Wrong interpretations of Scripture must be rejected.

Matthew 23:1-4 NLT

¹ Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, ² “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. ³ So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. ⁴ They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.

~~———————~~

We read here how the Lord warned the people against imitating the example of hypocritical religious teachers.

When they read the Scriptures to the people, then they are to be regarded.

Their wrong interpretations, however, must be rejected; for our Savior on one occasion reproved them for teaching as doctrines mere human rules. (Matthew 15:9)

Verse 3 must therefore mean, that all the instructions they give, which agreed with God's word, must be followed, however wicked these teachers might be.

Comments

Keep your treasure in Heaven.

Some people allow their thoughts and desires to be chained down to earth by business duties or the worldly worries of everyday life. They are absorbed in these as if there were nothing higher or better. The sweet duty of prayer is neglected. They do not meditate on the great truths of God's holy word. Even the Lord's day makes only little difference; there is no real seeking after God's kingdom and righteousness. But you must not give up on your brightest and highest privilege. Do not cast off the joys which might in all other respects mix with your most ordinary duties. “Don’t pile up treasures on earth, where moth and rust can spoil them and thieves can break in and steal. But keep your treasure in Heaven where there is neither moth nor rust to spoil it and nobody can break in and steal. For wherever your treasure is, you may be certain that your heart will be there too!” ( Matthew 6:19-21 ) If you are then “risen” with Christ, reach out for the highest gifts of Heaven, w...

The Lord expects much from those to whom He had given much.

Our Lord once noticed from afar a fig-tree full of leaves. Going over to find figs, He found none, and cursed it for its barrenness. There is a deep meaning in this action. He did it to teach a significant lesson. The leaves of a tree drink in air and moisture, and promote its strength and fruitfulness. The sacred privileges bestowed on a person may be compared to leaves. The Lord has a right to expect much from those to whom He had given much. And when He comes looking for fruit, and finds none — no repentance, no faith, no love, no holiness — a curse may be expected from Him. Let us continue to bear good fruit to the glory and praise of God.

Have you begun to bear heavenly fruit?

Those who labor for your souls, whether they be ministers or friends — don't let them look in vain for fruit in your life. Be warned, God can say to a person, as He once did to a tree, “No one will ever eat fruit from you again!” Could anyone bear the prospect of never being a blessing throughout all the ages of eternity? Many who are now useless and hurting, hope that they shall one day be different. But opportunities are quickly passing away. The trees, that are now bearing the lovely fruits of praise and holiness in heaven above, began to produce such fruits for God when on earth. Even that criminal whose Christian course lasted only an hour or two, produced good fruit in his trustful request to Jesus, and in his faithful reproof of his fellow sufferer; while the aged apostle Paul was like a tree whose boughs are bent to the ground under the weight of a fragrant and delicious load. Have you begun to bear heavenly fruit? If not, when will you begin? Delay no more; you do not know...

Bear Vent

Search This Blog