The Struggles of Religious Leaders in Jesus' Teachings: Lessons on Faith, Hypocrisy, and Authority

 

The Struggles of Religious Leaders in Jesus' Teachings: Lessons on Faith, Hypocrisy, and Authority

By Dr. Joel Dabbas 

Introduction

The questions that religious leaders asked Jesus during His time on earth provide deep insights into the struggles of faith, tradition, and spiritual authority. Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes frequently challenged Jesus’ teachings, testing His understanding of the law, His authority, and His vision for God's kingdom. These interactions not only reveal the conflict between religious tradition and the message of grace but also expose the timeless issues faced by religious individuals today. In this article, we will explore how the struggles of these religious groups in biblical times can still resonate in contemporary faith discussions, offering valuable lessons on authenticity, humility, and spiritual growth.

1. The Struggle with Legalism and Tradition

One of the most significant challenges religious leaders faced in their encounters with Jesus was the tension between legalism and spiritual authenticity. The Pharisees, in particular, were known for their strict adherence to the law and traditions passed down through generations. However, they often prioritized rituals and external actions over the heart of God's commandments.

Legalism vs. Heart Transformation

When the Pharisees asked Jesus why His disciples didn't wash their hands before eating, they were concerned about the violation of an established tradition rather than a deeper understanding of purity (Matthew 15:2). Jesus responded by pointing out that their focus on external rituals masked the corruption within their hearts.
Lesson: This interaction teaches that religious legalism—the belief that strict adherence to rules can earn favor with God—misses the point of faith. True spirituality is about the transformation of the heart, not just outward compliance.

The Danger of Traditions Over Truth

Another point of contention arose when Jesus healed on the Sabbath, a day traditionally reserved for rest. The Pharisees were more concerned with maintaining the sanctity of Sabbath observance than with the miracle of healing. Jesus countered, reminding them that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27).
Lesson: Traditions and customs, while important, should never override the fundamental truths of compassion, mercy, and God's love. Religious traditions should enhance spiritual life, not hinder it.

2. The Struggle with Authority and Control

Another recurring theme in the questions posed to Jesus revolves around the issue of authority. Religious leaders questioned Jesus’ right to teach and heal, especially when He challenged their interpretation of the Law.

Jesus' Authority to Teach

In Matthew 21:23, the Pharisees ask Jesus, “By what authority are You doing these things?” They were threatened by His boldness and His growing influence. For the Pharisees and scribes, authority was tightly controlled within their circles. Jesus’ radical message exposed their lack of spiritual authenticity and challenged their established positions of power.
Lesson: Religious individuals often struggle with the concept of divine authority when it disrupts the systems of control they have put in place. True authority in faith does not come from human status or titles but from alignment with God's will.

The Fear of Losing Power

The Sadducees, who were more aligned with the political elite, often used questions about taxes and politics to entrap Jesus (Matthew 22:17). By asking Jesus whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, they sought to make Him choose between loyalty to Rome or the Jewish people. Jesus’ famous response, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s," showed His ability to navigate power struggles without compromising His message of spiritual integrity.
Lesson: Religious leaders and institutions often struggle with the temptation to maintain power and control. However, true faith calls for a higher allegiance—to God’s purposes above all earthly systems.

3. The Struggle with Hypocrisy and Self-Righteousness

One of the most glaring issues Jesus highlighted during His confrontations with the religious elite was hypocrisy. The Pharisees and scribes often exhibited a double standard—calling others to holiness while failing to live according to the same standards themselves.

External Righteousness vs. Internal Transformation

In Matthew 23, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their outward show of righteousness, saying, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence” (Matthew 23:25). Jesus accused them of being like whitewashed tombs, appearing righteous outwardly but full of spiritual corruption within.
Lesson: The struggle here is the temptation to focus on external appearances—what people see—rather than genuine, inner transformation. Faith is not about being seen as righteous but about a heart that is authentically aligned with God’s will.

The Dangers of Self-Righteousness

The Pharisees often viewed themselves as morally superior, especially when comparing themselves to others, like tax collectors and sinners. This sense of spiritual pride led them to distance themselves from those they deemed "unclean." Jesus, however, demonstrated a radically different approach by associating with sinners and outcasts, showing that God’s grace is available to everyone, not just the righteous.
Lesson: Self-righteousness can blind us to the need for grace and humility. True spirituality is not about comparing oneself to others but about recognizing our own need for God’s mercy.

4. The Struggle with Understanding God’s True Nature

Religious leaders also struggled with understanding the full nature of God and His kingdom. Their questions about the resurrection, the Messiah, and God’s ultimate plans often revealed limited or flawed perspectives on God’s intentions.

Misunderstanding the Resurrection

The Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, tried to trap Jesus with a hypothetical question about marriage in the afterlife (Matthew 22:23-28). Jesus responded by explaining that in the resurrection, people will not marry but will be like the angels in heaven. This answer not only corrected their misunderstanding but also revealed that God’s kingdom operates on principles that go beyond earthly expectations.
Lesson: Many religious individuals, then and now, struggle to understand the nature of God’s kingdom and His eternal plan. True faith requires a willingness to trust in what is unseen and beyond human comprehension.

