Hypocrites, I

Part 1 of a 2-part look at Matthew 23, in which Jesus condemns the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees.

Matthew 23:1-22

• Do as they say, and not as they do (v.3).
• They make devotion to God a burden (v. 4).
• Everything they do, they do with an eye to how other men will perceive them (v. 5).
• They love prominent seats at public events (v. 6).
• They love special titles and public recognition (v. 7).
• We should not desire or use such religious titles as Rabbi, Father, or Master. (v.8-10).
• Greatness is measured by our service, not our titles or public recognition (v. 11-12).
• Hypocrites don’t get saved and prevent others from being saved, too (v. 13).
• Hypocrites pretend to pray so that people will give them money (v. 14).
• Hypocrites work hard to gain followers who remain as unsaved as they themselves (v. 15).
• Hypocrites pretend that words are more true when attached to an oath.  But no amount of swearing or oath-taking will change reality (v. 16-22).

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