Matthew 23:1-4 Consistency is the Key – audio

Old - G E L N D J J R 1S 2S 1K 2K 1C 2C E N E J P P E S I J L E D H J A O J M N H Z H Z M
New - M M L J A R 1C 2C G E P C 1Th 2Th 1T 2T T P H J 1P 2P 1J 2J 3J J R - Topical - All - Archive

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Text: Matthew 23:1-4 (reading by Andy Anderson)

I. Observe!

A. Jesus told the multitudes and the disciples to observe the instructions of the scribes and Pharisees – Matthew 23:3

    Are they themselves doing what they tell others to do? – Romans 2:21-24

B. Likewise, we must observe God’s instructions!

1) We need faith to come to God – Hebrews 11:6

2) It only comes from hearing God’s word – Romans 10:17

3) Therefore, we observe God’s word by faithfully studying it – Acts 17:11-12; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 2:2

C. Once God’s instructions are observed, they must be understood.

1) Jesus often taught in parables so many heard but did not understand His words – Matthew 13:12-13

2) Thus, Jesus often said:

    “Hear and understand” – Matthew 15:10; Mark 7:14

    “whoever reads, let him understand” – Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14

1. Ezra and all the people were helped to understand the Law of Moses – Nehemiah 8:1-8

2. Philip helped the Ethiopian eunuch understand what he was reading – Acts 8:30-39

3. Paul prayed for the Colossians that they would understand the law of Christ – Colossians 1:9-10

D. God gave us examples to learn from.

1) We should observe and do the right examples – 1 Peter 2:21-24; Acts 10:38; Ephesians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 11:1

2) We should observe, but not do the wrong examples – Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:1-11

II. Do!

A. Observing only is half of the command. The other is action!

1) If we know what to do but do not do it, it is sin – James 4:17

2) Jesus told a parable in which a landowner put idle men to work – Matthew 20:1-7

3) An idle person will suffer, but a worker will reap the reward – Proverbs 19:15-16

B. Doing God’s will allows us to enter the kingdom of Heaven – Matthew 7:21

C. God is pleased when we do good – Hebrews 13:16; 1 Peter 3:10-12; Galatians 6:10

III. Jesus is consistent…are we?

A. The scribes and Pharisees did not practice what they preached, but Jesus did – Hebrews 1:12; 13:8

B. Do we live 7 days a week what we preach on the first day?

C. The scribes and Pharisees are not the same on the outside as they are on the inside…

D. Are we? – Matthew 23:25ff