THE PHARISEE IN US – Part 1
“But
beware of the leaven of the Pharisees…”
Matthew
"Pharisee"
means "separated ones." Of the three sects that made up the
Jewish religious realm, the Essenes, Sadducees, and
Pharisees, the Pharisees were the most strongly rebuked by our Lord Jesus for
their actions and especially their attitudes.
The Pharisees
believed that some things were the work of fate. Other human events were
thought by them to be under the control of the individual. The Essenes believed that fate ruled all things, and that
nothing happens to man except by the decree of fate. The Sadducees removed fate
as an influence of the human condition altogether. They believed that all
things were under the control of man.
As a
group, or association, the Pharisees separated themselves from every kind of Levitical impurity and were united together as a force to
preserve the Mosaic law in all its purity. The two
essential conditions enacted upon potential members of this sect were these: firstly,
man should observe all the sacred tithes (in relation to the production of the
land), and refrain from eating anything which had not been tithed (or anything
in which tithing might be called into question); secondly, man should
observe the laws of purity, which so materially affected the eating of food and
of all family matters.
We will
discuss nine manifestations of Pharisaism:
1.
The Pharisees considered themselves to be the
guardians of the divine law and of their ancestral customs.
2.
They physically separated themselves from people of
question- able character and integrity.
3.
They prided themselves in denouncing impurity or
ungodliness.
4.
They were so determined not to break the law that
they set up fences of rules for themselves and others that would guarantee, if
obeyed, a safe distance from the transgression of God's laws.
5.
These pharisaical rules became so entrenched in their
everyday living that they became indistinguishable from scriptural
commandments.
6.
The Pharisees, as a power bloc, were very
influential. When Jesus confronted them during his first advent, they were
second in power only to the Roman governor.
7.
They were rigid and unyielding.
8.
They took pride in being recognized as Pharisees by
other men.
9.
In their piety they looked down upon others whom they
viewed as being inferior to themselves.
In
fairness to the Pharisees it must be noted
that they were
not lukewarm, nor indifferent to God's Word. They did, in fact, care a
lot and gave it their all. However, their zeal became so unbalanced that it
affected their judgment, for it excluded the spirit of the law and thus it
resulted in spiritual destruction rather than self-preservation.
Many other
items could be listed. Some can be found in the twenty-third chapter of
Matthew, in which Jesus pronounces a series of "woes" upon the
Pharisees based upon their erroneous traditions. For the sake of our discussion,
we will limit ourselves to these nine.
Could These
Attitudes Affect Us?
The
Pharisees were concerned for God's Word and Law as well as for righteous living.
If such things happened to them, could they not also happen to us who share
these same concerns?
Then some
of the Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from
Could
Jesus be asking we who are living today the same question? Let’s look at these
nine points in connection with this possibility.
Divine Guardians
The
Pharisees considered themselves to be guardians of divine truth: the Word, its Law,
and the Jewish traditions. They assumed this responsibility, thinking that only
they were qualified to perform this duty. Thus, they set themselves in the
position of controlling other men's customs as well as the correct
interpretation of the Law. They came to believe that their traditions and
superior wisdom were essential to the guidance of God's people and that God was
dealing only with their group; therefore, it was their duty to keep their
neighbor straight in what was truly God’s Word and practice. Yet, their words
and actions betrayed their attitudes.
While
preparing this article an event occurred, which seemed
providential. I received a letter containing 191 points, which
were presented as scriptural truths. I was asked to reply to each point on that
list, stating whether I subscribed to it.
We quote from that letter:
“We are
planning to prepare a directory which will include every prospective speaker to
whom this letter is mailed. Along with his name, it will show whether he
believes all the items, or if he rejects some, the items that he rejects will
be listed. If he does not respond, he will be designated ‘non-responder.’
Please help us complete the directory by informing us in which of the above
categories you wish to
be placed. This directory will be made available to all the
brethren so that they can know how every prospective speaker stands on every
point of ‘present truth.’
We have
been unable to find scriptural precedent for this type of request. The writer
of this letter was clearly assuming the responsibility of screening and
publishing whether others believed as they did on one hundred ninety-one
points of truth.
