Sermons on Matthew 23:31:

Tough Love

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Aug 1, 2020

A warning not only for Israel then, but for the church now. The long-suffering of God.

TOUGH LOVE. Matthew 23:13-39. 1. Jesus spares not to warn those who are on the path to “the damnation of hell” (Matthew 23:33), using such expressions as “woe unto you” (eight times), “hypocrites” (seven times), “blind guides” or “fools and blind” (five times), “ye serpents, (ye) generation of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:13-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Tyranny Of The Experts

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 3, 2021

A study of the danger posed when experts assume control over a society, over a community, or over a church. The message is a call to participatory Christianity.

“Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-36

Denomination: Baptist

Nit-Picker Or Disciple? Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Aug 21, 2021

It’s a constant battle to make prayer not just external, but an action of listening to God that can change our hearts and behaviors.

Tuesday of 21st week in Course Today we have one of the great analogies of Biblical literature–only St. Matthew has it–you strain out the gnat and swallow the camel. Jesus says “Oy! You nitpick the little stuff and neglect the critical duties.” The people described by the Hebrew word ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Psalm 139:1-6, Matthew 23:23-36

Denomination: Catholic

The Fourth Church Of The Apocalypse Thyatira Series

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Jun 2, 2020

The Church at Thyatira had much to commend it but had one fatal flaw, it allowed Jezebel and her teaching to flourish

The Fourth Church of the Apocalypse - The Church at Thyatira Introduction We have been looking at the Churches of the Apocalypse during lockdown However, as it was Pentecost last week, we ducked out of our series to look at Acts 2 as an exception We are now back on course and looking at the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29, Matthew 23:25-39

Denomination: Anglican

Finding The Faith Of Our Heroes - Part 1: Abel - The First Prophet Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Jul 20, 2015

We need faith in God, because faith is: 1. The only rock-solid foundation for life (vs. 1). 2. The only way to see the unseen spiritual world (vs. 1, 3). 3. The only way to truly worship God (vs. 4). 4. The only way to get a good report from God (vs. 2, 4).

Finding the Faith of Our Heroes Part 1: Abel - The First Prophet Hebrews 11:1-4; Genesis 4:1-4; Matthew 23:29-35 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - July 12, 2015 (Revised August 18, 2023) *One of the hymns I grew up singing said, "Faith of our fathers, living still, In spite ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-4, Genesis 4:1-4, Matthew 23:29-35

Denomination: Baptist

Pharisee Or Holiness?

Contributed by Craig Benner on Oct 22, 2014

There are many who would argue that a Pharisee and one who believes in holiness are one in the same. I beg to differ. True holiness affects the external and the internal. It affects the acts and the attitude.

Are you a Pharisee or are you Holiness? Let us see if there is a difference and determine to understand why some people have trouble differentiating between the two. Pharisee = a person in the role of religious service who believes that his or her title and/or office automatically make him or her ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-33

Denomination: Pentecostal

What Kind Of Spirit Do You Have Part#2

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Feb 7, 2021

One of the greatest hindrances you will encounter in your Christian walk is that of the religious spirit. Religious spirits endeavor to interfere with the free flow of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

What Kind of Spirit Do you Have? By Bishop Melvin Maughmer Part #2 OPENING: - Last night before I went to bed, I was watching the local news and this church here in Florida received a violation for violating covid restrictions. They didn’t have a permit to have the event that had several thousand ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:6, Matthew 23:1-31

Denomination: Apostolic

Will Christians Go Through The Tribulation Period? (Viii) Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Feb 23, 2021

Olivet Discourse is examined as the relationship of the rapture to end-time events is analyzed. Exegetical challenges found in Matthew 24 and the parallel passages are discussed. This study focuses on Matthew 24:1-14.

