• “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

• Jesus perfectly illustrates attitudes in religion THEN and NOW - which are all to prevalent

Matt 23:25-28

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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