Jesus mentioned the word hypocrisy in Matthew chapters 6 and 7. He warns against false prophets. Obviously, Jesus would have us keep a clear distinction in mind between true faith and its imitation. The word hypocrite comes from the ancient theater when actors assumed characters they were not. In the time of Shakespeare, actors wore masks to portray their parts. Paul described it to Timothy as a form of godliness but not true godliness. To answer what hypocrisy is, we must consider some details about it.
The condition of hypocrisy is described in our text as emptiness. It is like that of a wolf or thorn or a tree that serves no benefit. It is a state of being unreal whether it is spiritually, by intention, for selfish concerns, or a desire to make impressions on man rather than God. Hypocrisy is a state of self-interest seeking glory for one’s person. In Ezekiel 33 is a description, a lonely song which is a type of truth that never plunges deep enough.
The condition of hypocrisy displays itself in conduct. It acts out for ulterior purposes without genuine intent. It acts neglectfully for the real needs of others; or even oneself. It is a type of contamination of others as would be a decaying body in an unmarked grave. The horror of hypocrisy is it acts in radical opposition to God. To expect membership in the church as a means to heaven is deception because Jesus is the only way to the father, not the sign on the church lawn or the rituals demonstrated during attendance.
The condition of hypocrisy leads to contamination. Luke 16:15 describes it as totally loathsome. Paul contributes his thoughts as directed by God in 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 that it is absolutely a hopeless way of life. Since hypocrisy is a false way of living, it is certainly unrighteous being unable to receive God’s goodness because the person is so absorbed in their own self-interest. A good illustration of this is the New Orleans Mardi Gras debauchery before Easter. In their parades people wearing costumes throw worthless trinkets to the crowds. Nothing in Mardi Gras is real that can be taken home as a way of life.
In particular, Jesus saw the religious leaders of his time in a disgusting manner. They held their positions of leadership as a means for their own aggrandizement. They had no hesitation to place burdens on others while they themselves did not abide by the legislative inflections on others. The hypocrites were not only in direct opposition to Jesus they progressed so far in their ego displays they had nothing else to offer the common man. Even though we do not talk about being a hypocrite in our common discussions, it still exists in many ways. The only cure for hypocrisy is the same cure for all sin. We must first recognize we are in the wrong. We must have a genuine desire for our lives to be changed. We must recognize that we are not the ones who can affect a true change. We must call on Christ to save us from our condition. We must allow the Holy Spirit to work through us as an example and ambassador for God.
Christian Writer 