Pharisees Perspective

So incompatible were the Pharisees views from those of Jesus that when the Pharisees posed a question to Jesus, it appeared that He was answering an entirely different question. On such a completely different level were His answers that the Pharisees who did not have eyes to see nor ears to hear could not perceive the truth presented to them and they were Gods leaders of the day. 

Why is this?

Because the Pharisees perspective was from tradition, rules and law. They saw everything and everyone relating to THEIR religion.

Jesus was a fierce critic of the Pharisaical system of His day, openly declaring its evil. Warning those who would hear, not do as the Pharisees or receive their leaven (teachings).

Regrettably, there is a great deal of pharisaism in the church today. Leaders that view others through the lens of their system neglecting the weightier provisions of the law: justice, mercy and faithfulness. Matt. 23:23

A modern day Pharisee fruit;

• Doing things to be seen by men.
• Love the praises of man.
• Seeking the best seats.
• Love to be seen.
• Failure to discern holy things.
• Their leading consists of ruling and not serving.
• Focussing upon external laws rather than internal change.
• Claiming righteousness with God while opposing His will.
• Exalting tradition above the commandments of God.
• Loves the seat of decision making.
• They strain at a gnat and swallow a camel.
• They appear beautiful outside, white and clean like a tomb, but inside are full of dead men bones.
• KNOWS right from wrong on all matters and will set others straight.
• They strain at a gnat and swallow a camel.
• They go out of their way to convert a soul only to make that soul a child of hell worst than themselves.
• They pay tithes, but omit the weightier matters such as justice, mercy and faith.
• They are stumbling blocks for those earnestly seeking salvation.

Matt. 16:6 And Jesus said to them, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

Luke 12:1 “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

When we partake of the tree of life we can resist the clothing being tailored by the pharisaic elite. Because the Holy Spirit will lead us in all truth and witness in our hearts the bondage that lies in following after a Pharisee.

1Cor. 5:8 Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the UNLEAVENED bread of SINCERITY and TRUTH. (emphases mine)

The Pharisee declares proudly, we have a law” John 19:7

The Holy Spirit affirms, you are free from the law” Rom. 8:2

~ Michael Smith

Legalism and the Life of a Believer

Legalism – the Buzzword of the Christian Blogosphere

We’ve all been accused of, or cautioned against, being legalistic, especially if you write posts or comments in blogs or participate in social media. You can count on it, sometime during an online discussion, we step over an unseen “line” and someone “lovingly” says “Hey, now you don’t want to be legalistic!” or “Now, we don’t want to take this into an area of legalism!”

Believe me I’ve been there. Even recently, when I re-posted my article “Should a New Testament Christian Celebrate Christmas and Easter??,” the terms “legalistic” and “legalism” were used quite liberally, both in the comments section and in emails that I received from people.

When you think about it, in our modern language, being “legalistic” is quite a relative term. In our understanding, what may be OK to one christian may not be OK to another christian. Each person has this imaginary “line” in their thinking, where one side is “legalistic” and the other side is “obedience.”

Concluding his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote:

2 Corinthians 13:11

“Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.”

Be of one mind …. Wow! Can we say that about the church today? Or can we say the following?

Judges 21:25

“In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

The misuse and abuse of the words “legalism” and “legalistic” have caused a great deal of turbulence and misunderstanding in the Body, clandestinely working against True Unity, rather than creating the “one mind” that Paul (and Jesus) desired.

I pray that, as you read through the following steps, you will conquer both “legalism” and the confusion associated with it.

Please approach this with an open mind and toss aside your preconceived ideas. While understanding and overcoming legalism is really quite simple, our western thinking and religious conditioning will always tend to complicate matters.

Step 1 - Know Your Enemy – Have a Correct Understanding of Legalism

“Legalism” (and by extension “being legalistic”) can be defined a couple of different ways. One definition applies to the believer … and one does not. Where we run into trouble is when BOTH definitions are lumped together and applied to BOTH believer and nonbeliever (which happens more than most christians care to admit).

Legalism – the Correct Definition

The most accurate and down-to-earth definition of legalism that I have found is “the doctrine that salvation is gained through good works” or basically, trying to earn your salvation.

Notice this is a “PRE-salvation dynamic”. Most of the time, mainstream christians have NO problem with this definition … and neither do I.

If you are trying to make an unsaved person DO something to earn their salvation, whether it be baptism, circumcision or “saying the sinner’s prayer,” you’re being “legalistic.”

