Every Effect Has a Cause

"Every Effect Has a Cause" – Matthew 12:30-33 In Amos 3:3-8, judgment would not descend without reason; every effect (consequence, sequel, that which follows, that which is obtained because of a cause) has a cause (origin, principle, motive, reason). Amos asks seven questions of cause and effect, culminating in an urban calamity (city) "caused by Jehovah." It would not have to take him by surprise since God had already revealed it previously through His prophets.

I. Will two walk together, if they do not agree?

A. It is like saying: will the lion roar in the jungle without prey?

1. Judgment would not descend without reason; Every effect has a cause.

2. (Matthew 12:30) He who is not with Me (Jesus) does not gather, scatters (spread in many places).

3. This blasphemy (verbal offense against the divine majesty, profane, sin) attitude (scattering) showed that the Pharisees were not with the Lord; therefore, they were against Him.

4. By refusing to gather with Him, they were scattering "the grain."

5. They had accused Jesus of casting out demons through Satan's power, attempting to thwart God's work.

6. Be with Him or against Him.

7. There are no half-measures here (indecision or caution, it does not assume a defined position and the worst leaves room for ambiguity, it does not assume a concrete position, confusion and double meaning).

8. You know, brother, that Jesus will never, ever have one in His army to scatter.

9. We must gather as Jesus did when He was on earth.

10. Today the high percentage is average, with few warriors and many opinionators, presumptuous, pretending to know.

11. Jehovah roars, that is, threatens; "and he who does not gather with Me scatters."

12. There will never ever be a hero scattering.

13. (Matthew 26:14-16) Then one of the twelve, that is, one of the disciples who had lived with the Lord, journeyed with Him, seen His miracles and heard His incomparable teachings and who had witnessed the miracle of sinless living, one whom Jesus could call "my intimate friend," in whom He trusted, "the man of my peace, he who ate of my bread lifted up his heel against me" (Psalm 41:9), "against the Son of God."

14. Judas Iscariot went to the Sanhedrin in exchange for thirty pieces of silver.

15. How do you see it?

16. Such a kiss from Judas was his betrayal and his sale; See how he sees it?

17. The priests paid him on the spot, a paltry total of about a month's wages of a humble day laborer.

18. It is noteworthy to note the contrast between the woman who anointed Jesus in the house of Simon and Judas (John 12:4-5).

19. The contrast was so violent (John 12:4-6); why wasn't this perfume sold for three hundred denarii ($40), which Judas sold Jesus for thirty (30) pieces of silver and wanted the perfume to be sold for 300 denarii?

20. (Acts 15:36-41) The Second Missionary Journey.

21. Paul presents Barnabas about what troubles him, suggesting that they go through the cities that they had preached the Word.

22. Barnabas insists that his nephew Mark accompany them.

23. Paul was strongly opposed (strong, firm, resolute, determined, conclusive = definitive) to it.

24. He vividly remembered how Mark had turned away from them from Pamphylia, and doubtless he feared that he would repeat it again.

25. The strife between Barnabas and Paul became so fierce that these two distinguished servants of the Lord parted from each other; Barnabas, taking Mark, embarked for Cyprus, his native place and the first stop on his first missionary journey.

26. Paul, choosing Silas, passed through Syria and Cilicia, consolidating (giving firmness, solidity) to the churches.

27. (2 Timothy 4:10) Judas sees money in Jesus and sells it, Barnabas pleases his nephew, and Barnabas separates from Paul, they disagree and so Demas abandoned Paul.

28. Demas loved this century.

29. One of the bitter experiences in Christian service is being abandoned by those who had been partners in the work.

30. Demas had been a friend of Paul's, a brother in the faith, and a co-worker.

31. But now Paul was in prison, Christians were being persecuted, and the political climate was clearly unhealthy (bad) for Christians.

32. Instead of loving the coming of the Lord, Demas loved this world and so abandoned Paul and went to Thessalonica.

33. Perhaps his fears for his own safety led him to fall.

34. (11) "Luke is with me," the beloved doctor was the only one who kept in touch with Paul, he is in Rome.

35. How much it must have meant to the apostle to have the spiritual encouragement and professional skill of this great man of God!

36. Later, Paul and Mark were reconciled and here the apostle specifically asks for Mark as one who is useful for ministry (2 Timothy 4:11). Amen