Do What They Say

Matthew 23:1-3

INTRODUCTION: Living in an ungodly world creates a set of unique trials for the Christian who desires to please God. It causes righteous behaviour to stand out and draw attention when it would otherwise be in the realm of normal living and conduct. If that were not enough to complicate one’s desire to live godly, the presence of faulty messengers within the ranks of Christianity creates odds nearly insurmountable for the average believer. This is unfortunately not a new problem. In fact, the Lord warned others about this during His earthly ministry, along with providing spiritual insight as to how to overcome the struggle.

I. THE PROBLEM PRESENTED

A. The Audience Addressed (Matthew 23:1)

1. The multitude
2. Christ’s disciples
3. Note: The audience changed in Matthew 23:13—“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees,”

B. The Culprits Discussed (Matthew 23:2)

1. Their titles
a. Scribes
b. Pharisees
2. Their position—“sit in Moses’ seat”
3. Their character
a. Hypocrites (Matthew 23:13, 14, 15, 23, 25, 27, 29)
b. Blind guides (Matthew 23:16, 24)
c. Fools and blind (Matthew 23:17, 19)
d. Blind (Matthew 23:26)
e. Serpents (Matthew 23:33)
f. Generation of vipers (Matthew 23:33)

C. The Dilemma Expressed (Matthew 23:3)

1. They say.
2. They do not.

II. THE TYPICAL RESPONSE

A. The Concern Addressed

1. The scribes and Pharisees sat in Moses’ seat.
2. As such, many of the things they said would have been accurate and in accordance with God’s desired will.
3. Christ demonstrated concern that the audience (the multitudes and the disciples) would negate the right words of the scribes and Pharisees based upon the bad actions of the same.

B. The Concern Explained

1. The expression of humility (Matthew 23:5-12)
2. The concern for tithes (Matthew 23:23)
3. The love of the prophets (Matthew 23:29-34)

III. THE SCRIPTURAL RESPONSE

A. The Admonition

1. All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do
2. Do not ye after their works

B. The Practice

1. There are going to be people in this world who tell you right things, but fail to live them out in their own lives.
2. Do not allow their hypocrisy to hinder your pursuit of sound Bible practice.

CONCLUSION: Has the failure of someone caused you to doubt the things of God? Has some family member, friend, or coworker professed to follow Christ in word, but denied Him in deed? Has this moved you away from the Lord? Has this put a wedge in your fellowship with God? Has this caused you to turn away from the truths of scripture to live a life more acceptable to the world, the flesh, and the Devil? If so, don’t think for a moment that Satan has not used hypocritical people to destroy your walk with God. It is time to do as they say and not as they do.