Anatomy Lesson 6: Religious hyocriscy produces negative influences

Rev. Enoch Thompson | August 9, 2023 | Matthew 23:15

KEY VERSE:

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are. Matthew 23:15 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

A proselyte is a Gentile who converts to the Jewish religion. The Pharisees were vigorous in bringing people into Judaism as an upward move in spirituality, entering into and benefitting from the Abrahamic covenant which makes the Jews a special people among the nations. The special place of Israel was not because of their numbers or because they were more righteous than others, but just because God by grace chose them, to use them as a model and example to the nations.

Their national and social life was to be guided by the laws that God gave to Moses. However, the Jews repeatedly broke this law while they superficially paid lip service to it. When they did that God disciplined them, and it was during one of such ear-pulling by God during the Babylonian captivity that the sect of the Pharisees emerged.

By the time of Christ, superficial spirituality had reached a high peak. The Lord, therefore, slammed the disciple-making effort of the Pharisees as making converts to Judaism only to make them spiritually and morally worse off. When people become more sinful, and this is because of their association with the church, that is one of the most heart-recking things that could happen.

Yet it is true: people have been brought into the church and turned into litigants, liars, serial offenders, bootlickers etc.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

What is your experience of yourself and others? Are there influences in church making you worse? What about your influences on others in the Church or the general society? Determine to be a positive influence on those God sends your way!

PRAYER:

Lord, I pray for myself and others in your Church and ask for forgiveness for our negative influences on people seeking refuge in your Church. Please give us a new start, of making and growing disciples because we truly follow you. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

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DAILY word study: CONVERT The Greek word used for "convert" in Matthew 23:15 is "προσήλυτος" (proselytos), illustrating the intentional decision of an individual to adopt a new faith or belief system. This term signifies a comprehensive transformation encompassing not only outward practices, but also one's worldview, values, and lifestyle. Within this context, Jesus admonishes the Pharisees for prioritizing surface-level conversions, neglecting the vital internal change that leads to genuine spiritual growth.

The term "convert" serves as a poignant reminder that authentic faith goes beyond external gestures. It prompts us to embark on an inner journey that results in a profound and sincere relationship with the Divine. This depth of transformation resonates with Jesus' teachings, emphasizing the importance of a heart aligned with God's truth.

Moreover, Jesus' critique challenges us to examine the motives behind our own efforts to lead others to faith. Are we primarily focused on numerical growth, or are we deeply invested in nurturing authentic spiritual transformation? The term "convert" calls us to prioritize the transformation of the heart, not just the adherence to rituals or doctrines.

In what ways can we ensure that our efforts to guide others towards faith reflect the profound transformation encapsulated in the term "convert"?