The Pharisee In Us All

Dr. Ronald N. Hesser

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©  2010 Dr. Ronald N. Hesser. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse   6/8/2010

ISBN: 1-4259-4817-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4520-4051-6 (e)

Printed in the United States of America

Bloomington, Indiana

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

A special thank you to Vanessa Smedley, the artist who created the wonderful artwork for my book, and Lauri Lowrimore for help typing my manuscript.

Dedication

Dedicated to Dr. Wilbert Winston Lynch, native of Guyana, citizen of Kenya, founder and President of Living Stones Ministries, missionary, partner of Crio Ministries and faithful friend, who has by humble example given his life to planting and establishing churches world wide for the Kingdom of God.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1.   Misinterpreted Word

(Mark 7: 1-13)

2.   Externalism

(Mark 7:14-23)

3.   Racial Prejudice

(Luke 10:25-37)

4.   Legalism

(Matthew 23:23)

5.   Continual Seeking for a Sign

(Matthew 12:38)

6.   No Heart for the Lost

(Matthew 9:11&12)

7.   Showed No Mercy on the Guilty

(Matthew 12:7)

8.   Caused People to Miss Salvation

(Matthew 23: 13-15)

9.   Hypocrisy

(Matthew 6:16)

10.   Heaped Heavy Burdens on People

(Matthew 23: 4)

11.   Loved To Be Seen of Men

(Matthew 6:5)

12.   Worldly and Satanic Desires

(John 8:23)

13.   Spiritually Blind

(John 9:39)

14.   Old Wineskins

(Luke 5:33-39 and Mark 2:21-22)

15.   Don’t Have Teachable Spirits

(John 9:34)

16.   Materialism

(Luke 16:14)

17.   Coveted Political Control and Power Over the People

(John 11: 45-57)

Conclusion

Epilogue

Summary/ Study Guide

References

Introduction

Over one third of the Gospels involve situations where Jesus was either speaking to the Pharisees or referencing their behavior. They often carried on lively debates and they each “tested” the other. Matthew 22:15 says the Pharisees “plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk,” then in verse 42, Jesus seeks them out and perplexes them over the “sonship of the Messiah.”1 As church leaders today we need to take an in-depth look at the Pharisees’ lifestyles and teachings, for they were one of the main leadership groups in the church of Jesus’ day.

Since Jesus had not been resurrected and the Holy Spirit dispensed at Pentecost, He did not have a contemporary, visible example of the church He wanted to establish. Therefore, He had to criticize and judge what He didn’t want in a New Covenant church. We as believers and leaders need to find out what they were doing wrong, and then do the opposite. The message then is to take the negative and turn it into a positive.

In pastoring, I have observed that most Believers’ reactions to reading about the Pharisees is to disassociate themselves from them and pass them off quickly as some Jewish clerics that were just jealous of Jesus. Since we don’t fit the category of a jealous Jewish cleric that Jesus called vipers and hypocrites, we think to ourselves “they were sure bad guys, but I’m not like that,” and then not apply it to our lives or church life. After studying in the Bible the Pharisee teachings as a whole, I began to realize I have either done or been tempted by all of their errors myself. I had narrowly characterized the Pharisees as merely legalistic and hypocrites, but once I listed all their traits I was able to distinguish several other characteristics that the Body of Christ should avoid as well.

Another finding was that Pharisaism was either apparent or the underlying motivation behind most of the church conflicts I had experienced as a leader. As I discovered my own guilt in these areas, I began to realize much of the infighting and “church politics” could be avoided if we understood how Jesus wanted His church to function in the first place. Is this the reason we see churches struggling today instead of flourishing? Pharisaism did not “pass away” when the last Pharisee died!

The word “Pharisee” means “separated ones” coming from the Hebrew word “parash,” meaning to separate or distinguish from others.2 They devoted themselves totally to religious purposes and their numbers were about 6,000 at the time of Jesus’ ministry. They claimed to be the most devout of all Jews with Paul calling them the strictest sect of his religion (Acts 26:5). They tried to continue the work of Ezra “to seek the law of the Lord and to do it, and to teach Old Testament statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10). They were not a part of the Boethus high priest clan, but they did have representatives on the ruling Sanhedrin. They differed doctrinally from the third category on the Sanhedrin, the Sadducees, in that the Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead, and the spirit realm while the Sadducees did not (Acts 23:8). As a group they were very educated, especially in Mosaic and Rabbinical Law, but mainly came from the lower middle class while the Sadducees were the wealthy landowners. The Sadducees felt the law applied only to temple worship while the Pharisees said it also related to everyday life. As a result the Pharisees tried to make the law understandable and bearable for the common man as well.3 Even though they separated themselves from the public, ironically, they felt their perspective of the Law was for all people to keep individually. It also was stressed as a national duty since they felt the Babylonian exile (II Kings 20:17) was a failure of Israel to keep the Torah (Mosaic Law). In 538 B.C. the Persian King, Cyrus, allowed the Israelites to return home to Palestine from Babylonia. When Ezra and Nehemiah re-established the Jewish state there was a strong ideological movement nationally to call on the people to be pure, keep the Law and be dedicated to God.4 Some Christian leaders today claim our nation’s plight is due to how we as Christians obey God’s Word – with many of today’s social problems in the United States perhaps due to disobedience to the Word of God and leaving us open to God’s judgment.

James A. Fowler in his research on the history of Pharisees reports5:

Most of the scribes, who were the professional teachers of the Law, were Pharisees. Some of the priests were Pharisees. Some scholars regard the Zealots as an extremist, left wing branch of Pharisaism, determined to deliver Israel from Roman rule by militaristic might.

Most of the Pharisees, though, had no scribal education. They were just people who wanted to live pure, holy lives, separating themselves from the amhares, the “people of the land,” the “worldly” people. They joined together in closed communities (harburah) of religious association, which had strict rules of admission, demanding commitment to laws of purity and tithing. They tended to relate only to the haber, other members of the “brotherhood.” They were committed to the Law of Moses, as well as the Halakah, the oral traditions of the rabbis, which included many of the seyag, the “fence” or “hedge” laws to keep people within the parameters of the law. They had regular meetings, and were organized under the leadership of a scribe.

To become a Pharisee, you had to be voted in to the “club” and agree to obey certain standards. The title of Pharisee had an air of exclusivity resulting in a “holier than thou” attitude, even toward other Jews. We have this same “club mentality” in America today – high schools have their activity clubs, colleges have fraternities and sororities and adults join the Rotary, Lions, Soroptimist, etc. Clubs take up a lot of our time and may even take the place of church for many – giving people a sense of belonging and positions of influence that sadly maybe the church doesn’t give them.

The Pharisees weren’t just a few prestigious leaders in the Temple or Sanhedrin, but were basically a large sect of Jews trying to do their best, however misguided, to follow God. In this area the Pharisees were a “good example” of the New Testament Church as they put following scripture on a personal, daily basis. Admirably the Pharisees accepted the Old Testament scriptures as God given, studied them faithfully, kept the ceremonial laws, tithed and looked forward to the coming of the Messiah.5 This may be why Jesus focused on them so much. They started out right, but eventually emphasized fleshly unscriptural principles.

The word “righteousness” in the Bible merely means “right way of living.” Jesus didn’t want a ritualistic, ecclesiastical, cold church like the Priesthood represented, but He envisioned a vibrant fellowship of Believers individually following the Word of God, applying it daily in their lives, families and churches. The great revivalist of the 18th century, John Wesley’s “method” was merely doing something for God everyday of the week, not just something you only acknowledge at church on Sunday.6 Jesus was merely trying to point out to the Pharisees how they missed the purposes God laid out for them originally and contemporarily through Him as the Messiah and Son of God. Jesus stated in Luke 19:44, “You have missed your time of visitation,” and in Luke 13:34, “How often I longed to gather Jerusalem’s children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wing, but you were not willing.” Jesus gave them a clear call to become one of his disciples, but according to Stephen they were “stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit as your fathers did before you, persecuting and killing the prophets” (Acts 7:51 & 52).

What is interesting is the Pharisees resembled what we call “denominations” today. Jesus had the Scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and priests to deal with – today we have the Methodists, Baptists, Assemblies of God, etc. Each “club” has developed their own interpretation of God’s purposes and priorities to emphasize to their members, but is each group encouraging following God’s Word as a New Covenant church?

I hope the following seventeen examples will allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your own life, the life of your church and hopefully get our denominations back to what the Father laid out for us originally, so the New Testament Church can function with grace and truth. John 1:17 says, “Moses brought the law, but Grace and Truth came through Jesus Christ.” The Pharisees took the ethical and moral teachings of the Word and changed it into ritualism, while Jesus reduced the ritualism of the Law to its moral application for daily living (truth). Grace then is the ability and power to carry out daily the instructions from God.

Grace has two definitions. The first is in relation to salvation as a “free gift.” In Ephesians 2:8, we are saved by “grace” not by works. The second is the “divine influence on the heart and the reflection in the life.”1 This aspect of grace gives us the power to live out the Christian life after salvation. Philippians 2:13 says, “God works in us to do His good pleasure” and I Thessalonians 5:24 says, “He is faithful and will also do it for us.” This is referring to the second definition of grace as well as saying what God has told us to do is not only humanly possible, but His Holy Spirit is with us to accomplish it. The Law does have moral value and we should also study it from that perspective.

Even though Paul tells us we are “redeemed from the curse of the Law” (Galatians 3:13), we are not released from the moral teachings of the Law. Jesus himself said He “came to fulfill the Law” (Matthew 5:17) and give it a daily, moral application.

Jesus simplified the Law when He said in Matthew 22:40 to 1) love God and 2) love your neighbor as yourself and that “on these two commandments you can hang all the Law and Prophets.” Notice He stated the plural “Prophets” – Moses was the first, but Jesus told the Pharisees their fathers murdered later prophets (Matthew 23:31). No wonder they missed what God wanted to tell them for that day! Are we still murdering our prophets – those who try to speak a rhema word into our lives and get us back to “grace and truth”?

Therefore, Jesus shortened the Ten Commandments to just two: the first four deal with how we treat God and the last six how we treat our neighbor. Jesus added a new emphasis in John 13:34 as an example of how He would fulfill the Law. He substituted “as your neighbor” with “as I have loved you.” This confirms the Old Testament Law, but adds a new standard – His example! We also have the assistance of the Holy Spirit who is the “Spirit of Truth” and will guide us into all truth (John 16:13).

Romans 1:25 says, “In the last days Truth will be

exchanged for a lie.” We all need to guard our hearts from

such an act. Jesus is unequivocally direct in the Garden of Eden in John 17:17 saying, “The Father’s Word is truth” – and nothing else. So let’s see what the Word has to say about the Pharisees as a “good bad example,” so we won’t miss our time of visitation as Jesus in Luke 19:44 lamented over the Pharisees missing theirs.

chapter 1

Misinterpreted Word

(Mark 7: 1-13)

Martin Luther established the standard for Christian faith as “Solo Scripture.”7 In other words, Scripture is to be the only authority for Christian beliefs and practice. Two important principles for Believers to avoid error in interpreting Scripture, is put forth in I Corinthians 14:27 – “let 2 or 3 interpret,” and in Proverbs 11:14 – “there is wisdom and safety in many counselors.” If we apply that first to the Bible itself, we find all major, important doctrines to be repeated multiple times and by multiple writers (example: how to be saved), thus providing it’s own validity. Applying the second principle, it is important to follow proven leaders under spiritual, accountable coverings. The National Association of Evangelicals’ Statement of Faith is a good example of how fundamental doctrines of the Bible can be put into practice in contemporary church life.8

We now have had decades of seminaries that have taught “higher criticism,” and that each scripture needs to be verified by some “inner intuition” as to its validity and wisdom.9 Interesting to note, you will not find one book in the libraries of the world that claims to have “wisdom” except the Bible. The word “wise” or “wisdom” is mentioned in the Bible over 500 times, and we would be wise today to heed its word as written.

Frances Schaeffer in The Great Evangelical Disaster admonishes the Body of Christ to guard and protect the integrity of the Scriptures or the evangelical church will be headed for decline.10

What is the use of evangelicalism seeming to get larger and larger if sufficient numbers of those under the name evangelical no longer hold to that which makes evangelicalism evangelical? If this continues, we are not faithful to what the Bible claims for itself, and we are not faithful to what Jesus Christ claims for the Scriptures. But also - let us not ever forget - if this continues, we and our children will not be ready for difficult days ahead.

Furthermore, if we acquiesce, we will no longer be the redeeming salt for our culture – a culture which is committed to the concept that both morals and laws are only a matter of cultural orientation, of statistical averages. That is the hallmark – the mark of our age. And if we are marked with the same mark, how can we be the redeeming salt of this broken, fragmented generation in which we live?

