Mark 6:14-29

1. We see the amazing power of truth over the conscience.
2. We see how far people may go in religion, and yet miss salvation by yielding to one master-sin.
3. We see how boldly a faithful minister of God ought to rebuke sin.
4. We see how bitterly people hate a reprover, when they are determined to keep their sins.
5. We see how much sin may sometimes follow from feasting and reveling.
6. We see how little reward some of God's best servants receive in this world.

"Let us often look within, and make sure that there is no darling lust or pet transgression, which, Herodias-like, is murdering our souls."

"If he believes a man is injuring his soul, he ought surely to tell him so. If he loves him truly and tenderly, he ought not to let him ruin himself unwarned. Great as the present offence may be, in the long run the faithful reprover will generally be respected."

"It is no disgrace to a minister's character to be disliked by the wicked and ungodly. It is no real honor to a minister to be thought well of by everybody."

"Histories like these are meant to remind us, that the true Christian's best things are yet to come. His rest, his crown, his wages, his reward, are all on the other side of the grave."

Questions:

1. Beloved brother or sister, are their any ‘pet’ sins we are unwilling to give up, when made aware of them? As we grow in godliness, can we say that I hate every false way?

2. We are told in 1 Corinthians 5 to judge those who are inside the church, and in Matthew 18 to win them by doing so. Have we ever, or are we willing, to reprove a brother and sister in open sin? Do we believe that to rebuke is our calling and the results are up to God?

3. Can it be said that everybody speaks well of us? Have we suffered hatred and reviling for speaking the truth in love and calling out sin in someone’s life? If not, why?

4. If there is a sin we constantly struggle with, could it be because we open ourselves to unnecessary temptations like Herod did?

5. Are we disappointed with our life situation, or have we placed our hope fully on our heavenly home where all amends will be made? If we are looking for the praise of man, that is all we will get, but if we are looking for the praise of God, no eye has seen, nor ear heard, the glorious things that God has laid up for those who love Him! Is that where our hope is?