Authenticity in the Kingdom: Overcoming Hypocrisy

 

Summary

Growth is possible through the presence of the Kingdom of God, which is more powerful than any problem or sin we face. The Sermon on the Mount, delivered by Jesus, is the most impactful teaching in history, emphasizing the reality and availability of God's Kingdom. A significant concern for Jesus, and for anyone pursuing spiritual growth, is the problem of hypocrisy. The term "hypocrite" was given its moral weight by Jesus, who used it to describe those who live with a mask, pretending to be someone they are not. Hypocrisy is the default mode in human life, especially for those striving for spiritual growth, as it is tempting to present a false image to others.

Jesus warns against hypocrisy in various aspects of life, such as giving, prayer, and fasting. He teaches that true generosity and righteousness come from the heart, not from seeking approval from others. The real issue with hypocrisy is the deception it involves, as people try to appear moral while hiding their true intentions. This is evident in the way religious leaders of Jesus' time manipulated religious practices for personal gain, neglecting the more important matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

Hypocrisy is dangerous because it distorts our self-perception and leads us away from the Kingdom of God. It is crucial to acknowledge our weaknesses and seek God's help in overcoming them. By practicing honesty and accountability, especially in financial matters, we can move towards genuine spiritual growth. The story of "The Happy Hypocrite" illustrates how a person can transform by consistently choosing to act with integrity, eventually becoming the person they aspire to be.

In 2 Corinthians 3, Paul speaks of living with unveiled faces, reflecting God's glory without pretense. This is the promise of life in God's Kingdom: to become more like Christ, free from the need for others' approval, and to live generously and authentically.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Kingdom of God as the Ultimate Solution: The presence of God's Kingdom is more powerful than any problem or sin we face. It offers a path to growth and transformation, emphasizing that true change is possible when we align ourselves with God's will. [00:39]

2. The Danger of Hypocrisy: Hypocrisy is a significant concern for spiritual growth, as it involves living with a mask and deceiving others about our true selves. Jesus warns against this behavior, highlighting the importance of genuine intentions over outward appearances. [01:24]

3. True Generosity and Righteousness: Jesus teaches that true generosity and righteousness come from the heart, not from seeking approval from others. This requires a shift from performing good deeds for recognition to doing them out of genuine love and compassion. [02:41]

4. The Transformative Power of Integrity: Consistently choosing to act with integrity can lead to genuine transformation. The story of "The Happy Hypocrite" illustrates how a person can become the individual they aspire to be by living authentically and with integrity. [10:08]

5. Living with Unveiled Faces: In 2 Corinthians 3, Paul speaks of living with unveiled faces, reflecting God's glory without pretense. This is the promise of life in God's Kingdom: to become more like Christ, free from the need for others' approval, and to live generously and authentically. [11:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:39] - The Power of God's Kingdom
- [01:09] - Jesus' Concern with Hypocrisy
- [01:24] - The Mask of Hypocrisy
- [02:08] - The Relief of Living Without a Mask
- [02:41] - Jesus' Teachings on Hypocrisy
- [03:22] - The Deception of Hypocrisy
- [04:29] - The Subtle Danger of Hypocrisy
- [05:18] - Acknowledging Our Weaknesses
- [06:14] - The Experiment on Moral Superiority
- [07:14] - The Toxicity of Moral Superiority
- [08:19] - Questions for Financial Accountability
- [09:18] - The Story of "The Happy Hypocrite"
- [10:08] - Transformation Through Integrity
- [11:12] - Living with Unveiled Faces

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 6:1-4 (Jesus' teaching on giving and hypocrisy)
2. Matthew 23:23-28 (Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees' hypocrisy)
3. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (Living with unveiled faces)

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Observation Questions:

1. In Matthew 6:1-4, what specific actions does Jesus warn against when giving to the needy? How does this relate to the concept of hypocrisy discussed in the sermon? [02:41]

2. According to Matthew 23:23-28, what are the "more important matters of the law" that Jesus accuses the Pharisees of neglecting? How does this neglect demonstrate hypocrisy? [03:48]

3. In 2 Corinthians 3:16-18, what does Paul mean by living with "unveiled faces"? How does this concept contrast with the idea of wearing a mask, as discussed in the sermon? [11:12]

4. The sermon mentions the story of "The Happy Hypocrite." How does this story illustrate the transformative power of integrity? [10:08]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the presence of God's Kingdom provide a solution to the problem of hypocrisy, as discussed in the sermon? [00:39]

2. Why is hypocrisy considered a significant barrier to spiritual growth, according to Jesus' teachings in the sermon? [01:24]

3. How does the sermon suggest that true generosity and righteousness differ from actions performed for the sake of appearance? [02:41]

