Zac Poonen addresses the critical nature of the Pharisees, who, despite witnessing Jesus' miraculous acts, chose to attribute them to evil motives rather than recognizing His divine authority. He highlights the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who are quick to judge others while being partial to their own family members. This sermon emphasizes the danger of suspicion and the tendency to assume the worst about others, which stems from a selfish heart. Poonen calls for self-examination to avoid falling into the same critical mindset that the Pharisees exhibited.

John Wesley expounds on Matthew 23, where Jesus criticizes the Pharisees and scribes for their hypocrisy and failure to embody the true spirit of the law. He highlights their outward displays of piety, such as wearing phylacteries and broad fringes, while neglecting justice, mercy, and faith. Wesley emphasizes that true religion is not about mere external observance but about the inner transformation of the heart. He warns against the dangers of self-exaltation and the consequences of leading others astray. Ultimately, Wesley calls for humility and genuine faithfulness to God, contrasting the empty practices of the religious leaders with the authentic relationship God desires with His people.

Charles Finney addresses the dangers of valuing public opinion over God's approval, emphasizing that many professing Christians prioritize their reputation and social acceptance over true devotion to God. He distinguishes between self-love and selfishness, warning that when individuals act primarily to maintain their image, they become hypocrites. Finney urges listeners to examine their motives and actions, challenging them to pursue genuine obedience to God's commands regardless of societal pressures. He calls for a commitment to uphold God's standards, even when it conflicts with popular sentiment, and warns that those who conform to the world will face dire consequences.

Chuck Smith delivers a sermon on I Kings 14:1, emphasizing how God uses various methods to capture our attention, particularly in times of trouble. He discusses the character of Jeroboam and his wife, who only seek God when faced with crises, highlighting the danger of being an occasional hearer of God's word. The sermon also addresses the futility of disguises, as the wife attempts to hide her identity while seeking help from the prophet Ahijah, only to be called out by him. Ultimately, Smith conveys the heavy tidings of judgment upon Jeroboam's family, contrasting it with the glorious tidings of God's mercy for the godly. The message serves as a reminder of the importance of genuine faith and the consequences of hypocrisy.

Charles Finney addresses the dangers of seeking the praise of men over the praise of God, emphasizing that true self-love aligns with God's law, while selfishness leads to hypocrisy. He warns that many professing Christians are motivated by a desire for reputation rather than a genuine commitment to glorifying God, often conforming to public sentiment instead of biblical standards. Finney challenges listeners to examine their hearts and motives, urging them to prioritize God's authority over societal approval. He calls for a radical commitment to Christ, encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith regardless of public opinion. Ultimately, he stresses that true Christianity requires a complete surrender to God's will, regardless of the cost.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the danger of harboring even a single sin, likening it to a dead fly that spoils a box of precious ointment. He warns that no hypocrite is completely free from the love of sin, as they often cling to secret lusts that can lead to spiritual death. Brooks illustrates that just as one disease can be fatal, one sin can condemn a soul, making it essential to address any sin in our lives to avoid spiritual leprosy. He urges listeners to recognize that allowing even one sin can lead to eternal damnation, just as one hole in a ship can sink it.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the danger of being outwardly holy while lacking true inner holiness, comparing such individuals to Halifax nuts, which are all shell and no kernel. He warns that many present a glorious facade to the world but are abominable in God's sight, highlighting the hypocrisy of those who appear righteous externally but are filled with wickedness internally. Brooks draws parallels to the Scribes and Pharisees, who were outwardly religious yet inwardly corrupt, and cautions that God despises those who masquerade their sins with a guise of holiness. The sermon serves as a stark reminder that true holiness must come from within, lest one face severe consequences in the afterlife.

Thomas Brooks warns about the severe consequences of hypocrisy, emphasizing that those who pretend to be righteous while exploiting others, like the scribes and Pharisees, will face greater damnation. He illustrates that the torments of hypocrites in hell are unparalleled, as their counterfeit sanctity leads to double iniquity. Brooks stresses that justice demands that hypocrites endure double torment for their deceitful actions.

