Does "PHARISEEISM" EXIST TODAY?
 
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ" (Col. 2:8). There are certain beliefs, teachings and practices that are dangerous, for they can cause our souls to be lost. Any philosophy, proclamation or practice contrary to sound doctrine must be dissected, denounced and defeated (Eph. 5:11; 1 Thess. 5:21; 1 John 4:1). It will be our purpose in this study to do exactly that as we look at "phariseeism" as presented in the New Testament.
Also, there are those who cry out "phariseeism" when obedience to God is stressed. "Phariseeism" is a term used by some for those who would faithfully proclaim and practice the Truth of God without compromise on any point. Therefore, in this study we also want to see if the attitudes and actions that characterized "phariseeism" in the New Testament exists today.

PHARISEEISM
In the New Testament we read of a group known as the Pharisees. As one begins to study the life of Christ in the New Testament, the Jewish sects, especially the Pharisees and Sadducees, are very prominent. Christ it seems, during his personal ministry was in almost constant confrontations with these Jewish groups.
Basically, the Pharisees began as concerned Jews who noticed that many of their fellow Jews were being influenced by Greek customs, culture and life style and not so much by the Law of Moses. These concerned Jews therefore began to call upon their fellow Jews to denounce such influences and were determined to follow completely God's revealed Law. This was certainly the right thing to do. Then over time, these concerned Jews (Pharisees) began to center in on certain laws to the neglect of others. They "left undone" some of the "major" things of the Law. They soon devised their own guidelines to what should or should not be done. They would "leave" the written Law of God to hold on to their own traditions. Their interpretations of the Law became as a law to themselves. This is what "phariseeism" in the New Testament is all about.

MISUNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT PHARISEEISM
Is stressing obedience to the Will of God "Phariseeism?" To believe and teach that God has only one way to Heaven, is that "Phariseeism?" To call for book, chapter and verse preaching is that "Phariseeism?" Some would declare with a definite "Yes." They would be wrong! There does exist some misunderstanding about "Phariseeism." There are some things perceived as "Phariseeism" but are not. "Phariseeism" is not:

(1) COMMITMENT TO SOUND DOCTRINE. Does the Lord call for commitment? He certainly does. "No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (Matthew 6:24). "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). Commitment to and continuing in sound doctrine is what God demands "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them, for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee" (1 Timothy 4:16).

(2) CONVICTION THAT IS STRONG. We are to have strong convictions. We must not be wishy-washy concerning our belief. We must know what we believe, why we believe it and be willing to show it in our words and way of life. Our convictions must be based upon what the Bible teaches and authorizes. "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus . . ." (Colossians 3:17). "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15). "For the which cause, I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day; Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 1:12-13). "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them" (2 Timothy 3:14). "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

(3) COURAGE TO STAND FOR THE TRUTH. Courageously standing for the Truth must not be viewed as Phariseeism. It is sad to see and hear that those who faithfully defend the Truth are accused of "Phariseeism." We are commanded to stand for the Truth. To stand for our opinions and traditions and not the Truth is Phariseeism. "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13). "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free . . ." (Galatians 5:1). ". . . I am set for the defense of the gospel" (Philippians 1:17). "Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved" (Philippians 4:1). "Stand therefore . . ." (Ephesians 6:14). "Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers" (Titus 1:9).

(4) CONDEMNATION OF SIN. Sometimes today when sin is condemned, the one who condemns sin is accused of "phariseeism." Is it wrong to condemn sin? No. Is it "phariseeism" to stand opposed to sin no matter who has committed the sin? No. In fact, we are commanded to oppose and expose any and all sin. "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Ephesians 5:11). "Preach the word, be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine" (2 Timothy 4:2). "These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority" (Titus 2:15). Our condemnation of sin is not based upon who does it. Sadly, some will not condemn sin if it is practiced or proclaimed by their "friends" or "family." You let certain "politicians," "preachers," "presidents of schools," and "publishers of papers" start pushing and promoting things that are sinful, and some people become silent as a tomb. In condemning sin it matters not the kind of sin nor the person committing the sin. To condemn sin wherever it is found is not "phariseeism.".

(5) CORRECTION OF THE SINNER. The sinner must be encouraged to come out of sin. Sin in a person's life must not be overlooked. The Bible teaches us how that we are to deal with those that have sinned against us personally. "Moreover if thy brother trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone; if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church, but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican" (Matthew 18:15-17). This is the Lord's way of dealing with personal offences. When we carry out his plan that is not wrong, neither is it "phariseeism."  When corrective discipline is carried out upon the child of God who has sinned and will not repent that is not "phariseeism." The Bible plainly teaches that we must practice instructive and corrective discipline. "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted" (Galatians 6:1). "Now we command you brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us" (2 Thessalonians 3:6). "And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother" (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15). Using God's plan to correct a sinner is scriptural and not "phariseeism."

(6) CLAIMING THERE IS A STANDARD (PATTERN) FROM GOD. Everyone is living by some standard or pattern. Some view "pattern theology" as a symptom of Phariseeism, but the Bible is our blueprint, the pattern for our words, way of life, work and worship (2 Peter 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Colossians 3:17; Matthew 28:20; John 12:48).

