Wisdom in Sharing the Gospel
Pastor Tan Thai · May 20, 2012
This sermon from Matthew 7:6 teaches that those who share the Gospel must exercise wisdom in discerning receptive listeners from those who deliberately oppose the message. Drawing on the teachings of Jesus and Paul's letters, the sermon calls believers to invest their time and energy wisely in faithful people.
The sermon opens with Jesus's teaching in Matthew 7:6: "Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs." The pastor clarifies that this is not a call to avoid sinners, but a reminder to exercise wisdom when sharing the Gospel. Not everyone is willing to listen, learn, and change; some listen only to argue, refute, and discredit the Gospel message.
The sermon analyzes how believers can discern people's hearts through four foundations: knowledge and wisdom given by God, life experience and lessons learned, counsel from mature believers, and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Jeremiah 17:9-10 is cited to affirm that only God fully knows the human heart, while believers must judge by the fruit in a person's life and the path they choose (Matthew 7:13-14, 16).
Several biblical examples of Gospel rejection are presented: the mocker and the wicked in Proverbs 9:7-9, the Pharisees whom Jesus called hypocrites and blind guides (Matthew 15:12-14; 23:13), and the jealous Jews who opposed Paul and Barnabas when they preached to the Gentiles in Antioch (Acts 13:45-46). The images of dogs and pigs in the key verse symbolize impurity, sin, and deliberate hostility toward the truth.
The application section reminds the congregation that time and energy are limited. Quoting Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 on the appointed seasons of life, the pastor emphasizes that there is a time to move on from those who persistently refuse to listen. The parable of the prodigal son illustrates this: despite all his counsel, the father ultimately had to let his son go and could only pray. Paul likewise instructed Timothy to entrust the Gospel to faithful people who would be able to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2).
The sermon concludes with three practical lessons: exercise discernment when sharing the Gospel; recognize that some will reject and oppose the message, and continuing to press them only wastes effort like giving holy things to dogs or pearls to pigs; and use time and energy wisely by investing in faithful, teachable people who can in turn disciple others. This is the most responsible way to steward the gifts and opportunities God has provided.