Thomas Watson presents a vivid portrayal of a godly man, emphasizing the importance of genuine faith over mere outward appearances. He warns against hypocrisy, likening it to whitewashed tombs that appear beautiful but are filled with decay inside. Watson stresses that true godliness is rooted in the heart, characterized by a sincere love for Christ and a commitment to holiness, humility, and the rejection of sin. He encourages believers to continually seek God's grace and to be vigilant against the temptations of the world, ultimately highlighting that a godly man is one who strives to reflect God's character in every aspect of life.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the danger of focusing on trivial aspects of religion, as illustrated by the Pharisees who meticulously tithed their spices while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He warns that such distractions are a tactic of Satan to keep believers from engaging in the weightier matters of faith. Brooks calls for a deeper examination of one's spiritual life, urging Christians to prioritize the essence and power of their faith over mere outward appearances and ceremonies. He highlights that true hypocrisy lies in being preoccupied with minor details while ignoring the core principles of Christianity.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the danger of hypocrisy within the church, warning that many engage in religious activities while their hearts remain distant from God. He highlights that mere participation in church ordinances does not equate to true devotion, as even the worst sinners can perform these acts. Brooks draws a parallel between hypocrites and the nightingale, suggesting that their actions are often motivated by the desire for human approval rather than genuine faith. He cites Ezekiel to illustrate that while people may outwardly express devotion, their hearts are often focused on selfish gain, leading to a disconnect between their words and actions.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the futility of the hypocrite's hope, warning that those who live in sin and presume upon God's grace without true repentance face dire consequences. He cites Job 27:8 and Proverbs 11:7 to illustrate that the hopes of the wicked perish at death, and that false assurance leads to greater misery in damnation. Brooks calls for deliverance from such false hopes and urges the pursuit of a divine hope that fosters a hatred for sin. The sermon serves as a stark reminder of the importance of genuine faith and repentance.

In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a play he watched and how it made him question his own commitment to living out the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of not just preaching about denying oneself and following God, but actually living it out. The speaker also references Matthew 25 and the parable of the sheep and goats, highlighting the need to care for the poor and needy. He encourages the church to take slander seriously and confront those who engage in it. The sermon concludes with the speaker sharing how their church's commitment to caring for the poor has garnered attention and praise from people around the world.

John Sung emphasizes the abundant saving grace of God that is often despised, using the story of Simon the sorcerer from Acts 8 to illustrate how one can appear to believe yet remain unsaved. He highlights the importance of true repentance and the danger of hypocrisy, as seen in Simon's life, who despite witnessing miracles and being baptized, never truly accepted Christ. Sung urges believers to recognize the call to spread the Gospel beyond their immediate surroundings, as the early disciples did after persecution scattered them. He warns against the temptation to misuse God's grace for personal gain, as Simon attempted to buy the power of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, Sung calls for genuine faith that leads to salvation, rather than a superficial belief that leads to destruction.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and humility in the face of our own shortcomings, cautioning against the tendency to label others as hypocrites. He acknowledges that only Jesus, who is perfect, has the authority to judge, while we must focus on our own faults and the potential for unintentional hypocrisy in our lives. Tozer encourages his congregation to recognize that, despite the spiritual light they may possess, they often fall short of living up to it. Ultimately, he reminds them that God knows the secrets of every heart, urging honesty and humility in their spiritual journey.

Zac Poonen addresses the hypocrisy of Pharisaical preachers who impose heavy burdens on others while failing to uphold the same standards themselves. He shares a personal experience from a youth camp where a speaker demanded excessive devotion without practicing it himself, revealing the inconsistency and burden of such teachings. Poonen emphasizes that true preaching should liberate and bless rather than bind and burden, contrasting the approach of Jesus, who used Scripture to free people rather than constrain them. He warns that many young people are disillusioned with church due to these burdensome teachings, which misrepresent God's Word.

R.A. Torrey's sermon on Matthew 23:1-36 addresses the hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees, emphasizing the dangers of seeking human praise over divine approval. He warns that while they outwardly appeared righteous, they were inwardly corrupt, failing to practice what they preached and burdening others with their demands. Torrey highlights the importance of humility and true servanthood, urging believers to focus on the weightier matters of the law such as justice, mercy, and faith. He calls for self-examination to avoid the pitfalls of Pharisaism, reminding the congregation that true greatness is found in serving others rather than seeking titles and recognition. Ultimately, the sermon serves as a caution against hypocrisy and a call to genuine faithfulness in following Christ.

Thomas Brooks addresses the issue of hypocrisy in his sermon, emphasizing the stark contrast between a hypocrite's outward appearance and their inner reality. He illustrates that while hypocrites may present a facade of righteousness, their hearts are filled with greed, malice, and wickedness, akin to beautiful temples hiding venomous creatures. Brooks warns that such duplicity is a grave sin, as it leads to spiritual death and condemnation, urging listeners to examine their true selves rather than merely their outward actions.

Thomas Brooks warns against the hypocrisy of those who profess faith outwardly while harboring sin in their hearts. He emphasizes that many individuals may speak of God but live in contradiction to their profession, indulging in and defending their sinful behaviors. Such individuals not only shame their faith but also risk eternal ruin as they remain under God's wrath. Brooks calls for self-examination and repentance, urging believers to align their hearts and actions with their professed faith.

