THE NATURE AND EFFECTS OF HYPOCRISY
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Text:Matthew 23:25-28 and Matthew 24:51
Introduction:Hypocrisy is defined many ways. An actor or stage player. To speak or act under false pretense. To tell people to do something you’re not willing to do. To disguise real motives with false, “acceptable” motives. Hypocrisy is selfish and extremely contagious. It always leads to the death of the hypocrite and/or the ones influenced by them.
Point 1: A Working Definition of Hypocrisy
- “Hypocrisy is concerned about the show not the substance.”
- Matthew 23:27-28 Outward appearance seems righteous but inwardly they are lawless and rebellious against God’s standard. Matthew 6:2,5,16
- Mark 12:13-17 An excellent example of using false pretense covered by a feigned respect and praise to trap and manipulate someone.Matthew 15:1-9
Point 2: The Destructive Nature of Hypocrisy
- Hypocrisy is contagious and almost always leads to death”
- Galatians 2:11-14 Hypocrisy can pull away from the truth and in so doing leading other people astray.
- Luke 12:1 Hypocrisy is like leaven in dough. It slowly, almost without being perceived spreads throughout your life.
- 1 Timothy 4:1-2 Hypocrisy is a method used by the devil to cause people to fall away from the truth.
- Matthew 24:45-51 Comparing a hypocritical servant to a faithful servant. The hypocritical servant will feign faithfulness and then serve only self.
Conclusions:
*Hypocrisy destroys trust
*Destroys close, intimate relationships
*It is based on false, hidden, evil, self-serving motives
*It leads to the death of the hypocrite and all those they Influence
*It keeps the unbeliever from ever seeing New Testament Christianity
Practical Applications:
What caught your attention from today’s sermon?
What do you think are the common reasons for Hypocrisy in the church?
Discuss how hypocrisy destroys relationships both inside and outside the church body.
How can hypocrisy be rooted out of an individual’s life and out of the church body as a whole?
Points for Prayer:
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