Pharisaism Is Not Dead

Pharisaism

Intent: Interpret and ApplyResult: Traditions Made Law“When a religious idea was discovered in the Bible and presented by a true teacher, it was like a revelation from God. After all, it came from the Word of God, deduced from it by one of the masters. All were thus obligated to learn it and guard it” (Dan King, “Westminister Theological Journal,” 1983).

Phil Roberts

“Their hedge was no longer just a hedge. It was law, and they would condemn any who broke it. They even began to claim that their oral traditions had been delivered at Mt. Sinai right along with the written law. The lesson for us is obvious” (Plano Provoker, 7-7-77)“Safe Course” (1 Cor. 8:7-10)

Jewish Traditions

Their “hedge” became the lawTailor: No needle on SabbathScribe: No pen on personSchool teacher: No readingFire: Not extinguish or ask or forbidRemove fingernails: If used instrument

New York Hasidim Clash (30,000)Sabbath Rules at Heart of Feud Over What Activities

Are Permitted It is forbidden to carry a house key or even an infant outside a home

(The Ledger, Lakeland, Fl. 6/03)

Applications Are Not Wrong

Applications Are Not Wrong Mt. 4; Dt. 8:3; 6:16; 6:13

A rule is worthless unless appliedNew Pharisaism – looks down on “pattern authority” as out of date

Our Traditions Are Not Law

What is modest? 1 Tim. 2:9; 1 Pet. 3:3How long, high, tight?Gen. 3:7,21; Ex. 28:42,43Note – thigh (hip) Gen. 32:25,32; Ex. 1:5

Problems with binding Specifics

The length of Adam and Eve’s tunics is unknown. I.S.B.E. – “reaching below the knee always, and in case it was designed for dress occasions, reaching almost to the ground.” It is the general word – like “dress.”

If we could determine the length of the priest’s trousers – should we bind that today? (cp. Dt. 22:5,11)

Problems

Paul and Peter were not talking about skimpy clothing – but ostentation (1 Tim. 2; 1 Pet. 3). Not saying – you are not spending enough time braiding your hair, or using too little gold, pearls or costly clothing!If we must know the exact limits for skimpy – we must also know the exact limits for ostentation.

Three Questions

Is it appropriate for the occasion? (Modest)What spirit does it reveal in me? (Propriety, shamefastness)What effect does it have on others? (Moderation, sobriety – would hinder passions and desires from arising, W.E. Vine)

Order of Worship

“Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40).What does that mean?The things we do in worship are revealed, but no specific order is given.Lord’s supper before or after sermon; close with prayer or song, cloth over communion?

Announcements

“And let us consider one another to stir up love and good works” (Heb. 10:24).Are these limited to encouraging people to help those with problems, or may they include encouraging people to rejoice with those who rejoice?

Entertainment

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 Jn. 2:15).What does this mean? Are movies, TV, and computers worldly?

Conclusion

Pharisaism began as a commitment to be separate from the pagan world, but degenerated into a set of legalistic regulations mindlessly followed. Many want someone to build fences so they will know exactly where to stop.Difference between putting on religion and putting it in the heart!