Sermons on Mateo 23:8:

Recognizing (And Recovering From) Spiritual Abuse

Contributed by Jim Miller on May 18, 2003

Spiritually abused Christians and spiritual abusers are more prevalent than you may think. This sermon identifies spiritual abuse and offers some remedies.

INTRODUCTION I am a victim of spiritual abuse. And, chances are, if you have been a member of a church or religious organization for any length of time, you are too. Spiritual abuse surfaces in an assortment of forms: sometimes in-your-face flagrant; other times behind-your-back subtle. It emerges ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God's Perspective On Sin Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jun 8, 2025

God's justice requires punishment for sin...

God's Holiness: The Bible emphasizes God's holiness, which demands justice and righteousness (Leviticus 11:44-45, Isaiah 6:1-5). Consequences of Sin: Sin has consequences, as seen in Romans 6:23, which states that the wages of sin is death. God's Justice: God's justice requires ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:10, Matthew 23:1-36

Misplaced Trust And The God Who Never Fails

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Jun 28, 2025

This sermon warns against placing our trust in human leaders, reputation, or spiritual gifts, reminding us that true holiness and steadfast faith can only be found by fixing our eyes on Christ alone and walking in humble obedience through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Misplaced Trust and the God who Never Fails Matthew 23:1-10; Acts 8:14-23; 3 John 1:9-10; 1 Samuel 8:1-7; Luke 22:31-34 To be “holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15) is no light command—it’s a high calling that reaches into every corner of our lives. In the Old Testament alone, Israel was given 613 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-10, Acts 8:14-23, 3 John 1:9-10, 1 Samuel 8:1-7, Luke 22:31-34  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Eight Woes Upon The Pharisees

Contributed by Curtis Kittrell on Sep 13, 2001

the 8 woes of sin as displayed by the Pharisees in Jesus time. They profess to be the only guide in religion, but are blind to truth and practical Christianity. They strain at gnats and swallow camels.

Eight Woes Upon The Pharisees Marks of a Pharisee Matthew 23:1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Matthew 23:2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: Matthew 23:2 a [Moses’ seat] Twenty-one Characteristics of Hypocrites 1. They demand respect as ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-39

Denomination: Pentecostal

Eight Woes Upon The Pharisees

Contributed by Curtis Kittrell on Sep 14, 2001

Matthew 23:2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat:

Eight Woes Upon The Pharisees By Pastor CG Marks of a Pharisee Matthew 23:1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Matthew 23:2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: Matthew 23:2 a [Moses’ seat] Twenty-one Characteristics of Hypocrites 1. They demand ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-39

Denomination: Pentecostal

Religious Or Christ-Like?

Contributed by Roddy Chestnut on Oct 18, 2000

Thesis: There is a big difference between being "religious" and following Jesus Christ.

Thesis: There is a big difference between being "religious" and following Jesus Christ. Intro.: 1. When you hear someone use the word "religion" or hear someone refer to another person as "religious" what do you think of? a. Illust. Do you think of "Church Lady" on Saturday Night Live who goes ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-39

Humble Servants PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 29, 2023

The importance of living lives that reflect God's justice and truth, resisting hypocrisy, and honoring God through our actions.

Good morning, family. Today, we're gonna dive into an important discussion that's as relevant today as it was during the times of the prophets, Jesus, and Paul. Our focus will be on three key passages: Matthew 23:1-12, Micah 3:5-12, and 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13. These Scriptures teach us about ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12, Micah 3:5-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13

Topics: Humble Servants

Be Humble PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 9, 2023

Explore the importance of humility in our Christian walk and discuss how we can practically live out this virtue in our daily lives.

