The Dangerous Results of Hypocrisy

Main Point: We must ensure that we demonstrate authentic Christianity!

Q: Why should/does this matter to us?

To answer this question, let’s try to understand what Paul is getting at

If you’ve ever tried to share the gospel with someone, you’ve most-likely been called a hypocrite, judgmental, or insincere!

Paul was commissioned by Christ to carry the gospel to the Gentiles

Paul rejoices to hear that the Roman church is advancing the Gospel

Paul reminds the Gentiles that God pours His wrath out on all who sin

Paul reminds the Jews that God pours His wrath out on all who sin—even the Jews who have the law!

Paul reminds the Roman church that the standard of judgment is Jesus Christ—and it is not the hearers of the law that are righteous but the doers.

Paul reminds the Roman church that others blaspheme God because of a duplicitous life by those who teach but don’t comply with their teaching.

Bearing this in mind… let’s read and take a look at Paul’s instruction

In the past six months, while trying to share the gospel with non-believers (and even some professing Christians) I’ve been told that:

Think of it like this...

I am judgmental

I am a hypocrite

I am not a good pastor, I’m too firm, I don’t do things the way others want, I don’t do what other pastors and churches do (and much more)

I am a cult-leader

I am narrow-minded

I am not loving, merciful, or compassionate

I am too

As a matter of transparency, every time someone says something like this to me:

I return to the word of God and prayer and ask God to show me where I’m wrong.

I do this because I tend to believe these accusations—I know that I am a sinner in constant need of God’s mercy and grace.

Sometimes the Lord validates the complaint and shows me that I have wandered astray.

Sometimes the Lord validates my actions and shows me that it was rooted in the word of God.

Now, this creates a rather large problem for me (and you as well)…

First, let’s look at the categories and responses to our actions:

Sometimes what I do is godly and unopposed

Sometimes what I do is godly and opposed

Sometimes what I do is ungodly and unopposed

Sometimes what I do is ungodly and opposed

Now, let’s look at a ramification of our actions—very often our actions are visible!

When I do what is godly and unopposed, this is a positive witness.

When I do what is godly and it is opposed, this is a positive AND confusing witness

When I do what is ungodly and it is unopposed, this is a negative and confusing witness

When I do what is ungodly and it is opposed, this is an initially negative witness, that is refuted by someone demonstrating a positive witness.

Here is where all of this is problematic… while those within the church have mature Christians guiding them through these various experiences, the world around us does not!

The world can only recognize actions that are godly and unopposed as being a good representation of Christianity!

Everything else creates some type of confusion and makes it difficult to hear about God.

When godly actions go unopposed, this is called and expression noble and godly Love.

Paul says I preach the Gospel

Paul says you preach the Gospel

Paul says all of us need the Gospel

Paul says

Such an expression of love is demonstrated through kindness, mercy, grace, and compassion.

Paul’s argument of Romans within the first two chapters:

This is a powerful, sound, and non-confusing witness. It is almost always entirely acceptable in ALL cultures/people groups.

Romans 2:17-

Romans 2:17–24 ESV

But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

The world can only recognize actions that are godly and unopposed as being a good representation of Christianity!

Paul was commissioned by Christ to carry the gospel to the Gentiles

The world does not have guidance of the Bible, the witness of the Spirit, and comfort of mature Christians to help them understand the other dynamics (which I will briefly review) of our behavior.

Consequently, everything else they see from us requires us to go out of our way to explain—which we may not always get a chance to.

Allow me to demonstrate...

When godly actions are opposed, this is called persecution.

When godly actions are opposed, this is called persecution. Persecution is a powerful witness, but it also intimidates.

Paul rejoices to hear that the Roman church is advancing the Gospel

These actions are opposed because such actions demonstrate a distinct holiness that affirms the word of God while rejecting the ways of normative life—CONSEQUENTLY, SUCH ACTIONS STAND IN DIRECT CONTRAST TO THE WORLD, thus earning its venomous wrath.

