Satan's Academy Award

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Revelation 22Make-believe is not new to our day and age. Some of the biggest actors in the world are not in Hollywood, but in our churches. The Bible calls them hypocrites, people who pander to a phony world.Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus has compassion and forgiveness for the sinners, thieves, and prostitutes. However, Matthew 6 shows us He saves His most severe words for the hypocrites.First, Matthew 6:1-2 illustrates the shameful display of hypocrisy:“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them…” (Matthew 6:1).We are most susceptible to hypocrisy in our areas of deed, devotion, and discipline. When helping others, we must always examine our manner and motive, being careful not to do things for our own glory and praise.This same principle is true for prayer. The length or the language of our prayers don’t impress God (see Matthew 6:7); we are not informing Him of anything He doesn’t already know. Rather, prayer invites God into our lives and grants us the privilege of fellowship with Him.Adrian Rogers says, “Prayer is one of the greatest acts of love and kindness God could ever extend to you. God allows and enables you to join with Him in the administration of the Universe and the affairs of men.”We must also be sure to fast for the right reasons, without posing (see Matthew 6:16). Our goal in fasting is not to draw attention; it is to get a word from God.This passage also addresses the sinister danger of hypocrisy.Hypocrites deceive themselves and others; they are blind leading the blind.Hypocrites defraud themselves and others; in receiving glory here on Earth, they rob themselves of glory in eternity.Hypocrisy destroys; it takes the form of godliness but denies the power of it.We must evaluate our own lives with serious discernment. Hypocrites don’t realize they are hypocrites. Knowing this, we must check our motives, live rightly before the Lord, and serve Him out of our love for Him.Apply it to your lifeTake some time to ask yourself, “Is there a little Pharisee in me? Have I been playing a role without realizing it?”Hypocrites are not always vile, wicked people; they just haven’t lived in the reality of knowing God. Be sure to check your motives and serve God with your whole heart.