DUMC Sermon Video | September 1, 2024

The Danger of Missing the Point: The scribes and Pharisees were so focused on religious rituals that they missed the true purpose of faith—growing closer to God and reflecting His love in the world.

Relationship Over Ritual: Jesus emphasized that what truly matters is not the outward rituals, but the inner transformation of the heart. It's not about what goes into the mouth, but what comes out—how we treat, speak to, and care for others.

The Need for Discernment: We must discern between human traditions and God's true will. While religion can sometimes get lost in rules and customs, it still plays a vital role in teaching us to live in community and love one another, which ultimately reflects God's love to the world.

Speaker: Rev. Jim Humphries

September 1, 2024

Rev. Jim Humphries

Pastor of Congregational Care

Sermon Notes

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Outline Notes from the Sermon

I. Introduction

  • September's Arrival: Acknowledgement of how quickly time is passing.

  • Story of a Devout Man:

    • A man decides to deepen his relationship with God by waking up at 5 a.m. daily for prayer and meditation.

    • Challenge: The man’s affectionate cat distracts him during his prayer time.

    • Solution: The man ties the cat to the bedpost to focus on God.

II. Legacy and Misinterpretation

  • The Son’s Imitation:

    • The son observes his father’s routine and aspires to follow it.

    • As an adult, the son ties his cat to the bedpost but then engages in distractions like emails and work, missing the true purpose of the routine.

    • Lesson: The son followed the form but missed the essence, illustrating a misunderstanding of what truly matters.

III. Scriptural Parallel: The Scribes and Pharisees

  • Religious Rituals vs. True Purpose:

    • The scribes and Pharisees, like the son, were focused on religious customs (e.g., hand-washing) but missed the deeper purpose of growing closer to God.

    • Jesus' Critique:

      • Jesus emphasizes that it’s not what goes into the mouth (rituals) but what comes out (words and actions) that defines a person.

      • Missing the Point: The Pharisees were good at following rules but failed to focus on the weightier matters—spiritual growth and how faith is lived out.

IV. Modern-Day Reflection: Spiritual but Not Religious Movement

  • Rise of "Spiritual but Not Religious" (SBNR):

    • The SBNR movement gained momentum as people sought a relationship with God outside of organized religion.

    • Many are turned off by institutional religion due to modern-day scribes and Pharisees.

  • Lillian Daniel’s Insight:

    • God in Everyday Life:

      • It’s easier to see God in nature (e.g., sunsets) than in challenging human relationships (e.g., difficult people in church).

      • Need for Both Spirituality and Religion:

        • While personal spiritual experiences are valuable, learning to live, love, and grow with others in a religious community is equally important.

V. The Call for Discernment

  • Essentials vs. Non-Essentials:

    • Discernment is necessary to distinguish between human traditions and God’s true will.

    • Avoiding Empty Rituals:

      • Like the man tying his cat to the bedpost, it's important not to get caught up in rituals that have lost their meaning.

  • True Significance in Faith:

    • Jesus’ Teachings:

      • Focus on what emanates from the heart—how we treat others, the integrity of our words, and the compassion we show.

      • The essence of faith is not in strict adherence to rules but in the love and kindness we express towards others.

VI. Conclusion and Challenge

  • Reflecting God’s Love:

    • Challenge: Discern how to show God’s love through our actions and interactions.

    • Untying the Cats: Identify and let go of practices or distractions that prevent us from living out the true purpose of our faith.

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