Inner Purity and True Righteousness: A Call to Repentance

Devotional

Day 1: The Heart of True Righteousness

True righteousness starts from within and manifests in actions that reflect justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Jesus condemns the Pharisees for focusing on outward appearances while neglecting inner purity. He emphasizes that genuine righteousness is not about external rituals or appearances but about the condition of the heart. The Pharisees were meticulous about following religious laws and traditions, yet they failed to cultivate a heart of compassion and integrity. Jesus' rebuke serves as a reminder that our outward actions should be a true reflection of our inner spiritual state. We must examine our hearts and ensure that our actions are driven by a sincere love for God and others. [31:53]

Matthew 23:25-26 (ESV): "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean."

Reflection: In what ways do you focus on outward appearances rather than inner purity? How can you cultivate a heart that reflects true righteousness in your daily actions?

Day 2: Discerning True Prophecy

In a world filled with false prophets, it is crucial to discern true prophecy, which always aligns with God's Word and is accurate. Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees serves as a warning to be vigilant and discerning in our spiritual leadership. True prophecy declares the Word of the Lord with clarity and truth. Many today are misled by vague or incorrect messages that do not align with Scripture. We must be diligent in studying God's Word and seeking His guidance to recognize true spiritual leadership. By doing so, we can avoid being led astray and ensure that we are following God's true direction for our lives. [35:24]

Deuteronomy 18:21-22 (ESV): "And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the Lord has not spoken?’—when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him."

Reflection: How do you discern true prophecy in your life? What steps can you take to ensure that you are not misled by false prophets?

Day 3: The Simplicity of Salvation

Salvation begins with recognizing our sinfulness in the light of God's holiness. When we see God for who He truly is, we are compelled to repent and seek His mercy. This simple yet profound act of repentance leads to the cleansing of our sins and the acceptance of God's grace. It is not about complex rituals or earning God's favor through good works; it is about humbly acknowledging our need for His forgiveness and embracing His gift of salvation. This recognition transforms our lives and sets us on a path of genuine faith and obedience to God. [33:13]

Isaiah 6:5-7 (ESV): "And I said: 'Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!' Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: 'Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.'"

Reflection: Have you truly recognized your sinfulness in the light of God's holiness? How can you embrace the simplicity of salvation through repentance and acceptance of God's grace today?

Day 4: The Peril of Hypocrisy

Jesus' harshest words are reserved for hypocrites who lead others astray. Hypocrisy not only damages our own spiritual state but also misleads others. The Pharisees were guilty of presenting themselves as righteous while their hearts were far from God. This double standard not only hindered their own spiritual growth but also caused others to stumble. We must strive for authenticity in our faith, ensuring that our actions align with our beliefs and that we lead others towards true righteousness. By living a life of integrity and transparency, we can be a positive influence on those around us. [46:56]

Matthew 23:27-28 (ESV): "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are living a double standard? How can you align your actions with your beliefs to avoid hypocrisy and lead others towards true righteousness?

Day 5: The Call for Boldness in Judgment and Revival

Jesus' prophetic words highlight the dual possibilities of judgment and revival. Judgment begins in the house of God, but revival can start anytime and anywhere. It requires God's people to speak and act with the boldness of the prophets, calling out sin and leading others towards repentance and renewal. This boldness is not about condemnation but about lovingly guiding others back to God's truth. By embracing this prophetic role, we can be catalysts for spiritual revival in our communities, helping others to experience the transformative power of God's grace and mercy. [33:33]

Ezekiel 3:17-19 (ESV): "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. But if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, or from his wicked way, he shall die for his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul."

Reflection: How can you speak and act with boldness to call out sin and lead others towards repentance and renewal? What steps can you take to be a catalyst for spiritual revival in your community?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into Matthew 23, where Jesus confronts the scribes and Pharisees with a series of woes. This chapter is a powerful example of Jesus' prophetic voice, calling out hypocrisy and false righteousness. Jesus' words are not gentle; they are a fierce rebuke against religious leaders who have led people astray. He criticizes them for their double standards, their focus on outward appearances rather than inward purity, and their neglect of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Jesus' message is clear: true righteousness comes from within and is demonstrated through genuine acts of love and justice.