Here then is the watershed of the evangelical world. We must say most lovingly but clearly: evangelicalism is not consistently evangelical unless there is a line drawn between those who take a full view of Scripture and those who do not. But remember that we are not just talking about an abstract theological doctrine. It makes little difference in the end if Scripture is compromised by theological infiltration or by infiltration from the surrounding culture. It is the obeying of Scripture which is the watershed – obeying the Bible equally in doctrine and in the way we live in the full spectrum of life.

He made these statements twenty years ago, but countless denominations are now debating whether to ordain homosexuals or are setting up committees to decide if God meant what He said or if the Bible is full of errors!

We need Bible believing men and women of God to rise up and say “God said it and I believe it.” We need to raise up our children to trust the Word, recognize improper changes to it, and that it is relevant for all times.

The first errors the Pharisees made were to not “rightly divide the Word of Truth” (II Timothy 2:15). Jesus pointed out three ways the Pharisees improperly used scripture. He said they added to the scriptures the opinions of men; they changed the meaning of scriptures; and they knew the scriptural principle, but misapplied it.

A.Their Traditions Nullified the Word (Mark 7:1-13)

The Hebrew term “tora” means instructions given by God through prophets, priests or the Messiah. In Isaiah 48:16-17, it was prophesied the Holy One of Israel (Messiah) would “teach us to profit and lead us by the way we should go.” The Torah (the written Law of Judaism) consists of the Mosaic law, Old Testament books, along with Rabbinical interpretations of the law and their additions to the law. Since the Jews believe the Messiah is yet to come, they didn’t accept Jesus when he walked this earth, nor do they now. That is also why the Pharisees were able to bring charges of blasphemy against Jesus, because He spoke as “if He were speaking for God.” Jesus, however, knew His ministry as Messiah was to speak new words of truth and “teach us the way to go.” If the Pharisees were really knowledgeable in understanding this chapter in Isaiah, they would have known the Messiah would come speaking for God himself! Even though they wouldn’t allow Jesus to speak for God, ironically they readily accepted it from their own.3 We need to guard our hearts from doing the same in the church today.

One of the earliest tasks of the Scribes was to be commissioned to establish the contents of the written Torah. They determined it contained 613 commandments, 248 positive and 365 negative.3 It is interesting to note that the Law has more negative directives than positive – just as Jesus taught from the negative perspective with His criticism of the Pharisees.

Their next project was to “make a hedge” about the Laws in the Halakah, or to interpret and supplement them to make it easy for common people to obey them.5 It was during this process that the traditions of men, or popular opinions as we call them today, were inserted into the Law. Jesus referred to their views as the “traditions of the elders” in Mark 7:3.

The scriptural example of allowing traditions of men to nullify the Word of God is in Mark 7:1-13. The story unfolds with a group of Pharisees and Scribes coming to Jesus from Jerusalem. Verse 2 says they “found fault.” This is an early sign of Pharisaism – a person with a “critical spirit” will go from one issue to the next, not really wanting an answer, but only to try to force a verbal mistake and then use your own words against you. The secular media also uses this tactic today against Christians.

Other examples are when denominational traditions say Mary is deity, miracles and the gifts of the Holy Spirit passed away with the Apostles, only our group will go to Heaven, God made homosexuals that way, etc. The Bible is the only inspired written Logos (God’s timeless Word) Word without error in the original languages, the complete revelation of His will to men and the final authority for all Christian faith and life (John 10:35, II Timothy 3:16-17, II Peter 1:20-21, and Revelation 22:18-19). The Revelation 22 reference specifically cautions anyone to not add or take away from God’s Word, but we see it done more and more in church life today. As our children are taught moral relativism in the schools, they will be more accepting of the same Pharisaic adulterations of the Word from pulpits today.

Then Mark 7:6-7, Jesus answered with a quote from Isaiah 29:13 saying, “You teach as doctrines the commands of men.” He goes on to explain in verse 8, they are wasting people’s time and emphasizing the physical work of “washing” - overlooking the spiritual, heart attitude in verse 6 that is more important to God.

B. Changing the Meaning of Scriptures (Mark 7:9-13)

Jesus next gives the Pharisees a more serious example of taking away from scripture. A practice had been established (verse 11) among Pharisees of telling your parents you are just a “gift to God” for them. This, then, releases you from listening to, or caring for your parents’ needs, deleting what the Fifth Commandment (Deuteronomy 5:16) requires. He said in this case you not only are missing the spiritual meaning, but “you have made the Word totally of no effect.”

The technique is to ignore scripture as being valid only for the culture of that day therefore being no longer applicable to today’s modern and “enlightened” society. We see this today when humanistic beliefs of homosexuality not being sinful and abnormal behavior, gay marriage, abortion being just a choice, the husband is no longer the head of the home, etc. becoming accepted practices in contemporary church life and not condemned by our pulpits.

C. Misapplication of a Scriptural Principle (Luke 10:25-37)

In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, the lawyer properly quoted the scriptures when Jesus said in verse 28 “you have answered rightly; do this and you will live.” You have to know the background of the practices of Pharisees, however, to know the full meaning of this parable. Pharisees only treated other Pharisees as their neighbors, so that allowed them to “hate” Samaritans and Gentiles. So in this case, the Pharisees knew the scripture, but misapplied it when it came to everyday interactions with others.

This happened in America when African slaves were not considered as “real people,” even going so far as having it ratified by the Supreme Court in the Dred Scott Case. It took the Northern preachers of Charles Finney and Jonathan Blanchard to point out the “un-neighborly” practices of Southern Christians of that day.9

chapter 2

Externalism

(Mark 7:14-23)

In Mark 7:14-23, Jesus calls the multitudes to Him and speaks to them about the Pharisees. They have just made a criticism of his disciples for eating bread with unwashed hands, implying they were “unclean.” Jesus then makes the point that it is not what enters a man’s body, but what comes out of him that makes him unclean. The Pharisees were looking to the natural realm and not the spiritual to find a close relationship with God. God looks on the internal or spiritual while the Pharisees emphasized the external or physical. In Mark 7:19, Jesus says the “stomach purifies all foods while the hearts of men can produce things that can defile a man: evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride and foolishness.”

In Matthew 23:25-26, Jesus says “clean the outside of the cup and dish, but also the inside which is full of extortion and self-indulgence.” In verses 27 & 28, He said the Pharisees are like “white-washed tombs which appear righteous and beautiful outwardly, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and hypocrisy and lawlessness.” In Luke 11:39-41, Jesus counters “give alms to the poor and tithe in order to become clean.” We need to be “spiritually minded” as Paul admonishes us in Romans 8. He goes on to say that to be “carnally minded” is death, but to be “spiritually minded” is life. We need to interpret the world around us through “spiritual eyes,” or the eyeglasses of the Word. Many leaders have said the 911 incident is God’s judgment on America while others have said it is a satanic attack. (Charisma, November 2001). I’m in the latter camp, but we need this type of spiritual introspection about events in our lives and churches as well. God said, “He would speak to His people” (Isaiah 28:11), and we need to constantly look for His hand at work or His voice to our spirits. I Corinthians 2:14 says the “natural man doesn’t appreciate the things of the Spirit for they are foolishness to him.” The next verse goes on to admonish that “he who is spiritual judges all things.” The Pharisees were carnally minded. Once you get saved, you’re either in one of two categories: 1) carnally minded Christians or 2) spiritually minded Christians!

Sad to say, but the church is full mainly of carnally minded people today that don’t hunger and thirst for the spiritual realm to be a vibrant part of their everyday life. Matthew 5:6 says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [right way of living], for they shall be filled.” The Greek word for hunger in this text actually means if you don’t eat soon you will die and for thirst if you don’t get water soon you will die. Seeking God’s righteousness thus has a tone of desperation and urgency!2

Jesus gives an example of giving special attention to the rich as an example of what He doesn’t want in His New Covenant Church. How often do we favor those to socialize with who are well-dressed, attractive, well educated, and socially elite over the homeless, racial minority person in rags! Do we spend as much effort to evangelize the poor as much as those that could help our church budget? Who would we invite over to our home for dinner after church? This is a very difficult issue in the Body of Christ, for we are all drawn to the successful and attractive. But God is not a “respecter of persons and looks on the heart” (Acts 10:34), and Gal. 2:6 says “God shows personal favoritism to no man.”

One practice I’ve noticed with church boards is that successful businessmen are often selected rather than for their spiritual leadership qualities (prayer life, knowledge of the Word and application of the Word). This can quickly result in a carnally directed church.

Another concern I have is the amount of money we invest in the physical structure of a church rather than reaching out evangelistically and socially to the community, or financing missionaries. Are our churches today just “whitewashed sepulchers” – beautiful and plush but dead and with no spiritual vibrance, excitement or zeal for His Word? Do we put as much emphasis on the “presence of God” as we do building a “house for God?”

John 7:24 says “do not judge by appearance,” but when a major emphasis of the preaching is on the type of clothing that should be worn to church, are we guilty of Pharisaism? I have appreciated a recent trend where people wear just comfortable but modest clothing to church now, instead of suits and the latest styles of dresses. In the past churches have split over whether men should or shouldn’t wear a tie to church!11 A pastor acquaintance of mine said at one of his services a man came forward to receive Christ in his bathrobe and house shoes! What was more important – his appearance or a soul saved for an eternity?

In Jeremiah 17:10 God says, “I search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” Our Heavenly Father looks to the internal, not the external to bestow His favor and whether someone follows His Words. Jesus says, “If you love Me keep my commandments” (John 14:15), “My mother and My brother are these who hear the Word of God and do it,” (Luke 8:21) and “blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28). God and Jesus are not impressed with our looks, but only by our obedience to the Word.

Jesus is most interested in our hearts, however, when He says in Luke 6:45, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good.” So the test of a believer in the New Testament Church is the condition of his heart, his thoughts and his actions - not his social status or appearance. The Bible invites everyone to receive salvation and repeatedly uses phrases like “whosoever,” “if anyone,” “all” and “everyone.” Qualifications generally only apply to one’s individual faith or obedience in the Word. We in the New Covenant Church should be inclusive in our total acceptance of others that is not based on surface issues or appearances.

chapter 3

Racial & Religious Prejudice

(Luke 10:25-37)

Racial prejudice is similar to externalism, but goes beyond a person’s social background to their ethnic makeup. Jesus uses the parable of the “Good Samaritan” to teach the Pharisees (and us) racial tolerance. In Luke 10:25, a certain lawyer stands up and asks, “what should I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus then asks him what he understands the Law to say and he answers,

“Love God and love your neighbor as yourself.” Then verse 29 says that he wanted to justify himself and replied, “But who is my neighbor?” Jesus responds with the Parable of the Good Samaritan. A priest and then a Levite (of the priesthood clan) both passed by the man from Jerusalem (presumably a Jew). Then a Samaritan, who was hated by Jews, came by and tended to his wounds, then took him to town and put him up in an inn. Jesus then asked, “Which of the three is your neighbor?” The lawyer then responded – “the one who showed mercy.”

This parable is not about mercy primarily, but the racial prejudice of the church leadership. You see Pharisees only considered other Pharisees to be their neighbors, so they only loved other Pharisees as themselves. They looked down on non-Pharisee Jews and especially Samaritans who were half-breeds (½ Jew and ½ Arab) that had defiled their race (interesting to note that Moses married an Ethiopian woman, the very giver of the Law). Gentiles had no Jewish blood and were totally ignored as if they didn’t exist, since Jews were God’s “chosen people.” I’m sure this infuriated the Pharisees to hear the Samaritan did the right thing and their leaders did not. John tells us in I John 3:15, “He who hates his brother is a murderer” which is a strong and heavy condemnation of prejudice.

Today in our culture eleven a.m. on Sunday is still the most segregated hour of the week. Like President Clinton’s goal of making his cabinet “look like America,” a barometer for the racial tolerance at our church should be – “does my church racially look like my city?” Our nation has been hurt by racism from its inception. Since the sixties great strides have been made, but even more needs to be done to promote racial interactions among Christians. New Covenant Churches need to make improving race relations a part of their annual goals just like reaching the unsaved.

We have a God who says in Him, “We are all one in Christ” Galatians 3:28, yet we have had churches that have excluded other races from membership and have not reached out to the people of all nationalities. Charisma magazine has consistently been a good example of speaking to this issue on a national level. However, we each have a responsibility to “welcome/receive one another” (Romans 15:7) and forgive each other for past abuses so we can work together to defeat the Enemy’s attempt to divide Believers.

