First Baptist Church Statesboro
How to Avoid Being a Hypocrite
April 25, 2021
Main Scripture Reference(s)
Matthew 23:
How to Avoid Being a Hypocrite
April 25, 2021 / Matthew 23:
“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