1. MATTHEW 23:1-12 The Disguise of Hypocrisy

2. Jesus warns the gathered crowd to follow the words of the Religious leaders but do not follow their actions. They were: Hypocritical, Legalists, Prideful, Arrogant, Judgmental, Greedy, Biased, and Oppressive

3. The Disguise of Hypocrisy If we say the right things but do the wrong things, we discredit our words. If we do the right things but say the wrong things, we discredit our actions. Jesus is looking for people who will say and do what is right.

4. The Disguise of Hypocrisy Misconception One: God will love us more if we do more. Truth: There is not a single thing we can do to cause God to love us more than God loves us right now. 1 John 4:19 tells us, “We love because He first loved us.”

5. The Disguise of Hypocrisy Misconception Two: It is more Christian to work than to play. Truth: The truest test of our faith is our capacity to laugh, to treasure life and to celebrate God’s goodness. James 1:17 tells us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

6. The Disguise of Hypocrisy Misconception Three: We can’t make any mistakes because the world is watching our witness. Truth: It is a mistake to think that we will not make any mistakes and presumptuous to think that the world is interested in our lives. 1 John 4:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

7. The Disguise of Hypocrisy Misconception Four: We are the only Bible some will ever read. Truth: God is at work in the world. Though it is true God can do great things through us and He wants us to join Him in reconciling the world, it is also true God can do great things without us. God is not limited by us. We are limited without God. Acts 4:12 tells us, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

8. The Disguise of Hypocrisy Misconception Five: Morality is the heart of the Christian message. Truth: Grace is the heart of heart of the Christian message. Morality follows. Ephesians 2:8-10 tells us, “For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith --and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

9. The Disguise of Hypocrisy Misconception Six: On our deathbed, we will be sorry we did not accomplish more. Truth: On our deathbed, we will probably be sorry we did not love more lavishly, and enjoy life more fully. John 10:10 Jesus says, “The thief comes only to kill and steal and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

10. The Disguise of Hypocrisy Misconception Seven: Life is grim business and we must treat it seriously. Truth: Life is a holy gift full of exciting possibilities and we must live in constant gratitude for it. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

11. The Disguise of Hypocrisy Misconception Eight: We will always have time to do what is right. Truth: We have today and no guarantee of tomorrow. 2 Corinthians 6:2 Paul writes, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

12. The Disguise of Hypocrisy Do you know Jesus today? If so, how are we sharing Jesus with others?