This study was first taught on March 8, 2011

Topic: Not Fitting for the Unfit (2)

No audio available for this study.

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Background
Last week we began to study the scripture verse that warns us not to give to dogs what is God’s; nor to pigs, what is precious. We noted that this is not a discriminatory statement, but one that is calling us to discretion in our dealings with people. We observed that not heeding this warning would result in the destruction of godly things and godly people.

In the study last week, our focus was on recognizing or identifying the people likened to dogs and swine. We saw that these are wild, untamed and untameable people; wicked and lawless people; unclean, uncleanable, and abominable people; people engaged in despicable and unthinkable acts; indiscreet and foolish people, who scorn and scoff at things they don’t understand. We saw that being unwilling to accept the good word of God, they busy themselves scavenging and foraging for unsightly messages; and are spiritually filthy and backsliders in heart, who always return to their filth and the sins they had once confessed. They are also ungrateful, unthankful, ill-mannered, foul-mouthed, wicked, evil, insolent, etc. Indeed, we noted that they are beyond redemption; not because God does not want to save them; but because they don’t want the light of God to bring salvation to them. By their words and deeds, these people say, “There is no God”.

We concluded by noting that if we associate with such people, we may inadvertently find ourselves emulating their ways, and become corrupted by their influence on us.

Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 7:6
Tonight we continue with our study, as we look at the things that are fitting, but which the unfit should not be given. May the Holy Spirit help us to appreciate these things, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Two words are used to describe the things that are fitting, yet not fitting for the unfit—‘holy’ (things that have been set apart for holy use or purpose, or things that are sacred, or things that have been dedicated for divine service); and ‘pearls’ (things that are precious and of inestimable value). These are the things that we want to identify so that we do not make the mistake of giving such to those categorized as ‘dogs’ and ‘swine’.
Romans 7:12; 1 Timothy 1:8; Leviticus 27:25-33; Deuteronomy 26:1-13; 1 Peter 2:9-10; 1 Corinthians 6:11, 15-20; Job 28:12-19; Proverbs 4:5-9; 3:13-20; 1 Peter 1:7; 2 Peter 1:2; Proverbs 31:10-31; Matthew 13:44-46; Revelations 21:21; Psalm 19:7-11; John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Matthew 7:6.

Conclusion
There are so many things that are holy and precious; and as fitting as these things are, they are not fitting for people considered to be ‘dogs’ and ‘swine’. We have, in tonight’s study, seen a few of them, and they include, the word of God and off-shoots thereof, like counsel and prophecy; tithes, offerings, first fruits, and vows; the people of God (those who are born again and sanctified); wisdom and understanding; our faith; a virtuous woman; and the kingdom of God. We have not mentioned some obvious fitting ‘things’ like, the Godhead (God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit); Holy Communion; and marriage (Malachi 2:11-16), to mention a few.

The study tonight is imperative, given the lethargy and levity with which many so-called Christians are handling holy and precious things. These holy and precious things are of tremendous value to those who possess them, but a waste to all who do not appreciate their value. It is therefore imperative that those who will amount to anything with God in a relationship recognize that these are the things which God desires to give to them and stop chasing after things that do not really count in the kingdom (Luke 12:31-34).

Next week, we shall conclude by looking at the deep implications of this study as well as last week’s but for now, we counsel that we continue with the Lord and seek His help so that we don’t get blind-sided by the enemy into pursuing those things that are not fitting, thus bringing us into the category of ‘dogs’ and ‘swine’.

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