Toxic Christianity – Hypocrisy – August 20, 2023

Welcome, Introduction, and Opening Prayer

SHARE – Icebreaker – In this sermon series, we are exploring some of the toxic behaviors that we experience in the church. This Sunday we are looking at hypocrisy. The word hypocrite comes from the Greek word hypokrites, which means “an actor” or “a stage player.” Who is your favorite actor?

STUDY - Text: Matthew 23:25-28 (NRSV): 25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and of the plate, so that the outside also may become clean.27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful but inside are full of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of uncleanness. 28 So you also on the outside look righteous to others, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Hypocrisy is the practice of engaging in the same behavior or activity for which one criticizes another. In moral psychology, hypocrisy is defined as “the failure to follow one's own expressed moral rules and principles.” In your own words, how would you define “hypocrisy?”

Jesus criticizes the scribes and Pharisees for being hypocrites. Christians also have a reputation for being hypocritical. Who are some of the least hypocritical people you know? What stands out about them? What makes them different?

According to a study from Barna Group, 49% of non-Believers view Christians as Hypocritical. Have you ever experienced hypocrisy in church or among Christians?

What can we do this week to deal with the hypocrisy in our lives?

SUPPORT - Blessings and Burdens: What has been life-giving for you this week? What has been life-draining for you?

Closing Prayer