The Real Pharisees: Conclusion

The Real Pharisees

So who are the real Pharisees? As we have seen in this study, the way they are described in the Scriptures is often not what is intended by those who would use the label today.

The Pharisees had the wrong attitude toward God’s law. They were disobedient and close-minded. They tried to do the least that they could. They also believed God’s word was insufficient and wanted to see signs.

The Pharisees rejected God’s purpose. They did this by failing to fulfill their divinely-given purpose to fear and obey God. They also failed in their responsibility to provide material and spiritual help to others. Instead they took advantage of others and prevented them from entering the Lord’s kingdom.

The Pharisees were corrupt in their hearts. They were guilty of arrogance, hypocrisy, and being lovers of money.

The Pharisees focused on outward appearances. They wanted to appear righteous to others because they loved the praise of men. They honored God’s spokesmen of previous generations as this would make them look good to others, yet Jesus knew they were just like their fathers who killed the prophets.

The Pharisees were zealous for human law and tradition. They wanted to hold onto their traditions and, after the Law of Moses had been nailed to the cross, wanted to hold onto that in the church. They were very zealous in this as they even sought to make converts to their cause.

Rather than labeling those who strive to carefully follow the Scriptures in all that they do as Pharisees, we need to step back and look at ourselves. Paul told the brethren in Corinth, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Are we like the Pharisees in any of these ways? It is very unlikely that we – or anyone else – will fit all of these characteristics. But if we can find any of these characteristics in our life, then we need to make some changes.

Remember what Jesus said, “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). We should not want to be like the Pharisees. Instead, we must strive to be like Christ.


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