Podcasts about seven woes

In this message from Matthew 23, Pastor Karl walks through one of the most confrontational moments in Jesus's earthly ministry — the day He turns to face the religious establishment head-on and calls out hypocrisy for what it is. The big idea: true discipleship begins with repentance in the heart and produces transformation in life.Pastor Karl unpacks the meaning of the word "hypocrite" — from the Greek term for an actor behind a mask — and shows how it appears seven times in this one chapter alone, always on the lips of Jesus. He identifies three ways hypocrisy shows up in our lives: hypocrisy toward others (a standard for you, an exception for me), hypocrisy toward ourselves (a gap between what we claim and how we live), and hypocrisy toward God (redefining what He has clearly called right or wrong).Walking through Jesus's series of "woes" against the scribes and Pharisees — their showy religious displays, their exploitation of the vulnerable, their obsession with minor rules while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness — Pastor Karl brings each one home with practical, personal application. This is a challenging, convicting message, but one grounded in hope: hypocrisy isn't failure itself, it's failure without repentance. And no one who repents is ever turned away by God.Join us in person 8:00am, 9:30am & 11:00am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm

August 30, 2026 - Len W Wyatt Matthew 23:25-39

Today, Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and super special guest host Suzie P. Lind open a serious conversation about spiritual abuse by reading Matthew 23 alongside current headlines of pastor misconduct and church corruption. The episode asks why Jesus' harshest words land on religious leaders, and what that reveals about abusive systems, hypocrisy, and the responsibility of shepherds.Suzie brings a crucial perspective as a pastor, elder, and woman in church leadership, helping widen the conversation beyond the usual assumptions. The discussion moves between biblical context, present-day church culture, and the personal work of examining how easily leaders can become what they condemn.The group walks through Matthew 23 and focuses on Jesus' repeated rebukes:hypocrisyburdening people without helpingstatus-seekingspiritual blindnessneglect of justice, mercy, and faithfulnessChapters:00:00 - Welcome back and introduction of Suzie P. Lind 02:34 - Coaching update, Patreon thanks, and book club announcement 04:00 - Trigger Warning: The reality of abuse headlines 07:24 - Why this feels like a culture problem, not just bad individuals 13:33 - Jesus' woe over Jerusalem and why the tone matters 15:15 - Reading Matthew 23 in full context 17:07 - Hypocrisy, burden-bearing, and shutting the kingdom's door 18:58 - Justice, mercy, faithfulness, and the “gnat and camel” warning 19:25 - Whitewashed tombs and outward righteousness 20:49 - Jerusalem weeps: judgment and grief together 22:09 - Why Suzie agrees with Jesus, but still feels the weight of it 23:12 - Why readers identify with Jesus instead of the Pharisees 27:03 - Jesus as prophet, not just teacher 29:44 - Holding religious leaders accountable for the people's condition 32:01 - Reading the passage personally, not just externally 35:27 - Prophets as formed people, not instant caricatures 36:32 - Ancient Israel's built-in self-critique 37:09 - Suzie on fear, responsibility, and benefiting from systems 38:35 - Oppressed people can become oppressors too 41:07 - Malala, forgiveness, and breaking cycles of violence 44:11 - Why the inside/outside distinction matters so much 45:01 - Ezekiel 34 and shepherds who feed on the flock 48:38 - Modernizing the woes into a diagnosis of abusive churches 49:27 - Heavy loads, guilt, and abusive marriage counseling 52:38 - Suzie's painful example of being told abuse was “her cross to bear” 53:55 - “I will rescue my flock from their mouths” 56:04 - Status, titles, and performative leadership 57:00 - Majoring on minor issues while neglecting what matters most 58:08 - How churches decide what to emphasize and what to ignore 61:24 - First-importance issues, disputable matters, and biblical priorities 63:41 - Wrap-up, gratitude, and what comes nextAs always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.Our Merch Store! EstyLearn more about the Voxology PodcastSubscribe on iTunes or SpotifySupport the Voxology Podcast on PatreonThe Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology RadioFollow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on FacebookFollow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerreMusic in this episode by Timothy John StaffordInstagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Preaching Point: Don't automatically assume you would respond to Jesus any differently than the Scribes and Pharisees; instead, examine how you are responding to him today, before it's too late.Text: Matthew 23: 29-36 (ESV) 29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, 30 saying, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' 31 Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. 32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. 33 You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell? 34 Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town, 35 so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. 36 Truly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.

