Matthew 23:1-12. Last week we looked especially at verses 1-4 of Matthew 23, and we concluded with this paraphrase:
|
|
- Claire Cain
- 6 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Matthew 23:1-12 Last week we looked especially at verses 1-4 of Matthew 23, and we concluded with this paraphrase: I. Matthew 23:1-4 (Paraphrase) Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses, so go ahead, do and keep everything whatsoever the scribes and the Pharisees say to you but whatever you do, don t do what they do! For they say a whole lot, but they never get around to doing the things that actually matter to God. They crush people with unbearable religious demands, but not for one moment would they consider even lifting a finger to help those who struggle under the weight of their rules. We heard in these words not simply Jesus anger toward the scribes and Pharisees (an anger that was holy and pure), but first of all His love and compassion for those who were laboring under the burden of man made requirements and traditions. In Matthew eleven, Jesus said that in contrast to the Pharisees His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. But how can that be? Jesus also said: Matthew 5:20 I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. So what is there to prefer in the yoke of what Jesus requires compared to the yoke of what the scribes and the Pharisees required? A yoke is a yoke, and a burden is a burden right? Not at all! In the first place, instead of teaching a man made righteousness of outward externals, Jesus revealed the true heart of what God s law required ( you have heard that it was said but I say to you ). This heart righteousness is infinitely more demanding than the Pharisees righteousness of externals. But on the other hand, it s also infinitely more lovely and beautiful, because it s the revelation of the character of God. The author of Psalm 119 was able to delight in God s Law because it revealed to him God s heart. Perhaps if we re not delighting in God s Law, then it s a sign that we ve substituted for God s Law a righteousness of our own making and yet who has ever been able to delight in the requirements of a man made righteousness? But there s something else. God has not promised us His grace to measure up to our own human ideas of what His law requires. That s so important to remember, because apart from grace, everything is always in vain. The Pharisees burdened people with the requirements of a man made righteousness, but they wouldn t lift a finger to help anyone carry that burden. And since God had never imposed such a law, He also offered no grace for the keeping of that law. And that makes any and every man made law of righteousness to be always and only a crushing weight and burden. So then what about the righteousness that God requires? How will Jesus yoke be any different? Jesus goes on in verses 5-7: II. Matthew 23:5 7 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of 1
2 honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. The Pharisees weren t concerned for others. They were concerned only for themselves. Everything they did, they did in order to be noticed. Jesus says that they made their phylacteries broad. Phylacteries were little boxes that were strapped to the wrist or to the forehead and that contained within them copies of a few passages from the Law. Deuteronomy 6:6, 8 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. Deuteronomy 11:18 You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. It wasn t wrong to wear phylacteries (even though they were probably the result of an overly literal interpretation of Deuteronomy), and yet far more important than binding God s Law on one s hand or forehead was the storing up of God s Law in one s heart and soul. In a similar way, what good is it today to have the Scriptures hanging on our walls if they re not also written and laid up in our hearts? But Scriptures on the forehead and the hands are so obvious and visible for men to see. And since it was the respect and the praises of men that the Pharisees craved, it was easy for them to begin emphasizing the hands and the forehead more than the heart. This explains why they started either broadening the straps that held their phylacteries in place, or making the boxes themselves bigger. This became the perfect way of drawing attention to their spirituality. This also explains the Pharisees practice of lengthening the tassels on their garments. Numbers 15:38 39 (cf. 22:12) Speak to the people of Israel, and tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a cord of blue on the tassel of each corner. And it shall be a tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the LORD, to do them. Now far more important than the physical cord of blue, was the actual doing of God s commandments. But tassels are so very readily visible to men. And since it was the respect and the praises of men that the Pharisees craved, it was easy for them to emphasize the tassels more than the heart. And so a longer tassel became another way for the Pharisees to draw attention to their spirituality. What are the ways that we seek to draw attention to our spirituality? As Christians, how much of what we do is done in order to be noticed by others? And how much of our satisfaction is found in being noticed by others? The more concerned we are to be noticed by men, the more we ll end up emphasizing the less important externals of religion because these are the things that are most easily and readily visible to others. In prayer meeting, I may start off praying a sincere prayer to my heavenly Father, and then I hear someone add a sincere amen to something I said (nothing wrong with that), and suddenly the thought pops into my mind: I must have said something really good, or put something really well. And so if I m not careful, I 2
