What steps can we take to avoid the Pharisees' error in Matthew 9:34? The Pharisees’ Error in Context “ ‘By the prince of demons He drives out demons.’ ” (Matthew 9:34) They witnessed an undeniable miracle yet chose to explain it away rather than bow to Christ’s authority. Their hearts were: • hardened by pride (John 5:39-40) • jealous of Jesus’ growing influence (Matthew 27:18) • spiritually blind despite great religious knowledge (John 9:41) Recognizing the Heart Issue At its core, their sin was willful unbelief—an active refusal to acknowledge the obvious work of God. Hebrews 3:12 warns, “See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God.” Practical Steps to Guard Our Hearts 1. Stay amazed by Christ’s works • Regularly read the Gospels and celebrate each miracle and teaching (Psalm 111:2). 2. Submit understanding to Scripture, not feelings or traditions • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105). 3. Welcome the Holy Spirit’s illumination • “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13). 4. Cultivate humility through confession and accountability • “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6). 5. Rejoice in others’ spiritual victories • The Pharisees resented Jesus’ popularity; we choose Paul’s attitude: “What then? Only that in every way…Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice.” (Philippians 1:18). 6. Guard against slanderous explanations of God’s work • Test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21) yet refuse to call good evil (Isaiah 5:20). 7. Keep a softened heart through daily worship • “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:15). Living in the Light of Christ’s Authority Jesus has absolute power over the demonic realm (Colossians 2:15). A heart rightly aligned with Him will: • trust His power, • speak well of His works, • and point others to the Savior who “came to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). |
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