Frequently I hear, "I don't care for all of that high fulutton theology that was taught by Paul". "I just follow the simple teachings of Jesus".
Jesus was a teacher of the law of Moses. Jesus elevated the law of Moses and spiritualized it. Quite often Jesus would recite the law of Moses and then he would say, "But I say unto you" and then he would either elevate the law of Moses or he would spiritualize it, Matthew 5:28.
The Pharisees didn't have much of a problem with the written law. But the spiritual law condemned them and made them hypocrites.
"You have heard that it was said of them of old time, THOU SHALL NOT COMMITT ADULTERY, "But I say unto you" "That whosoever looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart" Matthew 5:28.
Outwardly the Pharisees appeared to be very religious and righteous, but inwardly they were the worst of sinners. Jesus unloaded both barrels on them in Matthew 23:1-39.
"Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are like whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but within are full of dead men's bones and of all uncleanness" Matthew 23:27.
Some may think that they can fool us with their holy piety, but they can't fool God. The Holy Spirit searches the desires and the intent of the heart.
"For the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" Hebrews 4:12.
So, maybe "The Simple Teachings of Jesus" are not so simple after all. If our thoughts and the intent of our heart is going to come under the judgment of God, then who can claim that they have followed "The Simple Teachings of Jesus?".
Jesus was a teacher of the law of Moses. Jesus elevated the law of Moses and spiritualized it. Quite often Jesus would recite the law of Moses and then he would say, "But I say unto you" and then he would either elevate the law of Moses or he would spiritualize it, Matthew 5:28.
The Pharisees didn't have much of a problem with the written law. But the spiritual law condemned them and made them hypocrites.
"You have heard that it was said of them of old time, THOU SHALL NOT COMMITT ADULTERY, "But I say unto you" "That whosoever looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart" Matthew 5:28.
Outwardly the Pharisees appeared to be very religious and righteous, but inwardly they were the worst of sinners. Jesus unloaded both barrels on them in Matthew 23:1-39.
"Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are like whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but within are full of dead men's bones and of all uncleanness" Matthew 23:27.
Some may think that they can fool us with their holy piety, but they can't fool God. The Holy Spirit searches the desires and the intent of the heart.
"For the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" Hebrews 4:12.
So, maybe "The Simple Teachings of Jesus" are not so simple after all. If our thoughts and the intent of our heart is going to come under the judgment of God, then who can claim that they have followed "The Simple Teachings of Jesus?".
