One of the most common criticisms of the church is the presence of hypocrisy among Christians.  If we’re honest, we’ve all been hypocrites at some point. We say we believe in grace but withhold it from others. We teach purity but indulge in compromise. We say, “Jesus is enough,” but chase worldly validation. We need to stop pointing fingers at others and ask: Where am I wearing a mask? 

 

Put It into Practice:  Identify the times in your walk with Christ when this is what you were communicating: “Do as I say, not as I do.”  Discern the reasons for only being a hearer and not a doer of the Word. Ask the Lord to help and empower you to overcome hypocrisy in your life.

 

Day 1 Matthew 23:27-33 

 

Reflect: Why do you think Jesus reserved His harshest words for religious leaders rather than sinners? What are some ways the church might be “whitewashed” on the outside but broken within?    

Apply: Have you been convicted of hypocrisy? Why? What is your public image covering up? How can we receive and respond to Jesus’ correction without becoming defensive?

Pray: Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. Lord, I confess any hidden sins to You, knowing that You already know them. I pray that I will live every day in sincerity and truth, lifting Your name for Your praise and glory.

 

Day 2 Isaiah 29:13-15

 

Reflect: What do you learn about God from this text? What do you learn about human nature? What speaks loudest to you here? How can we discern between genuine faith and hypocrisy?    

Apply: Have you ever caught yourself going through the motions in your faith? What prompted that season? What spiritual practices may help align your heart with God’s will, not just your habits?

Pray: Father God, thank You for the beautiful message of the Cross. By grace through faith in Him, I have been saved and am being conformed into the likeness of Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank You that the Holy Spirit lives in me and guides me in all truth.

 

Day 3 Titus 1:10-16 

 

Reflect: What are the dangers of hypocrisy within the church and among leaders? What role does accountability play in protecting the church from false teaching and hypocrisy? 

Apply: Have you ever had to lovingly confront someone (or be confronted) with inconsistent behavior? What was the result? What are some reasons people act hypocritically? Why do you?    

Pray: Heavenly Father, keep me grounded in Your Word and securely founded on the truth of the glorious gospel of Christ. Give me wisdom to discern false teachings, and help me to remain anchored to the Word of truth. 

 

Day 4 Hebrews 5:11-14 

 

Reflect: How can we tell the difference between spiritual immaturity and dangerous hypocrisy? What are the signs that someone is still living on “milk” instead of “solid food”? 

Apply: Why is spiritual maturity so crucial in a believer’s life and witness? How would you describe where you are? In what areas are you still growing in discernment between right and wrong?      

Pray: Lord Jesus, I pray I may grow in grace and become spiritually mature. As I stand fast on the unchanging and unchangeable Word of truth, may I be equipped to discern what is good and what is evil and to shun those teachings that distort the Word of truth.

 

Day 5 Matthew 7:1–5

 

Reflect: Why do you think Jesus warns against judging others? What might be going on in our hearts when we judge quickly? What’s the difference between healthy spiritual accountability and hypocritical judgment? Describe the tension between addressing sin and extending grace. 

Apply: Have you ever been humbled by realizing you had a “plank” in your eye after criticizing someone else? What did that experience teach you? How would you explain why hypocrisy is a sin? 

Pray: God, keep me from hypocritical thoughts and snap judgments of others. Keep me walking humbly before You, and help me to consider the needs of others before my own.