Warning! You are about to see men as God does

Warning! You are about to see men as Warning! You are about to see men as God doesGod does


Men without the influence of God’s word Men without the influence of God’s word are wicked. are wicked. (Jer 9:9; 14:14; 17:9)(Jer 9:9; 14:14; 17:9)



Jeremiah 9:9 (NKJV) Jeremiah 9:9 (NKJV) - - Shall I not Shall I not punish them for these punish them for these things?things?” says the ” says the Lord. “Shall I not avenge Myself on such a Lord. “Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?”nation as this?”



Jeremiah 14:14 (NKJV)Jeremiah 14:14 (NKJV) - And the Lord - And the Lord said to me, “The prophets prophesy lies in said to me, “The prophets prophesy lies in My name. I have not sent them, My name. I have not sent them, commanded them, nor spoken to them; they commanded them, nor spoken to them; they prophesy to you a false vision, divination, a prophesy to you a false vision, divination, a worthless thing, and the deceit of their worthless thing, and the deceit of their heart. heart.



Jeremiah 17:9 (NKJV) Jeremiah 17:9 (NKJV) - “The heart - “The heart isis deceitful above all deceitful above all things, things, And desperately And desperately wicked; Who can know it?wicked; Who can know it?



When you life is based on the flesh you will When you life is based on the flesh you will take “short cuts.”take “short cuts.”




If “religion” has an earthly advantage then If “religion” has an earthly advantage then you will do that for a while.you will do that for a while.





If a man does not trust God then dishonesty If a man does not trust God then dishonesty “makes sense.”“makes sense.”





If a man does not trust God then dishonesty If a man does not trust God then dishonesty “makes sense.”“makes sense.”

We need to see the true nature of a living We need to see the true nature of a living God. God. (Heb 4:12-13)(Heb 4:12-13)



Hebrews 4:12-13 (NKJV)Hebrews 4:12-13 (NKJV) - For the word of - For the word of God God isis living and powerful, and sharper than living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13And there is no creature intents of the heart. 13And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things hidden from His sight, but all things areare naked naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must must givegive account. account.



If someone walks in and everything that If someone walks in and everything that you are doing is seen then there is no point you are doing is seen then there is no point denying it. Right? denying it. Right?



If someone walks in and everything that If someone walks in and everything that you are doing is seen then there is no point you are doing is seen then there is no point denying it. Right? denying it. Right?

The real issue is do we know God? Men The real issue is do we know God? Men approach their “god” that cannot see.approach their “god” that cannot see.

Ezekiel meets the Elders of God’s people and then Ezekiel meets the Elders of God’s people and then meets the living God (8:1-5)meets the living God (8:1-5)


The Elders of Israel represented the The Elders of Israel represented the spiritual Shepard of God’s people. spiritual Shepard of God’s people. (8:1)(8:1)



Ezekiel 8:1 (NKJV)Ezekiel 8:1 (NKJV) - And it came to pass - And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth in the sixth year, in the sixth month,month, on the on the fifth fifth dayday of the month, as I sat in my house of the month, as I sat in my house with the elders of Judah sitting before me, with the elders of Judah sitting before me, that the hand of the Lord GOD fell upon me that the hand of the Lord GOD fell upon me there.there.



They looked and dressed like good men. They looked and dressed like good men. Ezekiel is about to see as God does.Ezekiel is about to see as God does.



They looked and dressed like good men. They looked and dressed like good men. Ezekiel is about to see as God does.Ezekiel is about to see as God does.

Jesus knew men for who they really were. Jesus knew men for who they really were. ((Jn 2:23-24)Jn 2:23-24)



John 2:23-24 (NKJV)John 2:23-24 (NKJV) - Now when He - Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. 24 But Jesus saw the signs which He did. 24 But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all He knew all men,men,



What is a hypocrite? hupokrites 1) one who What is a hypocrite? hupokrites 1) one who answers, an interpreter b) an actor, stage answers, an interpreter b) an actor, stage player 3) a dissembler, pretender, player 3) a dissembler, pretender, hypocrite.hypocrite.