The Nature of the Messiah

Jesus was often questioned about His identity as the Messiah. Many religious leaders expected a political savior who would overthrow Roman rule. Jesus, however, redefined the concept of the Messiah, teaching that He came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).
Lesson: Our expectations of what God’s plan should look like can limit our ability to recognize His work in the world. Faith involves being open to God’s unexpected and often countercultural methods.

Conclusion:

The struggles of the religious leaders in their encounters with Jesus reveal a series of timeless challenges that still resonate today: the tension between legalism and grace, the desire for control and power, the danger of hypocrisy, and the difficulty of understanding the true nature of God’s kingdom. These challenges are not unique to the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes; they are part of the broader human experience of faith. By reflecting on these encounters, we can learn valuable lessons about authenticity, humility, and the importance of aligning our lives with the deeper truths of God’s word. True faith requires more than following rules or maintaining religious status—it demands a heart transformed by the grace and love of God.

Call to Action:

What struggles do you think modern religious communities face that mirror those of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes? How can we learn to embrace God’s grace and avoid the pitfalls of hypocrisy or self-righteousness? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The Slow Fade

Sermon Title: The Slow Fade

By Dr. Joel Dabbas 

Text: James 1:14-15 | Revelation 3:15-16 | Hebrews 2:1

Opening Statement:

I remember a song I think by Casting Crowns we use to sing it in my cycle those days in the University and we called it the "sound of realignment or reset." The title of the song is slow fade. You can't truly listen to the wordings of this song and you won't begin a quick Spiritual checks and scan to see whether something is already eating you up.

Beloved, today we are going to examine one of the most subtle but dangerous traps that many believers fall into-the slow fade. It is a gradual decline, not noticed at first, but which ultimately leads to destruction. It is a spiritual slide that begins with small compromises and ends in spiritual shipwreck.

Let me make this clear from the outset: no one falls into sin overnight. It’s a gradual process. Just like a car that begins to veer off course inch by inch, so does the soul. The slow fade is like a river that starts with a trickle and becomes a raging flood. It begins unnoticed, but eventually, you find yourself in a place you never imagined.

The slow and subtle decline of fire, fervency, passion, enthusiasm, and commitment. That state of convenience that becomes the culture for decay and retrogression in our walk with God. A person might begin by being on fire for God, filled with zeal, prayer, and hunger for the Word. But over time, little by little, they begin to settle into a place of comfort—no longer seeking God with fervency, no longer pursuing His presence with passion.

And you see, beloved, when convenience and complacency take over, they create a culture of spiritual decline. It’s like a well-watered plant that stops receiving sunlight-eventually, it begins to wither. And so does the soul, when it becomes satisfied with mediocrity.

Today, I want to sound the alarm in your spirit! I want to stir the fire of God in your heart so that you will not become another casualty of the slow fade. We will open the Word of God today to understand the dangers of this spiritual decline, and more importantly, how we can stand guard and ensure that we remain on fire for God until the very end. 

1. The Nature of the Slow Fade:

James 1:14-15 says, "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."

This passage reveals the gradual process of sin. The Bible says that temptation comes to us through desires—not necessarily bad desires, but desires that are not governed by the Word of God, desires that are not yielded to the Holy Spirit.

It begins with a subtle drawing away—a temptation to look at something, say something, or entertain a thought that is contrary to God’s Word. At first, you think it is harmless, but little by little, the seed of compromise begins to grow.

Sin does not usually begin with an outward act. It begins in the mind. It begins in the desires. If you do not address the desires in your heart, they will eventually give birth to sin. The slow fade is a process that often goes unnoticed. But by the time the sin is full-grown, it brings forth death.

You see, beloved, the slow fade is deceptive. The enemy is not in a hurry. He knows that if he can just get you to step back one inch at a time, he will have you far from the place where you started. And before you know it, you’re spiritually cold and disconnected from the very presence of God.

2. The Subtlety of the Slow Fade:

Revelation 3:15-16 says, "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth."

This was the message to the church of Laodicea—lukewarm, neither cold nor hot. This is the result of the slow fade. Lukewarmness is the dangerous middle ground where a person is not fully on fire for God, but also not completely dead. It is a place where passion has been replaced by apathy and zeal by indifference.

The slow fade is subtle, beloved. It doesn’t come with a loud bang, but with a quiet whisper. You stop praying with the fire you once had. You stop fasting with the dedication you once displayed. You stop reading the Word with the hunger you once carried. You stop witnessing with the boldness you once knew. And before long, you find yourself in a place where spiritual fervor is a distant memory.

The enemy’s plan is not necessarily to get you to fall into gross sin immediately—no. His aim is to dilute your passion for God. His goal is to make you lukewarm, to make you satisfied with mediocrity in your walk with God.

Beloved, I have seen many believers who once burned with passion for God, but now their fire is barely a flicker. It didn’t happen overnight. It was a slow fade—a series of small compromises, a series of minor indulgences, a series of spiritual neglects. And before long, their hearts became cold.