3 could easily end up paying more attention to the words in my prayers (which are most easily noticed by men), rather than to the God who is listening to my heart. I may raise my hands in song as an expression of genuine worship and adoration and joy, and then suddenly I become aware of men and the possibility that they may be impressed with this display of spirituality. And so now if I m not careful, I can pay more attention to my body language (which is so easily noticed by men), rather than to what s actually going on in my heart. On the other hand, I may be singing a song to God, full of genuine worship and adoration and joy, and I may want to express my heart not only with my voice, but with my hands. But then I suddenly become aware of men, and the possibility that some may see the raising of hands as a lack of true spirituality. How quickly, and easily, and suddenly it happens. What are the other ways that we seek to draw attention to our spirituality? As Christians, how much of what we do is done in order to be noticed by others from our dress, to our attendance, to our language, to our countenance, to our giving, to whatever? And how much of our satisfaction is found in being noticed by others? We aren t always so different from the Pharisees, are we? As the teachers and leaders of the people, the Pharisees weren t concerned for others. They were full of themselves. Let the people struggle under their impossible burdens, just so long as they are impressed with the spirituality of the Pharisees just so long as they give the Pharisees the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and special greetings in the marketplaces and the appropriate titles of respect. The yoke of the Pharisees was a crushing burden. But now in contrast to this picture of the Pharisees, we can truly see why the yoke of Jesus is so easy, and why His burden is so light. Matthew 11:28 30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Jesus doesn t just saddle us with the burden of requirements, He gives us the strength and enablement (the grace!) to carry that burden by calling us to live in relationship with Him Come to me, He says. Unlike the Pharisees, Jesus is not concerned only to be recognized as the first and the greatest (though He is the first and the greatest) Jesus is gentle and lowly in heart. So when we truly come to this Jesus by faith, how can we not find His yoke to be easy, and His burden light no matter what may be required? Maybe that s why we struggle so much to flee a certain sin or to pursue a certain command because we are not coming to the Jesus who is gentle and lowly in heart, and whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light. But now this brings us to what Jesus says next. We ve seen what the Pharisees are like, and how Jesus is the very opposite of the Pharisees. So what about us? III. Matthew 23:8 10 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. We are not to be called rabbi, because we have only one teacher, who is Jesus and how very different this teacher is from the Pharisees, who most loved to be called teacher! We are to call no man our father on earth, because we have one Father, who is in heaven and how very 3
4 different this Father is from the scribes and the Pharisees who most delighted in all such titles! We are not to be called instructors, for we have one instructor, the Christ and how very different this instructor is from the Pharisees, who so greatly desired all such titles. We are not to be called, or to call others rabbi, teacher, father, instructor. And why is this? Because when these words are used as titles of address, they can so easily imply a higher level of status or superiority within the Church. That s why as titles, these words rightly belong only to Jesus, who alone has any higher level of status or superiority. And yet even as we acknowledge that these titles should be reserved only for Jesus, we remember again how very different Jesus is from the Pharisees. The Pharisees didn t mind letting people labor by themselves under the weight of their man made traditions just so long as they were properly acknowledged as the teachers and instructors of the people. Jesus, on the other hand, as the only one who rightly deserves these titles, is gentle and lowly in heart. So in light of these things, doesn t it seem preposterous that religious titles of address should even exist within the Church? Now we have to be so very careful here! In the first place, we must not be like the Pharisees and emphasize the issue of titles more than the issue of the heart. It is possible that the person who is called Reverend or Pastor is truly humble in heart, while the person who is not called by any title at all is actually full of spiritual pride. We must remember that God looks first of all at the heart, and not primarily at our use of titles. But we shouldn t conclude from these things that the issue of titles is really of no importance! Titles have a way of implying status and superiority (even if only at a subconscious level), and yet in the Church there is only one who is higher in status than anyone else, and that one is Jesus. We have one teacher, and we are all brothers and sisters. Bruner has well said: If all disciples, without question or distinction are brothers and sisters, and if only one exclusive teacher towers over them in hierarchy, then this text is the single greatest leveler in the Gospel. (Bruner) A person may be a Sunday School teacher, but of course, his/her title is not Teacher. A person may be a Deacon, but we do not address him as Deacon. A person may be an elder, but his title of address is not elder. And why is this? It s because we are all brothers and sisters. So also, I may be the vocational pastor of Living Word Bible Church (as in that is my calling and responsibility), but since being the pastor does not add one tiny iota of spirituality or status, then would it perhaps be better not to use pastor as a title of address in the Church? After all, if everyone felt the obligation to call me, or any man by the title Pastor, would this not obscure the reality that we are all brothers, and would this not be a failure to recognize the sole superiority of Christ? I wonder if this could sound too radical to us? Now perhaps you are comfortable with the fact that you need not address me as Pastor. That s good! So what would you call John if you met him in person? (I m referring to John Piper or John MacArthur, you can take your pick.) Now because of my relative youth and the fact that I have no personal familiarity with either of these men, I think it would be appropriate for me to address them as Mr. MacArthur, or Mr. Piper. But in the context of the Church as the family of God, any religious or spiritual title of address can have the undesirable effect of setting someone apart in a way that is not necessarily healthy. Bruner summarizes very simply: Jesus forbids disciples to give each other titles that would set them apart from or above others. But once again, Jesus doesn t want us to get hung up on what we can or can t call someone or be called ourselves. He wants us to truly get the fact that we have one teacher, and we are all brothers and sisters. 4
