Character Matters - Matthew 15:1-20; Proverbs 6:16-19; 4:20-27 - January 22, 2006

Sunday School Lesson – Character Matters – January 22, 2006

This is lesson four (4) in our series of study “Things That Matter.”

The focus of our study is on our character.

Our background and focus scripture: Matthew 15:1-20; Proverbs 6:16-19; 4:20-27.

The character of a person is so important. I lobbied in Washington, DC for many years and although Washington is a large metropolitan area it has a small town network. Your reputation and character precedes you when you go to visit a member of Congress or one of the Federal Agencies. If your reputation or character becomes questionable, your effectiveness is finished or certainly compromised.

Flonnie and I were discussing this lesson and talking about people in general and the effect our genetic make-up and environment has on the development of our character. The conversation got complicated.

Then THE LORD revealed one of the reasons we need to be born-again is for us to receive the foundation of our FATHER’S character along with a new heart and a new mind. GOD needs to develop our character in a manner that best suites HIS plan and purpose. That takes a willing and committed heart.

The scripture considers the heart to be the very center of our being, not the organ that pumps blood. It is the most secret place within us. This is the place where we know who we really are and how we really think. I like to think of this place as the “eyes of our heart”, as stated in Ephesians 1:18, 18 [I pray]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints.

We all have character; it comes with us being human. To have the character that pleases GOD, we need to belong to GOD through the rebirth and let HIM build character within us.

I think of Abraham and his walk with THE LORD. It was 25 years before GOD gave him and Sarah the gift of their promised son Isaac. GOD was building character in Abraham during this 25 year period; preparing him to be a father to Isaac and be the father of nations.

Then it was roughly another 25 years before GOD, in my opinion, gave Abraham the ultimate test for any father, sacrificing his only son as a burnt offering. Abraham knew what offering Isaac as a burnt offering meant; Isaac would died and be burned to ashes. But because of the character GOD had built in Abraham over the years, Abraham had faith in GOD such that even though Isaac would be reduced to ashes; GOD was all powerful and would raise Isaac from those ashes and restore him as a human.

To me, only GOD-built character can pass this test and such character does not come over night. GOD wants to build this type of character within each of us to serve HIM. The size of our character determines the size of what GOD calls us to do for HIM. HE wants us to have such character that regardless of what GOD asks of us we will respond.

Such character building requires our commitment to building the right relationship with GOD. We must know GOD, trust HIM and have confidence in HIM to do whatever HE asks us to do. Our relationship with GOD determines what we will do next when GOD asks us to do something.

For some of us this is a tough struggle because we need a lot of character development. For others it seems to be minor adjustments. This is why we must be careful not to become overly critical of fellow Christians who seem to struggle with life’s circumstances more than we may have to struggle.
GOD is developing character within each of us and HE often uses circumstances to develop and mold character within us.

There will likely be a time HE will test our character during this development process to let us see how we measure up. Passing a test gives us confidence. Failing a test identifies areas we need to bring under GOD’S control. GOD already knows how we will respond to a test. We need to see how we measure up.

Let’s read Matthew 15:1-20:
The Tradition of the Elders
1 Then • Pharisees and • scribes came from Jerusalem to Jesus and asked, 2 “Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they don’t wash their hands when they eat!”[1] Lit eat bread = eat a meal 3 He answered them, “And why do you break God’s commandment because of your tradition? 4 For God said:[2] Other mss read commanded, saying Honor your father and your mother;[3] Ex 20:12; Dt 5:16 and, The one who speaks evil of father or mother must be put to death.[4] Ex 21:17; Lv 20:9 5 But you say, ‘Whoever tells his father or mother, “Whatever benefit you might have received from me is a gift [committed to the temple]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. ”— 6 he does not have to honor his father.’[5] Other mss read then he does not have to honor his father or mother In this way, you have revoked God’s word[6] Other mss read commandment because of your tradition. 7 Hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you when he said: 8 These people[7] Other mss add draws near to Me with their mouths, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 9 They worship Me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commands of men.”[8] Isaiah 29:13 LXX
Defilement Is from Within
10 Summoning the crowd, He told them, “Listen and understand: 11 It’s not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” 12 Then the disciples came up and told Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard this statement?” 13 He replied, “Every plant that My heavenly Father didn’t plant will be uprooted. 14 Leave them alone! They are blind guides.[9] Other mss add for the blind And if the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit.” 15 Then Peter replied to Him, “Explain this parable to us.” 16 “Are even you still lacking in understanding?” He[10] Other mss read Jesus asked. 17 “Don’t you realize[11] Other mss add yet that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is eliminated?[12] Lit and goes out into the toilet 18 But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this defiles a man. 19 For from the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immoralities, thefts, false testimonies, blasphemies. 20 These are the things that defile a man, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”

The Scribes and Pharisees came from Jerusalem to confront JESUS about a very important and serious religious matter. In verse 2, “Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they don’t wash their hands when they eat!”