(7) CONFORMING TO THAT STANDARD. To obey and keep the commandments of the Lord is not Phariseeism. The Lord did not condemn them for keeping the Law. If we conform our lives to our traditions, and neglect the Truth, then that would be Phariseeism. The Lord demands obedience to His Will (James 1:21-22; Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 2:15-17; Titus 2:11-12; John 4:24; Luke 6:46; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 22:14).

(8) COMPELLING OTHERS TO SUBMIT TO THAT STANDARD. We have the responsibility to proclaim the Truth and persuade others to obey. We do not and cannot force others to obey, but with love for the Son of God, the Scripture and the souls of others we can compel them to submit to the Word of God (Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Romans 6:16-18; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 5:11; Acts 2:40; Romans 12:1; 2 Corinthians 2:8; Ephesians 4:1).

(9) CONTENDING FOR THAT STANDARD. To stand ready to defend the Truth is the responsibility of every faithful child of God (Jude 3; 1 Peter 3:15; Philippians 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). When one "contends for the faith" with the right motive and attitude that is not Phariseeism.

(10) COURAGEOUSLY SPEAKING SOUND DOCTRINE. The Truth not only must be demonstrated and defended, it also must be faithfully declared (2 Timothy 4:2-4; 1 Peter 4:11; Ephesians 4:15; Romans 1:16-17; Titus 2:1, 8).

Let us remember that the Pharisees were not condemned for searching the Law, studying the Law, speaking the Law, stressing the Law nor submitting to the Law. They were to do that. "And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth." (Deuteronomy 28:1).

MAKEUP OF PHARISEEISM

MISCONCEPTIONS certainly abound about the meaning of Phariseeism. Before we make the accusation that one is guilty of Phariseeism we had better make sure that we understand what Phariseeism really is. Let us now notice, from the Scripture, the MAKEUP of Phariseeism. What was Phariseeism all about? The Pharisees had a distinct message. Their motives and methods for doing things were clearly revealed. When we examine these things we see the mistakes of the Pharisees. To understand the message, motives, methods and mistakes of the Pharisees is to understand the makeup of Phariseeism.
Phariseeism involved . . .

(1) SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS AND EXALTATION. Pride was one of the major problems of the Pharisees. "But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted" (Matthew 23:5-12). There was self-exaltation on their part. They did things just to be noticed. They loved the praise of men. Look at the attire worn and the attention they demanded. They even demanded certain titles to be used in referring to them. Does this happen today? It certainly does.

(2) SAYING AND NOT DOING. They were short on practicing what they taught. They were inconsistent because their way of life did not match up with their words. They talked a good talk but did not walk accordingly. It seems their motto was "do as I say, not as I do." "Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers" (Matthew 23:1-4).

(3) SEEKING TO ENTRAP THE LORD. "And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him" (Luke 11:53-54). "The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven" (Matthew 16:1). "The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?" (Matthew 19:3). "Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk" (Matthew 22:15). There is nothing wrong with asking questions if we are genuinely seeking the right answers. This was not true of the Pharisees. They had an ulterior motive.

Is it wrong to question one today about their belief? Absolutely not! In fact, we are commanded to "put to the test" the teaching of another (1 John 4:1; Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). No one is above the Law. It doesn't matter how popular he is, how powerful he may be, how many possessions he has, what position he holds, or what kind of personality he has, PUT HIM TO THE TEST! Too many times people have the attitude that certain preachers, elders, congregations, publications and their editors, schools and their presidents and staff are protected from being PUT TO THE TEST by some unwritten "hands-off-policy." Such a policy is not found in God's Word.

(4) STRAINING OUT THE GNAT AND SWALLOWING THE CAMEL. "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. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel" (Matthew 23:23-24). The Lord does not condemn them for what they did in their tithing of these things but he condemns them for neglecting some other things of the Law. They did not do what He had commanded. We sometimes refer to this as partial obedience, but, partial obedience is not what God commanded then nor now. Really, partial obedience is no obedience. We can be as the Pharisees in this as we attempt to worship God. We can be so concerned about doing and engaging in the acts of worship (which we must) that we overlook having a proper heart and attitude in worship. Then on the other hand, some are saying that there is no pattern of worship for us today, that worship is to be a time of "spontaneity," just "let the Spirit lead you."

Think about the matter of baptism as revealed in the Scripture. Is baptism essential to salvation and must it be taught? Yes! (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38). Yet, in baptizing others, we can be so concerned about the act itself, that we forget and fail to properly instruct concerning the real meaning of baptism.
 
Must we preach the Truth? Certainly, but let us not forget that it must be done with love. "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" (Eph. 4:15). On the other hand we can just emphasize the attitude in preaching and not preach the Truth. I'm afraid that we are seeing too much of that now. Some are saying, just preach love, or just preach positive things, or preach, but do it in such a way that it does not offend anyone. There must be Biblical preaching.

