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What is a hypocrite? - 6/13/2008 7:06:39 AM
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Annie64
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I have often heard people who didn't want to go to church use the excuse that it is full of "hypocrites," and I have wondered if they are using the word correctly. A hypocrite is a pretender, someone who is not actually a Christian but is pretending to be one. But many times, I think it is used to mean "any person who professes to be a Christian while exhibiting a weakness I do not perceive in myself." What do you think of that definition? Do you think people are using the word that way without realizing it? What is your definition of the word hypocrite?
_____________________________
On Christ the solid rock I stand
ALL other ground is sinking sand.
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RE: What is a hypocrite? - 6/13/2008 7:23:01 AM
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mvic
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The dictionary definition of hypocrisy is simulation or pretence of goodness. So religion or Christianity has nothing to do with it.
But I agree with you, there are many "Christians" who pretend (un-wittingly perhaps) to be Christians when in reality their actions and the way they live is far off from Christianity and its teachings.
Going to church on Sundays does not make one a Christian. Saying you're a Christian does not make one a Christian.
I feel so strongly about this that I wrote a book about it. Too many "false" Christians give Christianity a bad name.
_____________________________
http://www.holyvisions.co.uk
Welcome to my Blog
MEI VITA INDICO CHRISTUS
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RE: What is a hypocrite? - 6/13/2008 7:37:21 AM
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Annie64
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It's true that there are a lot of people in the church who aren't Christians at all. But that really wasn't what I was talking about. I was talking about people calling people hypocrites when they are sincere Christians who may be weak in one area or another, and someone sees their weakness and calls them a hypocrite. I guess I'm talking about people who expect Christians to be perfect, and when we aren't, we get called hypocrites. Does anybody else see this happening?
_____________________________
On Christ the solid rock I stand
ALL other ground is sinking sand.
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RE: What is a hypocrite? - 6/13/2008 7:53:18 AM
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SonInMe1
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To me...when someone who is unsaved calls christians hypocrits, they are saying that christians to them, lord some kind of perfection in life over them clouded as their faith while not living it out themselves.
These "christians" tend to be legalists ready to condemn anyone they deem less than perfect while not looking at their own faults.
Again, to me...a christian should point to Christ as the Perfect One. When we point at ourselves and say...I...am sinless...and an unsaved person should look at me and me only, that christianity is just a set of rules...that is a hypocrit.
Ain't one christian that got there by themselves or can achieve any moral standing without Christ. Not one.
A christian hypocrit cannot be someone who says one thing and does another because all faith believing christians do this. If they could, on their own power be perfect, then they would be God and not in need of God..at all. If you know the bible and the requirements for perfect holiness then you also know...
you
fall
short.
The christian who proclaims sinlessnes...is a hypocrit.
The christian who sins, confesses it and repents and asks for forgiveness...now there....is a christian. He's not perfect but he does live by the christian "rules".
< Message edited by SonInMe1 -- 6/13/2008 7:59:57 AM >
_____________________________
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: What is a hypocrite? - 6/13/2008 9:13:43 AM
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timf
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What is a hypocrite?
Jesus used the term hypocrites in a warning about the Pharisees. The word he used was the Greek word for actor. While actors can pretend, they can also "lose themselves in the part" (theater term). This type of self delusion can be seen in political people who look with sincerity at a television camera and declare that they are personally against abortion all the while they protect and fund it.
When Jesus ties the term to the Pharisees, I think He is emphasizing this particular aspect of self delusion. It spreads like leaven. When we discipline our children we make a special emphasis on being honest. When a child puts a "spin" on why he did something wrong, he deceives himself. A Christian is supposed to follow truth. Lying to ourselves is a particularly disabling poison, because we become blind to the condition and resistant to any remedy.
In the context that Jesus uses, a hypocrite is a person who has become separated from truth and is unable to recognize it. This should be a waring as to how important and fragile "truth" is. We need to cling to Jesus in humility and beg Him to keep us grounded in truth.
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RE: What is a hypocrite? - 6/13/2008 9:21:36 AM
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JimboFletch
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The way it is used today by many I've talked with, a hypocrite is anyone that can be used as an excuse for another person to live their life as they please and eliminate any vestiges of Christianity from their life. It is as equally valid as refusing to go to grocery to buy food because some veggies may have bruised spots on them.
No serious believer would allow a phony to prevent them from worship, praise, and study with fellow believers, any more than you'd allow an idiot distant cousin of your beloved keep you from being near your sweetheart.
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RE: What is a hypocrite? - 6/13/2008 9:35:53 AM
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small_creation
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Hypocrisy is such an easy sin. I find myself doing it a lot lately.