3. The Consequences of the Slow Fade:

Hebrews 2:1 says, "Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away."

The word “drift” here is key. This is the picture of the slow fade. It’s a drifting, a gradual movement away from the truth. The Bible warns us to pay close attention to what we hear, to the Word of God, to the voice of the Holy Spirit-because if we do not, we will drift away. The danger is that drifting happens slowly, almost imperceptibly. It’s like a boat that is left untethered to a dock; it drifts farther and farther from the shore without even realizing it.

The consequences of the slow fade are devastating. It is a departure from the presence of God. It is a loss of spiritual clarity. It is the hardening of the heart. It is the withering of spiritual gifts and graces. And ultimately, it leads to spiritual death.

You might think you can handle the slow fade, but the truth is, no one can. The gradual loss of passion, the steady erosion of truth in your life, can lead to a place of complete spiritual dryness. I have seen this in my ministry: believers who started off strong but allowed small compromises to creep in until they became entirely disengaged from their spiritual life. And some never recover.

4. Guarding Against the Slow Fade:

So, what can we do to prevent the slow fade? How can we protect ourselves from drifting away from the things of God?

1. Stay in the Word:
   Matthew 4:4 says, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." The Word of God is our anchor. It is our daily nourishment. If you neglect your Bible, you will starve spiritually. You must stay in the Word daily, allowing it to guide and strengthen you.

2. Guard Your Prayer Life:
   Luke 18:1 says, "Men ought always to pray and not to faint." Prayer is the lifeline to the presence of God. When you cease to pray, you begin to lose the fire. You begin to lose your sense of God’s nearness. It is in prayer that we stay connected to the heartbeat of God. Do not let your prayer life grow cold.

3. Stay in Fellowship:
   Hebrews 10:25 warns us, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together." Fellowship with other believers keeps us accountable. It keeps our fire burning. You cannot do this alone. If you isolate yourself, you make yourself an easy target for the enemy’s attack.

4. Repent Early:
   If you notice any gradual drift in your spirit, repent quickly. 1 John 1:9 tells us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Do not let small compromises fester. When you notice that you are slipping, run back to the Lord before it leads to deeper bondage.

Conclusion:

Beloved, the slow fade is real, and it is a dangerous thing. It starts with small things, but those small things eventually pull you far away from God. Let me encourage you today-stay awake, stay alert, and stay on fire for God! The enemy wants to lull you into spiritual slumber, but the Word of God warns us to stay vigilant. You were not saved to live a lukewarm, compromised life. You were saved to burn with passion for God!

I charge you today: Do not let the slow fade take root in your life. Keep your heart pure, your passion alive, and your commitment strong. You are called to walk in victory, to finish your race strong, and to be a light in a dark world.

The slow fade ends in regret, but your story can end in glory. Stand firm in the faith. Keep your eyes on Jesus. And may you be found faithful when He comes.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Altar Call:

Father, in Jesus' name, I thank You for those who are stepping forward today. I ask that You reignite their passion, restore their zeal, and fill them once again with Your Holy Spirit. Where they have drifted, bring them back. Let Your fire burn bright in their hearts again. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Prayer Points 

1. Prayer for Restoration of Passion and Fervency for God

Prayer Point:
Heavenly Father, I come before You today with a heart that longs for Your fire. Lord, I confess that in some areas of my life, I have allowed my passion and zeal for You to fade. I have let the demands of life, the distractions of the world, and the lure of convenience dampen my spiritual fervor. I repent for allowing complacency to take root in my heart. I ask for a fresh infilling of Your Holy Spirit to reignite the fire within me. Awaken my spirit, Lord, to seek You with the same fervency and hunger as when I first knew You. I commit to guarding my heart and soul against every subtle compromise that leads to spiritual decline. Let my life burn with passion for Your Kingdom until the day I meet You face to face. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.

Scripture:
Matthew 3:11 – “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

2. Prayer for Vigilance and Strength to Resist Spiritual Drift

Prayer Point:
Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your Word that warns me against the danger of drifting away from You. I ask for Your grace to remain vigilant in my spiritual walk. Help me to discern the subtle ways in which the enemy seeks to lull me into complacency. Strengthen me, O God, to resist every form of temptation and distraction that would lead me to compromise. May I never grow satisfied with a lukewarm walk, but always seek to grow in faith, prayer, and obedience. I declare that I will not drift away, but I will press forward in Your strength, staying close to You and abiding in Your presence. Keep me focused on my purpose in You, and help me to finish my race with joy and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Scripture:
Hebrews 2:1 – “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”

It Is Given Unto You to Know the Mysteries of the Kingdom

 It Is Given Unto You to Know the Mysteries of the Kingdom

By Dr. Joel Dabbas 

In the Kingdom of God, there is an invitation extended to every believer to experience the deep things of God—those hidden truths that are not easily accessible to the casual observer or the seeker who is not truly invested. This is what Jesus is conveying in Matthew 13:11 when He says, “Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.”

