MissionWay Church Sunday Sermons

In this sermon, we continue Jesus’ sobering confrontation with the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:23–28, exposing the danger of outward religion without inward transformation. Jesus rebukes leaders who meticulously obey minor laws while ignoring justice, mercy, and faithfulness—revealing hearts that are polished on the outside but spiritually decayed within. By examining Old and New Testament connections, we’ll see how this warning speaks directly to Christians today, calling us to genuine repentance rather than “whitewashing” our lives. Ultimately, the message points us toward the hope of the gospel, which cleanses us from the inside out and restores integrity, sincerity, and true obedience.

In Matthew 23:13-22, Jesus pronounces a series of woes on the scribes and Pharisees, exposing the dangers of spiritual hypocrisy. He condemns those who shut the doors of heaven, making salvation inaccessible, those who mislead others into false discipleship, and those whose words and oaths cannot be trusted. The Pharisees’ outward religiosity masked hearts far from God, demonstrating the emptiness of ritual without true obedience. As followers of Christ, we are called to enter through the true Door, make disciples in the way of the Gospel, and let our words reflect integrity before God.

In Matthew 23:1–12, Jesus warns His disciples and the crowds about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, calling attention to leaders who preach rightly but fail to practice what they teach, burden others, and seek status over service. This sermon challenges us to examine our own hearts for signs of hypocrisy and points us to the remedy Jesus offers: humble, sacrificial service. By following His example, we learn that true greatness is not found in recognition or position, but in serving others with humility.

This sermon concludes our With the Gospel series by looking at what it means to encourage the faithful from Hebrews 10:19–25. The Gospel not only gives us confidence to draw near to God, but also calls us to hold fast to hope and stir one another up to love and good works. This passage calls us to move beyond simply attending church and embrace our role in building up the body of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 explores what it truly means to “strengthen the weak” in the body of Christ, reminding us that weakness is not a flaw to hide but a reality we all share apart from Christ. Rather than ignoring or abandoning those who struggle, we are called to patiently admonish, encourage, and help one another in love, just as Christ has done for us. A faithful church is not built by the strong avoiding the weak—but by the weak finding strength together in Christ.

1 Corinthians 9:19–27 challenges us to see evangelism not as a task for a few but as the ordinary call of every believer. Paul’s words reveal a heart that burned for the salvation of others and a life disciplined for the sake of the Gospel. We’re reminded that reaching the lost means humbly serving others, giving up personal freedoms to break down barriers, and living with Gospel urgency—because heaven and hell are real, and only Jesus saves.

In Ephesians 4:11-16, Paul reminds us that the church is called to “equip one another.” God has given every believer unique gifts to build up His body into unity and maturity, so that we may stand firm in truth, speak in love, and see each part working properly. This is not just the work of pastors, but the call of every follower of Christ—because a healthy church is one where every disciple is equipped and equipping others with the Gospel.

1 Corinthians 10:16–17 reminds us that communion is not a mere ritual but a sacred fellowship with Christ and His church. At the Lord’s Table, believers participate in the blood and body of Christ, finding grace, satisfaction, and unity with one another. It is also a refuge from idolatry, calling us to turn away from the world’s false promises and rest in Christ alone. Ultimately, communion points us forward with assurance, declaring the Lord’s death until He comes and reminding us of the eternal fellowship that awaits in His presence.

Matthew 22:41–46 highlights Jesus’ identity as both the Son of David and the Lord of all, fully human and fully divine. By pointing to Psalm 110, Jesus silences the Pharisees and reveals His person, position, and power—showing He reigns at the Father’s right hand, interceding for His people, preparing their eternal home, and ruling until every enemy is under His feet. In a world full of uncertainty, division, and turmoil, believers can rest confidently in the unchanging truth that Christ is sovereign, victorious, and strong enough to bring His people safely home.

In Matthew 22:34-40, Jesus summarizes the Law and Prophets by teaching that the greatest command is to love God and the second is to love others. It challenges listeners to examine the motivations behind their obedience—whether out of love, duty, fear, or pride—and highlights that true faith flows from a heart wholly devoted to God. Loving God supremely shapes our ability to love others rightly, and all other commands flow from these two foundational principles. While humans cannot perfectly fulfill these commands, the good news is that Christ has obeyed perfectly on our behalf, empowering us by His Spirit to grow in love and obedience.