We also discussed the importance of recognizing true prophecy. Many today are misled by false prophets who offer vague or incorrect messages. True prophecy, as shown in the Bible, is always accurate and aligns with God's Word. Jesus' harsh words to the Pharisees serve as a reminder that we must be vigilant in discerning true spiritual leadership.

In the end, the path to salvation is simple yet profound. It begins with recognizing our own sinfulness in the light of God's holiness. When we see God for who He truly is, we are compelled to see ourselves as we truly are—sinners in need of grace. This recognition leads to repentance and the acceptance of God's mercy, which cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

###

Key Takeaways

1. The Importance of Inner Purity: Jesus condemns the Pharisees for focusing on outward appearances while neglecting inner purity. True righteousness starts from within and manifests in actions that reflect justice, mercy, and faithfulness. We must examine our hearts and ensure that our outward actions are a true reflection of our inner spiritual state. [31:53]
2. Recognizing True Prophecy: In a world filled with false prophets, it is crucial to discern true prophecy, which always aligns with God's Word and is accurate. Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees serves as a warning to be vigilant and discerning in our spiritual leadership. True prophecy declares the Word of the Lord with clarity and truth. [35:24]
3. The Simplicity of Salvation: Salvation begins with recognizing our sinfulness in the light of God's holiness. When we see God for who He truly is, we are compelled to repent and seek His mercy. This simple yet profound act of repentance leads to the cleansing of our sins and the acceptance of God's grace. [33:13]
4. The Danger of Hypocrisy: Jesus' harshest words are reserved for hypocrites who lead others astray. Hypocrisy not only damages our own spiritual state but also misleads others. We must strive for authenticity in our faith, ensuring that our actions align with our beliefs and that we lead others towards true righteousness. [46:56]
5. The Role of Judgment and Revival: Jesus' prophetic words highlight the dual possibilities of judgment and revival. Judgment begins in the house of God, but revival can start anytime and anywhere. It requires God's people to speak and act with the boldness of the prophets, calling out sin and leading others towards repentance and renewal. [33:33]
### [33:33]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[21:19] - Offering and Announcements
[23:47] - Introduction to Matthew 23
[30:30] - The Importance of the Resurrection
[31:13] - Jesus' Confrontation with the Pharisees
[31:53] - The Pharisees' Hypocrisy
[32:30] - Jesus' Prophetic Voice
[33:33] - Judgment and Revival
[35:24] - Recognizing True Prophecy
[37:04] - Teaching vs. Preaching
[38:50] - The Role of Old Testament Prophets
[40:14] - Modern-Day Preaching Styles
[41:58] - Jesus' Intensity in Matthew 23
[43:56] - Jesus' Public Prophecy
[45:17] - Reading Matthew 23
[46:56] - The Pharisees' Double Standards
[50:13] - The Need for Bold Preaching
[51:55] - Missing Verses in Modern Translations
[56:51] - Harmonizing the Gospels
[61:12] - Woe to the Pharisees
[62:41] - False Gospel and Hypocrisy
[64:17] - Double Standards in Faith
[65:55] - Outward Appearance vs. Inward Purity
[68:58] - Historical Context of Tithing
[70:34] - Neglecting Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness
[72:09] - Straining Out a Gnat, Swallowing a Camel
[73:46] - Cleaning the Inside of the Cup
[75:15] - Whitewashed Tombs
[76:40] - Killing the Prophets
[78:15] - Modern-Day Equivalents
[79:30] - Jesus' Disciples as Prophets
[81:22] - The Blood of the Prophets
[83:12] - This Generation
[84:56] - Judgment Language in Prophecy
[86:32] - Ezekiel's Prophetic Language
[87:49] - The Consequences of Sin
[89:34] - Isaiah's Vision of God
[91:37] - Recognizing Our Sinfulness
[93:13] - The Cleansing Power of God's Mercy
[95:09] - Examining Ourselves
[96:44] - The Lord's Supper
[102:01] - Proclaiming the Lord's Death
[103:56] - Closing Song: Jesus, Thank You

