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Skeptics or critics of the faith would say that Christian hypocrisy is strong evidence that Christianity doesn't work, and therefore isn't true. But I say that Christianity does work and is in fact true, despite the significant moral failures of believers. In this post, I'll present a single defense for my assertion, though there are a number of reasons Christians are sometimes hypocritical. For example, I think God does empower Christians to live loving, holy lives, but that power doesn't come automatically. Sometimes we fail to do our part in the process. Our part is doable, but it takes conscious, persistent effort. But that's not what this blog post is about.
I want to focus on the fact that Christians have been hypocrites from day one, beginning on the day of Pentecost. This uncomfortable truth is clear from the scriptures. In fact, the failures of the first-century church are evidence that the New Testament is true. God made sure nothing was hidden or candy coated. The writers of the New Testament documents were not giving us some Utopian religion. Rather, they gave us the truth, with all its warts and blemishes.
The existence of hypocrisy in the church does not invalidate the Christian faith. Hypocrisy just is. Sure, it wounds the body of Christ when it occurs. It's especially hurtful to the body when a Christian leader falls. It causes many in the flock to stumble, and it deters many from coming to Christ. Though hypocrisy causes harm, it doesn't disprove the faith.
I'll follow the SOAP method of devotional Bible study to develop my argument.
- S is for Scripture
- O is for Observation
- A is for Application
- P is for Prayer
"12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.13 ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. 15 So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."Observation:
Five of the seven churches in Roman Asia (today's western Turkey) contained sinful flaws that needed rebuking. Smyrna and Philadelphia were free of rebuke. I'm using Pergamum as my example of a church that contained "some" hypocrites. Some held to the false teachings of Baalum and the Nicolaitans. The ESV notes say that the Nicolaitans "...were spreading sexual and spiritual infidelity at Pergamum."
So, the church at Pergamum had some hypocrites who practiced false teaching and participated in sexual sin. It was bad, it was rebuked and they needed to repent. This sin was simply a reality within that church, just as it's a reality in the 21st-century church. It doesn't disprove the Christian faith. It just is.
Though not mentioned in Revelation, the Corinthian church is famous for its dysfunction. In 1 Corinthians, Paul rebuked them for allowing sexual immorality (5:1-13 and 6:12-20), along with "division...and social snobbery (1:10 and 11:18)" [ESV notes]. At least one was getting drunk during the Lord's Supper (11:21).
Also, a quick read of the letters of Peter, John and James, reveals a church that needed a lot of correction. The early church had many flaws, and the founding apostles often pointed these flaws out. Sometimes we think that just because the apostles performed miracles, signs and wonders, that the church should have been perfect. But it was far from perfect.
My point is that hypocrisy in the church is nothing new. It is a Biblical reality. It is not God's will, but God allows it to happen.
Application:
First, when we observe Christians succumbing to sin and hypocrisy, we shouldn't see it as invalidating the Christian faith. Yes, it hurts the body of Christ, but we just need to carry on. We shouldn't allow the failings of others to deter our own walk with the Lord. Similarly, when other Christians fall short of God's best, that's no excuse for us to do the same.
Second, we need to know that God promises to give us strength to live victorious lives. We shouldn't be discouraged by the failings of other Christians. Just because they fall into sin and hypocrisy, doesn't mean I have to. God will strengthen us. Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV says, "10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints...."
Next, we need to follow Biblical guidelines for dealing with sin in the church. The purpose of church discipline is to bring someone to repentance. James wrote, "19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins." (James 5:19-20 ESV)Prayer:
"Dear Lord, help us not to doubt our faith when we see a fellow Christian fall into sin. Help is to give wise answers to skeptics who incorrectly think that hypocrisy invalidates Christianity. Strengthen us to live lives that glorify you. And help our church leaders to humbly provide church discipline where needed. Amen."
