Casting Pearls Before The Swine Series

B. The Ministry of the Saints – Those who followed the Lord and shared the gospel followed this principle as well. Mat.10:14 – And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Acts 13:46 –Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. Acts 18:6 – And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he (Paul) shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. Through the teaching of our Lord and these biblical examples we are exhorted to be cautious as we witness and live among this world. I am not saying that we are to keep the gospel to ourselves, but we must use wisdom and discernment as well.

III. The Obligation to this Truth – As we conclude our study, I want to remind us that we are not only obligated to guard our witness of the gospel, but also our testimony to that gospel. The testimony of believers is one of the most prized possessions we have. We must ensure that we don’t cast our testimony before the swine to be trampled on and defiled. Let’s take a moment to consider a few areas that we are obligated.

A. In Conversation – I am in no way advocating that we should not share our faith with all we can. We are called to be witnesses for the Lord. However, I have met some that were so vile and sinful that it would not be of benefit. Some will not receive your witness and the only thing you can do is pray for that individual. Arguing will do no good in reaching them for Christ.

We must also guard our testimony in conversation. We must not be guilty of casting our testimony before the swine by engaging in vain or vulgar talk. Once we have engaged in that type of conversation, we have forever lost our influence with those who desperately need to hear.

B. In Companionship – We must also watch the company we keep. I have emphasized many times that we must continue to be a witness to the lost, but the believer must not continually surround himself with unbelievers, engaging in their sinful activities. We are expected to maintain a holy standard, and that is nearly impossible if you are always around those who have no regard for the Lord. Most of the time, they will pull you down, rather than you lifting them up.

This also applies to our relationships, including marriage. If you are saved, it is dangerous to enter a relationship with an unbeliever or one who is on a different course doctrinally. If their view of Christ and salvation are not biblical, I would urge you to reconsider your commitment to the relationship. 2 Cor.6:14 – Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

C. In the Church – We must also be cautious of casting our pearls before swine among the church. I am not insinuating that our congregation is filled with dogs and hogs, but that we must guard the truths of God’s Word and continue to ensure that we edify and worship Him in all we do.