How to Avoid Being a Hypocrite

“How to Avoid Being a Hypocrite”

Matthew 23

Hypocrites are like the swan, which has white feathers but a black skin; or like the lily, which has a fair color but a bad scent . . . Lord, let me be anything rather than a hypocrite.  THOMAS WATSON, Puritan

“hypocrite” = stage

Main Thing to Know:

Faith isn’t right if faith isn’t real

Signs of Being a Hypocrite:

• Words without Deeds (v. 3-4)

Biblical faith is more than something we confess with our mouths; it is something we confess with our lives.

—Kyle Idleman, Not a Fan

• Activity without Intimacy (v. 5-7)
• Outward Change without Inward Change (v. 25-28)

Two Illustrations from Jesus:

– washing the outside of cup

– whitewashing tombstones

How to Be the Real Deal:

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

(1) Come to Jesus

(2) Submit to Jesus

(3) Rest in Jesus