5 But now here s the problem. It s so very hard for us to divorce the idea of status from positions of oversight and the respect that is due to those who hold these positions. Hebrews 13:17 (cf. 1 Cor. 16:15-16) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. 1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 1 Thessalonians 5:12 13 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. We should also remember that in his letters Paul often identified himself as an apostle, and even as a teacher, and a spiritual father. Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle 1 Timothy 2:7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 1 Corinthians 4:15 (cf. 1 Tim. 1:2) For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. It s not wrong to acknowledge the fact of the matter and the reality, and sometimes this is actually very helpful and needful. And yet we must always be on guard against this reality ever being twisted in such a way that it robs Christ (even in small or subtle ways) of His sole superiority. We have one teacher, one father, one instructor, and we are all brothers and sisters! And so what a beautiful thing it is that I should simply be called Timothy. What a beautiful thing that we don t have special seats on the platform for those who are leading the service. What a beautiful thing that there is no unique article of clothing to distinguish clergy from laity. What a beautiful thing that this pulpit symbolizes not the authority of any man, but the authority of God s Word, so that when the sermon is over, I cannot take the pulpit with me! We may take these things for granted but let s not take these things for granted, because the fact is, we won t find a reality like this anywhere else on earth. Remember, the point here is not to get hung up on the externals. There are far worse things than the simple act of wearing a clerical collar or sitting in a special seat on the platform, and chief among these is the sin of judging the hearts and the character of those who do wear a collar or sit in a special seat on the platform. Obviously, the point here is not to get hung up on what words we can or can t use. The point in all of this is to preserve in whatever practical ways we can this wonderful reality that we are all brothers and sisters. The point is that we practically take every possible precaution against undermining even in the least way the sole superiority of Christ among us. And so Calvin very rightly says this: Now the only way to build up the church is for the ministers themselves to endeavor to preserve Christ s authority for himself; this can only be secured if what he has received from his Father be left to him, namely, that he alone is the schoolmaster of the church. For it is written not of any other but of him alone, Hear him. (Calvin; Institutes; IV.viii.1; quoted in Bruner) And who else should we really want to hear as we come together Sunday after Sunday? For He alone has words of eternal life (John 6:68). 5
6 Jesus says to all of His disciples wherever they may be and in whatever church context they may find themselves: You are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. This text is truly the most radical leveler in all the Gospels. And yet it s really just one more way of bringing us back to what Jesus has already said to us over and over again: IV. Matthew 23:11 12 The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Why does Jesus keep coming back to this principle, over and over again? I think there are two reasons. One, He knows how utterly contrary this is to every last fiber of our sinful natures. We need to always remember this about ourselves! But two, I think the constant repetition is a reflection of the top priority that Jesus wants this truth to have in His church. I wonder what Jesus would say of us? 6
The Lord s Denunciation of the Scribes and Pharisees for their Hypocrisy
TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS TRANSCRIPT The Lord s Denunciation of the Scribes and Pharisees for their Hypocrisy Matthew 23:1-12 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: The scribes
More informationMatthew Series Lesson #144
Matthew Series Lesson #144 November 13, 2016 Dean Bible Ministries www.deanbibleministries.org Dr. Robert L. Dean, Jr. What Kind of Pharisee are You? Matthew 23:1 12 VI. Jesus is presented to Israel as
More informationCall No Man Father. First, that everyone understand who I am and where I am coming from:
This paper was written for the benefit of Art Kelly. Call No Man Father First, that everyone understand who I am and where I am coming from: I was raised Christian Protestant fundamentalist. At the age
More informationInternational Bible Lesson Commentary Matthew 23:2-12
International Bible Lessons Commentary Matthew 23:2-12 & Mark 12:38-44 King James Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, December 27, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform
More informationInternational Bible Lessons Commentary Matthew 23:2-12 & Mark 12:38-44
International Bible Lessons Commentary Matthew 23:2-12 & Mark 12:38-44 English Standard Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, December 27, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson
More informationBe Genuine, Show Grace, Be Humble. Further Instructions on Genuine Discipleship. Matthew 23:1 12. Matthew 23:1 36
FOCAL TEXT Matthew 23:1 12 BACKGROUND Matthew 23:1 36 MAIN IDEA Disciples of Jesus are to practice their faith with genuineness, grace, and humility. QUESTION TO EXPLORE Why do religious people sometimes
More informationWoe! FOR DISCUSSION. ENCOUNTER Read God s word so that He can speak to you. Matthew 23:1-12, 37-39
Matthew 23:1-12, 37-39 Woe! He made free use of Christian vocabulary. He talked But all of us are hypocrites to some degree at some time. about the blessing of the Almighty and the Christian confessions
More informationWe all started the same way. Helpless infants focused on ourselves Some grow out of this Some never change at all Most of us are somewhere in
We all started the same way. Helpless infants focused on ourselves Some grow out of this Some never change at all Most of us are somewhere in between. All of self and none of Thee Some of self and some
More informationTeaching as a Path to Servant Leadership, Part One
Teaching as a Path to Servant Leadership, Part One The writings of Robert Greenleaf, who coined the phrase servant-leader, have held my attention and molded my leadership philosophy during the last four
More informationDaily Devotions David H. Horner, Senior Pastor
Day 1 Whose Standard? In Luke 3:10-17 we find Jesus teaching on a Sabbath in a synagogue, when He sees a woman, crippled by a spirit, who was bent over and unable to straighten up. He calls her forward,
More informationCosmic Humility. Matthew 23:1-12. Martha C Langford Third Presbyterian Church 2 November 2014 Psalm 107, Matthew 23:1-12
Cosmic Humility Martha C Langford Third Presbyterian Church 2 November 2014 Psalm 107, Matthew 23:1-12 Matthew 23:1-12 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, "The scribes and the Pharisees
More informationThey tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people's shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them (Matthew 23:4).
