How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, unlike the Pharisees? Setting the Scene: The Plot to Arrest Jesus “Now the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where Jesus was should report it, so that they could seize Him.” (John 11:57) Pharisaic Misalignment: Symptoms to Avoid • Position and power mattered more to them than truth (John 11:48) • They valued outward conformity over inward transformation (Matthew 23:25–28) • Their hearts were hardened against clear evidence of God’s work (John 11:45–46) • Religious rules eclipsed love for God and people (Mark 7:6–9) Principles for Aligning Our Actions with God’s Will • Start with the heart: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23) • Abide in Christ daily: “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you.” (John 15:4) • Submit to Scripture as final authority: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • Walk by the Spirit: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Let love drive obedience: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) • Embrace humility: “He has shown you, O man, what is good… to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) • Practice genuine repentance whenever sin surfaces (1 John 1:9) Practical Habits That Keep Us Oriented Toward God • Schedule unhurried time in the Word each day • Invite the Holy Spirit to search and convict (Psalm 139:23–24) • Memorize key passages that confront pride and hypocrisy (e.g., Philippians 2:3–4) • Serve quietly where no spotlight shines (Matthew 6:1–4) • Cultivate accountability with mature believers (Hebrews 10:24–25) • Celebrate evidence of God’s work in others instead of competing with it (Romans 12:15) Christ’s Example: The Gold Standard “Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, unless He sees the Father doing it.” (John 5:19) “[He] humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8) Takeaway Unlike the Pharisees in John 11:57, we align with God’s will when we pattern every motive, word, and deed after the obedient, humble, Spirit-filled life of Jesus, letting Scripture direct our steps and love define our actions. |
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