The Pharisee's Paradox: Purity Without Purpose

Examining the Pitfalls of Outward Righteousness

Austin

Dec 12, 2024

Consider Pharisee purity with me for a minute. Make sure that it is not the story of your life.

Pharisee Purity

They cleaned up on the outside, but not on the inside. Outer purity was important, but they did not do so well on the inner purity of the heart, according to Jesus. Luke 11:39, Mathew 23:25-28.
They tithed on the smallest of things but overlooked God's love, treating people right. According to Jesus, Luke 11:32, Matthew 23-24, they strained at gnats and swallowed camels.
They loved to be recognized, be called by their titles, and get the best seats. They focused on themselves, selfish. Luke 11:43, Matthew 23:5-10, Mark 12:38.
They were more concerned about the rules than helping people but quickly cared for their animals Matthew 13:11-17.
They apparently didn't realize their Creator could see their insides and outsides. Luke 11:44.
They put rules and burdens on people that they were not even making the slightest effort to do or to help people Luke 11:46, Matthew 23:4.
They tried to hinder the people from studying and learning for themselves. They blocked the road to heaven. Matthew 23:13, Luke 11:52; John 12:42,43.
They took advantage of the widows. Matthew 23:14.
They destroyed the men of God while pretending to honor them Luke 11:47, 48; Matt. 23:29-31.
They prayed, pretending to be super spiritual through their long prayers. Matthew 23:14.
They worked hard to convert others to their rule-following religion. Matthew 23:15.
They talk about loving God but not in their hearts Matthew 7:6
They felt contempt for others who were not so "spiritual" and didn't follow the standards or rules they had set down Luke 18:10-14
They saw others as sinners but felt no compassion. Mathew 9:13.

Questions to consider

Do you feel you are a better person or a better Christian than others?
Do you look down on those you consider worse sinners?
Do you feel like some people are past help and feel no compassion towards them?
Do you often think, "I would never do that! "Or "What kind of person could do such a thing?"
Do you compare yourself to others regarding outward appearance and visible holiness?
Do you worry about how others think of you for doing or not doing something?
Do you enjoy sharing how spiritual you are and what your spiritual accomplishments are?
In secret, do you have a problem living up to what you imply is true?
Do you try hard to be noticed? Do you have to be called with your title?
Is it hard to see others honored and praised, or are you happy for them?
Do you have to justify yourself and your behavior?
Must you let people know of the great Christians that you know?
Do you make a point of not being around those who are less spiritual, worldly, and not serving Christ-like you are?
Do you have a critical spirit?
Are you more known for what you are against than what you are for? Is that what you talk about?

The Spiritual Solution

Admit your problem and decide to live up to who you are in Christ.
See people with the love God has for them. Love and understand people instead of condemning them.
Work at understanding grace.
Recognize that true righteousness or spirituality comes from God, not what you did.
Check yourself regularly to be sure you are acting in love, mercy, grace, and kindness as Jesus did
Be vulnerable and admit your weakness instead of pretending you have it all together.
Live to show mercy and grace to others, considering where they are and what they are going through. Be there to help, not to judge, criticize, or pretend to be better than them.
Focus on your growth rather than comparing yourself to others.
Examine your rules or standards to be sure they are biblical, good, and not just your culture and traditions.
Listen to others intentionally and really try to hear and understand
Be a learner, continue reading and studying to grow in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Wake up to the religious show, the ego, the self-promotion of spiritual gurus.
Check to see how the fruit of the spirit is developing in your life.
Be as worried about putting on as you are of taking off Colossians 3
Keep the focus on Jesus.

Quotes to Consider

"The difference between true and false repentance lies in this: the man who truly repents cries out against his heart; but the other, as Eve, against the serpent, or something else." John Bunyan

"The self-righteous never apologize." Leonard Ravenhill

"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good." Samuel Johnson

"We are all hypocrites. We cannot see ourselves or judge ourselves the way we see and judge others." José Emilio Pacheco