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people's shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them (Matthew 23:4). 31 st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A October 30 th, 2011 First
More informationThe people who hanged Christ never accused Him of being a bore on the contrary; they thought Him too dynamic to be safe. It has been left for later ge
The people who hanged Christ never accused Him of being a bore on the contrary; they thought Him too dynamic to be safe. It has been left for later generations to muffle up that shattering personality
More informationStudies in The Gospel of Matthew: A Primer for Discipleship
BaptistWay Press Adult Online Bible Commentary By Dr. Jim Denison President, Denison Forum on Truth and Culture, and Theologian-in-Residence, Baptist General Convention of Texas Studies in The Gospel of
More informationEvery sacrifice for them is necessary. We don t complain when: They are helpless so we do everything We don t discipline or try to change.
Every sacrifice for them is necessary. We don t complain when: They wake us at 3:00am. We have to feed them. We have to change their diaper. We carry them everywhere. They are helpless so we do everything
More informationSunday, March 12, 2017 Second Sunday of Lent
SECOND WEEK OF LENT T oday, the Second Sunday of Lent, as we continue on the penitential journey, the liturgy invites us, after presenting the Gospel of Jesus temptations in the desert last week, to reflect
More informationMeekness: The Magnet that Attracts God
Page 1 Session Five Meekness: The Magnet that Attracts God A. Introduction 1. Meekness is one of the most important character traits / attitudes in the Kingdom of God. It is the way of the Kingdom. 2.
More informationI Can Do It Myself! really wanted believed
1 I Can Do It Myself! I have two children, they are both grownups now When my children were younger, I would often have some job to do around the house, and occasionally one or both wanted to help me.
More informationMeeting With Christ THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SON. The younger son. Luke 15:11-32
Meeting With Christ Practical and Exegetical Studies on the Words of Jesus Christ Yves I-Bing Cheng, M.D., M.A. Based on sermons of Pasteur Eric Chang www.meetingwithchrist.com THE PARABLE OF THE LOST
More informationDisciples of Christ. 1. A disciple is defined as a student, learner, or pupil.
Introduction Disciples of Christ 1. A disciple is defined as a student, learner, or pupil. A. One can be a disciple of anyone, however, in the Bible the word is used most often to refer to a follower of
More informationDon t Be Like The Pharisees! Matthew 23:1-15
Don t Be Like The Pharisees! Matthew 23:1-15 Message by Michael J. Barnard May 31, 2015 Teaching Aim: To demonstrate the hypocrisy of pretending to be religious while not having a loving relationship with
More informationLooking Unto Jesus - Our Example of How We Should Hate Sin Hebrews 12:2 - Lesson # 6
Looking Unto Jesus - Our Example of How We Should Hate Sin Hebrews 12:2 - Lesson # 6 Introduction: A. Our subject this morning continues to look to Jesus as our perfect example - Hebrews 12:2. 1. In our
More informationAccording to Matthew 23:2, who did Jesus say sat in Moses' seat? According to Matthew 23:4, what do the Pharisees bind to the people?
