The Righteousness of the Pharisee

Matt. 6:1-7, Luke 18:11-

The Pharisees were a religious party numbering about 6,000 and holding great power over the Jewish nation. They were noted for their self-conceit, arrogance, long prayers, tithing, fasting, & keeping of tradition.

I: Some Things that the Scriptures Tell Us & the Talmud:
1. The Talmud says: “There were seven kinds of Pharisees.”
a. Shechermites: Who keep the law for what it will prophet them.
b. Tumblers: Always hanging down the head & dragging the feet.
c. Bleeders: Who to avoid looking at women shut their eyes and so bump their heads.
d. Mortars: Wearing caps in the form of mortars covering the eyes from seeing impurities.
2. Jesus constantly opposed them.
a. “Woe unto you scribes, and Pharisees, hypocrites.”
b. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees.”
c. Ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup.
d. “Ye lovers of the upper seats.”
3. Nicodemus, Semion, & Paul were Pharisees.
4. They condemned the blind man that was made to see.
5. They brought the woman taken in adultery.
6. They led the crowd that crucified Jesus.

II: Their Prayer Life, Alms Giving & Fasting.
1. Their prayer life. Luke 18:11.
a. Loved to pray standing in the synagogue.
  b. Prayed on the street corners.
  c. Lectured God on their goodness or bewailed their unworthiness.
  d. Condemned others in their prayers.
2. Their alms-gibing. Matt. 6:1-.
a. Sounded a trumpet to call attention.
b. Gave to receive notice of men.
c. Received their rewards.
3. Their fasting:
a. Fasted twice in the week.
b. Displayed their fasting by hair, face, clothes, walk, and look.

III: Except Your Righteousness Exceed:
1. “Ye have heard … thou shalt not kill, but I say, Whosoever is angry.”
2. “Ye have heard … not to commit adultery, but I say, Whosoever looketh…”
3. “Ye have heard … an eye for an eye, but I say, whosoever shall smite.”
4. The Christians alms-giving … “Not thy left hand…” The widow woman put in her gift.
5. When thou prayest enter into closet. Yet Jesus prayed in public.
6. When you fast don’t make a display of it.