Contrasting Pharisaical Values And Christlike Love

Contrasting Pharisaical Behavior and Christ Like Love

- Matthew 9:11,12

1. Pharisaical Values Were Rooted in Their Traditions and Rigidity versus Christ’s Values were rooted in Loving the Lord with all of one’s heart, soul, strength, and mind which motivated one to love one’s neighbor as ourself.

2. Pharisaical insistence on following every small aspect of their own laws for the approval of men versus Christ’s insistence on following the leading of Holy Spirit in the heart of every believer through the teaching of holistic Biblically based truths

3. Pharisaical emphasis on pleasing God through keeping to legalistic standards versus Christ’s emphasis on pleasing God by doing the Father’s will with the right motives

4. Pharisaical examples of elevating themselves to the highest seats in the temple through insider politics and close attention to the laws of their forefathers versus Christ’s example of elevating oneself by being a servant to all. “The greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

5. Pharisaical rewards were given through elaborate festival performance and political intrigue versus Christ promised rewards that are laid up in heaven for those who will be content with the inner rewards given to those who please God through quiet service and obedience

6. Pharisaical problems of taking religion for granted because of its familiarity versus Christ who overcame the problems of the coldness of familiarity by emphasizing a fresh developing relationship with the heavenly Father through daily devotional times in prayer and in study of the scriptures

7. Pharisaical manipulative use of money for their selfish interests versus Christ’s example of living a simple lifestyle and urging others to store up for themselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy or where thieves do not break in or steal. He said, “Where your treasure is there will your heart be also.”

8. Pharisaical blindness to their forefathers’ rejection of the godly prophets sent for their correction and instruction. Religious leaders rejected Christ as their forefathers rejected the prophets who were before Him. In contrast Christ showed a willingness to confront the Pharisees with their stubborn pride in rejecting Him

7. Pharisaical fear of men in positions of power. The scribes and the Pharisees became experts at using the law to instill fear in their people. The religious leaders used threats and religious intimidation to control their people. In contrast Christ taught people how to love God, keep His commandments. Christ taught not to fear men who have no real spiritual power. Christ did not threaten people with the law. It was said of Christ, “The law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

8. Pharisaical attempts to become holy and righteous through the external observance of laws. The religious leaders tried to satisfy their consciences through the keeping of the law. They believed that they deserved to go to heaven and merit God’s favor through their religiosity. This is in sharp contrast to Christ’s attempts to show people that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. He said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6) Jesus said, “Except your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees you will never enter into heaven. This level of righteousness is only obtainable by trusting Christ as our personal Savior.

9. Pharisaical’s attempts to place a high standard to get into heaven that made it appear as an exclusive club for the very religious versus Christ’s desire to see all people saved through the forgiveness of their sins by placing their faith in Him as a substitutionary payment for their sins.

10. Pharisaical emphasis on rigidity, legalism, and conformity to human religious standards. They develop their own religious culture versus Christ’s emphasis on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control against of which there is no law. Christ perfectly modeled how to live a life full of grace and truth.

11. Pharisaical tendency to pretend to be something that they were not – holy and in good relations with God versus Christ’s teaching to confess our sins and ask for God’s mercy. Christ’s transforming grace helps us become more like our heavenly Father

12. Pharisaical tendency to draft a law for every aspect of human living versus Christ’s desire to want to develop a greater love for the Lord, His word and His will

13. Pharisaical fault finding for anyone who failed to live up to their man made codes. They loved a good fight. Yet, Christ said, “Before you criticize the speck in your brother’s eye, first remove the log from your own

14. Pharisaical attention to their own human and religious priorities versus Christ’s attention to the priorities of loving God and men, saving the lost and building His kingdom through the planting and growing of churches