PR. DENIS KALUNGI

KIREKA CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

29/06/2021 SERMON

BRIBERY THE MONSTER 

A bribe is money, favor, or other consideration given in exchange for one’s influence against what is true, right, or just. The Bible is clear that giving or receiving a bribe is evil and corrupt or we define corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. Others call it wisdom yet it’s a weakness

 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor corruption, bitter envy, and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Do not boast that I have built houses yet your corrupt actually seek God to help you because you’re under a curse and your children too {James 3:13-15}

Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice {James 3:13-15}” if you belong to such a family better confess and repent, your school fees was out of someone’s tears you cruise and say I am rich yet it was a widows property you took and sold.

A judge rules against a party, not based on the facts of the case, but because the opponent paid a bribe, A person is beaten, detained, or subject to a higher fine because someone paid a bribe.

During difficult times is the time we all have to ask the creator what is next or why this? But because of bribes, we do not even give God a chance to chasten us or correct us. You’re in prison ask God why this lord? In every situation ask God why? But bribe comes before God.

God’s Law, given to Moses for the people of Israel, forbade the taking of a bribe, “for a bribe blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous” {Exodus 23:8}. The same rule is repeated in {Deuteronomy 16:19}: “You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, nor take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.

The negative effects of taking a bribe are clearly outlined in these above passages. Bribery perverts justice. It is a blinding influence upon wisdom and discernment or judgment. It clouds the truth and perverts or twists the words of those who would be righteous in the sight of God. “A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity.”

The Law went even further in the case of a bribe involving the killing of an innocent person. A judge who takes a bribe to condemn to death an innocent person was as guilty as a paid assassin—he was to be “cursed” {Deuteronomy 27:25}. There were incidents where this law against bribery was broken, to disastrous effect.

The two men who testified against Naboth {1 Kings 21:4–16} and those who testified against Stephen {Acts 6:8–14} were probably bribed; in both instances, an innocent man was killed. When high officials were given a bribe, it causes evil in society. “The king establishes the land by justice, but he who receives bribes overthrows it” {Proverbs 29:4}. Bribery is one characteristic of a corrupt society.

Isaiah prophesied against the evil of Israel when they had turned from the one true God and His laws. Isaiah likened the city of Jerusalem to an unfaithful harlot; the city was once full of justice, but it had become a place of rebellion, murder, and thievery. Her leaders were those who loved bribes and chased after the money bribery brought them {Isaiah 1:2–23}. “Bribery ruins a city spiritually”

The people of Israel were not to follow the ways of evil but were to emulate God in their dealings with one another: “For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe” {Deuteronomy 10:17}.

The most dreadful example of a bribe in the Bible is the thirty pieces of silver that Judas received to betray the Lord Jesus. A direct result of Judas’s treachery or betrayal was that Jesus was arrested and crucified. Eventually, even Judas realized that his acceptance of a bribe was evil. But when he tried to return the money to the chief priests and elders, they refused it, calling it what it was—“blood money” {Matthew 27:3–9}, these guys knew it was SIN money,” therefore bribe is used to fulfill the sin.”

Delilah was bribed to entrap Samson {Judges 16:16-19}. Samuel’s sons disrespected their office by taking bribes {1 Samuel 8:3}. The wicked Haman bribed King Ahasuerus in an attempt to destroy the Jews in Persia {Esther 3:9}. Felix left Paul in prison, hoping to receive a bribe from Paul {Acts 24:26}.

Bribe leads to wrong information the soldiers d who were guarding Jesus’ tomb were bribed by the chief priests and elders to spread a lie about the disappearance of Jesus’ body {Matthew 28:12–15}. In each case, those receiving the bribes cared nothing for truth or justice. The bribe was used to mislead people up to now people are converted to Islam thinking Jesus Christ is not the messiah. 

“And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day {Matthew 28:12-15}”

Now let us see how the curse operated.

For I know how many are your transgressions and how great are your sins— you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and turn aside the needy in the gate {Amos 5:12}

Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself. But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury since it is blood money.” So they took counsel and bought with them the potter's field as a burial place for strangers {Matthew 27:3-9}.

How do we fight bribe as God’s children?

"If corruption is a disease, transparency is a central part of its treatment.”

The fight against bribes is a moral one that cannot be won by legislation alone or by “the sword” of legal penalties. Seeds of virtue and integrity have to be sown in people’s hearts. Romans 13:4, 5, “For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

This can best be achieved by the use of what the apostle Paul described as “the sword of the spirit,” God’s Word, the Bible. —Ephesians 6:17, “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity {Acts 8:20-23}, let us imitate our spiritual figures.

What does God desire for us? He wants us to enjoy His presence. He wants us to walk in step with Him. He wants us to know the joy of His holiness. It is hard for us to even want that kind of joy while our desires are tied to the things of this world like a bribe.” People call bribe their savior”

God knows our nature, and He is working today to make you new. He calls us to follow Christ, and as we follow, to set new priorities for our lives. Rather than acquiring the pleasures of this world and attempting to avoid temptations, He calls us to pursue Christ by demonstrating the kind of characteristics that are called the fruit of the Spirit.

Set your heart on becoming a new person in Christ. Set your heart on bearing fruit that demonstrates joy and peace, love and gentleness. Experience how lifting your focus from the things of this world can change your life {Galatians 5:22} 

Admit – confess and repent for yourself, your father’s house, and for your country

Dreams about bribery

Someone Offering You Bribe. To see someone offering to bribe you in the dream is a sign of your authority and power to affect people’s lives. The dream suggests that certain individuals do not follow rules and lack integrity. Be aware if you are accepting and making a deal with others. As their work ethic and business dealings can be questionable if you are signing

Taking Bribes. To dream that you are taking bribes indicates that you feel obligated to make something worth your while. At the same time, you are in a situation of power where you are abusing your roles and influence. You are getting people to do your bidding whether they like it or not. You are forcing people to make unethical choices for the gain of your personal agenda

Trying to Offer Bribe. To see yourself offering others bribes in the dream indicates that you expect more of others. You are demanding favors from people and you are above the common moral or ethical rules. You believe that you could get away with cheating or deceit. Perhaps you believe you could spend money to simply make all of your troubles disappear.

Reporting Corruption or Bribery. To see yourself report corruption or bribery, foretells that you will gather up your strength and stand up for yourself. You are ready to partake in some type of protest against unfair practices. Perhaps you are calling people up for their unfair advantage and competition.

Be blessed