One of the most difficult things within Christianity is trusting Jesus when we’re so used to living according to the “rules” of our world. When Jesus says “follow me” we know that obedience could lead directly to persecution and rejection.
Observations:
- Shrewd – (prudent) skillful wisdom to accomplish your goals with creative & careful means
- Innocent – (unmixed) skillful wisdom to accomplish your goals without mixing in deception
Conclusions:
- Our communication when following Christ into the community will be offensive (rejected)
- Our commission to follow Christ into the community must be on the offensive (missional)
- Our commitment to follow Christ into the community will test if He is offensive (unwanted)
Application: What does it mean to be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves?
- You must be watching, informed, and ready – snakes
- You must be fearless, trusting, and Spirit-filled – doves
2 Corinthians 11:3
“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”
Philippians 2:14-15
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”
Romans 16:19
“Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.”
John 15:20-23
“Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father as well.”
Matthew 28:18-19
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
2 Timothy 1:8; 12
“So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God… For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.”