Freedom from Phariseeism and the Love of Money

In today's message, I explored the interconnectedness of Phariseeism, the love of money, and the greatness of God. Phariseeism is characterized by a life of doctrinal vigilance and moral rigor, often devoid of a genuine dependence on God's mercy. The love of money, on the other hand, is a condition where one's security and hope are placed more in earthly possessions than in God. The greatness of God, when truly savored, liberates us from these deceptions. I chose to address these topics because, at 73, I feel the deceitfulness of sin more acutely, especially regarding money and possessions. Recent events in the news and my study of Philippians have also prompted this reflection.

It's a mistake to separate Pharisees from lovers of money. The love of money is the root of all evils, including Phariseeism. This is evident in the lives of the Pharisees, the rich young ruler, and Judas. The Pharisees, despite their outward righteousness, were full of greed and self-indulgence. The rich young ruler, though a commandment keeper, was ultimately a lover of money. Judas, a preacher and miracle worker, was also a lover of money, which led to his betrayal of Jesus.

Paul, once a Pharisee, found freedom from this bondage through the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. He learned to be content in all circumstances, not because of his own strength, but through Christ who strengthened him. The secret to overcoming the love of money and Phariseeism lies in valuing Christ above all else. When we see the greatness of God in Christ, everything else pales in comparison.

I pray that we all come to know the all-satisfying greatness of Christ, which sets us free from the love of money and the duplicity of Phariseeism.

Key Takeaways

• 1. indulgence. This teaches us that true righteousness is not about external appearances but about a heart genuinely dependent on God. [09:12]
  2. The Rich Young Ruler's Dilemma: The rich young ruler's story illustrates how adherence to commandments can be a facade for a deeper attachment to wealth. Jesus' challenge to him reveals that true discipleship requires a heart that treasures God above possessions. This challenges us to examine where our true security lies.
  
  3. Judas' Tragic Example: Judas, despite being a preacher and miracle worker, was ultimately a lover of money. His story warns us that spiritual activities and gifts do not equate to genuine faith. True faith is marked by a heart that values Christ above all else.
  
  4. Paul's Transformation: Paul, once a Pharisee, found freedom from the love of money through the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. His journey teaches us that contentment and freedom from materialism come from valuing Christ above all. This transformation is available to all who seek it.
  
  5. The Greatness of God in Christ: The key to overcoming the love of money and Phariseeism is to see the greatness of God in Christ. When we truly savor His worth, everything else becomes secondary. This perspective liberates us from the deceitfulness of riches and the duplicity of legalism.
  
  ** [09:12]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:19] - Introduction to Topics
• [00:44] - Definitions of Key Terms
• [01:28] - Reasons for Addressing These Topics
• [05:01] - The Mistake of Segregating Pharisees and Money Lovers
• [06:54] - Examining the Pharisees
• [09:34] - The Rich Young Ruler's Story
• [11:41] - Judas: A Case Study
• [15:19] - The Love of Money as the Root of All Evils
• [17:44] - The Relationship Between Phariseeism and Money
• [18:40] - Paul's Journey to Freedom
• [20:35] - The Secret to Contentment
• [21:48] - The Greatness of God in Christ
• [22:35] - Prayer for Freedom from Love of Money

1. Philippians 3:18-19 - "For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things."
2. 1 Timothy 6:10 - "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."
3. Luke 16:13-14 - "No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus."

1. According to Philippians 3:18-19, what characteristics define those who are described as "enemies of the cross of Christ"? How does this relate to the sermon’s discussion on Phariseeism and the love of money? [03:23]
2. In 1 Timothy 6:10, what does Paul identify as the root of all kinds of evils? How does this connect to the examples of the Pharisees, the rich young ruler, and Judas mentioned in the sermon? [05:43]
3. How does Luke 16:13-14 illustrate the relationship between serving God and money? What was the reaction of the Pharisees to Jesus' teaching, and what does this reveal about their hearts? [07:23]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the connection between outward religious behavior and inward motivations, particularly in the context of the Pharisees and the rich young ruler? [09:12]

1. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "their god is their belly" from Philippians 3:19 in the context of Phariseeism and the love of money? What does this suggest about the priorities of those described? [03:23]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the love of money can lead to a form of Phariseeism? How does this challenge common perceptions of legalism and materialism? [05:01]
3. How does the story of the rich young ruler illustrate the potential conflict between commandment-keeping and genuine discipleship? What does this reveal about the nature of true security and hope? [09:50]
4. What does the sermon imply about the dangers of spiritual activities and gifts without genuine faith, as seen in the example of Judas? How does this relate to the overall theme of valuing Christ above all else? [14:54]

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be placing more security and hope in earthly possessions than in God? How can you begin to shift your focus towards valuing Christ above all else? [01:05]
2. Consider the story of the rich young ruler. Are there "commandments" or religious practices in your life that might be masking a deeper attachment to wealth or possessions? How can you address this? [09:50]
3. The sermon highlights the danger of spiritual activities without genuine faith, as seen in Judas' example. How can you ensure that your spiritual practices are rooted in a true relationship with Christ? [14:54]
4. Paul found freedom from the love of money through the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the greatness of God in your daily life? [19:49]
5. The sermon challenges us to see the greatness of God in Christ as a way to overcome the love of money and Phariseeism. What practical changes can you make in your life to prioritize this perspective? [21:48]
6. Reflect on the phrase "their god is their belly" from Philippians 3:19. Are there desires or appetites in your life that might be competing with your devotion to God? How can you address these? [03:23]
7. How can you actively work to avoid the duplicity of Phariseeism in your own life, ensuring that your outward actions align with a heart genuinely dependent on God? [09:12]