Dishonesty is the foundation of the Dishonesty is the foundation of the hypocrite’s character.hypocrite’s character.



Dishonesty is the foundation of the Dishonesty is the foundation of the hypocrite’s character.hypocrite’s character.

Ezekiel comes into the presence of God. Ezekiel comes into the presence of God. (8:2-5)(8:2-5)



Ezekiel 8:2-6 (NKJV)Ezekiel 8:2-6 (NKJV) - Then I looked, - Then I looked, and there was a likeness, like the and there was a likeness, like the appearance of fire—from the appearance of appearance of fire—from the appearance of His waist and downward, fire; and from His His waist and downward, fire; and from His waist and upward, like the appearance of waist and upward, like the appearance of brightness, like the color of amber. brightness, like the color of amber.



3 He stretched out the form of a hand, and took 3 He stretched out the form of a hand, and took me by a lock of my hair; and the Spirit lifted me by a lock of my hair; and the Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven, and brought me up between earth and heaven, and brought me in visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door me in visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the north gate of the inner of the north gate of the inner court,court, where the where the seat of the image of jealousy seat of the image of jealousy was,was, which which provokes to jealousy. 4 And behold, the glory provokes to jealousy. 4 And behold, the glory of the God of Israel of the God of Israel waswas there, like the vision there, like the vision that I saw in the plain.that I saw in the plain.



5 Then He said to me, “Son of man, lift 5 Then He said to me, “Son of man, lift your eyes now toward the north.” So I lifted your eyes now toward the north.” So I lifted my eyes toward the north, and there, north my eyes toward the north, and there, north of the altar gate, was this image of jealousy of the altar gate, was this image of jealousy in the entrance.in the entrance.



God wants us to know His nature. Our God God wants us to know His nature. Our God is fire and light!is fire and light!



God wants us to know His nature. Our God God wants us to know His nature. Our God is fire and light!is fire and light!

No sin is in Him or can abide in His No sin is in Him or can abide in His presence. presence. (1 Jn 1:5-6)(1 Jn 1:5-6)



1 John 1:5-6 (NKJV) 1 John 1:5-6 (NKJV) - This is the - This is the message which we have heard from Him message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.truth.



God now allows Ezekiel to bear a burden, God now allows Ezekiel to bear a burden, he will now see these men as God does! he will now see these men as God does!



God now allows Ezekiel to bear a burden, God now allows Ezekiel to bear a burden, he will now see these men as God does! he will now see these men as God does!

Ezekiel sees their works in contrast to the Ezekiel sees their works in contrast to the glory of God. glory of God.



He is brought to the temple and sees some He is brought to the temple and sees some incredible scenes. incredible scenes.




An idol, “the image of jealousy An idol, “the image of jealousy was,was, which which provokes to jealousy’ was there.provokes to jealousy’ was there.




An idol, “the image of jealousy An idol, “the image of jealousy was,was, which which provokes to jealousy’ was there.provokes to jealousy’ was there.

What if these men had known the living What if these men had known the living God? God? (Ezek 16:38; 23:25)(Ezek 16:38; 23:25)



Ezekiel 16:38 (NKJV)Ezekiel 16:38 (NKJV) - And I will judge - And I will judge you as women who break wedlock or shed you as women who break wedlock or shed blood are judged; I will bring blood upon blood are judged; I will bring blood upon you in fury and jealousy. you in fury and jealousy.



Ezekiel 23:25 (NKJV)Ezekiel 23:25 (NKJV) - I will set My - I will set My jealousy against you, And they shall deal jealousy against you, And they shall deal furiously with you; They shall remove your furiously with you; They shall remove your nose and your ears, And your remnant shall nose and your ears, And your remnant shall fall by the sword; They shall take your sons fall by the sword; They shall take your sons and your daughters, And your remnant shall and your daughters, And your remnant shall be devoured by fire.be devoured by fire.



