The Problem of Hypocrisy

The church is full of hypocrites. If Christianity were true a person would expect that the people who believe it would actually live in a way that is consistent with their beliefs.

Christians Produce Evidence

John 13:35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 14:21 If you love me you will obey my commandments.

Christians Still Sin1 John 1:8–10 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Luke 6:39-4139 He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?

Luke 6:4242 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.

Luke 6:43-4443 “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, 44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush.

Luke 6:45-4645 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. 46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?

A Hypocrite is…

• Blind to their hypocrisy – Luke 6:39

• Judgmental – Luke 6:42• Focused on Externals –

Matthew 23:28

What makes a Hypocrite?

Galatians 2:11-1211 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.”

Galatians 2:1313 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.

What is the cure for hypocrisy?

Galatians 2:1414 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”

The Gospel Kills Hypocrisy