The reason I’m asking this is because years ago I took on that agenda for the sake of the cause … you know, doing God’s work and being His “hands and feet”. So, I thought ... that is until the Holy Spirit revealed something I didn’t realize. I was stuck in tradition that was designed and formed by mankind.
Sometimes we think we’re honoring God by doing things we
deem as “religious” to make people think we are godly, but God knows if our
actions are only a front and aren’t from the heart. In other words, He knows a hypocrite when He
sees one and taking on a form of “religiousness” doesn’t replace “righteousness”
in the life of a believer.
Matthew chapter 15 of the Holy Bible describes how hypocrisy was running rampant in the synagogues and things were about to hit the roof. The church leaders (scribes, translators and Pharisees) were watching the ministry of Christ for some time, and had followed Him from town to town looking for ways to discredit the Master’s teachings.
At that time in Jerusalem, the religious rulers felt there was something concrete they could confront Jesus with concerning His illogical doctrine and methods in teaching that disregarded the things that were carved in their stony hearts. They questioned why His disciples disobeyed and continually broke “old tradition” laws such as the custom of cleansing before they entered the temple or eating.
Rather than answering, Jesus said something they didn’t expect:
“Why do you break God’s commands by your ridiculous manmade traditions? The prophet Isaiah was right about you who give lip service, but your hearts are far from Me. Your worship to God is a mockery because you teach people that these manmade rules are really commandments from God.” (verses 3-9 emphasis mine)
Jesus explained that what they had been doing in the name of “God”, was actually instilled by their leaders. Their form of religion wasn’t righteous at all, nor was it ordained by God to receive His unmerited favor on their “good works” and deeds.
Even “secret things” people do that are hidden from the world, may also make them hypocrites and not true followers if their reason for doing a specific thing is for personal gain. True followers and disciples believe Jesus and the scriptures. They don't go against God with religious tradition or self-made rules that permit them to sin because they have regarded it okay in their own eyes.
To Jesus everything we do, even our worship, is in vain if we don’t really believe in Him or His teachings. (vs.19) After the Lord finished speaking to the people the disciples sensed His message didn’t go over big with the crowd. I have that same sense ...
Speaking to Jesus the disciples said, “Do You realize that what you said really offended the Pharisees?” (vs.12) Of course, the Master knew that calling a spade a spade would upset people, because no one wants to be referred to as a hypocrite.
Jesus said that anyone who isn’t truly His disciple/follower will be revealed and plucked out (pulled) by the roots. They are rotten like a tooth that decayed and had to be pulled out root and all. It was worthless, no good and needed to go.
He went on to say for us not to waste our time on people who would rather keep tradition (“this is the way we do it around here”) over serving Him, calling them the blind leading the blind and both will fall into the ditch of hell. (vs.13-14)
Is there anything you are trying to keep secret that you know is sin? I agree that no one likes to think of themselves as having anything rotten in them. Maybe there’s a little spiritual dirt or a few dust bunnies in the closet, but surely nothing that is “sin” lurking around the heart.
Plotting to get someone back for the way they hurt us, sending nasty text messages, posting unkind comments on social media, lying, name calling, cheating on a spouse, having sex or living with someone before marriage, snagging supplies from the company, stealing (especially from your parents) or spreading gossip are only a few things “believers” may do and still think of themselves as being “righteous” followers of Christ.
Okay, it may be easy to see how these add up to false discipleship with a form of religiosity or hypocrisy, but following after traditions of man and saying it’s all done for Jesus is no different in the eyes of God.
Maybe you don’t fall into any of those situations and that’s great. However, you still judge people who aren’t in your denomination or follow certain methods set in your church doctrine. Ask yourself, do the traditions or practices violate the commandments of God in any way?
Have you fallen into the category of thinking religious traditions outrank righteousness? If so, there’s something you can do about it right now. Repent.
You are probably wondering where God’s favor comes into all of this, especially since I haven’t mentioned it so far. Something that is wonderful about being a disciple/follower/believer in Christ is that He gives us grace – unmerited favor to repent (ask for forgiveness) and get rid of sin at the root.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NKJV)
Being followers of Jesus also gives us permission to ask the Lord anything without being fearful of being ridiculed or embarrassed. James 1:5 reminds us that if we lack wisdom or answers, all we need to do is ask the Lord and He will tell us what we need to know.
When Peter approached Jesus with his question the Lord didn’t tell him he was stupid or should have known what He meant. He answered the question which helped the disciples understand what it means to be a hypocrite as a believer.
Although it may be embarrassing it’s time to get honest with God, others and yourself by getting to the root of some behaviors. Go before the Lord in prayer and ask God to reveal the unhealthy part of your spiritual journey and continue to be discipled by Jesus. Don’t worry about your unclean hands or heart, Jesus will supply the sanitizer!
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Until next time, embrace God’s unmerited favor!
“Repent and receive favor for a clean heart towards Me.” Jesus Christ
*Unless noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy.
Note: Emphasis is given in some scriptures to show clarity or understanding and is not to take away from the inspirited Word of God.
When used, the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives.
Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.
Teaching Pick of the Week: Click on the Amazon link below.
Living without Hypocrisy: How to Walk in the Light by Chip Ingram
4-part series from
Ephesians 5:8-21. 4 CDs. Approx. 2 hours and 55 minutes.
In This Series:
Why We All Hate Hypocrisy (Ephesians 5:1-6)
How to Overcome Hypocrisy in Your Heart (Ephesians 5:17-18)
How to Overcome Hypocrisy in Your Public Life (Ephesians 5:19-20)
How to Overcome Hypocrisy in Your Private Life (Ephesians 5:19-20)
Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also. Click on the above tab “Tell Me” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.
Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy. Excerpt from Getting to the Root October 7, 2016 Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.
Image credit: Hypocrite Sign Google Images Creative Common License if not specified. Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Forgiveness, Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Favor, Hypocrisy, Christian Living, Salvation, Chip Ingram, Repent
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