The word "mystery" in the New Testament refers to divine secrets that have been hidden in God, secrets that are not apparent to the natural mind or to those who are not yet initiated into the ways of the kingdom. These mysteries are not meant to be elusive or inaccessible. They are meant to be known, understood, and revealed, but the pathway to understanding them lies in the revelation of the Spirit. It is not a matter of human intellect, nor is it about simply acquiring knowledge; it is about receiving divine insight that opens your eyes to the realm of the supernatural.

In the Kingdom of God, there is a system of knowledge and wisdom that transcends what the world can offer. When Jesus said it is "given unto you", He was speaking to those who had made the choice to follow Him, to seek after His presence, and to live by His Word. This is crucial—there is a distinction between simply hearing the Word and truly pursuing it with a heart that is open and willing to understand. To “know” the mysteries is not a passive experience; it is a function of relationship and discipleship. It is about being in constant communion with the Spirit of God, who is the Revealer of these deep truths.

The key to unlocking these mysteries is not just in having a general knowledge of Scripture, but in allowing the Holy Spirit to open our hearts to the deeper revelations contained within it. It is a process of spiritual growth and transformation. When the Holy Spirit begins to reveal to you the mysteries of the kingdom, He does so not for your personal edification alone, but to equip you for effective kingdom service. The mysteries are meant to be understood, but they are also meant to be shared and manifested in the lives of those who will walk in them.

Jesus told His disciples that “it is given unto you”—this is a gift. To be able to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom of God is not something that can be earned by merit or intellectual capacity. It is a grace, a gift of divine favor. This speaks to the generosity of God’s heart. He does not withhold wisdom from those who earnestly seek it. He gives liberally to those who ask in faith and humility.

However, there is a caveat: to those who are outside the Kingdom, who have not yet chosen to follow Christ, who are not yet partakers of His nature, the mysteries remain hidden. The knowledge of the kingdom is not given to those who are outside of fellowship with Christ. The message of the Kingdom, while universally available, requires a specific posture of the heart to be understood. Jesus made it clear that to those who are indifferent, skeptical, or unbelieving, the truth will remain veiled. This is why He often spoke in parables—so that those who truly wanted to understand would search for the meaning, while others would pass by without grasping the depth of the message.

This principle holds for us today. The capacity to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom is given to those who are in Christ, those who are willing to walk the narrow path, who desire not just to know about God, but to intimately know Him. It is an invitation to those who are willing to pay the price of spiritual pursuit, of seeking God above all else.

As believers, we must understand that this capacity to know is not a passive gift. It is a privilege that comes with responsibility. We are called not only to understand these mysteries, but also to live by them, to manifest them in our lives, and to teach them to others. The knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom is meant to bring transformation in the way we live, think, and operate. It elevates our perspective from the natural to the supernatural and gives us the wisdom to function in the world as ambassadors of Christ.

In conclusion, the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven are indeed a treasure, given to us by grace. They are not reserved for a select few but are available to all who earnestly seek God with a sincere heart. It is given unto you to know the deep things of God—seek them out, for in the mysteries lie the keys to living in victory, to walking in the fullness of God's purpose for your life.

Understanding Elijah's Role in Jesus' Ministry: How Christ Fulfilled Prophecy and Restored All Things

Understanding Elijah's Role in Jesus' Ministry: How Christ Fulfilled Prophecy and Restored All Things

By Dr. Joel Dabbas 

Introduction:

In the journey of Christian faith, few moments are as profound as when the disciples sought understanding about the coming of Elijah, and Jesus illuminated their hearts with a revelation that transcended mere prophecy. The question posed by the disciples in Matthew 17:10-11 has captivated scholars and believers for centuries. Why did the scribes teach that Elijah must first come? And what does Jesus' response reveal about the deeper purpose of His ministry?

As we delve into this passage, we realize that the scribes taught a truth-but one that left people with more questions than answers. In contrast, Jesus didn't just offer knowledge. He offered understanding, opening the door to a much richer, deeper revelation of God's purpose through the coming Messiah. It’s a powerful reminder that true teaching does not merely inform; it transforms.

The Disciples' Question: A Reflection of Old Covenant Teaching

When the disciples asked, "Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?" (Matthew 17:10), they were reflecting the common teaching of the day. The scribes, as experts in the law, correctly pointed to Elijah's prophetic return as the precursor to the Messiah. They understood the scriptures, particularly Malachi 4:5-6, which foretold that Elijah would come to restore all things before the "great and dreadful day of the Lord."

However, the scribes’ understanding was limited. While they taught the right doctrine, they couldn’t convey the depth of that prophecy or explain its fulfillment. The letter of the law was present, but the spirit of the law was elusive. The scribes presented Elijah as an event in the distant future-a powerful yet abstract hope. But the disciples were looking for something immediate and tangible.

Jesus' Revelation: From Prophecy to Reality

Jesus' response changes everything. In Matthew 17:11-12, He acknowledges that Elijah truly shall first come, but then He takes it a step further: “Elijah truly shall first come, and restore all things.” Jesus affirms that the prophetic words are true, but He deepens the meaning by revealing that Elijah’s purpose was not only to prepare the way but to bring about restoration.

