"How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?—but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (Matthew 16:11-12 NKJV)
"For the Son of Man . . . will reward each according to his works." (Matthew 16:27 NKJV)
Legalistic Pharisees of all eras teach that we attain righteousness (rather than reward) by works, when it is available only by faith (Gen.15:6, Gal.3:6). But the Sadducees and their modern successors see no problem in God’s people melding with the world’s culture, materialism, and philosophies, despite admonitions to be a people set apart (Lev.11:45, 1 Pet.1:15). Jesus’ words echo those of Moses, "walk neither to the right nor the left." We have yet to find balance in the timeless message.
Father, thank You for the treasure of Your Word. It is so immense for us! Please show each of us how to walk closely with You in the balance of Your Word’s entirety.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
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