4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between acknowledging our weaknesses and moving towards genuine spiritual growth? [05:18]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you might have acted with hypocrisy, perhaps by seeking approval from others. How can you begin to change this behavior in your daily life? [02:41]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of living with integrity. What specific steps can you take this week to ensure your actions align with your true intentions? [10:08]

3. Consider the concept of living with "unveiled faces" as described in 2 Corinthians 3. What practical changes can you make to live more authentically and reflect God's glory in your interactions? [11:12]

4. How can you practice financial accountability in your life, as suggested in the sermon? Identify one person you can have an honest conversation with about your financial goals and giving. [08:48]

5. The sermon discusses the danger of moral superiority. How can you guard against this mindset in your relationships and interactions with others? [07:14]

6. Reflect on the story of "The Happy Hypocrite." What is one area of your life where you can consistently choose to act with integrity, and how might this lead to transformation over time? [10:08]

7. How can you actively seek God's help in overcoming areas of hypocrisy in your life? Consider setting aside time for prayer or reflection to address these areas. [05:18]

Devotional

Day 1: The Kingdom's Power Over Sin and Struggle
The Kingdom of God is a transformative force that surpasses any problem or sin we encounter. It offers a path to growth and change, emphasizing that true transformation is possible when we align ourselves with God's will. The presence of God's Kingdom is not just a distant hope but a present reality that empowers us to overcome challenges and live a life of purpose and meaning. By embracing this Kingdom, we can experience a profound shift in our lives, moving from a place of struggle to one of victory and peace. [00:39]

Isaiah 61:1-3 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel overwhelmed by sin or struggle? How can you invite the power of God's Kingdom into this area today?


Day 2: The Mask of Hypocrisy
Hypocrisy is a significant barrier to spiritual growth, as it involves living with a mask and deceiving others about our true selves. Jesus warns against this behavior, emphasizing the importance of genuine intentions over outward appearances. Hypocrisy is dangerous because it distorts our self-perception and leads us away from the Kingdom of God. By acknowledging our weaknesses and seeking God's help, we can overcome the temptation to present a false image and instead live authentically. [01:24]

Matthew 23:27-28 (ESV): "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."

Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself wearing a mask to gain approval from others? How can you begin to remove this mask and live more authentically today?


Day 3: Heartfelt Generosity and Righteousness
True generosity and righteousness come from the heart, not from seeking approval from others. Jesus teaches that our actions should be motivated by genuine love and compassion, rather than a desire for recognition. This requires a shift from performing good deeds for the sake of appearances to doing them out of a sincere desire to serve and bless others. By focusing on the heart, we can cultivate a life of true generosity and righteousness that reflects the character of Christ. [02:41]

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: Think of a recent act of generosity you performed. Was it motivated by a desire for recognition or genuine love? How can you ensure your future acts of kindness come from the heart?


Day 4: Integrity's Transformative Power
Consistently choosing to act with integrity can lead to genuine transformation. The story of "The Happy Hypocrite" illustrates how a person can become the individual they aspire to be by living authentically and with integrity. By making choices that align with our values and beliefs, we can experience a profound change in our character and become more like the person God created us to be. Integrity is not just about doing the right thing but about becoming the right person. [10:08]

Proverbs 11:3 (ESV): "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them."

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you struggle to maintain integrity. What steps can you take today to align your actions with your values and beliefs?


Day 5: Living with Unveiled Faces
In 2 Corinthians 3, Paul speaks of living with unveiled faces, reflecting God's glory without pretense. This is the promise of life in God's Kingdom: to become more like Christ, free from the need for others' approval, and to live generously and authentically. By embracing this way of life, we can experience the freedom and joy that comes from being true to ourselves and to God. Living with unveiled faces means letting go of the masks we wear and allowing God's light to shine through us. [11:12]

2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (ESV): "But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: What masks do you find yourself wearing in your daily life? How can you begin to live with an unveiled face, reflecting God's glory more fully?

