The Mirror of the Law: Hypocrisy
Notes
Transcript
Last week, Paul reminded us that their is no favoritism with God. God will judge all without hypocrisy. Since God is not a hypocrite Paul warns us about two potential forms of hypocrisy to avoid.
Teaching what we do not observe ourselves
or
2. Observing outwardly yet lacking true inward change.
17 Now if you call yourself a Jew, and rely on the law, and boast in God,
18 and know his will, and approve the things that are superior, being instructed from the law,
19 and if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light to those in darkness,
20 an instructor of the ignorant, a teacher of the immature, having the embodiment of knowledge and truth in the law—
21 you then, who teach another, don’t you teach yourself? You who preach, “You must not steal”—do you steal?
22 You who say, “You must not commit adultery”—do you commit adultery? You who detest idols, do you rob temples?
23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?
24 For, as it is written: The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.
Paul starts out this next speech with this idea. If you call yourself something than your life should reflect the title you are claiming.
So Paul appeals to the purpose of the nation of Israel as another way to point out the hypocrisy of the Jewish people . His intent is not to be mean, but rather point them to their own sin and need for redemption.
Big Idea: True righteousness is not about outward compliance to the law but about an inward transformation that aligns our hearts with God's will resulting in obedience.
Two areas of hypocrisy that paul deals with
1. Teaching What We Do Not Observe
1. Teaching What We Do Not Observe
17 Now if you call yourself a Jew, and rely on the law, and boast in God,
18 and know his will, and approve the things that are superior, being instructed from the law,
19 and if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light to those in darkness,
20 an instructor of the ignorant, a teacher of the immature, having the embodiment of knowledge and truth in the law—
Maybe you should begin by acknowledging the privileged position of knowing God's law, but you might address the hypocrisy that comes from relying solely on this knowledge while failing to live it out. A focus on Christ as the fulfillment of the law suggests that our true identity is in His grace. Encouraging authenticity and a deeper relationship with God can lead to real transformation rather than mere compliance.
Paul begins this next passage with pointing out the privilege position of the Jews.
The Jewish people were privilege in the following ways.
17 Now if you call yourself a Jew...
They were called Jews.
Jew is a term the nation of Israel adopted for themselves one they were proud of. They were God’s chosen people. It the name evoked to them a special status.
17 Now if you call yourself a Jew, and rely on the law...
2. The law brought rest to them. They knew they were the people that possessed God’s law. They new what God expected from them.
17 ... and boast in God,
3. They were able to Boast Yahweh was there God.
However, instead this brining humility to the jew. It often brought a sense of pride and superiority over the gentiles
18 and know his will....
4. They knew God’s will. They possessed the written word of God. What a privilege it is to have God’s revealed word.
18 and know his will, and approve the things that are superior...
5. They were able to take the law, apply it and make moral judgements
18 ...being instructed from the law,
6. They were instructed from the law from the time they were children.
19 and if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light to those in darkness,
20 an instructor of the ignorant, a teacher of the immature, having the embodiment of knowledge and truth in the law—
7. They had the privilege to be the proclaimers of God’s ways to others.
Paul is making an argument that the Jew had been given tremendous privilege. No Doubt the prideful jewish reader was shaking his head in agreement up until this point. “that’s right Paul we are the embodiment of knowledge and truth. I’m glad you noticed.
However then Paul turns it on its head. Look what he says next:
21 you then, who teach another, don’t you teach yourself? You who preach, “You must not steal”—do you steal?
22 You who say, “You must not commit adultery”—do you commit adultery? You who detest idols, do you rob temples?
23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?
Sermon Illustration: The Fire Drill
Most Schools hold regular fire drills to prepare students and staff for emergencies. During every drill, the alarm sounds, the teachers calmly direct the students, and everyone walks outside in an orderly fashion.
One day, a real fire breaks out in the building.
The alarm sounds. But one student stays in his seat.
The teacher yells, "Come on! You know what to do!"
The student calmly replies, "Oh, I remember all the instructions. I completely agree with the evacuation plan. I believe it's the best way to stay safe."
"But you're not moving!" the teacher says.
"I know," the student shrugs. "I believe everything you’ve told me—I’m just not ready to act on it right now."
Moments later, smoke fills the hallway.
