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Question 1

David Bercot argues that the “narrow way” has two equally dangerous chasms—worldliness on one side and self-righteous Phariseeism on the other; what signs would convince you that you’re drifting toward chasm #2 even while you feel like you’re “getting more serious” about obedience?

Another way to ask: Bercot says the “narrow way” has two dangers: worldliness and Pharisee-like self-righteousness. What signs would show you’re drifting into Phariseeism even while you think you’re becoming more serious about obeying God?

Direct Answer Based on David Bercot’s teaching, key signs of drifting toward chasm #2 include becoming uncomfortable when Phariseeism is mentioned, emphasizing man-made “hedges” and externals, and losing the “weightier matters” like love and mercy while feeling spiritually safer.

Support from Transcript:

He says the narrow way has “ditches or chasms on both sides,” with chasm #2 being “self-righteousness and Phariseeism,” and its slope is “just as slippery.”
He warns that moving far away from worldliness can cause someone to “fall into chasm number 2.”
He calls discomfort a major indicator: “one of the surest signs that we’ve already slipped into Phariseism is when we feel uncomfortable when a person brings up the subject.”
He adds worse signs: “defending the Pharisees” or “deny[ing] that Jesus condemned” what He did condemn.
He ties Phariseeism to mis-prioritizing: the Pharisees strained “a gnat and swallow a camel,” becoming “unloving, judgmental.”

Discussion Follow-ups What outward “seriousness” in your life might actually be pulling you toward judging others or neglecting mercy?

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