Sermons on Religious Hypocrisy:

The Christmas Spirit

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 14, 2025

How much of our activity at this season owes more to the Christmas spirit than to the spirit of Christ?

The eternally liberal town of Eugene, Oregon lost their cross a few years ago. It used to overlook the town from Skinner Butte, but after a heated battle it was replaced by an American flag. This year the diversity police focused on a new target. The Christmas tree in the Hult Center for the ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:1-6

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Discipleship Will Cost You, Part 3 Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Mar 1, 2026

If Jesus lived a life to show us how to draw closer to God, what is it that is keeping us from doing so? Why do we struggle to exemplify God in our life today? Why do our "religious preferences" outweigh what God has called us to do?

John, Part 29 Series: Discipleship Will Cost You, Part 3 Passage: John 7:10-19 FOCUS: Series continues today on Discipleship and its personal cost Discipleship is the process of becoming like Jesus; changing our wants to His This means giving up what you desire to follow the One who is ...read more

Scripture: John 7:10-19, Matthew 9:11, Matthew 11:19, Matthew 12:24, 1 John 4:1, Exodus 20:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What We Put In The Way Of Setting People Free Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 18, 2025

Jesus came to set people free, but often we put things ahead of that. What are the specific ways we do that?

“THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE”: Jesus came to set people free from Satanic oppression. - Luke 13:10-13; John 8:32. - There was more to Jesus’ mission than this, but one of the biggest things that He did was to set people free from Satanic oppression. - This is true both in terms of exorcisms, like ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:10-17

Denomination: Baptist

Who Is The Masked Man? PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Mar 7, 2024

This sermon encourages embracing God's transformative word, confronting our weaknesses, renouncing hypocrisy, and living authentically in the truth for spiritual growth and freedom.

Gathered together, not by chance, but by divine appointment, we find ourselves once more in the comforting embrace of God's house. We are here because we are called, beckoned by the gentle whisper of the Spirit, drawn by an irresistible force that resonates within the depths of our souls. We are ...read more

Topics: Seductive Lure, Lie

Religion Weighed And Found Wanting

Contributed by Dotun Jegede on Jun 9, 2020

Man has been called a religious animal. The Encyclopedia of religion and ethics lists hundreds of ways in which men have tried to satisfy their religious longings and feelings.

Man has been called a religious animal. The Encyclopedia of religion and ethics lists hundreds of ways in which men have tried to satisfy their religious longings and feelings. They have worshipped the sun, moon, stars, animals, trees, human: earth, fire, and water: idols of wood, stone, and tree; ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:19-22

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Christian And The Tongue

Contributed by Curtis Kittrell on Sep 14, 2001

James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. A careful follower of his belief. This is a religious person. Religion is translated Religion and Worshipping.

The Christian and the Tongue By Pastor CG 1. The Mark Of Perfection. (James 1:26; 3:1-12; Proverbs 12:18; 13:3; 15:4; 18:8, 21; Luke 6:45; 1 Peter 3:10; Romans 3:13) James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-18

Denomination: Pentecostal

Rapture Ready--Living With Authentic Faith Matthew 23 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Sep 14, 2025

To be rapture ready, we must move from empty religion to authentic relationship with CHRIST. JESUS condemns hypocrisy and calls us to authentic faith expressed in humility, obedience, and servant leadership. Outward show can’t replace inward surrender. Be watchful. Be faithful. Be ready.

2025.09.14 Sermon. RAPTURE READY_LIVING WITH AUTHENTIC FAITH_WOE TO HYPOCRISY, YES TO HUMILITY Matthew 23 William Akehurst, HSWC Scripture Readings Matthew 23:1-39, 2 Timothy 3:5, James 1:22, Philippians 2:3, Luke 12:1, John 10:9, 1 Timothy 6:5, Micah 6:8, Matthew 15:8, 1 Samuel 16:7, Matthew ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-39, 2 Timothy 3:5, James 1:22, Philippians 2:3, Luke 12:1, John 10:9, 1 Timothy 6:5, Micah 6:8, Matthew 15:8, 1 Samuel 16:7, Matthew 5:20, Matthew 7:21-23, Revelation 3:1-3, 2 Peter 3:9, John 14:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, Matthew 24:44, Matthew 23:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:6, Matthew 23:39  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Fig Tree Withers

Contributed by John Lowe on Aug 26, 2013

Jesus’ curse upon the fruitless tree was not the result of a quick temper; instead, He used the occasion as an object lesson against hypocrisy and misrepresenting the truth.

