This generation of human beings are such a dangerous one that
it is given a name which appropriately describes their character. What is a
viper? What danger does a viper poses to human beings? Why was it used in reference
to human beings? Let us treat these questions one after the other.
What is a Viper? Other names of a Viper are asp and adder. A
viper is a very poisonous snake and it is different from ordinary snakes. It is
about four inches in length and is no ticker than a wire. It lives under stones
and in the sand of the dessert or in cracks of old wall.
What danger does viper pose to human beings? It is very
deadly when it bites its victim and very aggressive in attack.
Why was it used in reference to human Beings? It was used by
John the Baptizer and the Lord Jesus Christ to describe and rebuke the
Pharisees and Sadducees, including the scribes as well as the multitude who
came with religious pretence. (Matt. 3:7-10; Lk. 3:7-9; Matt. 23: 13-36).
Generation of vipers refers to their numerous numbers among men.
The Pharisees - they were a group of self-religious and
religious zealous Jews. They held strongly to the letters of their
interpretation of the Law and tradition, regardless of whether thy contradicted
God's word or not. They were the most bitter enemies Christ during is earthly
Ministry.
The Sadducees - These are radical and rationalistic sect who
deny the supernatural, angels, demons, and resurrection. They believed that
such things do not exist. They were political minded, secular minded and bitter
enemies of Christ.
The Scribes- They are the penmen or skillful public recorders
among the Jews. They were also .self-righteous as the Pharisees; and they
seemed to have worked closely with the Pharisees that Jesus always mentioned
them together (Matt. 5:20, 23:13-36). They were public secretaries who
loved to sit in Moses' seat with the Pharisees. They and the Pharisees told the
people what to do, but never did what they said. They laid heavy burdens on men
and would not touch them with their fingers. They did their works only to be
seen of men, and moved about in long garments. They loved the uppermost places
and to be addressed as mastersby the people (Matt.23:1-12).
The Multitudes- They were great
number of men and women who followed Jesus not to hear the word and live for God but because of the miracles
and material benefits they got from him (John 6.22-30)
Lesson Application: From the above
explanations, we can see clearly that the generation of vipers are those who
put on the garment of religion and self-righteousness, but are bitter enemies
of the gospel, the truth, the cross and Jesus Christ himself(2 Cor.11:10-15,
Phil. 3:17-19, Matt.7:15-23). They are those in the church who always look for
faults against serious minded believers and preachers and the truth they
uphold. They are in the church to seek for blessings but are not willing to
hear the truth and live by it (1 Tim. 4:1-2, 2 Tim 4:1-5). This is the
generation that want to serve God and do is work , but run from him and the
truth that sets free from bondage.
This is the generation deep into
deception yet are afraid of being deceived. Those who are afraid of deception
easily fall victim to it. It is a generation who so much believe and affirm
their faith in the bible, yet hardly believe what God is saying to them, live
and direct., through his messengers. They hardly believe that the same God
still speaks today in the same old way He spoke in bible times. This generation
is so unstable in what God is saying to them, and are afraid to stand out of
majority to obey and live by what He is saying in the present that appears
strange and odd to many; forgetting that God's ways are always like that (Isa.
55: 8-9; Cor. 1:18-2:16). The generation of vipers are found mainly in the
church not in the world. Examine yourself to be sure you are not among them.
Barr. Victor Chigozie Ezekiel
+2348034997413
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