Playlist:

playlist Go to the Pearls, Cast Before Swine (topic) playlist

Filter by Categories

Casting Pearls

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In the Sermon on the Mount, as recorded in Matthew 7:6, Jesus Christ instructs His disciples with a profound proverbial saying: do not give what is holy to dogs, nor cast pearls before swine. This teaching, unique among the gospels, stands as an important principle delivered out of love, guiding His followers to make discerning judgments and avoid unnecessary trouble. The imagery of dogs and pigs evokes notions of uncleanness and detestation, representing certain individuals in the world who are unworthy of receiving sacred or valuable things due to their lack of appreciation or hostile reactions. Holy things, sanctified by God for His purpose, carry immense spiritual value, akin to the bones of a sacrifice that must not be desecrated by being thrown to dogs. Similarly, pearls symbolize objects of great worth, beauty, and permanence, often likened to wisdom or the precious truths of God's Word. Yet, pigs, driven by base desires, would trample such pearls into the mud, showing no regard for their excellence, just as dogs would profane holy things without understanding their significance. This teaching shifts the focus from interactions within the church to engagements with the outside world, specifically targeting a segment of society characterized by profound sinfulness. Jesus Christ warns that these individuals, metaphorically dogs and pigs, are likely to reject and trample underfoot the valuable teachings offered to them, and may even turn to attack the giver. Thus, He emphasizes the need for prudent judgment in sharing spiritual treasures, advising His disciples to assess whether a person or household is worthy of receiving such pearls of wisdom based on their reception and response. In Matthew 10:11-16, Jesus Christ further elaborates as He sends His disciples to preach, instructing them to seek out those who are worthy and to shake the dust off their feet when faced with rejection or hostility. He counsels them to be shrewd as serpents and harmless as doves, navigating the world with wisdom and peace, avoiding conflict with those who display profane unbelief or contempt for God's law. If met with abuse or vehement opposition, they are not required to persist, for such efforts would be futile against those whom God has not called. Instead, they should move on, preserving themselves from grief and danger, trusting that God will address such individuals in His time of judgment. This principle of discernment extends to personal witness in the world, where followers of Christ must evaluate interactions carefully, ensuring they do not cast their pearls before those who will neither value nor respect them. By heeding this command, they safeguard themselves from the pain of rejection and hostility, focusing their efforts where the message of God may be received with openness.

Consider Before You Speak

CGG Weekly by John O. Reid

Beyond knowing the basics of Christianity, we must put them into practice. For instance, learning how to answer others will help us gain understanding.

Five Major Problems of the Pilgrimage

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Learning to judge is one of the most important qualities of a leader. Consequently, Christ warned that intemperance in judging will act as a boomerang.

Judging in the Church

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Human nature is strongly competitive and full of pride, making judgment inherently problematic. Nevertheless, God wants us to learn to judge with equity.

Matthew (Part Ten)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Entering the Kingdom requires choosing the narrow, difficult path of sacrifice, service, and humility over the easy, broad path of selfishness.

Acts (Part Fifteen)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Acts 15 focuses upon the Council of Jerusalem, discussing the controversial subject of circumcision and its relationship to salvation.