RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual FOR  November 4, 2018 : TOPIC –  Hypocrites in the Church 

1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.

13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

 
A person, who pretends to be something that he really is not, is a hypocrite. It is not just making a mistake but a deliberate plan to pretend, deceive or cheat. He is dirty inside but clean outside (Joshua 7:1, 8-12; Matthew 23:27). A person in a drama representing someone else explains this. He could imitate the speech, mannerisms and conduct of the character portrayed; but in real life he is a different person.

 
1. Forms and reasons for hypocrisy
2. Consequences of hypocrisy

 
Hypocrisy can take two forms: that of professing belief in something and then acting in a manner contrary to that belief (Isaiah 29:13). The other is that of looking down on others when we ourselves are flawed (Matthew 7:3-5; Romans 2:1). Jesus described hypocrites as wolfs in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15), white-washed tombs (Matthew 23:27), snakes and broods of vipers (Matthew 23:33) and graves (Luke 11:44).

There are several reasons people engage in hypocrisy. These include; pride of life (1 John 2:15-16), undeserved desire for the honour of men and a feeling of insecurity (2 Corinthians 10:12). They want to be respected in the church as being holy but in secret, committing sins (1 Samuel 15:13,20,25-30). Ananias and his wife wanted the praise given to Barnabas when they were not as faithful (Acts 4:34-37; 5:1-10). Some people pretend to be who/what they are not in order to cheat (Genesis 27:20-22). People who declare false records and inaccurate tithing fall under this category (Proverbs 11:1). Self-indulgence may be another reason for hypocrisy (Romans 16:18).

 
God knows all things including the secret deceit of the heart (Psalm 44:21; Jeremiah 17:9-10; 1 Samuel 16:7) and all the ways of man (Job 31:4; Psalm 1:16). No one can hide from Him or deceive Him. He will repay every man according to his works (Revelations 22:11-12). The consequences of hypocrisy may include:

1. Bad leadership (1 Samuel 15:13,20,25-30).
2. Shame and disgrace (Jeremiah 13:25-26).
3. Punishment (Proverbs 11:21).
4. Curses (Isaiah 29:15-16; Job 15:34-35).
5. Untimely or spiritual death (Job 27:8; 36:13-14; 1 John 5:12).

 
The same way fornication is a sin against God, so also is hypocrisy (Galatians 5:19-21). The only solution is repentance (Isaiah 55:7).

 
1. Mention 4 reasons for hypocrisy.
2. What are the consequences of hypocrisy?
3. How can we stop hypocrisy in the Church?