Sermons on San Mateo 23:5:

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

Living In The Kingdom Part 13 Series

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Feb 11, 2022

In Part 13 of this series, we examine what Jesus said about our charitable giving being private. When we give to the church or do anything for those in need it should not be publicized in a desire to receive recognition for what we have done.

Living in the Kingdom 13 Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4; 23:2-5; Exodus 13:16; Numbers 15:38 I am continuing with my series “Living in the Kingdom.” This week we will begin examining what is recorded in the first four verses of Matthew chapter six. In these verses Jesus talks about those things we do ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4, Matthew 23:2-5, Exodus 13:16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Leaving Religion Entering Kingdom

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Sep 5, 2021

Jesus always talked about Kingdom, the Kingdom of God, Kingdom of Heaven, the Kingdom is at Hand, my Kingdom is not of this world. Today when we hear the word kingdom, immediately many different ideas, concepts, and pictures come to mind.

Leaving Religion Entering Kingdom By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. OPENING: When you are traveling down the road regardless of where you are going you will pass a sign that says Leaving (Michigan) so and so and Entering (Ohio) so and so. I am leaving one destination and I am entering into ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:18, James 1:27, Matthew 23:5

Denomination: Apostolic

The Super Surrendered Self.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Oct 13, 2021

The self is the real you, the unique person. The self is everything about you. It's your temperament, traits, personality, character, mood, thoughts, attitudes, values...

The Super Surrendered Self. Luke 9:23-25TPT. The self is the real you, the unique person. The self is everything about you. It's your temperament, traits, personality, character, mood, thoughts, attitudes, values, and your deepest believes. The self is the internal you, the invisible you, the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23-24, Matthew 23:5

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Week That Changed The World: The Day Jesus Saw The Downfall Of Apostate Religion Series

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Jul 15, 2021

Jesus finished His final day of public ministry. He taught the crowds in the Temple, confronted difficult questions, and then left for good. The Temple and its religious system was corrupt, useless, and irredeemable, and would be judged by God.

Mark 12:28-44 gives us details about the final day of Jesus' public ministry and HIs departure from the Temple. He will go to the Mount of Olives and present to His astonished disciples the reality of what is to come in the future, and it does not involve a new Israel free from Rome, nor the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:34-46, Mark 12:28-44, Luke 10:25-28, Luke 20:41-47, Luke 21:1-4, Matthew 23:1-7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

What Is This World Coming To?

Contributed by Jeff Taylor on Jun 15, 2023

All of us at one point and time have asked this same question, "What is this world coming to?" What IS this world coming to? Join me and find out what just may shock you as being the answer to that question.

All of us at one point and time have asked this same question, "What is this world coming to?" What IS this world coming to? What is REALLY going on out there today? Every day, we hear about unspeakable violence happening in our schools, our shopping malls, department stores and even ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 9:17-20, Matthew 23:1-39

Denomination: Pentecostal

Servitude Trumps Corruption

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Nov 1, 2023

For a priest or Levite, Malachi’s accusation that they had “corrupted the covenant of Levi” was just about the worst word he could throw at them.

Thirty-first Sunday in Course 2023 Today the Church gives us a snippet from St. Paul’s first letter to Thessalonika, and it echoes the sentiment of our psalm. The psalmist assumes an attitude we should all aspire to: “O Lord, my heart is not haughty, my eyes not lifted high; I busy myself not with ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-13, Matthew 23:1-12, Malachi 1:8-10, Philippians 2:3

Denomination: Catholic

Humility

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Nov 2, 2023

Because adopting a stance of humility before others is difficult for us, we would rather witness it that show it.

Humility – Matthew 23:1-12 Intro: In the 2004 Olympics, Matt Emmons was competing in the 50-meter three-position rifle event and was just one shot away from winning the gold medal. As he took his position to fire the final shot, all he had to do was hit the target. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Don't Fake Faith

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on Nov 6, 2023

Jesus says the religious leaders are faking faith, s let not fake faith.

“Don’t Fake Faith” Matthew 23:1-12 1. We have heard this somewhere before haven’t we “Fake News”. In our text today Jesus gets the idea there is some folks who are Faking Faith • In this Gospel of Matthew Jesus denounces the scribes and Pharisees they “tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12

Denomination: Methodist

Overcoming False Humility And False Change Of Heart Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Dec 10, 2024

In this sermon, we will explore the biblical teachings on this topic, examining the characteristics of false humility and false change of heart, and providing guidance on how to overcome these counterfeit spiritual experiences.

As believers, we are often encouraged to cultivate humility and to seek a change of heart. However, the Bible warns us about the dangers of false humility and false change of heart. In this sermon, we will explore the biblical teachings on this topic, examining the characteristics of false humility ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:5

Sermon # 40 - Beware Of Hypocrisy Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Jun 22, 2023

Is it permissible for a believer to lead a dichotomous life? Here’s what the word of God teaches about hypocrisy, and the kind of life that God expects us to lead as His disciples.

Jesus’ words to his disciples in Luke 12:1, “Meanwhile the people had come streaming towards Him by tens of thousands, so that they were trampling one another under foot. And now He proceeded to say to His disciples first, "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, that is to say, beware of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:1, Matthew 23:3, Matthew 23:5-6, Proverbs 29:25, Colossians 3:23-24, Matthew 23:24, Luke 18:10-12, Luke 18:14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

His Name Is On My Heart

Contributed by Dennis Fox on Mar 16, 2024

Sports stars wear corporate logos and represent them. We also put our name on things that belong to us. If Jesus is on our heart, the we become his representative and we become his children.

One of the funnier on-line rants was a friend of our son’s, over a seat in a classroom. They were all about month into the semester at A&M and when he came to the class, someone was in his seat. His reasoning was if your two weeks into the semester, that is your seat. So yah, I could see ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 9:3, Proverbs 3:3, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Jeremiah 31:33, Matthew 23:5-7, 2 Corinthians 5:20, 2 Corinthians 3:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

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

Bad Religion SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Oct 23, 2023

An exposition on Matthew 23:1-25. Christianity is not about making converts to dogma but making converts to love.

Good morning, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. As we gather here today, we find ourselves on the precipice of a journey, a journey that will take us through the winding roads of faith, the valleys of doubt, and the mountains of revelation. We are here to embark on a pilgrimage through the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-25

Topics: Toxic Religion

Superficial Love

Contributed by Jim Brown on Feb 14, 2026

What is real love? Everyone wants real love! God is Love!

Superficial Love Valentine's day is coming up so I thought we’d talk about love! What is real love? We want real love! God is Love Most Popular were Good Looking Have you ever noticed that the good looking was always the most popular? They always got the date - Yeah I’m jealous because I’m ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12, Matthew 23:25-28, Matthew 6:25-29, Matthew 10:29-31, Isaiah 53:1-3, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, 1 John 4:7-21, John 13:34-35  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist