THE SPIRIT OF PHARISEES, SADUCEES AND SCRIBES AS AN ENEMY OF REVIVAL

The word ''Pharisees'' means separated while Sadducees changed their original name of Tsaddiqim meaning righteous to Tsadduqim meaning destruction or desolation. These two sects were the Jewish leaders from the time of Maccabees onward.

The Sadducees came from priestly families and were lawyers who favored old ways and were opposed to change. They are chiefly known as those who deny the doctrine of resurrection and the existence of angels and spirit. They believed that the soul perishes with the body and no future life.

The Pharisees opposed the Sadducees in nearly all aspect. They were laymen and not of priestly class, but they too were lawyers  but believed in the resurrection and future life with rewards and punishments; that the law should be open to new interpretations. They were mainly concerned with the outward observance of the law, and spiritual attitudes meant little or nothing to them.

This aspect of their religion brought them in conflict with Jesus Christ. By comparism, the Sadducees had wrong doctrine while the Pharisees had right doctrine but their lives contradicted their teachings, hence Jesus told his disciples that ''The Scribes and Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach but do not practice them'' - Matt. 23:2-3.

The title ''Scribes'' means learned in the law or jurists. They were called the teachers of the law. Jesus openly rebuked the Scribes and the Pharisees for the offence of Sitting on Moses' seat of authority and preaching the law but failing to keep them; Tying heavy loads that are hard to bear on men's shoulders but not lifting a finger to help them bear them; Doing their works to be seen of men and taking pleasures in seats of honour at feasts; Love people greeting them with honour in market places and calling them rabbi; and being double faced or hypocrites.

These spirits are still very much in operation today and noticeable among religious leaders and the way out is constant killing of human pride and ego.

The spirit of Sadducees is political with no regard for spiritual things; always conscious of position and authority to control others even through manipulation, lobbying or self control.

The spirit of Pharisees is religious in nature and is very conscious of religious and social influence. It uses self righteousness and outward religious observance as a means of self promotion among God's people. This spirit operates with fake spirituality and superficial morality.

These spirits have taken hold on the clothing of Christianity, principles and character and are controlling many against the manner of the spirit of  Christ, truth, power, love and sound mind- 2 Tim. 1:7; Rom. 8:14-17.

The gates of hell are prevailing against some churches today because most of the leaders we have are building the church of God to their own taste without listening to the voice of the owner of the church. Hence we need to humble ourselves and allow God have his way and listen to his instructions.