How can we ensure our actions align with God's truth, unlike the Pharisees? Honest Look at the Verse “On the next day, which followed the Preparation Day, the chief priests and Pharisees assembled before Pilate.” (Matthew 27:62) The religious leaders, certain they were protecting truth, actually worked against it. How do we keep from repeating their mistake? Remember: Truth Begins in the Heart • Proverbs 4:23 – “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” • Outward activity never corrects an inward problem. • Daily invite the Spirit to expose hidden motives (Psalm 139:23-24). Measure Everything by Scripture, Not Tradition • Isaiah 8:20 – “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because they have no light.” • The Pharisees weighed Jesus against their customs, not against God’s Word. • Ask: “What does the text plainly teach?” then align immediately. Pursue Humility, Reject Image Management • Matthew 23:5 – “They do all their deeds to be seen by men.” • James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • Humility keeps us teachable; pride locks us into error. Become Doers, Not Mere Hearers • James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • Pharisees knew Scripture yet failed to live it. • Practical step: when a command is discovered, write one concrete action and obey that day. Stay Focused on Christ, the Fulfillment of Truth • John 14:6 – “I am the way and the truth and the life.” • Colossians 2:6 – “As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” • Relationship with Christ guards us from dead religion and guides every decision. Walk in Spirit-Empowered Obedience • Galatians 5:16 – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Spirit dependence replaces self-reliance, producing genuine fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). • Continual surrender keeps us from drifting into Pharisaical control. Live a Lifestyle of Repentance • 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” • Quick repentance prevents the hardening that characterized the Pharisees. • Repentance is not a one-time event but a daily rhythm. Practical Checklist for Today – Examine motives before acting. – Compare plans with clear Scripture. – Seek counsel from mature believers when uncertain (Proverbs 11:14). – Choose the humble path, especially when it costs. – Act immediately on revealed truth. – Depend on the Spirit through the day. – Repent quickly when convicted. By planting these habits, we move from Pharisaical pretense to authentic obedience, ensuring our actions consistently align with God’s unchanging truth. |
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