The Redeemed outnumber the Christians
When we read the Bible it is extremely important to apply the truths, as the Holy Spirit convicts. Matthew chapter 23 very succinctly exposes the lack of Christianity in our present world. We should emphasize gratefulness when God allows conviction upon our sinful tendencies.
Matthew 23 deals with the hypocrite and the pharisee, for which many of us attain to, at times. Knowing that God’s Word is powerful and able to perform a work in us, consider this thought: Are we actually Christians or only redeemed? To our discredit and displeasure of God, I know more saved people than Christians. How about you?
Are we both saved and Christ-like?
Here is a challenge for all of us. In the following verses, and for practical application, replace the words scribes and pharisees with “saved people.” May God do a work in our lives as we deal with the lost and the redeemed.
Matthew 23
23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.