The conflict

Mat 23:2-3
“The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.
So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

This statement was said throughout a discussion Jesus has with his disciple and the multitude about religious hypocrisy. I suppose you know the story. Learning from history if we look towards the bible or simply history in general it all unfolds the lessons you and i can draw from. If your a Christian you would understand the the Pharisees and scribes (teachers) of the law failed to set the example hence why Jesus made this statement in the first place.

I feel sorry for those lost in religious hypocrisy for sure, I’m not just saying this (honestly) I understand that hypocrisy is a culture opposed to the culture of the kingdom of God. The main issues within the religious groups in the days of jesus was this deep rigid mentality to preserve what they didn’t really understand the… (LAW)
Matt 15:8-9

So what is the beneath the superficial nature of religion hypocrisy? The need for: significance, recognition and validation which should be the by product of a intimate relationship with the LORD not religious practises.

We know there are things called evil spirits of all kinds as the bible said “we wrestle not with flesh and blood” but spiritual forces. There are evil spirits that are heavily religious, governed by a persona of criticism, works of self application and dominance over others especially when they are weak.

Matt 23 the whole chapter explains it all…

In another place Jesus said: Luke 12:1

Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

This yeast jesus mentioned is a symbol of unseen religious pride but evident in their teaching. This group called the Pharisees and scribes were men who appeared to be public or involve with the daily concerns with others but in heart they were void of any Godlike virtue, can this be a reflection of our Christian modern day communities?

In conclution

The early church in the first century suffered under the cruelty of the religious system from her parent faith judaism who formed an alliance with the Roman empire to crush the followers of Christ…Rev 2:10

The conflict sill goes on…
by: Peter Johnson
“fellowship is life”