HEART ATTITUDE 1 - Even people who seem good on the outside have sin on the inside.

 Heart Attitude 1 - English files

Herzenshaltung 1 - German files 

Devotional Thoughts about Matthew 23:1-36

Especially these days, it’s politically incorrect to say that everyone has sin inside, but that’s what the Bible says (Jeremiah 17:9). And Jesus said it about the very people in His day who taught others about God and led them in worshipping Him. Jesus advised people to do what they said but not what they did (23:3). Then He pointed out their inconsistencies.

They were proud of their high positions and promoted their public images by focusing on outward actions and appearances. However their commitment to showing mercy, justice and faith suffered proportionately as their thoughts revolved increasingly around themselves.

This is a problem even for Christians—and especially for Christians—because having once faced the problem of our sins and accepted Christ’s atonement for them, our sense of what is right is sharpened. Thus we’re very susceptible to comparing others unfavorably with ourselves and indulging in self-righteousness.

I’ll never forget the title of a booklet I once read called The Pharisee in Me. I’m reminded of its relevance when I look honestly inside and recognize once again my prejudice in my own favor.

Lord, please help me remember that I have no righteousness at all except for what You’ve given me. Help me to come to You early and often to confess my wrong thoughts, words and deeds.

Downloading lesson files

If you're interested in the lesson files, simply click on the appropriate link above to download them in the desired language. See the Informational Pages in the right column for more about the lesson series. The next post and lesson will be the second and last in the topic Heart Attitude.