Traits of a Pharisee

Jesus begins the last portion of extended teaching in Matthew by denouncing the Pharisees, and exposing to the crowds the true nature of their religion. So, each of us is naturally pharisaical, wishing to create our own religion. When we do, we will find that it is inherently self-contradictory, and exists solely for the purpose of exalting ourselves. We must be careful to maintain salvation by God's grace alone and for God's glory alone.