Beware the Little Piggies

In his sermon titled "Beware the Little Piggies," Pastor Jason delivered a powerful message that combines humor, insight, and scriptural depth to address three key obstacles that hinder spiritual growth and blessings. Using Deuteronomy 14:8 (ESV) as the foundational verse, he highlighted the pig's symbolic significance in Scripture. The pig, though outwardly appearing clean due to its split hoof, is deemed unclean because it does not chew the cud. This dichotomy forms the metaphorical backbone of Pastor Jason's sermon, illustrating how certain behaviors or attitudes may seem right on the surface but lack the inward alignment necessary for true spiritual transformation.

Pigs in Biblical Context

Pigs, as Pastor Jason points out, are mentioned only 18 times in the Bible, with just six references in the Old Testament. Despite their limited appearances, they carry a heavy symbolic weight, often representing uncleanness and behaviors contrary to God's design. For example, Isaiah 65:4 condemns those who "eat pig's flesh" as part of their rebellious actions against God. Pastor Jason makes it clear that his sermon is not a dietary critique but rather an exploration of how these biblical symbols reveal truths about our spiritual lives today.

The Old Testament's regulations about clean and unclean animals are deeply symbolic. Clean animals—those that chew the cud and have split hooves—represent a life lived in alignment with God's Word, both inwardly and outwardly. By contrast, the pig's failure to meet both criteria serves as a cautionary tale. Pastor Jason’s insight? Spiritual life isn’t just about appearances; it requires inner transformation.

The Three Little Piggies

Pastor Jason introduces three "little piggies" that believers must be wary of. These metaphorical piggies represent specific attitudes or behaviors that disrupt spiritual growth, hinder blessings, and keep believers from fully living in God’s will.

1. The Pharisee Piggy

The Pharisee Piggy embodies self-righteousness and hypocrisy. Drawing from Galatians 2:16, Pastor Jason reminds us that we cannot earn righteousness through works but only through faith in Jesus Christ. Pharisees, while devout, focused on outward behavior as the path to righteousness, often deflecting their own shortcomings by pointing out the faults of others. This piggy thrives when believers redirect conviction away from themselves.

Pastor Jason warns that this mindset prevents personal transformation. Instead of applying the Word to our own lives, we become experts at identifying how others need to change. He encourages believers to resist this deflection and allow God’s Word to challenge and transform them from within.

2. The Intellectually Obstinate Piggy

This piggy represents two extremes: those who over-intellectualize their faith to the point of denying God’s power and those who pursue deceptive depth, focusing on complex theological theories while avoiding personal transformation. Pastor Jason highlights the story of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:19-24) to illustrate how intellectual distractions can divert attention from the heart issues God wants to address.

In today’s world, this piggy might manifest as an obsession with theological debates, conspiracy theories, or Christian content that entertains rather than transforms. Pastor Jason’s solution? Anchor yourself in Scripture. Avoid superficial pursuits and engage deeply with God’s Word to experience true transformation.

3. The Giving-Adverse Piggy

The third piggy represents a reluctance to connect faith and finances. Pastor Jason boldly addresses the often-taboo topic of money, referencing Galatians 6:6-7 to emphasize the principle of sowing and reaping. This piggy seeks to keep believers’ faith disconnected from their financial decisions, hindering both spiritual and material blessings.

Pastor Jason explains that generosity is a reflection of faith and trust in God’s provision. By investing resources into God’s work, believers position themselves to receive His blessings and experience breakthroughs. He encourages a mindset shift: view giving as an act of faith that invites God’s transformative power into every area of life.

Chewing the Cud: The Key to Victory

Pastor Jason concludes with a vivid metaphor drawn from Psalm 1:1-2, which describes the blessed man as one who meditates on God’s Word day and night. Meditation, he explains, is akin to chewing the cud—a process where clean animals repeatedly chew, digest, and re-digest their food until it is fully absorbed.

For believers, this means consistently engaging with Scripture: reading, reflecting, speaking, and internalizing God’s Word. Pastor Jason emphasizes that the Word must move beyond the surface level and permeate every aspect of our being—spirit, soul, and body. This practice of spiritual rumination ensures that God’s Word produces lasting transformation, enabling believers to walk in His favor and fulfill His will.

Practical Applications

  1. Self-Reflection: Identify areas where the Pharisee Piggy may be influencing your perspective. Are you deflecting conviction onto others instead of applying it to yourself?

  2. Deep Engagement: Resist the intellectually obstinate piggy by grounding yourself in Scripture. Avoid distractions that offer knowledge without transformation.

  3. Generosity: Challenge the giving-adverse piggy by aligning your finances with your faith. Trust God to bless your obedience and use your resources for His purposes.

  4. Meditate on Scripture: Practice spiritual rumination by repeatedly engaging with God’s Word. Let it transform your spirit, soul, and daily actions.

Final Thoughts

"Beware the Little Piggies" is more than a catchy sermon title; it’s a call to action. Pastor Jason’s message reminds us that spiritual growth requires intentionality, humility, and a willingness to confront the areas where we fall short. By addressing the influence of the three piggies and embracing the discipline of meditating on God’s Word, believers can experience the fullness of His blessings and walk confidently in His will.

As Pastor Jason says, "Chew the cud." Don’t just skim the surface of Scripture; dive deep, let it work in your life, and watch as God transforms you from the inside out. Amen!