Title: The Seven Woes of Summer: The Danger of Cultural ChristianityMain Text: Matthew 23:25–28 (ESV) 25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean. 27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. 28 So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.Preaching Point: God wants us to reject a cultural Christianity that leads to judgment and appeal to him for a genuine righteousness that cleanses us from the inside out.Teaching Points: See the Futility of Cultural Christianity (v. 25)Appeal to God for Genuine Righteousness (v. 26)Expect God to Judge Cultural Christians (vv. 27-28)Application Questions:Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week's sermon. Why did it stand out to you?Read Matthew 15:7–9. Why do you think cultural Christianity is so appealing?In what ways are people tempted to settle for outward religion instead of trusting in Christ to make them righteous before God and transform them from the inside out? Why is settling for this kind of religion ultimately futile?Read Ezekiel 36:26–27 and 2 Corinthians 5:21. According to these passages, what distinguishes someone who has genuinely been converted from someone who merely practices cultural Christianity?How would you approach a gospel conversation with someone who is starting to think they are a cultural Christian? Read Matthew 7:21–23, Revelation 3:1–3, and 2 Timothy 3:1-5. What warnings do these passages give about having the appearance of godliness without genuine conversion?Read 1 John 5:13. How can you pursue biblical assurance without falling into either false confidence or unnecessary doubt?

Preaching Point: God wants us to reject a cultural Christianity that leads to judgement and appeal to him for a genuine righteousness that cleanses us from the inside out.Text: Matthew 23: 25-28 (ESV) 25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean. 27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. 28 So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Main Text: Matthew 23:23–24 (ESV) 23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. 24You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!Preaching Point: Knowing what God values most should lead us to prioritize the weightier matters of Scripture without neglecting the rest.Teaching Points:Distinguish the Majors from the Minors (v. 23a)Pursue Faithfulness in Everything (v. 23b)Recognize the Folly of Majoring on Minors (v. 24)Application Questions:Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week's sermon. Why did it stand out to you? Read Matthew 23:23 and Hosea 6:6. How can you grow in your ability to distinguish between the weightier things of God's Word and the lighter matters of God's Word? What dangers arise when Christians fail to distinguish between the weightier and lighter matters of Scripture? Why is growing in this kind of spiritual discernment so necessary?Read Matthew 23:23b (starting with the word “these”) and Matthew 5:19. What balance does Jesus expect you to maintain between the weightier matters of Scripture and the rest of God's commands?What does pursuing faithfulness in everything while distinguishing between the weightier matters and lighter matters of scripture look like at church, at work and at home? Read Amos 5:21–24. Why did God reject Israel's worship? How can you be guilty of obeying some of God's commands, while ignoring some of the weightier commands of God throughout the week?Read Matthew 23:24. If Jesus evaluated your life the way he evaluated the Scribes and Pharisees, where might he say you are "straining out a gnat while swallowing a camel"? (e.g., favorite theological topics, easier areas of obedience, hobby horses, current hot topics, etc.)?After identifying an area where you may be "majoring on the minors," write out a prayer of confession and repentance that reflects your desire to live according to God's priorities.

Preaching Point: Knowing what God values most should lead us to prioritize the weightier matters of Scripture without neglecting the rest.Text: Matthew 23:23–24 (ESV) 23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. 24 You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!

