A Paint Job

Matthew 16:1-12 Read the New Testament in a Year: Acts 22 Yeast has a powerful action, in that it only takes a small amount to confer its properties to a large batch of dough. The same thing happens with a little of this teaching in the heart of a Christian. We all share a common trait, we’re sinners. We break the Holy Law of God in word, in heart, and in action; and regularly. But Pharisees are convinced on some level of their own righteousness, and they want people to know it. When this yeast infects a person’s heart, it puffs up the person, making them look and feel larger than they really are. What looks like larger-than-life zeal, holiness and righteousness is just a paint job (Matt 23:27,28). The Greek word hupokrisis which is transliterated as hypocrisy in much of the New Testament, means more than not practicing what you preach. It means to play act, to pretend. To make yourself appear to be more than you are. In other words, a sinner pretending to be pious and perfect. If not careful, we can also start to act like Pharisees and try to justify ourselves through our own actions and self righteousness.]]>