This principle also applies to denominational prejudice as well. We shouldn’t believe our “club” has all the true revelations, and refuse to accept other brothers and sisters in the Lord. This doesn’t apply, however, to cults who change the deity of Christ, but as Jesus simply put it, “If they are not against us, they are for us!” (Luke 9:50)

The New Testament Church has no place for prejudice and takes the initiative to affirm minorities and love those even of other religions and cults (yet trying to win their soul). Colossians 3:25 says there is “no partiality with God” and we shouldn’t act differently toward anyone based on their race or religion. Most world violence today involves the Irish Catholics versus the Irish Protestants, the Arabs versus the Jews, Muslims versus Christians, the Hutus versus Tutsis, etc. The world would be a better place if this principle of “love your neighbor” were more observed, making the spread of the Gospel the main hope for world peace.

chapter 4

Legalism

(Matthew 23:23)

As previously stated the Scribes found 613 “Laws” in the Old Testament. If you add to that list all of Jesus’ commands, as a believer you can easily be overwhelmed with a long list of do’s and don’ts. Having been a member of the military, which tries to have a regulation for every circumstance imaginable, I soon found situations coming up that weren’t covered in the Air Force Manual of Regulations. God doesn’t try to make a specific law to cover every situation in life either. Paul said the Law was given to us to act as a “school master (tutor) to bring us to Christ that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24). So we do learn general moral and Godly principles from the Old Testament Law, and need to study it from that perspective.

The Holiness Movement, which started in the late 19th Century, has focused on a list of do’s and don’ts, but Galatians 5:16 says, “Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.” The converse is not true, however, which is what the Holiness groups focus on. They emphasize suppressing the lusts of the flesh in order to bring the spiritual blessings. I have always encouraged people to pray in the Spirit, meditate on the Word and to be active in your area of calling – then you will “walk in the Spirit” and not want to or have time to do the other things. As parents, you can give your kids a list of rules to try to cover every circumstance or you can give them training in the ways of the Spirit, a relationship with Jesus and knowledge of the Word!

Wisdom is applied knowledge. That is why Paul says in II Corinthians 3:6, “The letter of the Law kills, but the Spirit gives life.” It seems contradictory at first to call the Law a “schoolmaster” in Galatians and now saying it will bring “death” to a situation. What is emphasized though is the “letter” of the Law. This is referring to the Bible supposedly having a direct reference for every individual moral decision in life. Cigarette smoking is not ever mentioned in scripture, but most believers commonly treat it as “sinful”. There are indirect references one could use to condemn the practice since suicide is taboo for Christians and cigarette smoking could be statistically shown to be a method of slow suicide. There are situations where we have to use the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth (John 16:13), apply multiple scriptures, and give us the words to say when we need them (Matthew 10:19). Acts 6:10 says Stephen spoke with wisdom and the Spirit in an “irresistible way.”

In Acts 26:5, Paul said the Pharisees were the strictest of sects – they gave no tolerance for disobedience to the Law. They assumed since God gave the Law, every situation was covered – that is what Paul calls the “curse of the Law,” because if you disobeyed one part you were guilty of the whole Law. In Leviticus, there was also a sacrifice for the “unknown sin” or the “sin of omission” to try to cover all transgressions! This is one type of legalism: believing there is a specific law in scripture for every circumstance in life. Jesus kept it general establishing the law of love: 1) love God and 2) love one another. Everything in life should relate indirectly to these two.

The second type of legalism the Pharisees were guilty of is oversimplification of issues. Many times there are multiple commandments involved in a circumstance. In Mark 2:23-27, the Pharisees criticized Jesus’ disciples for working on the Sabbath (plucking heads of grain to eat). Jesus then gave the example of David eating the showbread, which was only lawful for priests to eat. In other words, David’s need to keep from starving overrode the law that only priests could eat the bread. Later in Chapter 3, Verse 1, a man came forward with a withered hand and He said “Is it lawful to do good or evil, to save life or kill.” He then healed his hand demonstrating that healing superceded the Law to not work on the Sabbath.

In Matthew 23:23, Jesus tells the Pharisees “you tithe and do well” but you “neglect the weightier issues of the Law: justice, mercy and faith.” Luke adds “the love of God” to this list. These are very vague qualities and are not situation specific, requiring the Spirit to give “life” to the decision. In Luke 14:5, Jesus said, “Which of you have a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit will not pull him out on the Sabbath?” Again this shows that Biblical principles must be “weighed” against each other.

For instance it is quite clear that the Bible and Jesus do not favor divorce. Many times we do not know, however, the full circumstances of a marriage before it broke up. Yet I have heard many believers say the only time a Christian can have an “excused” divorce is if adultery is involved. What if a husband was physically abusing his wife and sexually molesting his children? I know several women who carry around great condemnation for severing a marriage for similar reasons knowing they will not be accepted in their church, since their situation wasn’t a “scriptural divorce.” These wounds came about from not properly weighing all scriptures that apply, like mercy and justice.

In Mark 7:2, a third type of legalism is extra-biblical judgment. The Pharisees were criticizing Jesus’ disciples for improper hand washing. Jesus promptly informs them that these are rules they added to the word (verse 8) and are not from God. Extra-biblical judgment is a man-made commandment for a situation not addressed in the Bible.

We see this in the church today when styles of dress, styles of music, forms of worship, length of hair, etc. suddenly become violations of some pastor’s imagination. Let’s be silent where the scriptures are silent and focus on more important issues. Jesus told the Pharisees “they strain on gnats and swallow camels” (Matthew 23:24). In other words they are majoring in the minors and minoring in the major things of the Word from God’s perspective. Stressing a particular style of dress while ignoring a serious gossip problem in a church is another example of a misplaced emphasis. Awareness of the errors of legalism is an area the New Testament Church has discernment in.

chapter 5

Continually Sought for a Sign

(Matthew 12:38)

In Matthew 12:38, the Pharisees asked a question to test Jesus, “Teacher we want to see a sign.” Today we have the same form of Pharisaism when we test God saying, “I’ll believe you, if you heal me (or bless me, etc.).” The signs will appear when we believe, not to make us believe.

Hebrews 2:4 tells us the “Word was confirmed by signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Spirit” and these were obvious to all, as Jesus drew “great multitudes who heard of His works” (Mark 3:8). Mark 16:17 says, “These signs will follow those who believe.” As Christians, the signs should be following us, not us following the signs.

Luke 5:17 tells us that “the power of the Lord was present to heal them” (even the Pharisees and teachers), but until the paralytic man was lowered through the roof no miracle occurred. It takes the faith of a believer to produce a sign of the Gospel. John records in Chapter 12, Verse 37 that “although Jesus had done so many ‘signs’ before them, they did not believe Him.” Isaiah is then referenced (Chapter 6, Verse 10) where it was prophesied that people who observed the Messiah’s ministry would not “understand with their hearts” and in Isaiah 42:20, “Opening the ears but not hearing.”

Even when they witnessed miracles themselves, the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.” Jesus countered in Luke 11:17 that “a kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation,” meaning it’s obvious Satan wouldn’t cast out himself. Therefore, only God would want to cast out demons, and in verse 20 He challenges them to admit to the truth “if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God then surely the kingdom of God has come.” Their unbelief was so blinding they were making absurd statements (that Jesus was casting out demons by demons’ power)!

We see people today that also ignore or downplay testimonies of God’s power in the face of overwhelming evidence and facts. Later we will examine the true reasons for the Pharisees’ actions and unbelief in Chapter 17. Although they continually asked for signs, Jesus said they have missed obvious scriptural “signs of the times.” Even though they were the so-called “experts” on knowledge of Scripture, Jesus points out their failure to recognize the Messianic prophesies He was fulfilling.

In Matthew 16:3, the Pharisees came to Him again asking for a sign, but He replied, “You know the signs of the sky (natural sign) but cannot discern the signs of the times (spiritual, Messianic signs).” He goes on to say only a “wicked and adulterous generation would seek after a sign” – rather than the “sign giver” (Jesus). When they asked for a sign as to when the kingdom of God would come (Second Coming), Jesus said in Luke 17:22, “You will not see it” – a testimony to their spiritual blindness.

In Luke 19, we discover how Jesus feels about this attitude and unbelief. In verse 41 as He approached Jerusalem, He weeps over the city and laments, “If you had only known that this is your day.” The Gospel was meant for all people – even the Pharisees. But even when they saw the Gospel confirmed by signs and miracles, they would say, “Well just one more.” The contemporary church of today is largely the same. Many want just “one more prophesy,” “one more miracle,” before they’ll believe and live a life totally committed and sold out to God. Others, even when they see miracles, will deny them or their impact on people’s lives.

Pastors in the same cities of Wales where Evan Roberts conducted some of the world’s greatest revival meetings, claimed they didn’t see any signs of revival in their city.12 The Healing Revival miracles of the 50’s have been reasoned away as fanatical excesses. The Charismatic Renewal of the 60’s was called divisive and was denied by a church that supposedly was praying for revival.11 Even today miracle healings are reasoned away and signs of God’s power are still often “not seen.”

The physical eyes are not a trustworthy way to enter the Kingdom. It only comes by faith - Ephesians 2:8, “You are saved by faith not by works”. Jesus said the kingdom of God is within (Luke 17:21) and Paul tells us in Hebrews 11, “Faith is the evidence of things not seen.” “Faith also comes by ‘hearing’ and hearing by the Word of God,” (Romans 10:17) not by “seeing.” The Pharisees were not in faith and only in the flesh when they asked for a sign. They did not receive miracles themselves because as Paul said in Hebrews 4:2 the Israelites “did not mix the Word of God with faith in those who heard it.”

The New Testament Church walks in faith and seeks the “sign giver” (Jesus) and merely waits for the sign to “follow” (Mark 16:17). The people asked Jesus in John 6:28, “What shall we do that we may work the works of God?” He replied in verse 29, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” A New Covenant believer realizes all works in the Kingdom of God begin with a foundational belief in Jesus and persistently claims all of the promises in the Bible as well.

chapter 6

No Heart for the Lost

(Matthew 9:11&12)

Jesus never addressed the lost as “sinners” – only the Pharisees used that term to their face. In Matthew 9:11, the Pharisees asked the Disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus overheard them and responded, “Those who are well have no need of a physician” and that He “did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” The Pharisees with their “club” mentality only socialized with other Pharisees and ostracized those who didn’t live up to their standards.

When I led chapel services in a local minimum-security prison, I never preached on their sinfulness, but rather encouraged them to allow God to renew them and be led by the Spirit. They already felt guilt just being in prison. Sometimes the church is not very merciful with our semantics. Signs at gay parades saying “God hates fags” is not what Jesus would do. So much of our demonizing of gays, abortionists, liberal politicians, Muslims, feminists, etc. are who Jesus would refer to as the lost (Matthew 18:11 – “I have come to save that which is lost”) and not as an enemy. We are to be in the world but not of the world (John 17:14-18), so we might “save some” as Paul said in I Corinthians 9:22.

The Pharisees were also very vocal about their own righteousness and frequently were putting down others around them. Luke 18:11 quotes a Pharisee as praying, “I thank God I am not like other men – extortionists, unjust, adulterous or even this tax collector!” A tax collector then prays in verse 13, “God be merciful to me a sinner!” Jesus said only the tax collector (hated by Pharisees) received justification of his prayer.

In Luke 7:39 when Mary Magdalene anointed His feet with expensive oil, Simon (the Pharisee) in whose home Jesus was visiting, objected and scoffed at Jesus’ prophetic ability, saying He didn’t know that a “sinner” was touching Him. Jesus responded with a parable showing him in verse 47, “He who is forgiven much, loves much.” What we call gays, feminists, abortionists, etc. are just potential believers who will love God very much (maybe more than ourselves!).

The Pharisees also didn’t show excitement or joy over winning the lost to the Kingdom. The Pharisees had a saying that the “angels rejoice every time a tax collector or Samaritan dies and drops into hell.” Jesus already knew their perspective on Heaven and gave them three parables of rebuttal in Luke 15.

It begins with the Pharisees charging Him in verse 2 with “receiving sinners and eating with them.” Jesus then goes through the lost sheep, lost coin and lost son parables. In verse 7, He says there is more joy over the one sinner (sheep) than over the other ninety-nine just persons. In verse 10, He says there is more joy in the presence of angels over one sinner who repents. In verse 32, He says “it is right to make merry over the brother who was lost but is now found.” He addresses verse 32 to the jealous brother who represents the Pharisees’ attitude toward the lost. His response was “you never gave me a party!” The father (God) lovingly explained, “You were with me all along, and all that I have is yours. It is right that we should make merry as your brother was lost but now is found.”

This is a judgment upon the Pharisees because they were “with God all along,” but they did not obey the Word they were already given and serve God. Jesus says, “Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 5:20). So like the older brother the Pharisees did not obey the Father, and did not appropriate the promises of the Word. If you don’t walk with God you won’t receive the blessings of the Christian life that is there for all to enjoy. Paul tells us in Hebrews 11:6 that, “God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” So you can actually “be with God,” but not receive and walk in the blessings of the Christian life if you don’t actively seek Him.

We often have the same attitude today when only a minuscule amount of church budgets go to winning the lost and missions. Do we really have a love for the lost? The amount of offerings and tithes given to the Lord’s work is heavily weighted toward buildings, staff, and programs to take care of the 99 saved sheep and “jealous brothers!” Do we really get excited when someone gets saved? Do we stop the march through the bulletin and celebrate when someone gets saved like we do on Saturday when someone scores a touchdown? We need to examine ways to rejoice more over the lost!

