Are We Raising Pharisees?

Have you ever wondered if you are raising Pharisees in your ministry? With current preaching philosophies that focus almost exclusively on being a moral person rather than preaching that exalts the Lord in all His splendor, you may very well be raising Pharisees. Our church members may ending up observing all the "do's" in scripture without ever coming to really know God and His image, Jesus Christ. The words of John Owen are rather penetrating and serve as a wake-up call to worldly philosophies that have invaded preaching.

"It is our duty and our privilege to behold the glory of Christ. But today, many who call themselves Christians are strangers to this duty. Our Lord Jesus Christ told the Pharisees that in spite of all their boasting, they did not know God. They had no real acquaintance with him, no spiritual view of his glory. And it is the same with us. In spite of so many claiming to know Christ, yet few behold his glory, few are transformed into his image and likeness.

Some talk much of imitating Christ and following his example. But no mall will ever become 'like him' by trying to imitate his behavior and life if they know nothing of the transforming power of beholding his glory. The truth is that most of us are woefully defective in this, and many are discouraged because thoughts of this glory of Christ seem too high or too hard. But is not the real cause our own lack of spirituality?

If we regularly beheld the glory of Christ our Christian walk with God would become more sweet and pleasant, our spiritual light and strength would grow daily stronger and our lives would more gloriously represent the glory of Christ. Death would be most welcome to us.

Is Christ, then, glorious in our eyes? Do we see the Father in him? Do we daily meditate on the wisdom, love, grace, goodness, holiness and righteousness of God as revealed to us in Christ? Do we realize that to see this glory in heaven will be our everlasting blessedness? Does the sight of his glory which we have here increaser our desire for that perfect sight of it we shall one day have of it above?"

We need to preach Christ. Take the Scripture and elevate Christ as best as you can. Help others in your church to see Christ as He is revealed in Scripture. Let them "taste and see that the Lord is good." Expound His wonderful attributes. In doing so, you will help your brothers and sisters in the Lord to be transformed into the likeness of Christ as they behold Him in His majesty.

But be forewarned. You may be criticized. You will be made out to be the "old school" or "irrelevant" church member because you stress doctrine and not practical living. The people will demand, "tell us what to do" not "tell us what has been done for us." Your may be told that this kind of thing does not grow a church, but in saying such a thing one only reveals their pragmatism, not his concern for the glory of Christ.

When these things happen, ask yourself: Who do I ultimately answer to? Is it not the glorious Savior Himself? Am I not ultimately His servant? So why not obey Him and proclaim Him? Do not the entire Scriptures testify of Him? Should I not do the same?

I encourage you to be faithful to the Lord and His Word. My prayer is that, while contemporary Christianity prides itself in becoming more and more moral by observing rules, we may be found spotless and blameless at the return of Christ because we have beheld His image and allowed the Spirit to transform us accordingly.