The Danger Of Hypocrisy In The Church Series

THE DANGER OF HYPOCRISY IN THE CHURCH

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 5:1-11

Key Verse: “And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.” (Acts 5:11)

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 11:9, Matthew 23:27-28, Galatians 6:7, Luke 12:1-3, 1 Peter 4:17

INTRODUCTION:

Hypocrisy is one of the most dangerous sins in the Church today. It is the act of pretending to be what one is not, putting up a holy appearance while hiding sin in the heart. The early Church was filled with grace, unity, and power, but hypocrisy tried to creep in through Ananias and Sapphira. Their deceit was not just against man but against God Himself.

In every generation, the devil has sought to weaken the Church through hypocrisy. When believers seek the praise of men instead of the approval of God, they open the door to spiritual death and divine displeasure. The case of Ananias and Sapphira stands as a solemn warning that God still watches over His Church with holy jealousy.

True Christianity is not about appearances but about authenticity. God is raising a Church that walks in truth, humility, and transparency. He is purifying His Bride from deceit so that His glory can fill His house again.

1. HYPOCRISY IS A SIN AGAINST GOD, NOT MAN

Hypocrisy may deceive people, but it cannot deceive God, who sees the secrets of the heart.

a) God Sees All Things (Hebrews 4:13): Nothing is hidden from His sight; every secret motive and action is open before Him.

b) Pretence is an Abomination to God (Proverbs 12:22): Lying lips are detestable before the Lord, but truth pleases Him.

c) Hypocrisy Dishonours God’s Name (Romans 2:23-24): When believers act deceitfully, they bring reproach to the gospel.

d) God Exposes Hidden Sin (Luke 12:2-3): Every secret sin will one day be revealed in the light of truth.

Biblical Example: Ananias and Sapphira pretended to give their full offering, but the Holy Spirit exposed their deceit, and both fell dead (Acts 5:1-10).

2. HYPOCRISY DESTROYS FELLOWSHIP AND TRUST IN THE CHURCH

A Church filled with pretence loses power, purity, and credibility before God and man.

a) It Breeds Distrust (Proverbs 26:24-26): A hypocrite hides hatred with lying lips, but his wickedness will eventually show.

b) It Pollutes the Fellowship (1 Corinthians 5:6-7): A little leaven of deceit corrupts the whole body of believers.

c) It Weakens Spiritual Authority (Acts 5:11): Fear and distrust replace love and unity when hypocrisy is found in the Church.

d) It Robs the Church of God’s Presence (Psalm 24:3-4): Only those with clean hands and pure hearts can stand in God’s holy place.

Biblical Example: Judas Iscariot walked with Jesus but harboured deceit. His hypocrisy broke fellowship and led to his destruction (Matthew 26:14-16).

3. HYPOCRISY INVITES DIVINE JUDGEMENT

God may be merciful, but He will not tolerate deceit among His people. His judgement upon Ananias and Sapphira shows that holiness is non-negotiable.

a) God Judges Hypocrisy Swiftly (Acts 5:5,10): Their death was instant, proving that God is serious about truth.

b) Hypocrites Will Face Condemnation (Matthew 24:51): Jesus warned that hypocrites will have their portion with unbelievers.

c) God’s Judgement Begins in His House (1 Peter 4:17): The Church must be purified before revival can spread.

d) Hypocrisy Hinders Revival (Isaiah 59:1-2): Sin in the camp blocks the move of God and silences divine favour.

Biblical Example: Gehazi’s greed and deceit in 2 Kings 5:20-27 brought leprosy upon him and his descendants.

4. GOD DESIRES SINCERITY AND HOLINESS IN HIS CHURCH

God’s power and glory dwell only where truth reigns. He seeks a Church that walks in light, purity, and sincerity.

a) God Delights in Truth (Psalm 51:6): He desires truth in the inward parts, not outward show.

b) The Holy Spirit Empowers the Upright (Psalm 84:11): No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

c) Sincerity Attracts Divine Favour (John 4:23-24): True worshippers must worship in spirit and truth.

d) Holiness Preserves the Church (Hebrews 12:14): Without holiness, no one shall see the Lord.

Biblical Example: Daniel lived a life of integrity and transparency before God and man, and God honoured him with divine revelation and protection (Daniel 6:4-5, 22).

CONCLUSION:

The story of Ananias and Sapphira is a solemn reminder that God is not mocked. He desires a pure Church, free from falsehood, pretence, and deceit. Hypocrisy may impress men temporarily, but it provokes divine wrath and eternal loss.

As believers, we must walk in truth, confess our sins, and serve God with sincerity. The Holy Spirit searches the heart and rewards those who are pure before Him. Let us live transparent, holy lives so that the glory of God will remain in His Church.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, cleanse my heart from every form of hypocrisy and deceit.