What does "do not do what they do" mean for personal conduct? Setting the Scene “Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples: ‘The scribes and Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat. So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.’” (Matthew 23:1-3) Understanding the Command • Jesus affirms the authority of Scripture-based teaching (“everything they tell you”) while exposing hypocrisy (“they do not practice what they preach”). • “Do not do what they do” calls believers to separate right instruction from wrong example. • The standard for conduct is not popular religious behavior but the revealed will of God. Personal Application: Imitation Versus Obedience • Follow teaching that aligns with Scripture, even if the messenger lives inconsistently. • Refuse to imitate actions that contradict God’s commands, no matter who models them. • Guard the conscience: living truthfully before God matters more than public image. Guardrails for Everyday Life 1. Examine leaders’ lives against Scripture before adopting their habits. 2. Measure your words and actions by Jesus’ example (1 Peter 2:21-22). 3. Reject outward-only religion; pursue inward obedience (Matthew 23:25-26). 4. Choose integrity in private and public: “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). 5. Invite accountability—surround yourself with believers who practice what they teach (Proverbs 27:17). Supporting Scriptures • Romans 2:21-22—“You, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself?” • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • 1 Corinthians 11:1—“Be imitators of me, just as I am of Christ.” • Titus 1:16—“They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him.” Takeaway Summary “Do not do what they do” instructs believers to: • Receive biblically sound teaching, even from imperfect people. • Reject hypocritical patterns and pursue authentic obedience. • Let Scripture—not human models—set the agenda for daily conduct. |
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