Main Text: Matthew 23:16–22 (ESV) 16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' 17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred? 18 And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.' 19 You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20 So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21 And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it. 22 And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.Preaching Point: Knowing that every word is spoken before God should remind us to reject all forms of deception and to speak with honesty, clarity, and integrity.Teaching Points:Know God Hears Every Word (vv. 21–22)Refuse to Employ Deception (vv. 16–20)Aim for Simple Honesty (vv. 20–22)Application Questions:Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week's sermon. Why did it stand out to you?Read Psalm 19:14 and Matthew 12:36–37. What do these passages teach you about the weight and accountability of your words before God?Where in your life do you speak carelessly, acting as though God is not listening? What would have changed in your conversations over the past seven days if you remembered that God heard every word you said?Read Proverbs 12:22, Acts 5:1–11, and 2 Corinthians 4:1–2. What do these passages teach about God's view of deception and his desire for truthfulness?Where are you most tempted to employ deception, even subtle kinds, at work, at home, at church, or online? What is one specific habit of deceptive speech you need to put away this week, and what truthful alternative should replace it?Read Matthew 5:33–37 and James 5:12. Why does Scripture call Christian's to a simple ‘yes' or ‘no' rather than a system of oaths, qualifiers, and assurances?In what kinds of conversations are you most tempted to avoid plain, straightforward honesty?What is one practical way you can grow in simple, straightforward honesty this week, and who can help hold you accountable?Title: The Seven Woes of Summer: Combating DeceptionMain Text: Matthew 23:16–22 (ESV) 16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' 17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred? 18 And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.' 19 You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20 So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21 And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it. 22 And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.Preaching Point: Knowing that every word is spoken before God should remind us to reject all forms of deception and to speak with honesty, clarity, and integrity.Teaching Points:Know God Hears Every Word (vv. 21–22)Refuse to Employ Deception (vv. 16–20)Aim for Simple Honesty (vv. 20–22)Application Questions:Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week's sermon. Why did it stand out to you?Read Psalm 19:14 and Matthew 12:36–37. What do these passages teach you about the weight and accountability of your words before God?Where in your life do you speak carelessly, acting as though God is not listening? What would have changed in your conversations over the past seven days if you remembered that God heard every word you said?Read Proverbs 12:22, Acts 5:1–11, and 2 Corinthians 4:1–2. What do these passages teach about God's view of deception and his desire for truthfulness?Where are you most tempted to employ deception, even subtle kinds, at work, at home, at church, or online? What is one specific habit of deceptive speech you need to put away this week, and what truthful alternative should replace it?Read Matthew 5:33–37 and James 5:12. Why does Scripture call Christian's to a simple ‘yes' or ‘no' rather than a system of oaths, qualifiers, and assurances?In what kinds of conversations are you most tempted to avoid plain, straightforward honesty?What is one practical way you can grow in simple, straightforward honesty this week, and who can help hold you accountable?

Preaching Point: Knowing that every word is spoken before God should remind us to reject all forms of deception and to speak with honesty, clarity, and integrity.Text: Matthew 23:16–22 (ESV) 16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' 17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred? 18 And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.' 19 You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20 So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21 And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it. 22 And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.

Main Text: Matthew 23:13–15 (ESV) 13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in. 15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves. Preaching Point: Because false teachers zealously lead people away from Christ and toward judgment, we must reject their teaching and faithfully embrace the biblical gospel.Teaching Points:Guard Yourself from False Teachers (v. 13)Don't Mistake Sincerity for Truth (v. 15a)Protect Others from False Teachers (v. 15b)Application Questions:Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week's sermon. Why did it stand out to you?Read John 14:6 and Galatians 1:6–9. What do these passages teach about why a message that distorts the gospel of Jesus is not simply another path to God but a false one that keeps people out of Heaven?Which false gospels are most common in our community, and why do you think people find them attractive? What Scriptures help you address the false gospels you mentioned above?Read Romans 10:1–3 and Acts 26:9–11. What are some of the dangers of zeal, sincerity, and religious devotion that are not guided by a biblical gospel?How can you keep yourself and help others from being misled about beliefs that might be held with sincerity or zeal, but are contrary to the gospel? Read Matthew 7:21–23 and 2 Peter 2:1–3. What do these passages teach about the danger of following, or becoming a teacher whose message is not rooted in the biblical gospel?Not every gospel distortion is immediately obvious. What are some subtle ways a person can drift away from the biblical gospel without immediately realizing it?Read Jude 3–4 and Jude 23. What responsibility do you have to protect others from false teaching? How can you improve your ability to help protect people from the pervasive problem of false teaching in our culture?

Preaching Point: Because false teachers zealously lead people away from Christ and toward judgment, we must reject their teaching and faithfully embrace the biblical gospel.Text: Matthew 23:13–15 (ESV) 13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in. 15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.