Quotes


God and the good news is that that growth is possible um what is insurmountable in your life in our world are not our problems not our sins but the presence of the kingdom of God I just heard from a friend this week who said he he only uh recently realized that that title insurmountable is kind of a play on The Sermon on the Mount so I should have explained that clearer much earlier on but that idea the sermon the M's greatest talk has ever been given most impactful in all of human history from the greatest teacher ever and the good news is that the kingdom of God is real and it's available and it can be helpful to you. [00:25:43]

Jesus uh and it's particularly a concern for anybody who really does pursue God's spiritual life spiritual growth and that is the problem of hypocrisy so I have this little mask you might have seen if not you can go back and look or listen to the uh previous video about how that word hypocrite uh was given most of its moral weight by Jesus he talked about hypocrit 17 times in the New Testament and it's taken from a word that they would use in the ancient Greek world for actors who would carry a mask with them and to live without a mask is such a relief. [00:69:41]

Hypocrisy is the default mode in human life especially if we are trying to grow spiritually because it's just so tempting to think I am who you think that I am so Jesus says when he's talking about um finances and then he'll talk about the same thing in prayer the same thing in fasting when you give don't be like the Hypocrites because they love to blow trumpets in synagogues and on Street corns uh I tell you the truth if that's what you do then you you have your reward in full you have been paid need in full but instead when you give don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that you're giving may be done in secret. [00:146:23]

The real problem is um that I add to that deception I clean the outside of the cup I whitewash the tomb so it's not that I talk about doing good things but do bad things I may do good things but I do them for a bad reason Jesus in Matthew 23 says this this is a passage where he uses this word hypocrite over and over and over again again this is about financial life V to you teachers of the laws and Pharisees you Hypocrites you give a tenth of your spices minth dill and cumin now that's not a bad thing they're doing a good thing but they're doing it for the wrong reason and here's part of how that uh betrays itself but you have have neglected the more important matters of the law Justice mercy and faithfulness. [00:198:79]

And this is where it's so good to be in The Fellowship of the withered hand and just say I'm a mess God and this is step one we acknowledge we realized that our lives were powerless over money maybe greed status other people's opinions and our lives have become unmanageable uh fascinating research on this topic of hypocrisy one of the kind of brilliant experiments that's been done lots of times now is to put people in a setting where they're working with another person who's kind of a Confederate in on the deal and if I'm the subject I have to assign one problem to the other person and one problem to myself one of them is a real difficult tedious problem nobody would want to do and the other one's much easier so naturally I would want to give myself the easy one but then I might look like I'm not a good person if I give it to the other person so I got to decide do I want to be moral do I want to look moral. [00:310:84]

When people are prompted to think thoughts of moral superiority I really am quite a moral person I really am quite a lot better than other people they are actually more likely to cheat in private on the coin flip and this is this has to do with the way that we view ourselves and the way that our eyes get distorted almost all areas of life there's kind of a bell curve there'll be people who run really fast people who are stronger than the average folks IQ lots of different ways and people may be quite aware of that they may be able to be pretty realistic we do have to fight the self-serving bias but it's Poss however however uh the idea that I'm morally Superior to anyone is always toxic misguiding and misleading always it always leads people uh to be um less alive to the kingdom of God it always causes people to take steps that will be less Godlike and less moral. [00:393:56]

Help me when it comes to my finances three questions because really good with finances to get out of fuzzy reality is always our friend when it comes to deliverance from hypocrisy and giving in secrecy uh three questions one how much did you give last year really good to get out of fuzzy and if you don't know take a look at your bank statements and figure it out number two what's your goal for this year and it might be a percentage might be a dollar amount um what would that be and then number three can you have an honest conversation with one other person about your financial life where they see you and and where you can be financially accountable because if we ask for God's help and I seek to practice giving on a regular basis in a systematic way and do it with accountability but then not trying to impress other people not going um public in ways that are designed to get people to applaud but with appropriate accountability change can happen. [00:489:56]

The happy hypocrite and it's a story about a man who whose life was a train wreck he was a mass indeed help um he was corrupt deceitful Gambler treated women dishonorably and then one day he saw him fell in love with a woman who was a truly good woman who had a wonderful character only uh she had made a vow she would only marry a man who with the face of a saint character of a saint and so in this kind of a fairy tale that he finds a shop and the shop keeper has these very lifelike plastic masks and so he gets one that is the face of a saint and he wears it and this woman marries him and he begins to change and he gives generously to folks in secret and he speaks the truth even when it's difficult and when he's with people who don't look very important he treats them as people who are very honorable and he serves and then one day years into this marriage an old lover of his finds him and decides to unmask him and humiliate him before his wife and so that moment comes and the mask is taken off and underneath the mask his face now looks just like the mask did it's the face of a saint he has grown into his face he has overtime bit by bit Choice by choice Moment by moment day by day become the person from the inside that he desired to be and that's the promise of life in the kingdom of God. [00:560:88]

There's a wonderful passage in uh 2 Corinthians 3 where Paul talks about how Moses used to put a veil over his face there was Radiance and it was kind of fading away and he says but we all with unveiled faces no mask will reflect the glory of God and I can move in that direction a little bit to oh God oh God I need your help help me to be a generous person help me to do it in secret to be free from the need of other people's make it Golden Rule. [00:668:00]

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