Hypocrisy where?

Not here! Definitely not in our fellowship! Not among us! And surely not in my heart!

Really?

Let’s look to God’s word. It will help us determine whether or not hypocrisy is present.

As you read God’s word, seriously examine your heart in this, and be honest with God and with yourself.

There are multiple passages in the Bible that deal with hypocrisy. In the following, Jesus confronts the “religious” (those who were professing to be followers of God) because of their hypocrisy:

(Speaking to the scribes and Pharisees) “Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? …Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:3, 7-9)

And from the following passage in Isaiah (where Jesus was quoting from) we get even more insight on how someone can “play the hypocrite:”

“Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?” (Isaiah 29:13-15)

After reading these passages, I have a question to those of us who profess to know God and follow Him: Are we guilty in any way of hypocrisy?

Well, what are some of the specific descriptions that we can take from these passages, which describe the hypocrite? Are we guilty of any of the following?

- Giving lip service, instead of true Christian service. 1 John 3:18 says, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

- Saying that you love God, yet having such a hard heart that you purposefully remove it far from Him.

- Calling Jesus “Lord,” yet obeying the teaching of men over the clear teaching of God’s word; therefore offering up vain, man-centered worship.

- Professing Christ, yet living a life of sin; while justifying yourself by what man (even your own heart) has taught you. Read Romans 6 to see God’s command to not live a life of sin.

- Claiming to follow the true and living God, while showing no fear of Him by the life you have chosen to live. In God’s word it says, “By the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.”

- Elevating yourself and filling your heart with pride, while coming across to others as being humble. In your pride you boast of your wisdom and understanding over others; this will one day be done away with by God.

- Trying to hide your sin from God and others, while pretending to be a Christian who is living a set-apart life for God.

Hypocrisy where?

It is indeed present among us.


What would Jesus say if He suddenly made a physical appearance to our churches today?

His word, which is living, says, “Ye hypocrites...”


We need to examine our hearts individually. Personally, I have been guilty of “playing the hypocrite.” This should not be. It cannot be. The time is short and the days are evil.

The Lord calls on us to repent of our hypocrisy.

How? We need God’s grace for obedience (Romans 1:5), and it is only by the Spirit of grace that we can do anything that God requires of us (Zechariah 4:6)

At present I am living in Pueblo, Colorado; and in this city it would seem like there would not be too many Christian churches. There are numerous “Christian” churches though, and many who profess to be followers of Christ. What is difficult to find, however, are those who are actually on fire for the true and living God. There is more religion here than Holy Spirit fire.

Would to God that people would see Christ in us and not a gathering of the religious...and especially not religious hypocrites.

One Clay Soldier among many