The Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees

Jesus said, Mat 5:20 As He prepares to contrast the righteousness of the kingdom with how the Jews interpreted and applied the Law of Moses, He does so with a warning to those who would enter the kingdom of God. Do you know where you're headed?

Jesus is talking about heaven. He's talking to us! If we want to go to heaven, I know you do, then we all need to listen.

To appreciate what Jesus said and be able to apply it to our lives, it might help if we defined the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees.

A. They were known to "say and do not." Mat 23:1-4.

Although they were often teaching the truth, they did not often practice what they preached!

It seems from them many parents got the saying "do as I say, not as I do."

So often, they justified themselves while condemning others Rom 2:1, 17-24; 10:1-4.

In essence, He is saying that we need to be for real. (How we treat others is important; what we do on our jobs; how we act at school; attitude towards civil government; etc)

B. They were known to do things to be seen of men Mat 23:5-7.

They enjoyed wearing religious garments that separated them. Vs 8-12 They wanted to be distinguished from others and delighted in having places and titles of honor.

Does this sound like any religious leaders today? The terms clergy & laity are foreign to the Scriptures.

We must guard against going from one extreme to another. No, we're not to think of men above that which is written. Phil 2:1-5 What motivates you to do what you do?

Mat 5:21 He's talking about getting along with one another (includes family). We must have the right disposition of heart to worship God acceptably. Many of the Jews despised sinners; they wouldn't speak to women publicly; stereotyped; prejudice against the Gentiles. In public, you would think they were so religious (Good Samaritan - 1 Jn 3:14ff

C. They were known to neglect parts of God's law Mat 23:23-24

In their case they would emphasize the "lighter" matters of the law, while neglecting the "weightier" commands. Let's understand that we're not to categorize sin. We must learn to hear and do all of what God says. There are commands, examples, and necessary inferences; then there are judgments.

Some like the Jews "majored in minors" and "minored in majors." Mat 15:1-9.

Someone has said, "you can tell what kind of faith a person has when they are alone." Mat 5:27-30 What do you watch on TV; movies; read; watch women? watch men? Mat 15:11 He's talking about keeping a pure heart! Sometimes we may be lax.

The holidays are an example. It's that time of year when many get excited about the "birthday of Christ." They'll neglect any thoughts of Christ during the year and many won't remember Him like the Bible says throughout the year.

The danger among us; becoming lax in worship and Bible study. At a time when family visits increase, it's easier for us to allow hindrances to keep us from our responsibilities of gathering with the Lord's people at the scheduled assemblies. If happen to come when we have an assembly, let us possess enough strength of faith to excuse ourselves, or else invite them to come with us. Be careful about office parties and other holiday activities.

Another danger; getting caught up in the spirit of the season. Some who wouldn't drink at other seasons of the year feel no restrictions when it comes to a little "holiday cheer." Eph 5:18 The will of God is still opposed to alcohol as a social drink; same with drugs. Sober mindedness and godly influence just may open doors and provide opportunities for us.

D. They were lovers of money Lk 16:13-15

Mammon was their god, though they would be quick to deny it and try to justify themselves before men. Does this sound like some of the prosperity preachers today? They did not have the right attitude towards money. Many thought that if you were rich then God was blessing you; and if you were poor then you were cursed by God.

Mat 19:23-25 The story of the rich man and Lazarus and this parable was spoken as a warning on the right use of riches.

People seem to lose sight of reason at this time of the year. Many dismiss in their thinking their other obligations and spend as if buying presents and gifts were all that matter. Some go into great debt. Some shortchange the Lord. Let us never spend so much on giving that we neglect our greater giving; our contribution 1 Cor 16:1-2. If we happen to prosper because of a holiday bonus, let's realize our increased basis for giving to the Lord.

Be careful about the way we enter into this holiday season. Avoid those activities that involve religious observance. Exchanging gifts, visiting relatives and friends, and some decorations can, I believe, be done without leaving the impression of spiritual significance; but other decorations can be done leaving the wrong impression (use of angels, stars, manger scenes, religious greeting cards, school programs). Let's not be ashamed of our difference in attitude toward this time of year.

Careful! Let's not think that the Lord owes us anything (because we've obeyed the gospel; "come to church," put a contribution in the basket; visit; etc). Prov 20:6 "Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?"

CONCLUSION

Let's not say and do not Mat 7:21

We cannot do things to be seen of men Mat 6:1

We cannot neglect ANY commandments of God's law Mat 5:19

We cannot be lovers of money Mat 6:24; 6:33

This should serve as a warning for any who think they can be faithful Christians, citizens of the kingdom BUT do not combine the profession of their faith with suitable deeds; that do not keep their private and personal lives consistent with their public appearance and profession; that do not remain free from the enticements of lusts and materialism.