god's people must lay aside hypocrisy (1 Peter 2:1-3)
Introduction:
1. Before we can partake of the "milk of the word" and grow, we must lay aside the activities listed in vs.1. 2. In our lesson we are concentrating on an activity that Jesus addressed many times during His ministry, especially in the Gospel of Matthew -- "hypocrisy." 3. In addition to pointing out the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders, Jesus warned His followers to avoid their mistakes. Discussion: I. LET US CONSIDER 3 PRINCIPLES THAT RELATE TO HYPOCRISY
A. First, Jesus is aware of it (Mark 12:15). B. Second, hypocrisy is an inward problem (Matthew 23:28). C. Third, eternal punishment is the destiny of hypocrites (Matthew 24:51). II. JESUS ASSOCIATED CERTAIN ACTIVITIES WITH HYPOCRISY:
A. participating in religious activities for the purpose of being seen of men, such as doing alms [benevolence] (Matthew 6:1-2), praying (Matthew 6:5), and fasting (Matthew 6:16) B. judging unfairly (Matthew 7:5) C. approaching the Lord with words while the heart is far removed (Matthew 15:7-9) D. tempting the Lord with a request for a sign (Matthew 16:1-4) E. tempting the Lord with the question about paying tribute (Matthew 22:18) F. preventing people from entering the kingdom (Matthew 23:13) G. taking advantage of people while praying (Matthew 23:14) H. false conversion (Matthew 23:15) I. obeying certain commandments while overlooking others (Matthew 23:23-24) J. cleaning the outside while neglecting the inside (Matthew 23:25-28) K. denying participation in the deeds of others (Matthew 23:29-33) L. criticizing the Lord for healing a woman on the Sabbath (Luke 13:14-16). Conclusion:
1. These passages indicate that Jesus detests hypocrisy, especially among religious leaders. 2. Let us heed: a. the Lord's warning in Luke 12:1 b. the instruction given in 1 Peter 2:1.
