Hypocrites in Church? Jesus Explains (An Introduction)

One of the most troubling concerns for both believers and non-believers is the hypocrisy observed among professing Christians. This issue not only tarnishes the image of the Christian faith but also hinders the church’s mission to effectively witness to the world. Jesus Himself addressed this problem in several of His teachings, highlighting that hypocrisy will persist within the church until the end of time.

Invitation to Study

As we embark on this journey of understanding and combating hypocrisy in the church, let us approach it with open hearts and minds. Join us in the coming weeks as we explore Jesus’ perspective on this critical issue through the study of His parables. Together, let us strive to embody the authentic, transformative power of the gospel in our lives.

Definition of Hypocrisy

Hypocrisy refers to the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behaviour does not conform. The term “hypocrisy” originates from the Greek word “hypokrisis,” which means “playing a part” or “acting on stage,” derived from “hypokrinesthai,” meaning “to judge” or “to answer.” Historically, the word evolved from its theatrical roots in ancient Greece, where actors were known as “hypokrites,” meaning they wore masks and played roles. Over time, the term broadened to describe a person who pretends to have virtues or moral principles that they do not actually possess. This evolution is a shift from a neutral description of acting to a more negative connotation of deceit and insincerity in personal behaviour and moral integrity.

A Historical and Present-Day Issue

Hypocrisy among believers is not a new phenomenon. It has existed since the inception of the church and continues to be a significant issue today. Hypocrisy in this context refers to the behaviour of individuals who outwardly profess faith and piety but live in ways that contradict the teachings of Jesus. This behaviour is often a stumbling block for those outside the church and can be deeply disheartening for sincere believers within the church.

Jesus was acutely aware of this problem and addressed it directly in His teachings. In Matthew 23:27-28, He admonishes the Pharisees, saying, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”

Jesus’ Parables on Hypocrisy

In Matthew 13:1-33, Jesus shares four parables that provide insight into why hypocrisy is present in the church and why it will remain so until the end of time. The first two parables lay out unseen spiritual factors, and the last two offer seen tangible factors. These parables are:

1. The Parable of the Sower
2. The Parable of the Weeds
3. The Parable of the Mustard Seed
4. The Parable of the Yeast

These parables, which we will study in detail over the next four weeks, shed light on the nature of the Kingdom of heaven and the inevitability of both genuine and false believers coexisting within the church.

The Impact of Hypocrisy

The impact of hypocrisy in the church is profound. It leads to disillusionment and cynicism among believers, causing some to abandon their faith. For non-believers, witnessing hypocrisy serves as a justification for rejecting the gospel. James 1:22 reminds us, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” This call to authentic living is crucial in combating the detrimental effects of hypocrisy.

A Call to Authentic Faith

To address hypocrisy effectively, the church must commit to preaching the true Gospel of Christ, emphasizing salvation through faith in Christ alone, without reliance on works. Additionally, the church must focus on discipling converts in sound doctrine, ensuring they are grounded in the true teachings of the faith. The church must reject the prosperity gospel and shun the temptation to enrich itself through the gospel. Paul speaks to believers in Romans 2:21–24, “You then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” This call to introspection is essential for maintaining the integrity of one’s faith.

Moreover, the church must foster an environment where accountability and transparency are valued. Hebrews 10:24–25 emphasizes the importance of mutual encouragement and accountability: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.“

Conclusion

Hypocrisy is a significant issue within the church, but it is not insurmountable. By understanding Jesus’ teachings and striving for authentic faith, believers can work towards a more genuine representation of the Christian life. Over the next four weeks, we will delve into the four parables from Matthew 13:1-33 to gain deeper insights from Jesus on this topic. Through these studies, we hope to foster a community committed to living out the true teachings of Christ, thereby reducing hypocrisy and enhancing our witness to the world.