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Matthew 23:33
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Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?--In thus, at the end of His ministry, recalling the words of the Baptist at the outset of his, our Lord would seem to intimate that the only difference between their condemnation now and then was, that now they were ripe for their doom, which they were not then.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Wherefore, behold I send unto you prophets,.... To try them, whether they would show the respect to prophets, they pretended to have for them; by building and beautifying their sepulchres; by exclaiming against their forefathers for shedding their blood; and by declaring, that had they lived in their days, they would not have joined with them in it; and to make it appear, that these were all empty words, and specious pretences; and that they had the same malicious and bloody principles in them; and would be guilty of the same practices, and so fill up the measure of their fathers' sins; and bring upon them the punishment of everlasting burnings hereafter, as well as ruin and destruction on their nation, city, and temple now. Christ here speaks, as, one having power and authority, to qualify and send forth men, under the several characters here mentioned, and of what he should do after his resurrection: for notwithstanding the people of the Jews would crucify him, and use him as they did, in a barbarous manner; yet after all this, he would send his ministers to them, to gather his elect out from among them, to render the rest inexcusable, and to show his longsuffering and patience. The persons designed by "prophets", "wise men", and "Scribes", are his apostles: called "prophets"; because they were divinely inspired to write, and preach in his name; had the gift of foretelling future events, and of explaining with the greatest clearness and exactness, the prophecies of the Old Testament; showing their respect unto, and accomplishment in Christ: "wise men"; because they were made wise unto salvation, and capable of instructing others: they were filled with all spiritual and evangelical wisdom, and preached the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom: and Scribes; because they were well instructed in the kingdom of heaven, and had the true knowledge of the law, and could rightly interpret it, as well as make known the Gospel of the grace of God. Christ chooses to use these names and titles, because the Jews pretended to have great veneration for the ancient prophets, and these he should send, would not be a whit inferior to them, but in many things exceed them; and they had great esteem for their wise men and Scribes, who would be vastly exceeded by these ministers of his, and yet would be used very badly by them: and some of them ye shall kill; as Stephen, the first "martyr", who was stoned to death by them; and James, the brother of John, whom Herod, to their good liking, killed with the sword; and the other James they threw headlong from off the pinnacle of the temple, and killed him with a fuller's club (r), And crucify; so Simeon, the son of Cleophas, was crucified at the instigation of the Jews, as Eusebius relates (s), And some of them ye shall scourge in your synagogues; as John, Peter, and Paul: and persecute them from city to city; as they did Paul and Barnabas, as the Acts of the Apostles testify, (r) Euseb. Eccl. Hist. l. 2. c. 23. (s) Ib. l. 3. c. 32.
Matthew 23:33
Woes to Scribes and Pharisees
32Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your fathers.33You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the sentence of hell?
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Repentance in Kansas City
By Andrew Strom23K52:40MAT 3:7MAT 5:8MAT 23:33LUK 18:9ROM 2:162CO 13:5HEB 12:14In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of Christian meetings and how they often fail to truly impact people. He emphasizes the need for authenticity and a genuine encounter with God in our gatherings. The speaker also highlights the importance of personal repentance and surrender to God, acknowledging that He sees and judges the secret sins of our hearts. The sermon references the powerful revivals led by Charles Finney and Savonarola as examples of the transformative impact of revival preaching.
Thundering in Nashville
By Andrew Strom14K46:05MAT 3:2MAT 6:24MAT 7:21MAT 23:33ACT 2:37HEB 12:141JN 3:3In this sermon, the preacher discusses the decline of American TV and the need for God's people to take Him seriously and repent. He emphasizes the cultural sins that people may not even realize they are committing and the importance of true prophets who will bring conviction and repentance. The preacher calls for a John the Baptist-like figure to rise up and deliver a searing message that exposes the emptiness of material possessions and challenges the church's allegiance to money. He references biblical figures like John the Baptist and Charles Finney to illustrate the kind of preaching that is needed in today's society.
