MEMORY VERSE: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.” – Matthew 23:27 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Job 36:13-14 (KJV) 

13 But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them.

14 They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: A person who pretends to be something that he/she is not is a hypocrite. It is not just making a mistake but a deliberate plan to pretend, deceive or cheat. The person is dirty inside but appears clean outside (Matthew 23:27).

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. FORMS AND REASONS FOR HYPOCRISY
2. CONSEQUENCES AND REWARD OF HYPOCRISY

1. FORMS AND REASONS FOR HYPOCRISY

Professing belief in something and then acting in a manner contrary to that belief (Isaiah 29:13). The second form is to look down on others when we too are flawed (Matthew 7:3-5; Romans 2:1). The third form of hypocrisy is projecting ourselves to be what we are not (Romans 12:3) – this is common on the social media.

Jesus described hypocrites as wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15), white-washed tombs (Matthew 23:27), snakes and broods of vipers (Matthew 23:33), and graves (Luke 11:44).

There are several reasons people engage in hypocrisy. These include pride of life (1John 2:15-16); desire for men’s honour (John 12:43) and a feeling of insecurity (2Corinthians 10:12). They want to be respected in the church as being holy but in secret, committing sins (1Samuel 15:13-15, 20, 25-30). Ananias and his wife wanted the praise given to Barnabas when they were not as faithful (Acts 4:34-37; 5:1-10). Some people pretend to be who/what they are not to cheat (Genesis 27:20-22). People who declare false records and inaccurate tithing fall under this category (Proverbs 11:1). Self-indulgence may be another reason for hypocrisy (Romans 16:18).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The teacher should ask students about other reasons for hypocrisy in the church.

2. CONSEQUENCES AND REWARD OF HYPOCRISY

The consequences of hypocrisy may include:

1. Bad leadership (1 Samuel 15:24).
2. Shame and disgrace (Jeremiah 13:25-26).
3. Punishment (Proverbs 11:21).
4. Curses (Job 15:34-35).
5. Untimely or spiritual death (Job 36:13-14).

God knows all things including the secret deceit of the heart (Psalms 44:21) and all the ways of man (Job 31:4; Psalms 1:6). No one can hide from Him or deceive Him (Psalms 139:7-12). He will repay every man according to his works (Revelation 22:11-12).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Have you ever been or come across someone involved in hypocrisy, share the consequences.

CONCLUSION: Hypocrisy is a sin against God, the only solution is repentance (Isaiah 55:7).

QUESTIONS:

1. Mention four reasons for hypocrisy.
2. What are the consequences of hypocrisy?

ASSIGNMENT: Identify five (5) enemies of sincerity (No mark).

RCCG Sunday School HYMN

1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   O how I love Thee well,
   I am happy, it makes me glad
   To rejoice at Thy birth.
2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   Thy friendship suits me well,
   Both young and old will sing Thy song,
   We long for Sunday School.
3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   Christ was Thy first teacher,
   The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
   Does manifest in thee.
4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   This testimony is sure,
   That God, the Father Almighty,
   Poured His blessing on Thee.
5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   Though the sun be so bright,
   Or if the clouds black with rain,
   I’ll be in Sunday School.
6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   I rejoice to see Thee,
   Will thou pass over me today?
   Without my being blest?