JESUS’ TEACHING ON HYPOCRISY

Text: Matthew 6:1-8, 16-18

Introduction:
  I. The church has always been troubled by hypocrites.
     A. Definition:
        1. Hypocrisy – The feigning of belief, feeling, or
           virtues that one does not hold or possess. 
           American Heritage Dictionary
        2. Hypocrite (upokritai) a dissembler, pretender,
           hypocrite – Thayer
     B. Hypocrites have kept people from obeying the
        gospel.

 II. A Christian who is weak (but trying to correct it) is
     not an hypocrite.

III. Jesus is discussing in our text: the question of
     hypocrisy and is asking the Christian to take a real 
     good close honest look at his motives, saying “Be 
     honest now: What is your real motives for your 
     religious acts?”
     A. Jesus, in verse one (NAS), teaches that your
        motives should not be one of being seen of men.
     B. He discusses three different areas in our text.

Body:
  I. Hypocrisy in giving of alms. Matthew 6:2-4
     A. Assumes giving alms to the poor.
        1. Ephesians 2:28
        2. Matthew 25:31-46
     B. Verse 2.
     C. Verse 3.

 II. Hypocrisy in prayer. Matthew 6:5-15
     A. Verse 5 (emphasis is on motive).
     B. Verses 6-13.
        1. How many people know that you pray?
           a. Not forbidding public prayers:
              (1) 1 Corinthians 14:15
              (2) Acts 4:23-31
           b. Why do you pray in public?
        2. Keep it simple.
        3. An example: verses 9-13
           a. Our Father (address)
           b. Six requests:
              (1) one for God to receive glory, honor.
              (2) One physical item.
              (3) Four spiritual items.

III. Hypocrisy in fasting.
     A. Jesus here assumes that His disciples will fast. 
        When should we fast?
        1. Matthew 9:14-15 (in time of mourning)
        2. Acts 13:2; 14:23 (in time of great concern for
           the church).
     B. Verse 16
     C. Verses 17 and 18.

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