Many people these days use the term "Pharisee" or "Pharisaical" when referring to standards of Biblical authority and teaching on any of a number of subjects. Whether one teaches the reality of an eternal Hell or call out sins such as adultery or homosexuality, it seems every person quoting the Bible more than Ghandi or Mother Theresa, are branded as Pharisees. There are surely some who quote the Bible out of context to prove their own point, but I find that much of this branding is terribly inaccurate and even lends itself to slanderous accusations rather than edification.
I even have to disagree with the definition of "Pharisaical" as offered by Merriam Webster's online dictionary
"marked by hypocritical censorious self-righteousness" as this definition also supposes ill intent or motivations on the part of the Pharisees.
I even have to disagree with the definition of "Pharisaical" as offered by Merriam Webster's online dictionary
"marked by hypocritical censorious self-righteousness" as this definition also supposes ill intent or motivations on the part of the Pharisees.
When we look at the dealings of Jesus with the Pharisees, we don't find a bunch of self righteous men who set up rules to exalt themselves, though in part this may have been the case. The summary judgement of those men implies ill intent, and though Jesus spoke of the Pharisees as hypocrites, this rather in my opinion was directed at their demand for others to obey rules that they themselves did not obey. Jesus told people to do as the Pharisees said, but not as they did. Let's look at this passage in Matthew's Gospel, chapter 23.
2 saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses;
3 therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them.
4 "They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger.
5 "But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments.
6 "They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues,
7 and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men.
8 "But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers.
9 "Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.
10 "Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ.
11 "But the greatest among you shall be your servant.
12 "Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.
We see here a few things of interest in examining the fruit of one's works without judging their motivations. Do we suppose that pastors and elders in the local church have set themselves up as leaders for selfish gain? While some may possibly fit that description, I believe the larger group of leaders in local churches have obeyed God's call to service, some even giving in to public prodding for them to "step up and serve" even if they do not feel personally led in that direction. I know from hearing the testimony of hundreds of these men that many did not feel called, but rather bowed to pressure and noted a lack of leadership present and so stepped up.
The key we are looking at here is motivation. Those who are pressured to serve publicly are no less servants, in fact generally these will be the ones who serve more fervently as a sense of necessity leads them. I digress, so let's be back to the passage and topic at hand.
As we look at the local church leadership, or even denominational or national leadership within different church groups, I think for the most part we will see that the motivations are honestly seeking the Lord. Some might say I give too much grace on this issue, but I refuse to believe the men I know (even those who disagree adamantly with me) intentionally twist Scripture to gain power or control the people dishonestly. I think most of these pastors, teachers, deacons and elders are serving God according to what they sincerely believe to be correct and Biblical.
This then leads us to why I believe we have conflict in church leadership, doctrinal error, and even in interpersonal relationships within the body of Christ. It is my belief that such comes from a heavy dose of pragmatism that is also tainted by cultural understandings that fly in the face of Biblical truth and correct application of that truth. In the New Testament, we have many such discussions that need to be studied and humbly applied from Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 10.
What about those things that are not discussed Biblically such as clean and unclean food or use of alcohol? Or rather things that are discussed Biblically but are poorly understood and then misapplied as mandates for the masses rather than being left to personal conviction between a man and His master, the Lord?
When dealing with leadership in local churches, I am happy to discuss Biblical passages in context, word use, definitions, cultural implications, etc. Sadly, what we usually see is the cultural and societal beliefs, "the traditions of men" as Jesus called them, that really gets people wound up. A group of elders can discuss difficult topics in private and find that they all agree with the status quo, but if a brother "rocks the boat" even with a very Biblical and well thought out idea, the reaction is often swift and stern to cease any real consideration of difficult topics. This brother may indeed be wrong, but he may be right. In any case, prayerful consideration of God's Word will yield beneficial results whereas mocking, rumors, and threats will not accomplish God's work of revealing truth. James accurately warns that "the anger of man does not accomplish the righteousness of God"
Putting aside those unprofitable practices, my questions remain and are worth pondering for those who find themselves believing differently on various doctrines with the leadership of their local church. Too often people get upset and leave. Even worse, they may sow discord among the brethren in an attempt to outnumber or overpower the "opposition" as if gaining followers or those in agreement would make something right or wrong. I have also been guilty of this at times and thank the Lord for His gracious forgiveness once I repented of this prideful act. Sadly, the results can be and often are "bridge burners" as some Christians still refuse to forgive even the repentant brother.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Have I considered the full counsel of God's Word on this matter, or should I refrain from judgment until I have complete Biblical confirmation of my beliefs?