The Old Testament God
By Andrew Strom9.0K1:08:19MAT 22:1MAT 23:33MAT 23:37In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the wedding banquet from Matthew chapter 22. He emphasizes that God is a God of judgment, both in the Old and New Testaments. The preacher highlights how the king in the parable becomes angry and punishes those who refuse to come to the wedding banquet, even destroying their city. He also warns about the coming tribulation and the consequences of rejecting the prophets and the Son of Man. The preacher criticizes preachers who focus on a seeker-sensitive message instead of preaching about sin, righteousness, and judgment.
The Human Face of God
By David Wilkerson4.9K55:00MAT 23:33JHN 20:19JHN 21:1ROM 2:41TI 2:42TI 3:162TI 4:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching both the goodness and severity of God to produce a healthy congregation. He highlights the human face of God as seen in Christ, which is characterized by unconditional love and kindness. The preacher emphasizes the need for a personal relationship with God, where we are called to love Him above all else. He shares the testimony of Nikki Cruz, who attributes his long-lasting faith to his love for Jesus. The preacher also mentions that Jesus chose three special manifestations to reveal who God is to his disciples. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to express their love for Jesus and acknowledge His faithfulness.
(Basics) 37. Jesus Valued All People
By Zac Poonen2.5K13:06MAT 6:33MAT 23:27MAT 23:33JHN 1:141CO 13:1EPH 4:15EPH 5:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of balancing grace and truth in our lives, using the example of Jesus as the perfect model. He compares the need for bones in our physical bodies to the need for balance in our spiritual lives. The speaker highlights the significance of loving and valuing all people, regardless of their social status or appearance, as they are made in the image of God. He emphasizes Jesus' love for humanity, which led him to willingly sacrifice his life to free people from sin. This love gave Jesus the authority to speak against sin with conviction.
The Difficulty of Escaping the Damnation of Hell (Reading)
By Edward Payson2.3K37:01Audio BooksJER 17:9MAL 3:8MAT 23:33LUK 15:7LUK 19:41ROM 8:7ROM 9:3In this sermon, the preacher addresses those who are focused on accumulating wealth and worldly possessions. He questions whether this is the right place to store their treasures and urges them to consider the importance of their eternal souls. The preacher emphasizes that if they still have any regard for God's word, they cannot be indifferent to the fact that they are likely to face final condemnation. He urges them to cherish their serious thoughts, avoid anything that may distract them, and diligently seek ways to strengthen their faith. The preacher also highlights the urgency of the situation, reminding the audience that many people around them are heading towards perdition without even realizing it, and that unless they turn to God for help, they too may face eternal torment.
Wrong Revival Principles - Part 4
By Jonathan Edwards2.0K44:10Audio BooksDEU 4:2PSA 119:105JER 7:31MAT 6:33MAT 23:33JHN 4:242TI 3:16The sermon transcript discusses the natural inclinations that humans have and how they can be regulated in a way that is not sinful or selfish. It emphasizes the importance of parents praying for the salvation of their children and ministers being concerned for the souls of their congregation. The transcript also warns about the potential dangers of unsuitable behavior during religious meetings and the need to be aware of the external appearances that can hide the true beauty of grace. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to discern what is genuine and to support and discourage accordingly.
The Sin of Being Unloving (Telugu)
By Zac Poonen1.1K50:37PSA 16:11ISA 1:16MAT 8:10MAT 22:37MAT 22:39MAT 23:33LUK 10:292TI 2:19JAS 4:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a strong foundation in God, highlighting the need to abstain from wickedness and run away from sin as a mark of being God's people. It discusses the significance of loving God with all our heart and loving others as ourselves, as the core commandments of the Bible. The speaker delves into the sin of inaction, stressing the need to act in love towards others and to continually strive to identify and eliminate sin in our lives to become more like Jesus.