Preaching Point: Because God humbles the proud and exalts the humble, we must earnestly combat our religious hypocrisy by displaying sincere, Christlike humility.Text: Matthew 23:1–12 (ESV) 1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, 3 so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

“Truth Must Reign in the Church: Seven Woes To The Scribes And Pharisees” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Luke 11:27-28 ESV ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭13‬, ‭15‬-‭35‬ ‭ESV‬‬ All music used during this service is reproduction-licensed through the following CCLI Licenses: CCLI Copyright License # 227222 CCLI Streaming Plus License # 22513837 Instrumental Worship Provided By: William Augusto "Soaking in His Presence" www.williamaugusto.com

“Truth Must Reign in the Church: Seven Woes To The Scribes And Pharisees” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Luke 11:27-28 ESV ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭13‬, ‭15‬-‭35‬ ‭ESV‬‬ All music used during this service is reproduction-licensed through the following CCLI Licenses: CCLI Copyright License # 227222 CCLI Streaming Plus License # 22513837 Instrumental Worship Provided By: William Augusto "Soaking in His Presence" www.williamaugusto.com

Greetings and welcome! This is our daily devotional for April 14, 2026. Today, we continue our series on Matthew in Chapter 23, where Jesus pronounced the first of the Seven Woes, and He did so on the hypocritical teachers of the law who wanted to be celebrities, instead of servants. Thanks for joining us!

This week in worship, we look at the conflict between the Pharisee's way of religion and the way that Jesus offers. Which vision is shaping our lives? What values quietly guide our decisions, our priorities, our sense of success? The question before us is not whether we are religious enough, but whether our vision for our lives and our world is truly aligned with the vision of Christ. Do you focus on what really matters?

SEVEN WOES ON FALSE RELIGION MATTHEW 23

Guest preacher: Aaron Anand | Matthew 23:13-39 | 4 January 2026

In the finale of The Seven Woes, Pastor Kelly McCoy unpacks Jesus' final warning to Israel's leaders and shows how every woe is really a loving wake-up call. Through humor, challenge, and deep compassion, this message exposes the traps of moral superiority, ignored warnings, and rejected love—and points us back to a God who longs to gather us close. In the end, Jesus makes it clear: He has shown us His heart, and now the response is ours—it's your choice.

In this message, Pastor Eric Nelson exposes the danger of white-collar sin—the subtle, socially accepted, image-driven behaviors that quietly corrode the soul. Drawing from Jesus' warning about whitewashed tombs in Matthew 23, he reveals how outward polish can hide inner decay, and why only God can truly wash us white from the inside out. Discover the freedom that comes not from performing for approval, but from embracing the grace that heals, restores, and makes us whole.

Jesus unleashes a powerful and damning critique against the scribes and Pharisees. He warns the crowds not to follow their hypocrisy, their love of human glory and honor, and the heavy burdens they lay on others. He pronounces "Seven Woes," condemning them as "whitewashed tombs" and "blind guides" who "strain out a gnat and swallow a camel." The chapter ends with His heartbreaking lament over Jerusalem, the holy city that rejects His mercy.  The Rev. John Shank, senior pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church, Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Matthew 23:1-39.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitylutheranministries.org. The Gospel of Matthew bridges Old and New Testaments, presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills the Law we could never keep and establishes His kingdom of grace for all nations. Written by a tax collector transformed by pure grace, Matthew reveals Christ as the true Son of David and Emmanuel (God with us) who challenges us with the crushing demands of the Law in His Sermon on the Mount to the sweet comfort of the Gospel in His death and resurrection. From royal genealogy to glorious resurrection, this verse-by-verse study proclaims the One who conquered sin, death, and the devil for us, now delivering forgiveness, life, and salvation through Word and Sacrament as He remains with His church always, even to the end of the age.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

In this message, Pastor Dave Nelsen exposes the trap of image management, polishing the outside while ignoring the inside. Jesus' 5th Woe reminds us that true goodness comes only from the cleansing work God does in the heart, not from our performance or reputation. Discover the freedom of letting God clean what no one else can see and living from the inside out.

In this week's message, Pastor Trevor Lovell unpacks how even good habits like giving can become hollow when driven by selfish motives. Using John Steinbeck's The Pearl and Jesus' words in Matthew 23, he challenges us to see that generosity is meant to form our hearts, not feed our pride. True giving flows from love and relationship — not from rules or the need to look righteous.

