I. Hypocrisy
A. Definition
1. Hypocrisy- From G5271; acting under a feigned part; deceit.
2. Hypocrite- G5273; an actor under an assumed character (stage player).
3. Turn to Matthew 7:1-5
4. One who pretends to be something that he is not.
a. Pretends to be holy, but is carnal
b. Pretends to be wise, but is foolish
c. Pretends to love unconditionally, but loves selfishly
d. Pretends to be committed, but is uncommitted
B. Ingredients Of Hypocrisy
1. Desire For Recognition…………………v. 1 “But… Ananias…”
2. Imitation Of Good…..………………….v. 1 “sold a possession…”
3. Deceit ………………………………v. 2 “kept back part…his wife being aware…”
v. 9 “… agreed together…”
4. Lying………………………………………v. 3 “Why has Satan filled your heart to lie”?
v. 4 “You have not lied to men, but to God”.
5. Duplicity…………………………………….v. 2 “kept back part; brought a certain part”
6. Recognize, But Deny Truth…………….v. 1-10 They knew what was right and wrong
7. Test God: entice, prove, tempt…………v. 9 “…test the Spirit of the Lord…”
8. Satanically Inspired……………………..v. 3 “Why has Satan filled your heart?”
C. What It Isn’t
1. Not Someone Who Struggles To Do Right, But Fails
2. Not Someone Who Admits Their Wrongdoing
D. Satan, Ingredients Of Religious Hypocrisy
1. Desire For Recognition- Is 14:13,14 For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’
2. Imitation Of Good- 2 Cor. 11:14 Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
3. Deceit- Rev. 20:8 “…and will go out to deceive the nations.”
4. Lying- John 8:44 “…for he is a liar…”.
5. Duplicity- Matthew 4– Satan quotes scripture to Jesus, but makes wrong application.
6. Recognize, But Deny Truth-Matt. 8:29 “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”
7. Test God-Matt. 4:7 Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’”
II. Consequences Of Hypocrisy
A. God’s Judgment
1. Job 27:8 For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he may gain much, If God takes away his life?
2. Ananias & Sapphira killed by God, similar to Nadab & Abihu.
3. Not a church discipline exercise. Done alone by God.
4. Satanically inspired religious hypocrisy-judged harshly by God as church began.
5. God established the wickedness of religious hypocrisy.
6. God established His sovereignty, omniscience, & holiness in His church.
7. Fear of God fell upon the church. Leads to holiness, powerful witness.
8. Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…”
9. 1 Peter 4:17 “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God…”
10. 1 Cor. 11:27-32 Self examination needed to avoid judgment & chastening of God
B. Brief Satisfaction
1. Job 20:5 “…the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment”.
2. Matthew 6:2, 5, 16 “They have their (momentary) reward”.
C. Inner Turmoil Of Hypocrisy
1. Recognition- Always worried about what people think
2. Imitation Of Good- Thinking about how to maintain your image
3. Deceit- Forcing self to come up with a plan; practicing & perfecting deceit
4. Lying- Hardening heart; worried about being caught in a lie
5. Duplicity- Looking for a way to look good while gaining for self
6. Recognize But Deny Truth- grappling with denying the truth
7. Testing God- Pushing the limits with God; how much can you get away with?
8. Satanically Inspired- Religious hypocrisy has Satanic qualities & inspiration.
III. Cure For Hypocrisy
A. Recognition- Acknowledge Hypocrisy As Sin
B. Confession- Agree With God That It Is Sin
C. Repentance- Change Of Direction
1. Turn From The Sin- Stop lying, worrying about what others think, etc.
2.Turn To God- give him your desire to be recognized, etc.
3. By God’s grace, don’t give in to those hypocritical desires and tendencies
D. Healing
1. God wants to make you that godly person you’re pretending to be
2. 2 Cor. 2:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
3. John 8:31, 32, 36 “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 36Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.