The Spirit of the Pharisees Cont.: Part 2

3. The Pharisees had made the commandments of God of none effect by

their traditions.  Matthew tells us of a confrontation between Jesus

and the Pharisees.  Matthew 15, "Then there come to Jesus from Jerusalem Pharisees and scribes, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. And he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God said, Honor thy father and thy mother: and, He that speaketh evil of father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, That wherewith thou mightest have been profited by me is given to God; he shall not honor his father. And ye have made void the word of God because of your tradition" (Matthew 15:1-6).

The Pharisees had placed their ownideas over and above the revealed truth of God's Word. Their traditions had made void the word of God. This practice has continued even to this day. There are many who are following traditions rather

than the revealed word of truth. A great amount of division and trouble in the religious today are the direct result of men following their traditions rather than God's Word. How often have I heard people say, "Why, we have done it this way for years." Or, "our parents did it this way." The fact that something has been done for years does not make it wrong, but, that cannot be the reason for ourdoing whatever we may be doing. We must do what we do because we can find book, chapter, and verse for the practice. Rather than say, "We have done it like this for years," why not say, "Here is the passage that authorizes the practice."  The Pharisees had passed down their traditions; traditions which were not based on God's law. Can you find scriptural authority for all things which you practice and teach?

Sometimes we see even brethren who justify their practice with the old statement, "We have been doing it like this for years." Unless we can find better authority for a practice that this, we had better refrain from it. The religious world is divided because of this same excuse.

4. Another error of the Pharisees was that they drew near to the Lord with their mouth, but their hearts were far from Him.  Hear our Lord again, "Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, This people honoreth me with their lips; But their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men" (Matthew 15:7-9). Remember, we have already seen that they "said and did not do."  Unless the heart is involved in our worship, our service is vain, empty. It is the heart that must be converted. 

In the ninth verse we just read from Matthew 15, Jesus accused the Pharisees of teaching as their doctrines the precepts or commandments of men. Is not this the cause of much of the religious divisions seen today? The creeds, manuals, disciplines of men divide the religious world into many groups. Most of the division is caused, not by what God has said, but by what God has not said. Men refuse to recognize the silence of the scriptures. Where God has not spoken, man has no right to infringe. The inspired apostle Peter says, "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God" (1 Peter 4:11). The practice of the Pharisees is still very much present today. There are many doctrines being taught today that are based upon the commandments of men.

5.The Pharisees loved the titles and the chief seats in the synagogues. Listen to Jesus again, "But all their works they do to be seen of men; for they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the chief place at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called of men, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father on the earth: for one is your Father, even he who is in heaven (Matthew 23:5-9). They loved the praise of men. They no longer were concerned about what God thought.  I now read from John 12:42-43, "Nevertheless even of the rulers many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that is of men more than the glory that is of God."

I am persuaded that there are many today who love the titles of men. They like the praise of men. They wear the titles of men. Many are offended if you do not call them by their religious titles. They are like the Pharisees of old. They demand the glory that is of men, rather than the glory that is of God. Does your religious leader wear a title given by man? Jesus said to call no man father. Obviously, He was not talking about our fleshly fathers, but rather, religious titles worn by man, given by man. 

6.Lastly, the Pharisees rejected the counsel of God,

"But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected for themselves the counsel of God, being not baptized of him" (Luke 7:30).

Counteracting the Pharisaical spirit

1.  Put on His righteousness

2. True and pure hearts of humility

3. Grace, mercy, forgiveness, yielding to the Holy Spirit not traditions. See Gal. 1:13-14

4. True worshippers in Spirit and in Truth.

5. Take the last place, be a servant

6. Take up the full counsel of God

We release the spirit of truth, apostolic and prophetic anointing/utterance, discerning of spirits, and the spirit of John the Baptist, prepare the way of the Lord. We release the move of God, a visitation of God and the spirit of truth.

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.

The Perfect Law of Liberty and Freedom in Christ

"But whoso looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." (James 1:25)

The idea of TRUE liberty and freedom can be confusing these days... especially with all the excesses and strange teachings going on.

Every person in this world wants freedom -- the problem is that most don't understand true freedom.

Today, in Churches, we have two false and opposing ideas concerning freedom.

1. Some false church teachings try to put us under the Law. Many denominations and leaders have not been able to deal with true freedom. They have come up with LOTS of useless rules. These rules allow for manipulation and control. Do this. Don't do that. etc. Legalistic mindsets try to take our freedoms away by dictating our choices.

The perfect law of liberty is a law that does not imprison us with useless rules and regulations. It sets us free from rigid and man-made confinements. When we are burdened by performance, achievement, or sin consciousness.

2. The other side of the pendulum exploits the truth of freedom in the opposite way. Love and freedom to them means that every person (regardless of their religion and lifestyle) is already a Christian. And... further... that there aren't really any rules.

Many think that "freedom" is a sort of a license so they could do anything they want to do - even if it is outside moral and ethical framework.

What is freedom for the Christian? Is it the right to live any way you choose and do whatever you want? Does it mean that your life choices don't matter? Should we really just all "do our own thing" because anything goes? Does freedom really mean that everyone is already "saved" no matter what they do, think, or choose?

What is most alarming about this liberal present move in the church is the diminishing of values, standards, moral principles, and ideals. This new influence of inclusive "Freedom" often flagrantly disregards ethical choices in the name of this false freedom. Consequently, many have become slaves of lawlessness, anarchy, and wantonness.

This free-thinking kind of freedom is artificial and false. It is the "spirit of this age" that too many follow -- it is the natural (old) man.

· "The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Cor. 2:14)
My friend, Godly freedom should cause us to desire to make right choices.