Paul wanted Christians to know this well. Paul wanted Christians to know this well. God will not share us! God will not share us! (1 Cor 10:22; 2 Cor11:2)(1 Cor 10:22; 2 Cor11:2)



1 Corinthians 10:22 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 10:22 (NKJV) - Or do we - Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?stronger than He?



2 Corinthians 11:2 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 11:2 (NKJV) - - For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.



This idol was in the open and the Elders This idol was in the open and the Elders would have denied their sin.would have denied their sin.

Ezekiel through the Spirit of God now sees behind Ezekiel through the Spirit of God now sees behind closed doors (8:6-12)closed doors (8:6-12)


Sin causes God to depart from us! Sin causes God to depart from us! (8:6)(8:6)



Ezekiel 8:6 (NKJV)Ezekiel 8:6 (NKJV) - Furthermore He said - Furthermore He said to me, “Son of man, do you see what they to me, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great abominations that the are doing, the great abominations that the house of Israel commits here, to make Me house of Israel commits here, to make Me go far away from My sanctuary? Now turn go far away from My sanctuary? Now turn again, you will see greater abominations.”again, you will see greater abominations.”



The most incredible thing about this is that The most incredible thing about this is that these Elders thought God was with them! these Elders thought God was with them! (Isa 59:1-2)(Isa 59:1-2)



Isaiah 59:1-2 (NKJV) Isaiah 59:1-2 (NKJV) - - Behold, the Behold, the Lord’S hand is not shortened, That it cannot Lord’S hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. 2 But your iniquities have separated hear. 2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have you from your God; And your sins have hidden hidden HisHis face from you, So that He will face from you, So that He will not hear.not hear.



The desire to practice sin causes men to The desire to practice sin causes men to justify anything.justify anything.



What are the hidden sins of the hypocrite? What are the hidden sins of the hypocrite? (8:7-12)(8:7-12)



Ezekiel 8:7-12 (NKJV)Ezekiel 8:7-12 (NKJV) - So He brought - So He brought me to the door of the court; and when I me to the door of the court; and when I looked, there was a hole in the wall. 8 Then looked, there was a hole in the wall. 8 Then He said to me, “Son of man, dig into the He said to me, “Son of man, dig into the wall”; and when I dug into the wall, there wall”; and when I dug into the wall, there was a door. 9 And He said to me, “Go in, was a door. 9 And He said to me, “Go in, and see the wicked abominations which and see the wicked abominations which they are doing there.” they are doing there.”



10 So I went in and saw, and there—every 10 So I went in and saw, and there—every sort of creeping thing, abominable beasts, and sort of creeping thing, abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, portrayed all the idols of the house of Israel, portrayed all around on the walls. 11 And there stood all around on the walls. 11 And there stood before them seventy men of the elders of the before them seventy men of the elders of the house of Israel, and in their midst stood house of Israel, and in their midst stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan. Each man had a Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan. Each man had a censer in his hand, and a thick cloud of censer in his hand, and a thick cloud of incense went up. incense went up.



12 Then He said to me, “Son of man, have 12 Then He said to me, “Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of you seen what the elders of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the room Israel do in the dark, every man in the room of his idols? For they say, ‘The Lord does of his idols? For they say, ‘The Lord does not see us, the Lord has forsaken the land.’”not see us, the Lord has forsaken the land.’”



This room was off limits except to the This room was off limits except to the priests. The Elders used it because the priests. The Elders used it because the people could not see them.people could not see them.



Can you imagine this scene? A room filled Can you imagine this scene? A room filled with idols, the walls covered with idols, and with idols, the walls covered with idols, and secret worship to idols by the leaders of secret worship to idols by the leaders of God’s people?God’s people?



Can you imagine this scene? A room filled Can you imagine this scene? A room filled with idols, the walls covered with idols, and with idols, the walls covered with idols, and secret worship to idols by the leaders of secret worship to idols by the leaders of God’s people?God’s people?

The most incredible statement is made The most incredible statement is made about their thoughts about the nature of about their thoughts about the nature of God! God!