In Luke 19:37-39, the Pharisees were rebuking His disciples for “rejoicing and praising God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen.” I have been to several worship services where people complained it was too “emotional” and “loud.” Well the disciples were noisy worshippers! Jesus replied to the Pharisees in verse 40, “If these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out!” Often the same people that complain about the loudness are the same people the day before were screaming for the “home team” at a sports event!

It is Jesus’ desire to see the lost won. In Luke 19:9, after Zacchaeus volunteered to pledge half his goods to the poor and restore anyone cheated four-fold, Jesus declared “salvation has come to his house, because he is also a Son of Abraham (Father of Faith).” Zacchaeus pledged to change his life, which is the essence of repentance and the fundamental element of salvation (Acts 2:38, “Repent and be baptized and receive the Holy Spirit”). Becoming truly born again will then change one’s actions in everyday life!

God’s desire therefore is to have the New Covenant Church’s main focus on winning the lost. He also wants a heart attitude of the members, cultivated by church leaders, that realizes that real joy on earth is seeing and experiencing someone getting saved!

chapter 7

Showed No Mercy on the Guilty

(Matthew 12:7)

Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6 in Matthew 9:13 and again in Matthew 12:7 saying the Father “desires mercy, not sacrifice.” The Pharisees not only despised sinners, but were harsh in their treatment of transgressors. It seems as humans we want mercy for our sins, but for others’ sins we want to “throw the book at them” or punishment to the full extent. Paul says unforgiveness can cause “Satan to get a foothold in the church” (II Corinthians 2:7-11), when the Corinthians were being too harsh to a brother caught in a trespass. We need to confront sin but then be quick to love and restore those committing a sin.

In John 8:3, the Pharisees brought Jesus an adulteress caught in the act and asked Jesus if she should be stoned according to the Law of Moses. He wrote on the ground with his finger and then said in verse 7, “He who is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone.” He probably wrote the names of the women they had committed adultery with! In Matthew 23:14, the Pharisees were accused of devouring widows’ houses, and in this case they all left one by one. He says in verse 11, “Neither do I condemn you, but go and sin no more.” He goes on to say in verse 15, “You judge according to the flesh, but I judge no one. Yet, if I do, my judgment is true (spiritual).” I Peter 1:17 tells us “God judges without partiality.” That is hard for us to do, so we need to follow the scriptural directions for judgment, which are found in Galatians and Thessalonians.

Paul says in Galatians 6:1, “He who is spiritual, restore your brother overtaken in a trespass, in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” It is therefore a requirement that one be “spiritually mature” before you confront someone in sin. Confronting serious sin in the church should be the responsibility of pastors and elders to keep the situation on a spiritual plane. II Thessalonians 3:15 says, “Do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” We must use compassion and sensitivity when judging others.

Jesus also was moved by compassion (mercy) to perform miracles for the hurting and lost (Mark 6:34 and several other references). It was because of God’s compassion and mercy on us that we received grace (Proverb 3:34, “He gives grace to the lowly”). Mercy therefore precedes grace! If it weren’t for the compassion of God and having pity on us, we would have never received salvation by grace. His mercy and grace are given by His choice as Exodus 33:19 says, “I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious and will have compassion on those whom I will have compassion.” It is God’s choice and not ours whom He chooses to forgive, accept and use in His Plan.

The Bible tells us “God’s mercy endures forever” over 35 times. In other words, God’s gift of mercy is infinite. As a church we must strike a balance between confronting sin and forgiveness of those who sin. We should never give others the impression we no longer accept them because of their failures. Jesus gave the standard for continual forgiveness when he said in Matthew 18:22, “Forgive your brother seventy times seven.” Here again, the number 490 means infinitely!

God is also the God of second chances and our past sins and failures do not change God’s plan to still ask us to build His Kingdom. God used Abraham after he grew impatient with the Promise and had a son with Hagar (Genesis 16). He used Jacob after he stole the inheritance from his older brother Essau (Genesis 27). He used David after he had a woman’s husband killed and then had an affair with her (II Samuel 11). God used Peter after he denied Christ three times (John 18:27). He used Paul, a murderer, to write two-thirds of the New Testament (Acts 9:1). If God only used perfect people to work in His vineyard, no one except His own Son would qualify. The New Covenant Church accepts people as imperfect yet aware they possess a divine purpose and calling that God wants to use to His glory.

There are sins however that can affect others in a harmful way and are not to be tolerated. Paul gives this example in I Corinthians 5:1-5. In response to an incestuous relationship (verse 1), Paul tells the church to disfellowship such a person and verse 5 “deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, that his spirit might be saved in Jesus Christ.” Evidently, sending someone outside the spiritual covering of the church is “turning someone over to Satan.” This should, however, be considered only a last resort as the standard for confronting offenses.

Matthew 18:15-17 also is relevant in such cases. You go to the offender first in private. Then if there is no response, you take 2 or 3 with you or go to the elders. If no response to the elders you then take it to the whole church. Such sins as child molestation, sexual predators of women, threats of violence, etc. all must be dealt with if the higher needs of the whole body outweighs the need for mercy toward the sinner. A forgiving and loving attitude still needs to be expressed, but separation from the Body may be indicated if damage to the church is involved.

God’s mercy has always been a major aspect of His character. He instructed a “mercy seat” to be placed on the top of the Ark (where the Holy Spirit resided). The priests were to consecrate it with the sprinkling of blood symbolizing atonement of the people’s sin. The mercy seat then was in the Holy of Holies of the Temple and should still be a major aspect of our worship today. The New Testament Church, even when confronting sin, always offers mercy for all.

chapter 8

Caused People to Miss Salvation (Matthew 23:13-15)

Jesus chastises the Pharisees for not “going into the kingdom of Heaven” themselves as well as stopping others who were trying to go in (Matthew 23:13). In Luke 11:52, He again charges them with “hindering” those who were entering. Just prior to this, Jesus said they “have taken away the key to knowledge.” In spite of the Pharisees’ desire to practice the law to perfection they actually ended up missing salvation and serving the Devil!

The teaching of the Pharisees and their personal examples are probably what Jesus was referring to. Hosea 4:6 says the “people perish for a lack of knowledge.” If we do not “rightly divide the Word” as Paul tells us in II Timothy 2:15 and live lives as examples of Jesus, we risk causing others to miss the Kingdom of God as well as ourselves.

Jesus talked about the “leaven” of the Pharisees’ teaching. In Matthew 16:11, He tells them to “beware of the leaven of the Pharisees,” which Matthew goes on to explain in verse 12, that leaven was their doctrines. In Chapter one it was pointed out how their traditions and self-serving motives resulted in a twisting of the Word of God. Jesus points out here how that affects not only the church, but goes against the main mission of the church: winning the lost!

How we present the Gospel today to the lost is important. The Word says it is the “goodness of God that brings people to repentance” (Romans 2:4). We need to realize that a heavy emphasis of preaching on sin and the subsequent judgment of God does not bring lasting conversions. When fear subsides, the new convert being only negatively motivated to serve God, will quickly fall back into the world. It is the hope of the Gospel and the goodness of the Kingdom of God that brings lasting and true change. David tells us in Psalms 27:13 he “would have lost hope unless I had believed, I would see the goodness of God in the land of the living.” Then in Psalm 107:1, “I give thanks to the Lord for He is good.”

The New Testament Church emphasizes the “good things” of God: salvation, Heaven, new life, healing, the Holy Spirit, physical safety, provision, guidance, wisdom, sonship, etc. We need to be assured that in the New Covenant we no longer have to fear God’s punishment. God said in Isaiah 54:9, “I have sworn that I will not be angry with you nor rebuke you” and continuing in verse 10, “For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall my covenant of peace be removed.” So God is not our problem. Calamities and trials come into our lives as believers from - wrong choices we make, Satanic influences, evil people, disease, accidents, and just living in a fallen world - none of which is from God. Paul reassures us as believers in Romans 11:22, “But toward you – goodness!”

What activities we choose to develop as churches, should be in relation to how we emphasize reaching the lost. Some Christian television programs today with their glitter and emphasis on prosperity/fund-raising must be a turn-off to the homeless and poor. How can we talk about the unconditional love of Christ and then place conditions of dress, status and race on following Jesus. How can we oppose homosexuality and yet ignore AIDS victims and the epidemic of AIDS in Africa? How can we minister to others when the spiritual needs of our own families are ignored? How can we condemn abortion and divorce and not reach out to those who have been scarred by it? Whose soul is more important to save – a banker’s or the crackhead’s down in the alley?

We also need to look at our preaching and examine it for emphasis on providing spiritual healing for the unsaved. Making the message relevant to the needs of the lost is what Jesus meant by leaving the 99 to go after the one lost sheep. Paul said in 1 Cor. 9:22 he “tried to be all things to all men to save some.” Then in Colossians 4:5-6 Paul says “walk in wisdom toward those who are ‘outside,’ letting your speech be with grace and seasoned with salt that you may know how to answer each one.” Churches should of course reach out to the needs of the members as well, but that should not be the main focus and largest portion of the budget.

Our own personal example and witness as believers is also critical in building the Kingdom. Condemning preaching and cold churches can actually prevent the lost from being saved. The Pharisees had a “club” mentality and isolated themselves from “sinners” and those racially inferior (Samaritans and Gentiles). Churches today that display a snobbish attitude toward non-members are involved in Pharisaism. We need to go where the lost are and have programs that draw the lost to our services in a welcoming way.

Giving to missions outside of a church’s local area should be at a minimum 10% (tithe) of every church budget. Having been to Africa where they worship in pole barn structures, it is hard to justify the excess money we spend just on comfortable, plush, ornate buildings and expensive social activities.

Our own personal lives as leaders and Believers is also important to winning the spiritually ill. The scandals that have rocked the evangelical leaders over the past two decades and current Catholic sexual predator charges, certainly have brought disgrace to the Gospel and are setbacks to winning the lost. The Pharisees’ hypocrisy (see Chapter 9) was something that evoked much anger from Jesus. It is ironic that the church leadership of Jesus’ day was the main receivers of Jesus’ anger (Matthew 23:33 – “you serpents and vipers!”) while sinners were treated warmly!

When the lost don’t see a sold-out spiritual lifestyle by believers, they assume only a lukewarm version is available for them. It is what I call “inoculated Christianity.” When people are vaccinated against a certain disease, they are given a small dose of the disease so they won’t get a full-blown case later. When we demonstrate only half-hearted devotion to the Gospel and our calling, the unsaved never have an example of the “joy unspeakable and full of glory,”

(I Peter 1:8) sold-out, walk with the Lord.

Jesus is even harsh on the Pharisees’ discipleship program. In Matthew 23:15 He says, “When you do win a proselyte you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.” The Lord is also concerned with how we do follow-up to soul winning. Holding mass evangelism meetings and not providing follow-up counseling and invitations to local churches leaves new converts as baby Christians that soon go back into the world. Paul tells us we must progress from the milk to the meat of the Gospel (Hebrew 6:1). An effective discipleship course for all new believers is imperative for the “lost sensitive” church.

A “seeker sensitive” New Testament Church develops strategies to not only attract the unsaved to their services, but also go where the lost are. Jesus tells us in Luke 14:16-24, the Heavenly Father is giving an invitation to “a great supper” (salvation). When the affluent give excuses why they can’t come, He says in verse 21 to “go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city and bring in the poor, the maimed, the lame and the blind.” When in verse 22, His servant said, “There is still room,” He replies “Go into the highways (cities) and hedges (farms) and compel them to come in!” It is obvious the Lord wants churches to grow. He was even anointed to preach the Gospel to the “poor” (Isaiah 61:1 & Luke 4:18). We need to reach out to the needy, sick and hurting because those conditions are fertile ground for the Gospel to work on a non-believer’s heart.

chapter 9

Hypocrisy

(Matthew 6: 16)

Jesus called the Pharisees “hypocrites” twenty times in the Gospels and in Luke 11:44 He lumps Scribes, Pharisees and Hypocrites into one group. By definition, a hypocrite is a “play actor.”3 In Matthew 6:16, Jesus said the hypocrites would “disfigure their faces” to appear sad and to be fasting when they actually weren’t.

The lifestyle Jesus wants His followers to demonstrate is a Christian life that would be genuine and heartfelt. I Thessalonians 2:4 says, “God tests our hearts.” The Pharisees were not only faking their religious actions, but even demanded others live by scriptural standards that they were unwilling to do themselves. In Matthew 7:5, Jesus says “hypocrites, first remove the plank from your own eye and then you will see clearly to take the speck from your brother’s eye!”

After college I remember attending a church for the first time and was greeted by a “happy hugger” at the door who said, “Oh, it is so good to see you again!” Well I had never seen her before in my life and I felt “phoniness” before I ever set foot in the door. Seeing people act one way at church and carnally the other six days or being “two-faced” is hypocrisy as well. Christianity must be lived as well as learned and caught as well as taught!

