“Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.” - Matthew 23:1-3
This is a VERY interesting passage of scripture because it seems like the Pharisees have nothing to offer us today. However, Jesus told His disciples to DO what the pharisees SAID but to IGNORE what they DO! Could it be that the “leaven” of the Pharisees that we are commanded to beware of is NOT their teaching like so many have taught, but instead their LIFESTYLE?
Jesus told His disciples to observe and DO whatever the Pharisees SAID... and that is what you are going to do today.
Take 5 minutes and ask the Holy Spirit to show you what teachings you have dismissed from folks that you have deemed “Pharisaical”. It could have been a word or message you heard about holiness and/or purity from someone that you’ve dismissed as “legalistic” or “religious”. Perhaps you didn’t actually evaluate the content? Perhaps that content was actually good and Biblical?? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal it to you and then write their “teachings” on paper or in a document.
Then, take about 10 minutes and compare these “teachings” with the Bible. Use an online Bible and do a word search or a concordance if you have one. Were they actually teaching the Word of God?? Sure, it may have been said in the wrong spirit or with an improper motivation, but were they actually teaching the TRUTH?? The Pharisees were in many ways and that is why Jesus told His disciples to DO what they SAID! If it turns out to the Scriptural, repent for dismissing it and DO what they said!
Who would have thought that you would be following the teaching of “Pharisees”??
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” - Hebrews 13:7
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