Ephesians 2:8-9

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

We ARE saved by grace … don’t try to tell me any different … I won’t be convinced.

I love the Truth that we are saved by grace, and I don’t ever take this Truth for granted, because I really, really, really, really, REALLY don’t deserve it.

At 5 years old, I said “the sinner’s prayer” and was baptized in the Holy Spirit at the age of 12. But, from the ages of 15 to 20, I turned my back on God and went the “opposite way” …. with a vengeance! The Truth is, I basically spit in His face and lived the life of a heathen.

If it wasn’t for God’s wonderful grace (and a praying mother), I would be dead.

So, please, don’t question my appreciation for His Grace. I say that because of what follows.

Legalism – the Wrong Definition

Where people go wrong is when the term “legalism” is applied to believers/christians who desire to OBEY all the commandments of God. At this point, salvation has already been obtained by the accused, so “legalism” is a moot issue.

From the point of salvation onward, a disciple is expected to follow the Master. Jesus told His disciples:

Luke 6:40

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.”

And even Paul says:

1 Corinthians 11:1

“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”

After salvation, we are to continuously work toward being “perfectly trained,” acting like (and obeying) our Messiah at every opportunity. Does this mean that we will be perfect? Of course not, but our path should be brighter and brighter with each passing day.

Proverbs 4:18
“But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.”

2 Corinthians 3:18
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

It’s when we start to make excuses for our sin, carelessly tossing around words like “legalism” or “grace” in an attempt soothe our guilty conscience, that things go awry.

Legalism and the Value of Exhortation

The writer of Hebrews said:

Hebrews 3:13

“…but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

People, we never want to be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin! We have to exhort each other all the time! If we don’t exhort one another daily, we WILL continue to make excuses for, and gradually accept, sin as just a “normal” part of life.

Look around you, church, this has happened on a GRAND SCALE! Don’t let it happen to you and the ones you love!

How do we “exhort” people? Well … how did Peter “exhort” people?

Act 2:40

“And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation.’“

I’m ashamed to say it, but this kind of exhortation is NOT accepted in the church today. If Peter spoke this message today, he would be dismissed as being a “legalist.”

Listen to me people. Sin is sin.

1 John 3:4

“Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God.”

Is it “legalism” to want to obey God? Is it “legalism” to want to see others obey God? Our answer should be a resounding “NO!”

Is it “legalistic” to exhort each other to stay away from sin? No it is not.

If it is, then Jesus, Peter and Paul were all “legalistic.”

Step 2- Legalism – Put it in it’s Proper Place

The way to overcome legalism in your life, once you are saved, is to come to the realization that “legalism” … as it pertains to your walk with God …. DOES NOT EXIST!

If you feel like you have to do “stuff” to earn your salvation, once you are already saved, your relationship with the Father is not where it should be. Receive the grace that you have been freely given, and learn from it!

What can you learn from grace? Let’s take a look!

Titus 2:11-15

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, (1) denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, (2) we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, (3) looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, (4) who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.”

So we see here that this “grace,” that is so freely given, will teach us something!

What does it teach us?

1. Deny ungodliness and worldly lusts
2. Live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age
3. Look for the blessed hope and glorious appearing
4. Live out your purpose as one who is redeemed from every lawless (Torah-less – look it up) deed, purified for Him, zealous for good works

Don’t let anyone despise you for this! (v15) Speak it out! Rebuke! Exhort! All who want to pin a “legalism” accusation on you are in gross error.

Step 3 – Understand Your Freedom – Imitate Jesus!

If we are to mature as believers, we must learn to imitate Jesus, the “pure and spotless lamb.”

1 John 3:5-6
“And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.”

Hebrews 7:26
“For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens”

Jesus walked in complete freedom from sin, which (as we can see from 1 John 3:4) is “the transgression of the law.”

The majority of the western church defines “freedom” as being able to do what they want to …. to choose what commandments to obey, or not to obey …. to define their relationship with the Most High according to their own terms and understanding.

That is not how the Messiah defines “Freedom.”

John 8:34-36

“Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.’”

We see that you are a slave of sin when you commit sin. What is sin? Look at 1 John 3:4 again. According to Jesus, when He sets you “free” from sin and it’s consequences, you are now “free” to obey the Father’s commands!

David (the “man after God’s own heart” – Acts 13:22) knew this freedom.

Psalm 119:44-48

“So shall I keep thy law (Torah) continually for ever and ever.

And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.

I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.

And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.

My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.”

Wow! I’ll bet David and Paul could get into a good debate, huh?

