Outward Vs Inward: Luke 11:39-41
“39) But the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the platter; but inside of you, you are full of robbery and wickedness. 40) You foolish ones, did not He who made the outside make the inside also? 41) But give that which is within as charity, and then all things are clean for you.”Luke 11:39-41
Jesus now begins a series of three accusations against the Pharisees. He exposes them.
The first summarized their tendency to focus on the outward rather than the inward. This is the way legalism always works. It parades an outward show but the inward heart is sinful and ugly.
This is a stark contrast to the born-again experience and the inner cleansing and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. The Law worked from the outside in, the gospel works from the inside out. (See Titus 3:4-7)
This is true of every system of religion based on self effort trying to be righteous. No external moral or religious code can change the human heart. This requires the inner working of the Holy Spirit.
The extent of their inner depravity was openly manifest a few short months later when the religious leaders plotted to put Jesus to death. They looked good outwardly, but inwardly were filled with jealousy and hate. By contrast, even from the cross Jesus manifest agape love by forgiving them.
At some point religious legalism will fail you. It will leave you hard, cold and judgmental. Your religious garb will amount to hypocrisy. The outward show will eventually betray you.
Many religiously legalistic people become narcissists. They dominate, rule over and control others. Those closest to them become victims of their anger and overbearing control. There is no genuine fruit of the spirit adorning their life. They are fake!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“39) But the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the platter; but inside of you, you are full of robbery and wickedness. 40) You foolish ones, did not He who made the outside make the inside also? 41) But give that which is within as charity, and then all things are clean for you.”Luke 11:39-41
Jesus now begins a series of three accusations against the Pharisees. He exposes them.
The first summarized their tendency to focus on the outward rather than the inward. This is the way legalism always works. It parades an outward show but the inward heart is sinful and ugly.
This is a stark contrast to the born-again experience and the inner cleansing and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. The Law worked from the outside in, the gospel works from the inside out. (See Titus 3:4-7)
This is true of every system of religion based on self effort trying to be righteous. No external moral or religious code can change the human heart. This requires the inner working of the Holy Spirit.
The extent of their inner depravity was openly manifest a few short months later when the religious leaders plotted to put Jesus to death. They looked good outwardly, but inwardly were filled with jealousy and hate. By contrast, even from the cross Jesus manifest agape love by forgiving them.
At some point religious legalism will fail you. It will leave you hard, cold and judgmental. Your religious garb will amount to hypocrisy. The outward show will eventually betray you.
Many religiously legalistic people become narcissists. They dominate, rule over and control others. Those closest to them become victims of their anger and overbearing control. There is no genuine fruit of the spirit adorning their life. They are fake!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