Can you imagine this scene? A room filled with Can you imagine this scene? A room filled with idols, the walls covered with idols, and secret idols, the walls covered with idols, and secret worship to idols by the leaders of God’s people?worship to idols by the leaders of God’s people?

The most incredible statement is made about The most incredible statement is made about their thoughts about the nature of God! their thoughts about the nature of God!

The acceptance of sin and deceit has a terrible The acceptance of sin and deceit has a terrible fruit. fruit.



Dishonesty has a progressive effect upon Dishonesty has a progressive effect upon the mind.the mind. (1 Tim 4:1-2) (1 Tim 4:1-2)



1 Timothy 4:1-2 (NKJV) 1 Timothy 4:1-2 (NKJV) - Now the Spirit - Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their 2speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,own conscience seared with a hot iron,



How many have told a lie so many times How many have told a lie so many times that they believe it?that they believe it?



How many have told a lie so many times How many have told a lie so many times that they believe it?that they believe it?

When you want something so bad your When you want something so bad your “thinking” lines up with your desires. “thinking” lines up with your desires. (2 Thess 2:10-11)(2 Thess 2:10-11)



2 Thessalonians 2:10-11 (NKJV) 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11 (NKJV) - and - and with all unrighteous deception among those with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this reason God will send them 11And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,lie,



a Bible study with someone like this?a Bible study with someone like this?



Jesus described these influential men as Jesus described these influential men as “blind.” “blind.” (Mt 15:10-13)(Mt 15:10-13)



Matthew 15:10-13 (NKJV) Matthew 15:10-13 (NKJV) 10When He 10When He had called the multitude to had called the multitude to HimselfHimself, He said , He said to them, “Hear and understand: 11Not what to them, “Hear and understand: 11Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” 12 Then His disciples came and said to Him, 12 Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?”offended when they heard this saying?”



13 But He answered and said, “Every plant 13 But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.will be uprooted.



Jesus tells us to protect the heart! Just as Jesus tells us to protect the heart! Just as drugs have a progressive effect and drugs have a progressive effect and eventually enslaves, so does dishonesty.eventually enslaves, so does dishonesty.



Jesus tells us to protect the heart! Just as Jesus tells us to protect the heart! Just as drugs have a progressive effect and drugs have a progressive effect and eventually enslaves, so does dishonesty.eventually enslaves, so does dishonesty.

Could men think they are serving God but Could men think they are serving God but in reality miss the foundation of what God in reality miss the foundation of what God wants? wants? (Mt 23:23-24)(Mt 23:23-24)



Matthew 23:23-24 (NKJV) Matthew 23:23-24 (NKJV) - “Woe to you, - “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier have neglected the weightier mattersmatters of the of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 24 Blind guides, who strain others undone. 24 Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!out a gnat and swallow a camel!



Some of the greatest hypocrites of today Some of the greatest hypocrites of today will condemn the Pharisees.will condemn the Pharisees.

The fruit of hypocrisy (8:13-16)The fruit of hypocrisy (8:13-16)The fruit of hypocrisy (8:13-16)The fruit of hypocrisy (8:13-16)

Ezekiel 8:13-16 (NKJV)Ezekiel 8:13-16 (NKJV) - And He said to - And He said to me, “Turn again, and you will see greater me, “Turn again, and you will see greater abominations that they are doing.” 14 So abominations that they are doing.” 14 So He brought me to the door of the north gate He brought me to the door of the north gate of the Lord’S house; and to my dismay, of the Lord’S house; and to my dismay, women were sitting there weeping for women were sitting there weeping for Tammuz.Tammuz.


15 Then He said to me, “Have you seen this, O 15 Then He said to me, “Have you seen this, O son of man? Turn again, you will see greater son of man? Turn again, you will see greater abominations than these.” 16 So He brought me abominations than these.” 16 So He brought me into the inner court of the Lord’S house; and there, into the inner court of the Lord’S house; and there, at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar, were about twenty-five men porch and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs toward the temple of the Lord and with their backs toward the temple of the Lord and their faces toward the east, and they were their faces toward the east, and they were worshiping the sun toward the east.worshiping the sun toward the east.


