The Christian Hypocrite

Transcription

1 The Christian Hypocrite

2 For a genuine believer, self examination is one of the most important aspects of the Christian life.

3 There are many people claiming that SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP with God and with Christ.

4 Remember the five foolish virgins they claimed to have that special relationship with their Lord but he did not know them. Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Mt 25:11 12.

5 And what about Simon the sorcerer? Was he not baptized by Phillip and continued with him in Ministry? Peter said to him: Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Ac 8:21.

6 Many proclaim GREAT confidence of God s favor, His Grace and blessings but truly they are in the dark.

7 A HYPOCRITE can have great joy over hearing about the Good News of Christ. Some seed fell upon stony places, where there was not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately RECEIVES IT WITH JOY; yet he has no root in himself, BUT ENDURES ONLY FOR A WHILE Mt 13:20 21.

8 The HYPOCRITE reflects outward changes in his life as someone who is righteous. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank You that I am not like other men extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess. Lk 18:11 12.

9 The HYPOCRITE may even be convicted and confess openly coming to an awareness of his sins. Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I HAVE SINNED in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. Mt 27:3 4.

10 The HYPOCRITE may even seek God on a daily basis. Yet they seek Me daily, And delight to know My ways, They take delight in approaching God (Isa 58.2) These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me (Mt 15:8-9)

11 The HYPOCRITE may even have a ministry position like Demas did with the Apostle Paul. For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed 2 Ti 4:10.

12 A HYPOCRITE can operate in the Pulpit quite well. Lord, Lord, have we not PROPHESIED in thy name? and in thy name have CAST OUT DEVILS? and in thy name DONE MANY WONDERFUL WORKS? Mt 7:22..

13 The HYPOCRITE experiences the POWERS of the age to come. For it is impossible for those who were once ENLIGHTENED, and have TASTED OF THE HEAVENLY GIFT, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the POWERS OF THE WORLD TO COME, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance Heb 6:4 6.

14 The HYPOCRITES far out number the genuine Christians within the Church. broad is the way that leads to destruction, and THERE ARE MANY WHO GO IN BY IT Mt 7:13.

15 There are many people claiming that SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP with Christ but in truth there are only few. narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it. Mt 7:14.

16 Are you a Hypocrite? How do you know YOU are a Christian?

17 So how can I know for sure whether I am TRULY a Christian?

18 I am reminded of a scene from the movie Courageous that is appropriate for teaching and instructing.

19 A gentleman lost his 9 year old daughter in a tragic car accident.

20 He then turns to the Pastor for counseling saying I want to know what God expects from me now?

21 Here is the Pastor s reposne:

22 Living with the death of a loved one is like living with an amputation

23 You do heal but you re never the same

24 However, most people who do heal encounter a relationship with God that most people never experience.

25 It is that RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. That ENCOUNTER WITH GOD that forms CHRIST IN YOU.

26 Paul said: My little children, for whom I labor in birth again UNTIL CHRIST IS FORMED IN YOU.I HAVE DOUBTS ABOUT YOU. if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. Ro 8:9. Ga 4:19 20.

27 A lot of people will knock at Heaven s door only to hear I do not know you.

28 A genuine follower of Christ EXAMINES himself as to whether he is in the faith (2Cor13.5).

29 A genuine follower of Christ EXAMINES HIS WORKS IN GOD (GAL 6.4)

30 A genuine follower of Christ TESTS himself as to whether he is in the faith.

31 There are many examples in Scripture of self examination. Let s take King David as one such example.

32 When David and his men returned to Ziglag they discovered it was invaded and burned to the ground. Their wives and families were gone.

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35 In this passage the Scripters reveal that David s own men were considering stoning David because of what happened. Today the words for that would be mutiny, riot, uprising, civil war!

36 The Scriptures say

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38 David said:

39 David said:

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41 We are meant to understand that David had a RELATIONSHIP with God.

42 David s heart turned him to the Lord in times of trouble and adversity.

43 The way to holiness is wrought with many difficulties We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God Ac 14:22.

44 Troubles to a Christian are meant to strengthen his faith in the Lord whereas, troubles to others like the hypocrite and non-believer are meant to destroy them.

45 When troubles happen to a hypocrite for the sake of Christ immediately he is offended and endures for only a while. this is he who hears the word and immediately RECEIVES IT WITH JOY; yet he has no root in himself, BUT ENDURES ONLY FOR A WHILE Mt 13:20 21.

46 For a genuine believer, SELF EXAMINATION is one of the most important aspects of the Christian life.

47 Has your JOY diminished? Are you offended because they way is difficult? Are you more inclined to the television and to drinking in the filth of the World? Do you ask God what you can do for HIM or do you ask God to do for you?

48 Do you have a prayer life? Do you fast from eating food? Is Jesus just an enhancement to your life? Or is He your Life s focus?

49 What have you given up for Christ? Have you withdrawn from the world and its lusts and perversion? Have you TRULY REPENTED?

50 Is Christ FORMED in YOU?

51 EXAMINES YOURSELF as to whether you are TRULY in the faith (2Cor13.5).

52 EXAMINES YOUR WORKS IN GOD (GAL 6.4)

53 GO AHEAD TEST YOURSELF as to whether you are in the faith (2Cor13.5).

54 When you finally come to your senses then do as the prodigal son did when he EXAMINED HIMSELF.

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58 O return to the Father today! Don t let another day slip by and continue to mire in the mud of bitterness and unforgiveness!

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60 Closing