Weekly Sermons

How Not to be a Hypocrite - Part 2 - Matthew 23:25-39

“Is there a difference between being a religious hypocrite, who may not be a Christian at all, and a struggling Christian, who is not yet consistently a faithful and fruitful follower of Jesus Christ?”

Matthew 23:25-39

Actually spend time with Jesus, don’t just act like you have - V. 25-26

Don’t just paint the barn, fill it with life! - V. 27-28

We focus on looking good, appearing knowledgeable, seeming godly – God looks at the heart – He wants us to spend more time developing our faith and character than outward appearances.

Where there are no oxen, the barn is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox. - Proverbs 14:4

Embrace men of God who tell you what you need to hear - V. 29-36

You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they which testify of Me, yet you refuse to come to Me that you may have life. - John 5:39-40

Jesus is saying to them, “Your fathers rejected men of God in their day – you are rejecting the Son of God in your day.”

Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. - Romans 2:4-5

Jesus is saying, “Your fathers rejected men of God in the past, you are rejecting the Son of God in the present, and you will reject messengers of the Son in the days to come.”

But why does Jesus say they will be guilty not only for the blood they shed but also of all the righteous blood that has ever been shed?  
Because there is a cosmic war going on, and you are either on the side of God or the Devil. He allows you to repent and turn to God (as Paul did), but if you do not, you are going to Hell with the Devil.

Jesus would rather save you then judge you - V. 37-39

When we humbly repent and confess our sin before God, ancient promises of forgiveness and restored relationship kick in!

“For I have no pleasure in the death of the anyone,” declares the Lord GOD; “So turn, and live.” - Ezekiel 18:32

The time comes when you hear your last appeal to turn to or back to Jesus – when judgment day comes, will you hear “woe” or “well done.”