Freedom IS LAWFUL. It is not a license to sin.

If the Church is to survive, she must comprehend true Freedom and not embrace delusion, debasement, or corruption.

There are few things in life as important as "liberty." The writers of the Declaration of Independence stated that liberty is the unalienable right of all humanity.

Believers know that the Creator gave us "free will." We must remember that what was important to the Lord from the beginning was that believers would voluntarily "choose" to follow Him. God didn't make us a bunch of robots or automatons. He gave us the freedom to choose to love Him and serve Him.

Later, the codified Law came - The Law of Moses in the Old Testament. The Law was not able to forgive sins, but it was the holy and precious way given to keep God's people together and following the Lord. It "covered" sin and provided parameters and boundaries.

"I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free" (Psalm 119:32).
The Mosaic Law represents:
What DO I HAVE TO DO to please God?
It works from outside inward.

The New Testament eliminates that codified system of law. Differing from the Old, the greater Law of love and freedom is written on our hearts (Jeremiah 31.31).

True FREEDOM means we now can joyfully CHOOSE to do right things - not that we legalistically HAVE to do them.

There old law binds us and the new law liberates us. That is why the new law is both perfect and free.

The Spirit of LIFE in Christ Jesus has sets us free from the law of sin death. The law of liberty is the law of love. That is why it is "perfect!: It is a higher law. It is CHRIST Himself living in & through us. As us. For us. Through us.

Love is the fulfillment of the Old Law and the release of the NEW.

The New Law of freedom is that of Love:

I know that I already please God!
Perfect freedom works from inside OUT!

Christian freedom is about what Christ did for us and gave to us - He set us free! Freedom is the PERFECT LAW of the New Testament. It is already perfect (See Jms. 1:16-17, 21-22, 24-26, 3:1-3).

This perfect freedom came only by the sacrifice of Jesus. He alone gave the New Divine law to "liberate" humans from the consequences of the Fall by conquering both physical and spiritual death. When we accept this sacrifice, we are:

· Free from obligatory and unnecessary rituals and duties.
· Free from the law of sin and death.
· This redemption makes it possible for you to enjoy LIFE and live in the peace and presence of God's Spirit.

Since James was the most Hebraic writers of the New Testament, we can expect that he truly understood BOTH the Law and redemptive Freedom.

Let's look again at what James tells us, "But he who looks (catches a glimpse - to look at with head bowed forward) into the perfect (complete , mature, of full age, adult) law of liberty, and continues (to stay near, remain, be permanent, persevere, abide) therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this person shall be blessed in his deed" (Jms. 1:25).

Freedom = legitimate and moral liberty. Liberty (in the Greek), is defined as a loosening or lessening of pressure. The Greek always carries the thought of relief from tribulation or persecution; Josephus referred to the rest from plowing the field in the Year of Jubilee.

Look how James 1: 25 reads in the Message Bible, "But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God - the free life! - even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action."

You must (1) look into the Law of freedom, (2) act on it, and (3) not forget it.
There are consequences to every action. You are blessed if you act and don't forget.

Not being blessed sounds like a hard life to live!

Don't forget...

James goes on to say that freedom requires that we guide or bridle our tongue, remain pure from polluted religion, and help widows and orphans.

Importantly, those who become truly free will embrace righteous responsibilities and obligations realizing that living in freedom expands God's Kingdom as its own reward.
As you LOOK into this Law of Liberty, your New Man delights in Godly freedom. That doesn't mean to continue in sin - ("Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God" 1 Pet. 2:16). but to desire to do right. Keeping God's precepts becomes the highest kind of liberty.
...
James 1:22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves (NAS). The New American Standard Bible says if you only hear and don't do what you've heard, you are misleading yourself. This should motivate you to continue in what you hear.
Paul said that where the Spirit of the Lord is there is Liberty (2 Cor. 3:17).

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you FREE, you will be free indeed" (Jn. 8:34-36).
Liberty is the gift of free moral agency to wisely choose to follow God and to share the Kingdom with others.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us FREE. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love" (Gal. 5:1,13).

It's all about the revealing of Christ in a people (Rom. 8:19)

Unity

"I no longer preach or teach unity for the Body of Christ”

Unity is not the objective - unity is the fruit, oneness the branches and humility the root. To put the emphasis on unity is to short-circuit the process of maturation. The fruit that is produced will not be fruit that will remain - it will not produce after its own kind nor will it offer nourishment to those who partake of it. If we focus on unity we will miss the calling mark of our Lord’s High Priestly Prayer recorded in John 17.

Indeed it is not unity the Savior is praying for in His Church - but oneness. "I in them, and Thou in me, that they may be perfected into one, and that the world may know that Thou didst send me, and didst love them as Thou didst love me." John 17:23 Young’s Literal Translation. "that they may become perfectly one," is the way the English Standard Version has it.

John 17, Jesus' prayer when authentically applied, God blesses "the church" community, and entire city in a substantial manner. These verses are the entreaty of the Son to the Father for absolute harmony and are prayed on our behalf. Let this prayer become our entreaty toward one another. This prayer for each other eliminates jealousy, strife, discord, (my church is the "only church" and your church is not attitude)   Instead oneness develops wholeness in His Church, His Body.

I recently asked a city-reaching comrade what Jesus prayed for in these verses.

His reply, "That we would be one." I continued, "You mean He didn’t pray for unity?" "No!" was his answer, "For unity is an attempt to create cooperation from the outside in, while oneness works its way from the inside out." We will never be same in doctrine, theology, belief etc. Diversity is a God idea.

WE ARE ALREADY ONE! Walk in that.

"May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6 ESV