Sermons on Matthew 23:11-12:

Religion Vs. Relationship

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Feb 9, 2022

This message contrasts religion and relationship, showing that religion is not to be desired. However, a relationship with Jesus is to be highly treasured. Why? Religion brings about death, but relationship brings about life.

Whenever you hear of the word “religion,” what comes to mind? Perhaps attending a church service, someone worshipping a Buddha statue, a baptismal service, someone reciting a chant or prayer, someone fasting, people praying to the east every hour, someone making an animal sacrifice, or someone ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-28

Denomination: Baptist

Hypocrisy Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Aug 5, 2022

If Christians really love Jesus, why is there so much hurt in the church? Jesus confronted the hypocrisy of religious people and desires that his disciples walk in love.

INTRODUCTION • In our new series, Hot Topics, we will dig into six tough topics that people inside and outside the church often think about (even if we don't ask about them out loud!): • If Christians love Jesus, why is there so much hypocrisy in the church? • How can we trust the Bible? ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-36

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The New Temple Really Exists Now

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Aug 19, 2022

What we should do, routinely and habitually, is commit ourselves to acting rightly and then do not expect any reward, any promotion.

Saturday of 20th Week in Course It’s always interesting when a reading from Scripture begins with the words “afterwards. . .” or “after this. . .” because when we hear those words we ask the question “after what?” So when we go back to chapter 42 of Ezekiel, we get the answer. Ezekiel, a prophet ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12, Ezekiel 43:1-7, Psalm 85:9-13

Denomination: Catholic

Sincere Faith: An Exposition Of Matthew 23:1-12

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Oct 24, 2020

It is all too easy to play the hypocrite. Sermon for Proper 26, After Pentecost, Year A

Sincere Faith: An Exposition of Matthew 23:1-12 Everyone wants to feel important. People want to display their titles and achievements. Everyone wants to have a lot of followers on social media. People want to become influencers. Not only does it bring prestige, but it can also be quite ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Humility Or Hypocrisy

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Oct 30, 2020

As followers of Christ Jesus, we should be more concerned about the orientation of our heart and lives than we are about outward appearances.

Humility or Hypocrisy Matthew 23: 1 - 12 Intro: A story is told of a Texas rancher who met up with a Wisconsin dairy farmer. The 2 men talked about their land & the dairy farmer told the rancher that he operated his farm on 125 acres. The Texan, not to be outdone said, “Yankee, that ain’t ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

I Am The Path

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on Nov 2, 2020

Jesus is the path to heaven not the scribes and Pharisees.

Matthew 23:1-12 “I am The Path” E. Stanley Jones tells of the missionary in the jungle. He got lost with nothing around him but bush and a few cleared places. He finally found a small village and asked one of the natives if he could lead him out of the jungle. The native said he could. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12

Denomination: Methodist

Matthew 23:1-12

Contributed by Steven W. Satterfield on Nov 4, 2020

Humbling Experiences

Christ spoke about the scribes and the Pharisees (v 1-4) Do what they say, not what they do. Phylacteries and tassels (v 5) VIP Seating and titles (v 6, 7) Don't be called teacher. (v 8) Don't call anyone father (v 9) Don't be called leader. (v 10) Have a servant heart. (v ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12

Denomination: Vineyard

Are There Hierarchies Of Christians In Heaven?

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Jul 20, 2020

There is a growing belief that the better a Christian behaves or does things for God, the greater their rank and job responsibilities will be in the heavenly kingdom - and they will also be rewarded with a deeper relationship with God.

There are primarily two schools of thought that have emerged over the years about what the reward of Heaven will be. Some believe that there will be different gifts and varying degrees of happiness in Heaven based upon a merit type of system done on earth and how well a person works at their ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:17, Matthew 11:28, Revelation 3:5, Romans 12:3, Ephesians 2:8-10, Matthew 5:12, Luke 14:11, Matthew 23:12, Matthew 19:30, Colossians 2:9-10, Philippians 3:7-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Kinahinatnan Ng Kapalaluan

Contributed by James Dina on Aug 9, 2020

Kung sinumang nagtataas ng kanyang sarili ay magpapababa, at ang nagpapakumbaba sa kanyang sarili ay itataas. Wala kang magagawa na mabuti maliban kung ang "makapangyarihang kamay ng Diyos" ay sumasa iyo!

KINAHINATNAN NG KAPALALUAN "Ang kapalaluan ay nauna sa pagkawasak, at isang mapagmataas na espiritu bago bumagsak" (Kawikaan 16:18). Ang pagmamataas, ang panganay na anak na lalaki ng impiyerno, marumi at bastos, ay isang ringleader at kapitan sa mga kasamaan, walang katapangan ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:12, Esther 7:9

Denomination: Pentecostal

Imagine A Perfect Universe: Genesis, Revelation, And The Cross Of Jesus Christ

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Jun 1, 2021

I imagine in the perfect state the world existed in Genesis 2 reality made a great deal of sense. Everything was good and right. I imagine the universe itself, the alignment of the stars and galaxies was much different.

I imagine in the perfect state the world existed in Genesis 2 reality made a great deal of sense. Everything was good and right. I imagine the universe itself, the alignment of the stars and galaxies was much different. Even to the point where it would be hardly imaginable. In the current state ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:54-60, Isaiah 14:12-15, Matthew 23:12, Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Salvation Army

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

Faithful In Service Series

Contributed by Rev. Timothy Porter on Jan 12, 2021

I wanna pose to you today, and that is this: If somebody were to describe you with the word "always," what would they say?

SERIES SELFLESS week 2 - Faithful In Service Pastor Timothy Porter Text: Acts 9:36-43 INTRODUCTION: Hey, it's great to have all of you with us today. All of our Bridge Church peeps guest and our Church Online family! Thank you for choosing to gather with us today! I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:11, Acts 9:36-43

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Witnessing To The Culture Of Death Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Mar 7, 2020

We must work and pray, as St. Benedict told us to do. Work for the spread of the kingdom in our families and communities, and vote as a Christian must, for godly men and women who will resist the culture of death and legislate for life, peace, and goodness.

Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Lent 2020 For our first reading today, I have chosen to begin earlier in the first chapter of Isaiah than the Lectionary suggests, and to add the verses the Lectionary omits. The Lenten readings take a great deal of the very long prophecies of Isaiah, but they omit ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 1:10-20, Matthew 23:1-12

Denomination: Catholic

Warning: Pride Will Destroy Your Life

Contributed by Eduardo Quintana on Mar 10, 2020

"Warning: pride will destroy your life". We live in a nation of NO FEAR. We’ve all seen the bumper stickers, we’ve all read the T-shirts. NO FEAR! It’s not just an American slogan. It’s an American state of mind.

"Warning: pride will destroy your life". We live in a nation of NO FEAR. We’ve all seen the bumper stickers, we’ve all read the T-shirts. NO FEAR! It’s not just an American slogan. It’s an American state of mind. I would have no problem with it being the slogan of or our military. I would ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 9:19-20, Matthew 23:12, Romans 1:30, 2 Timothy 3:2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Please Use The Servant Entrance

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Mar 23, 2020

We naturally want to be in control of our lives and focus on taking care of ourselves first. But Jesus set the example of being a servant.

If you were to ask me what my favorite TV show is right now, I think I would have to answer “West Wing.” I’m really enjoying the opportunity to see something of the inner workings of the white house and how policies come together. Today’s text, the story of the birth of Jesus, leaves me thinking ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20, Philippians 2:7, Matthew 20:26, Matthew 23:11