No …. not really, they actually agreed in their doctrine … we just misunderstand Paul. (2 Peter 3:14-17)

Paul actually knew of this freedom too!

Romans 6:16-17

“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.”

If sin is the “transgression of the law,” what do you think righteousness is? It’s the result of your obedience! Not just “obedience,” but “obedience from the heart!” That IS the New Covenant.

Jeremiah 31:33

“But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”

God writes His law in our minds and on our hearts …. not so we can continue to disobey it, but so that we can obey it!

Honestly, I don’t understand people who claim to follow the “New Covenant,” and then turn around and teach that His Law is done away with. We really need to get a clearer understanding of what Paul meant when he said:

Romans 3:31

“Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.”

Legalism – the Conclusion of the Matter

If you are a Believer in the Messiah, if you are confident that you are a Blood-bought son (or daughter) of the Most High, you should never be concerned with “legalism” in your personal walk with Him.

Understand this: Your Love for Him (and others) is DEFINED by your obedience to His Commandments. If you REALLY love Him (and others), it won’t even be an inconvenience!

The reverse is true as well.

Your “lack of” Love for Him (and others) is DEFINED by your DISobedience to His Commandments. If you do NOT REALLY love Him (and others), His commandments will be perceived as an “inconvenience” and a “burden.”

1 John 5:2-3

“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”

It doesn’t get any simpler than that!

For the Truth,

Kevin Kleint
Email: kevin@honorofkings.org

Judge Not? … or “Just Do It”

Of all of the teaching and commentary on the HonorOfKings.org web site, the story of “My 7 Years Working for the Elijah List” definitely gets the most attention. The feedback that I receive from correspondence and face-to-face discussion/confrontation is either extremely positive or extremely negative. Christians are very polarized on the topic of “the prophetic” and exposing sin in the Body of Christ … there seems to be no “middle ground” to stand on.

When I am being confronted by one of my detractors, they will inevitably quote “Judge not, that you be not judged” from Matthew 7:1. It’s a guaranteed response. When I hear this overused mantra, it doesn’t anger me, but I do have to admit a certain level of frustration. This reply just reinforces the Truth that people would rather repeat what they’ve been told by their leaders and peers, instead of picking up the Bible and studying His Word for themselves.

Exactly WHAT is Judging?

I want to take a closer look at Matthew 7, but before we break down the scriptures into smaller segments, we need to take a good, long look at the definition of the word “Judge.” The way society defines “judge” is entirely different than what can be found in the Bible AND in the dictionary.

When I look up the word “Judge” in the dictionary [the verb form of "judge" is applicable to this study], the definition is as follows:

JUDGE: (1) to pass legal judgment on; pass sentence on (a person) (2) to hear evidence or legal arguments in (a case) in order to pass judgment; adjudicate; try (3) to form a judgment or opinion of; decide upon critically (4) to decide or settle authoritatively (5) to infer, think, or hold as an opinion; conclude about or assess

We can see from the definition above that to “judge” someone is to assess a person’s guilt and render a punishment commensurate to that guilt. Judging affects how we feel about a person, and how we treat that person. We can see an example of this in the book of James.

James 2:1-4 “My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ and say to the poor man, ‘You stand there,’ or, ‘Sit here at my footstool,’ have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

Characteristics of Judgement

Notice how the person guilty of unrighteous judgment shows partiality to the rich person and disdain for the poor person? They judge them based on their station in life and treat them accordingly. This is a correct definition of judgement.

But here is where our understanding goes awry. Pointing out sin or wrongdoing in the Body of Christ is NOT the same as judging someone. If I tell someone “your sin is an abomination in God’s eyes”, I am NOT judging that person, I am merely saying something about the sin this person is dealing with.

If I say “Your sin is an abomination, YOU are an idiot and THIS is what I’m going to make sure happens to you”, I am passing a sentence on that person. When I form an opinion on someone’s worth and treat them accordingly, I am walking in judgment.

This may stop some people in their tracks and say, “Whoah! I don’t want to be guilty of THAT! I don’t want THAT kind of sin on my record when Jesus comes back!”  And, I admit, there ARE verses in the bible that tell us not to judge … but there are also verses telling us TO judge. What right do we have to give one verse precedence over another? We don’t. But we ARE responsible for finding the Truth about “Judging” and “Judgment” in the Word and STAND on it.

