Building on the Wrong Foundation (Mark 12:18-27)

February 28, 2010

I.     One more attempt to discredit Jesus, vv. 18-23.
A.     Sadducees came after the Pharisees and Herodians.
     1.     Descended from rich priestly families.
     2.     Held important positions on the Sanhedrin.
     3.     Followed only the first 5 books.
     4.     Saw God as distant; lived very liberal lives.
     5.     Did not believe in spirit world or resurrection of the dead.
B.     They intended to ridicule the concept of resurrection of the dead.
     1.     Based on levirate marriage from Deuteronomy 25:5-10.
     2.     Their question posed a ridiculous possibility.
          a.     One woman outlived 7 brothers.
          b.     How could she be the wife of 7 men in the resurrection?
II.     The Sadducees’ beliefs were built on wrong foundations,          vv. 24-27.
     A.     Jesus pointed out the two basic flaws of their thinking.
          1.     They did not know the power of God.
               a.     Deceived themselves through a lack of belief.
                    1)     Accepted God as Creator but not beyond death.
                    2)     God’s power went as far as they could see.
               b.     Jesus argued that God has power to raise the dead.
                    1)     Sadducees thought only of an extension of this life.
                    2)     God has something radically new in mind.
          2.     They did not know the true teachings of the scriptures.
               a.     Strictly following the law did not mean accepting truth.
               b.     Moses taught the resurrection of the dead.
                    1)     God said “I am,” not “I was.”
                    2)     God still related to them as living men.
     B.     Right beliefs spring from right foundations.
          1.     God’s power is unlimited.
               a.     God has proven Himself in many ways.
               b.     We have to trust God beyond what we can see.
               c.     What is God’s plan for marriage in heaven?
                    1)     Eternal life with a perfect body.
                    2)     No death- no need to reproduce.
                    3)     Married to Christ- perfect, fulfilling relationship.
                    4)     There will still be special relationships in heaven.
          2.     The Bible is absolutely trustworthy in all ways.
               a.     Allow the Bible to speak beyond our desires/ideas.
               b.     The message is timeless and relevant for all cultures.
               c.     It has never been proven wrong on any point.
               d.     God uses the Bible to teach us about true life.

Personal Challenges
1.     Renew the foundations of your life.
     a.     Read the Bible with “new” eyes.
          1)     Are the things you believe right? Why?
          2)     What does the Bible REALLY say?
     b.     Consider the power of God in new ways.
          1)     Read Revelation 21-22 about heaven.
           2)     What you are reading about is a real place. Try to picture it in your mind as you read.
2.     Do you know God in a personal relationship?