1. Strain at Gnat, Swallow Camel Jesus spoke many famous sayings that richly add to our vernacular today (cp. Matt. 19: 24). “24: Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel” (Matt. 23).

2. Strain at Gnat, Swallow Camel “…the reference here is to the ancient custom of filtering wine. The gnat and the camel are in striking contrast to each other in size. The use of the camel here was obviously a hyperbole, but was appropriate, not only because of its great size, but because to the Jews it was an unclean animal…The Pharisees were careful to strain out the smallest creature, but swallowed the larger one. They were scrupulous about small things, but very careless about the more important matters” (Manners and Customs of Bible Lands, Fred Wight, pg. 258).

3. Strain at Gnat, Swallow Camel

4. Some in their meticulosity would, indeed, carefully filter out the small “gnat” (probably the larva stage meant) and would gulp down the large camel.

5. Strain at Gnat, Swallow Camel Submission: Stresses obedience but ignores and lacks the impetus, love (Gal. 5: 6).

6. Strain at Gnat, Swallow Camel Local church: There is “only one,” but they do not attend and support (Eph. 4: 4, cp. 4: 16).

7. Strain at Gnat, Swallow Camel Family structure: Head of house, but they lack sensitivity and filial love (Eph. 5: 23, cp. 25- 29).

8. Strain at Gnat, Swallow Camel Abstinence: They would not think of consuming alcohol, but they work in a brewery that provides it to the masses (Prov. 23: 31).

9. Strain at Gnat, Swallow Camel Sanctity of life: Engage in anti-abortion protests, but have doctor member who performs abortions (Jas. 2: 26, Eph. 5: 11).

10. Strain at Gnat, Swallow Camel Prayer: Prays to the Father, but does not live according to the gospel (Matt. 6: 9, cp. I John 3: 22, Gal. 2: 14).

11. Strain at Gnat, Swallow Camel Jesus taught the observance of the comparatively “smaller matters,” but we must be sure to also perform the more “weightier matters” (Matt. 23: 23). Take heed not to strain out the gnat and end up swallowing the camel!