Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Hypocrisy

In this convicting and essential message, Chuck Swindoll confronts the "disease of the soul" known as hypocrisy—a barrier that frequently alienates non-Christians and damages the credibility of the church. Swindoll notes that while Jesus is often portrayed as "meek and mild," He was fiercely courageous when addressing religious hypocrisy, assaulting it with "woes" and condemning it seven times in a single discourse in Matthew 23. Turning to the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6, Swindoll examines Jesus’ warning to "beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them". He explores how three pillars of Jewish piety—giving, praying, and fasting—had degenerated into theatrical performances for public applause rather than acts of private worship. Swindoll challenges believers to abandon the "mask" of false piety, whether it be "sounding a trumpet" regarding financial gifts, using "meaningless repetition" in prayer, or looking gloomy to prove spiritual depth. The message concludes with a call for parents to expose hypocrisy to their children to prevent rebellion and offers a path toward authenticity. Using the powerful story of a Jewish boy in World War II who identified himself to a Gentile family as "the Jesus you say you love," Swindoll urges listeners to drop their masks and serve Christ with genuine hearts.

Message Key Facts:

• The Definition of Hypocrisy: The word comes from the Greek hypokrites, which originally meant "one who answers back" in a theatrical sense. In Greek drama, an actor would hold an oversized mask in front of his face to play different roles (comedy or tragedy). Thus, a hypocrite is literally "one who speaks from behind a mask," pretending to be what they are not.
• Jesus vs. "Casper Milquetoast": Swindoll refutes the idea that Jesus was passive. In Matthew 23, Jesus displays immense courage by looking religious leaders in the face and calling them "serpents" and "vipers" because they "say things and do not do them".
• The Three Pillars of Piety: Jesus addresses three specific areas where hypocrisy often hides:
  1. Giving: Hypocrites give to be "honored by men." The remedy is secrecy—not letting the left hand know what the right is doing.
  2. Praying: Hypocrites use "meaningless repetition" and flowery language to be seen. Swindoll contrasts this with the authentic, simple prayers of new believers who "almost give God their zip code".
  3. Fasting: Hypocrites neglect their appearance to look "gloomy" and spiritual. The remedy is to anoint one’s head and wash one’s face so only God knows.
• "Ham on Your Breath": In reference to Galatians 2, Swindoll quotes Ralph Keiper’s paraphrase of Paul confronting Peter: "Peter, I smell ham on your breath." This illustrates the inconsistency of Peter living like a Gentile but then withdrawing to legalism when Jewish leaders arrived.
• The Danger of Tradition: Swindoll cites Matthew 15, where Jesus accuses the Pharisees of invalidating the Word of God for the sake of their traditions, such as the elaborate ritual of hand washing.
• Phil Donahue’s Experience: Swindoll shares a story from Phil Donahue’s autobiography about a West Virginia pastor who refused to re-enact a prayer for the news camera, stating, "We don't pray for the news... I will not pose".

Message References:

• Matthew 6:1–18: The primary text, warning against practicing righteousness (giving, praying, fasting) to be noticed by others.
• Matthew 23:13–33: Jesus’ seven "woes" pronounced upon the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy.
• Isaiah 29:13: God’s condemnation of people who honor Him with lip service while their hearts are far removed.
• Ezekiel 33:30–33: A warning to those who listen to God's word like a "sensual song" for entertainment but do not practice what it says.
• Romans 12:9: The command to "Let love be without hypocrisy".
• Galatians 2:11–14: Paul’s public rebuke of Peter (Cephas) for his hypocrisy regarding Jewish and Gentile fellowship.
• Matthew 15:1–9: Jesus confronts the Pharisees for elevating their traditions (such as hand washing rituals) above the commandments of God.

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll