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When you see a dog following two men

Luke 14; Matthew 6:24
John MacDuff • February, 3 2011 • Audio
173 Sermons
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JM
John MacDuff • February, 3 2011
173 sermons
Choice Puritan Devotional

In John MacDuff's sermon "When you see a dog following two men," he explores the tension between devotion to God and the pursuit of worldly treasures, a theme rooted in the Reformed doctrine of the Christian's dual allegiance. MacDuff argues that an individual's affections cannot be equally split between God and the world, as illustrated by the metaphor of a dog following its master. The preacher utilizes Matthew 6:24 and Luke 14 to emphasize that true allegiance to God demands forsaking materialism and the values of this world. He points out that earthly treasures ultimately fade, while the treasures stored in heaven endure, thus highlighting the eternal significance of one's spiritual pursuits. The sermon challenges believers to evaluate their priorities in light of the coming eternal state, thereby affirming the Reformed teaching of justification by faith and the significance of living in accordance with one's professed faith in Christ.

Key Quotes

“The love of the world and the love of God are diametrically opposed to each other.”

“If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

“O my soul, how are you affected by the respective claims of the things of time and those of eternity?”

“Do not labor for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life.”

What does the Bible say about serving God or mammon?

The Bible states that you cannot serve both God and mammon, as they are opposed to each other.

In Matthew 6:24, Jesus clearly proclaims that no one can serve two masters, indicating that the love of the world (or mammon) conflicts directly with the love of God. The pursuit of earthly treasures often leads to spiritual enmity with the Father, as those who prioritize worldly gain over divine allegiance demonstrate their true affections. Ultimately, it becomes evident in our choices which master we serve, for allegiance to God necessitates a rejection of worldly entanglements.

Matthew 6:24, Luke 14

How do we know that loving the world is against God's will?

The Bible teaches that if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

The scriptural assertion found in 1 John 2:15 reinforces the idea that love for the world and love for the Father cannot coexist. When an individual's affections are directed toward worldly matters, it signals a lack of genuine relationship with God. This conflict manifests distinctly when faced with choices that pit earthly desires against divine commands, illuminating the true nature of one's priorities. A person is ultimately identified by what they pursue and value most dearly, which is pivotal in understanding whether their relationship with God is authentic or not.

1 John 2:15, Matthew 6:24

Why is it important for Christians to focus on eternal treasures?

Focusing on eternal treasures provides lasting hope and true fulfillment contrary to temporary worldly success.

The teachings of Jesus, particularly in Matthew 6:19-21, urge believers to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. This direction highlights the transitory nature of earthly wealth and success, which are vulnerable to corruption and theft. For Christians, the imperative to seek eternal treasures lies in the assurance that these spiritual rewards endure forever and reflect our true priorities. In prioritizing the eternal, Christians are ultimately engaging in activities that align with God's eternal purpose, ensuring that their lives carry eternal significance rather than merely temporal satisfaction.

Matthew 6:19-21, Luke 14

Sermon Transcript

Auto-generated transcript • May contain errors

100%
. When you see a dog following
two men, by John Macduff, you cannot serve both God and mammon. Matthew 6.24 of the enemies of the cross of
Christ, the Apostle declares that they mind earthly things. They are only concerned about
increasing their stores, and thus be able to say with a rich
man, of whom the Savior speaks, that they have much goods laid
up for many years, on the strength of which they intend to take
their ease, and eat, drink, and be merry. All their thoughts
are of the earth, earthy. The things of time and sense
they regard as first and last, middle and end. It is impossible
for the mind to be governed at the same time by two opposite
principles. The love of the world and the
love of God are diametrically opposed to each other. If any
man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Don't you know that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore will be a friend
of the world is the enemy of God. You cannot serve both God
and Mammon. To borrow a quaint illustration
from one of our old writers, when you see a dog following
two men, so long as they walk together, you do not know to
which of them the dog belongs, but let them come to a parting
road, and there separate from each other, then it will soon
be seen who is the owner, for the dog will follow his master
wherever he goes. Just so, an individual may pursue
the world and retain a Christian profession at the same time.
And it is often difficult to ascertain whether God or the
world possesses his affections. But by and by, he comes to a
parting road, when God calls him one way and the world another
way, and then he will show to whom he really belongs. If God
is his master, then he will follow and obey God, but if the world
is his master, then he will follow after it. O my soul, how are
you affected by the respective claims of the things of time
and those of eternity? After a few more rising and setting
suns, it will be a matter of total indifference to you whether
you have been rich or poor, successful in your business or unsuccessful,
But it will be of unspeakable consequence whether you have
fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before you in the
gospel. Listen, then, to the words of
the Lord Jesus, Do not labor for food that spoils, but for
food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will
give you. Do not store up for yourselves
treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves
break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures
in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves
do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there
your heart will be also.
Broadcaster:
Grace Audio Treasures
Theology:
#Grace #Discipleship #Faith
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Same Scripture

Sermons on Luke 14, Matthew 6

We ought not to spend our life in picking up rubbish! J. R. Miller
Busy yourselves about toys and trifles! William Dyer · Psalm
The sustenance and nourishment of the Christian life C. H. Spurgeon · 2 Corinthians 3:18; John 6:53-55
Have we not many Orpahs? Horatius Bonar · Romans 12:1-2; Ruth 1:14
In the world, and yet not to be of the world! Mary Winslow · John 15:19; John 17:14-16

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We ought not to spend our life in picking up rubbish! J.R. Miller · Mar 1, 2010
Busy yourselves about toys and trifles! William Dyer · Sep 25, 2009 · Psalm
The sustenance and nourishment of the Christian life Charles Spurgeon · Dec 15, 2025 · 2 Corinthians 3:18; John 6:53-55
Have we not many Orpahs? Horatius Bonar · May 31, 2024 · Romans 12:1-2; Ruth 1:14
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