Most people can detect insincerity from an act of true friendliness. As a pastor, I would always try to meet over dinner with new visitors to my church to show them true concern and hospitality for their needs and calling in the Lord. The lost know talk is cheap, but when you invest time in them and listen to their concerns, they will feel true interest in themselves as a person.

There are things about the Bible every non-believer knows: 1) a little wine is good for the stomach, and 2) Jesus didn’t like hypocrisy. Many of them will pass off a decision for the Lord because “the church is full of hypocrites!” Well no person has or ever will live a perfect life but Jesus; however, we all have a responsibility to do our best. The fact that someone else doesn’t live a perfect Christian life still doesn’t change the fact that the Word of God is true, Jesus is Lord and that everyone will face an eternal judgment (Revelation 20:12).

In the “parable of the talents” we are to use what we have for the Kingdom – we all are to grow in knowledge of the Word and we need to act on what we know. Paul, however, said to be extra careful not to offend the new believer if it will cause them to stumble (Romans 14:21), and it is wise to consider the lost as well. Our witness to the Word being our daily guide to choices we make and actions we take is critical to church growth. Our families, co-workers and friends need to hear us refer to Biblical principles when we are making choices or discussing our opinions.

In Matthew 15:7-8, Jesus said Isaiah prophesied about hypocrites, “they honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” In other words, saying one thing publicly but privately doing the opposite. Matthew 23:3 says it clearly, “They say, but don’t do.” The heart is the issue (Romans 10:8, 9-10) since arguably we are all hypocrites to some extent. God looks on the heart and spirit, and having a heart for God is the main goal of committed Christianity. Paul says in Romans 6:17, “For you obeyed from the heart,” which is the key to true Christianity.

Paul even called Peter a “hypocrite” in Galatians 2:13 when he wouldn’t eat with Gentile believers when Jewish believers were present. Paul says in verse 14 “when I saw that they were not straight forward about the truth of the Gospel.” He also observed that Barnabas was influenced into the same act of shunning Gentile Christians (verse 13). So our hypocrisy can definitely affect those believers around us and cause them to stumble as well.

The New Testament Church needs to display an attitude of sincerity and honesty in all areas of our individual walk and church life. Phoniness and inconsistencies with the Word need to be exposed and repented of.

chapter 10

Heaped Heavy Burdens on the People (Matthew 23:4)

The Pharisees evidently placed a lot of religious duties on people under their leadership. Matthew 23:4 says “they bind heavy burdens on men’s shoulders, but they themselves will not move them with one finger.” In other words, they required religious activities that they themselves wouldn’t do (i.e., hypocrisy). Jesus criticized their extra-scriptural laws that they added to the Word (ceremonial washing, food rules, etc.) that placed people in a “works-righteous” path in justification with God rather than grace (Ephesians 2:8, “You have been saved by grace, not by works”).

Today we have many denominations that give people busy work church duties and a legalistic list of do’s and don’ts (no makeup, rote prayers, wear a tie, etc.) that get people focused on works rather than inner/spiritual growth. Jesus says “this is true worship: worship God in Spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). This is why leaders should focus on praise and worship, thanksgiving, prayer, ministry in the gifts of the Spirit, and preaching the Word. Serving on a committee or counting offering will not bring you into God’s presence! Leaders should also focus church activities on the “work of the church” (outreach) not “church work” (maintenance of the Body) or trivial tasks.

This happens in many churches when we are more preoccupied with “church work” (physical plant maintenance, counting the offering, having social events, etc.) than with the “work of the church” (witnessing, soul winning, prayer, teaching, counseling, preaching, etc). The positive then is to focus on the Great Commission tasks and meeting congregational spiritual needs, rather than busy work that can distract people.

Jesus never let trivial pursuits occupy His time, as He sometimes said, “I must be about My Father’s business” (Luke 2:49). Are you being true to your calling or being distracted with petty activities? The disciples in Acts 6:1-6 appointed deacons to do the mundane task of serving tables, while they devoted themselves to “prayer and the ministry of the Word.” Is your church emphasizing these spiritual works and directing people into these higher activities of Kingdom business?

We have a clear example of the “spiritual” works needing to be emphasized in two instances. First, Jesus compares Mary and Martha’s service unto Him. In Luke 10, Martha was busy serving the guests’ physical needs while Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to every Word of His teaching. When Martha complains that her sister wasn’t helping her, Jesus replies in verse 41, “Martha, Martha, you are worried about many things” and verse 42 but “one thing is needed, Mary has chosen the good part which will not be taken away.” Study of the Word must be a high priority for every New Covenant believer.

Secondly, in Acts 6:1, there arose a complaint against the Hebrew believers by the Hellenistic (Greek) believers that their widows were being neglected (possibly a racial bias involved here as well!). The Disciples responded saying in verse 2, “It is not desirable that we should leave the Word of God and serve tables,” and in verse 4 we should “give ourselves continually in prayer and to the ministry of the Word.”

Jesus also said, “Greater works than mine will my believers do” in John 14:12. We need to follow Jesus’ ministry which was to “destroy the works of the devil,” I John 3:8; “...cast out demons, …heal the sick” Mark 16:17&18; and “heal the sick and say the Kingdom of God (Gospel) has come near you” in Luke 10:9. Each one of us has a ministry and purpose to accomplish for God. II Corinthians 5:18 says we all have been given “the ministry of reconciliation” or bringing the unsaved into right relationship with God through repentance and salvation. Each one of us are called to do a spiritual work for God and when we all serve Him, our works will be “greater” in number than His.

Ephesians 2:10 says we have “good works prepared for us that we should walk in them.” Even though we are not saved by works, God has called us to accomplish much for the Kingdom of God. Therefore, after we are saved the rest of our lives are to be spent “searching for and discovering” the good works God wants us to accomplish for His Kingdom. These works are discovered as we prepare our hearts and begin to use our giftings for Him one step at a time. Isaiah 28:13 says, “Precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little there a little.” So start where you are with the revelation you currently understand and serve the Lord!

The New Testament Church has believers emphasizing the “spiritual” works of the Kingdom and anointing to accomplish their “calling”. Peter tells us “to be even more diligent to make our call and election sure, doing these things.” (II Peter 1:10)

chapter 11

Loved to Be Seen of Men

(Matthew 6:5)

Jesus said don’t be like the “hypocrites” (Pharisees) who “love to be seen by men” (Matthew 6:5). In John 12:42 & 43, He says they “loved the approval of men rather than God.” Many times today we see leadership focus on the adoration of the people and draw attention to themselves in self-fulfillment rather than giving glory to the Lord and serving the people. Coleman refers to them as the “How do we look?” cult.6

Jesus specifically pointed out several practices the Pharisees did to draw the attention of the people. In Matthew 6:2, they would sound a trumpet (“tooting your own horn!”) when they were performing a charitable act. In Matthew 6:5, it says “they love to pray loudly in public, in the synagogues and on the streets” to impress people with their spirituality, yet they had no private prayer life. Jesus tells us “to pray in secret and our Heavenly Father who sees in secret, will reward us openly” (verse 3), and when you “do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (verse 4).

In Matthew 23:5, they “make their phylacteries broad” (leather pouches filled with scriptures and bound around their foreheads) and “enlarge the borders of their garments.” The priests of the day had tassels on the borders of their garments that denoted their level of authority or office they held in the synagogue. That’s why the lady with the issue of blood touched the “hem” of Jesus’ garment, because that is where his position/authority would be designated as a Rabbi. A broad phylactery would indicate you know more scriptures than someone else in a competitive way. The enlarged hem of the garment would have more tassels and therefore more authority than anyone else. A “spirit of competition” is a very distracting trait in the Body from true service to our Lord.

Competition for positions of leadership among church members is one of the greatest hindrances to churches operating efficiently for the Lord today. The works of the flesh in Galatians 5:20 list, “Selfish ambitions, envy and jealousies.” As a pastor, I was always concerned if I appointed someone to a position or promoted them, that someone else’s feelings would be hurt because they weren’t chosen resulting in a “dissension” (also listed as a work of the flesh in Galatians 5). Paul goes on to say in verse 26, “Let us not become conceited, provoking one another and envying one another.”

The same dissension was addressed by Paul in I Corinthians 3:3-10. In verse 3 he says, “Are you still carnal creating envy, strife, and divisions, acting as mere men?” He goes on in verse 4-6, “When one says ‘I am of Paul’ and ‘I am of Apollos’ are you not carnal?”, but “both are ministers…as the Lord gave to each one. So neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters but God who gives the increase!” We need leaders in today’s church with humble hearts and a servant’s attitude toward their individual ministries and callings and a willingness to submit them to the overall ministry of the church. Jesus gives the parable of the wedding feast and it’s seating protocol in Luke 14:10 to further emphasize this. He suggests “go and sit down at the lowest place, so when He who invited you says, ‘Friend go higher’ then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you.” He goes on in verse 11, “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” In essence true spiritual humility is not self-depreciation, but a willingness to receive all God has for you.

In verse 7, Jesus says they “love the best places at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues.” I have been to many churches where the pastor has an ornate, gold chair on the stage! What does this say to new believers and to the lost? That the pastor is spiritually higher than everyone else?

Matthew 23:7 goes on to say they “love special greetings in the marketplace and to be called by men Rabbi, Rabbi.” Jesus says we are all brothers (verse 8) and should address one another as brother and sister (or servant). We are not to call anyone “Rabbi” (teacher) but Jesus or “Father” except God. Then we are to have the attitude of a “servant” in verse 11. It is interesting to note that even though we are “bondservants of Christ,” (as Paul called himself) Jesus says, I will call you “friend” (John 15:15). In other words as we begin to serve God as a slave, He responds to us as a friend (Luke 14:10)!

As leaders it is tempting to make decisions based on what the followers or one’s relatives will think rather than what God has revealed His will to be. It is not always popular to follow God. Jesus said, however, “He who leaves friends, parents, etc. for My sake, will receive a hundred-fold in return” (Mark 10:29-30). We will never be disappointed when we choose our calling or what God is saying in our heart to do over what people around us would want.

Paul says in the Last Days “men will be lovers of pleasure, rather than God” (II Timothy 3:4). Probably the greatest competition for Believers’ service to God today is a desire for recreation and pleasure activities rather than loving God and committing our time to reach the world. Sundays have now become just another day of leisure rather than a holy day unto God as the Ten Commandments say about the Sabbath. Our “free time” is only for ourselves and not willingly given to serve God.

We also need to be promoting leaders who serve best. Mark 10:43b says, “Whoever desires to be greatest among you shall be servant to all.” Jesus is our example as verse 45 says, “He came to serve” us. So pastors, choose your best servants for leadership positions, not the most popular or gifted!

A New Testament Church is led by believers who are “sold out” to God and not distracted by the opinions of man or how we look. Even though we’re “joint heirs with Jesus” (Romans 8:17), we serve humbly unto Him and let Him reward or promote us. I Peter 5:6 says, “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may lift you up in due time.”

chapter 12

Worldly and Satanic Desires

(John 8:23)

Jesus told the Pharisees that they were “of the world” and “from beneath” (John 8:23). In I John 2:15-17, it says, “He who loves the world, the love of the Father is not in Him.”

Psalm 24:1 tells us the “earth is the Lord’s,” but there is a world system that the Word refers to as Satan’s kingdom. I John 5:4 goes on to say, however that “this is the victory that overcomes the world – our faith.”

We live in a society today that is pre-occupied with the world system. Jesus has little patience for those who put a higher priority on worldly business and pleasure over the Kingdom’s business. In the parable of the feast, Luke 14:16-24, He talks about those who give excuses of “I bought a piece of land,” “I bought five oxen,” and “I married a wife,” etc., for in verse 24 He says, “None of those invited and gave excuses for not coming will taste my supper.” He also says, “Cares of the world choke the Word and causes it to become unfruitful (Mark 4:19).”

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus admonished His believers to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Earlier in verse 25, He says, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; nor about your body what you will put on” which are the “things” that will be added in verse 33.

In Mark 4:19, Jesus also warns that “the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for the other things, enter in, choke the Word, and it becomes unfruitful.” So the New Testament believer should guard his heart and mind from purely “worldly” activities dominating.

Jesus then makes an even-stronger charge that the Pharisees are actually sons of the devil (John 8:44) who was a “murderer” and “a liar.” He also says because they “seek to kill Me” (John 8:37) that, “they have become like their fathers who murdered previous prophets” (Matthew 23:31). So the Pharisees have not only missed their own stated goal to follow the Law better than all other Jews, but now are ultimately acting as demons!

Unfortunately, today we also have many vicious attacks on leaders in the form of false accusations and charges of immorality. In Revelations 12:10, Satan is characterized as the “accuser of the brethren” and those people who participate in such are being used by him. David, even though chased by Saul, still respected the office of king and “would not touch God’s anointed” (I Samuel 26:9) and waited for God to remove him. With all the legitimate moral failures of Christian leaders, it is easy to believe any charge against those in authority today. However, we as leaders must be careful to validate any charge before believing it. The Bible says in I Timothy 5:19, “Not to receive an accusation against an elder (leader) except by 2 or 3 witnesses,” or until you know all the facts. We need to be sensitive not to allow a rumor to “kill” our modern day prophets and leaders. Proverbs 18:8 and 26:22 says, “The words of a talebearer are wounds that go deep” and in 26:20 “where there is no talebearer (gossip), strife ceases.”

