Pharisees Test God by Asking Him for Signs
The sermon warns against seeking signs and wonders as a mark of spirituality, instead emphasizing the importance of living by simple faith.
Zac Poonen addresses the Pharisees' demand for a sign from Jesus, highlighting their lack of faith and reliance on miracles rather than simple faith. He warns against seeking signs as a measure of spirituality, as it can lead to deception by false prophets. This theme is reiterated in Matthew 16:1, emphasizing the importance of genuine faith over a desire for miraculous displays.
Text
"The Pharisees said to Jesus, 'Teacher, we want to see a sign from You'" (Matthew 12:38).
Pharisees always want some sign or miracle to be assured of the truth. They cannot live by simple faith. And that is why religious charlatans are able to deceive such Pharisees with their false signs and wonders today. Don't ever imagine that asking God for a sign or a miracle is a mark of spirituality. It's the mark of a Pharisee. We find this statement repeated in Matthew 16:1 as well.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Pharisees' Demand for a Sign
- A. They wanted a sign to be assured of Jesus' authority
- B. They couldn't live by simple faith
- II. The Problem with Asking for Signs
- A. It's a mark of a Pharisee, not spirituality
- B. Religious charlatans deceive with false signs and wonders
- III. The Consequences of Seeking Signs
- A. It leads to a lack of faith in God's word
- B. It opens the door to deception
Key Quotes
“Don't ever imagine that asking God for a sign or a miracle is a mark of spirituality. It's the mark of a Pharisee.” — Zac Poonen
“They cannot live by simple faith. And that is why religious charlatans are able to deceive such Pharisees with their false signs and wonders today.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- We should not seek signs and wonders as a way to prove God's existence or authority, but rather live by faith in His word.
- Being a Christian is not about seeking miracles, but about living a life of simple faith and obedience to God.
- We must be careful not to fall prey to deception by religious charlatans who promise signs and wonders in exchange for our faith.