Sermon snippet – Cleave (in a Good Way)
INTRODUCTION – The word cleave has long been one of my favorites, for it has two directly opposite meanings. It can mean to divide asunder or to cling to. Perhaps it would be more enthralling if we focused on the negative definition of the word, but it would not be more edifying. Romans 12:9b commands, “Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” We must separate ourselves from evil and cling wholeheartedly to God’s good.
- IT TAKES NO EFFORT TO CLING TO EVIL
In Genesis 4:7, God told Cain (before he killed his brother Abel) that “sin lieth at the
door.” Because evil is right at the door, readily available, it is easy to cling to it. In II Kings 3:1-3, we find Jehoram clinging to the “sin of Jeroboam” because it was politically expedient; in other words, it was the easy thing to do. Paul’s struggle with the sin nature, detailed in Romans 7:15-25, reminds us that sin lies at the door – the door of decision. The everpresent existence of evil makes it the easy choice. The fact that everything is not evil all the time points us to the reality of a good God. Thus…
- CLINGING TO GOOD MEANS CLINGING TO GOD
Joshua 22:5 provides an Old Testament example of this truth. In his final address to the tribes across the Jordan, Joshua calls for a comprehensive commitment to God, which is only appropriate considering God’s greater commitment to us. As Deuteronomy 33:27a says, “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” – arms that are clinging to us. As we cling to God, we learn that He has been clinging to us all along. In the New Testament, Acts 11:19-24 clarifies that clinging to good begins by clinging to God the Son, Jesus Christ, as Savior.
- WE ARE COMMANDED TO CLING TO GOD’S GOOD
Philippians 4:8 reminds us that, because evil comes so easily, good requires effort. Marriage is a good thing (Proverbs 18:22; Genesis 2:24); remember, do not cleave your wife – cleave to your wife. Hope (I Thessalonians 2:16), an expectation based on God’s character and promises, is certainly a good thing, as is a word of encouragement (I Thessalonians 2:17; Proverbs 12:25). A conscience free from guilt is good (I Timothy 1:5, 19); let God forgive you! Biblical doctrine (I Timothy 4:6) is good, as is the fight (!) of faith (I Timothy 6:12; II Timothy 4:7); remember we must war against the sin that is at the door. Trustworthiness, including on the job (Titus 2:10), is good and pleasing to God, for it reveals a core character of loyalty and integrity.
CONCLUSION – The words of Jesus from Matthew 25:23 are eternally encouraging: “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” May each one of us be certain that, through a personal and saving faith in Jesus, these blessed and everlasting words will be spoken to you and me.