8_17_2025_A_counterfeit_Righteousness_Matt_15_1_to_9.docx

In this sermon, we explored the difference between genuine righteousness and a counterfeit version that focuses on outward appearances rather than inward transformation. Using Jesus’ confrontations with the Pharisees in Matthew 15, Mark 7, and Luke 11, we saw how religious traditions—originally meant to point people to God—can become empty rituals when they replace or override God’s actual commands. Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who used traditions like ritual handwashing and the Corban loophole to appear holy while neglecting the true intent of God’s law. The real issue, Jesus taught, is not external cleanliness but the condition of our hearts. True holiness begins with an honest, surrendered heart that seeks to honor God above all else, rather than relying on spiritual performance or religious loopholes.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Outward Rituals Cannot Substitute for Inward Reality It’s easy to polish the outside of our lives—attending church, following traditions, saying the right words—while neglecting the state of our hearts. Jesus warns that God is not fooled by spiritual performance. The real measure of our faith is not how we appear, but whether our hearts are aligned with God’s truth and love.
• 2. Traditions Are Not Equal to God’s Commands Traditions can be meaningful, but when they are elevated to the same level as Scripture, they can distort our understanding of God’s will. We must be careful not to let our preferences or inherited practices override what God has actually said. True faith is rooted in obedience to God’s Word, not in the comfort of familiar routines.
• 3. Hypocrisy Grows When We Use Religion to Avoid Responsibility The Pharisees’ use of the Corban loophole shows how easy it is to use religious language to justify selfishness or neglect. When we twist faith to serve our own interests—whether in our relationships, our giving, or our moral choices—we undermine the very heart of the gospel. Authentic faith leads us to honor God and others, not to find clever ways around His commands.
• 4. What We Feed Our Hearts Shapes What Comes Out Jesus teaches that what defiles us is not what we touch or eat, but what flows from our hearts—our thoughts, words, and actions. If we continually expose ourselves to things that are ungodly, we shouldn’t be surprised when our lives reflect that. We are called to guard our hearts, giving God material to work with that leads to transformation from the inside out.
• 5. Authentic Holiness Begins with Surrender, Not Performance God is not impressed by spiritual polish or religious showmanship. He desires worship that is authentic, honest, and rooted in a heart surrendered to Him. When we let go of the need to perform and instead pursue holiness that starts within, we experience the wholeness and freedom that only Jesus can give.

1. In Matthew 15, what specific tradition did the Pharisees accuse Jesus’ disciples of breaking, and why was it important to them?
2. According to Mark 7:9–13, how did the Pharisees use the Corban tradition to avoid obeying God’s command?
3. In Luke 11:39–40, what does Jesus say about the difference between the outside and inside of the cup, and what is He really talking about?
4. What examples did Jesus give in Matthew 15:19 to show what truly defiles a person?

1. Why did Jesus challenge the Pharisees’ focus on outward rituals instead of the heart? What does this reveal about what God values most?
2. How can religious traditions, even if they started with good intentions, become obstacles to true obedience to God?
3. What does it look like today to use “spiritual loopholes” or religious language to avoid responsibility, as the Pharisees did with Corban?
4. When Jesus says that what comes out of the heart defiles a person, what does that mean for how we approach our own spiritual growth?

1. Are there any traditions or routines in your faith life that you tend to treat as more important than what God actually commands? How can you tell the difference?
2. Have you ever found yourself doing the “right” things on the outside (like attending church or serving) while your heart wasn’t really in it? What helped you recognize it, and what did you do next?
3. Can you think of a time when you justified a selfish or unloving action by using spiritual-sounding reasons? What would it look like to be honest with God about that?
4. What are some ways you might be “feeding your heart” with things that don’t honor God? Is there something you need to change in what you watch, listen to, or think about?
5. In your giving, serving, or relationships, are there areas where you’ve used excuses or loopholes to avoid what God is asking of you? What would it look like to surrender those areas to Him?
6. Jesus calls for authentic worship that starts with a surrendered heart. What is one specific step you can take this week to move from spiritual performance to genuine surrender?
7. Who in your life needs to see a faith that is real and not just for show? How can you be more authentic in your walk with God in front of them this week?