WHY PEOPLE DON’T OBEY THE GOSPEL - LESSON 5

HYPOCRITES

-Introduction

-In Greek and Roman societies, entertainment was a big part. 

-Theaters were built as a place where people could enjoy plays, productions & other activities.

-One of the archeological finds at Corinth was a Greek theater.

-In Ephesus, a theater was found built into a hillside with a seating capacity of

  at least 24,000.

-In these theaters, without the benefit of microphones, masks were used to help magnify

   the actors’ voices. 

-Since the actors’ faces were hidden behind these masks, one actor could actually play more than one role.

-He would exit the stage, lay down one mask and pick up another.

-With this in mind, it is interesting to note the Greek word for actor - hupokrites.

-Hence, we get our English word - hypocrite.

-How many of you have heard something like this (said by a person who hasn’t obeyed the

 Gospel):  “There are hypocrites in that church.  Why would I want to be a part of it?”

-Damage of Hypocrites

-Obviously, hypocrisy is wrong.

            -It would be hard to find a more direct and strong rebuke than Jesus’ rebuke of the Jewish

              leaders recorded in Matt 23.

                  -vs 13,14,15,23,25,27,28,29 - “hypocrites”

-But, unfortunately, there are hypocrites today who continue their acting.  They put on a mask,

  portray a particular part and then, at another time, take that mask off.

-We as Christians need to remember that we represent the church that we are a part of, our Savior  
  who died for us and our God who sent Him.

            -We have an influence on those around us - whether good or bad.

            -We can, through our words and deeds, attract others closer to Christ or we can be a

        hindrance in that process.

                        -1 Tim 4:12

-Hypocritical actions seen by others can drive them away.

-Several Observations

1.  Honestly, in many cases, I think that this claim simply serves as an excuse.

            -not lending justification to hypocrisy

            -However, some use this idea as a smoke screen - an easy way out - a way to ease their own

              conscience without addressing some true issues in their own lives that’s keeping them from

              becoming a Christian.

2.  In the case of a hypocritical Christian, the wrong is not in what they claim to be but in what

     they actually are. 

            -Therefore, there would be nothing wrong with becoming what they claim to be.  But, would

              it not be wrong to follow a hypocrite in what they actually are - disobedient?

                        -Matt 23:28

            -What causes a non-Christian to be most like the hypocrite - obedience or disobedience?

            -Here’s what the person is actually saying:  The hypocrite is not obedient, therefore I’m not

              going to be obedient.

                        -I’ve heard it stated this way:  The hypocrite is closer to God than you because you have

                         allowed the hypocrite to come between you and God.

3.  A hypocrite doesn’t serve as the sacrifice for me.  Jesus served/serves in that role.  That’s

            where my focus is going to be. 

                        -Heb 12:2

                        -When looking at Jesus, we will not find one single hypocritical act.

4.  We are each individually accountable to God.

            -2 Cor 5:10, Rom 2:6

            -The hypocrite will not give answer for you and you will not give answer for the hypocrite.

-Lifestyle vs Act

-The word “hypocrite” can be similar to that of “sinner.”

            -difference between a sinner (one who lives a sinful lifestyle) and a sinner (one who commits

              a sin)

-There is a difference between a person who lives a hypocritical lifestyle and a person who

  commits a hypocritical act.

            -Christians are not perfect.  We make mistakes. 

            -Sometimes, a person who is looking for something to hold against the idea of being a

              Christian will consider a hypocritical act and fictionally assign it as a lifestyle.

-Based on this poor reasoning, a some in the first century could have said, “That Peter is a

  hypocrite.  Therefore, I have no interest in becoming a Christian.”

-Gal 2:11-13

            -vs 11 - “to be blamed” (KJV); “he stood condemned” (NAS); “clearly in the wrong” (NIV)

            -vs 13 - “dissimulation” (KJV) = hypocrisy (NAS, NIV)

-Peter committed a hypocritical act.  Yet, we know Peter did not live a hypocritical lifestyle.

            -He simply made a mistake.

-Summary and Invitation

-Yes, hypocrisy is wrong.  Yes, hypocrisy has damaging effects.  Yes, hypocrisy is very

  unfortunate.

-Yet, hypocrisy on the part of another is not a valid excuse for failing to obey the Gospel.

-Don’t follow a hypocrite in disobedience.  Instead, rise above hypocrisy through obedience.

-What about you this morning?  Have you obeyed the Gospel?

       -If not, believe in Jesus (Jn 3:16, 8:24), confess your faith (Mt 10:32, Rom 10:9-10),

        repent of sin (Lk 13:3,5; Acts 17:30); be baptized (Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38).

-If you’ve obeyed the Gospel but haven’t remained faithful, then confess your faults, repent of

  your sins and pray for forgiveness (1 Jn 1:7-9, Acts 8:22-24).