1. That made Jesus mad also
Matthew 23: 1-7, 23-29

2. A question that people struggle with..

3. Understanding the issues...
The Pharisees had the words from God

4. Understanding the issues...
The Pharisees had the words from God
The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe,
– Matthew 23: 2-3

5. Understanding the issues...
The Pharisees had the words from God but their living out of that “religion” was twisted..

6. Understanding the issues...
The Pharisees had the words from God but their living out of that “religion” was twisted..
but do not do according to their deeds;
for they say things and do not do them.
– Matthew 23: 3

7. Understanding the issues...
A works based faith is burdensome.

8. Understanding the issues...
A works based faith is burdensome.
They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders,

9. Understanding the issues...
A works based faith is burdensome... especially when you have no help

10. Understanding the issues...
A works based faith is burdensome... especially when you have no help
but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger.
– Matthew 23: 4

11. Understanding the issues...
To the Pharisee religion was all external – for show
But they do all their deeds
to be noticed by men;
Matthew 23: 5

12. Understanding the issues...
To the Pharisee religion was all external – for show
for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. Matthew 23: 5

13. Phylacteries (Tefillin)

14. Fringes- Tassels (tzitzit)

15. Understanding the issues...
To the Pharisee religion was all external – for show
They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men.
– Matthew 23: 6-7

16. Exacting in small areas and ignoring huge areas
Missing the obvious
Exacting in small areas and ignoring huge areas
You blind guides,
who strain out a gnat
and swallow a camel!
– Matthew 23: 24

17. Missing the obvious Start on the inside
You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also.
Matthew 23: 26

18. The religion looks good but is dead

19. In the court of God’s kingdom we are to be witnesses not judges
Key reminders
In the court of God’s kingdom we are to be witnesses not judges
but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses - Acts 1:8

20. If we make our faith all about works, we rightfully invite criticism
Key reminders
If we make our faith all about works, we rightfully invite criticism
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9