According to Matthew 23:1, who did Jesus speak to? According to Matthew 23:2, who did Jesus say sat in Moses' seat? According to Matthew 23:2, where do the scribes and Pharisees sit? According to Matthew
More informationGospel: Matthew 23:1-12
Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12 Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever
More informationF. Closing instructions Matthew 7: Matthew 7:7 11 Knowing that His instructions would be difficult to obey, Jesus encouraged faith in God by
F. Closing instructions Matthew 7:7 29 1. Matthew 7:7 11 Knowing that His instructions would be difficult to obey, Jesus encouraged faith in God by providing clear teaching on prayer. a. Matthew 7:7 The
More informationFifty Marks of Pharisees. Zac Poonen
by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen, 2010 All scripture, unless otherwise stated, are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman
More informationMatthew 23 Mark 12:37-40 Luke 20:45-47
Matthew 23 Mark 12:37-40 Luke 20:45-47 1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. 3 So you must obey them and do everything they
More informationCONTENTS WEEK 2: NO OTHER GOSPEL...8 GALATIANS 1:6-10 WEEK 3: PAUL CALLED BY GOD...12 GALATIANS 1:11-24
CURRICULUM CONTENTS WEEK 1: INTRODUCTION...4 GALATIANS 1:1-5 WEEK 2: NO OTHER GOSPEL...8 GALATIANS 1:6-10 WEEK 3: PAUL CALLED BY GOD...12 GALATIANS 1:11-24 WEEK 4: PAUL ACCEPTED BY THE APOSTLES...16 GALATIANS
More informationMatthew 22:15-23:12. Day 1. Jesus Enemies Try to Trap Him. Read Matthew 22:15-22
Matthew 22:15-23:12 Day 1 Jesus Enemies Try to Trap Him. Read Matthew 22:15-22 1. What plan did the Pharisees come up with? 22:15 What was their objective? Luke 20:20b 2. Who did they enlist to help them?
More informationIn Jesus day, the group of people who were all about impressing people were a religious sect called the Pharisees.
Title: IMPRESSIVE Text: Isaiah 66:1-2 Open with video. We love to be impressed and if we got really honest, we really like to impress other people that s why we dress the way we do at times and brush our
More informationHistorical Jesus 7: Disciples of Jesus
Historical Jesus 7: Disciples of Jesus Having looked at Jesus the rabbi, we are now poised to consider what it means to be his disciple. As it turns out, Jesus spoke quite a bit about what he expected
More informationGUIDELINES FOR JUDGING OTHERS (Matthew 7:1-5)
GUIDELINES FOR JUDGING OTHERS (Matthew 7:1-5) A. Whatever Jesus meant in His statement against judging, it cannot mean that we are never to make any kind of judgment. 1. Words having to do with using judgment
More informationMatthew 23:1-4. Introduction
Matthew 23:1-4 Introduction This morning, we come to the very famous chapter (in some circles, the infamous chapter) of woes to the scribes and Pharisees. Today, we re going to look especially at verses
More informationMatthew 14:34-15:9. I. Matthew 15:1 Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said
Matthew 14:34-15:9 Introduction Matthew 14:34-36 is the third of four passages where Matthew gives a summary of Jesus healing ministry. We have already talked in the first two passages (4:23-25; 8:16-17),
More informationBlind Leaders Of The Blind
Blind Leaders Of The Blind by Ellis P. Forsman Blind Leaders of the Blind 1 Blind Leaders Of The Blind by Ellis P. Forsman October 5, 2011 Blind Leaders of the Blind 2 Blind Leaders Of The Blind Matt.
More informationThe Doctrines and Practices of the Nicolaitans
The Doctrines and Practices of the Nicolaitans I recently made a video on YouTube page about biblical submission and authority, and it generated lots of private messages, mostly from church leaders who
More informationAFFIRMATIONS OF FAITH
The Apostle Paul challenges Christians of all ages as follows: I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have
More informationLuke 8D. o Then Jesus was baptized and declared himself in Nazareth to be the fulfillment of Isaiah s prophecy. But no one believed
Luke 8D 1 Luke 8D How did you like the sermon?" "I liked it fine," she replied, "but it seems to me you missed several excellent opportunities." "Several opportunities for what?" he asked. "To quit." she
More informationCome To Me Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV
Message for THE LORD'S DAY EVENING, October 12, 2014 Christian Hope Church of Christ, Plymouth, North Carolina by Reggie A. Braziel, Minister TOPIC: Christian Living, God's Promises Come To Me Matthew
More information1 Peter 1: Introduction
1 Peter 1:13 16 Introduction Over the last several weeks, we ve been treated to what I think we can truly describe as a breathtaking display of the abounding mercies of God. He has begotten us anew to
More informationIf a man is characteristically and temperamentally an irritable, ill-tempered and notoriously given to uncontrolled outbursts of passionate anger,
11 1 If a man is characteristically and temperamentally an irritable, ill-tempered and notoriously given to uncontrolled outbursts of passionate anger, his anger is neither effective nor impressive. Nobody
More informationHanging out with Jesus: Becoming a Servant Leader
Hanging out with Jesus: Becoming a Servant Leader Matthew 23:1-12 Good morning, men! We all know that the world we live in has a big tear in it. Something has gone terribly wrong, our walls are broken
More informationBASIC TRAINING Boot Camp: Sanctification Romans 6:15-23
15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, [c] you are slaves of the one whom
More informationRaising Lil Rock Stars Home Version
Raising Lil Rock Stars Home Version Letter Ss Thank you for downloading the FREE version! From 1+1+1=1 All images Thinkstock.com Please do not share this file directly. When sharing, you may direct people
More informationAnd from your relatives And from your father s house, To the land which I will show you; And make your name great; And so you shall be a blessing;
Luke Lesson 15 Handout Genesis 12:1 4 (NASB95) 1 Now the LORD said to Abram, Go forth from your country, And from your relatives And from your father s house, To the land which I will show you; 2 And I
More informationA Doctor Comes to Heal the Sick
A Doctor Comes to Heal the Sick Luke 5:27-32 PPT Title A Doctor Comes to Heal the Sick Main Point: Jesus calls sinners to follow Him because He loves them. Key Verse: But here is how God has shown His
More informationGolden Text: And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted (Matthew 23:12).
