Basilea Schlink teaches that a 'holy uncertainty' about our motives before God leads to genuine repentance, purity of heart, and true glorification of Jesus.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of allowing God's light to shine into our lives, revealing our sins for true healing and freedom. It warns against hypocrisy and self-deception, urging a state of 'holy uncertainty' where motives are pure and directed towards glorifying Jesus. The ultimate goal is to hear Jesus say, 'I do know you' due to our genuine concern for Him above all else.
Full Transcript
God lives and works today, and one of our greatest debts to Him is that He lets His light shine into our lives and reveals our sin. This unmasking is difficult and painful, but it means healing in the very deepest way. His light is our final happiness and freedom.
It brings us eternal happiness and joy. Listen to today's meditation by Vassalia Schlink called, A Holy Uncertainty. I can't thank the Lord enough for the way He has dealt with me in my life.
He has opposed everything I did that was not absolutely for Him, especially those activities done in Christian service. For there is nothing more dreadful to the Lord than hypocrisy, when we convince ourselves that we have served the Lord and lived for Him, and in truth, have only lived for our own ambition and satisfaction. What can keep us from such self-deception? Only a holy uncertainty.
Those who are uncertain about their motives continually pray, Lord Jesus, give me your light. Time and again we deceive ourselves. What are the hidden motives in our lives? Are they pure and honest? Do I really want Jesus to be glorified before many? Am I only concerned that He be honored? In Matthew 7, 22 and 23 we read, On that day many will say to me, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you.
How terrifying it would be to hear Jesus say these words to us. But on the other hand, what would it mean one day to hear Jesus declare, I do know you. You were pure in your motives.
You were really concerned about me. It didn't matter to you whether you were humiliated or whether things went wrong. It didn't matter that your job wasn't satisfying.
You didn't want to be loved and to be always the center of attention. You were only concerned that I be glorified. And Jesus will be glorified through those who have humble, broken hearts, who don't want to be important.
We need a holy uncertainty. Oh that we might cry to the Lord, give me your light, help me to see the truth. Let me recognize now before it's too late what is impure in my heart, which motives aren't directed towards you.
Lord Jesus Christ, you are a mighty redeemer. You have shed your blood for my redemption. I know that I am thoroughly corrupted by sin, but I also know that you will hear the cries of anyone who is uncertain, who calls upon you for help because he wants to be at your side for all eternity.
Give me your light and do not let it spare me. Show me my sin and to repentance grant me, then I'll be free. You have been listening to a program written by Basile Schlenk of the Little Land of Canaan.
To learn more about how God lives and works today, visit us at our website www.canaan.org. If you contact us, we would be happy to send you a free inspirational booklet. If you do not have access to the web, please contact this radio station for our postal address. God bless you.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Light of God Reveals Our Sin
- God’s light unmasks our hidden sins
- This unmasking is painful but leads to deep healing
- God’s light brings eternal happiness and freedom
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II. The Danger of Hypocrisy in Christian Service
- Self-deception about our true motives is common
- Hypocrisy is dreadful to the Lord
- Only holy uncertainty can protect us from self-deception
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III. The Call for Holy Uncertainty
- Continual prayer for God’s light on our motives
- Desire for Jesus to be glorified above personal ambition
- Humility and brokenness are essential for true service
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IV. Assurance in Redemption Through Christ
- Acknowledging our corruption by sin
- Calling upon Jesus for help and cleansing
- Freedom comes through repentance and God’s light
Key Quotes
“What can keep us from such self-deception? Only a holy uncertainty.” — Basilea Schlink
“Lord Jesus Christ, you are a mighty redeemer. You have shed your blood for my redemption.” — Basilea Schlink
“Jesus will be glorified through those who have humble, broken hearts, who don't want to be important.” — Basilea Schlink
Application Points
- Regularly examine your motives in prayer and ask God to reveal any hidden impurities.
- Cultivate humility by seeking to glorify Jesus rather than seeking personal recognition or satisfaction.
- Embrace God’s light even when it reveals uncomfortable truths, trusting it leads to true freedom and joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by 'holy uncertainty'?
Holy uncertainty is a humble and prayerful attitude of questioning our own motives before God to avoid self-deception and hypocrisy.
Why is hypocrisy so dreadful to God?
Because it involves serving God with impure motives, often for personal ambition or satisfaction rather than genuine love and obedience.
How can we know if our motives are pure?
By continually asking God to reveal the truth in our hearts and being willing to repent of anything that is not directed toward glorifying Jesus.
What does Jesus mean in Matthew 7:22-23 about not knowing people?
He warns that outward works done in His name are not enough if the heart is not truly connected to Him with pure motives.
How does God help those who seek Him with holy uncertainty?
He shines His light into their hearts, reveals sin, grants repentance, and leads them into freedom and eternal fellowship with Him.