Sometimes, however, leaders mistakenly make charges that someone is “worldly” if they try to keep up with fashion or music trends. I believe the church must be decent and modest in its approach to modern culture trends, but I have seen some legalistic attitudes in these areas. For example, if a youth pastor wants to add drums and an electric guitar to the praise band, I have heard older church members say, “Those are tools of the devil” and the “world system.” David says to use all kinds of instruments to praise the Lord (Psalm 150:3-6), so it is the praise that is important, not the means. Music does follow “trends,” but that does not make one “worldly.”

Another example of style trends occupying the church was when the Beatles popularized long hair for men in the 60’s. This sparked much preaching against long hair, yet John the Baptist followed the rites of the Nazarite with no razor touching his hair (Numbers 6:5). Most of the paintings we see of Jesus depict Him with long hair as well. This incongruency caused a lot of youth to leave the church due to this apparent “hypocrisy”.

An interesting observation - it seems if a new culture style lasts for about five years, then we begin to see it embraced by church people as now to be “safe.” Sadly, this makes the church lose out on some contemporary creative ideas to reach the lost in our current culture!

The world system has penetrated our modern church life, however, in many areas. Accepting popular opinion over the Word has led many churches to ordain and marry homosexuals, condone abortion, allow radical feminism, tolerate use of alcohol, display immodest dress styles, wear satanic symbols, etc. We live in a culture dominated by media that are controlled by satanic influences, New Age and worldly humanists. The Internet is further exposing our youth to many ungodly pursuits. Jesus admonishes us to “take care what you hear” (Mark 4:24) while Paul says “set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth” (Colossians 3:2). As parents and church leaders we have a responsibility not to allow our families and churches to end up like the Pharisees as “sons of the devil.” It will take vigilance to censor what our children are exposed to, but the cost is too great to ignore what the media is doing to our culture. We must make the hard choice to protect our children from such influences and guard our churches from condoning worldliness. We must always boldly promote righteousness (God’s way of living) from our pulpits.

The New Covenant Church has the courage to take a stand for Truth when the world system tries to undercut scripture. Its members give of their time sacrificially to the church mission and their own individual ministries. They do not get involved in false charges placed against Christian leaders. They protect their families from immoral messages in the media but allow new styles and trends to help promote the Gospel. They become “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-14) to a dying culture by their example of a different lifestyle, and speak out publicly when the world tries to compromise the Word of God.

chapter 13

Spiritually Blind

(John 9:39)

Jesus said He came to “make those who say they can see, to become blind” (John 39:9). In other words the Pharisees and priests who claimed to have revelation from God would be proven wrong and a new group will arise who would be anointed to “see” the truth. In Matthew 15:14, Jesus tells the disciples to ignore the Pharisees’ offense at His sayings. He calls them “blind leaders of the blind” and says, “Both will fall into a ditch.” He then gets irritated with Peter in verse 16 saying “are you still without understanding?” Therefore, Jesus’ reference to blindness has to do with a lack of spiritual discernment and revelation. Isaiah 42:18 says “look you blind (spiritually) that you may see.”

Many people have head knowledge of the Word, but Jesus says it is of no effect unless it is “mixed with faith” (Hebrews 4:2). In I Corinthians 2:14, Paul tells us the “natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, nor can he know them because they are spiritually discerned.” Previously in verse 13 He reveals that this knowledge is taught only by the Holy Spirit. (Also John 16:13 – “the Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth” and I John 2:20 “but you have an anointing from the Holy One and you know all things.”) Proverbs 20:27 tells us, “The spirit of a man is the candle of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.” Our own human spirit can be led or spoken to by the Holy Spirit. God is a God who wants to speak to His people (“Today if you will hear my voice,” Hebrews 3:7), but the issue is - are we listening? Like radio waves in a room – until you turn on a radio (receiver) you will not hear them. We must “tune” or train our human spirits to illuminate our darkness with the wisdom of God, once hidden (from our carnal minds – Romans 8:6) and now revealed (to our spiritual minds – Romans 8:6) to us (our human spirit) by God (I Corinthians 2:7).

What we have with the Pharisees is what the church would be if the leaders were not led by the Spirit, so we must take care to select leaders that are not only “born again” but also “led of the Spirit” (Romans 8:14) and “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16). Electing elders because they are popular, relatives or successful businessman rather than spiritual servants of God is why today’s church is so carnal and ineffectual. This is also why training pastors in academic principles only and not a “school of the Spirit” results in sermons void of “Spirit revealed” knowledge and a “rhema” message from God.

The New Covenant Church is a spiritually guided church, which requires having leaders that are led by the Spirit. Romans 8:14 says, “As many are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.” There must also be spiritual “vision” in the church (Isaiah 28:7, “They err in vision”) to see things as God sees things and a discernment that “sees” when our personal walk or church activities don’t line up with the Word. They also have a Biblical vision or mission statement that is understood by all members (Habakkuk 2:2 – “write the vision and make it plain”) so they can “make their calling and election sure” (II Peter 1:10).

chapter 14

Old Wineskins

(Luke 5:33-39 and Mark 2:21-22)

Paul tells us in II Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold all things have become new.” After the Great Flood, God promised He would not destroy man ever again, but He would bring newness. Jesus came not to condemn, but to bring change and newness - not to destroy the Law, but to fulfill it (clarify and simplify).

Having a church government and structure that is responsive to “newness” and the leading of the Holy Spirit is key to being a spiritually moldable organization of the Lord. We have had several movements of the Holy Spirit over the past several decades. The 50’s saw an emphasis on healing and large inter-denominational meetings. Many of the main leaders dropped their denominational credentials (Oral Roberts, Jack Coe, A.A. Allen, William Branham, etc.) and set up “new wineskin” independent ministries. The 60’s saw a cross-denominational explosion of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the charismatic renewal. Many churches, Pentecostal and Fundamentalist alike ignored the move, and as a result “new wineskin” charismatic churches sprang up.13 The 70’s saw a wave of teaching with Kenneth Hagin, Ken Copeland, Fred Price, etc. and large teaching conference and camp meetings began to influence pastors to have longer sermons with in-depth teaching. In the 80’s a new zeal and freedom emerged for Praise and Worship. The “Holy Laughter” movement of the 90’s balanced the previous emphasis on “weeping” as a move of the Spirit in services, so now joy and crying are an equal expression of the Holy Spirit’s influence.

Jesus tried to explain the need for His church to be adaptable to the leading of the Holy Spirit bringing changes to its form and function. There is a great inertia among religion to not change. Jesus explained this in Luke 5:39 when He says “no one desires something new,” and He therefore would not try to work His ministry through the Priesthood/Pharisees of His day. So He just started completely over with His twelve disciples. He explained this with His parable of putting an un-shrunk patch on an old garment (Luke 5:36), or putting new wine in an old wineskin (verse 37), which will tear the garment or will result in a loss of function of the vessel.

In contrast if the structure and leadership of churches were in tune with the prophetic leading of the Holy Spirit, then the vessel would not have to be discarded with each major move. In other words, leaders need to be “adaptable” and listen to the voice of the Spirit. If a church is founded on plurality of leadership (pastors, elders, deacons, and overseers), a tendency to get into extremism can be avoided. We saw that recently where “animal sounds” occurred in church services and then a scriptural basis was sought to confirm it. Their national overseer spoke correction to the situation, which caused that group to leave the denomination and form its own narrow sect. The “discipleship movement” of the 70’s, which brought excessive authority by leaders over their followers, is another example of extremism in the past.

All prophecy must be a confirmation of the Word of God and is not to be a brand new concept, but give emphasis or clarity to certain scriptural principles. The fact elders are not to be accused except by 2 or 3 witnesses is a standard to keep doctrinal teachings mainstream (I Timothy 5:19). Concerning interpretation of tongues and prophecies I Corinthians 14:29 says, “Let the others judge,” which would be the whole Body. Everyone is to use discernment in the spirit-led church – not just a few claiming to have the gift of discernment. We all are to discern the voice of God and distinguish it from the voices of the flesh and Satan, so we can be a prophetically led people. The public criticism of Carlton Pearson’s “inclusionary salvation” by many noted Christian leaders is an example of how this principle is to work in the New Covenant Church.

Jesus says in John 10:4 that His sheep “will follow Him, because they know His voice.” You come to know the voice of someone you are familiar with and have had many conversations with. Your spouse doesn’t have to identify himself or herself to you on the phone, you automatically know the sound of their voice. So it should be with Jesus. But if you never spend time in prayer or His Word you will not recognize the Holy Spirit speaking to you. Proverbs 20:5 says, “Counsel in the heart of man is like water in a deep well, but a man of understanding draws it out.” Understanding means you are familiar with something and in this case it is God’s voice developed in hours of prayer.

The Christian life is one of constant change, but our flesh always wants to park at one spiritual level and stay there. We want to keep singing only the old choruses or try to recreate the conditions how the Holy Spirit moved last. Paul tells us in Romans 8:8, “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God” and goes on to say “we are now not in the flesh but in the Spirit.” The life in the Spirit is one of change: we’re born again (change), baptized in the Holy Spirit (change), progress in holiness (change), grow in revelation (change), increase in knowledge in the Word (change), etc. Paul says, “This one thing I always do – forget what is behind me and reach forward to the things ahead!” The Christian life is always forward looking and reaching to the next level or goal.

In Matthew 21:43, Jesus says the kingdom of God will be taken from the children of Israel and given to another nation bearing the fruits of it. The parable of the fig tree (Mark 11:11-20) is example of Israel’s priest and Pharisees’ fruitless ministry. We must seek direction from the Lord at all times as leaders, and not depend on traditions, man’s ways or the past to dominate us.

I’ve been in many board meetings where every item brought up is related to what “the people” wanted or will support. “What does God want” is the issue for the moldable, adaptable New Covenant Church that hears the voice of God. This makes for a rapid response to new issues that challenge the church today. Yet with a plurality of leadership doctrinal excesses or heresy can be avoided as well.

chapter 15

Don’t Have Teachable Spirits

(John 9:34)

The Pharisees were the audience for over one-third of Jesus’ teaching, yet they rarely received what Jesus taught. Nicodemus and Jairus were exceptions, and open to His teaching and role as Messiah. Jesus often talked about the Pharisees being “hard-hearted” and “stiff-necked.” Isaiah is quoted by Jesus in John 12:39-40 and referenced as the Pharisees being the fulfillment of a people that “would harden their hearts and not understand” the Messiah’s message. Paul says in Hebrews 4:7, “To hear His voice and harden not your hearts.”

There is a difference between listening and actually receiving what someone says. In Romans 10:8-10, it talks about salvation not taking place until the Word (Gospel) is in your heart. Romans 10:17 then says, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word (rhema) of God.” The use of the Greek word “rhema” implies it is received and discerned by the heart, as opposed to the “logos” (a divine saying) word of God, which stands on its own. The intent is for the “logos” (spoken) word to become a “rhema” (heart received) word for all of scripture. The parable of the sower in Matthew 13:18-23 gives all the reasons why this won’t always be the response to the logos word by people. Matthew 13:9 tells us in the first type of ground, the wayside, the Word was not understood and not received at all. This is the category the Pharisees fall in, which is why they were producing no fruit for the Kingdom of God.

In John 9:34, it is obvious by the Pharisee’s own words they didn’t have a teachable spirit when they responded to the parents of the healed blind boy – “are you teaching us?” Evidently the Pharisees felt they were the only teachers of spiritual truth. Today we have the same attitude when denominations say their founders are the only “true” interpreters of doctrinal truth. Jesus says in John 16:13, the Holy Spirit will teach us truth – that means every believer. When believers give up this right, then cult activity can develop. Most cult leaders demand absolute authority to interpret scriptures for everyone else, which is a dangerous situation. We should have teachable spirits, but not gullible spirits. All preaching should hold up to the judging of the Body of Christ, and leaders need to train their followers to test the Word as the Berean’s did.

In Acts 17:11, it says the “people in Berea were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica in that they received the Word with all readiness and searched the Scripture daily to find out whether these things were so.” Doing this will keep us open to new revelation, but searching the Word for confirmation after hearing new teaching is a necessary step for all hearers. Then we are directed to “mix it with faith” (Hebrews 4:2). It goes on in Hebrews 4:6 to say it was also not received because of disobedience. Therefore, we need to act on the Word as a final step. James 1:22 says, “Be a doer of the Word.” This process for learning the Word will keep you from “chasing every wind of doctrine” as Paul warns in Ephesians 4:14.