Sunday, December 27, 2015 Lesson: Matthew 23:2-12; Mark 12:38-44; Time of Action: 30 A.D.; Place of Action: Jerusalem Golden Text: And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble
More informationMessage :: Cultivating Humility in a World of #1 The Rev. Dr. Stephanie Lutz Allen ~ June 1, 2014
Message :: Cultivating Humility in a World of #1 The Rev. Dr. Stephanie Lutz Allen ~ 728 W. Fremont Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94087 408.739.1892 www.svpc.us info@svpc.us From the Pulpit Proverbs 11:2 When pride
More informationYou Don t Have to be Baptized...UNLESS
Introduction You Don t Have to be Baptized...UNLESS 1. I want to establish the fact this morning that we are all free moral agents and we do not have to do one thing religiously! A. God is not forcing
More informationKnowing more about who we worship helps us to why He has the expectations that He does for us. God s Attributes
Ten Words October 31, 2013 More of How to Live Deuteronomy 5:11 33 Page 1 Knowing more about who we worship helps us to why He has the expectations that He does for us God s Attributes So Far: This is
More information9 And do not call anyone on earth father, for you have. 13 Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you
First Baptist Church Rutland VT 3/11/18 Final Lecture Matthew 23:1-39 Introduction As we continue through the Gospel of Matthew we are still at the beginning of Jesus final week in Jerusalem before the
More informationMinistry Diversity and the Centrality of Christ in the Local Assembly Issues of Opportunity - Understanding Personal Ministry
1 Ministry Diversity and the Centrality of Christ in the Local Assembly Issues of Opportunity - Understanding Personal Ministry Author: Patrick J. Griffiths Date: November 4, 2007 Title: The Biblical Principle
More informationExodus 4:27 6:1 * Introduction
Exodus 4:27 6:1 * Introduction Moses has just come through his harrowing, near death experience at the lodge on his way to Egypt. But now this morning we pick up again with Moses as he continues on his
More informationHow Can We Serve the Lord With Gladness of Heart
How Can We Serve the Lord With Gladness of Heart Intro: Goals for this Sermon 1) Encourage you to use the gifts of your body and mind to serve the Lord Jesus 2) Help You evaluate your current servant Life
More informationPuffed Up. 1 Corinthians 4:6-14
Puffed Up 1 Corinthians 4:6-14 Abraham Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. (Gen 18:27) Moses Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel
More informationA Disciples Heart. Humility
A Disciples Heart Humility Philippians 2:5 5. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus He humbled Himself Humility, the foundation of becoming a disciple of the Lord Jesus You must
More informationIntroduction. A. Being Like Christ is Radical 1. Be a person of your word 2. Do positive when wronged 3. Love as God
Introduction A. Being Like Christ is Radical 1. Be a person of your word 2. Do positive when wronged 3. Love as God B. More context Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall
More informationJesus Last Public message
Jesus Last Public message MATTHEW 23 Intro: The last 40 days of Jesus life is full of teaching, rebuke and prophecy. In chapter 22 of Matthew the religious leaders tried to trap Jesus into saying something
More informationTHE AUTHORITY OF ELDERS. While this lecture has to do with The Authority of Elders, I want to begin by talking about
THE AUTHORITY OF ELDERS Bobby Duncan While this lecture has to do with The Authority of Elders, I want to begin by talking about some things that are foundational to our study. I want to talk about some
More informationThe Commands of Christ. Sermon # 23. Beware of the Leaven. Matthew 16:6
The Commands of Christ Sermon # 23 Beware of the Leaven Matthew 16:6 The last command of Christ that we examined together was to Honor Your Parents found in Matthew 15:4. In that command we noted that
More informationRelationships- WEEK 1: Love God, Love One Another
Relationships- WEEK 1: Love God, Love One Another Day 1 Look at the following scriptures Matthew 22:36-40 What do these two commands have in common? Jesus emphasizes the importance of relationships. Christianity
More informationGreat Events of the New Testament
Great Events of the New Testament Lesson #37 Beware the Leaven Study Notes For Sunday, September 24, 2017 Read Matt. 15:1-20; 16:1-12; Mk. 7:1-23; 8:10-26 Many Pharisees were now saying that Jesus was
More information4. Hymn: Have You Seen Jesus My Lord?
IS IT FOR ME DEAR SAVIOR? Introduction: A. Last Week I Took Us To The Foot Of The Cross. 1. We reminded ourselves of the events that occurred the night before and the day of the Crucifixion. 2. Then we
More informationMatthew 10: Introduction
Matthew 10:40-42 Introduction We are coming now to the end of the second discourse in Matthew. Remember that Matthew has divided his Gospel into alternating sections of narrative/story and then discourse/teaching.
More informationBeware of Being a Pharisee
December 5, 2010 College Park Church Beware of Being a Pharisee Matthew 23:1-39 Mark Vroegop Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, 3 so
More informationEphesians, Chapter Three, Lesson Two
Ephesians, Chapter Three, Lesson Two SPIRITUAL SERVICE Ephesians 3:7-13 STIMULATE ** In our time together last week in chapter three of Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we saw Paul's amazing example of
More informationBut Moses said to God, Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?
101 Bible Memory Verses For Kids (ESV) In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 But Moses said to God, Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel
More informationThe Savior and the Scribe Mark 12:28-34
The Savior and the Scribe Mark 12:28-34 I m not a leper s handmaid, caught And bound to serve through heat and cold, Nor yet a mercenary, bought By blessings, serving but for gold. I ve always been Mephibosheth,
More informationMatthew 23:1-4 Matthew 11:25-30 July 9, 2017 Preached by Philip Gladden at the Wallace Presbyterian Church, Wallace, NC SHARING THE BURDEN
Matthew 23:1-4 Matthew 11:25-30 July 9, 2017 Preached by Philip Gladden at the Wallace Presbyterian Church, Wallace, NC SHARING THE BURDEN Let us pray: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my
More informationGod s Word Understanding His Commands (#17 ) Text : Acts 15: 22-29
Sermon : God s Word Understanding His Commands (#17 ) Page 1 INTRODUCTION : God s Word Understanding His Commands (#17 ) Text : Acts 15: 22-29 A. Our study of the scriptures has taught us that : 1. The
More informationYOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.
Intimacy with God The believer has been called into fellowship with the Trinity in order that the believer might enjoy and experience intimacy with the Trinity. Just as there is intimacy in families in
More informationis good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!
P RO O F # 1 D o you remember a time when someone kept encouraging you to try some unusual kind of food, but you resisted because you didn t think you would like it (like sushi)? Then, you tried it, and
More informationTEACHING CHILDREN TO MEET WITH GOD
TEACHING CHILDREN TO MEET WITH GOD Meeting with God 1. Introduction 2.. Faith Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He
More informationLuke 17A. o And more specifically, we saw how the Pharisees had completely missed the point of their Hebrew Bible
Luke 17A 1 Luke 17A As we ended chapter 16 last week, we watched as Jesus put the Pharisees in their place again o Last week the issue was one of recognizing the purpose in God giving men His word o And
More informationServanthood. Introduction. Jesus, The Servant. The Character of a Disciple
3 The Character of a Disciple Introduction Everyone likes to be served. Not many people want to serve. Being a servant involves doing work that someone else could do. Being a servant involves giving up
More informationDwelling in the Peace of God!
Dwelling in the Peace of God! -Introduction- Pastor and author Joyce Meyer once said, you cannot have a positive life and a negative mind. The bible says it like this a double minded man is unstable in
More information1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
Sunday School Lesson for July 10, 2005. Released on July 6, 2005. "Practicing Genuine Piety" Printed Text: Matthew 6:1-14 Devotional Reading: Luke 11:5-13 Background Scripture: Matthew 6:1-34 Time: A.D.
More informationGod Calls Israel to Love through Obedience
God Calls Israel to Love through Obedience Deuteronomy 6 2006 Grace Community Church. Reproduction prohibited. Symbol Key Craft Finger Play Memory Verse Object Lesson Game Visual Aid Center Activity Q
More informationYou Don t Have to be Baptized...UNLESS
You Don t Have to be Baptized...UNLESS Introduction: 1. I want to establish the fact this morning that we are all free moral agents and we do not have to do one thing religiously! A. God is not forcing
More informationSons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.
Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Psalm 127:3 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. Jeremiah 1:5 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news,
More informationSeeking His Face Hosting His Presence Stewarding His Kingdom
Seeking His Face Hosting His Presence Stewarding His Kingdom Introduction God has been so gracious to give us this purpose and direction as one small part of His church on the earth. I love you as a church
More informationTHE MOTIVE FOR MURDER (Matt. 5:20-26)
THE MOTIVE FOR MURDER (Matt. 5:20-26) I. INTRODUCTION A. Every adult person in this room is guilty of murder. You say, Who, me! I have never murdered anyone in my whole life. I am sure that no one has
More informationGuide. Our. for little ones IN THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. Jesus Last Visit to the Temple Matthew 23
Our Guide Published by the Protestant Reformed Sunday School Association Writer: Don Doezema Artist: Connie Meyer Designers: Judi Doezema & Brenda Brands for little ones IN THE SUNDAY SCHOOL Jesus Last
More informationSitting in the Gap Study Guide November 5, 2017
Sitting in the Gap Study Guide November 5, 2017 Matthew 23:1-12 & 1 st Thessalonians 2:9-13 (Click on scripture above to link directly to the passage on biblegateway.com.) Suggested Study / Prep 1. Read
More informationMatthew 15: Introduction
Matthew 15:10-20 Introduction Last week, we saw the Pharisees and Scribes come to Jesus and ask Him this question: Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands
More information"The church of Christ"
"The church of Christ" Occasionally people ask me why I am a member of the church. Hello, I m Phil Sanders; and this is a Bible study, In Search of the Lord s Way. Many years ago I became a member of the
More informationHypocrites June 13, 2010 Matthew 15:1-20
I. Introduction Hypocrites June 13, 2010 Matthew 15:1-20 We all use words that we assume everyone knows what they mean sometimes they do, sometimes they don t. The title for today s sermon may be one of
More informationPSO FOOTBALL. Weekly Value Lessons. MASCULINITY 8 Virtues of a Man
PSO FOOTBALL 2016 Weekly Value Lessons MASCULINITY 8 Virtues of a Man Table of Contents MASCULINITY 8 Virtues of a Man Week: Date Review 1. Humility It s not about you 8/27-9/2 9/3 2. Integrity The Real
More informationWhen Riches and Righteousness Lead to Sadness Luke 18:18-30
Community Group Discussion Leader s Guide When Riches and Righteousness Lead to Sadness Luke 18:18-30 Study Helps and Application Discussion 1: Lessons for Belief How hard is it to fit a camel through
More information1. Preach and Teach the Word.
Preachers' Responsibilities and Qualifications Members sometimes ask a preacher what they do all week. Members have been heard to say, "I wish that I had a job like yours. You only work 1 hour a week."
More informationMatthew 16:19. I. Matthew 16:19a I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven
Matthew 16:19 Introduction We saw last week that in response to Peter s confession about Jesus ( you are the Christ [the Messiah] ), Jesus makes a declaration concerning Peter: You are Peter [Petros],
More informationGalatians, Chapter Six, Lesson One
Galatians, Chapter Six, Lesson One SPIRITUAL RESTORATION Galatians 6:1-5 STIMULATE ** Our past two studies were focused on the concept of living our life under the control of God's Holy Spirit, rather
More informationPart 2. To God Our Father. The Second Message In A Series Addressing A Life Of Prayer. Pastor Larry Goding
Part 2 To God Our Father The Second Message In A Series Addressing A Life Of Prayer Pastor Larry Goding Community Church At Sun Village Surprise, Arizona Teach Us To Pray Part 2 To God, Our Father Matthew
More informationGospel of Matthew Matthew 23:1-33
Gospel of Matthew Matthew 23:1-33 Warnings and Woes Jesus had already silenced the Pharisees (legalists), the Sadducees (liberals), and Herodians (pragmatists) in debate (Mt. 22). Now in Matthew 23, He
More informationKnowing God. I. Knowing God
Knowing God Of all the scriptures that come to mind, perhaps the saddest one of all is found in Matthew 7:21-23: Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does
More informationBEHIND THE BOOK Connecting to the Bible
BEHIND THE BOOK Connecting to the Bible (Observation) MARK 12:28-34 (READ VARIOUS TRANSLATIONS) NOVEMBER 6 TH, 2016 RESOURCES: THE NEW INTERNATIONAL COMMENTARY ON THE NEW TESTAMENT THE PILLAR NEW TESTAMENT
More informationCALLING FAITHFUL ELDERS 1 Peter 5:1-4
CALLING FAITHFUL ELDERS 1 Peter 5:1-4 In Everyday Discipleship for Ordinary People, STUART BRISCOE writes about a young colleague who officiated a veteran s funeral. The deceased man s military friends
More informationThe Small Catechism of Martin Luther: Prayers for Daily Use. The Table of Duties. with Study Questions
The Small Catechism of Martin Luther: Prayers for Daily Use The Table of Duties with Study Questions Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.
More informationA Kingdom Perspective on TIME
A Kingdom Perspective on TIME Making Time for What Matters Most With Joseph Peck, M.D., The Time Doctor (Study Guide for Students) www.moretime777.com A. Introduction Time is your most valuable resource.
More informationThe Lord of the Sabbath February 21, 2016 Mark 2:23 3:6
I. Introduction The Lord of the Sabbath February 21, 2016 Mark 2:23 3:6 The Sabbath was prized by the Jews as a sacred institution. The word Sabbath is derived from the Hebrew word shabbat which means
More information