This statement is radical in its implications. Jesus doesn’t just teach that Elijah will return in the future. He redefines the restoration of all things as a present, active reality. This restoration is not simply about restoring the people of Israel, but about restoring all of creation through the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus is not just explaining a future event; He is revealing that He is the one who will complete the work Elijah started.

The Transfiguration: Elijah and Jesus in Fulfillment

The climax of this understanding unfolds in the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9), where Jesus stands on the mountain with Elijah and Moses. This extraordinary moment is not just a random event in Jesus' life-it is a powerful declaration that Elijah’s role has been fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Elijah, the prophet who called the people of Israel back to God, is now seen talking to the Messiah who is not only restoring Israel but restoring all of creation.

In that moment, the disciples didn't just hear about Elijah or read about him in the scriptures. They saw Elijah in action. They saw him speaking to Jesus, the one who was both the fulfillment of prophecy and the restoration of all things. This is where prophecy, law, and fulfillment converge in a powerful, living reality.

The Fulfillment of All Things: Jesus as the Restoration

When Jesus speaks of restoring all things, He is not simply referring to the restoration of Israel. His mission is far broader and deeper. Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. Elijah came to turn hearts back to God (Malachi 4:6), and Jesus, as the perfect fulfillment of that mission, is the way that hearts are turned back to God-permanently. Jesus doesn’t just bring the message of repentance, He is the means by which all things are restored to their rightful place.

The coming of Elijah wasn’t just about preparing the way for a physical kingdom; it was about preparing the hearts of the people to embrace the Messiah. And in Jesus, the restoration goes beyond external circumstances; it reaches deep into the heart, mind, and soul of humanity. In Him, all things are made new. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus restores us to a right relationship with God, bringing about the ultimate restoration of all things-spiritually, relationally, and even cosmically.

The Disciples' Shift in Understanding

For the disciples, this revelation must have been overwhelming. The prophetic words they had heard their entire lives suddenly came to life in front of them. Elijah was no longer just a figure to come in the future. Through Jesus, they realized Elijah had already come, preparing the way, but the fullness of Elijah’s mission was realized in the restoration Jesus brought. The disciples saw that Jesus wasn’t merely the fulfillment of prophecy-they saw that He was the embodiment of the very essence of the law and the prophets.

In the context of the Transfiguration, Elijah's return in the spirit of power becomes clear. Through Jesus, the hearts of the people are restored, not by merely following the law, but by experiencing the grace and truth of God made manifest in Christ. The restoration Jesus brings is the ultimate "turning of hearts," one that transcends earthly boundaries and brings the eternal kingdom to life in those who believe.

 Conclusion: A Call to Embrace the Fullness of Restoration

The question the disciples asked Jesus was not just about the return of Elijah. It was about the coming of a kingdom-a kingdom that would not only restore the nation of Israel but would also restore all things in heaven and on earth. In Jesus, the prophecy of Elijah was fulfilled, and through Him, all things are being restored to their original design.

As believers, we are invited to see beyond the surface of scripture and understand the deep and abiding truth that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of all things. Elijah came in the spirit and power of God to prepare the way, but it is Jesus who completes the work. It is in Him that we find restoration-not just for Israel, but for all of creation.

Let us embrace the fullness of the restoration He brings and live with the understanding that in Jesus, all things are made new.

EL GEMUL — THE GOD OF RECOMPENSE

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TOPIC: EL GEMUL — THE GOD OF RECOMPENSE

Sermon Transcript From The Teaching Ministry of Dr Joel Dabbas 

Text: Jeremiah 51:56

“For the LORD God of recompense shall surely repay.”

INTRODUCTION

Beloved, hear me clearly tonight—
Our God is not an observer of injustice; He is the Judge of it.
He is not a spectator of pain; He is the Recompenser of it.

There is a name of God that speaks to every season where life looked unfair,
where obedience seemed unrewarded,
where righteousness appeared mocked.

That name is EL GEMUL — THE GOD OF RECOMPENSE.

Lift your right hand and say:
“My God is El Gemul!”

UNDERSTANDING EL GEMUL

The Bible says in Jeremiah 51:56:

“For the LORD is a God of recompense; He shall surely repay.”

El Gemul means:

• The God who balances accounts

• The God who repays loss

• The God who returns what was stolen

• The God who rewards faithfulness

Hear this:
∆ Delay is not denial
∆ Silence is not absence
∆ Waiting is not weakness

When God introduces Himself as El Gemul, He is declaring:

“Nothing done against My people goes unpaid, and nothing done for Me goes unrewarded.”

EL GEMUL IS NOT EMOTIONAL — HE IS JUST

Beloved, God does not recompense based on anger;
He recompenses based on justice.

📖 Romans 12:19

“Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

That means:

• You don’t fight back — God fights for you

• You don’t avenge yourself — God balances the scale

• You don’t manipulate outcomes — God settles accounts

Any injustice you hand over to God becomes a legal case in heaven.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR EL GEMUL?

Let me be very clear —
El Gemul does not reward noise; He rewards obedience.

📖 Hebrews 6:10

“God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love.”