Persecution is a powerful witness, but it also intimidates because it is neither comfortable or desirable.

Persecution validates our confessions

Persecution causes the insincere to fall away

However, those who earnestly desire to know God, are often drawn to God through the persecution of the church.

On the other hand, many people do not and cannot understand how a good God allows His people (or humanity in general) to suffer.

Paul reminds the Gentiles that God pours His wrath out on all who sin

When ungodly actions are opposed, this is called discipline.

Church discipline is a powerful witness, but it also seem judgmental

Church discipline confirms our commitment to holiness, but...

Paul reminds the Jews that God pours His wrath out on all who sin—even the Jews who have the law!

Church discipline also communicates to the world that certain actions will not be tolerated

This causes some to reject us as unloving and harsh

This causes some to accept us as earnest, diligent, and demonstrating integrity.

Many people think it is unloving to address and correct sinful behaviors—though they do so in their children—and will need a lot of help to understand how church discipline is desirable and godly.

When ungodly actions go unopposed, this is called hypocrisy.

Paul reminds the Roman church that the standard of judgment is Jesus Christ—and it is not the hearers of the law that are righteous but the doers.

Hypocrisy ALWAYS detracts from God’s glory and brings shame on His name!

Hypocrisy is, by far, the worst behavior we can demonstrate to the world.

It makes God unappealing (who wants to lack integrity)

It robs God of His glory (perverted)

It makes God look ineffective (powerless)

Paul reminds the Roman church that others blaspheme God because of a duplicitous life by those who teach but don’t comply with their teaching.

Bearing all this in mind, we want to do all we can to avoid hypocrisy… because it is nearly impossible to overcome due to the extent of the negative witness that it provide.

We see Paul building an impressive argument that moves his audience to grasp that passion and weight of his work...

God called me to preach to the world

God called you to advance the gospel

God’s wrath is sure—but Jesus is the way to avoid it!

The Gentiles are sinners

The Jews are sinners

And False-piety/belief causes everyone to sin more! THEREFORE IMPLYING THAT THIS BRINGS ABOUT MORE OF GOD’S WRATH

Thus, we will look at the dangers associated with hypocrisy and Paul’s scathing rebuke of it with the intention of embracing and authentic Christianity characterized by integrity.

Today, we will look at the dangers associated with hypocrisy and what its implications.

Let’s read our verses in Romans today, and then we will strive to digest and internalize this scathing rebuke to the Jewish leaders.

Let’s read from Romans…

Romans 2:17–24 ESV

But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

Romans 2:

Paul’s Accusation Against the Jews is Both Painful and Incriminating:

Why do the Gentiles blaspheme God because of the Jews? According to Paul the Jews:

They claimed to be the special people of God (“call yourself a Jew” vs. 17)

They claim to Rest/depend/find comfort in the Laws of God (“rely on the Law” vs. 17)

You boast in the Law/Commandments of God

They claim to take pride in God (“boast in God” vs. 17)

They claim to know how to please God (“know His will and approve what is excellent” vs. 18)

You think of yourself as an instructor/example in the way of righteousness…

They claim to be guided by God’s commands (“instructed from the law” vs. 18)

They claim to be reliable teachers and instructors to others (“sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind...” vs.19-20)

BUT… You break the very Laws/Commands you profess!

But they live in outright contradiction to what they boast, affirm, and proclaim in front of others (“you then you teach others do you not teach yourself…?” vs. 21-22)

Two Results from this contradictory way of life:

Two Devastating Results Emerge from this Contradictory Way of Life:

The Result: GOD IS BLASPHEMED THROUGH YOUR HYPOCRISY!!!