(5) SETTING ASIDE THE WRITTEN LAW FOR ORAL TRADITIONS. They were sometimes more concerned for their "traditions" than the written "Truth" of God. In Mark 7:1-13 we read of some of their traditions which they honored, and Jesus said in verses 8-9, "For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition." Then in verse 13 of Mark 7 we read, "Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye."
 
They made laws for man (Matthew 12:1-8). They sought to bind upon man which God had not bound. We must not bind where God has loose, nor loose where God has bound (Matthew 16:19-20). We must hold on to and hold up God's Word over the word of man (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

(6) SHUTTING-UP THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN AGAINST MEN. "But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in" (Matthew 23:13). The Pharisees were misguiding the people in emphasizing their traditions over the Truth of God. When preachers emphasize something other than the Truth, and the people listen to it and live by it, the kingdom of God can't be theirs.

The "change agents" today are calling for all kinds of compromises to the Truth. Changes in God pleasing worship, in God's way of salvation, in God's work for the church are being called for and carried out in too many congregations. When those compromises are believed, bought, and become a part of one's life, no matter how sincere one may be, he belongs not to the Lord but to Satan. We cannot preach and practice compromise of the Truth. Compromise will not get people into Heaven. Our desire for the lost should be as the Lord himself "Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4).

(7) SAYING LONG AND LOUD PRAYERS FOR PRETENSE. "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation" (Matthew 23:14). "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward" (Matthew 6:5).

(8) SCOFFING AT THE LORD (Luke 16:13-31; Matthew 12:24-28; 11:16-19). They were into name-calling. They used words in referring to Jesus that were not an accurate description of Him. The Pharisees could not justify their charges against the Lord.

When we use words to describe others, we must make sure that the words fit. It is not wrong to refer to someone as they are. Is it wrong to refer to one as a child of God, if he is? Of course not. But it would be wrong to refer to one as a child of God, if they haven't obeyed the Gospel. Neither is it wrong to describe one as a false teacher if what he preaches and practices are contrary to the Scripture. The apostle Paul "declared the names" of some and described their sin (1 Timothy 1:19-20; 2 Timothy 4:14-15). Such actions are not contrary to the scripture.

CONCLUSION
The greatest problem in dealing with the question, "Does "PHARISEEISM" EXIST TODAY?" is to properly understand what "phariseeism" really is. We have endeavored to simply look at the Word of God to answer this question. We have seen some of the "misunderstandings" of "phariseeism" that exist today that do cause distorted views toward God, His Word, obedience and faithfulness to His Word.
In review, let us notice these "misunderstandings." "PHARISEEISM" is not . . .

(1) COMMITMENT TO SOUND DOCTRINE.
(2) CONVICTION THAT IS STRONG.
(3) COURAGE TO STAND FOR THE TRUTH.
(4) CONDEMNATION OF SIN.
(5) CORRECTION OF THE SINNER
(6) CLAIMING THERE IS A STANDARD (PATTERN).
(7) CONFORMING TO THAT STANDARD.
(8) COMPELLING OTHERS TO SUBMIT TO THAT STANDARD.
(9) CONTENDING FOR THAT STANDARD.
(10) COURAGEOUSLY SPEAKING SOUND DOCTRINE.

Does "phariseeism" exist today? Yes! But not in the ways stated above. These are things we are commanded to do. When the things listed above are stated as "phariseeism" and are therefore wrong, it is evident that people do not understand what the Bible teaches.

"Phariseeism" does exist today. We are guilty of "phariseeism" when we imitate the pharisees as described in the New Testament, in their motives, methods and message. In review, what was the "makeup" of "phariseeism?" Phariseeism involved the following:
 
(1).    SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS AND EXALTATION. (Matt. 23:5-12).
(2).     SAYING AND NOT DOING. (Matt. 23:1-4).
(3).    SEEKING TO ENTRAP THE LORD BY ASKING QUESTIONS WITH A WRONG MOTIVE. (Luke                     11:53-54; Matt. 19:3; Matt. 22:15).
(4).    STRAINING OUT THE GNAT AND SWALLOWING THE CAMEL (Matt. 23:23-24).
(5).    SETTING ASIDE THE LAW FOR ORAL TRADITIONS (Mk. 7:1-13: Matt. 12:1-8).
(6).    SHUTTING UP THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN AGAINST MEN. (Matt. 23:13).
(7).    SAYING LONG AND LOUD PRAYERS FOR PRETENSE. (Matt. 23:14; Matt. 6:5).
(8).    SCOFFING AT THE LORD (Luke 16:13-31; Matt.12:24-28; 11:16-19).

When we do these things then it is for sure that we are guilty of promoting "phariseeism."  In dealing with "phariseeism" or any other teaching or practice contrary to the Scripture, what is our obligation?

(1) We cannot "support" such by word or way of life, without becoming guilty ourselves (2 John 9-11).
(2) We must "stand" against it (Eph. 5:11).
(3) We must "seek" that which is good and right (1 Thess. 5:21; Jude 3).
(4) We must "seize" the opportunities to encourage others to give-up and get-out of any false                             doctrine (2 Tim. 4:2-4).
(5) We must "speak" the Truth (Eph. 4:15).
--- Jerry W. Joseph