El Gemul recompenses:

1. Faithfulness in obscurity

2. Integrity under pressure

3. Obedience without applause

4. Sacrifice without recognition

5. Service without reward 

Some of you have prayed and it looked like heaven was quiet.
But hear me — heaven was recording.

THE DIMENSIONS OF RECOMPENSE

1. Restoration Recompense

📖 Joel 2:25

“I will restore the years…”

Not days.
Not months.
YEARS.

El Gemul can compress time and repay decades in moments.

2. Reward Recompense

📖 Isaiah 40:10

“Behold, His reward is with Him.”

God does not just give blessings —
He gives compensation.

3. Vindication Recompense

📖 Psalm 135:14

“The LORD will judge His people.”

Every accusation, every betrayal, every misrepresentation —
El Gemul clears names publicly.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

Hear me by the Spirit of God:

• What you lost unjustly is returning with interest

• What delayed you is turning into speed

• What mocked you will soon announce you

• What broke you is about to build you

Lift your voice and declare:
“El Gemul is settling my case!”

CONCLUSION

Beloved, rest tonight.

If God is El Gemul, then:

• Your tears are not wasted

• Your prayers are not ignored

• Your obedience is not forgotten

The books are open.
The Judge is righteous.
The recompense is sure.

📖 “For the LORD God of recompense shall surely repay.”

Say it one last time with faith:
“MY GOD IS EL GEMUL!” 

Salvation Prayer 

“Lord Jesus, I come to You tonight.
I acknowledge my sins.
I receive Your mercy.
I surrender my life.
Wash me by Your blood.
From today, You are my Lord and my God.
Amen.”

I Declare:

By the authority of scripture, you are forgiven, restored, and accepted!

Prayer Point 

1. Prayer for Divine Recompense

Father, by Your name El Gemul, arise and repay every loss I have suffered through injustice, delay, and opposition — let my season of repayment begin now!
📖 Jeremiah 51:56

2. Prayer for Restoration of Lost Years

El Gemul, restore to me the years, opportunities, favor, and strength the enemy stole — repay me speedily and fully!
📖 Joel 2:25

3. Prayer for Vindication and Defense

O God of recompense, arise and vindicate me — silence every false voice, overturn every wrong verdict, and let my righteousness speak openly!
📖 Psalm 135:14

4. Prayer for Reward of Faithfulness

El Gemul, remember my labor of love, my obedience in secret, and my sacrifices — reward me openly and beyond expectation!
📖 Hebrews 6:10

5. Prayer for Divine Settlement

By the authority of El Gemul, I decree that every pending matter in my life receives divine settlement — no more delay, no more denial, no more injustice!
📖 Romans 12:19

Seal it with faith and declare:
El Gemul has settled my case!

When God Leads and Satan Speaks: Why Doctrine, Not Power, Determines Authority

When God Leads and Satan Speaks: Why Doctrine, Not Power, Determines Authority

There is a profound revelation hidden in the opening movements of Jesus’ ministry, and it is one that many believers overlook.

Scripture tells us plainly:
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1)

Please observe this carefully.
The same Spirit who led Him is the same environment in which Satan confronted Him.
Not two locations.
Not two seasons.
Not two atmospheres.

The wilderness was not demonic by default.
It was Spirit-led—yet demonically contested.

This immediately confronts a dangerous misconception: that the presence of divine leading automatically eliminates the possibility of demonic intrusion. Scripture does not support that assumption. Spiritual spaces can be shared. Spiritual authority cannot.

The same wilderness.
The same hunger.
The same forty days.
The same physical condition.

Yet two voices were present.

This teaches us something unsettling but necessary: access does not equal legitimacy.

The first temptation did not come clothed in darkness or rebellion. It came dressed in reason. It came wearing compassion. It came wrapped in supernatural possibility.

“If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” (Matthew 4:3)

Notice what Satan did not question.
He did not question Christ’s identity.
He did not question Christ’s power.
He did not question Christ’s spiritual capacity.

What he questioned—subtly—was submission to the Word and timing of God.

This was a legitimate need.
Jesus was hungry. (Matthew 4:2)

This was a supernatural solution.
Turning stones to bread was within His ability. (John 1:3)

But it was outside the will, timing, and instruction of the Father.

And here is where many fall.

There exists a dangerous realm—a collision point—where divine leading and demonic suggestion operate in close proximity. A realm where revelation and temptation speak similar languages. A realm where spiritual activity is real, results are visible, power is manifest—but authority is absent.

Paul warns us:
“And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

Similarity of operation does not imply equality of origin.
Supernatural manifestation does not authenticate divine authorization.
Power alone is not proof of God.

“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name… cast out demons… done many wonders?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you.’” (Matthew 7:22–23)

The tragedy of our time is that many mistake familiarity of access for legitimacy of source.

Yes—light and darkness both operate in spiritual realms.
Yes—both can produce results.
Yes—both can speak accurately at times.

But the separation is not found in activity.

It is not practice.
It is not intensity.
It is not spiritual experience.
It is not manifestations.

The separation is DOCTRINE.

“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” (1 Timothy 4:16)

Doctrine is the governing framework that interprets spiritual encounters.
Doctrine decides what is lawful, not merely what is possible.
Doctrine determines who you obey, not just who speaks.