WE SIN WHEN WE LIVE CONTRADICTORY TO THE WORD OF GOD

They Personally Shame God (“you who boast in the Lord dishonor God by breaking the law” vs. 23)

OTHERS SIN WHEN WE LIVE CONTRADICTORY TO THE WORD OF GOD

Others Revile and Defame God Because of Them (“the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you” vs. 24)

The Jews Personally Shamed God (“you who boast in the Lord dishonor God by breaking the law” vs. 23)

Others Revile and Defame God Because of Them (“the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you” vs. 24)

Others Reviled and Defamed God Because of the Jews (“the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you” vs. 24)

Within View of Paul’s Assessment, We Observe Three Things from this Text:

Confession is not the same thing as Compliance!

Others expect us to comply with our confession!

God demands us to comply to the standard He decrees!

Confession is not the same thing as COMPLIANCE!

Romans 2:23 ESV

You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law.

Romans 2:17–22 ESV

But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?

Romans

Romans 2:17-2

I want to make four statements that are a given, but are often ignored or taken for granted:

Others expect us to comply to what we confess!

Knowing what is right is not equal to doing what is right

Affirming what is right is not equal to doing what is right

Affirming what is right is not equal to doing what is right

Romans 2:24 ESV

For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

Proclaiming what is right is not equal to doing what is right

Enforcing what is right is not equal to doing right

Paul argues that the Jews knew, affirmed, proclaimed, and enforced the laws of God without personally obeying!

They heard the word taught

They mentally agreed with or acknowledged the word of God

They publically announced their devotion to the word of God

They strove to make others comply to the word of God....

However...

However...

God saw through all of this and moved Paul to announce that the Jews were disobedient (in fact, all of mankind is)

They claimed to know God and they way to God—but they killed God in the flesh!

They claimed to know the Law of God and how to comply—but they misunderstood the purpose of the law (to reveal sin), the point of the law (a cry for Jesus), and the limits of the law (its inability to remove sin)!

They claimed contentment and blessing—yet they robbed those who came to worship God at the temple!

They claimed love and sexual purity—yet they readily divorced their wives for younger women!

They claimed worship of One God—yet they participated in and stole from pagan worship practices!

The truth is, we can beat the Jews up, but the American church (us) is in the same sinful state!

We say we know and worship Jesus—but many so-called Christians serve only themselves and reject following the Lord

We say we value the word of God—but many so-called Christians rarely (if ever) read the word of God and truly know what it says.

We say God is enough—but we spend all of our time, energy, and efforts trying to get as much from this physical life as possible.

We say we value sexual purity—but we are addicted to porn/lust, divorce our spouses, engage in sex before (fornication) and outside (adultery) marriage, and debate whether homosexuality is really a sin in the Bible!

We say we value the worship of God—but we are better fans of our sports teams, know more about our hobbies than God, spend gross amounts of money on ourselves while giving only pennies to God (not to mention we do the same thing with our time), and we hardly come to church… let alone participate and serve!

SADLY, WE ARE EXACTLY LIKE ISRAEL!

We know the truth

We affirm the truth

We proclaim the truth

We enforce the truth

AND WE FAIL TO COMPLY TO THE TRUTH!!!!

What bearing does this have on us? What does God expect from us?

They claimed to be the special people of God (“call yourself a Jew” vs. 17)

They claim to Rest/depend/find comfort in the Laws of God (“rely on the Law” vs. 17)

Depend upon the

They claim to take pride in God (“boast in God” vs. 17)

They claim to know how to please God (“know His will and approve what is excellent” vs. 18)

They claim to be guided by God’s commands (“instructed from the law” vs. 18)

They claim to be reliable teachers and instructors to others (“sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind...” vs.19-20)

But they live in outright contradiction to what they boast, affirm, and proclaim in front of others (“you then you teach others do you not teach yourself…?” vs. 21-22)

Two Results from this contradictory way of life:

They Personally Shame God (“you who boast in the Lord dishonor God by breaking the law” vs. 23)

How does it shame God? God is shamed in two ways:

Others Revile and Defame God Because of Them (“the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you” vs. 24)

People blaspheme God because of the Jews hypocrisy

God demands us to COMPLY to the standard He COMMANDS!

Romans 2:23 ESV

You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law.

