THE DANGER OF HYPOCRISY AND PRETENSION By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Matthew 23:27-28 - "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."
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Introduction
Hypocrisy is one of the most dangerous spiritual conditions that can plague a believer or a religious leader. It is a state of pretending to be righteous while harboring evil motives and sinful practices. The Bible consistently warns against hypocrisy, and Jesus Himself repeatedly rebuked the Pharisees for their outward displays of holiness while their hearts were far from God. Hypocrisy is not merely a deception towards others but a self-deception that leads to eternal destruction. In this study, we will examine the characteristics of hypocrisy, its dangers, and how to avoid falling into its traps.
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THE CHARACTERISTICS OF HYPOCRITES
Matthew 15:7-8 - "You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.’"
Hypocrites are known for their ability to put on a false appearance of holiness while living in disobedience to God. They are pretenders who seek recognition and admiration rather than true righteousness. Their characteristics include:
• They perform religious acts for show rather than for true worship.
• They demand righteousness from others but do not practice it themselves.
• They seek human approval instead of divine approval.
• They manipulate and deceive to maintain their position and influence.
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THE DANGER OF HYPOCRISY
Luke 12:1 - "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy."
Hypocrisy is a spiritual disease that blinds individuals to their own sins. It is a condition that leads to judgment and destruction. The dangers of hypocrisy include:
• It leads people away from true repentance.
• It poisons the spiritual atmosphere, leading others astray.
• It invites divine judgment because God sees beyond appearances.
• It hinders the work of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life.
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THE END OF HYPOCRITES
Matthew 23:33 - "You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?"
Hypocrisy leads to destruction both in this life and in eternity. Those who continue in hypocrisy without repentance will face the full weight of God’s judgment.
• Hypocrites experience downfall and exposure in due time.
• Their deception eventually crumbles, leaving them in disgrace.
• In eternity, they face eternal separation from God in hell.
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HOW TO OVERCOME HYPOCRISY
James 1:22 - "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
To overcome hypocrisy, one must cultivate a heart of sincerity and truth before God. This includes:
• Examining one's heart daily in the light of God's Word.
• Seeking God’s approval rather than human praise.
• Practicing humility and repentance.
• Allowing the Holy Spirit to transform the inner man.
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SUMMARY
Hypocrisy is a dangerous spiritual condition that affects both individuals and the church. It deceives, corrupts, and ultimately leads to divine judgment. Jesus Christ strongly condemned hypocrisy, and we must strive to live in truth and sincerity before God. The true believer is called to a life of integrity, genuine worship, and faithful obedience to God’s Word.
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CONCLUSION
God desires His people to walk in truth and sincerity. He does not delight in outward displays of righteousness but in a heart that is genuinely devoted to Him. Those who continue in hypocrisy will face judgment, but those who choose to repent and walk in truth will receive His grace and mercy.
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CALL TO ACTION
Now is the time to examine your heart and ensure that you are walking in sincerity before God. Do not be deceived by external appearances or the praise of men. Seek the approval of God, walk in His ways, and reject all forms of hypocrisy.
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FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Proverbs 28:13 - "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy."
God’s mercy is available to all who repent and turn to Him in sincerity. If you have struggled with hypocrisy, take this opportunity to seek God's forgiveness and walk in His truth. His grace is sufficient to cleanse, renew, and restore you.
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PRAYER OF SALVATION
Heavenly Father, I come before You in humility, acknowledging that I have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. I repent of all hypocrisy and pretension in my life. I ask for Your forgiveness and cleansing through the blood of Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus, I surrender my life to You. Come into my heart, be my Lord and Savior, and help me to walk in truth and righteousness. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may live a life that pleases You. Thank You for Your love, mercy, and salvation. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
