Hypocrites, I
Part 1 of a 2-part look at Matthew 23, in which Jesus condemns the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees.
Matthew 23:1-22
- Do as they say, and not as they do (v.3).
- They make devotion to God a burden (v. 4).
- Everything they do, they do with an eye to how other men will perceive them (v. 5).
- They love prominent seats at public events (v. 6).
- They love special titles and public recognition (v. 7).
- We should not desire or use such religious titles as Rabbi, Father, or Master. (v.8-10).
- Greatness is measured by our service, not our titles or public recognition (v. 11-12).
- Hypocrites don’t get saved and prevent others from being saved, too (v. 13).
- Hypocrites pretend to pray so that people will give them money (v. 14).
- Hypocrites work hard to gain followers who remain as unsaved as they themselves (v. 15).
- Hypocrites pretend that words are more true when attached to an oath. But no amount of swearing or oath-taking will change reality (v. 16-22).
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