STAGNANT RELIGION

Among the sternest words in the Bible are those recorded in Matthew 23, and they are directed to the religious establishment of the days of the earthly Jesus. If this chapter is to profit us, we need to remember that the scribes and Pharisees were leaders among the Jews, God's covenant people, and that they would have been regarded by outsiders and Israelites alike as those most to be trusted for instruction and example in the ways of God. Here Jesus shows for all time what can happen when religion turns from a God-focus to a man-focus, from a living stream to a stagnant swamp. Let us learn from the mistakes and sins of these ancient Jewish "church leaders."

Body

I. STAGNANT RELIGION FOLLOWS MEN RATHER THAN THEIR MESSAGE (Matthew 23:1-12).

   A. Yet the men sit (in places of authority) and say (what others ought to do) but others cannot see (in their own lives) the fruit of their teaching (13,14).

   B. They bind but will not bend (verse 4).

   C. They are full of pride, not penance (5-12).

II. STAGNANT RELIGION BEARS UNHEALTHY FRUIT (Matthew 23:13-36).

   A. It shuts (the door to the kingdom), not shows (the way in) 13,14.

   B. It is concerned with converts, not character (verse 15).

   C. Its handling of God's Word is picky, not pointed (16-22). It picks at every detail but misses the real point.

   D. Its emphasis is on minors, not majors (23,24).

   E. Its focus is on the outside, not the inside (25-28).

   F. It is content with profession and not practice (29-36).

III. STAGNANT RELIGION WILL CONDEMN, NOT COMFORT (Matthew 23:37-39).

Conclusion

Is your own religion spiritual or stagnant? Give thought to modern-day applications in all these areas, then decide to follow Jesus on the upper and better road!

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