Losing God's Perspective

Scriptural Text: Isaiah 58:1-7

There is no worse epithet to apply to a Christian than hypocrite

Chapter 58 is addressed specifically to those who used strict adherence to the ritual of fasting as proof of their piety."

What is piety? A person who shows great devotion to God through religious observance is said to be “pious.”

Paul does not forbid you to use rites and ceremonies, but it is not his wish that he who is free in Christ should be bound by them. He does not condemn the law of works if only one uses it lawfully. Without these things perhaps you will not be pious; but they do not make you pious. Desiderius Erasmus

Isaiah 58: Message to the Hypocrites: Guilty of Deceptive, and Phony Behavior

From our text: Fasting as empty ritual is condemned, and depict as a superficial religion

The deceptive behavior of religious hypocrites (vv. 1-5)

a. The phony behavior they flaunt

1) They seek God daily: Are pious

2) They seem eager to learn God’s ways, His Word

3) They pray for guidance, for right decisions

4) They worship, seek God

b. The actual day-to-day behavior they conceal

1) They complain to God that He has not noticed their fasting or prayer: Has not met their needs or blessed them

2) They live selfishly

3) They exploit people

4) They are divisive, arguing & fighting: Right after fasting or leaving worship

5) They expect God to bless them despite their wicked behavior

6) They wrongly think the Lord will accept their religious behavior

God says that some hypocrites can even make the following four claims:

⇒ They seek God daily; that is, they have a daily devotional or worship time, either in their home or worship center (v. 2).

⇒ They are eager to learn God’s ways, to study His Word so they will know how to live righteous lives and please the Lord.

⇒ They pray for guidance, seeking to make right and just decisions in their behavior toward others.

⇒ They worship and seek the Lord on a regular basis throughout the day, drawing near to Him in fellowship and communion.

However, God demands a personal relationship with and obedience from His true followers( Matthew 15:7–9; 23:28; Mark 7:6; Luke 6:46)

Matthew 15:7–9 (ESV) 7You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: 8“ ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; 9in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”

Matthew 23:28 (ESV) 28So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Mark 7:6 (ESV) 6And 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;

Luke 6:46 (ESV) 46“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?

Religion or church membership is not a substitute for a personal relationship with the Lord.

Seeking God daily, being eager to learn His Word, praying, and drawing near to the Lord throughout the day are all necessary to maintain a strong spiritual life and relationship with the Lord. But engaging in these worshipful activities while neglecting to behave righteously is hypocritical.

The specific behavior demanded by God (vv. 5b-7)

a. To be humble before God

2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV) 10For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

Psalm 34:18 (ESV) 18The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

b. To bow one’s head: Pray

Matthew 26:41 (ESV) 41Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

John 16:24 (ESV) 24Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV) 17pray without ceasing,

c. To obey the Lord: Make every day acceptable to God

John 14:21 (ESV) 21Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”

John 14:23 (ESV) 23Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

d. To be just & fair to all

1) Bring an end to the stream of injustice

2) Set the oppressed free

Matthew 7:12 (ESV) 12“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 22:39 (ESV) 39And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

John 15:12 (ESV) 12“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

Colossians 3:12 (ESV) 12Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

e. To minister to the needy, Ga. 6:10

Galatians 6:10 (ESV) So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

1) Must provide food, shelter, & clothing

2) Must not turn away from a family member who genuinely needs help