They had JESUS where they wanted HIM. JESUS and HIS disciples did not wash their hands before they eat. It wasn’t that they didn’t wash their hands; it was that they did not wash their hands in the traditional or ceremonial manner. When the truly religious Jews washed their hands they washed all the way to their elbow. No chance of any thing unclean getting into their mouth to defile them.

The Jews during JESUS ministry were so steeped in tradition handed down from their forefathers. They emphasized tradition over the instructions revealed in the scripture.

The Jews had over 900 rules and regulations they were to follow. Most were not based upon scripture but upon tradition handed down over the years. They had missed the whole point of GOD leading their lives, they followed their tradition.

JESUS makes this clear to them when HE charged them with hiding behind man-made traditions. There was a tradition if one’s parents needed help and the adult off-spring did not want to help them, all he had to say was, “I cannot help you because all my wealth and resources are dedicated to GOD.” This was called in Corban.

The sad part is that even though all their resources were dedicated to the temple, they still had full control and use of these dedicated wealth and resources any way they chose. It was a contrived way for them not to do something they did not want to do and yet seem pious in not doing it. They hid behind their religion. We still do this today.

JESUS did not mince words. HE told them they had a serious problem and it was with their heart. The very core of their character was corrupt.

JESUS tells the crowd to think for one second, it is not what goes into your mouth that defiles a person but what comes out of one’s mouth. So do not get hung up on following man-made traditions but be concerned with the attitude of your heart and follow GOD.

Those making such statement are the religious leaders of the Jewish religion. As such, JESUS’ comments should have caused them to examine themselves and repent of placing such importance on tradition.

Notice the disciples tell JESUS that HE upset the religious leaders. JESUS said so? Just because someone claims to be religious does not mean they are. GOD knows the heart of each one of us and there will be a day of reckoning. The phonies will be pulled up by their roots and cast aside.

JESUS again hits the nail on the head. These religious leaders are blind guides and when the blind follow the blind they both fall into the pit.

Peter asks JESUS to explain the parable to him. JESUS seems to be provoked with Peter but I think this is why Peter is in the inner circle with JESUS. When we do not understand, ask a question so we will understand.

In verse 19, JESUS lists seven (7) things that spring from the heart and reveal the character of the person.

We have to be very careful even today about who we follow and about following tradition. The gift of discernment will sound an alarm when we hear someone putting a twist on the truth. Always examine everything against the scripture. When scripture fails to support a stated fact beware. This is true of every thing I say to you in these lessons. No one is exempt; any of us can be led astray. Who better to be led astray than a teacher or preacher?

It is often easier to follow a ritual than to follow the leading and prompting of THE HOLY SPIRIT.

To me this is the heart of the study. The remaining scripture supports how our character is revealed by things that spring from our inner-most being, our heart.

Let’s read Proverbs 6:16-19:
What the Lord Hates
16 Six things the Lord hates; in fact, seven are detestable to Him: 17 arrogant eyes,[17] Pr 21:4; 30:13; Ps 18:27 a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,[18] Pr 1:16; Isa 59:7 18 a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, 19 a lying witness who gives false testimony,[19] Pr 12:17; 14:5,25 and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.[20] Pr 6:14; 16:27–28; 28:25

We are challenged to embrace GOD’S values.

Scholars say the manner in which verse 16 begins “there are six (6) things THE LORD hates; in fact, seven (7) are detestable to HIM”, is a poetic device to get readers to pay special attention. This is a sample of the things GOD hates and is not intended to be a complete list.


The first five (5) things listed in verse 17 are expressions of an ungodly character – eyes, tongue, hands, heart and feet and the last two (2) describe certain kinds of people – false witnesses and troublemakers. Notice the list goes from head to toe. It takes in our complete being.

Arrogant eyes – reflect self-exalted and self-centered attitude of pride. GOD wants us to view the world and others through HIS eyes. Look to see the needs of others.

