Rev. David Holwick * Evening study
First Baptist Church (Bible study)
Ledgewood, New Jersey
October 16, 2005
Matthew 23:1-33
JESUS AND RELIGION
I. Meaning of "religion."
A. Sometimes described as mankind's effort to reach God.
1) Works righteousness vs. grace.
a) Earning favor with God through our good deeds.
2) Or a collection of obscure, useless doctrines. Acts 25:19
3) Criticism of a disconnect between religious faith
and religious actions, is ancient. Isaiah 1:11-18
B. Broader understanding: a system of thought for worshipping God.
1) Often identical with "established religion."
a) Denominations, weekly services, settled doctrine.
2) In Jesus' day there were many competing religious groups:
a) Traditional religious establishment.
1> Priests.
2> Teachers of the Law?
b) Pharisees.
c) Sadducees.
d) Herodians.
e) Last of all, pagans.
1> See Paul's sermon to religious Athenians. Acts 17:22
II. How Jesus treated religion.
A. His attitude toward religious behavior of his opponents.
1) Superstitious. (pagans)
a) Babbling in prayer. Matthew 6:7
2) Pride seeking.
a) Leaders wanted attention and glory. Matt 23:5-7
3) Hypocritical.
a) They don't practice what they preach. Matt 23:3
4) Insensitive toward people's needs.
a) Sabbath rules were more important than healing. Mt 12:10
b) Parents could be cheated by religiously dedicating
money. Matt 7:11
c) Say a prayer, then evict a widow. Mark 12:40
B. Problems with authority systems. Matt 21:12-13
1) Temple turned into a commerce area.
2) Bible limited by extraneous traditions. Mark 7:1-13
III. Are we religious?
A. Common for Evangelicals to disparage religion.
1) Religion is something liberals or other faiths practice.
2) We just have Jesus! [we say]
B. In reality, we have our own religious system.
1) Our worship is loaded with human traditions.
2) Some of our most cherished beliefs are probably not
supported by the Bible.
C. We often display the same shortcomings as Jesus' opponents.
1) Insensitivity to people.
2) Hypocrisy.
3) Meanness clothed in righteous garments.
a) Do outsiders see a genuine faith in us? Romans 2:24
IV. What religion can be.
A. Realistic - coping with redeemed sinners.
B. Compassionate and loving.
1) Helping people, especially your family. 1 Tim 5:4, Jam 1:27
C. Self-controlled and holy in lifestyle.
1) Especially in consistent talk. Jam 1:26
D. Humble - drawing attention to God and not to us.