Romans

Think about this:

The knowledge of our weaknesses, failures, and sins does not remove our guilt from us!

The knowledge of our weaknesses, failures, and sins does not remove God’s wrath from us!

The knowledge of our sin implies that we are aware of the following

We are aware of a standard

We are aware that we have violated that standard

We are aware that such a standard WILL BE upheld and enforced

We are aware that we are unable to justify our violation of the standard or it would not have been a violation! THEREFORE...

THEREFORE, we are aware that we

We are aware that we deserve the full recompense for our violations/sins!

EVERY VIOLATION OF GOD’S LAW DEMAND THAT GOD POUR OUT THE FULLNESS OF HIS WRATH FOR EVERY SINGLE VIOLATION!

What are we to do with such knowledge? By our strength, only a few options exist for us:

Arrogantly continue living in sin; thereby, increasing the outpouring of God’s wrath on the day of judgment?

Fearfully cease from all present and future sins; nonetheless, live in dejection knowing we are destined for God’s full wrath because of past sins?

Verbally acknowledge our sins, affirm the goodness of God, and the power of salvation while passively refusing to enter into the salvation He calls us to; consequently, blindly unaware that the fullness of God’s wrath is still on us for past, present, and future sins!

Humbly repent towards and into a lifelong loving relationship with Jesus Christ:

Resting in His embrace and satiation of God’s wrath

Obediently heeding ALL of HIs commands and, thus, approaching Him

Securely fixed in salvation by the work of Jesus Christ that brought about our love for Him, desire for Him, and Joy in Him!

Of these four options, only one brings others to Christ and prompts them to glory in Christ—the rest bring about a vile blasphemy.

That is, when you and I do not properly seek, respond to, and live for God… we prompt others to sin.

Why?

Others expect us to COMPLY with our CONFESSION!

Romans 2:24 ESV

For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

Let’s ask ourselves a question…

“WHAT PROMPTS OTHERS TO REJECT GOD?”

A personal and internal hate for God: Satan’s rejection

A distaste for God’s word, instruction, and commands: The cares of the world

A distaste for difficulty, persecution, and suffering: The heat of persecution

A misunderstanding and inability to comprehend God: The wisdom of the world

A bad and inauthentic example from a professing Christian: A carnal church attender

What do people see in us that prompts them to reject and curse God?

Paul’s argument is addressed to the Jews for two reasons:

They are unsaved

Our self-identification as Christians:

They are ineffective witnesses

They are ineffective witnesses

You have an awareness of what God commands, instructs, and promises.

Our casual embrace a surface-level understanding Christianity:

They are ineffective witnesses

You presume to tell others how to live in relation to God.

Our opinions about how they should live disguised as God’s will:

They are ineffective witnesses: They do not represent God properly to the outside world

Our duplicitous lifestyle that contradicts our stated positions:

You live contradictory to what you proclaim to others!!!

Now… let’s take a minute and briefly review what Christians (including ourselves) have professed from Scripture throughout the years:

The Fruit of the Spirit:

1. Love 5. Kindness

2. Joy 6. Faithfulness

3. Peace 7. Gentleness

Peace

4. Patience 8. Self-control

Kindness

Faithfulness

Gentleness

Self-control

Jesus’ Desire and Requests for us in (High Priestly Prayer)

That we have life in Him (vs. 2)

That we know God (Vs. 3)

That we keep His word (vs. 6)

That He is glorified through us (vs. 10)

That we have His joy (vs. 13)

That we be sanctified by God’s word (vs. 17)

That we minister to others (vs. 18)

A desire to know and experience God more deeply

A desire to be deeply involved with and connected to His body—the church!