Hypocrites think that their actions on Hypocrites think that their actions on affects them. affects them.



Ask anyone who has had a relationship with Ask anyone who has had a relationship with one like this can bear witness.one like this can bear witness.



Ask anyone who has had a relationship with Ask anyone who has had a relationship with one like this can bear witness.one like this can bear witness.

Satan knows there will be fruit that will Satan knows there will be fruit that will abound in others. abound in others. (Rom 2:17-24)(Rom 2:17-24)


Romans 2:17-24 (NKJV) Romans 2:17-24 (NKJV) - Indeed you are - Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God, 18 and know your boast in God, 18 and know HisHis will, will, and approve the things that are excellent, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, 19 and are being instructed out of the law, 19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, darkness,


20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law. 21You, therefore, who truth in the law. 21You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say, “Do not do you steal? 22 You who say, “Do not commit adultery,” do you commit adultery? commit adultery,” do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?


23 You who make your boast in the law, do 23 You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the you dishonor God through breaking the law? 24 For law? 24 For “the name of God is“the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,”you,” as it is written. as it is written.


Consider the deep commitment that many Consider the deep commitment that many under these Elders had made to under these Elders had made to Satan. Satan. (8:13-16)(8:13-16)


Ezekiel 8:13-16 (NKJV)Ezekiel 8:13-16 (NKJV) - And He said to me, - And He said to me, “Turn again, “Turn again, andand you will see greater you will see greater abominations that they are doing.” 14So He abominations that they are doing.” 14So He brought me to the door of the north gate of the brought me to the door of the north gate of the Lord’S house; and to my dismay, women were Lord’S house; and to my dismay, women were sitting there weeping for Tammuz. 15Then He sitting there weeping for Tammuz. 15Then He said to me, “Have you seen said to me, “Have you seen this,this, O son of man? O son of man? Turn again, you will see greater abominations Turn again, you will see greater abominations than these.”than these.”


16 So He brought me into the inner court of 16 So He brought me into the inner court of the Lord’S house; and there, at the door of the Lord’S house; and there, at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar, and the altar, werewere about twenty-five men about twenty-five men with their backs toward the temple of the with their backs toward the temple of the Lord and their faces toward the east, and Lord and their faces toward the east, and they were worshiping the sun toward the they were worshiping the sun toward the east.east.


Jesus knew that this kind of “religion” can Jesus knew that this kind of “religion” can be taught and shared. be taught and shared.


Imagine the stern warning of Jesus himself. Imagine the stern warning of Jesus himself. (Lk 12:1-3)(Lk 12:1-3)


Luke 12:1-3 (NKJV) Luke 12:1-3 (NKJV) - In the meantime, - In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His one another, He began to say to His disciples first disciples first of all,of all, “Beware of the leaven “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 For of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 For there is nothing covered that will not be there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. revealed, nor hidden that will not be known.


3 Therefore whatever you have spoken in 3 Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.will be proclaimed on the housetops.


The temptation to become a hypocrite is The temptation to become a hypocrite is great. It is not hard to be one. great. It is not hard to be one.


The temptation to become a hypocrite is The temptation to become a hypocrite is great. It is not hard to be one. great. It is not hard to be one.

The Pharisee’s were very successful in The Pharisee’s were very successful in duplicating their character. duplicating their character. (Mt 23:15, 27-28)(Mt 23:15, 27-28)


Matthew 23:15 (NKJV)Matthew 23:15 (NKJV) - “Woe to you, - “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.much a son of hell as yourselves.


Matthew 23:27-28 (NKJV)Matthew 23:27-28 (NKJV) - “Woe to - “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead inside are full of dead men’smen’s bones and all bones and all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.


Matthew 23:27-28 (NKJV)Matthew 23:27-28 (NKJV) - “Woe to - “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead inside are full of dead men’smen’s bones and all bones and all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

What can we do to avoid hypocrisy?What can we do to avoid hypocrisy?What can we do to avoid hypocrisy?What can we do to avoid hypocrisy?

