Detecting a Hypocrite
I. The Meaning of Hypocrisy
- A. The New Testament word
- 1. Hypocrite (hupokrites) and hypocrisy (hupokrisis) meant an actor;
acting; playing
- a part; or one who pretends to be other than what he really is - e.g. Luke 20:20
- B. The New Testament examples
- 1. Pretentious love - Rom. 12:9; 2 Cor. 6:6; 1 Pet. 1:22; 2:1
- 2. Pretentious faith - 1 Tim. 1:5; 2 Tim. 1:5
- 3. Pretentious conduct motivated by fear - Gal. 2:11-14
- 4. Hypocrisy and purity - James 3:17
- 5. Hypocrisy and the conscience - 1 Tim. 4:1-2
II. The Exposure of Hypocrisy
- A. Related to position - Matt. 23:1-2
- B. A disparity between teaching and practice - Matt. 23:3
- C. Legalistic and strong demands without reality - Matt. 23:4
- D. Theatrically spiritual - Matt. 23:5
- E. Loving to be and feel honored - Matt. 23:6
- F. Preoccupied with recognition and titles - Matt. 23:7
- G. The system of clergy-laity distinctions - Matt. 23:8
- H. Usurping the place of God - Matt. 23:9
- I. Replacing the Headship of Christ - Matt. 23:10
- J. Being exclusive - Matt. 23:13
- K. Covering deceit with spiritual practices - Matt. 23:14
- L. Zealous to win others for "our cause" - Matt. 23:15
- M. Misleading others with made up rules - Matt. 23:16-22
- N. Emphasizing minor things while omitting the major - Matt. 23:23-24
- O. Claiming to be "orthodox" - Matt. 23:29-36
- P. Spiritual desolation and death - Matt. 23:38
III. Dealing with Hypocrisy
- A. Humbling ourselves with the attitude of a servant - Matt. 23:11-12
- B. Caring and stressing inward reality rather than mere outward performance
- Matt. 23:25-28
- C. Being willing to submit to the Lord now - Matt. 23:37
- D. Having to wait for the Lord's coming back - Matt. 23:39