Now… let’s take a minutes and review what Christians (including us) have said throughout the years that contradicts Scripture:

The Contradictions to Authentic Christianity:

The Prosperity Gospel (get all you want)

The Moralistic Gospel (works based/be a good person)

The Therapeutic Gospel (self-help/emotional comfort)

The Relative or Subjective Gospel (God is what I want Him to be/New Age Spirituality)

The Activist Gospel (socialistic/greater good)

The Acceptance Gospel (Easy Believism/Universalism)

As a free-piece of information… False Gospels do two things within the church:

False Gospels do two things within the church:

False Gospels cause a lessening of love for Christ within the lives of those who are saved

False Gospels prevent the unconverted from finding salvation in Christ

False Gospels prevent the unconverted from finding salvation in Christ

Consequently, the church must actively work to avoid the contradictions and hypocrisy of the various false-gospels because of the various legitimate contradictions that Christians must embrace!!!

The Five-Solas of the Protestant Reformation vs. the Three-Legged Stool (Pillars) of the Catholic Church

By faith alone (sola fide), by Scripture alone (sola scriptura), by grace alone (sola gratia), in Christ alone (Solus Christus), and glory to God alone (soli deo gloria)

Scripture (what the Bible says), Tradition (historical understanding), and the Church (what the Pope says)

The Sound Doctrine of Biblical Christianity vs. the Various Off-shoot cults from Christianity

Mormonism

Jehovah’s Witnesses

Christian Science

The Call from God to Repent with All of One’s Being vs. Mere Verbal and Cognitive Affirmation of Christian Principles

Is salvation the result of saying a prayer and believing you are good with God?

Or.. is salvation the result of full embrace of the gospel to the point that the individual enters into a dynamic and life-altering relationship with Jesus Christ characterized by obedience, devotion, and holiness empowered by the Spirit of God through word of God?

as we can see...Some contradictions are legitimate (based upon the Bible) and some contradictions are illegitimate (unbiblical and hypocritical)

Protestantism vs. Catholicism

Reformed Theology vs. Non-reformed Theology

Denomination vs. Denomination

Local Church vs. Local Church

Reformed Theology vs. Non-reformed Theology

Biblical Counseling vs. Christian Counseling vs. Secular Counseling

KJV Bible vs. NIV Bible vs. The Message vs. All other translations!

Family Division

Personal Contradictions!!!!

Some of these contradictions are legitimate (based upon the Bible) and some of these contradictions are illegitimate (unBiblical)

Contradictions are a necessity—for how will we turn from sin without realizing it contradicts God’s commands?!!!

On the other hand, some contradictions are the result of hypocrisy and needlessly turn the world against Jesus Christ!!!

We must boldly embrace the consequences resulting from others rejecting us, persecuting us, and condemning us when we live in a manner that contradicts false beliefs, sin, and practices; however, we must avoid creating illegitimate contradictions (which involves hypocrisy).

The charge of Hypocrisy results from not doing what we tell others to do— and we must strive to avoid this at all cost!!!

To a point, hypocrisy is unavoidable; however, we must war against a lazy and insincere approach towards obedience:

Our dual natures (spirit and flesh) are VIOLENTLY opposed to each other!

We will still sin and live in contradiction to the word of God

We will obey and live in compliance to the word of God

We will obey and live in compliance to the word of God

However… as time progresses, we should ACTIVELY mature into the image of Christ for the world!

However… as time progresses, we should ACTIVELY mature into the image of Christ for the world!

When we fail, rather than excusing and ignoring our sin, we should openly confess our faults to those around us.

We tell others how we sinned, why we sinned, and how this misrepresents the Lord

We tell others how God graciously and mercifully works to redeem, discipline, restore, and reengage us IN SPITE OF OUR SIN

In turn, this combats the tendency for those around us to place the blame of our sins upon God!!!

We were sinners before the work of Christ in our lives

We still sin—even after tasting the salvation of God

We will live without sin ONLY when Christ collects us and plants us in heaven!

Therefore… the blame of sin ALWAYS lies with us—it is we who reject God and for momentary desires of the flesh!

AN OPEN AND HONEST REALIZATION OF OUR SIN, PAIRED WITH AN ERNEST AND VIGOROUS EFFORT TO RESIST SIN, WHILE ACTIVELY SEEKING THE LORD, AND HUMBLY ENTRUSTING OUR LIVES TO GOD RESULTS IN AN AUTHENTIC WITNESS THAT WOOS OTHERS TO CHRIST INSTEAD OF NEEDLESSLY OFFENDING THEM!

