Do I shut off the kingdom of heaven from people?

• Matthew 23:13

• John 7:45-53 – Nicodemus was a Pharisee, but honestly sought truth.

• The Pharisees assumed they were right and others were wrong without honestly seeking truth.

Am I selfish?

• Matthew 23:14

• Do I look like a Christian, but avoid the work a Christian should be doing?

Do I bind tradition instead of truth?

• Matthew 23:15

• The Pharisees converted people to their own traditions – not to God’s law.

• II Corinthians 4:5

• Acts 8:35; 17:2; 18:28

• There is no such thing as “church of Christ doctrine.” There is Christ’s doctrine and that’s all!

Am I dishonest?

• Matthew 23:16-22; 5:33

Do I neglect what’s important?

• Matthew 23:23

• Details are important, but don’t forget the big things!

Do I pretend to be what I’m not?

• Matthew 23:25-28

• Titus 1:15-16

• James 2:15-17; I John 2:4

Do I think I would have been a better child of God in some other time or place?

• Matthew 23:29-36

• Amos 7:14-15

• We can’t make excuses. We have to serve God the best we can in our present circumstances.