Examining Our Heroes And Our Hearts

EXAMINING OUR HEROES AND OUR HEARTS

MATTHEW 23

INTRODUCTION

A. Lilyan Wilder in Professionally Speaking refers to the “invent-an-image politicians,” in which many politicians hire consultants to teach them how to “look natural.” She says that it doesn’t work because, “You can’t create humanity from the outside in.”

B. She is right, but she is wrong! Being genuine is an inside job, but many a politician has been elected because he or she had a good “make up” staff.

C. Invent-an-Image spiritual leaders promote invent-an-image Christianity.

D. The Pharisees of Jesus’ day specialized in looking good on the outside.

I. JESUS DECLARED THAT IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE THAT COUNTS (Matt 15:19)

A. Jesus pronounces six woes against external righteousness (Matt 23:25-28).

B. The seventh seems unrelated to the first six (Matt 23:29-33)

C. The relationship will become clear when we join the prophet Amos.

II. AMOS DRAWS THE NET OF JUDGMENT AROUND ISRAEL

A. Amos began by announcing God’s punishment against the people surrounding Israel and Judah (Amos 1:3-2:3).

B. Israel would have been thrilled when Amos denounced Judah who was the “half-sister” of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (1 Kgs 12:16-33 gives the details).

B. Amos then “drops the hammer” on Israel (Amos 2:6-8).

III WE NOW MOVE BACK TO THE NEW TESTAMENT

A. We see a true picture of the invent-an-image Pharisees who Stephen declared to be just like their fathers who killed the prophets:

B. He first rehearsed their proud history in Acts Seven:

1. The choice of Abraham from whom they ascended (v.2)

2. The covenant of circumcision which was dear to their hearts (v.7)

3. The tabernacle of testimony (vv.44)

4. The driving out of the nations (v.45)

5. Solomon’s temple (v.47).

C. Then Stephen "stopped preaching and began meddling" (Acts 7:51-53).

D. As result, he was stoned (Acts 7:54-60)

CONCLUSION:

A. Verbal stonings take place today:

1. In some places, because a brazen brother suggests that some are more concerned about the translation one carries than how it is translated into life.

2. In some places, because a brazen brother suggests that some of us are racists.

3. In some places because, a brazen brother suggests that some of us honor the “fathers,” but reject the principles for which they fought.

B. Examine our heroes:

1. Are they the ones who comfort us by skinning the sectarians, damning the denominations, and denouncing the digressives?

2. Or, are they the ones who confront us with the truth about ourselves.

3. The truth will set us free only if we face it and follow it.