We have been seeking to answer the question: Will Christians go through the tribulation period. This is the eighth message in the series. In this session we will begin an analysis of the Olivet Discourse. The Olivet Discourse is Jesus’s prophetic message recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 9:27, Psalm 118:26, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Revelation 13:1-18, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, Acts 2:16-21, Matthew 23:1-39, Matthew 24:1-51  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Radical Reformation

Contributed by Dr. Casey Adams on Oct 11, 2018

This message covers the topic of personal reformation through Christ Jesus

I. "FOR FROM WITHIN, OUT OF THE HEART OF MEN PROCEED EVIL THOUGHTS, ADULTERIES, FORNICATIONS, MURDERS . . . ALL THESE THINGS COME FROM WITHIN" A. A careful study of the life and teachings of our Lord reveal: 1. That He taught the most radical reform of all reformers 2. He pointed to the very root ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:5-7, Jeremiah 13:23, John 8:36, John 15:5, Ezekiel 36:26-28, Romans 7:18, Psalm 51:5, Matthew 7:12, John 4:22-23, John 3:3-9, Zechariah 4:6, John 3:6, Matthew 15:1-9, Mark 7:1-13, Matthew 23:1-36, Matthew 15:19-20, John 8:34, Matthew 23:25-26, Jeremiah 17:9, Mark 7:21-23, Luke 18:10-14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

How Can You Escape The Condemnation Of Hell? Series

Contributed by Doug Fannon on Oct 22, 2018

Jesus asked the question to the Scribes and Pharisees who were going through life filling squares and never having the heart right with Him.

Today we are starting a new sermon series entitled: The Questions Jesus Asked. Jesus had a way of asking questions to which He fully knew the answers. The question Jesus asked where for our benefit, not his. Jesus being divine, He is all knowing, so in a sense, His questions are rhetorical. God ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:31-36

Denomination: Baptist

What Jesus’ Grief Over Jerusalem Reveals Series

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Mar 30, 2023

The reasons for grief are many, such as the loss of a loved one, the loss of health, or the letting go of a long-held dream. Dealing with a significant loss can be one of the most difficult times in a person's life. Jesus sees God’s dream for Jerusalem slipping away.

Sermon: What Jesus’ Grief over Jerusalem Reveals Matthew 23:37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. 38 And now, look, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-36, Matthew 23:37-39, Acts 7:51-53, Proverbs 29:1-2

Denomination: Methodist

Don't Overthink Truth

Contributed by Don Campbell on Apr 20, 2023

Overthinking the truth can result in the paralysis of analysis or it can result in distorted truths that are torn from the context in which they were spoken and made to serve as handmaidens for many false doctrines.

DON’T OVERTHINK TRUTH “Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself?” (Eccl 7:16) INTRODUCTION A. Solomon is not suggesting a lukewarm relationship with God nor a lackadaisical pursuit of knowledge or wisdom, but we can overthink the truth, resulting ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:23-34, Matthew 23:23-38

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Sermon # 40 - Mercy Instead Of Judgement Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Jan 10, 2025

Jonah freely accepted God’s mercy but wanted God’s judgement to be given the people of Nineveh. God’s word reminds us that it is not our prerogative to judge others, but rather to be merciful to them, just as God is merciful to us.

We read in Jonah 4:4, “Then the LORD said, "Do you think it is right for you to be angry?" (ERV) The God who created heaven and the earth asked Jonah the prophet, if he thought it was right to be angry with Him, very much like a parent would enquire of their child, who is upset with ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 4:4, 2 Peter 3:9, Psalm 103:1-2, Luke 7:36, Matthew 23:13-36, Luke 7:37-38, Luke 7:40-46, Luke 7:1-3, Matthew 5:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Examining Our Heroes And Our Hearts

Contributed by Don Campbell on Feb 2, 2026

In Matthew 23, Jesus pronounced seven woes denouncing superficial righteousness.

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 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:25-33

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus, Filling Up Israel's Gaps (Isaiah 7) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Oct 9, 2024

Builds off Brandon D. Crowe's article "Fulfillment in Matthew as Eschatological Reversal." Broadening people's perspectives on how the NT "fulfills" the OT.

Today marks an expected rabbit trail off our rabbit trail. I'm going to try to introduce you to one of the most complicated subjects in all of biblical study-- the way the NT uses the OT. And then next week, we will inch our way back closer to the rabbit trail I'd planned on taking. ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 7:1-17, Isaiah 8:5-10, Matthew 1:18-23, Matthew 5:17-18, Matthew 2:13-15, Hosea 11:1-7, Matthew 23:23-39  (view more)  (view less)