How Legalism Hijack the Church

 

Text: Matthew 23:4 (NIV)

"They tie up heavy loads and put them upon men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them."

"Jesus replied, "Are you expects in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them." (Luk. 11:46)

Introduction: In order to understand Matthew 23:4 is that as students of the Bible we must compare scripture with scripture. (1 Cor. 2:14)  It is true that there are some biblical passages of the Bible that are difficult to understand but there are other biblical passages that will shed light upon such obscure passages. For example: The main passage of scripture that is under study is Matthew 23:4 but for example Luke 11:46 is a comparsion where it says, "Jesus replied, "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them." First, in order to understand the original passage of scripture under study is that of good observation: that of familiar words, repeated words, and unfamiliar words. Secondly, to understand the structure of the text of scripture: that of paragraphs and phrases by which to break it down into different particles accompany with each part supported by relevant scripture context. Thirdly, to summarize in context what the passage of scripture is saying. It is always good to ask a series of questions concerning the Bible passage under study. (2 Pet. 3:18)  The of basic Bible study is to know how to properly read and interpret God's Word. (2 Tim. 2:15)

Questions of Discussion

 1. What is the nature of false spiritual leaders? (See, Matt. 23:4a; Luk. 11:46a; Gal. 1:5)

 2. What is the meaning of the word "tie up?" (See, Luk. 11:46; Acts 15:10)

 3. What are the heavy loads by which false spiritual leaders put upon people's shoulders? (See, Acts 15:10)

 4. What is the extent by which people are burden down with loads of legalism?  (See, Gal. 6:13; Phil. 3:3)

 5. Why is it that false spiritual leaders refuse to help those who cannot live up to the standards of such legalism? (See, Acts 15:10)

 6. Who were the  religious scribes and Pharisees? (See, Ezra 7:6, 10, 25; Neh. 8:4; Luk. 11:46)

 7. How is it that false spiritual leaders live lives that are inconsistent?  (See, Matt. 23:3-4; Gal. 6:13; Phil. 3:3)

 8. Why is it that false spiritual leaders test the Lord by puttingon the necks of God's people concerning the burden of such legalistic teaching? (See, Acts 15:10; Matt. 23:4; Gal. 1:5)

9. What are the demands by which false spiritual leaders requires others to live by the standards of man-made rules and regulations?  (See, Matt. 23:4; Gal. 6:13)

10. What does it mean for people to be circumcised? Does the sign of being circumcised in fact make a people holy? (See, Acts 15:102ff; Gal. 3:1ff; [Rom. 2:25])

11. What does it mean for false spiritual leaders to make spiritual clones of God's people? (See, Gal. 6:13; Phil. 3:3)

Rev. Darryl L. Miller is the president and Chairman of Darryl Miller International Ministries of Atlanta, Georgia. Darryl is the Host of "Darryl Unplugged Podcast" which airs 24/7 @ www.spreaker.com. Darryl lives with his wife Vivian outside metro Atlanta which their dog "Little Baby."