February 18, 2024 - How to Shatter a False Sense of Self - Pastor Paul Vallee

John Series John 7:14-36 One of the most challenging things is shattering people’s biases and prejudices. People today speak of tolerance and openness regarding ideas, values, and lifestyles. Still, the reality is that our world is filled with self-righteousness, intolerance, and blindness in relationship to what is healthy, virtuous, and loving. This can be true both in a religious and a non-religious context. Yet, what may be more stunning to us is that this has always been the way of human beings. We see this in our text today, as Jesus goes up to the Festival of Tabernacles and begins to expose the ignorance and prejudices of the people. What is tragic is that these people see themselves one way, but when exposed, they are actually the very opposite of who they think they are. One of the reasons why God tests us is to reveal our true condition. Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way, I will test them to see whether they will follow my instructions. (Exodus 16:4) If God knows everything, why the need to test us to see what we will do? The test is to show us the true condition of our hearts. Will we obey or disobey? Will we trust God, or will we not? What is tragic is when the reality of the true state of our soul is different than what we thought. At that moment, the opportunity for the most significant growth and change can occur. In Jesus’ teaching in the Temple, He exposes the actual state of the people’s hearts and understanding. They are living in a state of self-deception, and Jesus reveals it. Jesus is shattering a false sense of self, or the self that the fallen, sinful nature has marred.