Hypocrites in the Church
Thesis: It is impossible to lie to God and prosper.
Hypocrisy Perpetrated, vv. 1-2
A. Exegesis
- The People–>Annania and Sapphira
- The Problem–>They kept back part of the money though they had promised to give it all. They wanted bragging rights. Annanias and Sapphira were like the man and wife who tithed their income, but did it all on one Sunday of the year.
B. Illustration
A hawk, a lion, and a skunk were arguing over who was the most feared animal in the jungle.
The hawk said, “I am feared more than any animal in the jungle because I attack from above and see things that no one else can see!”
The lion said, “I am the strongest animal in the jungle and no one can doubt it!”
The skunk said, “I can put up a stink that will scare man or beast out of the jungle!”
As the three were engrossed in the discussion, a grizzly bear came along and swallowed them all–Hawk, Lion, and Stinker!
C. Application–>Don’t brag; it isn’t the whistle that pulls the train.
Hypocrisy Perceived, vv. 3-4
A. Exegesis
- Satan, v. 3, tempted Annaniah and Sapphira to lie.
- Satan is the father of lies, John 8:44.
- God hates a lying tongue, Proverbs 6:17.
- All unforgiven liars will go to hell, Revelation 21:8.
- Sin, v. 4, all lying is sin. These people lied to God.
- Double living is a lie, Luke 6:46.
- Being a hypocrite is a lie, 1 John 1:6; 2:3-4.
- Blaming others for your faults and failures.
- Stretching the truth is also lying.
B. Illustration
A brand new lawyer in his brand new office on his first day in practice sees a prospective client walk in the door. He decides he should look busy, so he picks up the phone and starts talking: “Look, Harry, about that amalgamation deal. I think I better run down to the factory and handle it personally. Yes. No. I don’t think 3 million will swing it. We better have Rogers from Seattle meet us there. Ok. Call you back later.”
He looks up at the visitor and says, “Good morning, how may I help you?”
The prospective client says, “You can’t help me at all. I’m here to hook up your phone.”
C. Application–“Be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23.
Hypocrisy Punished, vv. 11-16
A. Exegesis
- Problem, v. 11, God’s judgment always brings fear and respect.
- Power, v. 12, signs and wonders were performed; the unity of the Spirit and purpose brought about these miracles.
- People, v. 13, were converted to Christ.
B. Illustration–>Pruning Rose Bushes
C. Application–>God has to do extraordinary things to overcome a church with a bad reputation.
Conclusion
1 Peter 4:17 “For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”