Hypocrisy is simply recognizing and pronouncing fault in another while doing the very same thing.
For example, you could despise a person for stealing a piece of gum in the store. Then you go down the fruit isle and test one grape to see if it's okay to buy the bunch. Both stealing? Yes. Can you justify your position above the other? Probably, but it's still the same thing -- theft.
And you've made yourself a hypocrite by detesting your neighbor's action while justifying (or ignoring) your own.
j
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RE: What is a hypocrite? - 6/13/2008 9:49:32 AM
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rcjames
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quote:
I have often heard people who didn't want to go to church use the excuse that it is full of "hypocrites,"
Yea, that excuse is probably no. 1 with "Why would I want to serve a God that puts people in hell who never heard of Him>?" a close second.
When folks give me the "Hypocrite" excuse, I ask them if they are a hypocrite (they alsways respood no) then I ask them again to come to Church to offset the hypocrites that they know are in the Church..
Thanks
RC
edited for spelling
< Message edited by rcjames -- 6/13/2008 9:57:14 AM >
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: What is a hypocrite? - 6/13/2008 9:55:36 AM
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jbow
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A hypocrite is a stage actor...
Hypocrisy is the counterfeiting of sanctity. The hypocrite is like a house with a beautiful facade but every room is dark. He is a rotten post fairly gilded. The hypocrite is against the painting of faces but he paints holiness. The hypocrite seems to have his eyes nailed to heaven but his heart is full of impure lustings. He lives is secret sin against his concience. In Samuel's mantle, he plays the devil. He can be as his company is and play both the dove and the vulture. He hears the word but is all ear. He is for temple devotion, where others may look upon him and admire him, but he neglects family and closet prayer. Indeed, if prayer does not make a man leave sin, sin will make a man leave prayer. The hypocrite feigns humility but it is that he may rise in the world. He is a pretender to faith but he makes use of it rather for a cloak than a sheild. He carries his bible under his arm but not in his heart. His whole religion is a demure lie.
None will find it more difficult to repent than hypocrites. They have so juggled in religion that their hearts know not how to repent. Hyporcrisy is harder to cure than frenzy. The hypocrite's imposthume seldom breaks in his heart. If it be not yet too late... seek God for mercy.
Hell is called the "place of hypocrites", (Matt 24:51), as if it were cheifly prepared for them and were to be settled upon them in fee-simple*, (*unconditional inheritance)
Thomas Watson
I've been reading through Thomas Watson's "The Doctrine of Repentance", it is a good work.
J
< Message edited by jbow -- 6/13/2008 10:46:18 AM >
_____________________________
"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
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RE: What is a hypocrite? - 6/13/2008 10:00:10 AM
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AboundinginHisGrace
Posts: 216
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Annie64
I have often heard people who didn't want to go to church use the excuse that it is full of "hypocrites,"
That is the number 1 excuse I get as well.
_____________________________
"What a mercy it is that it is not your hold of Christ that saves you, but his hold of you." - Spurgeon
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RE: What is a hypocrite? - 6/13/2008 10:15:42 AM
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P31W
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quote:
I have often heard people who didn't want to go to church use the excuse that it is full of "hypocrites," and I have wondered if they are using the word correctly.
I don't know if they are using the term correctly or not. But I have a feeling that if we gathered together into one group all those who "don't go to church yet call themselves a Christian" we could easily say they are hypocrites as well.
The "visible church" is an easy target. It's much harder to call the closet christians anything.
____________
You are correct that one can be a Chrisitan and have flaws in their life. We are not 'perfect people" but we do try to be more and more like our pefect example Christ. Maybe those people need to learn what a Christian is and what a Christian is not. Hummm, maybe you are correct....they are using the term wrong because they may view being a Christian a "perfect"? But if they do are they saying they are "perfect"?
or
Do they believe that those of us who attend church believe we are perfect? If they believe this ask them to show that doctrine to you in your church's literature, statement of faith or other document that states your church's teachings/beliefs.
< Message edited by P31W -- 6/13/2008 10:24:19 AM >
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RE: What is a hypocrite? - 6/13/2008 11:42:54 AM
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Kat_D
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quote:
ORIGINAL: JimboFletch
The way it is used today by many I've talked with, a hypocrite is anyone that can be used as an excuse for another person to live their life as they please and eliminate any vestiges of Christianity from their life. It is as equally valid as refusing to go to grocery to buy food because some veggies may have bruised spots on them.
No serious believer would allow a phony to prevent them from worship, praise, and study with fellow believers, any more than you'd allow an idiot distant cousin of your beloved keep you from being near your sweetheart.
