Beware of a box of rules

And Jesus said to them [His disciples], "Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." [certain Jewish religious groups' leaders] Matthew 16:6

Then they [His disciples] understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Matthew 16:12

Their box of rules would be used when they LEFT the commandments of God to keep their own traditions.

"For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of people, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things you do."

And He [Jesus] said to them, "Full well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your own tradition." Mark 7:8-9

In another place, Jesus said,

"You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:

'These people honor Me with their lips,

but their hearts are far from Me.

They worship Me in vain;

their teachings are merely human rules.'" Matthew 15:7-9

To some, religion means rules.

To others, spirituality means NO rules.

Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and began dining with Jesus and His disciples.

And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, "Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?" Matthew 9:10-11

This was NOT right according to their box of rules.

At that time Jesus went through the grain fields on the Sabbath. And His disciples were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat.

And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, "Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!" Matthew 12:1-2

This was NOT right according to their box of rules.

The Lord Jesus Christ was asked, "Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread." Matthew 15:2

This was NOT right according to their box of rules.

People said to Jesus, "John's disciples often pray and go without eating. So do the disciples of the Pharisees. But Yours go on eating and drinking." Luke 5:33

This was NOT right according to their box of rules.

Jesus said that some religious leaders would bind heavy burdens on people but wouldn't lift one finger to do these rules themselves. Matthew 23:4

The leaders had their box of rules that they imposed on others, but not for themselves.

Paul wrote that some leaders wanted to bring people into bondage to the Law of Moses and its requirements and even demand that adults be circumcised so they could boast about having these people follow their box of rules. Galatians 6:12-13

Peter responded to certain Jews who believed that followers of Jesus should be circumcised and commanded to obey the Law of Moses. Acts 15:5

"Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?" Acts 15:10

Instead of a box of rules, Peter said, "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they." Acts 15:11

NEW RULES

What should a New Testament believer in the Lord Jesus Christ obey now?

Jesus said,

"I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35

Paul wrote that the person who loves has fulfilled the Law of Moses because love is the fulfilling of the Law. Romans 13:8-10

One of Jesus' disciples, John, wrote,

Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

And this is His commandment, That we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment. 1 John 3:21-23

Notice in verse 22 that John wrote that we do those things that are pleasing in His [Lord's] sight. 1 John 3:22

What could those things be?

DIVINE RELATIONSHIP PLEASERS

Proclaim the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew 24:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-47

Give love. Luke 6:27; Romans 13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 13:13

Do not offend Jews or Greeks, or the church of God; just as I [Paul] also please everyone in all things, not seeking my own benefit but the benefit of the many, so that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:32-33

Seek to excel spiritually to build up other believers. 1 Corinthians 14:12

Give thanks to God the Father for all things in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Give thanks FOR all things that are in the name, that is, the Lord Jesus Christ's authority, power, and character Ephesians 5:20 that give His spiritual life in abundance. John 10:10

And give thanks IN all things 1 Thessalonians 5:18 because Jesus has overcome the world John 16:33 and made you more than a conqueror because He loved you. Romans 8:37; 1 John 5:4-5

Even tough times can work for us.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

Submit to other believers because you revere Christ. Ephesians 5:21

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17

Paul wrote, Am I not free? Have I not seen the Lord Jesus Christ? Am I not free to marry a wife as Peter and other apostles? 1 Corinthians 9:1, 5

Believers are free, NOT to use that liberty to sin, but by faith to SERVE one another. Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 2:16

And when Paul discussed offerings,

If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?

If others share the right over you, do we not more?

Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. 1 Corinthians 9:11-12

Believers are free, NOT to get only what they want Philippians 2:4 but to help others get what the Lord Jesus Christ wants for them.

For though I [Paul] am free from all people, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may gain more. 1 Corinthians 9:19

Paul wrote,

All things are permitted, but not all things are of benefit. All things are permitted, but not all things build people up. No one is to seek his own advantage, but rather that of his neighbor. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24

Perhaps new creations Luke 5:38; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15 of the Lord Jesus Christ could have as a general principle:

But be careful how you use your rights. Be sure you don't cause someone weaker than you to fall into sin. 1 Corinthians 8:9

Your thoughts?

R. Jason