sf320 - Beware Of False Spiritual Leaders (Matthew 23 1-12)

Matthew 23:1-12

Introduction

Matthew 23 records Jesus’ last public sermon.

In verses 1-7 He warns the people about false religious leaders in Israel, and in verses 8-12 He admonishes the disciples and other true spiritual leaders not to emulate them. He then turns His attention directly to the false leaders themselves, epitomized by the scribes and Pharisees, and gives them His final and most scathing denunciation (vv. 13-36). In His closing comments (vv. 37-39) He expresses His intense compassion for unbelieving Israel and gives the assurance that one day in fulfillment of God’s sovereign promise, His chosen people will turn back to Him in faith.

Since the fall of man, the world has always had false religious leaders.

Jesus referred to spurious religious leaders as “false Christs and false prophets [who] will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect” (Matt. 24:24). Paul called them preachers of a perverted gospel (Gal. 1:8) and purveyors of the doctrines of demons (1 Tim. 4:1). Peter spoke of them as those who “secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them” (2 Pet. 2:1). John called them antichrists who deny that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ (1 John 2:18, 22). Jude called them dreamers who “defile the flesh, and reject authority, and revile angelic majesties” (Jude 8).

Scripture makes clear that as the second coming of Christ comes near, counterfeiters of the gospel will proliferate and amass to themselves great followings and immense influence (see, e.g., 2 Thess. 2:3-4; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 3:1-9; 2 Pet. 2:1-3;). The only time in history equal to what that future demon-inspired age will be like was the time of our Lord’s ministry on earth.

1A. False Spiritual Leaders Described (23:1-7)

1B. False leaders lack authority (23:1-2)

They are self-appointed authorities

Ø Seat (chair) is from kathedra the Greek term from which we get cathedral, which referred to a place, or seat, of ecclesiastical authority.

Ø Therefore to sit in the chair of Moses was tantamount to being God’s authoritative spokesman.

2B. False leaders lack integrity (23:3)

Judge all they teach by God’s Word

Ø Observe (Do) (poieo); aorist imperative

Ø Observe (tereo); present imperative

Judge all they do by God’s Word

Ø They were incapable of keeping God’s law

Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Ø They are unwilling to keep God’s law (2 Peter 2:1-3, 10, 12-14, 17-19)

3B. False leaders lack sympathy (23:4)

The picture

Ø The custom of that day, was to load a donkey camel, to the point where it can hardly move and the owner would abuse it for not being able to carry the load.

The practice

Ø They piled heavy loads of religious requirements (good works) on the people.

Ø They refused to help them, there was no place for grace.

Ø Ezekiel 34:2-5

4B. False leaders lack spirituality (23:5)

Revealed by their evil motives (23:5a)

Jude 19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.

Revealed by their pious pretense (23:5b)

Ø Phylacteries were small square boxes with four key Old Testament texts inside (Exodus 13:1-10 and 13:11-16 and of Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21). They were to be worn at prayer time but the Pharisees wore they all the time

Ø Borders (tassels) were to be worn to remind them of the commandments (Numbers 15:38-40)

5B. False leaders lack humility (23:6-7)

They demand special privileges (23:6)

They demand special praise (23:7)

Ø Rabbi, was used in that day much as “doctor” is today; carried the exalted ideas of “supreme one, Excellency most knowledgeable one, great one,”

2A. Genuine Spiritual Leaders Described (23:8-12)

1B. Genuine leaders avoid elevated titles (23:8-10)

They do not seek titles of distinction – Rabbi (23:8)

Ø Rabbi (rhabbi) basically means teacher, in this context it carried the idea of elevation and honor.

Ø Being a teacher (didaskalos) a good thing but is not to be pursued as a position of honor but as a place of service.

Ephesians 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers

James 3:1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.

They do not seek titles of devotion – Father (23:9)

Ø Father is a reference to being a spiritual father.

They do not seek titles of dedication – Teacher/Leader (23:10)

Ø Teacher (kathegetes) strictly guide, leader; in the NT teacher, instructor

2B. Genuine leaders accept lowly places of service (23:11-12)

They follow the example of the Lord (23:11)

Ø John 13:4-5, 12-17

They follow the teaching of the Lord (23:12)

Ø 1 Peter 5:2-3, 5-6)

The nineteenth-century Scottish preacher and author Andrew Bonar said he knew a Christian was growing when he talked more of Christ than of himself. The maturing Christian, Bonar said, sees himself growing smaller and smaller until, like the morning star, he gives way to the rising sun.

Matthew 23:1-12

1A. False Spiritual Leaders Described (23:1-7)

1B. False leaders lack ___________________ (23:1-2)

They are self-appointed authorities

Ø Chair is from kathedra the Greek term from which we get cathedral, which referred to a place, or seat, of ecclesiastical authority.

2B. False leaders lack _____________________ (23:3)

Judge all they teach by God’s Word

Judge all they do by God’s Word

Ø They were incapable of keeping God’s law (Romans 3:20)

Ø They are unwilling to keep God’s law (2 Peter 2:1-3, 10, 12-14, 17-19)

3B. False leaders lack ____________________ (23:4)

The picture

The practice

Ø Ezekiel 34:2-5

4B. False leaders lack _____________________ (23:5)

Revealed by their evil motives (23:5a; Jude 19)

Revealed by their pious pretense (23:5b)

Ø Phylacteries were small square boxes with four key Old Testament texts inside (Exodus 13:1-10 and 13:11-16 and of Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21). They were to be worn at prayer time but the Pharisees wore they all the time

Ø Borders (tassels) were to be worn to remind them of the commandments (Numbers 15:38-40)

5B. False leaders lack ___________________ (23:6-7)

They demand special privileges (23:6)

They demand special praise (23:7)

2A. Genuine Spiritual Leaders Described (23:8-12)

1B. Genuine leaders avoid elevated titles (23:8-10)

They do not seek titles of distinction – Rabbi (23:8)

Ø Rabbi (rhabbi) basically means teacher, in this context it carried the idea of elevation and honor.

Ø Being a teacher (didaskalos) a good thing but is not to be pursued as a position of honor but as a place of service.

Ephesians 4:11

James 3:1

They do not seek titles of __________ – Father (23:9)

They do not seek titles of ______________________ – Teacher/Leader (23:10)

Ø Teacher (kathegetes) strictly guide, leader; in the NT teacher, instructor