A HONEST WITNESS THAT OPENLY CONFESSES SIN, VIGOROUSLY RESISTS SIN, ACTIVELY PURSUES JOYFUL-FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD, AND HUMBLY INVITES OTHERS TO JOIN US RESULTS IN A CHRISTIANITY THAT WOOS OTHERS TO AN EVER-ENDEARING SAVIOR!

We are not the way—Jesus is

We are not the way—Jesus is

We are not the solution—Jesus is

We are not the marvelous one—Jesus is

We are not the powerful one—Jesus is

We are not the grieved

We are not the righteous one—Jesus is

We are not the one transgressed against—Jesus is

We are not the

We are the problem! We are the sinners who Jesus died for!

We are the problem!

However… when we heed the call of Christ—the same call Paul gives the Romans—our Great God redeems us and invites us to be part of the solution!

What should our response be?

Extreme gratitude and thanksgiving expressed in adoration for God’s mercy and grace!

A perpetual repentance from sin and towards God—never grow weary of running to God!

A brutal honesty and humility that identifies as a sinner in need of God’s grace to all around us!

A passionate and earnest plea for others to join us in the realization of God’s gifted grace and mercy!

The “Church” is filled with the unsaved!

What characteristics are definitive that someone is saved?

A thirst for God

A desire to dwell/abide in prayer

A desire to depart from sin

A desire to know and experience God more deeply

A desire to be deeply involved with and connected to His body—the church!

Joy

Peace

Patience

Kindness

Faithfulness

Gentleness

Self-control

A life that looks distinctly different from our culture

Our goals should be different

Our relationships should be different

Our morality should be different

Our love and care for others should be different

Our response to suffering/adversity should be different

The Prosperity Gospel (get all you want)

The Moralistic Gospel (works based/be a good person)

The Therapeutic Gospel (self-help/emotional comfort)

The Easy-Believism Gospel

The Relative or Subjective Gospel (God is what I want Him to be/New Age Spirituality)

The Moral

The Activist Gospel (socialistic/greater good)

The Acceptance Gospel (Easy Believeism/Unitarian)

False Gospels cause a lessening of love for Christ within the lives of those who are saved

False Gospels prevent the unconverted from finding salvation in Christ

Consequently, a church enamored with a false gospel and full of the unconverted is a very dangerous thing

This is why Paul warns the Roman church against believing the lies of the pagans (the unrighteous suppress the truth of God)

This is why Paul warns the Roman church against believing the incomplete truth of the Jews. (the law must be written on our hearts!)

A church mired in a false gospel is also a very poor witness of God!

The “Church” is a very poor witness of her God!

WHAT LEADS TO A BAD WITNESS?

You identify as a Christian.

You have an awareness of what God commands, instructs, and promises.

Having an awareness of God’s commandments

You presume to tell others how to live in relation to God.

Arrogantly instructing others

You live contradictory to what you proclaim to others!!!

Paul’s argument of Romans within the first two chapters:

Our goals (ambitions) in life should be different

Our handling of adversity should be different

Paul was commissioned by Christ to carry the gospel to the Gentiles

Our commitment to the truth of God’s word should be different

Paul rejoices to hear that the Roman church is advancing the Gospel

Our concern, compassion, and care for others should be different

Paul reminds the Gentiles that God pours His wrath out on all who sin

Paul reminds the Jews that God pours His wrath out on all who sin—even the Jews who have the law!

The things we find pleasure in should be different

Paul reminds the Roman church that the standard of judgment is Jesus Christ—and it is not the hearers of the law that are righteous but the doers.

Paul reminds the Roman church that others blaspheme God because of a duplicitous life by those who teach but don’t comply with their teaching.

Bearing this in mind… let’s read and take a look at Paul’s instructio