Warning about the Self-Righteous
A famous Bible teacher was once convicted about his lack of humility. A friend recommended as a remedy, that he march through the streets of Chicago wearing a sandwich board, shouting the scripture verses on the board for all to hear. The Bible teacher agreed to this venture and when he returned to his study and removed the board, he said “I’ll bet there’s not another man in town who would do that.”
Two step Pharisee Prevention Program:
* Don’t Fake It For Fame
1-7 be careful of those who love status
v1/2 explaining teachers of the Law
v3 listen to their words; ignore their example
v4 they impose burdens for others, not themselves
v5/6 they like to be “seen”
v7 fame is their motivation
* Don’t Ache For Acclaim
8-12 be careful of seeking status yourselves
v8 don’t seek ‘master’ standing; share as equals
v9 don’t give adulation of authority; follow God
v10 don’t be ‘professor’ pompous; learn from the Lord
v11/12 greatness comes through giving, not self-focus
George Washington Carver, the scientist who developed hundreds of useful products from the peanut: “When I was young, I said to God, ‘God, tell me the mystery of the universe.’ But God answered, ‘That knowledge is reserved for me alone.’ So I said, ‘God, tell me the mystery of the peanut.’ Then God said, ‘Well, George, that’s more nearly your size.’ And he told me.”
Let us find our significance through service.
A Transformed Life 