1. Pigs & Pearls “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces” (Matt. 7:6)

2. Pearls & Pigs in the context of judgment (Mat. 7:1-5) –obviously, not all judgment is wrong or Jesus would not have asked of us to judge people who are “dogs” and “pigs!” –Jesus called a “spade a spade” Herod was called a “fox” (Lk. 13:32) Pharisees and scribes were labeled “white washed tombs” and “brood of vipers” (Matt. 23:27, 33)

3. J. W. McGarvey “He [a Christian, sjw] must know dogs and swine when he sees them, and must not treat them as priests and kings, the fit objects for the bestowal of holy food and goodly ornaments....We are here forbidden, then, to use any religious office, work, or ordinance, in such a manner as to degrade or profane it. Saloons ought not to be opened with prayer, nor ought adulterous marriages to be performed by a man of God. To give pearls to swine is to press the claims of the gospel upon those who despise it until they persecute you for annoying them with it. When such men are known, they are to be avoided” (Fourfold Gospel, 263, 264)

4. dogs care not where meat comes from swine care not if pearls are below their feet there are men and women who could care less about heaven’s riches and God’s holiness! –WHAT MORE DO PIGS AND PEARLS TEACH?

5. DISCERNMENT we are given the charge to discern between a genuine prospect and a pig –not placing God’s pearls before those interested is sinful –spending too much time with a pig is likewise not being a good steward of God’s pearls wasteful to not use when we should...wasteful to use when we should not

6. DISCERNMENT we need to recognize that we have limited resources –the truth with your life, time, energy and opportunities are God’s pearls of which we are to be managers of (1 Pet. 4:8-11) –time spent with a pig is time not spent with a person holy meat given to a dog is holy meat not given to a person

7. DISCERNMENT “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away” (Matt. 13:47, 48) –God expects us to have a discerning eye of the bad

8. Protection “...lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces” (Matt. 7:6) –“just gotta tell him one more time” must realize when not making progress must respect what you are “throwing” before him—the gospel!

9. “Pigs & Pearls” Principle - taught through the ages Proverbs 9:7-9 “ 7 He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. 8 Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning”

10. How do you know one is a pig? when you hear the snort that is against your message when you see the lack of interest in your time and spiritual truths “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?” (Matt. 7:16) –“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matt. 10:16)

11. What About A Disciple Who Is Walking With Wolves & Torn By Wild Swine? Search and rescue (Lk. 15:1-10; Ezek. 34:6) –teach “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You” (Ps. 51:12, 13) –see them before the Lord (1 Thess. 2:19, 20)

12. “Pigs & Pearls” Modeled Jesus to the multitude (John 6) –fed five thousand (6:10ff) –withdrew himself (6:15) –people find him and Jesus rebukes them for only seeking him because of the food they ate (6:26) –offers them spiritual bread to their disliking (6:41) –those who won’t “hear” and “learn” are dogs and pigs— won’t come to Christ (6:45) –gave a hard teaching…must eat His flesh and drink his blood (6:54) –many followed him no more (6:66)

13. “Pigs & Pearls” Applied Jesus refusing to do a miracle –Matthew 16:1-4 (cf. Lk. 23:8, 9) instructing disciples to shake the dust off –Matthew 10:11-14 –Acts 13:44-52 if a person will not work... –2 Thessalonians 3:10, 11

14. The Pearl of Great Price “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it” (Matt. 13:45, 46) The way I view the “pearl of great price” determines whether I am a PIG or MERCHANT !

15. only one pearl of great value – the kingdom of heaven! it is never on sale – full price was paid by this merchant; didn’t try to negotiate a price! not enough to simply admire the pearl – must buy it! The Pearl of Great Price “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it” (Matt. 13:45, 46)

16. it required all that he had –full commitment! all other pearls (kingdoms, domains) fail in comparison to the kingdom of heaven! one can live without the other beautiful pearls IN LIFE ! The Pearl of Great Price “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it” (Matt. 13:45, 46)