THE PHARISEE PROBLEM

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Matthew 15:7-9

You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote,

‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’”


What was wrong with the Pharisees, did they NOT keep the law, were they not interpreters of the law, where did they get it wrong?


What we understood from scriptures about the Pharisees, was their need to be in control. It was not for God to be in control but for them to reign.


They believed they knew the law and that they were the enforcers." Jesus said to them :


Matthew 23:15, 23, 24, 25 & 28

 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.


 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the other undone


 "Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!


 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self- indulgence.


 "Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.


When we read these scriptures we need to ask ourselves if we can truly say that we are not guilty of the same.


It is so easy to take God out of the issue and place ourselves in His place.


We were not created to dominate our fellow humans but to dominate the earth. Make things happen.


Jesus called us servants. Selah!


Mark 9:35

 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all."


However if we as christians prefer to live and lead like the world does, then it is not the Christ of the bible we serve!


When we speak or teach like this, most people quickly exempt themselves and say, "oh I am not a pastor". "This does not apply to me".


Everyone has his/her place of influence where you rule or make the decisions, be it at the office or at home. There is the place where we play king. Even if it is over ourselves.


* Do we portray an outward show of holiness but within a certain bitterness or anger?


* Do we quickly see or even rebuke other people's faults but never accept nor change ours?


* Do we claim we are God's own but our lifestyle is questionable?


* Are we at peace with all men?


* Do we do what we do because of love?


* Do we feel satisfied, when others fail?


* Have we taken God's place, to pass judgement?


* Have we taken the enemy's place to accuse the brethren or to condemn?


* Do we lead by example, or do we lay burden on people and yet do not place a hand to help them?


* Who have we prayed for, lately?


* Have we appreciated those who bless us again and again, or are we ungrateful in spirit?


* What is the story in our homes, do God still have the preeminence, or have we stayed so much away that is seems He is no longer there?


* Are we born again, do we have the Holy Spirit in us? Or are we just church goers or workers?


* Can God be happy that He has us in a place?


* Do we give or are we just receivers?


When we study through the scriptures and see what way the Pharisee's erred and where they got it wrong, do we learn and also caution ourselves?


 2Timothy 3:16 & 17

 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work


May we not make the same errors they did.


May we worship and live not in hypocrisy but in love and obedience.


The Lord will say of us:


Matthew 25:23b

". . . 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.'


Help us Good Lord.


He calls us blessed.


Love

@ the watcher

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