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The Hypocrisy of the Church
August 14th 2022

Matthew 23:1–36

Hypocrisy tempts us all, stay centered on Jesus

The Charge
“Why are there so many hypocrites in the Church?”

There has been and always will be ‘hypocrites’ in the church. As we just read from Scripture they were there during Jesus time as well and have continued ever since.

Jesus and Hypocrites
Jesus warns the religious leaders and gives them 7 Woes. Jesus hates hypocrisy!

1. They kept people out of God's kingdom (v.13)
2. They took advantage of widows (v.14)
3. They misled men to eternal destruction (v.15)
4. They were covetous of worldly things (vv.16-22)
5. They refused to show compassion (vv.23-24)
6. They were inwardly corrupt (vv.25-28)
7. They afflicted the righteous (vv.29-31)

Jesus ends the series of woes by calling the leaders out for pretending to honor the prophets and martyrs of the faith while they reject their teachings by rejecting Jesus.

The only way to overcome sin in our own lives and in the church as a whole is through a process of confession, repentance, forgiveness, and restoration found through Jesus.

The Difference
Hypocrite is someone who pretends to be something they are not!
Sinner is someone whose eyes are opened to their sinful nature, repent and put their trust in Jesus. They daily ‘die’ and follow Jesus. They live a life of repentance.

All hypocrites are sinners, but not all sinners are hypocrites

Jesus never called his disciples ‘hypocrites’ only the religious leaders!

“simul justus et peccator”
“simultaneously saint and sinner”
The Answer
A Personal, Intimate Relationship with Jesus

How can we as Christians make sure we don’t turn into hypocrites? What do we need to do to ensure we don’t lose sight of the gospel and add to its message?

Build and focus our lives on the gospel
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Intimate devotion to Jesus
‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’” Matthew 22:37

Look to Jesus and not to man! Honor and love leaders but don’t worship them!
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Hebrews 13:17

Strengthen our God-centered Worship
‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” Matthew 15:8,9

Cultivate a heart of repentance
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Look for Opportunities to serve others
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3,4

Conclusion
True Christianity is the ONLY hope for mankind! Let’s live and speak with this in mind!