The devil did not ask Jesus to abandon spirituality.
He asked Him to practice spirituality without submission to the Word.

And notice Christ’s response.

He did not respond with power.
He did not respond with ability.
He did not respond with manifestation.

“But He answered and said, ‘It is written…’” (Matthew 4:4)

Not “It is working.”
Not “It feels right.”
Not “It meets a need.”

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

Doctrine drew the boundary where power alone could not.

Doctrine preserved authority in a contested space.

Doctrine protected hunger from becoming compromise.

This is why spiritual maturity is not learning how to function in spiritual realms—even demons do that (Mark 1:34).

Spiritual maturity is knowing what doctrine governs you when multiple voices can access you.

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God.” (1 John 4:1)

Because in the wilderness—and in life—the greatest danger is not darkness.

It is supernatural alternatives that bypass truth.

It is acceleration without authorization.
Provision without permission.
Power without obedience.

Only doctrine keeps you anchored when realms overlap.

Only doctrine keeps sons from becoming spiritual freelancers.

And only doctrine ensures that when voices speak, authority—not ability—decides your response.

I GROW IN SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY THIS YEAR

TITLE: I GROW IN SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY THIS YEAR

From The Teaching Ministry of Dr Joel Dabbas 

Anchor Scripture:

“And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
— Matthew 16:19 (KJV)

OPENING CHARGE

Beloved, please hear me by the Spirit of the Living God.

One of the greatest tragedies in the body of Christ is possessing spiritual authority without understanding it, and therefore living as victims when we were ordained to be victors.

Authority is not noise.
Authority is not aggression.
Authority is alignment with heaven.

Christianity is not a religion of wishful thinking; it is a kingdom of delegated authority.
Jesus did not say “what heaven binds, you may echo on earth.”
He said, “what YOU bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.”

This reveals something profound:
Heaven responds to earth when earth is aligned with God.

Spiritual authority is not arrogance;
it is alignment with divine order.

This year, by revelation and by practice, you must grow in spiritual authority—not for noise, not for pride, but for dominion, victory, and kingdom advancement.

This year, the Lord is not just calling us to pray more—
He is calling us to rise in spiritual authority.

Because there are battles you cannot win by tears.
There are doors you cannot open by wishes.
There are dimensions that only authority can command.

FOUNDATION: WHAT IS SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY?

Spiritual authority is the delegated right to enforce the will of God on earth.

Authority is not power itself—
Authority is the legal permission to use power.

“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” — Matthew 28:18

Jesus did not stop there.

“Behold, I give unto you power (authority) to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy…” — Luke 10:19

So watch this carefully:

• Power flows from God

• Authority is delegated to believers

• Results depend on understanding and alignment

Many believers love power encounters, but authority is a government concept.

AUTHORITY FLOWS FROM POSITION, NOT EMOTION

“And God said, Let us make man in our image… and let them have dominion.”
— Genesis 1:26

Authority is rooted in:

1. Identity

2. Alignment

3. Responsibility

Before God gave Adam work,
He gave Adam authority.

So when Christ speaks of binding and loosing, He is restoring what was lost, not inventing something new.

WHAT DOES “BINDING AND LOOSING” MEAN?

1. It is Legislative Authority

In the original Greek, this phrase implies to forbid and to permit.

You are not begging heaven—
you are enforcing heaven’s will on earth.

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth…”
— Matthew 6:10

2. It is Judicial Authority

You don’t argue with darkness;
you sentence it.

“Behold, I give unto you power… over all the power of the enemy.”
— Luke 10:19

Authority is not shouting louder;

it is standing surer.

When Jesus said,

“Whatsoever you bind on earth is bound in heaven…”

He was not saying heaven is waiting for your opinion.

He was saying:

When your actions on earth align with God’s verdict in heaven, heaven backs your decree.

So binding and loosing is not emotional declaration—
It is judicial enforcement.

You don’t bind what God has not judged.
You don’t loose what God has not permitted.

This is why spiritual authority requires intimacy.

WHY MANY BELIEVERS DON’T WALK IN AUTHORITY

1. Ignorance of Identity

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” — Hosea 4:6

If you don’t know who you are, you will beg spirits that should obey you.

2. Absence of Alignment

Authority does not respond to gifting;
Authority responds to order.

“The sons of Sceva…” — Acts 19:13–16
They used the name but lacked the alignment.

3. Compromised Spiritual Life

You cannot command in public what you disobey in private.

Authority leaks when consecration is absent.

4. Ignorance of Spiritual Laws

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” — Hosea 4:6

Authority you don’t understand
will never manifest through you.

5. Inconsistency in Spiritual Discipline

You cannot live casually
and command authoritatively.

“This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” — Matthew 17:21

Depth produces dominance.

6. Compromise with Sin

Sin does not remove your title,
but it weakens your voice.

“The righteous are bold as a lion.” — Proverbs 28:1

Boldness flows from purity.

HOW DOES ONE GROW IN SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY?

This is the heart of the message.

1. Authority Grows Through INTIMACY

Before Jesus gave authority, He called them to be with Him.