We need tender hearts. Consider the We need tender hearts. Consider the reaction of the disciples.reaction of the disciples. (Mk 14:18-19) (Mk 14:18-19)


Mark 14:18-19 (NKJV) Mark 14:18-19 (NKJV) - Now as they sat - Now as they sat and ate, Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to and ate, Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you who eats with Me will you, one of you who eats with Me will betray Me.” 19 And they began to be betray Me.” 19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, ““IsIs it I?” And another it I?” And another said,said, “ “IsIs it I?” it I?”


We need to ask as His disciples did at the We need to ask as His disciples did at the last supper: “Is it I?”last supper: “Is it I?”


Are you teachable?Are you teachable?


Are you teachable?Are you teachable? We need close associations with spiritual We need close associations with spiritual

men.men. (Gal 2:11-13) (Gal 2:11-13)


Galatians 2:11-13 (NKJV) Galatians 2:11-13 (NKJV) - Now when - Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12for before certain men came from James, 12for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. circumcision.


13And the rest of the Jews also played the 13And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.was carried away with their hypocrisy.


When men have little associations with When men have little associations with Christians and close associations with the Christians and close associations with the world this is done for a reason.world this is done for a reason.



Sadly there are some Christians that are too Sadly there are some Christians that are too “spiritual” to rebuke. “spiritual” to rebuke.



Sadly there are some Christians that are too Sadly there are some Christians that are too “spiritual” to rebuke. “spiritual” to rebuke.

We need to love justice and mercy and We need to love justice and mercy and faith.faith. (Mt 23:23) (Mt 23:23)


Matthew 23:23 (NKJV) Matthew 23:23 (NKJV) - “Woe to you, - “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier and have neglected the weightier mattersmatters of of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.others undone.


Hypocrisy will cause men to be critical and Hypocrisy will cause men to be critical and merciless.merciless. (Jas 2:13) (Jas 2:13)


James 2:13 (NKJV) James 2:13 (NKJV) - - For judgment is For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.


We can be a hypocrite that hates hypocrisy.We can be a hypocrite that hates hypocrisy.


We can be a hypocrite that hates hypocrisy.We can be a hypocrite that hates hypocrisy. Did Jesus condemn openness and rebuke Did Jesus condemn openness and rebuke

here?here? (Mt 7:1-5) (Mt 7:1-5)


Matthew 7:1-5 (NKJV) Matthew 7:1-5 (NKJV) - - “Judge not, that “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? do not consider the plank in your own eye?


4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank look, a plank isis in your in your own eye? 5 own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.eye.


Some view their “spirituality” only in terms Some view their “spirituality” only in terms of criticism.of criticism.


Some of the weakest Christians I know Some of the weakest Christians I know think there are in fact strong.think there are in fact strong.


Some of the weakest Christians I know Some of the weakest Christians I know think there are in fact strong.think there are in fact strong.

When we are concerned only for ourselves When we are concerned only for ourselves then we will run over others that get in our then we will run over others that get in our way.way. (Lk 13:15-16; Jn 16:1-3) (Lk 13:15-16; Jn 16:1-3)


Luke 13:15-16 (NKJV) Luke 13:15-16 (NKJV) - - The Lord then The Lord then answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead ox or donkey from the stall, and lead itit away away to water it? 16 So ought not this woman, to water it? 16 So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?” be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?”


John 16:1-3 (NKJV) John 16:1-3 (NKJV) - “These things I - “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. 2They will put you out of made to stumble. 2They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. 3And these things they will do God service. 3And these things they will do to you because they have not known the to you because they have not known the Father nor Me.Father nor Me.


Can you see what is going on behind your Can you see what is going on behind your closed doors?closed doors? (Rev 3:20-21) (Rev 3:20-21)


Revelation 3:20-21 (NKJV) Revelation 3:20-21 (NKJV) - - Behold, I Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21To him who overcomes I will grant to sit 21To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.and sat down with My Father on His throne.

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Warning! You are about to see men as God does