In this message from The Seven Woes series, Pastor Eric unpacks what Jesus meant when He warned the religious leaders about “swearing” and taking oaths. We often think fixing our swearing means cleaning up our vocabulary, but Jesus is actually inviting us to examine how we use God, our words, and our promises. This episode challenges us to be people whose “yes” means yes, whose “no” means no, and whose lives reflect the God who always keeps His word.

Discover the meaning of Jesus' “woe” in Matthew 23, a compassionate alarm that exposes religious hypocrisy, misguided devotion, and the difference between performance and authentic discipleship. This sermon in our Seven Woes series unpacks the mask of hypocrisy, the trap of legalism, and the cure found in Jesus alone, by grace through faith. Listen for practical steps to repent, re-center on the gospel, and grow in grace, truth, and real devotion.

Pastor Trevor kicks off The Seven Woes series with a mountain-trail encounter that frames Jesus' warnings as compassionate alarms, not condemnation. Walking through Matthew 23, he exposes performance-based religion and invites us to humility that opens, rather than slams the door to God. Discover how recognizing our need for a Savior moves us from spiritual ruin into the joy and peace Jesus offers.

What was Jesus opinion of the Pharisees?  How can we learn from their relationship with Jesus?

A Regnum Christi Daily Meditation. Sign up to receive the text in your email daily at RegnumChristi.com

Jesus has proven Himself to be the perfect Man, bearing the title Son of Man, the perfect Messiah, bearing the title Son of David, and the perfect Prophet, Priest, and King. The Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes have challenged Jesus to their own detriment. The overarching message of Jesus' sermons is that no mere human is righteous enough to enter the Kingdom. Only Jesus has perfectly obeyed the law. It is only by His atoning death and resurrection that we may by faith receive the gift of His righteousness. In Matthew 23, Jesus proclaims woes on the Pharisees for following the signs (phylacteries, fringes, tithing, etc.) while neglecting genuine righteousness and faith. Notably, he said that the scribes and pharisees have not entered the kingdom and are “children of hell.” As we see, the way of the Pharisees is not merely an old model of faith; they are following a false religion and are facing judgment for killing the prophets of God. Pastor Dan takes us through Matthew 23, explaining that faith in Christ is essential for salvation and the false religion of the Pharisees is going to be judged. Jesus provides further details about their judgment in relation to the destruction of the temple in the next Chapter (24).

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Matthew-23_13-36-The-Covenantal-Implications-of-the-Seven-Woes.mp3 We hear it all the time from warmongering politicians: “God will bless those who bless Israel, and curse those who curse Israel.” They say it with conviction—rarely with context—and insist it's self-evident, even axiomatic. But what if I told you that Jesus cursed Israel? Cursed them to the point that He took the Kingdom from them and gave it to a new people, a people who would bear its fruit. What if I told you that the “Israel of God” isn't a modern political state, but a New Covenant community, gathered around the Risen King? It's not a hot take. It's Bible—every word of it. In this sermon, Pastor Matt walks through the covenantal logic behind Jesus' seven woes on the Scribes and Pharisees, and shows how rightly understanding these judgments delivers a fatal blow to the modern cult of Zionism.

Seven Woes

Morning:Fourth Day Morning: True Christianity: https://banneroftruth.org/us/devotional/fourth-day-morning-true-christianity/Glorifying God, Thomas Watson, May 28Deuteronomy 1: https://read.lsbible.org/?q=Deuteronomy+1Psalm 81: https://read.lsbible.org/?q=Psalm+81Psalm 82: https://read.lsbible.org/?q=Psalm+82Isaiah 29: https://read.lsbible.org/?q=Isaiah+293 John 1: https://read.lsbible.org/?q=3+John+1ShortcomingsEvening:BackslidingSpurgeon's Morning and Evening, May 28, Evening: https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/morning-and-evening/2025/05/28Message: The First Two Of The Seven Woes, Matthew 23:13-15, Elder Randy EmrichFourth Day Evening: God All-Sufficient: https://banneroftruth.org/us/devotional/fourth-day-evening-god-all-sufficient/Resources:Valley of Vision: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/devotional-books/the-valley-of-vision/Spurgeon's Morning and Evening: https://www.amazon.com/Morning-Evening-Classic-Daily-Devotional/dp/1683227247/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=1683227247&psc=1Legacy Standard Bible: https://316publishing.com/Glorifying God, Thomas Watson: https://www.amazon.com/Glorifying-God-Inspirational-Messages-Thomas/dp/140418712X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.RxmikVPx1TbCsaSCjkzxXvQu3AKtIrHMzUnVuUojQXDf94C0nKibszGVgpGBwttw2fMNOjz4KCLQtgLkdNcXCQ.m9etrS0_7bNsGcyvw3NtwysBMrVzvuUG8XBRpIRXH7E&qid=1708794474&sr=8-1M'Cheyne Bible Reading Plan: https://www.mcheyne.info/mcheyne-reading-plan/Vail Valley Baptist Church GiveSendGo Campaign Link: https://www.givesendgo.com/vvbc-az-school

