MEMORY VERSE: ‘’Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and full of uncleanness” Matthew 23:27.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 5:1-16
INTRODUCTION
A person, who pretends to be something that they are not, is a hypocrite. Such people make a deliberate plan to pretend, deceive or cheat. Such people are often dirty inside but appear to be very “clean” outside Matthew 23:27. Just like actors acting out of a script, they could imitate the speech, mannerisms and conduct of the character portrayed; but in real life they are a different person.
OUTLINE
1.HYPOCRISY UNCOVERED
2. THE CONSEQUENCES OF HYPOCRISY
HYPOCRISY UNCOVERED
Hypocrisy can take three forms. The first is that of professing belief in something and then acting in a manner contrary to that belief Isaiah 29:13. The second form is to look down on others when we ourselves are flawed Matthew 7:3-5; Romans 2:1. The third form of hypocrisy is projecting ourselves to be what we are not Romans 12:3 – this is common across the social media platforms.
Jesus described hypocrites as wolves in sheep’s clothing Matthew 7:15, white- washed tombs Matthew 23:27, snakes and broods of vipers Matthew 23:33 and graves Luke 11:44.
There are several reasons people engage in hypocrisy. These include pride of life. 1 John 2:15-16, desire for the honour of men John 12:43 and a feeling of insecurity 2 Corinthians 10:12. They want to be respected in the church as being holy but in secret, they are committing sins 1 Samuel 15:13-15,20,25-30. Ananias and his wife wanted the praise given to Barnabas when they were not as faithful Acts 4:34-37; 5:1-10. Some people pretend to be who/what they are not to cheat Genesis 27:20-22. People who falsify records and present inaccurate tithes to God fall under this category Proverbs 11:1. Self-indulgence may be another reason for hypocrisy. Romans 16:18.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF HYPOCRISY
The consequences of hypocrisy may include:
1.Wrong leadership choices because of a heart of disobedience to God’s will. 1 Samuel 15:13,20,25-30.
2.Hypocrites will experience shame and disgrace as a harvest of deliberate sinfulness. Jeremiah 13:22-26.
3.Divine punishment Proverbs 11:21.
4.Hypocrites come under God’s curse Job 15:34-35.
5.Untimely spiritual and physical death Job 27:8; 36:13-14; Acts 5:1-11. God knows all things including the secret deceit of the heart Psalms 44:21; Jeremiah 17:9-10; 1 Samuel 16:7 and all the ways of man Job 31:4; Psalms 1:6. No one can hide from Him or deceive Him Psalms 139:7-12. He will repay every man according to his works Revelations 22:11-12.
CONCLUSION
The same way fornication is a sin against God, so also is hypocrisy Galatians 5:19-21. The only solution is repentance Isaiah 55:7