The Truth About “Judge Not”

I’m not claiming to know EVERYTHING on this topic, but one thing I DO know, is that the infamous “Judge Not” verses (Matthew 7:1-5) should NOT be used as a “Trump Card” on the topic of judgment. If we carefully analyze the scripture in Matthew 7, we will see what a weak and feeble argument “Judge Not” is when used in a situation where sin is being pointed out (either with a person, or the Body). The Truth is, if you read all the verses in context, Jesus was giving us criteria to use WHILE judging. He was NOT telling us that we shouldn’t judge.

Let’s take a closer look at Matthew 7:1-5 and see how Jesus felt about judging. Matthew 7:1 “Judge not, that you be not judged.”

Most people will faithfully quote this verse, maintaining their (wrong) opinion that we shouldn’t judge, or “find fault”, with anyone and leave all discernment and all critique in the hands of our “Loving Father”. First, you MUST understand that this verse was NOT the end of His teaching. Jesus spoke more on the topic and clarified what He was saying. Let’s look at the following verses (v2-5); I think you’ll see that there is a lot more to “judging” than meets the eye.

Judgment For Believers

Matthew 7:1-2 “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Verses 1-2 are commonly understood to mean that we shouldn’t ever judge anyone at all, because we don’t want God to judge us. This understanding has to be incorrect, because the Word says that we will be judged by our words and by our deeds.

Matthew 12:37 “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Romans 2:5-6 “But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who ‘will render to each one according to his deeds’”

In both of the verses above, it is BELIEVERS who are being addressed, not sinners. God’s judgment is unavoidable for all of us. Now, I don’t think that the judgment spoken of here has to do with sending someone to heaven or hell, but it is a judgment nonetheless.

Clouded Judgment

Let’s go back to verse 2 again. We can see that, whatever judgment we use, we will be judged in like manner. And the severity that we use in judgment will be used against us. So, yes, it is a serious thing to level a judgment against someone. But remember, this is NOT talking about pointing out sin (see “Judge Not? … or ‘Just Do It’”! (Part 1)), it’s talking about being biased in our treatment of others and doling out punishment, either publicly or privately. With this understanding of what judgment is, we need to take a careful look at ourselves and make sure we have no planks in our own eye(s).

Matthew 7:3 “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank [is] in your own eye?”

This verse is asking a question to the listener. It’s saying, “Why would you want to judge someone for having something in their eye, when you have something in yours as well? You have the same problem! In fact, it’s bigger than your brother’s problem!”

Indeed, those who who want to punish, or condemn, someone for something that they are also guilty of are definitely out of line.

Hypocrites!

Matthew 7:5 “Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Right here, Jesus calls the person who judges a hypocrite! A hypocrite is one who points the finger in judgment at another, but is guilty of the same crime or misdeed. If I call out the sin of lust in my brother’s life, but I have a problem with drinking, does that make me a hypocrite? No, it doesn’t. But if I ALSO have an issue with lust in my life … that makes me a hypocrite.

Is Jesus saying not to judge? No, He’s not! He’s saying not to judge when you have the same issue as the person you are judging. Both people in the Matthew 7 analogy had WOOD in their EYES (hence the label “hypocrite”). One didn’t have wood in their eye and the other have a bad leg. They were both guilty of the same sin.

In this verse, He wants to make sure the person judging SEES CLEARLY before they pass judgment. If we were not to judge at all, Jesus would have never given us that option. He would have simply said “Don’t Judge” and that would have been the end of it.

Let me make this a little more personal.

I still have the temptation to listen to rock music. I AM in the process of “breaking free” from this sin, but I’m not perfect yet, so you will not catch me giving someone a lecture on the evils of rock music, nor will you see me punishing them. That plank is still in my eye, so I would be total hypocrite if I did that to someone else.

However, I’ve never beat on my wife, and I never will. I can righteously and truthfully say, “Men who beat on women are wimps and sissies, and are in serious danger of burning in hell. They need to repent!” And, if they beat on their wife (or any girl) in front of me, I might dole out punishment. There’s no plank in my eye with this sin.

Paul Agrees with Jesus

In Romans 2, Paul also talks about what happens when a believer judges another while being guilty of the same sin:

Romans 2:1-11 “Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness–indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.”

Judgment in the Church

In the verse below, we see Paul judging a situation in the Corinthian church without even being there or performing a “first-hand” investigation! This shows us that, when it came to sin, and especially sexual sin (now rampant in the Body), Paul was ruthless, and instructed this congregation to be ruthless as well.

