Christian Living
Avoiding Religious Hypocrisy
Hi Faith-writers, I thank God once again for allowing me the opportunity to share HIS Word with HIS people. We are going to continue on the topic of Hypocrisy. Jesus clearly taught His disciples and the crowds to Avoid Religious Hypocrisy. We are going to look at what Jesus said and see how we can Avoid Religious Hypocrisy.
Religion is Unpractical (Let’s Avoid Theoretical Preachers and Teachers)
The first thing that Jesus mentioned about “Avoiding Religious Hypocrisy”, was the failure of the Religious leaders who lacked the practical application of the Word of God.
I’ve seen many Ministers preach or teach some Theoretical Sermon on a number of topics and never give a Biblical examples in the Old and New Testament of the topic they’re sharing, nor do they share a Testimony of how God used that Scripture promise or example in their lives to enable them to have the Victory God intended for them to experience.
In Matthew 23:1-3 ESV; Jesus spoke about Religious Hypocrisy and how to avoid it!
Jesus said to the crowds and to His disciples, (v. 1)
“The Scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, (v. 2)
So do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. (v. 3)
We see then that Jesus spoke to the crowds and His disciples about the Religious Hypocritical lifestyle the Scribes and Pharisees exercised. They preach about it—but fail to be about it themselves. They are Unpractical in their service toward God.
Religion adds more to God’s Word
Religious Hypocrisy adds more rules and regulations God never intended for us to have. Jesus said;
They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. (Matthew 23:4 ESV)
Notice that Jesus said, they sit in Moses’ seat. In other words, they preach the Old Testament so consider what the Old Testament is saying when it comes to the believers walk of faith—and apply yourselves in accordance with what Moses is saying, but don’t do what they do. (Matt. 23:3 ESV)
When we listen to any Minister preach or teach we must search the Scriptures to see if what they are saying is true and it lines up with Christian living. (See, Acts 17:11 ESV) Then we must carefully observe—that means, consider deeply by meditation and prayer so we can make the appropriate assessment and application of those passages of Scripture. A Preacher who just quotes Scripture but never shares His testimony along with those Scriptures he or she is sharing is a Religious Theoretical Hypocrite.
Theology in itself doesn’t Save or Deliver people—Powerful testimony that parallels to the Word of God on how we can appropriate the Promises and experience the Blessings of God is what will radically change people’s lives.
Religion is just a show (Let’s Avoid the Show-boaters)
Jesus said some heavy stuff when it came to revealing the Truth about the Religious leaders.
* They do all their deeds to be seen by others (Matt. 23:5 ESV)
* And they love the place of honor at feasts (Matt. 23:6 ESV)
* And the best seats in the Synagogues (Matt. 23:6 ESV)
* And greetings in the market places (Matt. 23:7 ESV)
* And being called rabbi (teacher) by others (Matt. 23:7 ESV)
In Matthew chapter 6, verses 1 thru 7; Jesus taught about Hypocrisy. He explained the Hypocrisy in Giving, Prayer and Fasting that were currently being practiced in that time—as well as, it is being practiced today. Again, most of what Jesus described in Matthew chapter 6, was all done by the Scribes and Pharisees to be seen by others. Jesus said they have their reward. And that is, God is not hearing them nor rewarding them with Blessings from Heaven. All they get is praise from ignorant people who idolize them.
Religion Love Titles (Let’s Avoid the Labels and Titles we have)
I would like to focus on Matthew 23:7-11 ESV; Jesus said;
And being called rabbi (Teacher) by others (Matt. 23:7b ESV)
But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. (Matt. 23:8 ESV)
And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father (God), who is in heaven. (Matt.23:9 ESV)
Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. (Matt. 23:10 ESV)
Pausing here for a moment, we see that God and Jesus has a problem with people having titles or labels of great significance. Why? Because arrogance sets into the heart of those who continue to be acknowledged as some great teacher, instructor or father.
Yes, the Apostle Paul used the term father when he was addressing the issues in the Corinthian Church by saying, they’re his spiritual children and he their father figure (1 Corinthians 4:14-15 ESV). But notice how he said it in verse 15 NKJV;
For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel. (1 Corinthians 4:15 NKJV)
The point is, Paul pointed out that it was thru Jesus that he became a father figure because they were Saved (Born-again) thru the Ministry Jesus entrusted to Paul. This is different from Paul being pumped up by compliments that people gave him—as people gave compliments and paid homage to the Religious order.
I’ve been brought up Catholic, so we had to call the priest, father. Over the years as I would find myself in some Churches, we were told to call the Reverend, Pastor or Bishop. As I became Born-again I don’t call these men father, Reverend, Pastor, or Bishop. I say Man of God, or brother. Out of respect for Jesus’ instruction about calling leaders in (Matthew 23:8-10 ESV).
I fear God—not people. So the more I learn Scripture about the proper practice of Christianity. I follow suit. If a Pastor takes offense—Oh well! Jesus said it! So take up with Him!
The sole purpose of Jesus giving us these principles to live by as Christians is so we may remain humble.
Jesus said, the greatest among you shall be your servant. (Matthew 23:11 ESV) (This is for Ministers to consider and apply)
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:12 ESV) Here’s a warning and a Promise of Blessing for everyone to consider. Especially leaders. Do you want to be BLESS? Then humble yourself and avoid the labels and Titles. Do you want to be humiliated by God? Keep up with the titles and labels that you demand to be called by—you will be humbled, embarrassed and toss to the ground. (I’m speaking to Ministers!!!)
I have been Bless with many gifts and titles. But I tell everyone to call me Manny. Stay humble and you will be exalted. Be Religious and you will be humiliated. It’s that simple.
So let’s avoid being Religious Hypocrites and begin to apply what Jesus is clearly teaching us here in (Matthew 23:1-11 ESV). In the next article we will discuss more about Avoiding Religious Hypocrisy. May God Bless you with revelation about this topic so you won’t fall into the same condemnation that the Scribes and Pharisees fell into. Amen
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