30th Mar 26 | 13:54
Studies by Book
Luke 14 1-6 The evil of hypocrisy 03 Appearances before men
📖 Luke 14:1-6
14Nov19 - *Appearances before men* - _Luke 14:1-6_ - Bible reading: _Isaiah 1:15-18_
_Luke 14:2-6 And behold, there was a certain man before Him who had dropsy. (3) And Jesus, answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" (4) But they kept silent. And He took him and healed him, and let him go. (5) Then He answered them, saying, "Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?" (6) And they could not answer Him regarding these things._
We understood that the problem of the religious leaders of Jesus’ time, was the problem of hypocrisy. The Lord made it clear that hypocrites will go to hell. We therefore began to look into the problem of hypocrisy and its symptoms in our own lives. The symptoms that we have seen thus far are, 1. Our heart is seeking after its own gain 2. Giving importance to outward rituals, traditions, rules and formats and not giving importance to love God, be loved by Him and to love people and 3. Seeking glory from men.
If the Holy Spirit is convicting us of these symptoms, let us be quick to repent, turn to Him in trust and dependence, desiring His continuous healing.
The symptom of hypocrisy that we will examine today is the symptom of *Appearances before men*
_Matthew 6:5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, *that they may be seen by men*. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward._
_Matthew 6:16 “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces *that they may appear to men* to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward._
How often this symptom of hypocrisy shows up in us. We say and do things, in a particular way, so as to make an appearance before people. We drop names and places of visit. There are hundreds of ways by which we seek to make an impression of ourselves in other’s minds. Even when the Holy Spirit corrects us, we hush the voice of the Spirit in us and we continue on. Friends, let us be warned of this symptom of hypocrisy, which is so subtle.
_Matthew 23:6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues_ We intend for our impression on people to carry us in order to secure for ourselves, positions and benefits. _Mark 12:38 Then He said to them in His teaching, "Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces …”_
What is it that God is expecting from us, in the place of hypocrisy? The Lord wants us to be genuinely concerned for people. _Luke 20:47 “… who devour widows' houses, (Isaiah 10:2 To rob the needy of justice, And to take what is right from the poor of My people, That widows may be their prey, And that they may rob the fatherless.) and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation."_
*Thought to ponder*
```Is making an impression your priority or is it concern for people?```