The Spirit of the Pharisees

THE SPIRIT OF THE PHARISEES

“The letter kills, but the spirit gives life”(2Co 3:6)  who also has made us able ministers of the new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit makes alive.

Jesus was born under the Law of Moses; He kept that Law, He lived and died under that Law. His new law did not become effective until after His death, burial, resurrection and ascension to the Father. At the time that Jesus lived on this earth in the flesh, the Jews had divided themselves in different sects or groups. There were the Sadducees, the Pharisees, the Herodians, and a few other minor groups. These sects were not living in obedience to the Law. They had set themselves up, and in many ways had made themselves the standard in matters of religion. Christ upon numerous occasions used very severe language in rebuke of these religious sects. He often pointed out their sins and showed them the consequences of rebelling against His Father in Heaven. What was the spirit of the Pharisees, or we might say the attitude of the Pharisees? What made Christ's rebuke so severe of these religious leaders?  What was their true spirit?

1. The Pharisees were a self-righteous group. This attitude is

shown by the prayer offered by one Pharisee. Listen to him, "God, I

thank you , that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust,

adulterers or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week; I give

tithes of all that I get" (Luke 18:11, 12).  These things which he did were required of him, but, it is his self-righteous spirit that the Lord rebuked. He was judging himself by what others were or were not. He had elevated himself up and over the publican. He lacked the spirit of humility.  Notice what the apostle Paul said concerning this subject. "For we are not bold to

number or compare ourselves with certain of them that commend themselves: but they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding"(2 Corinthians 10:12,13). Then in verse 18 of the same passage, he concludes by saying, "For not he that commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends."

There are still those today who measure themselves by others,rather than by the Word of God. They seem to think if they are just a little better than someone else, then they are right with God. They may be right with God, but it is not because they are more righteous than someone else, but, rather because of the  grace of the Father. The Pharisees elevated themselves above all others; they were a self-righteous group.

2. The Pharisees were desirous of doing their religious acts to be seen of men. Listen to Christ as He speaks of them, "But all their works they do to be seen of men" (Matthew 23:5). And again, "When therefore  you do alms, sound not a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they  may have glory of men(Matthew 6:2). Then in verse 5, "And when you pray,you shall not be as the hypocrites: for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men." The Pharisees wanted someone to pat them on the back and pronounce them righteous. They wanted the praise of men. Could it be possible that there those in the religious world today that are preforming primarily to be seen of men?They carry on and conduct themselves to make impression with their fellow men and women. If you do not know how righteous we are, just look at us and you will see our righteousness. They don't understand we have already been made righteous by the blood of the Lamb. There are a lot of showmen in the religious world. Those who love the praise of men.  There are certainly many who seem to be acting as the Pharisees of old. And usually it will not be long before they ask you for your money.

Jesus said the Pharisees, "said and did not do." Hear Him in

Matthew 23:3, "all things therefore whatever they bid you, these do

and observe; but dyou do not after their works; for they say, and do

not." Jehovah God has never accepted word worship,lip sevice, in the absence of obedience. Notice what Christ said in Matthew

7:21, "Not every one that says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into

the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father who is

in heaven." He then uses the two builders to illustrate the fact that

it takes more than hearing God's Word; it takes obedience to the

for one to be pleasing in His sight.Salvation takes a life of obedience, complete submission to His Will.

What is obedience? Simply hearing the voice/word of God and doing it. Obedience is not just dead works. We are justified by faith alone. The faith that justifies us is not alone; it must be accompanied by the corresponding action of Holy Spirit. 

Continued in the next blog.