Hell Whats It Like - Whos Going There
By David Wilkerson89642:30HellISA 14:15MAT 5:22MAT 10:28MAT 10:33MAT 23:332PE 2:17JUD 1:13REV 3:5REV 20:12REV 21:23In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful story about a man who experienced a tragic accident on an oil rig. Despite being mocked by a young man prior to the accident, the injured man selflessly saved him from the fire. The preacher then transitions to discussing the reality of hell and the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation. He emphasizes that hell is a place of darkness, both literally and spiritually, and shares the story of Iranian young people who were deceived by false promises of paradise. The preacher concludes by urging listeners to accept the simple and free gift of salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 66
By Zac Poonen88025:04MAT 22:41MAT 23:11MAT 23:23MAT 23:25MAT 23:33MAT 23:37MAT 24:4MAT 24:12This sermon delves into the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 22 and 23, emphasizing the importance of understanding and applying His words in our lives. It highlights the need to focus on the inner life, humility, and sincerity in our actions, contrasting the Pharisees' legalism with true discipleship. The sermon warns against hypocrisy, self-exaltation, and burdening others with unrealistic demands, urging listeners to prioritize genuine faith over outward appearances and titles.
Caught in the Public Eye
By Charles Finney0True Commitment to GodHypocrisyMAT 23:33JHN 12:432CO 10:122TI 3:12JAS 2:10Charles Finney addresses the dangers of seeking the praise of men over the praise of God, emphasizing that true self-love aligns with God's law, while selfishness leads to hypocrisy. He warns that many professing Christians are motivated by a desire for reputation rather than a genuine commitment to glorifying God, often conforming to public sentiment instead of biblical standards. Finney challenges listeners to examine their hearts and motives, urging them to prioritize God's authority over societal approval. He calls for a radical commitment to Christ, encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith regardless of public opinion. Ultimately, he stresses that true Christianity requires a complete surrender to God's will, regardless of the cost.
Halifax Nuts
By Thomas Brooks0HypocrisyTrue Holiness1SA 16:7PRO 21:2ISA 29:13MAT 23:28MAT 23:33LUK 6:46ROM 2:28GAL 6:72TI 3:5JAS 1:22Thomas Brooks emphasizes the danger of being outwardly holy while lacking true inner holiness, comparing such individuals to Halifax nuts, which are all shell and no kernel. He warns that many present a glorious facade to the world but are abominable in God's sight, highlighting the hypocrisy of those who appear righteous externally but are filled with wickedness internally. Brooks draws parallels to the Scribes and Pharisees, who were outwardly religious yet inwardly corrupt, and cautions that God despises those who masquerade their sins with a guise of holiness. The sermon serves as a stark reminder that true holiness must come from within, lest one face severe consequences in the afterlife.
Authentic Religion
By J.C. Ryle0True ChristianityAuthenticity in FaithJER 6:30MAT 7:22MAT 23:33MRK 11:13LUK 8:13ACT 8:21ROM 10:10PHP 2:121JN 3:18REV 3:1J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical need for authenticity in religion, warning against the prevalence of hollow and counterfeit faith in contemporary society. He defines authentic religion as genuine, sincere, and deeply rooted in the heart, contrasting it with superficial expressions of faith that lack true substance. Ryle provides tests to evaluate the authenticity of one's faith, urging believers to examine their feelings towards sin, Christ, and the fruits of their lives. He concludes with a call to action, encouraging individuals to seek a true relationship with Christ and to be authentic in their Christian walk, as only genuine faith will endure the test of time and judgment.
God's Rectitude in Future ...
