The word hypocrite as used in the Bible is a term that comes from ancient Greek theater, where one actor would often play two parts. When saying something humorous, he would hold up a mask with a smiley face; when playing a tragic part, he would hold up a mask with a sad face. A good actor could imitate the speech, mannerisms, and conduct of the character he was portraying. The word literally means, “One who hides behind a mask.”
Real Christians Are Forgiven Sinners. There’s a difference between being a sinner and being a hypocrite.
1 John 1:8 “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”
A hypocrite, or one who wears a mask, claims to be free from faults. A Christian, on the other hand, freely admits the fact that he or she is a sinner.
The next verse, 1 John 1:9 describes the difference between a hypocrite and an honest sinner:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
A forgiven sinner consistently seeks cleansing from sin.
The next verse, 1 John 1:9 describes the difference between a hypocrite and an honest sinner:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
A forgiven sinner consistently seeks cleansing from sin.
The real church is not a meeting place of super saints but a hospital for sick and hurting sinners. To keep from being a hypocrite be quick to admit that you are a sinner who needs forgiveness.
Since Christians are not perfect, it follows that churches are not full of perfect people. That’s one of the things I like about New Hope Community Church. We’re a church full of forgiven failures. We are the perfect place for imperfect people.
Since Christians are not perfect, it follows that churches are not full of perfect people. That’s one of the things I like about New Hope Community Church. We’re a church full of forgiven failures. We are the perfect place for imperfect people.
Real Christians Are Not What They Used To Be. Some of you may look at a Christian and wonder why they behave a certain way. Instead of focusing on how far people fall short, why not think about how far they’ve come?
Real Christians Are Becoming What They Will Be. A real Christian will become perfect one day. That perfection will not be complete until we are with Christ.
What’s the difference between being a Christian who still messes up from time to time and being a hypocrite? A Christian who still messes up, who falls and sins will admit that they have sinned. They will be quick to ask for forgiveness. They will desire for the Lord to continue to complete the good work that He is doing in their life. A hypocrite will put the mask on and pretend like everything is okay when they know that they are sinning put won’t admit it.