Has there ever been an occasion where you concluded that someone was truly a “hypocrite”? Now, let’s not confuse the term “hypocrite” with the occasional times where one may espouse a virtue and then inadvertently does something contrary. The term “hypocrite” is defined as “one who pretends to be what he is not; or he assumes an appearance of piety and virtue, when he is destitute of true virtue or religion.” In fact, it could be said that a “hypocrite” is one that invents or forms a fictitious conception that he is virtuous or religious [self-righteous] – though his actions and words are insincere and dishonest. The Scriptures provide further enunciation as to the definition of a “hypocrite”.
2 Timothy 3:5,
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
Titus 1:16,
“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”
In Matthew 23 we find several instances where Jesus judged the scribes and Pharisees as being hypocrites – because they portrayed an air of virtue and righteousness, yet through their deceitful and wicked ways they defiled the very laws and commandments that they espoused. And let it be understood that throughout God’s Word we find that God will justly deal with hypocrites. Note the following Scriptures.
Job 4:8-9,
“Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed.”
Job 8:13-15,
“So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite’s hope shall perish: Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider’s web. He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand: he shall hold it fast, but it shall not endure.”
Job 27:8-10,
“For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul? Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him? Will he delight himself in the Almighty? Will he always call upon God?”
Each one of us now needs to consider whether or not God could judge us as being a hypocrite. Though our first reaction to this self-examination may be, “No, I am not a hypocrite!” – let it be understood that many a “hypocrite” has self-deluded himself into believing the opposite. Consider for a moment how we may look at the lifestyle of someone else and judge that individual – though we never consider our own lives. Notice the words of Jesus.
Matthew 7:1-5,
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote [chip or foreign particle] that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.”
Let us also consider for a moment what we say and do on Sunday when we are at church, versus what we say and do Monday thru Saturday. Are we living our lives as hypocrites? Have we made ourselves “self-righteous” because we have deluded ourselves into believing that we “walk our talk” – though there is no evidence? Our spouses and our children are usually the first to see our hypocrisy – though when confronted, we are quick to divert the accusations and attention elsewhere – often “shooting the messenger”. And then our co-workers, neighbors, and friends are next to see our hypocrisy; some even stating, “I thought you were a Christian; don’t you go to church on Sunday?” Again it must be asked, “Have you been living your life as a [hypocrite]?” If so, consider the “woes” stated by Jesus to the scribes and Pharisees – and change your ways – lest you suffer the judgment of God.
Remember the words of Galatians 6:7,
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