Could you just start pm'ing me every time you post, Jimbo?
It would save me a lot of time...I could just follow every post you make with "Ditto," "Exactly," or "What he said!!" 
_____________________________
~Kat
"...And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes...no more death, sorrow, nor crying."
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RE: What is a hypocrite? - 6/13/2008 3:20:22 PM
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Miril
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quote:
ORIGINAL: JimboFletch
any more than you'd allow an idiot distant cousin of your beloved keep you from being near your sweetheart.
Unless the "sweetheart" is a fake and a liar who was portraying to be something he is not, therefore making him an unknown creepy stalker that the cousin had to defend.
Surely, any true man of God can see the woman's side.
3 John 1:10
So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, gossiping maliciously about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.
Surely, any hypocrites involved cannot.
Proverbs 16:28
A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.
Proverbs 18:8
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.
Proverbs 20:19
A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.
1 Timothy 5:13
Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.
Psalm 63:11
But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God's name will praise him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced.
Proverbs 17:4
A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue.
Amen, thank you Lord. 
_____________________________
Proverbs 15
3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.
God Bless.
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RE: What is a hypocrite? - 6/13/2008 4:07:45 PM
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terryjohn
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I once thought I was good but in the light of Gods grace I found I was a hypocite. Unbelievers only call christians hypocrites when christians do as unbelievers do, so they too are condemned by their own judgements for they do confess their own unrighteousness. None of our sins take anything away from the glory and grace of God, if anything they merely make God more righteous for oppossing such evil.
What is a hypocrite? It is someone who sees the rightness of Gods righteousness and does not even begin to try to live by it.
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RE: What is a hypocrite? - 6/13/2008 4:30:02 PM
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WesleyGlenn
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I've heard that excuse also, "I'm not going to church because it's full of hypocrites." You have all kinds of people who go to the club Saturday night, but are in church Sunday morning. There are all kinds of people who go to church for the purpose of dating. You have people who preach for the sole purpose of getting money. You have people who can play music getting put onto worship teams in the church, but they live homosexual lifestyles outside the church. Things are crooked all over.
Matthew Chapter 7 v. 20 reads, "Therefore by their fruits you will know them." We are all known by our fruit. If our fruit is rotten, people will see that and deem us a hypocrite. If we live a life that glorifies God as much as possible, people will see that as well. They will either respect us, hate us, ignore us, or join us. Matthew Chapter 5 v. 16 reads, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." I know this is very cliche, but our lives are the only Bible that some people will ever read. We won't always do things perfect, but people will know where we stand by what they see. This is why it is so important for us to stay in the word and in constant prayer so that we can be that light. That way we can show people how a TRUE born again Christian carries themself.
< Message edited by WesleyGlenn -- 6/13/2008 4:37:09 PM >
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RE: What is a hypocrite? - 6/13/2008 4:54:36 PM
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Liveloved
Posts: 1360
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quote:
I have often heard people who didn't want to go to church use the excuse that it is full of "hypocrites," and I have wondered if they are using the word correctly. A hypocrite is a pretender, someone who is not actually a Christian but is pretending to be one. But many times, I think it is used to mean "any person who professes to be a Christian while exhibiting a weakness I do not perceive in myself." What do you think of that definition? Do you think people are using the word that way without realizing it? What is your definition of the word hypocrite?
Oooh. . .lots of good discussion here. But I don't agree with your definition "any person who professes to be a Christian while exhibiting a weakness I do not perceive in myself". I think what people are perceiving is the UNtruthfulness in others. . .not the flaw, sin or weakness. That's why living in truth, walking in truth, and living a repentant life is the life we as Christians are to live. Walking in the light we SEE, CONFESS, and REPENTANT of our sinfulness. But instead most of the Christian world wears the mask, acting as if they are what they are not. And some truly do not see themselves rightly at all as one of the other posts said.
A hypocrite does not live or walk in truth.
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RE: What is a hypocrite? - 6/13/2008 6:08:51 PM
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Miril
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quote:
A hypocrite does not live or walk in truth.
..and will never be pure of heart.
1 Timothy 1:5
The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
_____________________________
Proverbs 15
3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.
God Bless.
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RE: What is a hypocrite? - 6/13/2008 6:20:14 PM
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Walker311
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A hypocrite is a liar and we all know where liars will end up.
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RE: What is a hypocrite? - 6/13/2008 8:28:53 PM
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SonInMe1
Posts: 3624
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I would say...anyone who claims perfection or sinlessness is a hypocrit.
_____________________________
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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