Also beware of continually seeking for constant new revelation. Paul says in

II Timothy 3:7, “People will be always learning, but never coming to the knowledge of the truth.” He goes on to say in II Timothy 4:3 that people will seek teachers that will please their “itching ears” - in other words - preach to comfort their flesh. We see this today with the constant desire of some Christians to receive personal prophesies, when there are many they haven’t even acted on yet. All prophecies are “conditional” in that it requires you to act on some portion of it to be fulfilled. This attitude results in churches becoming self-serving only “bless me clubs,” and never accomplishing any works for the Kingdom of God.

The New Testament Church is one that is mature in the Word, able to handle prophecies properly and always ready to continue to grow in revelation knowledge of the Word. It knows how to study out a new teaching to see if it lines up with the Word, then mix it with faith and be ready to apply it when the chance comes.

chapter 16

Materialistic

(Luke 16:14)

In Luke 16:14, Luke tells us the Pharisees were “lovers of money.” Paul advises us in

I Timothy 3:3 to select elders who are “not greedy for money.” Money has been a stumbling block for leaders and churches alike. It has been said the Healing Revival of the 50’s came to an end because of the Three G’s: Girls, Glory, and Gold.

The Lord, however, uses our stewardship of money as a test for our trustworthiness and responsibility in the Kingdom. In Luke 16:11, Jesus says, “If you have not been faithful with unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” God uses how we handle money in our homes and churches as a test of our honesty and leadership potential. Many ministries have fallen because of the improper handling of money or not paying taxes due.

An out of balance priority on money, earning of money and spending money is also a distraction to the faith and serving God. Mark 4:19 says, the “deceitfulness of riches and desires for other things choke the Word and it becomes unfruitful.”

The over emphasis of the prosperity message I feel has deceived many ministries as well from the “true riches” of the Gospel. What I call the “prosperity message” is the constant stressing of “giving to get from God” which makes giving to the Lord’s work changed into a kind of “Heavenly lottery”. The emphasis is on self-gain and not gain in order to build the Kingdom of God. While I believe every “good gift is from above” and in tithing, it is the scriptural balance of financial issues in a church’s teaching that is the key.

Money is actually a neutral item of exchange and when used properly can be used to further the Kingdom. Deuteronomy 8:18 says “God gives us the power to get wealth to establish His covenant” and II Corinthians 9:8 says the principle of sowing and reaping is so we will have enough leftover after meeting our basic physical needs “to give unto every good work.” So when we tithe and give to the needs of others, then we don’t fall into the trap of “the love of money is the root of all evil” warning that Paul issues in I Timothy 6:10, causing “men to wander from the faith” and experience “sorrows.” Paul also warns in I Timothy 6:3-5 to “stay away from men who suppose godliness is a means of great gain.” Many leaders serve God only because of the money they might receive.

John 12:6 says, “Judas cared not for the poor, but was a thief and stole from the money box (of Jesus).” Then in Mark 14:11, the priests paid Judas to betray Jesus. Later they paid the soldiers who guarded Jesus’ tomb to spread the rumor that “Jesus’ disciples came and stole his body while we slept.” So actually it was the love of money that allowed the priests and Pharisees to take advantage of people, change their minds, and pay them to cooperate in their plot to crucify Jesus.

Jesus says it plainly in Luke 12:20-21, “A person is a fool who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” I know many people who prayed for God to bless their finances, but when it came they didn’t bless the church with increased giving!

The New Testament church has leaders that are good stewards of God’s money and honest in all its use. Its members have a means of earning a living, but they don’t consume it all on themselves and have money left over for God’s work. Their jobs do not consume all their time and take away from the service to Him. They “seek God’s Kingdom first and His righteousness”, and trust Him that their needs “will be added to them” (Matthew 6:33).

chapter 17

Coveted political control and power over the people

(John 11:45-57)

The Pharisees were constantly trying to catch Jesus in a fault they could use to discredit His ministry. When that failed they decided at a secret council meeting He would have to be killed (John 11:47). Just like Daniel whom the “governors and satraps could find no fault in him” unless it was “concerning the law of his God” (Daniel 6:4-5), they got together to conspire against Jesus and produce false charges against Him that the people would believe. The High Priest Caiaphas unknowingly prophesied, “one man should die for the people and nation” (verse 50). They called for this council meeting after hearing reports of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Their response is typical of leaders whose primary motivation is personal gain. Verse 48 says “if we let Him alone, everyone will believe in Him and we will lose our place and our nation.”

Analysis of this statement reveals the basis for most all strife in the church – envy. James tells us the spiritual principle that “where there is envy, there will be strife and every evil thing” (James 3:16). The Pharisees were very envious of the crowds Jesus was attracting (Luke 6:19, “The whole multitude sought to touch Him”) and the miracles He was performing (raising the dead).Self-determination and glorification is a powerful motivator and is what ultimately caused Jesus to be crucified. The Bible has much to say about pride needing to be replaced by an attitude of humility (Proverbs 3:34 & I Peter 5:5-6). Humility is the opposite of pride - with submission/obedience the opposite of rebellion.

The Pharisees, blinded by personal ambition, voiced the true reason they wanted Jesus crucified: 1) He’s winning the peoples’ allegiance from them, and 2) they will lose their position of power and influence in their “club” or temple. Before Pilate, they would publicly, however, accuse Jesus of blasphemy as the reason He should be crucified (John 19:7). This is a tactic that people with controlling spirits use in the church today. They may complain about surface issues, but deep down they have hidden, personal ambition as a motivation.

Secondly, the Pharisees used rumors and criticism to discredit Jesus’ ministry. They were able to turn the adoring public on Palm Sunday into a bloodthirsty mob crying, “crucify Him” in less than five days. They then bribed the soldiers who were guarding Jesus’ tomb to start the rumor that “His disciples stole His body while we were asleep” (Matthew 28:11-15).

Luke 5:30 says the “Pharisees murmured against His disciples.” This is the third tactic of the Pharisees to regain control of the people and has been Satan’s scheme to stop every move of God since. The three fiery darts are: 1) false accusations of leaders’ character, 2) criticism of a leader’s methods, and 3) murmuring and complaining about the tasks.

As leaders today we must guard our hearts from undeserved, false charges as fleshly and demonic distractions from accomplishing the Lord’s work. We have to realize when we step out for God that criticism will come, but Jesus says take comfort in the fact, “they hated me first” (Matthew 10:22), and keep on serving Him.

If you have a legitimate criticism of a leader’s methods, vision, decisions, etc., however, the Bible is clear in Matthew 18:15 that you are to go to your brother in private and discuss the issue in a “loving” spirit (Ephesians 4:15). Proverbs 11:13 says, “a talebearer reveals secrets, but a faithful spirit conceals the matter.” Then keep the encounter private by not discussing the issue with others that don’t have a need to know about the controversy. You do not go and tell the whole church first – that is the last step in Matthew 18:15-17.

God has little patience with our murmuring and complaining about hard work, persecution, etc. In I Corinthians 10:10 the children of Israel’s murmuring and complaining resulted in their destruction in the wilderness. He put this on the same level as idolatry, tempting the Lord and sexual immorality, which were the other three reasons (vs. 7-9). This tactic can destroy families as well as church activities.

Take care in putting people in leadership that are position oriented, critical, strong-willed individuals. They could later develop an “Absalom spirit” (II Samuel 15:6 – “Absalom stole the hearts of men”) and try to supplant you. In I Timothy 3:10, Paul says to “test a deacon,” and I believe these are critical areas to examine: humility, selflessness, team player, obedient, submissive, etc. It is Paul’s admonition in I Corinthians 1:10, “that there be no divisions among you!” Preventing such future problems is wise counsel.

I want to re-emphasize how strong and blind a person with a “controlling spirit” is. It drove the Pharisees to make a very absurd statement: “He’s raising the dead – let’s kill Him!” They were oblivious to seeing that if He could raise a dead person, He might be able to raise Himself! They then blasphemed God when they cried out to Pilate, “we have no King but Caesar” (John 19:15) and even said, “let His blood be on us and our children” (Matthew 27:25). It’s obvious that in recent times the Jews have been persecuted and murdered more than any ethnic group. Maybe they should look at this proclamation as a source and turn their hearts to the Truth (Romans 3:2-3). It is very ironic, as well, the Pharisees would swear allegiance to Caesar, who claimed to be a god, committing right there the very crime of blasphemy they were accusing Jesus of. Ambition will blind you of many godly principles of the Word that caution against gossip, slander, strife, etc.

Humanism, as a religion of self, is the basis for these actions. As Believers, we need to die to self, and “take up our cross daily and follow Him” (Mark 10:21), if we are to accomplish His Kingdom purposes and goals through our lives. Self-centeredness is a powerful force in the church today, and as leaders we must discern from surface issues to what deeply motivates people at times. Herod was struck dead by an angel of the Lord when he proclaimed to be a god and did not give glory to God (Acts 12:21-23). An exceptional teaching on submission to church leadership is God’s Armor Bearer: How to Serve God’s Leaders by Terry Nance. This book is an in-depth study on the Old Testament function of an armor bearer of kings and is a must for all leaders.15

The New Testament Church needs selfless members that have pure hearts motivated to serve God and let Him be their rewarder. We need people that have a good “Christ image” and not “self-image”, that are content to merely serve as unto Him. Colossians 3:23 says, “whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” A New Covenant believer seeks the praise of God, not the praise of men (John 12:43).

Conclusion

Obviously, Pharisaic traits are still struggles in each of our lives and cannot be ignored or written off as “having passed away with the Apostles” anymore than the Spiritual Gifts can. Consequently, church leaders need to search their own hearts for these fleshly errors and guard their hearts from them in the future, lest we also be categorized as “stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and always resisting the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:51).

Furthermore, these attitudes will frequently be expressed in church life, and must be dealt with as root causes of much strife, conflict, and offenses. Just as a doctor desires to find the cause of a disease instead of just merely treating symptoms, church leaders should look for the underlying basis for relationship struggles.

In Matthew 3:10, Jesus speaks of “laying an ax to the root of a tree” and that “God can raise up children of Abraham from stones” if need be. I believe He is referring to those who had been trusted with the message of the Lord and then perverted it – the Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes, and Priests. An ax is a violent, forceful symbol of cutting the life out of a living tree and stopping it from bearing fruit. Sometimes we as leaders may have to deal firmly in confronting Pharisaism as soon as it appears, or God will use someone else rather than tolerate what the children of Israel had evolved into spiritually, ultimately some as “sons of the devil.”

Paul admonishes everyone in the church to “pursue peace with all people…lest a root of bitterness spring up and cause trouble and by this many become defiled” (Hebrews 12:14-15). Pharisaism is something that can spread to others because it appeals to our self-centered and self-serving natures, so it gains a rapid public response. The peoples’ proclamation to Jesus changing from “Hosannas” to “crucify Him” in a few days time is an example of how infectious Pharisaism is.

In Hebrews 12:17, Paul goes on to say that Essau ultimately “found no place for repentance though he sought it with tears.” The key to Pharisaism is to catch it early, repent and take on the opposite spiritual quality the Word mandates instead. The Bible says we are to “examine our own hearts” (Galatians 6:4, I Corinthians 11:28, and II Corinthians 13:5). The traits of the Pharisees can be used as a barometer for our own spiritual health.

In I Peter 4:17, we are warned that, “Judgment is to begin at the house of the Lord.” The Word is the standard for all correction in the Body of Christ (II Timothy 3:16 & Hebrews 4:12). Pharisaism needs to be included in the other lists of the ways of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21 & Ephesians 5:3-5) that we should guard our hearts from and repent of quickly. Proverbs 4:23 tells us to “guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it come the important issues of life.” So the ideal situation is for believers to be educated on the failures of Pharisaism so they can avoid their errors in the first place. The Lord will help us in this endeavor as Philippians 4:7 promises us “the God of peace will guard your hearts and minds.”

If Pharisaism is observed, however, Paul instructs that, “he who is spiritual is to correct his brother in love” (Galatians 6:1). As leaders in the Body, confronting Pharisaism should be as in all actions – motivated by a love for your brother, the Lord and the truth. Ephesians 4:15 says, “Speak the Truth in love.” The most loving thing is to not be silent when Pharisaism surfaces.

Paul goes on to say in I Thessalonians 5:14 that “unruly people are to be warned,” and in Titus 3:10 that a “divisive person should be rejected after two admonitions.” People with Pharisaic motivations are usually strong-willed as well as misguided and often unaware of what they’re doing. Many times a separation is the only alternative in harmful situations. Often, however, they will later thank you when they are convicted in their own hearts of their errors. The overall mission of the church is a higher need than any one individual’s ministry.

Paul demonstrated this in Galatians 2:11 when he “confronted Peter to his face” over his “hypocrisy.” Paul said he was to be “blamed” for his actions. Paul quickly and strongly confronted Peter’s Pharisee-like actions that manifested in four areas. First, he was a hypocrite and inconsistent for acting one way in the presence of other Jews and another way when they weren’t around (eating with Gentiles). Secondly, he was misinterpreting the Word as Paul pointed out in verse 16 that Christians are “not justified by works of the law but by faith in Christ.” Thirdly, Peter was reverting back to the “old wineskin” of the law. Fourthly, he was showing prejudice against Gentile believers. This is a clear example of how leaders should be sensitive to and correct Pharisaism manifesting in the church.

