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The Life of Jesus (28)

A study of hypocrisy in Matthew 23, focusing on the actions and motives of the scribes and Pharisees. Examines their neglect of weightier matters, distortions of God's laws, and self-deception. Explores the importance of aligning actions with true motives.

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The Life of Jesus (28)

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  1. The Life of Jesus (28) Matthew 23

  2. A Study of Hypocrisy (3) Matthew 23

  3. Previously • What is a hypocrite? From Greek word ὑποκριτής (hypokrites) • One who pretends to be other than he really is. Descriptive of an actor (wearing a mask) • Matthew 23:2-4

  4. In our last lesson: • Matthew 23:2-4 "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, a lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” (NKJV) Hypocrisy

  5. Previously: • Matt. 23:5-12 They loved places of honor, titles, etc. • 23:13-15 – They shut up the kingdom of heaven • 23:14 – they exploited the poor • 23:14 – hypocritical prayers • 23:15-22 – taught acceptable deceit

  6. The Anatomy of a Hypocrite • 23:23-24 – They tithed seeds and spices, but neglected weightier matters • A distorted view of God’s laws – works without faith! 2 Cor. 10:12 • Strain a gnat, swallow a camel

  7. The Anatomy of a Hypocrite • 23:23-24 – Neglected “weightier matters” • Motives that governed their actions - Justice, mercy and faith

  8. The Anatomy of a Hypocrite • 23:23-24 – Neglected “weightier matters” • Justice (fairness in judgment ) doing right without partiality They devoured widows houses, prejudice, double standards, etc.

  9. The Anatomy of a Hypocrite • 23:23-24 – Neglected “weightier matters” • Mercy – compassion, forgiving, kindThey devoured widows houses, prejudice, double standards, etc. Matt. 9:13, Jas. 2:13

  10. The Anatomy of a Hypocrite • 23:23-24 – Neglected “weightier matters” • Faith – faithfulness, honest They devoured widows houses, they taught lying, etc. Gal. 5:22, Rev. 2:10, 2 Tim. 2:2

  11. The Anatomy of a Hypocrite • 23:23-24 – “Weightier matters” • Motives & attitude ARE just as important as actions! • Sacrifices - Amos 5:21-24, 1 Sam. 15:22, Psa. 51:16-17

  12. The Anatomy of a Hypocrite • 23:23-24 – “Weightier matters” • Motives govern OURconduct!Cf. Matt. 22:34-39, 1 Tim. 1:5, Jas. 2:14-17, 1 Cor. 13:1-7, 9:19-23

  13. The Anatomy of a Hypocrite • 23:23-24 “Weightier matters” • Does getting the little things right justify neglecting “weightier matters”? NO! The context! • Do we sometimes justify ourselves with this principle? Luke 17:10

  14. The Anatomy of a Hypocrite • 23:23-24 “Weightier matters” • Does motive nullify proper actions? • NO! Proper motives “motivate” us to do the right thing.

  15. The Anatomy of a Hypocrite • 23:23-24 “Weightier matters” • Does “weightier matters” mean at times we can set aside God’s instructions? • What about exceptions? (Lk. 14:5, 6:3-5)Such involve extraordinary circumstances! Unplanned, temporary, etc.

  16. The Anatomy of a Hypocrite • 23:23-24 “Weightier matters” • Does “weightier matters” mean at times we can set aside God’s instructions? • Is Jesus dealing with exceptions? NO! He is exposing failure! If we are seeking to get out of “the little details” we do NOT understand “weightier matters”!

  17. The Anatomy of a Hypocrite • 23:23-24 “Weightier matters” • Consider Luke 16:10, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much…”

  18. The Anatomy of a Hypocrite • 23:25-28 – Superficial righteousness • Application of previous verses • Another description of what hypocrisy is – outward appearance inconsistent with inward motives – dirty cups and whitewashed tombs.

  19. The Anatomy of a Hypocrite • 23:25-28 – Superficial righteousness • NOTE: You CANNOT hide from God! Heb. 4:13 • Our service must be inwardly motivated – 2 Tim. 3:5, 1 Tim. 1:5

  20. The Anatomy of a Hypocrite • 23:29-33 – They appeared to be religious & righteous – self-deceived • Honored the prophets and claimed they would not have killed them • Jesus notes they would do the very same thing – beginning with Him

  21. The Anatomy of a Hypocrite • 23:29-33 – They appeared to be religious & righteous – self-deceived • The result would be their condemnation! And they had no excuse! John 15:22

  22. The Anatomy of a Hypocrite • 23:29-33 – They appeared to be religious & righteous – self-deceived • It is NOT enough to be religious Jas. 1:27, Matt. 7:21-23 • Guard against arrogance – 1 Cor. 10:12, Rom. 11:20

  23. Is our conduct consistent with our motives? 2 Cor. 13:5

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