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne0God's RighteousnessEternal JudgmentJOB 33:24PSA 9:17MAT 13:50MAT 23:33MRK 16:16LUK 16:241CO 9:272TH 1:61JN 1:9REV 20:10Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the reality and seriousness of hell, drawing from biblical references to illustrate its eternal nature and the righteousness of God in punishing sin. He argues that the warnings about hell are rooted in love and truth, as seen in the teachings of David, Paul, John, and Christ, who all spoke of hell's torment. M'Cheyne explains that hell is not annihilation but eternal suffering, and he stresses that God's justice demands punishment for sin due to its infinite nature. He concludes by urging believers to cherish their salvation through Christ, while warning the careless and unrepentant of the suddenness and certainty of hell's judgment.
Pharisees Justify Themselves
By Zac Poonen0GEN 3:12MAT 23:33LUK 16:15LUK 23:41HEB 12:28Zac Poonen preaches about the danger of justifying ourselves like the Pharisees, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for our sins and mistakes without blaming others. He contrasts the Pharisee's self-justification with the humility of the thief on the cross who accepted his punishment. Poonen warns that those who justify themselves are on a path to destruction, as Jesus Himself condemned the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. He encourages believers to serve God with gratitude, holy fear, and brotherly love, seeking to cleanse themselves from Phariseeism and walk in godliness and mercy.
The Difficulty of Escaping the Damnation of Hell
By Edward Payson0PSA 51:17PRO 28:13MAT 23:33LUK 13:3JHN 3:18ROM 6:232CO 7:10EPH 2:8HEB 11:6JAS 4:7Edward Payson preaches about the urgent need for sinners to recognize the dangerous and almost desperate situation they are in, emphasizing the obstacles that hinder their escape from final condemnation. He highlights the necessity of repentance and faith in Christ for salvation, pointing out the difficulties in awakening sinners to the importance of religion and the challenges in maintaining a consistent pursuit of faith. Payson stresses the critical importance of acknowledging one's own sinfulness and the insurmountable obstacles that a sinful, hard, unbelieving heart presents in accepting God's grace. He concludes by urging both sinners and believers to fervently seek God's help and intercede for the lost souls who are unaware of their impending doom.
The Difficulty of Escaping the Damnation of Hell.
By Edward Payson0MAT 7:13MAT 23:33JHN 3:18JHN 14:6ROM 6:23ROM 10:172CO 7:10EPH 2:8HEB 3:121PE 5:8Edward Payson preaches about the urgent need for sinners to escape the damnation of hell, emphasizing the dangerous and almost impossible situation they are in without repentance and faith in Christ. He highlights the numerous obstacles that hinder salvation, such as spiritual lethargy, self-righteousness, and a sinful, unbelieving heart. Payson urges sinners to be awakened to the reality of their condemnation, to pursue religion with constancy, and to overcome the insurmountable challenges that prevent them from accepting salvation through faith in Christ.
Recognizing the Devil's Word Among Men
By F.C. Jennings0PRO 16:5MAT 23:23MAT 23:33JHN 7:7JAS 4:6F.C. Jennings challenges the congregation to discern the true work of the Devil by presenting two contrasting characters: a disreputable, profane man and a respectable, self-complacent church leader. Drawing from the teachings of Jesus, he emphasizes that it is the proud, religious, and self-righteous individuals who are often more aligned with the Devil's work than those openly living in sin. This thought-provoking sermon urges listeners to reflect on the true nature of their hearts and actions, highlighting the dangers of spiritual pride and hypocrisy.
2 Queries About Hell
By Christopher Love0PSA 9:17PSA 11:6MAT 23:331TH 1:102TH 1:6HEB 2:142PE 2:4JUD 1:6Christopher Love preaches about the existence of hell, providing evidence from both the confessions of heathens and the testimony of Scripture. He emphasizes that the nature of sin, the justice of God, and the terrors of conscience all point towards the necessity of a place like hell for the wicked to receive eternal punishment. Love condemns those who deny the reality of hell and warns those who live in sin without regard for the consequences. However, he offers consolation to the elect, assuring them that through Jesus Christ, they are delivered from the wrath to come.
The Two Cries and the Two Answers.