After facing the Pharisees and their questions, Jesus pronounced the seven or eight woes of the Scribes and Pharisees. Greater will be the judgment of these scribes and pharisees for their condemnation of the only sinless man to walk planet earth. In this episode, we parallel these woes with other verses of judgment about judgment.      Matthew 23:1-39Matthew 12:41-42James 3:1Mark 9:42www.messagetokings.com

Check out our new book "She Prays Like a Girl" at PrayingChristianWomen.com/likeagirl today! Join us for short, daily Lenten meditations to help you draw closer to God in prayer and scripture reading as we prepare our hearts leading up to Resurrection Sunday! This 12-minute devotion might be a little uncomfortable -- but we understand the value of embracing a little spiritual discomfort during the lenten season, right? In this episode we explore the "seven woes" Jesus spoke to the Pharisees, using them as a mirror to expose hidden sin in ourselves. Discover More: Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com. If you haven't committed your life to Jesus but have a desire to do so, a great resource is the Navigators' "Bridge to Life" illustration. Connect with Us: Stay updated and engage with our community: On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen At Christian Books Today: Praying Christian Women Blog On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Up To Jerusalem - Teaching 7 Scripture - Matthew 23:1-39, Mark 12:41-42, Matthew 24:1-16, Psalm 51:10, 2 Timothy 3:11 Class opens with a teaching from Jesus on humility and His warning against hypocrisy. The Seven Woes - spoken against hypocrisy:     1.    Verse 13 - roadblocks to the kingdom of heaven for people     2.    Verse 15 - produce more hypocrites     3.    Verse 16-22 - make a show of displaying how much they give to the temple     4.    Verse 23-24 - neglect justice, mercy and faithfulness     5.    Verse 25-26 - love to display outward cleanliness     6.    Verse 27-28 - do things to look good     7.    Verse 29-32 - act like they are better than others. An outward show - as good as it may look to others - does not matter at all to God. In fact, it destroys a relationship with God. The seven woes are Jesus' call to us to make sure our hearts are right with Him. This same kind of hypocrisy is just as present today as it was then. Jesus is reminding us that what God looks at is the heart - a heart committed to Him - and one that is humble before Him and humble before others. God's work is to take the hard stony parts of our hearts and replace them with a renewed heart. King David says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. We are to come before God in humility and repentance through faith in Jesus and there we will find joy, peace and life. Jesus emphasizes humility with the story of the Widow's Offering in Mark 12:41-42. Jesus is observing the people as they drop off their offerings. The rich are making a show of how much they are giving and then a widow places only a few cents in the bowl - but it was all she had - unlike the “leftovers” the others had been making a show of giving. She gave the greatest gift as she displayed living by faith and trusting God to provide.   We pick up the Up to Jerusalem chronology with Matthew 24:1-16 with Jesus telling of the temple's future destruction. The disciples then ask Jesus 2 questions:     1.    When will the temple be destroyed     2.    What will be the sign of Jesus' second coming They didn't realize how separated the 2 events would be. Jesus answers by predicting deception, war and rumors of wars, earthquakes and famines and calls these the beginning of birth pains. Implying that as the end comes nearer, these things would be more frequent and greater. Jesus also shares that there will be persecution of the believers.  Jesus ends by telling that the Gospel message will be preached throughout the whole world and then the end will come. We can see the evidence of what Jesus said as we see the Gospel message into every continent today. The time of His coming is nearer and nearer and we are called to be awake and ready! Jesus goes on to talk about the “abomination that causes desolation” and that when they see this happening to flee Jerusalem.  Pastor shares several possibilities of what the abomination may have been.  He also speaks to the question of whether Jesus' words speak to the last generation as well. We end with seeing that the early believers did as Jesus said, they escaped the judgement that came on Jerusalem by leaving and fleeing as Jesus had said - and so we learn how important it is for us to hear and to heed God's Words, not fearing the future, but facing the future in faith. Our website –  https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01 Up to Jerusalem is a study of the final weeks of Jesus' ministry concluding with His resurrection and ascension, using the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John together with material from ancient sources and recent discoveries.  Up to Jerusalem is part four of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. Up To Jerusalem is the story of the plan of God to redeem the world, and the story of a Savior willing to obey the Father's plan. As we study Jesus' final days, we will be impacted as we discover the Love of God for each one of us.  This study is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time.

