Signs of the times

"He answered and said to them, 'When it is evening you say, it will be fair weather, for the sky is red; and in the morning, 'It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times." Matthew 16.2-3

People can tell whether or not the weather will be good from the appearance of the sky, but they are not able to discern the signs of the coming of the Lord Jesus by the social situation in the world. Famine, war, terrorism, violence, drugs, destruction of homes, lack of love, children who kill their parents because of drugs, parents who rape children, prostitution, social injustice, political corruption, moral corruption, spiritual corruption, pests that spread, satanic religions, unprecedented immorality... Only someone who does not reason cannot see the whirlwind of events that point to the end of times.

Plant that will be uprooted

"Then His disciples came and said to Him, 'Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?' But He answered and said, 'every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted." Matthew 15.12-13

The religious hypocrites do not heed the Word that comes out of the mouth of God. They rather listen to and follow their family traditions. Thus, how could they be free if the knowledge of the Word is what sets one free? Such people are seen as strange plants in the Garden of God, and sooner or later, they will be removed.

Which is greater?

"Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold?" Matthew 23.17

The question of Jesus to the hypocrites of that time serves us well nowadays. The offering is not more important than the One who receives it and sanctifies it. The sacrifice of Isaac, was not more important than the obedience of his father. God sees the faith, the spirit that moves the heart of the offering giver.

WICKEDNESS

"But Jesus perceived their wickedness and said, 'Why do you test Me, you hypocrites?'    Matthew 22.18

The hypocrite's heart is a wellspring of wickedness. They carry within themselves the right tools to destroy the simple faith of the pure and sincere of heart.
If they tested the Son of God, why won't they test His followers?
So, what should you do? Run away from them.

Gossips!...

"Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby…" I Peter 2:1-2

Malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and gossip have been common among Christians who are of the flesh. Hence the need for the pure milk of the word, like newborn babes. Only by leaving these demonic attitudes, can they mature in their faith and receive salvation.