Pharisees Persecute God's Prophets
Pharisees are characterized by their offense at the truth and their persecution of prophets who rebuke them.
Zac Poonen addresses the persecution of God's prophets by the Pharisees, emphasizing that those who speak the truth often face hostility from those who prefer flattery over correction. He highlights the historical pattern of prophets being rejected and killed for delivering God's message, illustrating that offense taken from rebuke may indicate a Pharisaical heart. The sermon serves as a call to recognize and accept godly correction rather than resist it, as it is essential for spiritual growth.
Text
"I am sending you prophets....ome of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city, so that upon you may fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar" (Matthew 23:34, 35).
Pharisees are offended when they hear the truth from a prophet. And so they will persecute such preachers in one way or the other. They like those preachers who flatter them, but hate those who rebuke them and correct them. The Old Testament prophets told Israel about their sin, straight to their faces - and all of them were persecuted and some of them were even killed.
If you are offended by rebuke or correction from a godly man, it is very likely that you too are a Pharisee.
Sermon Outline
- Pharisees Persecute God's Prophets
- Old Testament prophets faced persecution
- Identifying Pharisees today
- Pharisees are offended by the truth
- They persecute preachers who rebuke them
- They told Israel about their sin
- Some were even killed
- Offended by rebuke or correction
Key Quotes
“If you are offended by rebuke or correction from a godly man, it is very likely that you too are a Pharisee.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Be willing to listen to and accept rebuke or correction from a godly man.
- Do not be offended by the truth, but rather be open to it.
- Identify with the Pharisees if you are offended by rebuke or correction.