========================================================================
  PHARISEES TEST GOD BY ASKING HIM FOR SIGNS
  by Zac Poonen
========================================================================

Summary: The sermon warns against seeking signs and wonders as a mark of
spirituality, instead emphasizing the importance of living by simple
faith.

Topics: "Faith And Signs", "Spiritual Deception"
Scripture References: Matthew 12:39, Matthew 16:4, 1 Corinthians 1:22, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 11:1

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

"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.

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/zac-poonen/pharisees-test-god-by-asking-him-for-signs/
========================================================================