1 Corinthians 5:3-5 “For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”

Reading further in 2 Corinthians, we find that the congregation actually followed through with Paul’s orders and kicked the guy out of the church! How intolerant! (sarcasm implied)

Later on, the Corinthian church welcomed the man back with open arms. They were ruthless with sin, but also quick to forgive a person, if they Truly repented. You see, their definition of “Love” (and God’s Love) contained a hatred of sin, something we are missing today in our tolerant, politically-correct churches.

No Judgment of Sin Gives the Devil an Open Door

Do you see how dangerous isolating a scripture, or taking a scripture out of context, can be? Because Christians have adopted a “Judge Not” philosophy, sin has thrived in the Body. The devil knows that he can deceive and con and steal, right in the midst of our marriages, relationships and meetings, because the Body has grown ineffective and inert. When the saints do not wear the Breastplate of Righteousness, their hearts are exposed and open before the enemy.

Accept Judgment and Rebuke

Psalm 141:5 Let the righteous strike me; [It shall be] a kindness. And let him rebuke me; [It shall be] as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it.

Proverbs 9:8 “Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise [man], and he will love you.”

Proverbs 13:18 “Poverty and shame [will come] to him who disdains correction, But he who regards a rebuke will be honored.”

This is a Call to the saints! We have given up too much ground! It is time for us to stop hiding behind the Fear of Man and start calling sin out in the open. Of course, we are to do this with discernment. I’m not saying that we should crush the tender-hearted, or destroy those who are barely holding on. However, when you see someone who calls themselves a brother (or sister) sitting comfortable in the midst of their sin, or (worse yet) justifying and making excuses for their sin … it’s time for Action!

Remember what James said:

James 5:19-20 “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”

Isn’t that what it’s all about? Saving people from their sins?

And notice that the “sinner” in these verses is a person who has “wandered from the Truth”? …. Selah

For the Truth,

Kevin Kleint
Email: kevin@honorofkings.org

3 Ways The Devil is Assaulting the Christian Today

Although there are who oppose my views and have in the past launched attacks against me, I will keep proclaiming truth. Not because I seek to attack others but because of my calling to speak truth, to wake up the church and see people freed from anything and everything that would hinder them from entering their growth into the purposes of God. Instead of being perceived as one who opposes one could look to what I propose.

I believe the devil is stepping up his attacks against Christians through three major areas;

1. The High Places - areas that are UN-crucified in our lives that influence us or require our attention to the exclusion of Christ. Competes for our attention or worship. Is among our Christian activities. As in old testament times idols of other gods were set upon a hill or high place along with the alter of God. Examples today could be; television, sports, over indulgences of food and alcohol, work or career, obsessions of attire, weight, athletics or appearance.
2. Modern Day Pharisees - Religious persons requiring Christians to meet their version of Christianity. They feel they are the defacto authority of God on earth determining His will for others. Enforcers of traditions and sacred held beliefs upon their parishioners. Act as rulers rather than servants enslaving Christians into bondage of legalism and performance. They seek and need followers to substantiate themselves. As in Christ day these modern day Pharisees demand to be sought out for their perceive spiritual insight and will react swiftly against those who do not by slandering or marginalizing them to the point of making them non-relevant. In Jesus case they crucified Him.
3. Jezebel - A person of either gender with a personality controlled by a spirit of Jezebel requiring followers while wreaking havoc among churches with its manipulative, controlling and domineering actions. It seeks ultimate leadership believing it can do better as a leader than those in leadership. It will stop at nothing to acquire the seat of decision making looking religious yet deceitful. It feeds on drama and gossip. Using its eunuchs this spirit builds a network of allies for the sole purpose of achieving and maintaining control.  

All three of these areas have a common purpose to distract, mislead, yoke, deceive, delay, sidetrack or divert our attention away from Christ through fixation on anything which occupies or consumes our time and focus more so then fellowship with Christ.

Are you devoting an unbalanced amount of time in an area of your life to the exclusion of God and the reading of His word? Search your heart for high places.

Are you in a fellowship where leaders act elite and are only available Sunday morning to voice their ideology then are nonexistent the rest of the week? The gospels describe the Pharisees read them and gain wisdom.

Do you know of or feel an individual dominates conversations as though their views are Gods views and should be received as that? Be careful of controlling, manipulating persons less you become their eunuch without realizing it.

All these require discernment. Let us throw off all that ensnares or entraps us into missing the mark of our high calling and purpose in Christ. Let us remove ourselves from places, rulers, and people that offer us nothing in true spiritual growth rather more of the same tired old bondages of the past - Ichabod.

Michael Smith