Some of us
use the term "nominal church" in both our dialogue and
discourse. The word "nominal" means "in name only."
While it may be true that this term applies to many who name the name of
Christ, the way in which the phrase is uttered is often very judgmental and
objectionable. In many cases, this expression is used to indicate one's
superiority over others who they deem “believers in name only." It is
proper to appreciate truths we have, and to express that appreciation openly,
but let us be sure that our motivation for expressing it is not tinged with
pride and judgmental attitude of others.
If we are
proud that God has specially given us some measure of His truth that others do
not see, are we any better than the Pharisees? If we think that we alone have
exclusive rights to divine truth or if we believe that only we have the Holy
Spirit, because of what we believe and others do not, are we not in danger of
looking down on others as did the Pharisees? If we are so positive that God
could not be dealing with anyone outside of our circle of truth, specially among those we term "nominal
Christians," are we in danger of Pharisaism?
Or if we seek to limit God (by our interpretations and traditional
convictions), are we any better than the Pharisees of Jesus’ day?
We should
appreciate our understanding of God's Word and of His wonderful, inclusive plan
of the ages, but let us do so in true humility.
When we share these precious truths, which have so enriched our lives,
let it be in the spirit of meekness. Let us not erect barriers or go up by
steps to the altar of our God. If we do, we will not be following in the
footsteps of our Master and Leader, the Lord Jesus Christ, who described
Himself as “meek and lowly of heart.” The Pharisees’ improper attitudes led
them to erect a staircase to God’s altar, elevating themselves where they could
only look down upon others whom they had risen above. They had forgotten the
Word of the Lord, "And you shall not go up by steps unto my altar, that
your nakedness [the sin of pride] may not be exposed on it"
(Ex.
“For we
dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that
commend themselves; but they measuring themselves by
themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise!”
2 Cor. 10:12
THE PHARISEE IN US – Part 2
Physical Separation
The
Pharisees were very careful with whom they associated. According to Mc-Clintock and Strong, the name Pharisee was first used by the Sadducees in the Mishna.
By their use of this word towards this sect, they were not being complimentary.
The term may well have described their separated
lives. At first they were separated ones
for the purpose of ridding themselves of any Levitical
impurity. But they erred when they began to view themselves as being holier and as being on a higher level
than others.
Can this happen to the child of God today?
Can we view others in the same way as the Pharisees viewed their
contemporaries? Do we view those outside our fellowship as unworthy of our
time, attention or love? Some of the Pharisees used their separation as a
visible sign to others that they alone were the special ones in God's sight.
They believed this fact was self-evident. Further, they came to believe that
their example of separation and their appearance of holiness were of utmost
importance to the guidance of God's people. They felt that somehow this display
of holiness would have a preserving influence upon the conduct of others and it
raised their sense of self-worth. They became important in their own eyes. The
more they practiced this, the more they enjoyed the feeling. This power became
addictive, a need to feel special, a need for personal recognition of one's own
holiness and piety.
How subtle
is the love of recognition. It clouds the mind and heart with feelings of pride
and self-interest. "Woe to you, Pharisees! For you love the front seats
in the synagogues, and the respectful greet- ings in
the market places" (Luke
The real
issue in all of these questions is plain: What
is my own motivation? Let it not be any of the things just mentioned but
only that we want to please and glorify our Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus
Christ by doing God’s will humbly and with all our might - as we serve Him, and
His brethren. Let us remember the wise axiom, “There is no end to the good we can do, if we do not care who gets the
credit" and always remember if there is any credit due, it should go
to God and our Lord Jesus Christ. If we boast, may it alone be in the Lord!
Proud Denunciations
Many Pharisees
took pride in opposing and denouncing impurity and ungodliness in the actions
of others. They thought of themselves as a sort of spiritual police force to the Jews. In one instance we read of a
woman entering the house of a Pharisee (Luke
How
differently Jesus treated this woman. He recognized her repentant heart and the
love her actions manifested. He perceived her desire for forgiveness and
encouragement. Compassion moved within him as he watched the display of her
faith and love.
