1. What is a Hypocrite?

2. Accusation Against Christians
We must represent Christ (Phil. 2:15; Matt. 5:14)
Responsibility to help one another (Gal. 6:1)
We must be active workers in his kingdom
Body is built up by members (Eph. 2:21-22; 4:16)
Sinners who criticize Christians are hypocrites
“Judge not” (Matt. 7:1-5)

3. Behind the Word “Hypocrisy”
Greek word group:
hupokrisis (n.) = hypocrisy (7 throughout NT)
hupokrites (n.) = hypocrite (20 in gospels; 15 in Matt.)
sunupokrinomai (v.) = act hypocritically with (Gal. 3:12)
anupokritos (adj.) = without hypocrisy (6 throughout NT)
hupokrinomai (v.) = to pretend (Luke 20:20)
Evolution of meaning:
To answer
To act on stage in a play
Insult; one who pretends; “two-faced” (insincere)

4. Hypocrisy Condemned anupokritos = without hypocrisy; sincere
Sincere faith (I Tim. 1:5; II Tim. 1:5)
Sincere love (Rom. 12:9; II Cor. 6:6; II Peter 1:22)
For one another and for truth
Sincere wisdom from God (James 3:17)
Hypocrisy is unacceptable (Matt. 24:51)

5. Pharisees, Scribes, & Elders
Actors on a stage
Generosity (Matt. 6:1-4)
Prayer (Matt. 6:5-6)
Fasting (Matt. 6:16-18)
Expectations for others
Do as they say, not as they do (Matt. 23:1-4)
Profess law, obey traditions (Mark 7:1-13)
Demand honor, mistreat others (Mark 12:38-40)

6. Pharisees, Scribes, & Elders
Woe! Hypocrites!
Called “Teacher”, don’t serve (Matt. 23:5-12)
Convert, not to God (Matt. 23:13-15)
Swear, sometimes matters (Matt. 23:16-22)
Tithe, mistreat and disobey (Matt. 23:23-24)
Clean outside, dirty inside (Matt. 23:25-28)
Claim innocence, kill prophets (Matt. 23:29-36)
Interpret weather, ignore signs (Luke 12:54-56)
Judges with beams in their eyes (Matt. 7:1-5)

7. Summary Points A hypocrite is one who:
Holds others to a higher standard than self
Criticizes others but never examines self
Lifestyle defies beliefs and claims
Is insincere in faith and love

8. Mistakes Vs. Lifestyles
Peter & Barnabas (Gal. 2:11-14)
Acted hypocritically, a mistake
Repentance and restoration
Mistakes do not make hypocrites
Lifestyles make hypocrites
Jewish teachers (Rom. 2:17-24)
Not practicing what you preach = hypocrisy
Damages cause of Christ

9. Wisdom Without Hypocrisy
James 3:13-18
Pure
Peaceable
Gentle
Open to reason
Full of mercy and good fruits
Impartial
Sincere (without hypocrisy)
Demonstrate this in our lives