By Horatius Bonar0MAT 5:22MAT 10:28MAT 18:9MAT 23:15MAT 23:33MRK 9:43LUK 12:5JAS 3:6John MacArthur preaches about the significance of Geenna, the valley of Hinnom, as a symbol of the future home of unrepentant wicked individuals, likened to a cosmic garbage dump where sinners will find their final abode. Geenna, synonymous with the lake of fire, is a place of eternal punishment for the ungodly, contrasting with the righteous who will enter eternal life. The Valley of Hinnom, associated with pagan sacrifices, serves as a vivid illustration of the eternal fires of hell, emphasizing the need to heed Jesus' warnings against persistent sin and ungodliness.
The Promise of Freedom in Christ
By Bob Hoekstra0MAT 23:33JHN 5:24JHN 8:36ROM 5:18ROM 7:18EPH 1:31PE 1:3Bob Hoekstra preaches about the promise of spiritual freedom in Christ, emphasizing the importance of coming to the Lord Jesus in humility and trust to experience genuine liberation. Through faith in Jesus, believers are set free from death unto life, condemnation unto justification, hell unto heaven, and the bankruptcy of human resources unto abundant spiritual treasures. This freedom in Christ allows believers to leave behind old ways and embrace new life in Him.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?--In thus, at the end of His ministry, recalling the words of the Baptist at the outset of his, our Lord would seem to intimate that the only difference between their condemnation now and then was, that now they were ripe for their doom, which they were not then.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Wherefore, behold I send unto you prophets,.... To try them, whether they would show the respect to prophets, they pretended to have for them; by building and beautifying their sepulchres; by exclaiming against their forefathers for shedding their blood; and by declaring, that had they lived in their days, they would not have joined with them in it; and to make it appear, that these were all empty words, and specious pretences; and that they had the same malicious and bloody principles in them; and would be guilty of the same practices, and so fill up the measure of their fathers' sins; and bring upon them the punishment of everlasting burnings hereafter, as well as ruin and destruction on their nation, city, and temple now. Christ here speaks, as, one having power and authority, to qualify and send forth men, under the several characters here mentioned, and of what he should do after his resurrection: for notwithstanding the people of the Jews would crucify him, and use him as they did, in a barbarous manner; yet after all this, he would send his ministers to them, to gather his elect out from among them, to render the rest inexcusable, and to show his longsuffering and patience. The persons designed by "prophets", "wise men", and "Scribes", are his apostles: called "prophets"; because they were divinely inspired to write, and preach in his name; had the gift of foretelling future events, and of explaining with the greatest clearness and exactness, the prophecies of the Old Testament; showing their respect unto, and accomplishment in Christ: "wise men"; because they were made wise unto salvation, and capable of instructing others: they were filled with all spiritual and evangelical wisdom, and preached the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom: and Scribes; because they were well instructed in the kingdom of heaven, and had the true knowledge of the law, and could rightly interpret it, as well as make known the Gospel of the grace of God. Christ chooses to use these names and titles, because the Jews pretended to have great veneration for the ancient prophets, and these he should send, would not be a whit inferior to them, but in many things exceed them; and they had great esteem for their wise men and Scribes, who would be vastly exceeded by these ministers of his, and yet would be used very badly by them: and some of them ye shall kill; as Stephen, the first "martyr", who was stoned to death by them; and James, the brother of John, whom Herod, to their good liking, killed with the sword; and the other James they threw headlong from off the pinnacle of the temple, and killed him with a fuller's club (r), And crucify; so Simeon, the son of Cleophas, was crucified at the instigation of the Jews, as Eusebius relates (s), And some of them ye shall scourge in your synagogues; as John, Peter, and Paul: and persecute them from city to city; as they did Paul and Barnabas, as the Acts of the Apostles testify, (r) Euseb. Eccl. Hist. l. 2. c. 23. (s) Ib. l. 3. c. 32.