Application:
Knowing the right thing to do—even believing it’s right—is not enough. Obedience is what makes truth effective in our lives. Jesus said in Luke 6:46, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”
Truth is not just for agreement—it demands a response. Belief without obedience is like knowing the fire drill plan but staying in your seat when the building is burning.
This is what the Jews were known for doing and I wonder if we at times are not guilty of the same thing.
Each week you have the privilige of hearing God’s word preached to you. You have the privilege of 24/7 instant access to bible study tools, podcasts, and other materials to help you along in the Christian life. But if you do not obey the truth you already know than what good is the knowledge. To many times, I have witnessed those who have been given all the knowledge they need to live as a they should, yet they are always looking for that one more piece of information that will motivate them to change.
The problem with this behavior is that while it is harmful and ineffective in the life of those who live this way but it also brings a reproach on the name of Christ in the world.
24 For, as it is written: The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.
If you call yourself a Jew or in our context a Christian and we do not follow the ways of God in obedience. You do harm to the testimony of the church and Christ.
Having the right information, agreeing with the information, and even teaching the right information is not a substititute for obedience. In fact scripture calls this foolish living. Instead of promoting the Kingdom of God, your life does the opposite.
This idea should devesate us. To think its possible for God’s people who have been redeemed by his blood to bring reproach on his name should be a thought that sobers us into right living.
In the same way, outward conformity or obedience is not the same thing as a changed heart.
2. Outward conformity yet lacking inward change.
2. Outward conformity yet lacking inward change.
25 Circumcision benefits you if you observe the law, but if you are a lawbreaker, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
26 So if an uncircumcised man keeps the law’s requirements, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision?
27 A man who is physically uncircumcised, but who keeps the law, will judge you who are a lawbreaker in spite of having the letter of the law and circumcision.
28 For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, and true circumcision is not something visible in the flesh.
29 On the contrary, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart—by the Spirit, not the letter. That person’s praise is not from people but from God.
Jews gloried in the three pillars of Judiasm, The covenant, The Law and circumcision. In order to be considered a jew these three things must be followed and cherished. So circumcision became one of the main outward signs of a Jew. It was part of the covenant and part of the law.
So what is Paul saying here. He is saying that a uncircumsised gentile who inwardly desires to obey the law of God. Whatever law he knows is closer to God’s original intent in calling a people to himself than the Jew who follows the law yet his heart is far from God.
It is possible to obey the law and yet be ungodly.
Let me give you an example.
Lets say a person tithe’s faithfully every week yet hates doing it because his heart is greedy. Is he fulfilling the law? yes but does his heart value the mission of Christ and his church,. no.
Outwardly you can do all the right things, be praised by men and seen as a pillar in the church. Yet inwardly be wicked and have a heart that has not been transformed.
Worldiness is not as much about what we do as it is about what we love. However, what we do is often a reflection of what we love.If a person loves the praise of men then he may look like a wonderful christian not because he loves Christ but because he loves respect.
True circumcision is not found in the sign of the flesh but rather a heart that has been transformed.
So today we saw two types of hypocrisy the law can expose in our lives.
Knowledge without a commitment to obedience
Outward Obedience without a changed heart.
So where do you see yourself in these two categories this morning?
Maybe there are some that would say this morning, I am more like #1. I gather lots of information but think very little about actually applying this information to my daily life.
or maybe your here and you say I am more like #2 I obey outwardly but inwardly I have not let the gospel shape my desires and my heart.
Or maybe like most of us you fall somewhere between head knowledge, outward conformity, and heart change.
DO you know what the solution is this problem?
It’s the gospel. Not just in salvation but applying the gospel to every area of your life. You see the gospel will demand that we obey even when we do not feel like it but in the process it will convict our hearts of sin and change our desires and priorities. It will cleanse us. It will change us. There is no such thing as a salvation that doesn’t result in sanctification or cleansing.
9 Don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s kingdom? Do not be deceived: No sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, or males who have sex with males,
10 no thieves, greedy people, drunkards, verbally abusive people, or swindlers will inherit God’s kingdom.
11 And some of you used to be like this. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
The Gospel is just as much the answer to the lost person’s need as it is your need. For in Christ we are being renewed and changed.
The Gospel is the answer to both salvation and hypocrisy. We are both saved and being saved. Christ is both the fulfillment of the Law and the answer to us breaking it.
8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—
9 not from works, so that no one can boast.