"I
say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much;
but he who is forgiven little, loves little," and He said to her, ‘your
sins have been forgiven’" (vs. 47, 48, NAS).
Which
style of judgment do you follow, Jesus' or the Pharisee's? The Pharisee would
have expelled her, would have scorned her, and she would have been left to
continue in her sinful ways. But because of the love and compassion of Jesus,
we may logically conclude that the woman never reverted back to her path of
sin. Jesus could separate the sinner from the sin, an ability that most of us
find difficult. Jesus hated the sin but
could still love the sinner. What a worthwhile trait to emulate in our lives!
Fence Makers
The
Pharisees were compelled to keep the law. They felt it was necessary to take
further steps to insure that the law was not broken. So they set up fences which were designed to keep them at
a safe distance from any point in which they might break the law. These
barriers, or fences, which were incorporated into the traditions of the elders,
soon became as important as the law itself.
We, too, may
set up rules, fences, and barriers that we feel will keep us on safe ground in
keeping the Lord's commandments. Do we regard some of our traditions with as
much authority as Scripture? Is it possible that we have set up fences of
conduct for ourselves by which we also judge the conduct of others?
This is an
important consideration, for it is one thing to establish restrictions or
standards for ourselves, but it is quite another to expect others to live up to
the same and if they do not, to judge them as not living up to the principles
of Scripture. Hardly anyone would dare admit such an attitude, but do our
thoughts or actions sometimes reach this very judgment?
Another
tradition of the Pharisees was to establish loopholes that would work to their
own benefit. Jesus reproved them sharply for this (Matt. 15) in connection with
their responsibility to their aging parents. By declaring their own possessions
as reserved for the Lord they relieved themselves of their responsibility of
caring for their parents. Jesus calls this practice a commandment of man (vs. 9). Later on the Apostle Paul would
preach contrary to this accepted
practice. "But if any one does not
provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied
the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever" (1 Tim. 5:8, NAS).
There is no doubt as to the intent of this verse. But could there be a wider
interpretation also? In his letter to the Hebrew Christians he says that Christ
was faithful over his own household, and He adds that we are that house. (cf. Heb. 3:6). In
Galatians we are admonished to do good to all men and especially to do
good to those of the household of faith
(6:1 0).
These
verses clearly place a responsibility upon any who claim to be of his
household. If we ignore the needs of any, whether they be
parents, dependent children, or other members of the body of Christ, or anyone
the Lord puts in our pathway, we are in danger of breaking God's Word. Let us
not rationalize this matter away. It is not acceptable to say that we
were going to use this substance, time, money, land, for the Lord in some areas
that we think more important. If we are inclined to do so, are we any better
than the Pharisee? "He who shuts his ear to the cry
of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered" (Prov. 21:13, NAS).
Conversely, we read, "He who gives to the poor will never want,
but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses" (28:28, NAS).
The
principle, which Jesus described in the Parable of the Sheep and Goats (Matt.
25:31-46), applies to us today as well as to all of mankind in the
Responsibility
towards others is an important part of the Christian's walk. The parable shows
that we are required to be careful both of the physical and spiritual needs of
those around us. Let us look often at the examples of Jesus so that our
judgment will be balanced and that we will resist all attempts at improper
rationalization. We have received freely from the bounty of the Lord. Should we
not be as free to give to others? Let us give and share with joy, as though we
were giving or sharing with the Lord Himself.
(To be continued)
THE PHARISEE IN US – Part 3
Rules that Stifle the Spirit
One side effect of pharisaical
rule making was, it quenched the teaching of the
Scriptures, especially the spirit of
truth. Traditions sometimes became equal, or greater than Scripture in their
ritualistic lives. Is it possible that such could happen to modem day students of
the Bible?
Tradition
is: the way that we have always done
things. It can become so important that we make tradition a principle, and defend it so tenaciously that
we behave improperly in its defense. Some traditions may be proper, but they
may also take on so much added meaning in our own mind that they become the
basis of contention and discord. We can get ourselves in trouble when we insist
on imposing our traditions on others who
perhaps learned different ones.