The Seven Woes

Matthew 23:13-39

This teaching is from Matthew 22:41 - Matthew 23:1-12 In today's study of Matthew we continue looking at the last week of Jesus' life before His arrest, crucifixion, death and resurrection.  The religious leaders are continuing their pursuit of trapping Jesus into saying something that they could then bring charges against Him for and get rid of Him. Jesus asks the religious leaders this question: “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is He?” They answer “The son of David,” thinking they had done well in answering!  But Jesus replies, “He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord'? For he says, “‘The Lord said to my Lord:
    “Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
    under your feet.” In this quote (Ps 110:1) who is the first Lord? It is God the Father.  Who is “my Lord”? David is saying his Lord, meaning this sentence is The Lord (God the Father, Eternal Creator) said to my Lord (David's Lord - the Messiah) … Then Jesus goes on (verses 45-46), If David calls Him “my Lord” how can his Lord be his son? Jesus pushes their answer right back to them. This answer causes the religious leaders to stop asking Jesus questions. The leaders could not comprehend that David was pointing to the Messiah and that Jesus was pointing to Himself as the Messiah. Jesus is pointing out that the Messiah is far more that just a descendant of David. He is instead the Living God who took a flesh - true Gd and true man and offers Himself as the sacrifice for sin for all people everywhere throughout all time. Verses 1-12 of Chapter 23 is a  HIPOCRISY ALERT A hypocrite is someone who doesn't practice what they preach.  In these next verses Jesus encourages the people to listen to what the leaders are teaching from the Torah, BUT No to do what they do because they are hypocrites.  They strove to show people that they were better than they were. They were showy. It was all about drawing attention to themselves and how great they were. Jesus calls us to Him as our Instructor and Teacher. To honor Him, serve Him, follow Him and warns us against raising up people to the level of God. Honor the Heavenly Father and listen to the voice of Jesus, and to heed what the Holy Spirit has to say.  Our Messiah - Jesus - is our Instructor. We want to learn from Him, we want to learn of Him, we want to know Him, follow Him, be immersed in His teaching and want His words to dwell within us in everyday, in every time and in every situation. Jesus teaches against hypocrisy with a final instruction saying the greatest among us will be a servant.  For those who exalt themselves (hypocrites) will be humbles and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Jesus is making it clear of us who know Him that we are called to serve God and others, because that is Jesus' example.  “The Risen Servant” Jesus speaks the SEVEN WOES in the next verses.  They were spoken against the Pharisees and against many of the religious leaders of His day.  These are cutting and difficult words spoken in love  to these leaders and teachers of God Torah (law) with the purpose being a wake up call to them, a way to show them they are sinners in need of a Savior. Plus these are words that remind us of the importance of taking to heart the very teachings of Jesus: love God above all else and love our neighbors as ourselves.  Jesus speaks truth bluntly to these leaders.  His heart is to call them back to Himself. Visit our website here https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website https://wpww.awakeusnow.com/matthew-discipling Watch the video from Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOxHZDaamNk9DaM7h7LejJj7 Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. We invite you to join us for our Sunday service every Sunday at 9:30am CT (live or on demand) here: https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Preached at St Paul Lutheran Church, Rockford, Illinois on Sunday, September 15th, 2024.Support Rev Fisk at SubscribeStarOrder Rev Fisk's books at AmazonCatch Rev Fisk on A Brief History of Power podcastFor video, visit Rev Fisk's Rumble channel Get the Mad Mondays newsletter, a round up of news from a Christian perspective with encouragement from Rev FiskFind out more about the Sons of Solomon, a prayer discipline for men