Mark 7:1-16 Then came together to him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.… The interference of the Pharisees and scribes served to bring out their religion. Consider some of its features. The religion here depicted and condemned — I. CONSISTED MAINLY OF EXTERNAL OBSERVANCES (vers. 2-4). 1. By this feature the same system of religion may be detected in the present day. 2. Religion in this sense is upheld by many strong principles in the nature of man-awakened conscience, self-righteousness, vanity. 3. This system is exceedingly dangerous. Misleads the awakened sinner; produces a deep and fatal slumber. II. RESTS ON HUMAN AUTHORITY AS ITS WARRANT (vers. 3, 5, 7). 1. By this feature we may detect it in the present day. Among those who take away the right — duty and exercise of private judgment. Among those who derive their religious belief from man — in whatever way. 2. This form of false religion is exceedingly dangerous. It dishonours Christ as a prophet, etc. It gives despotic power to man, which he is not qualified to wield. It degrades the soul to be a servant of servants, etc. 3. Call no man mawr. III. PUTS DISHONOUR UPON THE SACRED SCRIPTURES. 1. By this feature we detect its existence now. In the Church of Rome, etc., the Scriptures are wholly concealed — made to speak according to tradition and the Church. Amongst ourselves: opinions are not surrendered to them, and they are neglected. 2. This form of religion stands opposed to those Scriptures which it dishonours (John 5:39, and others). 3. Know the Scriptures and revere them. IV. MADE LIGHT OF THE MORAL LAW (vers. 8-12). 1. May be seen in our own day — in the Church of Rome. May be seen, amongst ourselves, in those who put religious ceremonies in the place of moral duties. 2. This form has its origin in the love of sin, and is accommodated to an unsanctified heart. 3. It has no tendency to purify, but the reverse. 4. Beware of Antinomianism. V. CONSISTED IN HYPOCRISY, putting on appearances. VI. WAS VIGILANT AND JEALOUS OF CHRIST AND CENSURED HIS DISCIPLES (vers. 1, 2). (Expository Discourses.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.WEB: Then the Pharisees, and some of the scribes gathered together to him, having come from Jerusalem. |
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