The
Pharisees provided an interesting case in point in Mark 7:5: "...'Why
do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat
their bread with unclean hands"' (vs. 5)? By way of comparison, we’ll
use a current day illustration, with no intent here to judge the motives, nor
even suggest that any withdraw from these traditions. This comparison is to
demonstrate that in such matters, there
is no scriptural principle to be followed and that we must exercise great
caution in our attitude towards others who do things differently than we do.
People, in
general, do not like change. The Pharisees were no exception. Change seems to
threaten the security in the status-quo. Most churches have been confronted
with changes. Some are good and some are not. But to some in the church no
change is good. Take for instance, music in the church. There are many who are
strongly opposed to contemporary Christian music and are of the opinion that only
the piano or an organ should be used in a church for its music. There are
church splits because strong opinioned factions exist among its members. For
instance, when a “praise band” with a drummer has been introduced into the
worship service on Sunday in what always has been a conservative church; to
some of its members it is irreverent and even primitive. A mind-set so strong
has been formed and they will use their influence to convince others of their
viewpoint. Strife will usually result in case like this to the detriment of
health of the church and its members. A pharisaical attitude can very quickly
and subtlety take over one’s thinking. May we be aware of this possibility in
our Christian walk.
How careful we ought to be that we do not
substitute our thinking for what Scripture clearly teaches or does not teach.
If we do, we may be denying others the privilege of service where God has given
some gift for the edifying of the church.
There are
other areas where traditions have crept in. Let us prayerfully consider what
these might be and use caution that we keep them in their proper sphere, always
making the authority of Scripture more important by far than the traditions we
have learned.
Spiritual Power
Brokers
The
Pharisees were among the early special-interest groups. They were ready
to use all that they had to acquire what they
thought was right and necessary. Can this attitude be at work among the
church today? Could certain ones who share an opinion be exerting combined
influence among brethren so as to give rise to a spirit of sectarianism? Might
some insist that all who do not agree with their interpretation of Scripture
are not clear in the truth? Should
elders effectively caution others to disassociate with others whose views are
different from their own?
Brethren,
is Christ divided? The apostle asked this question in astonishment, 2,000 years
ago! How careful we need to be that we learn to maintain the Spirit of Jesus
and our beloved brother Paul. Sectarianism arose and was warned against in the
early church. It was, evidently, felt between Jewish and Gentile Christians.
“But when Peter came to
Has it ever
happened that we have not wanted it known that we associate with other
brethren? Do we fear what some would say or think? This fear creeps in
subtly, just as it did with Peter. Let us be on guard that we have the proper
spirit and recognize the oneness of the body of Christ. Let us keep the spirit
of sectarianism and human thinking far from us and not even look at another
with the disdain which so often accompanies a sectarian spirit.
Self-Assured
Protectors of the Word
The reason that the Pharisees were so sure that they were
right about things is because of their self-assumed
position as protectors of God's Word. They were rigid, unyielding, and
intractable. They let pride replace meekness and humility. Hence, they were
unable to accept Jesus' message. Their rigid attitude (Paul calls them
stiff-necked) polluted and hardened their hearts. This was the very accusation
that Stephen made against them, saying, "You stiff-necked people,
uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your
fathers did, so do you" (Acts
We write
these things to encourage all to a condition of awareness of our need to stay
close to the Lord and His Word. Jesus’
words to the Pharisees are for us also. Dear Lord, help us to purge out all
leaven that we may stand before You, pure and
unspotted ‘In The Beloved!’
THE PHARISEE IN US – Part 4
Pleasing
Recognition
What a
telling symptom was the pleasure the Pharisees derived in being
recognized and looked up to as “Holy.”
This is a subtle and ever present danger, especially to elders or any in
positions of prominence. Jesus' example was so vastly different from that set
by His detractors. In His victories He pointed to God. In His actions He gave
praise to the Almighty. Honor and glory always ascended to His Heavenly Father
for anything Jesus did. But the Pharisees had an appetite for praise, and it
filled their hearts with overflowing pride.
"For who regards you as superior? And what do you have
that you did not receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you
had not received it?" (1 Cor. 4:7, NAS). Is this not the proper at- titude for a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ? Obviously,
it is the attitude of those who had been with Jesus. Let the praise and glory
be directed upward, always toward our loving heavenly Father.
