Stay with me on this until the end. This information is important in order to make my point.The word Pharisees (lat. pharisælus, -i) comes from the Hebrew פרושים perushim from פרוש parush, meaning "separated." (Ernest Klein - Comprehensive Etymological Dictionary of the Hebrew Language)
There are two major characteristics of the Pharisees, their meticulous observance of obligations under the Law for purity, tithing, and Sabbath observances; and their emphasis on oral law as equally binding to the Law. (Edersheim, Life and Times, I:311-12)
The New Testament witnesses to their great concern over tithing and purity in Matthew 23:23-26 and Luke 11:39-42; and the many disputes Jesus had with the Jews over the Sabbath day reflects their concern for that law as well. Rabbinic literature also preserves such descriptions of the pious Jews: In Demai 2:2-3 and Hagigah 2:5-6 the dual obligations of purity and tithing are mentioned together; and Taharoth 4:12 stresses the "cleanness of Pharisees," whereas Niddah 4:2 scorns the Sadducees as being lax with regard to purity.
In the process of multiplying rulings it was easy for the Pharisees to become hypocritical because in attempting to be faithful to the letter of the Law they lost the spirit of the Law. The hypocrisy of the Pharisees was well known; Edersheim says that some of the sayings in the Rabbinical literature on this are more withering that those in the New Testament.37 So Jesus warned His disciples to beware of the teachings of the Pharisees (Mt. 16:12), or the leaven of the Pharisees (Lk. 12:1); He also rebuked their hypocrisy (Mt. 23).
But they most easily exhibit the excesses and errors of Pharisaism as well. Perhaps this is simply the lot of those in any age who believe that they have the truth. They often ascribe a great deal of authority to the teachings they receive on the Bible, even to the point of elevating application to the level of interpretation, so that those who do not comply with the Word of God as they understand may be considered disobedient.
So, here's what a Pharisee looks like:
1. He is very zealous about keeping biblical laws.
2. He has little or nothing to do with other people or groups who don't share his passion for purity through keeping rules. He is proud to be a Separatist.
3. He is proud about keeping some behavioral practices that aren't even in the Bible.
4. In order of importance to him are clean living (as he defines it), tithing and sabbath day observances (church activity).
5. He can't stand those compromising Sadducees, who obviously don't have a clue about the pure truth of God's Word.
6. He elevates not only the Bible, but his own interpretation of the Bible so that those who don't share his views or live according to what he thinks the Bible means are vilified by his group.
Hmm... a Pharisee. Think they're extinct today?
The information in this article above the list came from this source: http://bible.org/seriespage/pharisees#P54_15117)
Thanks Steve
ReplyDeleteWell documented! I used to be one of these Pharisees. The problem with this is that you do not even know that you are one. Today I can discern them a mile away and have chosen to let the Holy Spirit change their minds. It is the way He dealt with me. It was painful to repent (change my mind) however I will never go back. I live in a relationship today with Father, Son and Holy Spirit and have left my attempt to reach God (religion) to those who think they have it all figured out. Is this the end of my journey, I barely started for I see dimly however my view is a lot clearer on who Jesus is as creator and redeemer in relation to and in all humanity. He has reached us by becoming “flesh” John
This reminds me of a book i recommend called "12 steps for the recovering pharisee(like me)" by John Fischer
ReplyDeleteSee : http://www.amazon.com/12-Steps-Recovering-Pharisee-like/dp/0764222023/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1249829975&sr=1-1
Steve, I'm a bit concerned I may be seeing this in some who embrace the grace message - that they are insulating themselves from other Christians whom they consider "legalists" or who have a "mixture" gospel, and that we should leave a "mixture" church quickly and not stay and show grace or compassion because it's dangerous. Are we of the "Grace teachings" in danger of the same arrogance? What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI've often spoken about the danger of becoming a Grace Pharisee or belonging to the Gracetopo. I think we need to be sure that it is our position that offends people and not our disposition. There is a need to "earnestly contend for the faith" and sometimes people may think we are being mean-spirited in spite of our desire not to be perceived that way. The key is for us to each ask the Holy Spirit to show us when our own attitude becomes wrong.
ReplyDeleteWe can we bee 100% dictrinally correct, and at the same time so wrong!
ReplyDeleteLORD help us!
Who knows, maybe the trouble we get from people in talking about the grace message will at least prevent us from becoming proud. Reminds me of Paul's tormenter or thorn in the flesh, there to prevent him from becoming conceited from all the revelations he was receiving. Interesting that God said "my GRACE is sufficient for you". For years I thought that meant "put up with it", and I've heard other people interpret it that way too. Now I understand it means my divine favour is with you.
ReplyDeleteLet us judge rightly and not be judgmental. Taking the log out first of our eyes we can better help with someone's speck. If we learn "speak not against your brother" like James 4 we will do well. This shoe fits sometimes but I Corinthians 13 is love to emulate. And the letter of the law was another ditch. Jesus is our fulfillment of the law. Jesus obeyed perfectly the 613 laws. Let us not become weary in doing well. These scriptural considerations help me recognize my own pride and boasting in presumption about future plans. Jesus is the Captain of my boat.
ReplyDeleteA brother once said "If I can not extend the grace to others that I claim to have received then I don't have it either." We are not to measure any man according to the flesh, If we carry a "us and them" mentality then we are using a double standard. Grace for us and you guessed it law for them! You can leave Babylon but check your pockets you maybe still carrying her with you! Peace
ReplyDelete