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What are some specific criticisms Jesus makes against the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23? ([45:17])
How does Isaiah react when he sees the Lord in Isaiah 6:1-7?
According to Jeremiah 23:21-22, what distinguishes a true prophet from a false one?
What does Jesus say about the Pharisees' focus on outward appearances versus inward purity? ([46:56])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus use such harsh language when addressing the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23? What does this tell us about His view on hypocrisy? ([32:30])
How does Isaiah's reaction to seeing God in Isaiah 6:1-7 illustrate the proper response to recognizing one's own sinfulness?
In what ways does Jeremiah 23:21-22 warn us about the dangers of false prophecy? How can we apply this to discern spiritual leadership today? ([35:24])
What does Jesus mean when He says that the Pharisees "strain out a gnat but swallow a camel"? How does this metaphor relate to their behavior? ([46:56])

Application Questions

Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you focus more on outward appearances rather than inward purity? How can you shift your focus to cultivate inner righteousness? ([46:56])
How can you better discern true spiritual leadership in your life? What steps can you take to ensure you are not misled by false prophets? ([35:24])
Jesus emphasizes the importance of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Identify one specific way you can practice these virtues in your daily life this week. ([46:56])
Have you ever experienced a moment like Isaiah, where you were confronted with the holiness of God and your own sinfulness? How did that experience change you, and how can you seek such transformative moments in your spiritual journey? ([31:37])
Hypocrisy can be damaging not only to our own spiritual state but also to others. How can you strive for authenticity in your faith and ensure that your actions align with your beliefs? ([46:56])
Jesus speaks about the simplicity of salvation through recognizing our sinfulness and seeking God's mercy. How can you share this simple yet profound message with someone in your life who may not know it? ([33:13])
Reflect on a time when you felt judged or criticized by others. How can you use that experience to empathize with others and practice mercy and compassion in your interactions? ([46:56])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We are just a few days away from His mission accomplished. And of course, that's not the death, but the resurrection. Because if the resurrection had not happened, we would not have a mission accomplished. He would just be one of many false messiahs. The resurrection is where it's all at. That's the key. That's the crux." [30:30] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "If we ever get into a culture of Christianity that is more focused on feeling good than what the truth of scripture actually says, then we're going to be at a point where judgment or revival are the only two possible solutions. And that's exactly where we are at, if you didn't notice. That's where we are. There's only two solutions to our problem. It's judgment, and judgment, begins in the house of God. Or revival." [33:33] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "To prophesy, from my understanding, is to declare the word of the Lord. That's what prophesying is. To declare the word of Yahweh. Thus saith the Lord. And whatever follows those words is a prophecy. And while modern-day prophets rely on God's revealed word, right, modern-day prophets rely on this. The Old Testament prophets did so with direct revelation from the Lord." [37:04] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "If you have had your sins washed away by the mercy of Christ, then stop looking at yourself as anything other than perfect because it's not your righteousness, but the righteousness of Jesus that's being manifested in your life. Rest in his mercy, knowing that it's not on you, it's on him, and he's claimed you as his own. You are his. So start living like that." [01:33:13] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The first step to being saved from the wrath to come, is asking that question. Am I one of these people? Because the prideful Pharisee says, no, I'm definitely not one of those people. Look what, look what a repentant heart looks like. Watch this. In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne high and lifted up, and the train of his robe filled the temple." [01:29:34] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "So, up until now, for three and a half years, Jesus has been pressuring the people of Israel to follow Him, to see Him for who He is. He's been doing signs and wonders and multiple proofs, so many proofs. It was so obvious that this is who it was. But we know exactly why the Pharisees and the scribes and the Sadducees didn't want Him to be it, because He wasn't playing their game." [31:53] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Preaching is the proclamation of what the Lord has said, right? Is it not? Now, there's teaching and there's preaching. Right now, I'm teaching. I'm teaching you what it means to be a prophet. I'm teaching you what it means to be a prophet. A preacher. A teacher. I'm showing you. I'm like teaching you right now. This is education. And we're going to switch at various times kind of back and forth between the two. I'm going to teach you and then I'm going to declare, thus says the Lord." [38:50] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you tithe mint and dill and cumin and have neglected the weightier matter of the law, justice and mercy and faithfulness. These ought you to have done without neglecting the others. You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel." [46:56] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but the inside is full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisees. First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, and then the outside might be clean also. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness." [46:56] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The blood of all the prophets from the first to the last will be upon your heads. And then he says this very interesting. He says, you murdered them. Now this is actually very important. This is going to tie into chapter 24. And this is actually one of my proof texts for a point that I'm going to be hammering when we get to chapter 24." [01:23:12] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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