Sermon Scripture: Matthew 23:1-15

If we are to resist the rage that is so common in our culture, we must recognize how gently and patiently God deals with us. Following right after that, though, we are called to extend that same gentleness and patience to others. Key to the Christian witness in the world today is to resist rage and not add to the collective sense of angst and anger.

Jesus deals gently with people, but there is one exception. Jesus was pretty harsh toward the scribes and the pharisees (see Mt. 23:1-15).

Their role was to study the scriptures and determine the heart of God. However, instead of allowing themselves to be formed and shaped by their study, they presumed themselves to be superior to others based on their knowledge. They used the scriptural text to hold power over people in order to elevate themselves.

If we are to resist rage and allow ourselves to be a shelter from the storm, we must allow the Spirit of God to remove any pharisee tendencies in us.

Subscribe to our Podcast

Each week we offer our sermons as Podcasts allowing you to listen at your convenience at a later time.

To subscribe, please use your preferred link below.