What the Bible says about hypocrisy

Matthew 23:1-3 (NKJV) 1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.

Before we get into today’s teaching, we’d like to encourage everyone to take some time to read the entire 23rd chapter of Matthew. Jesus shares some very strong words regarding the religious leaders of His day, exposing their hypocrisy.

We can all learn from His words and use them as a sort of yardstick to measure ourselves, using it to gauge whether we may be guilty of anything that Jesus accused the religious leaders of.

So, let’s look now at what Jesus was saying, and see what we can learn from it!

First, note what Jesus said about the authority of the scribes and Pharisees; They sit in Moses’ seat.

What does that mean?

The “seat” that they occupy is a seat of authority. This is why Jesus tells everyone that they should obey what the leaders teach them about the law.

It gets interesting in a hurry, though, as Jesus immediately follows that up with this; “but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do”.

In other words, follow what they teach, but don’t follow their life’s examples because they don’t even do what they teach everyone else to do; they are hypocrites.

This is important for us to understand and to look at closely, so we can learn from it.

How do we measure up?

In His words above, Jesus was referring directly to those in leadership positions. These were people who were esteemed by those under them. Yet, despite their positions, they failed to live up to what they taught.

Are we doing the same thing? Or are we careful and cautious to live by the words that we speak?

This is something that we need to take seriously and look at carefully. Because our lives, and the way we live them, will trickle down onto those around us. And the example that we set will either bring glory to God, or dishonor His name.

Which one is it?

Let’s think about that.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780