Good morning, Church Family! It's a joy to gather with you all today as we delve into the teachings of Jesus on humility. You know, the Christian writer Andrew Murray once said, "Pride must die in you, or nothing of heaven can live in you." That's a powerful statement, isn't it? It underlines the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12

Topics: Humility

Rapture Ready--Living With Authentic Faith Matthew 23 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Sep 14, 2025

To be rapture ready, we must move from empty religion to authentic relationship with CHRIST. JESUS condemns hypocrisy and calls us to authentic faith expressed in humility, obedience, and servant leadership. Outward show can’t replace inward surrender. Be watchful. Be faithful. Be ready.

2025.09.14 Sermon. RAPTURE READY_LIVING WITH AUTHENTIC FAITH_WOE TO HYPOCRISY, YES TO HUMILITY Matthew 23 William Akehurst, HSWC Scripture Readings Matthew 23:1-39, 2 Timothy 3:5, James 1:22, Philippians 2:3, Luke 12:1, John 10:9, 1 Timothy 6:5, Micah 6:8, Matthew 15:8, 1 Samuel 16:7, Matthew ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-39, 2 Timothy 3:5, James 1:22, Philippians 2:3, Luke 12:1, John 10:9, 1 Timothy 6:5, Micah 6:8, Matthew 15:8, 1 Samuel 16:7, Matthew 5:20, Matthew 7:21-23, Revelation 3:1-3, 2 Peter 3:9, John 14:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, Matthew 24:44, Matthew 23:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:6, Matthew 23:39  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus' Classroom

Contributed by James Chandler on Apr 6, 2003

Jesus taught some very important lessons about Christian character near the end of his life. Here are three of them.

Last week we saw Jesus coming into Jerusalem in the “Triumphal Entry.” Remember the scene...Jesus on the back of a donkey. People lining the streets with palm branches. Hosanna, Hosanna! This week the scene changes. It’s no longer an exciting street lined with people. Now it is a classroom. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:28-32, Matthew 23:1-28

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

So You Want To Be A Pharisee!

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jan 26, 2002

So you want to be a Pharisee and be in contradiction to the teachings and example set by Jesus? Watch out Jesus is going to humble you!

So you want to be a Pharisee! Thesis: So you want to be a Pharisee and be in contradiction to the teachings and example set by Jesus? Watch out Jesus is going to humble you! Texts: Matthew 5:20 20For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:20, Matthew 23:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Let God See The Plumbing

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Oct 21, 2002

When it comes down to it, do you let God in on the inside of you - or do you hold Him at arms length? Take a lesson from the religious establishment of Jesus’ day - let God into the ugly inner parts of your life, and let the Great Plumber heal you.

A few years back I did a remodeling project at my house - the carpenter did much of the work but I cut costs by doing the plumbing myself. After putting in a bathroom over our garage the area was covered up by sheetrock. One day as I was walking to my car I felt a drop of water hit my eye. I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-30

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

There's Always Room For One More

Contributed by John Beehler on Oct 29, 2002

Hey, peacock, how broad are your phylacteries and how long are your fringes?

There’s Always Room for One More A Texas rancher met up with a Wisconsin dairy farmer. The two men began talking about their land and the milkman told the cattleman that he operated his business on 125 acres. The Texan scoffed at such a small parcel of land. He said, "Yankee, that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Humility

Contributed by William Baeta on Nov 1, 2002

“But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” Matt. 23:11-12.

Theme: Humility Text: Mal. 1:14, 2:8-10; 1 Thess. 2:7-9, 13; Matt. 23:1-12 God has a divine plan for each person’s life. This plan, however, can only be fulfilled when one totally depends on God and this is only possible when one lives a life of humility. It is humility that allows us to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12, Malachi 2:8-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Order Of Respect

Contributed by Paul Kallan on Nov 2, 2002

Respect and Honour are to be earned rather than to be demanded.

The gospel passage Mt 23.1-12 speaks to the hearts of many people, especially, those who feel dominated and oppressed by others. Jesus turns himself harshly against those who try to put themselves up over others and lord over them. He is quite clear of the consequences of a social order that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12

Denomination: Catholic