The High Cost of Low Living

Jun 29, 2024

The High Cost of Low Living

Introduction

  • Sponsored by friends and partners of Kingdom Connection.
  • Prayers for the telecast to speak a relevant message into viewers' lives.
  • Focus of the message: The High Cost of Low Living.

Story of Herod and John the Baptist

  • Herod's Birthday Celebration: Grand occasion with military commanders, friends, lots of drinking and celebrating.
  • John the Baptist's Preaching: John rebukes Herod and his wife for living in adultery, causing humiliation and anger, particularly from Herodias (the wife).
  • Herod's Character:
    • Not inherently evil but weak.
    • Showed John special favor even in prison.
    • Lured by lust and pleasure due to the wrong atmosphere and company.
  • Herodias' Hatred: She wanted John silenced permanently.

The Dance and Its Implications

  • Entertainment at the Celebration: Herod's stepdaughter performs a dance that pleases Herod.
  • Meaning of 'Hero': In Greek, 'Herod' means 'hero', symbolizing ego and desire for power.
  • Pleasing the Flesh: The dance represents feeding carnal desires.

The Request for John the Baptist's Head

  • Herod's Promise: Offers anything up to half his kingdom in his intoxicated state.
  • Herodias' Manipulation: Tells her daughter to ask for John's head to silence the voice of repentance.
  • Herod's Regret: Realizes too late the high cost of low living.
  • Symbolism:
    • Herod: Represents our flesh and carnal desires.
    • Herodias' Daughter: Represents pleasures of the world and temptation.
    • Herodias: Represents Satan, working in the shadows to manipulate and dictate the high cost of sin.

Consequences of Sin

  • Cost Determined by Satan: The high cost of low living is determined by Satan, not by us.
  • Loss of Conviction: Cutting off the voice of repentance by indulging in sin.
  • Final Payment: Without repentance, the final payment is spiritual death and separation from God.

Call to Repentance

  • Emphasis on Grace: Urges to stop the sinful 'dance' while there’s still grace and forgiveness.
  • Prayer: For those seeking change, surrender to Jesus, asking for forgiveness, peace, and salvation.
  • Importance of Conviction: Conviction is proof of the Holy Spirit’s presence. Losing it is dangerous.

Conclusion

  • Encouragement: To repent and avoid the high cost of low living by embracing God's grace and forgiveness.
  • Support: Thanks to partners and supporters who enable the ministry to continue spreading the message.
  • Invitation: To join Free Chapel and take advantage of their programs and resources.