- Are these church leaders who disagree with me intentionally adding to God's Word for their own gain and to usurp power over families?
- Do those disagreeing with me truly believe their own Biblical understanding and arguments are correct and that we are either deceived or possibly even worst false teachers?
- Are they intentionally rejecting truth in order to keep things easier for themselves?
These questions asked of one currently acting in anger or pride may well all convince a man of his own righteousness, but when considered honestly and humbly, we may find ourselves in sin even if we have the right beliefs.Are we judging our brother's motives and even possibly "stoking our own fire" when our emotions get hold of us? Do we act in the flesh and then seek to justify ourselves, or will we be humble enough to admit when we are wrong and repent?
I believe that for the larger percentage of the conflicts we face in local churches, and even Christianity at large, when disagreements arise it is often due to the flesh seeking to impose rules based on one's own understanding or interpretation of God's Word. This applies even when God's Word leaves little room for ambiguity. God's Word both regulates use of strong drink and commands prescription of the same in Proverbs 31. The Bible forbids homosexuality and expresses its judgement in the Old Testament along with Romans 1 and Revelation 21 in the New Covenant.
What then do we do regarding things like proper use of foods, holidays and feasts, and such? Some things are commanded or condemned. Others leave room for interpretation and , this is the KEY, when such things are not clearly defined in God's Word we must obey the exhortation of Proverbs 30:
"5Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.6Do not add to His words or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar."
We must not add to it nor take away from that which God clearly stated. The main difference may not even be in our actions, but in our attitude. Will we offer GRACE rather than JUDGEMENT in areas of ambiguity or will we do like the Pharisees who added to God's Word things like how far one can walk on the Sabbath? It was not God's Laws which Jesus challenged, but rather man's additions to God's perfect Law. Read Mark 7:1-12
"5Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.6Do not add to His words or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar."
We must not add to it nor take away from that which God clearly stated. The main difference may not even be in our actions, but in our attitude. Will we offer GRACE rather than JUDGEMENT in areas of ambiguity or will we do like the Pharisees who added to God's Word things like how far one can walk on the Sabbath? It was not God's Laws which Jesus challenged, but rather man's additions to God's perfect Law. Read Mark 7:1-12
This short article is not meant to be the complete discussion of such things as we have discussed, but rather a primer for continuing Bible study, prayer, and obedience in the case of law with grace in the light of ambiguity or multiple possible understandings that agree with the complete canon of Scripture.
I for one am forced to admit that I am learning a lot from these trials from my own error and sin, to love more and give grace more, to judge my own motives but not those of others, and to let the Lord be the Judge of His people. Ours is to stand on God's Word, not add to it what we believe it implies nor take away from it that which we may not understand.
I for one am forced to admit that I am learning a lot from these trials from my own error and sin, to love more and give grace more, to judge my own motives but not those of others, and to let the Lord be the Judge of His people. Ours is to stand on God's Word, not add to it what we believe it implies nor take away from it that which we may not understand.
See also an article by C.S.Lewis from his book "Mere Christianity" in regard to pride, motivations, and some interesting insights of God's Word, true humility, and the motivations we ought to have concerning others. I found it an interesting read, one that helped bring conviction for past sin and caused me to have to reconcile with those I have offended for various reasons. Even this article can become a source of pride if for the purpose of correction or making myself better or higher than others. This is of course not the intent, but one must guard his heart cautiously that all glory properly is given to God in Christ Jesus and not to man.
