Some Characteristics of Hypocrites
by: Matt Allen
Matt.
7:1‑5
FILING
INFORMATION:
1996006
1/28/96
- Brownsburg, IN
I. Introduction.
A. In Matthew 7:1‑5, Jesus Teaches a
lesson about finding fault with one another.
1. Jesus is not teaching here one has to
be perfect before he can correct the faults of others.
2. If so, corrections could never be made.
a. We know man at his best, is still
sinful.
b. 1 John 1:8‑9
3. Neither is Jesus teaching us to look at
the merits of people who we would help.
a. If so, we couldn't apply Mt. 7:16.
B. Jesus aimed this lesson toward the
hypocritical, fault finder.
1. He uses satire in characterizing this
sin by using the word mote (Which means "speck") and the word beam
(which means log)
C. In this lesson, we are going to
determine:
1. The attributes or characteristics of a
hypocrite.
2. What "hypocrites" can do
about their sin.
3. What those who are the target of
hypocrites should do.
4. Try to make application to our lives.
II. The Attributes of a Hypocrite.
A. Jesus called the fault finder a
hypocrite.
1. Mt. 7:5
B. The Hypocrite is self‑righteous.
1. He can see at a distance the mistakes
of others, but not his own up close.
2. e.g., David in 2 Sam. 12:1‑7.
a. Condemned himself by his own words.
b. Didn't realize that Nathan's parable
was pertaining to him.
3. We see many who are in power today
abuse their power. Quick to
criticize others while they do the same thing.
a. As a preacher, teacher, and a
Christian, I have to be especially careful. All Christians should be careful.
b. We will be held accountable for our own
actions.
4. What about when caught in a wrong with
something and we try to "white wash" our wrong by saying, "I'm
not as bad as he is.."
a. Rather, we are responsible for our own
actions ALONE.
1. Gal. 6:5 ‑ for each shall bear
his own load.
2..
The result of sin in James 1:14‑15
b. God will not judge us by the actions of
others, but by how we have lived according to His word!
1. 1 Cor. 10:12 would apply here.
C. A hypocrite is motivated by envy.
1. Those who are hypocrites are discontent
with the good fortune of others and seek to destroy a good name or reputation.
a. Read 7:3 of Matt.
b. e.g., Cain & Abel. Gen 4:4‑8
1. Cains offering was not acceptable.
2. Abel's was. Cain killed Abel because of his envy of the goodness of
Abel.
3. Penalty: Gen. 4:11‑15.
c. e.g, #2 ‑ Korah, Dathan, &
Abiram in Numbers 16:3
1. were jealous of the position of Moses
& Aaron.
2. were swallowed up by the earth with
their entire families as a result.
2. Is envy a Characteristic of a
Christian?
a. answer = NO!
b. but many Christians act as if it were ‑
or don't care if it isn't.
1. Envy other brethren by trying to bring
them down by every little thing someone does that is wrong.
2. Become just like the Pharisees in Matt.
7:1‑5
3. Envy is a work of the flesh.
a. Gal. 5:19‑21
1. Those who practice such things will not
inherit the kingdom of God.
2. Let's examine our lives to make sure we
aren't guilty of this.
D. The hypocrite hurts himself more than
anyone.
1. Hypocrite is blind to his own faults.
a. chances for improvement are sin because
he sees no need in improvement.
2. A hypocrite ignores 1 Cor. 10:12.
a.
Christian example goes out the window.
b. why should people want to follow in the
example of someone who is a hypocrite?
3. A tree is known by it's fruits.
a.
Luke 7:43‑45.
b. People will know one by their actions,
not by what they want others to think.
E. The hypocrite refuses to see the
virtues in others.
1. He is always looking for the bad.
2. Jesus deplored this attitude in the
Pharisees.
a. Mt. 9:9‑13
3. Because of this, hypocrites do not have
very many friends.
III. What Hypocrites can do About their sin.
A. The one who has been guilty of this sin
and is trying to overcome it needs to be conscious of it's sinfulness.
1. We have already discussed how if one
continues in it what will happen.
2. It is a work of the flesh.
3. As long as one continues in it, they
are separated from God.
a. Sin is a separation from God.
b. 1 Jn. 1:9
B. Look for the good in others ‑ not
the bad.
1. Have a loving spirit.
a. envy is not loving.
b. 1 Cor. 13:4
2. Remember the example of Paul.
a. Phil. 2:16‑18
b. Even though there were those who were
trying to tear him down ‑ he rejoiced.
1. Do we always do the same?
3. Remember Jesus looked at the good of a
man.
a. Remember the example in Mt. 9:9‑13?
1. Ate with people of questionable
reputation, according to those of the day.
IV. What Those Who are the Target of
Hypocrites Should do.
A. May take comfort in the fact that Jesus
dealt with the problem.
1. John 13:16
a. a servant is not greater than his
master.
b.
the hypocrite is NO better off than you. God is the judge. Worry
about what God says. Do the Lord's
will to the best of your ability.
B. Examine What he has to say ‑ and
make corrections where necessary.
1. Approach the hypocrite with a spirit of
love.
2. Remember Paul's example in Phil. 2
3. "Heap coals of fire upon his
head" if you do it in this manner.
V. Let's make application in our lives.
A. We need to work harder to see mistakes
in our lives.
1. Let's start cleaning our lives up
before we go out and start on others.
2. Yes, the bible teaches us to reprove
sin.
a. Eph. 5:11
b. But we must not be the type of person
who finds fault everywhere.
c. When we are continually finding fault
in people's lives, we are not following in the example of Jesus.
B. Are you a hypocrite?
1. You are if you are in a life of sin and
profess to do what is right.
2. You are if you have already been saved,
but have turned away from the Lord ‑ and still claim you're a Christian.
3. This is not pleasing to the Lord. Why
not come forward today and correct things with the Lord? b. If you aren't a Christian, then why not get out of sin and
become a Christian? Don't be a hypocrite. Get out of sin while you still have the chance.