Beware of the Fakers

“And in the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.’” (Luke 20:45-47 ESV)

Who were the scribes? According to gotquestions.org they were:

“Scribes in ancient Israel were learned men whose business was to study the Law, transcribe it, and write commentaries on it. They were also hired on occasions when the need for a written document arose or when an interpretation of a legal point was needed.”

In Matthew’s account (Matthew 23:1-7) of this same message it also included the Pharisees:

“Pharisees were members of a party that believed in resurrection and in following legal traditions that were ascribed not to the Bible but to “the traditions of the fathers.” Like the scribes, they were also well-known legal experts: hence the partial overlap of membership of the two groups” (source: Britannica.com). 

But according to Jesus they were men who preached but did not practice. They did all their deeds to be seen by others. They loved the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues. And they loved recognition and the esteem of other humans. And they were hypocrites and blind guides of the people who were not leading the people to the truth of God’s Word. So they were also liars and deceivers and those who took advantage of others.

And we, as Christ’s followers, are to beware such people as this who make a show of righteousness on the outside but who inwardly are vicious wolves disguised as sheep. But how do we know? We have to be people who are following the Lord in obedience, who are in daily communion with the Lord, listening to what he says, and who test the spirits to see if they are of God or not. So, we have to be people who test what we hear or read or think we see against the Scriptures in their context.

We have to be so careful that we are not taken in by outward appearance and by charm, which can be so deceitful. For man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. But we can’t see inside of people’s hearts, can we? No, we can’t. But we can know truth from lies if we are students of the Scriptures who are putting the word of God into practice in our own lives. And we can pray for spiritual discernment and be people who don’t believe everything they see, hear or read without testing it.

So, just know that we live in a day and time where deception is everywhere you look, pretty much, and where lying has become socially acceptable and widely practiced, in many cases. The government lies to us and so does the news media and preachers and family members and others professing faith in Jesus Christ and people of renown who have good reputations and are well regarded among the people.

If you look back at our history, at least here in America, you can probably recall the downfall of numerous preachers who were leading private sinful lifestyles, some or all of them engaged in sexual immorality, adultery, and the taking advantage and abuse of others. And some of these men were held in high esteem and were thought to be very godly men teaching the truth of the Scriptures. So, be careful not to put people on pedestals for they may fall off of them.

So, be people of discernment. Be students of the Scriptures. Test everything in prayer and against the Scriptures in their context. Pray for wisdom and discernment so that you are not duped by someone who appears good on the outside but is full of evil on the inside. And follow the Lord Jesus in obedience to his commands and walk in holiness and in righteousness. Don’t walk in sin. And don’t be a hypocrite yourself. This is for all of us.

[Matt 7:21-23; Matt 24:9-14; Lu 9:23-26; Rom 1:18-32; Rom 2:6-8; Rom 6:1-23; Rom 8:1-14,24; Rom 12:1-2; Rom 13:11; 1 Co 6:9-10,19-20; 2 Co 5:10,15,21; 1 Co 1:18; 1 Co 15:1-2; 2 Tim 1:8-9; Heb 9:28; 1 Pet 1:5; Gal 5:16-21; Gal 6:7-8; Eph 2:8-10; Eph 4:17-32; Eph 5:3-6; Col 1:21-23; Col 3:5-17; 1 Pet 2:24; Tit 2:11-14; 1 Jn 1:5-9; 1 Jn 2:3-6,24-25; 1 Jn 3:4-10; Heb 3:6,14-15; Heb 10:23-31; Heb 12:1-2; Rev 21:8,27; Rev 22:14-15] 

Beware of the Fakers

Video Talk

June 17, 2023

https://youtu.be/p2NPR-byluM 

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For Our Nation  

An Original Work / September 11, 2012

Bombs are bursting. Night is falling.

Jesus Christ is gently calling

You to follow Him in all ways.

Trust Him with your life today.

Make Him your Lord and your Savior.

Turn from your sin. Follow Jesus.

He will forgive you of your sin;

Cleanse your heart, made new within.

Men betraying: Our trust fraying.

On our knees to God we’re praying,

Seeking God to give us answers

That are only found in Him.

God is sovereign over all things.

Nothing from His mind escaping.

He has all things under His command,

And will work all for good.

Jesus Christ is gently calling

You to follow Him in all ways.

Men deceiving: We’re believing

In our Lord, and interceding

For our nation and its people

To obey their God today.

He is our hope for our future.

For our wounds He offers suture.

He is all we need for this life.

Trust Him with your life today.

https://vimeo.com/379406352