1. “He teaches best who gets the information to the learner in the most understandably way” In our text we have an example of the masterful teaching of Jesus Matt 23:25-28

2. Jesus perfectly illustrates attitudes in religion THEN and NOW - which are all to prevalent Matt 23:25-28

3. GOD LOOKS ON THE HEART 1Sam 16:7 – The Bible heart (mind) controls our life Prov 4:23; 23:7; Matt 15:18-20 – The outside may be camouflaged - however, the inside is the real – If the heart is really pure, the conduct will be also Matt 23:25-28

4. THE CASE OF THE PHARISEES – What were they most concerned about Conspicuous dress, chief place at feast and in the synagogue; special titles Matt 23:5-7 Ceremonious search to proselyte men Matt 23:15 Pious sounding declarations Matt 23:16-22 Pompous memorials to prophets Matt 23:29-34 Matt 23:25-28

5. THE CASE OF THE PHARISEES – Look at the evidence of corruption within Unwilling to help others bear burdens Matt 23:4 Bad attitude toward parents Matt 15:1-6 Justify oaths Matt 23:16-22 Sought to kill Jesus Jhn 5:18 Matt 23:25-28

6. PRESENT DAY EXAMPLES – Attitudes toward religion in general More than 78% of U.S. population call themselves “Christian”, (claim membership in some church), yet other surveys showonly about 25% of Americans are devoutly religious Crime and violence is increasing Immorality and ungodliness 1Cor 6:9-10 People join churches; send children to “Sunday School”; give to charities - yet they drink; dress immodestly; unfaithful in marriage; dishonest in business; etc., etc., etc. Eph 5:18; Lk 21:34; 1Tim 2:9; Titus 2:10 Matt 23:25-28

7. PRESENT DAY EXAMPLES – Of which church shall I be a member? Most are interested in which is nearest; which is easiest; which is biggest; which has most social activities; etc., etc., etc. One should be concerned whether a church is scriptural in: NAME Acts 4:12; Matt 23:25-28

8. PRESENT DAY EXAMPLES – Of which church shall I be a member? Most are interested in which is nearest; which is easiest; which is biggest; which has most social activities; etc., etc., etc. One should be concerned whether a church is scriptural in: NAME Acts 4:12; ORIGIN Acts 2; Matt 23:25-28

9. PRESENT DAY EXAMPLES – Of which church shall I be a member? Most are interested in which is nearest; which is easiest; which is biggest; which has most social activities; etc., etc., etc. One should be concerned whether a church is scriptural in: NAME Acts 4:12; ORIGIN Acts 2; TEACHING Gal 1:6-9; Matt 23:25-28

10. PRESENT DAY EXAMPLES – Of which church shall I be a member? Most are interested in which is nearest; which is easiest; which is biggest; which has most social activities; etc., etc., etc. One should be concerned whether a church is scriptural in: NAME Acts 4:12; ORIGIN Acts 2; TEACHING Gal 1:6-9; PRACTICE Acts 5:29; Matt 23:25-28

11. PRESENT DAY EXAMPLES – Of which church shall I be a member? Most are interested in which is nearest; which is easiest; which is biggest; which has most social activities; etc., etc., etc. One should be concerned whether a church is scriptural in: NAME Acts 4:12; ORIGIN Acts 2; TEACHING Gal 1:6-9; PRACTICE Acts 5:29; WORK & WORSHIP Eph 4:11-13; Jhn 4:24 Matt 23:25-28

12. PRESENT DAY EXAMPLES – Of which church shall I be a member? Most are interested in which is nearest; which is easiest; which is biggest; which has most social activities; etc., etc., etc. One should be concerned whether a church is scriptural in: NAME Acts 4:12; ORIGIN Acts 2; TEACHING Gal 1:6-9; PRACTICE Acts 5:29; WORK & WORSHIP Eph 4:11-13; Jhn 4:24 Matt 23:25-28

13. PRESENT DAY EXAMPLES – Is our worship in spirit and truth Do we give as prospered and cheerfully 1Cor 16:1-2; 2Cor 9:6-7 Do we really discern the Lord’s body Acts 20:7; 1Cor 11:29 Do we sing with the spirit and understanding 1Cor 14:15; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16 When we pray for others do we then do something to help Rom 10:1 Do we practice what we teach 1Pet 4:11 Matt 23:25-28

14. We must purify our hearts then the outside (our actions) will be pure – Hearts are purified by faith Acts 15:9 – Souls purified in obedience 1Pet 1:22 – Sins washed away in baptism Acts 22:16 Are We Just Whitewashing The Outside? Matt 23:25-28