Pharisaism may not be a popular subject in the church because it speaks to the negative traits of people. It is however a necessary and important series of truths we all need to be aware of. Stephen R. Covey states in his book, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, that the “character ethics” of an organization is what determines its ultimate success rather than the empty promises of the “personality ethics” and policies of said entity.16 Jesus has the same wisdom for the leaders of His organization – the church. Like Joseph and Daniel demonstrated, it’s your character that counts most. Jesus wants His followers to be “highly effective” Christians, and we must have a grasp of the positive traits in order to make His Body strong and productive.

The Book of James says in Chapter 3, v. 1 “as a teacher (and possibly all church leaders) you expose yourself to a stricter judgment.” Therefore, this subject is very essential for all leaders to be well aware of – not only in your own life, but in leading others into becoming the vibrant, spotless, purified Bride of Revelation 19:8 that our Lord desires to marry.

Epilogue

So how do we lead lives void of Pharisaism? The answer lies in the New Covenant that Jesus said would be in His blood (Luke 22:20). Over the years I’ve asked other Believers “what exactly is the New Covenant?” I’ve received a variety of answers – most relating to forgiveness of sins and going to Heaven. Actually, the Old Covenant had forgiveness of sins through the sacrificial rites of Mosaic Law. There also was salvation under the Old Covenant. When the righteous or patriarchs died, Luke 16:22 tells us they went to “Abraham’s bosom.” Even the Pharisees believed in a heaven after death from their knowledge of the Old Testament.

So what is different about the New and “better” Covenant as Paul calls it in Hebrews 8:6? Jeremiah in Chapters 31, verse 33-34, states what the New Covenant will be with Paul also quoting it in Hebrews 8:10-12:

“33But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; I will be their God and they shall be My people. 34No more shall every man teach his neighbor or brother saying ‘know the Lord’; for they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

Examining this scripture reveals several fresh promises in the New Covenant (the phrase I will be their God and they shall be My people was also in the Old Covenant):

1. I will put My law in their minds and write it on their hearts

2. No need to teach others about the Lord – people will just “know Him”

3. I will forgive their iniquity (lawlessness)

4. I will remember their sins no more

Let me address the last three aspects of the New Covenant first. Jesus is perhaps the best-known person to have ever lived due to the worldwide spread of the Gospel. The Bible also prophesies that someday, when He appears in the clouds at the Second Coming, that all will see Him (Matthew 24:30). Also the dispensation of the Holy Spirit into Believers’ hearts will help them to know Jesus. Jesus prophesied that the Holy Spirit will “glorify Me and take of what is mine and declare it to you” (John 16:14). In addition, Jesus said, “if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father” (John 14:9). Jesus’ life on the earth has helped us to better know the Father, and we can definitely say the New Covenant enables us to now better know the Lord.

Paul tells us in Titus 2:14 that “Jesus gave Himself that He might redeem us from all iniquities.” An iniquity is defined in this passage by Strong’s to be a lawless act.2 In other words –going against the law of God. Knowing this aspect of the New Covenant allows Paul to proclaim, “we have been redeemed from the curse of the Law” by Jesus (Galatians 3:13). Isaiah also prophesied that the Messiah would be “bruised for our iniquities” in Isaiah 53:5 and then in verse 6 says, “The Lord laid upon Him the iniquities of us all.” So now through faith in the atonement of the cross, we can say the New Covenant gives us total freedom from the curse (punishment) of breaking the Old Covenant Law.

The third new promise concerns God’s vow to develop total “amnesia” to our sins. Under the Old Covenant God would forgive sins with a sacrificial gift, but still remembered them. The punishment was withheld, but not the memory of it. We as humans have a hard time trying to forget an offense when someone wrongs us, allowing sins to “add up.” The New Covenant, however, provides the believer with a new level of forgiveness not available in the Old Covenant. David tells us in Psalm 103:12, “As far as the east is from the west (which never meet), so far has He removed our transgressions.” It is hard for us to imagine, but through Jesus’ blood God’s “total forgetfulness” now accompanies forgiveness!

If we now consider the first fresh aspect of the New Covenant, it most closely resembles the endowment of the Holy Spirit into the heart of each individual believer. Peter announced in Acts 2:38, “repent, be baptized and receive the Holy Spirit.” The empowering of each individual believer is God’s greatest element of the New Covenant. Paul tells us in Hebrew 11:39-40 the patriarchs themselves did not even “receive the promise, God having provided something better for us.” In the Old Covenant God’s spirit only operated in the chosen prophet, priest or king. As believers we must realize after becoming “born again” (John 3:3), that we now have a mandate to allow the Holy Spirit to “guide us into all Truth” (John 16:13).

Before Jesus ascended into Heaven and after the Resurrection, He commanded the disciples in Luke 24:49, “Behold I send the Promise of my Father upon you, but tarry in Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” This was to be a “second dose” or coming upon of the Holy Spirit as He had already “breathed” into them the Holy Spirit (John 20:22). Luke goes on to tell us in Acts 1:8 that this power was to assist us in being a “witness” to Him and to His words in all the world.

Therefore, we as New Covenant believers now have a “double portion” of power just as Elisha had requested from Elijah (II Kings 2:9). Paul teaches us in Galatians 5 and Romans 8 how we should apply this double dose of the Holy Spirit to now live a “life in the Spirit.” So it is the Holy Spirit that will “write His laws on our hearts and minds.”1 Paul challenges us to “walk in the Spirit” in Galatians 5:16 & 25. This privilege of walking in the spirit is not easy or automatic after being saved, and requires each believer to daily make a commitment to be “led by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:18). The rewards are great to those who choose such a life, for Romans 8:14 promises us “as many as are led by the Spirit, these are the Sons of God!”

In Romans 8:13, Paul says, “a life in the spirit” is possible only if we “mortify (or put to death) the ways of our flesh.” He also cautions us in Galatians 3:3 that once we have begun a life in the Spirit (born again), we cannot then try to attain perfection in life by our flesh.

The Holiness Movement, that began in the late 1800’s and still operates today, emphasizes getting your flesh under control before you can be “sanctified” and thus worthy to be “filled’ by the Holy Spirit. The problem with this sequence is it requires your flesh to control your flesh! Paul in Galatians 5 says, “walk in the spirit, and (so) you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” The key then is to choose to walk in the Spirit first (pray in the spirit, meditate on the Word, exercise your faith, operate in the Spiritual Gifts [I Corinthians 12:8-10], fulfill your ministry calling, etc.), so you will not have time or want to do the works of the flesh as listed in Galatians 5:19-21. The “fruit of the Spirit” noted in Galatians 5:22-23 then becomes the barometer for how well you are walking or being led by the Spirit. Only spiritual weapons can be used, therefore, to subject your fleshly desires to the will of the Lord.

Paul states it very clearly in Galatians 5:4-6:

4. “You have become estranged from Christ you who attempt to be justified by the Law (Pharisees); you have fallen from grace.

5. For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

6. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision or non-circumcision (symbol of Old Covenant) avails anything, but faith working through love.”

Faith working through love by the Spirit is the profound New Covenant process that keeps us from Pharisaism and trying to be “justified by the law (works)!” So we as New Covenant Believers must be determined to put the Holy Spirit’s power to work in our lives so we can bring the goodness of God to our families, our churches and the world. This is the “victory that has overcome the world (flesh, Pharisaism) - our faith.” (I John 5:4)

Summary/ Study Guide

Chapter

Pharisee Trait

Godly Trait

Scripture Reference

1

Opinions of men and traditions Supreme

God’s Word supreme & rightly divide it

John 17:17

II Timothy 2:15

2

Externalism emphasized

Pure heart motives

Luke 6:45

3

Racially prejudiced

No partiality in ethnic origin

Acts 10:34

4

Legalistic

Spirit of law rules

II Cor. 3:6 and I Cor. 2:13

5

Seeking for a sign

Seeking the Sign Giver

Hebrews 11:6

6

No desire to save the lost

Joy when the lost are saved

Luke 15:10

7

No mercy on guilty

Mercy for all

Matthew 9:13

8

Caused people to stumble

Be a good witness

Acts 1:8

9

Hypocrites

Fidelity to the word in actions

Romans 6:17

10

Burden the church with religious duties

Do the works of Jesus

John 14:12

11

Loved popularity with people

Seek God’s rewards and favor

Hebrews 11:6

12

Worldly cares & Satanic lusts

Seek the Kingdom of God first

Matthew 6:33

13

Spiritually blind

Spiritually discerning

I Cor. 2:15

14

Resistant to spiritual change

Open to confirmed spiritual change

II Cor. 5:17

15

Not teachable

Have teachable but informed spirit

Colossians 3:16

16

Materialistic

Earnestly desire spiritualities

I Cor. 12:31

17

Controlling, self-centered; critical & murmuring

Humble, serving & obedient spirit

I Peter 5:5

References

1Nelson, Holy Bible, New King James Version, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, TN 1992. (All quotes are from this version)

2Strong’s New Exhaustive Concordance, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, TN 1990.

3The New Bible Dictionary, Wm. B. Eerdman’s Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, MI 1978.

4Coleman, William L., The Pharisees’ Guide to Total Holiness, Minneapolis, Bethany House Publishers, 1977.

5Fowler, James A., www.christinyou.net/pages/pharisaism.html, 1999, pp 1 & 2.

6Tuttle, Robert B., John Wesley, His Life and Theology, Francis Asbury Press, Grand Rapids, MI 1978, p 115.

7Nichols, Stephen J., Martin Luther: A Guided Tour of His Life and Thought, P & R Pub., Phillipsburg, NJ, 2002, pp. 91-92.

8National Association of Evangelicals, Washington, D.C., http://www.wofcfc.org/NAEStatementofFaith.doc

9Schaeffer, Francis A., A Christian Manifesto, Crossway Books, Westchester, IL 1981, pp. 46-48, 66.

10Schaeffer, Francis A., The Great Evangelical Disaster, Crossway Books, West Chester, IL 1984, p. 64.

11Harrell, David E. Jr., All Things Are Possible: The Healing and Charismatic Revivals in Modern American, Indiana University Press, Bloomington, IN 1975, p. 12.

12Orr, J. Edwin, The Flaming Tongue: The Impact of Early 20th Century Revivals, Moody Press, Chicago, IL 1975, p. 23.

13Nance, Terry, God’s Armor Bearer, Destiny Image Publishers, Shippensburg, PA, 2003.

14Covey, Stephen R. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Simon & Schuster, New York, 1989.

About the Author

Dr. Ronald N. Hesser and his wife, Janice, live in Poteau, Oklahoma where he is a full time dentist. He is a part time evangelist and is founder and president of Crio Ministries, an evangelistic association that supports missionaries, plants churches and provides leadership training. Crio has built over 30 churches in Africa and helps oversee 60 Living Stones Churches International in Kenya and nine other African nations. He has previously authored a ministry training course that is presently being used to train pastors in Africa. He has founded and pastored Hosanna Christian Fellowship, a non-denominational, Charismatic church, for eight years in Poteau, Oklahoma. Rev. Hesser also founded and served as president of the Klamath Revival Association in Klamath Falls, Oregon for five years (1985-1990). The organization held citywide interdenominational crusades with various national ministries 3-4 times each year. Prior to being ordained as a licensed minister in 1986, he served as an elder for over 15 years in two different churches. All proceeds from this book will go to promote Crio Ministries in its efforts to build churches, our Lord’s only plan to overcome the Gates of Hell (Matthew 16:18). You can reach Dr. Hesser at <crio_ministries@hotmail.com> based in Poteau, Oklahoma, 74953 or www.crioministries.org.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Misinterpreted Word

Externalism

Racial Prejudice

Legalism

Continual Seeking for a Sign

No Heart for the Lost

Showed No Mercy on the Guilty

Caused People to Miss Salvation

Hypocrisy

Heaped Heavy Burdens on People

Loved To Be Seen of Men

Worldly and Satanic Desires

Spiritually Blind

Old Wineskins

Don’t Have Teachable Spirits

Materialism

Coveted Political Control and Power Over the People

Conclusion

Epilogue

Summary/ Study Guide

References

Table of Contents

Introduction

Misinterpreted Word

Externalism

Racial Prejudice

Legalism

Continual Seeking for a Sign

No Heart for the Lost

Showed No Mercy on the Guilty

Caused People to Miss Salvation

Hypocrisy

Heaped Heavy Burdens on People

Loved To Be Seen of Men

Worldly and Satanic Desires

Spiritually Blind

Old Wineskins

Don’t Have Teachable Spirits

Materialism

Coveted Political Control and Power Over the People

Conclusion

Epilogue

Summary/ Study Guide

References