“Why Believe In Christ When Christians Are Hypocrites?”
Sermon Series: “Why Believe?”
Introduction: Mahatma Gandhi said, “I like their Christ, I don’t like their Christians.” Frederick Nietzshe said, “I will believe in the Redeemer when the Christian looks a little more redeemed.”
I. Definition of Hypocrisy
The word hypocrisy basically means to play a part. It is acting like something we are really not or being fake. The Greek word referred to an actor wearing a mask to represent a character.
II. Expressions of Hypocrisy
1. Being a “chameleon” who is one way around some people and another way around other people (Galatians 2:11-16).
2. Doing “spiritual” deeds to impress other people (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18; 23:5-12).
3. Judging others in a condemning way without first dealing with our own sin (Matthew 7:1-5).
4. Saying one thing and doing another thing (Matthew 23:1-4).
5. Being self-righteous and trying to look good to people outwardly but inwardly being full of unrepentant sin (Matthew 23:25-28).
III. Why Believe in Christ When Christians Are Hypocrites?
Let me begin the answer to this question by being honest. I am guilty. All Christians are guilty to some degree. We are sinners. We act like hypocrites some times. I am sorry for when I fail to picture or represent Jesus well. However, I still believe you can trust Jesus, despite the hypocrisy. Here are some reasons why:
1. Not everyone who claims to be a Christian is really a follower of Christ, and the ones who are do not claim to be perfect but admit they are in a growth process (Matthew 7:13-23, Romans 7:13-25).
2. There is a difference in being a sinner and being a hypocrite. A hypocrite is a sinner pretending to be something different than what he is. When we are honest with God and others about our sin, ask for forgiveness, repent, and rely on grace; we are not being hypocritical.
3. Every person (not just a Christian) is a hypocrite.
4. While admitting we are guilty of hypocrisy, I think it is wise to consider positive evidence about Christians as well:
A. Martyrs
B. Changed Lives
C. Sacrificial Service
5. We claim to imperfect sinners with a perfect Savior. We are not asking you to trust us but to trust Jesus. Look at Him. Consider Him. We know we will let you down but believe that He never will.
Conclusion: How should we respond to this?
1. Christians: Let’s repent of our sin and hypocrisy, including making things right with others if needed. I would also encourage you not to write off the church because there are hypocrites there, or run away from the church because you feel like a hypocrite.
2. Non-Christians: Please consider the claims of Jesus. Don’t let imperfect Christians push you away from a perfect Savior.
