How can we guard against disbelief like the Pharisees in Matthew 27:63? Matthew 27:63—A Snapshot “They said, ‘Sir, we remember that while He was still alive that deceiver said, “After three days I will rise again.”’ ” What Went Wrong for the Pharisees? • They labeled Jesus a “deceiver,” refusing to accept His own clear prophecy (Matthew 16:21; 20:18-19). • They relied on human strategies—guards, seals, politics—instead of God’s word (Matthew 27:64-66). • Their hearts were hardened by pride and fear of losing influence (John 11:48). Guarding Our Hearts—Key Principles 1. Treasure Christ’s Words Above All • Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” • Daily reading and memorizing Scripture insulates us against doubts that arise from culture, media, or personal trials. 2. Submit to Scripture, Not Just Study It • James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • Application turns knowledge into conviction; the Pharisees knew the prophecies yet refused to act on them. 3. Cultivate a Humble, Teachable Spirit • Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” • Ask God to expose hidden pride that resists inconvenient truths. 4. Stay Alert to the Danger of Unbelief • Hebrews 3:12-13: “See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief… Encourage one another daily.” • Regular fellowship and honest accountability help us spot doubts early. 5. Recall God’s Faithfulness in History • Psalm 77:11: “I will remember the works of the LORD.” • Reviewing biblical and personal testimonies of God’s past faithfulness strengthens present faith. 6. Pray for Spiritual Insight • Ephesians 1:17-18: Paul prays for “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.” • Ask God to open your eyes to Christ’s glory so skepticism fades. 7. Obey Promptly When Truth Is Revealed • John 7:17: “If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God.” • Quick obedience keeps the conscience sensitive; delayed obedience feeds doubt. Daily Practices to Keep Faith Vibrant • Set aside time each morning to read one Gospel passage, noting Jesus’ promises. • Journal specific ways God fulfilled His word in your life this week. • Share a recent answered prayer with a friend, reinforcing mutual faith. • Replace skeptical self-talk with spoken truth: “He is risen, just as He said” (Matthew 28:6). Closing Takeaway Disbelief grows where God’s revealed word is sidelined. By treasuring Scripture, cultivating humility, remembering His works, and walking in prompt obedience, we shield our hearts from the skepticism that blinded the Pharisees and stand firm in the living hope of our risen Lord. |
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