“Lessons to be Learned from the Pharisees”

There were some good Pharisees. Nicodemus… “There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.” (John 3:1 NKJV) “Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them, 51 "Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?" (John 7:50-51 NKJV) “And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. 40 Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.” (John 19:39-40 NKJV)

There were some good Pharisees. Some became Christians… “But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses." (Acts 15:5 NKJV) Paul… “But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!“ (Acts 23:6 NKJV) “They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.” (Acts 26:5 NKJV) “… If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee (Phil 3:4b-5 NKJV)

Generally speaking though - the Pharisees were a “proud” people… Matthew 23:1-6 “…they love the best places…” Luke 18:9-14 “Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others…”

The Proud Pharisees did much to be seen by men… “But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.” (Matt 23:5 NKJV) Jesus warned about this in Matthew 6:1-15. Our Application – 2 Corinthians 5:9-15

The Proud Pharisees did much to be seen by men… Read Matthew 23:23-28 Our Application… “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8 NKJV)

The Pharisees failed to see themselves as God saw them… Luke 18:9-14 Our Application… “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified. “ (2 Cor13:5 NKJV)

Mark 2:15-17 (Jesus was constantly criticized) The Pharisees could not see their own sins, yet they could see the sins of others… Mark 2:15-17 (Jesus was constantly criticized) Galatians 6:1-5 (We should point out the sins of others, but notice the warning given.) Our Application… “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. 3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. “ (Titus 3:1-3 NKJV)

They closed their ears to the truth… John 9:13-34, Matthew 12:9-14 Matthew 9:32-34; 12:22-26 Our Responsibility… “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:19-21 NKJV)

The Pharisees loved money… Luke 16:13-15 (Jesus said they were full of both greed and extortion: Lk 11:39/Mt 23:25) Our Application… For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. (1 Tim 6:10-11 NKJV)

“Lessons to be Learned from the Pharisees” They did their works to be seen by men. They failed to see themselves as God saw them. They could see the sins of others, but not their own. They closed their ears to the truth. They loved money. Their traditions became more important to them than God’s word.