The Danger of Hypocrisy

Today I want to discuss the problem with the "do as I say and not as i do" attitude that is prevalent among many Christians today. I'm speaking of course of Hypocrisy.

There are several key scriptures that  I want to go over concerning this. Jesus tells us that we are not to be like the hypocrites and draw attention to ourselves when praying or giving alms (Mat 6:2, Mat 6:5), neither are we to fast in that manner as well (Mat 6:16). We are also instructed not to judge hypocritically either, that is condemning others for things we do also (Mat 7:1-5, Luk 6:42,

Rom 2:3, Rom 2:21-24). Hypocrisy is know in the bible as the leaven of the pharisees (Mat 23:2-3, Mat 15:7-8, Mar 7:6, Luk 12:1).

We know the punishment of those who pretend to follow God but don't really fully submit to his authority isn't very pleasant. We are taught this behavior heaps up wrath (Job 36:13, Isa 9:17) and that their congregation shall be desolate (Job 15:34). This is why we as Christians must be holy, it is because hypocrites will not come before the Lord (Job 13:16, Mat 23:13, Heb 12:14). Weeping and gnashing of teeth is their bitter lot (Mat 24:51), and eventually their hope shall perish (Job 8:13). It's like this, if you want lasting happiness you must forsake your sin (Job 20:5). James also admonishes us not to be double minded (Jam 4:7-10).

In Conclusion Christians are not to live for themselves but rather for the one who died to save them (Luk 14:26-35, 2 Cor 5:15).

This means we agree to lay aside hypocrisy (1 Pet 2:1) and seek to help others instead of pleasing ourselves (Rom 15:1).

Se also Job 27:8, Job 17:8, Job 34:30, Psa 35:16, Pro 11:9, Isa 32:6, Isa 33:14, Luk 11:44, Mat 16:3, Mat 22:18, Mar 12:15, Luk 13:15, 1 Tim 4:2, Jam 1:8, Jam 3:17