Zac Poonen emphasizes the hard-heartedness of the Pharisees, illustrating that their outward honor of God is superficial as their hearts are distant from Him. He compares the heart of a Pharisee to butter in a freezer, becoming hard and unyielding due to their separation from God, who is the source of softness and compassion. Poonen points out that those who are hard on others often reflect their own distance from God, while true followers of Christ judge themselves rather than others. He also highlights the hypocrisy of Pharisees, who impose strict rules on others but show leniency towards their own families. The sermon calls for personal convictions without imposing them on others, urging believers to maintain a soft heart through closeness to God.

John Nelson Darby expounds on Matthew 23, emphasizing the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders, the scribes and Pharisees, who misled the people while still holding authority over them. He highlights the disciples' connection to the nation of Israel, urging them to judge the leaders' actions while remaining faithful to God's law. Darby points out the historical guilt of the nation for rejecting God's prophets, culminating in the rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. He warns that Jerusalem's house will remain desolate until the people repent and recognize Jesus as their Savior. Ultimately, the sermon reflects on the need for spiritual awakening and the hope of restoration for Israel.

Zac Poonen emphasizes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who meticulously focus on trivial matters while neglecting the weightier commands of Scripture. He illustrates this inconsistency by comparing their actions to straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel, highlighting the importance of prioritizing love and obedience to God over mere outward appearances. Poonen critiques the tendency of some Christians to excel in superficial religious practices, such as memorizing Scripture for competitions, while failing to embody the true essence of the gospel, which is love. He calls for a genuine pursuit of love for God and others as the ultimate goal of the Christian life, urging believers to recognize and act on what truly matters. The sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their priorities and align their actions with the core teachings of Christ.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the dangers of hypocrisy in religious practice, illustrating how the Pharisees performed many outward acts of piety without true inward transformation. He argues that a hypocrite may engage in prayer, fasting, and giving, yet lacks the genuine heart and spiritual principles that should underlie these actions. Brooks warns that such hollow practices, devoid of sincere love and faith, ultimately lead to spiritual ruin. He contrasts the hypocrite with a sincere Christian, who finds true fulfillment in Christ rather than mere religious duties. The sermon serves as a call to examine the heart's condition in relation to God and the authenticity of one's faith.

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the truth and feeding the congregation. He shares a personal story about a shepherd he met in Colorado who loved his sheep enough to preach the truth to them and take care of their physical needs. The speaker also highlights the significance of being a good witness for Christ by maintaining cleanliness and decency. He mentions that despite his straightforward preaching, the congregation grew to like him. The sermon concludes with a humorous anecdote about a small television set in the choir area that displays the scores of the Bears and Cowboys football games.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the danger of hypocrisy in the Christian life, warning that those who outwardly display a religious facade to gain respect while living like an atheist in their private lives will ultimately be exposed by God. He stresses that true faith must be consistent both publicly and privately, as God sees all and will reveal the true nature of one's heart. The sermon serves as a call to authenticity in one's relationship with God, urging believers to align their inner lives with their outward expressions of faith.

Thomas Brooks warns against the dangers of hypocrisy in the pursuit of holiness, using the Scribes and Pharisees as prime examples of those who outwardly appear righteous but are inwardly corrupt. He emphasizes that pretended holiness leads to greater damnation, as those who profess godliness without true piety are ultimately the most miserable. Brooks illustrates that artificial sanctity is a severe iniquity, and he urges listeners not to deceive themselves with a false sense of righteousness. He concludes with a stark reminder that Christ will eventually reveal the true nature of those who wear masks of holiness, leading to eternal shame.

Shane Idleman passionately addresses the difference between faithful and unfaithful servants, emphasizing that true faithfulness comes from an inward change rather than mere outward appearances. He warns against hypocrisy, highlighting that many who claim to be Christians lack a genuine relationship with God, which leads to foolishness. Idleman critiques modern Christianity's complacency and calls for a return to fervent faith, urging believers to seek God earnestly and live out their faith authentically. He stresses the urgency of being prepared for Christ's return, as the time is short and the stakes are high. Ultimately, he challenges the congregation to reflect on whether they are wise or foolish servants in their walk with God.

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the precious and magnificent promises that God has given us in the scriptures. He explains that these promises are not meant to solely bring us health or wealth, but to transform us and make us partakers of God's nature. The speaker highlights the fallen nature of humanity, using the analogy of a pig being naturally dirty. He warns against the deception and hypocrisy prevalent in the world and encourages listeners to seek genuine godliness and inner reality. The speaker also shares his personal journey of realizing the need for authenticity in his own life and the importance of living out the truths of the Bible consistently.