Speaking the Truth in Love
Applying Matthew 23:23
Let’s read Matthew 23:23 together. In this verse Jesus points out how careful the scribes and Pharisees were in following the command of tithing, even to the point they were keeping track of tithing people’s spices. Jesus points out their hypocrisy however in that while they are careful in following the command to tithe, they are lacking in following the commands that are weightier such as justice and mercy and faith. Jesus provides the solution in saying, “These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.”
We need to honor and obey all of God’s commandments (Matthew 28:18-20). The idea is not to focus all of our attention on those commands that seem more important to us and then neglect those we do not think are very important. In this case the weightier matters of the law had been neglected. My wife told me of an old saying that I believe applies here. “God’s Word is not a buffet.” With a buffet one might fill his plate with one or two of his favorite things, and then neglect the other things that would give him a well balanced diet.
Let’s apply the principle Jesus taught in Matthew 23:23 to some real life examples.
Fathers – They are to provide for their families (1 Timothy 5:8) and they need to train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). This means to provide for their spiritual well being. A Father may be a great provider, and work very long hours and neglect his duties of training his children in the Lord. The reverse would be true also. He could be a great teacher who does not provide for the family. Also, I know of Fathers that will travel far and wide to support their children in developing them in sports and will not crack open a Bible, encourage Bible study, set a God like example, or train them in the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:1-6).
Mothers – Are to love their children (Titus 2:4). In the very same verse we see they are also to love their husbands. These commands are to compliment one another. Some mothers may focus all their attention on the children and neglect their husband. Others may focus completely on their husband and neglect the children. I have seen both mothers who end being enemies of their children and others who become enemies of their husbands. God wants a mother to love both her children and her husband.
Wives – Wives are to submit to their husbands (Ephesians 5:22). They are also to be clothed in godly modesty (1 Timothy 2:8-12). One might be very modest in their behavior and attire, but in the home may not be submissive. We need to do all that the Lord tells us, not just the part we feel comfortable with.
Husbands – Husbands are commanded to be faithful to their wives (Malachi 2:14, Romans 7:3). They are also to love, cherish, nourish, and be patient with their wives (Ephesians 5:28-29, 1 Peter 3:7). Doing only one part does not make a godly husband.
Young People – Need to do their lessons and Bible readings (2 Timothy 2:15). But they not only need to learn the gospel, but they need to be putting into practice the gospel in fleeing youthful lusts and sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18-20, 2 Timothy 2:22), being honest (James 5:12), honoring their mom and dad (Ephesians 6:1-3), respecting authorities (Romans 13:1, 1 Peter 5:5), and treating the older with respect (1 Timothy 5:1-2). Young Christians who study and read their Bibles, but do not put the gospel into action will not be shining the light of Jesus to the world.
Brethren – Christian brethren are to love and care for one another’s needs (Galatians 6:10) and we also need to correct those who have fallen away (James 5:19-20). Galatians 6:1puts the love and the correction together. One without the other leaves a very important command undone.
Christians – Christians need to set the proper example for each other and those around us (Matthew 5:13-16, 1 Corinthians 11:1, 1 Timothy 4:12, Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 6:10). However, if we set the proper example and never sow the seed of the gospel by teaching it to those around us, we are missing a major part of the gospel (1 Corinthians 3:5-8, Acts 8:4, 8:35, 11:20, 17:17, 2 Timothy 2:15, James 5:19-20, 1 Peter 3:15).
Members of a congregation – Many will assemble as we are commanded to do in Hebrews 10:24-25. But there are some who fill the pews every Sunday and Wednesday and do not grow in the Lord (Hebrews 5:12-14, 1 Peter 2:1-5). It is indeed very important to assemble, but we also need to make the most of these times. One way we can do this is by privately studying our Bibles and being prepared for class (Acts 17:11, 2 Peter 3:17-18).
Denominations – Most focus on compassion and concern for the social well being of a man. Others will also claim they provide for the spiritual side of a man. The truth of the matter is God wants his people to be compassionate and follow his gospel as He has given it. Unfortunately man-made religions pervert the gospel in their own way (Acts 20:28-31,Galatians 1:6-7, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13). Story – We know of a young lady who thought she was a Christian because she was baptized in the Baptist church. The Baptist church does not baptize for the remission of sins. They baptize you after they say you have already been saved. With some encouragement and study on her own this young lady realized she had not been baptized for the remission (forgiveness) of sins. One week later she wanted to become a Christian by repenting of her sins, confessing that Jesus is the Son of God, and being baptized (immersed in water) for the forgiveness of her sins. You see man’s ideas cannot save you from your sins. Only Jesus can do that (John 14:6).
Read Matthew 23:23 one more time. Jesus teaches a principle that that we are to keep all of His commandments. The Pharisees had focused so much on tithing that it caused them to neglect the very important matters of justice and mercy. Jesus gives us the solution. “These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.” Let us make all of God’s commandments a priority and not neglect the ones we would rather not do. One more example and then we will close.
All people – All people are commanded to listen to and hear God’s Word (Romans 10:17, Acts 11:13-14, Revelation 3:22, Matthew 11:15, 17:5). But being hearers is not enough. We also need to be doers (Matthew 7:24, Luke 8:21, Acts 18:8, James 1:22-25).
How about you tonight? If you are not a Christian, have you heard the gospel? If you have, now you need to be a doer and obey the gospel call. You need to believe it, confess that Jesus is the Son of God, repent (or turn away and be sorry for sins and turn to God), and then be baptized to wash away yours sins. The baptism in the gospel is not one of a show of faith after you have already been saved, but rather it is how your sins are washed away (2 Peter 3:21, Acts 22:16). Until your sins are washed away in baptism, one cannot be a Christian. Why not do what the Corinthians did in Acts 18:8; “And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed, and were baptized.” We hope to see you next time on “Speaking the Truth in Love”.
Matthew 23:23 applied:
Fathers are to provide for their families and train up their children in the Lord
Mothers are to love their children and their husbands
Wives are to submit to their husbands and be clothed in godly modesty
Husbands are commanded to be faithful and are to love, cherish, nourish, and be patient with their wives
Young people need to study their Bibles and put the gospel into action
Brethren are to love each other and correct when necessary
Christians are to set a Christ like example for the world and also teach the gospel of Jesus to those around us
Members of a congregation need to assemble and need to grow in the Lord
Denominations stress meeting physical needs and claim to also stress meeting spiritual needs
All people need hear the gospel and be doers of the gospel