11-25-03 Title: The Fig Tree Withers Text: “Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:18-22

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Be A Pharisee! Series

Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Aug 7, 2013

A sermon examining the danger of becoming a modern day Pharisee.

DON’T BE A PHARISEE! Matthew 9:11-13 The Pharisees were an influential religious sect within Judaism in the days of Jesus’ earthy ministry. This group was mostly comprised of middle-class businessmen and leaders of the synagogues. Though the Pharisees were a minority within the Sanhedrin (the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:11-13

Denomination: Baptist

Divisions, Sins, And Signs (Matthew 12:22-37)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Mar 26, 2025

The clash between Jesus and the Pharisees intensified during the time of His public ministry. He rebuked and condemned them for their hypocrisy and unbelief, warning them of the eternal consequences.

After healing the man with the withered hand (12:9-14), the Lord Jesus continued His work of healing the sick and teaching the Word. Now the people brought before Him a man who was not only demon-possessed but also suffered from blindness and the inability to speak. Jesus immediately cast out ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:22-42, Mark 3:22-27, Luke 11:29-32

Denomination: Baptist

The Trial, The Denial, And The Betrayal - When The Heart Is Tested - Matthew 26:57-27:10 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Oct 25, 2025

Every heart is tested in the presence of JESUS. The religious leaders rejected Him, Peter denied Him, and Judas betrayed Him, and yet each story reveals the depth of human weakness and the overwhelming grace of GOD’s redemptive love. Question is...How will you respond when your heart is tested?

2025.10.26.Sermon Notes. THE TRIAL, THE DENIAL, AND THE BETRAYAL - WHEN THE HEART IS TESTED MATTHEW 26:57-27:10 Matthew 26:57-75, Matthew 27:1-10 William Akehurst, HSWC KEY WORD: Trial, Denial, Rejection, Betrayal, Sanhedrin, Blasphemy, Remorse, Repentance, Field of Blood, Remorse without ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:57-75, Matthew 27:1-10, Isaiah 53:7, Daniel 7:13-14, John 5:39-40, Luke 22:61-62, John 21:15-17, James 4:8, Acts 2:23, Romans 8:28, John 8:36, Zechariah 11:12-13, 1 John 1:9, Psalm 51:10, 2 Corinthians 7:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Danger Of Perverted Preachers, Pastors And Priests. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Aug 24, 2024

. This sermon explores the dangers of perverted preachers, pastors, and priests, and the devastating impact on individuals and communities.

We discover that God has always demanded holiness and moral purity from those who serve in positions of spiritual leadership. Unfortunately, throughout history, some preachers and priests have failed to meet this standard, engaging in perverted and sinful behaviour. Let us confront a sobering ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 23:11, Matthew 23:25

God's Final Word

Contributed by David Moore on Jun 27, 2008

This message shows how the people scorned God’s love, yet how God remained faithful in the loving of them and the sending of the Saviour

God’s Final Word Text: Malachi 1:1-5 Introduction: We turn now to the last book of our Old Testament, to the book of Malachi, and to God’s final words with the nation for 400 years. Between Malachi and Matthew God says nothing, not one word. The next time He speaks to this nation it will not be ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 1:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Living Only For God Series

Contributed by Daniel Villa on Jun 30, 2008

Mature disciples live only to honor God and not to be seen by men.

LIVING FOR THE AUDIENCE OF ONE (Be Perfect series) "Be careful not to do your `acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6:1 (NIV) "God wants us to be so supernaturally transformed that our main objective is no ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1

Denomination: Church Of God

Fig Tree Or Fake Tree

Contributed by Larry Turner on Apr 3, 2012

Are you bearing fruit or just showing off?

Today is Palm Sunday. This is the day that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey while people laid palm branches in his path and shouted “Hosanna. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” This is the week that He will clear the temple, that his arrest will be plotted, and He ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:12-21, Luke 13:6-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-11

Denomination: Foursquare