vocation, faith, morality, and virtues, warning against the dangers of compromise.
• 🤝 The sermon critiques those who advocate for a more 'positive' stance, suggesting that seeing the world through rose-colored glasses can lead to naivety and eventual corruption.
• 🦄 The importance of recognizing the predatory nature of the 'wolves' is stressed, cautioning against attempts to negotiate or appease those who are inherently opposed to the message of Christ.
• 🧘‍♂️ The call for prudence involves being 'sly' or evasive in the face of danger, akin to the agility of a serpent, to avoid unnecessary conflict and maintain one's mission.
• 🙏 The sermon underscores the importance of prayer and dependence on God, as it reflects our radical reliance on divine guidance and protection.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 Jesus foretells familial betrayals and societal hatred due to the name of Christ, indicating the depth of misunderstanding and irrational hatred that can arise from the preaching of the gospel.
• 🏃‍♂️ Perseverance is highlighted as the key to salvation, with the encouragement to flee from one city to another when persecuted, mirroring the biblical imagery of the church being given wings to escape.
• 💬 The assurance of divine guidance in speech during trials is presented, emphasizing that it is not the disciple's eloquence but the Holy Spirit's inspiration that will speak through them.
• 🛡 The sermon challenges the desire for control and autonomy, encouraging a surrender to God's will and recognizing the subtlety of the Holy Spirit's inspiration in our lives.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the sermon being discussed in the transcript?

The main theme of the sermon is the missionary call as described in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 10, emphasizing the reality of being sent as 'sheep among wolves' and the dual nature of being prudent like serpents and innocent like doves.

What does it mean to be 'sheep among wolves' according to the sermon?

Being 'sheep among wolves' signifies that the disciples are being sent into a dangerous environment, where they may face opposition, persecution, and potential harm for spreading the message of Christ.

How does the sermon interpret the phrase 'prudent as serpents and innocent as doves'?

The phrase suggests that while the disciples should be wise and cautious like serpents to navigate through dangers, they should also maintain the simplicity and innocence of doves, not losing their faith and moral values.

What is the danger of trying to make diplomacy with 'wolves' as mentioned in the transcript?

The danger lies in the potential compromise of faith and moral values. Attempting to make diplomacy with those who are opposed to the message of Christ can lead to being swayed or corrupted, losing the original purpose and mission.

What does the sermon suggest about the nature of the world towards the message we carry?

The sermon suggests that the world may have a hostile stance towards the message we carry, and it is important to be aware of this opposition and prepare for it with both prudence and innocence.

How does the sermon address the idea of being cautious in the face of opposition?

The sermon advises to be cautious like serpents, which implies being alert, avoiding traps, and navigating wisely through the challenges and dangers presented by opposition.

What is the importance of maintaining simplicity while being prudent, as discussed in the sermon?

Maintaining simplicity while being prudent is crucial as it prevents one from becoming deceitful or arrogant. It ensures that one's actions are guided by humility and genuine faith, rather than self-preservation at the expense of truth.

What does the sermon say about the consequences of not being prudent and simple?

The sermon warns that without prudence, one may become naive and vulnerable to the deceptions of the world, while without simplicity, one may become deceitful and lose their moral integrity.

How does the sermon relate the message of being hated for the sake of Christ's name?

The sermon explains that being hated for Christ's name is a strong indication of the separation of consciousness that the Gospel can cause, leading to irrational hatred. However, it also signifies the importance of perseverance and the ultimate salvation of those who endure to the end.

What advice does the sermon give regarding the persecution and hatred that may come from family and society?

The sermon advises to be prepared for such hatred and persecution, even from one's own family, and to understand that this is a part of the path of following Christ. It also encourages fleeing to a 'desert' or a place of spiritual retreat when necessary.

What is the role of prayer and dependence on God according to the sermon?

The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer and complete dependence on God, as a way to express our radical need for divine guidance, protection, and provision, especially in times of persecution and opposition.