UNMASKING HYPOCRISY IN OUR GIVING

The Danger of Hypocrisy

We should do good works to glorify God, not ourselves.

Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Many do good things to make themselves look good, instead of making God look good.

See Matthew 23:25-28 and Luke 12:1-5...

In the original Greek, a hypocrite was an actor that wore a mask that portrayed in an exaggerated way the role that was being dramatized. This led to the term being used of anyone who pretended to be what he was not.

It is possible to deceive others with our hypocrisy, but not God.

Jeremiah 17:10 ““I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”” (See Hebrews 4:12-13)

Ecclesiastes 12:14 “For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

The person you are when no one is looking is the real you.

Putting On a Show For Others

Giving to the poor is commended throughout Scripture.

See Proverbs 19:17 and Hebrews 13:16...

We are not to give in such a way to draw attention to ourselves.

John 5:44 “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?”

Mark 7:6 “And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “ ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;”

If you desire the praise of others, that will be your only reward.

Luke 20:46–47 ““Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.””

Mark 8:36 “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”

Exalting Yourself Instead of the Lord

The Lord will humble those who exalt themselves.

See Luke 18:9–14...

Proverbs 30:12 “There are those who are clean in their own eyes but are not washed of their filth.”

Pursue God’s Glory, Not Your Own

The Lord will reward those who give cheerfully to bring glory to His name.

2 Corinthians 9:6–7 “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Colossians 3:23–24 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (See 1 Corinthians 10:31)

Revelation 4:10–11 “the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.””

Luke 17:10 “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’ ””