Month: March 2025

Matthew 16:6 (NKJV) 6 Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.”

Even though Jesus mentions the word leaven, He was not referring to bread in this scripture.

Jesus was warning them to be careful of the false doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees. He was simply telling them to watch out for them.

Let’s face it. Even back then false teachers were trying to bring in their own lingo, do their own thing.

We’ve got some Pharisees and Sadducees in the pulpit today who really need to step down.

We need to pay attention to and be aware of such teachers.

The Pharisees had a strong commitment to the law as interpreted by the traditions of the elders. They were extremely ritualistic and legalistic.

The Sadducees rejected tradition of the elders and denied the supernatural, including the possibility of bodily resurrection.

Because of their strong inclination to traditions and rituals, they refused to acknowledge the message that Jesus brought, and they were ultimately responsible for Him being crucified.

The Holy Spirit will warn us of these things, just as the Lord did with the disciples.

If we are under a teacher who is out of line with the word of God, He will prompt us.

It’s up to us to examine what they are saying, and compare it to God’s word.

Is it true to the word of God, or are they adding to or taking away from it?

Deuteronomy 4:2 (NKJV) 2 Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.

Sometimes we may think a leader is great based on the things we hear and see them do on the outside. But God will show us the motives in their heart.

We can’t ignore the promptings of God because we favor them as a person, or because we love the church building, the worship service, etc.

Know that if they are out of line with the word of God, we must take it very seriously and let the Holy Spirit guide us in what to do next.

Matthew 16:12 (NKJV) 12 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.

Sometimes we must leave a church and get out from under a covering. Or maybe we must bring our concerns to them.

Nevertheless, if He is showing us that there is misleading, false doctrine, or adding to the gospel, we need to be aware of it and let the Holy Spirit guide our next move.

Amen.

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