Bible Study Outlines

[Editors Note: The author of the daily devotions did not create devotions for the 5th Sunday after Epiphany week, for the next seven days we will providing a selection of Bible Study Outlines for your daily reading and edification. We will resume with the daily devotions on Sunday 2/12]

HYPOCRISY

I. It is hypocrisy when a person appears different than he actually is; when he says something else than he actually means; when he is friendly in word, but false in his heart.

A. The hypocrite judges others and yet commits the sin himself. Romans 2:1,21-22; Luke 6:41-42.

II. Hypocrisy is so much the worse when a person misuses God’s Word and Name to cover up his ungodly life; when he has God’s Word in his mouth, but not in his heart. Matthew 7:21; Matthew 15:8; Psalm 50:16-17; Titus 1:16; 2 Timothy 3:5.

A. There are various types of hypocrisy. Examples—

1. When a Christian thoughtlessly sings and prays.

2. When a person belongs to a church merely in order to get more customers for his business.

B. Description of a hypocrite.

He can use loving words, but his heart is not sincere.
He wants to be known as a Christian but does not want to follow Christ and His Word.
He goes to church, but lives in secret sin.
He uses the Means of Grace, but not for the purpose which God has intended them.

C. Hypocrisy is especially a grave danger for—

Pastors. Why is this?
Older congregations. Their orthodox confession and church life often become a mere outward formality.

III. Examples of hypocrisy.

A. Saul (1 Samuel 15:13), David (2 Samuel 12: 5), Absalom (2 Samuel 15:7), Ahaz (Isaiah 7:12) Pharisees (Matthew 23; Mark 12:38-40) Herod (Matt. 2:8), Judas (John 12: 5; Luke 22:47), Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11), the church in Sardis (Revelation 3:1).

B. Discuss how many people today are quick to condemn something which is a matter of Christian liberty, while at the same time they will overlook such obvious sins as belonging to an unchristian organization or association.

IV. In the visible Church, true believers and hypocrites are mingled together. Matthew 13:47-48; Matthew 25:1-2; Matthew 22:2,11. Strictly speaking, the hypocrites are not really members of the Church.

V. Why is it often very difficult to distinguish between a Christian and a hypocrite? 1 Samuel 16:7.

VI.Why should we diligently avoid all hypocrisy? Because—

A. It is forbidden by God. 1 Peter 2:1.

B. It is displeasing to God. Isaiah 1:11-15; Jeremiah 14:12.

C. It is such a grievous sin before God and man. Psalm 5:7; Proverbs 6:16-17; Proverbs 12:22; Proverbs 19:5; Psalm 26:4-5.

D. It is utter foolishness. Hebrews 4:13; 2 Timothy 2:19.

E. It has evil consequences for the hypocrite himself as well as the congregation. Matthew 27:3-5; Joshua 7; 2 Samuel 12:14; 1 Samuel 2:17,23-24; Ezekiel 36:20; Romans 2:23-24. Explain how a hypocrite often reveals his hypocrisy when hardships must be endured in order to abide by the pure Word of God!

F. It is severely punished. Matthew 23; Matthew 7:23; Acts 5:5,10.

VII. Let us examine our hearts—

A. To see if we are really in the faith. Psalm 139:23-24; 2 Corinthians 13:5.

B. To see if we daily fight against this detestable sin which still clings to the sinful flesh of the Christian. 1 Peter 2:1; Hymn 416 (TLH).