The
Pharisees considered themselves as special.
They loved the best seats in the synagogue. In comparing themselves to others,
they placed themselves on a pedestal, leaving all others on a lower level.
And so
Jesus told this parable to certain ones who trusted in themselves that they
were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: "Two men went up into
the temple to pray, one a Pharisee, and the other a tax-gatherer. The Pharisee
stood and was praying thus to himself, 'God, I thank thee that I am not like
other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax-gatherer. I
fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get…'”
This
Pharisee had forgotten the lesson of not building steps to the altar of God
(Ex.
We do not
mean to discourage any, but rather desire to encourage all to a condition of
awareness of our need to stay close to the Word of God, both Living and
Written. All Scripture is given to us for instruction. Jesus intended for us to learn by the reproofs that He
spoke to the Pharisees. They were lessons, warnings to us, just as to them,
that we should be careful lest we fall into the same pit as they did. If we
know that “the heart is deceitful above all things” and this is a possibility,
we will be alert and ask the Lord to search our heart and thoughts so that we
may “purge out the old leaven” and being cleansed in the blood of our Lord
Jesus, may then stand pure and unspotted before God.
Some Thoughts on
Tradition
·
Many
traditions, rules and codes of living
can be obeyed by human effort, but the bearing of the fruit of the Spirit has
to come from God through the power and influence of His Holy Spirit.
·
Walking
within the fences of traditions is
playing it safe, but leaves little room for walking by faith. Being without
boundaries is unsettling to many who fear the unknown.
·
Sheep
may be contained by fences, but they prosper
best outside in a trusting relationship with their shepherd.
·
Tearing down the fences makes “religious” people profoundly
angry.
·
As
Jesus did with the Pharisees, He no doubt would do today…namely, use “wire
cutters” to cut away all humanly devised
fences.
·
We
must realize that at times a disciple of Christ must trespass beyond human fences, risking possible misunderstanding,
to be loyal to Jesus.
·
Scripture,
not tradition, is the final test of
truth.
·
Usually
human fences can be obeyed if one works at it.
·
When
human fences do work, they
superficially counterfeit the work,
influence and power of the Holy Spirit. We must be courageous enough to
consider God’s Word for ourselves with an open mind.
·
True
spiritual maturity comes when one realizes that fences are most often obstructions
to spiritual growth, and that it is only the supernatural help of the Holy
Spirit in our lives that will keep us on safe ground.
·
Fences do work; they often do help people
live a religious life to the
detriment of true spirituality which
alone can change the inner man.
·
Fences can easily become cosmetic
substitutes for true righteousness. Godliness emanates from within and manifests itself outwardly
and always to the praise and glory of God.
·
We
must be careful lest we, like the Pharisees of old,
convert people to a “religion” or denomination and belief system, rather than to Christ!
·
We
do not help the eternal cause of Christ by bringing about the conversion of
someone from the world into the culture
and confines of legalism.
“When your
loyalties conflict, always obey Jesus Christ whatever the cost.”
O. Chambers
Some Added Thoughts on Traditions
·
Humanly
devised traditions often focus on external actions while God focuses on
the attitudes of the heart that motivate
the actions.
·
Living
God’s truth requires a relationship with
Him.
·
It
is impossible to clean up the inside without divine help. In fact, God must do it for us…we need just to be willing.
·
Tradition exerts an enormous pull on our
emotions because it provides sameness,
security, stability, and it feels right.
·
The
Pharisees of Jesus’ day were proud of their traditions
for they believed they were given to them by God Himself.
·
The
Pharisees, and even some in today’s churches, measure
righteousness by loyalty and obedience to “sacred”
tradition.
·
If
you doubt the power of traditions,
try to change something in your church from the way that it has been done in
the past.
·
Traditions often set up safety fences and post “no trespassing” signs.
·
Freedom always has the potential for abuse,
but it also provides the opportunity for true convictions and character to
develop.
Paul tells us of those who, “measuring themselves and comparing themselves among themselves, are
not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12).