Avoid the Woes! (Part 3)
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Hypocrisy is a problem for many, but it doesn’t have to be. When Jesus confronted the religious leaders in Matthew 23:13-33, He revealed how to avoid the woes by declaring the opposites of integrity. Continuing …
Fifth, be a promoter of love rather than legalism—“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!” (vv. 23-24) They were giving a detailed attention to count out every seed or part and then grudgingly gave the tenth, because they knew that not tithing is sin. But tithing with a wrong heart is also a sin problem. Sixth, be a consistent Christian with pure motives—“You cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence … you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” (vv. 25-28) They lived life as if external appearance was more important than internal reality. This is the essence of hypocrisy. Seventh, be a humble servant to those in opposition—“You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’” (vv. 29-33) They were claiming innocence while plotting to kill Jesus. You are called to love those who oppose you. Matthew 5:43-45 reads, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies …” Surrender your life to Jesus’ leadership and obey His Word.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
