How can we guard against a Pharisaic attitude in our own lives? Scene Setter: Luke 6:7 “the scribes and Pharisees were watching Him closely to see whether He would heal on the Sabbath, so that they could find a reason to accuse Him.” Spotting the Pharisee Within • The religious leaders guarded their tradition yet missed God’s heart. • They valued public image over inner transformation. • They used Scripture as ammunition instead of illumination. • The same seeds lurk in any believer who drifts from grace. Guardrail #1: Embrace the Heart of the Law • God’s commands reveal His character—love, justice, mercy (Micah 6:8). • Jesus fulfills the Law and restores its intent (Matthew 5:17). • Let obedience flow from love, not duty alone (John 14:15). • External compliance without inward devotion breeds hypocrisy (Matthew 23:25-28). Guardrail #2: Stay Rooted in Grace, Not Performance • “A man is not justified by works of the Law but through faith in Jesus Christ” (Galatians 2:16). • Salvation is “by grace… not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Daily gratitude for unearned mercy undercuts self-righteous pride. • Celebrate victories as gifts, not achievements. Guardrail #3: Practice Humble Self-Examination • God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). • Invite the Word to expose hidden motives (Hebrews 4:12). • Remove personal logs before addressing specks in others (Matthew 7:3-5). • Confession keeps the conscience tender and responsive. Guardrail #4: Keep Compassion Front and Center • Jesus healed on the Sabbath because people mattered more than rituals (Luke 6:8-10). • “Be kind and compassionate… forgiving one another” (Ephesians 4:32). • Mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13). • Serve those in need, especially when it costs comfort or reputation. Guardrail #5: Welcome Accountability and Community • “Iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17). • Trusted brothers and sisters can spot blind spots we overlook. • Correction given in love guards against drifting into legalism (Galatians 6:1). • Corporate worship and fellowship keep the gospel central. Guardrail #6: Abide in the Word and the Spirit • Ongoing study renews the mind (Romans 12:2). • The Spirit produces humility, patience, and gentleness (Galatians 5:22-23). • Scripture memorization saturates thoughts with truth, displacing self-exaltation. • Prayerful dependence counters the Pharisee’s self-reliance. Putting It into Practice Today • Start each day thanking God for grace received, not performance achieved. • Read Gospel passages regularly to stay near Jesus’ heart. • Schedule honest check-ins with a mature believer. • Seek opportunities to show mercy, especially when rules would allow indifference. • Let every act of obedience be an act of worship, reflecting the Savior who healed on the Sabbath and still heals hardened hearts. |
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