“And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth…” — Mark 3:14

Authority is the reward of fellowship.

The closer you are to God,
The less you shout at the devil.

2. Authority Grows Through LIGHT (REVELATION)

Demons do not respect grammar;
They respect revelation.

“And the spirits are subject unto us through thy name.” — Luke 10:17

Why?
Because they understood the authority behind the name.

This year, pray less vague prayers like:
“Lord help me”

And more authoritative prayers like:
“By the authority of Christ, I decree…”

So, you must engage the Word Aggressively

The Word is your legal document.

“It is written…” — Matthew 4:4

Demons respond to scripture-backed authority, not motivational quotes.

3. Authority Grows Through OBEDIENCE and HUMILITY 

Every act of obedience is a vote for authority.

“If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” — Isaiah 1:19

Disobedience makes heaven silent when you speak.

Authority flows downward before it flows outward.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God…” — 1 Peter 5:6

Those who submit easily
command effortlessly.

4. Authority Grows Through PRAYER AND FASTING

Some dimensions do not respond to casual Christianity.

“This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” — Matthew 17:21

Fasting does not twist God’s arm—
It subdues your flesh so your spirit can legislate. 

So, you must deliberately and consistently Build a Strong Prayer Altar:

Authority is enforced in the spirit
before it is seen in the physical.

“Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” — Luke 18:1

Weak prayer life = weak spiritual Command 

5. Authority Grows as You Grow in The Revelation of Your Position in Christ

“And hath raised us up together… far above all principality and power.”
— Ephesians 2:6; 1:21

You don’t fight for victory—
you fight from victory.

5. Exercise Authority Practically

Authority grows by use.

Speak to situations.
Command resistance.
Declare God’s counsel.

“Say unto this mountain…” — Mark 11:23

Silence is not humility when authority is required.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO DECLARE:

“I GROW IN SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY THIS YEAR”?

It means:

• This year, fear will not dictate my decisions

• This year, demonic cycles end with me

• This year, my words will carry weight

• This year, prayer becomes legislation

• This year, my presence disturbs darkness

You are no longer reacting—you are commanding.

PRACTICAL EXPRESSIONS OF SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY

1. Over Your Life – No more random outcomes

2. Over Your Territory – Your home becomes an altar

3. Over Your Calling – Resistance does not cancel destiny

4. Over Darkness – You don’t negotiate with what you can command

PROPHETIC DECLARATION

Declare with me:

In the name of Jesus,

• This year, I grow in spiritual authority.My prayer life carries weight.

• My words align with heaven.

• This year, my voice carries weight in the spirit

• I bind every force assigned to limit my destiny

• I loose divine speed, favor, and clarity

• I grow in discernment, boldness, and spiritual sensitivity

• I take my place as a kingdom enforcer, not a victim

• I bind what God has judged.

• I loose what God has permitted.

• I walk in dominion, not confusion.

• I enforce the victory of Christ.

• And my life becomes a proof of God’s government.

Amen.

FINALLY: AUTHORITY IS A STEWARDSHIP

Beloved, authority is not for display—
it is for service, deliverance, and dominion.

Jesus said:

“All power is given unto me… Go ye therefore.”
— Matthew 28:18–19

He kept nothing back.

This year, rise:

• From awareness to enforcement

• From prayer to command

• From survival to dominion

You are not powerless.
You are authorized.

LET'S PRAY 

1. Prayer for Revelation of Authority in Christ

Scripture: Ephesians 1:17–21

Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You. Open my eyes to understand my position in Christ, and let the reality of spiritual authority become clear and active in my life this year. I refuse ignorance; I walk in revelation.

2. Prayer for Depth in Prayer and Spiritual Discipline

Scripture: Luke 18:1; Matthew 17:21

Prayer:
Lord, baptize me afresh with the spirit of prayer and spiritual discipline. Deliver me from spiritual laziness and distraction. This year, I receive grace for consistency, depth, and endurance in prayer, fasting, and the Word, so my authority will be established and effective.

3. Prayer Against Every Power Resisting Divine Authority

Scripture: Luke 10:19; Colossians 2:15

Prayer:
In the name of Jesus, I take authority over every power, pattern, and resistance assigned to challenge God’s purpose for my life. I bind every demonic opposition, limitation, and delay, and I loose divine speed, victory, and alignment in all areas of my destiny.

4. Prayer for Purity, Obedience, and Boldness

Scripture: Proverbs 28:1; Psalm 24:3–5

Prayer:
Father, purge my heart and my ways from anything that weakens my spiritual voice. I receive grace to walk in obedience, humility, and righteousness. I declare that I will not speak with uncertainty or fear; I move forward this year with holy boldness and spiritual confidence.

5. Prayer for Practical Manifestation of Authority

Scripture: Mark 11:23; Matthew 16:19

Prayer:
Lord, I receive grace to exercise spiritual authority with wisdom and accuracy. As I speak in alignment with Your Word, let heaven respond to my declarations. I declare that what I bind on earth is bound in heaven, and what I loose on earth is loosed in heaven. This year, my authority produces visible results.