Lying tongue – A lying tongue is a destructive tongue. GOD wants us to use our tongue to bless others - to encourage, to challenge, to build up, to instruct, to warn, to speak truth.

Shed innocent blood – Those who willfully bring harm and death to others. GOD wants our character to reflect healing, helping and not destroying.

Heart that plots wicked schemes and feet that run to evil – These are people who sit around trying to figure out how to con others. These are the folks we say, “You know if these people would use their time, energy and talents in the right way they could do well in the world. But they sit around trying to think how they can make a quick buck. No scruples. GOD wants people who plot to plot good and help others.

Lying witness – This is just what it states. Jewish law required two (2) witnesses to support an accusation. GOD wants us to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Credibility is important for all Christians.

Stirs up trouble – One who likes to keep something stirred up among people. GOD wants us to promote unity. This is not promoting unity at all costs and it is not nitpicking and rolling over to embrace something false.

These are reminders to us today. We have THE HOLY SPIRIT within each of us to prick our conscience and help us discern when we have drifted from the truth.

Let’s read Proverbs 4: 20-27:
The Straight Path
20 My son, pay attention to my words; listen closely to my sayings. 21 Don’t lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to one’s whole body. 23 Guard your heart above all else,[6] Or heart with all diligence for it is the source of life.[7] Mt 15:19; Mk 7:18–23 24 Don’t let your mouth speak dishonestly, and don’t let your lips talk deviously. 25 Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze[8] Lit eyelids straight ahead. 26 Carefully consider the path[9] Or Clear a path for your feet, and all your ways will be established.[10] Pr 5:21 27 Don’t turn to the right or to the left;[11] Dt 5:32–33; 28:13–14; Jos 23:6 keep your feet away from evil.
Guard your heart is the message in this scripture. GOD never violates our right to choose. So we are to keep our eyes fixed upon HIM and watch very carefully where we step. Remember when Peter was walking on water with JESUS? As long as Peter kept his eyes fixed on JESUS he walked on the water. But once he took his eyes off JESUS and saw the waves he began to sink. JESUS reached out to him and saved him. Keep your eyes upon JESUS when you go through troubled times.
1Kings 8:39 – Tells us GOD knows every human heart.
39 may You hear in heaven, Your dwelling place, and may You forgive, act, and repay the man, according to all his ways, since You know his heart, for You alone know every human heart,
1 Samuel 16:7 – Tells us GOD sees our heart.
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have rejected him. Man does not see what the Lord sees,[6] LXX reads God does not see as a man sees for man sees what is visible,[7] Lit what is of the eyes but the Lord sees the heart.”[8] 1 Kg 8:39; Jr 17:10; Jn 2:24–25
We still have to guard our hearts and decide what we allow to fill our minds. It is rare that all of a sudden, we find ourselves in the weeds but compromise is a slow baby step process. We compromise and allow this little thought and then before we know it we are off course.
We are blessed to have THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHO guards our heart. But we have to look and pay attention to the promptings of THE HOLY SPIRIT when we begin to compromise. It is important that we commit our lives to our FATHER and allow THE HOLY SPIRIT to guide us in every aspect of our life. We must stay in GOD’S WORD on a daily basis.
As I have said many times, it is all about relationship. But we must maintain our commitment to that relationship. LORD here I am test me, check me, reveal to me areas in my life where I may be compromising my relationship with YOU.
When we try to navigate the journey of life ourselves, it is easy to stray from the course THE LORD has set for us.
There is a story of a young pilot training to be a fighter pilot in World War 2. His instructor stressed that they must always check and rely upon their instruments. He did this over and over telling the students to always check and trust your instruments and not rely solely upon flying by the seat of their pants. One of the cadets asked him why he emphasized this so much.
The instructor told him he was flying in bad weather one night. He could not see but it felt to him that the left wing was low, so he corrected it. He continued to feel that the left wing was low so he corrected again. He was flying by the seat of his pants, which means he was not checking his instruments and relying on what his body was telling him about the position of the plane. This goes on for several more times and then he felt his shoulder straps cutting into his shoulder. He thought that was strange so he decided to check his instruments. To his shock he was flying upside down and in the wrong direction.
This is why we need to be in GOD’S WORD and allow THE HOLY SPIRIT to guide us along life’s journey. The Bible is our instrument panel and THE HOLY SPIRIT is our instructor.