He was talking about Matt. 6:16 when Jesus says, "Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy fast like the hypocrites do so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly they have their reward in full." He goes on to explain this in it's context- explianing the pharasees-
and then he says something a little provocative, a little cutting, that I wonder if we would let preachers get away with
in Auburn
in Nashville
in Little Rock.
"When the most people would be in the market (Tues and Thurs- fasting days) the Pharasees would wake up, not shower, not shave, not put on deodarant, not comb their hair, and they would walk around moaning and looking gloomy,
"What's wrong with you?"
"oohhh, I'm seeking God for you sinner"
and they would put on this overt riligiousity...
and Jesus says beware practicing your hypocracy before men to be noticed by them.
WHY?
Because you WILL be noticed by them.
(stop. drink this in)
The most dangerous part of hypocracy is that IT WORKS!
IT WORKS!
You can put on all the external garb of godliness and have a hard wicked heart and men will praise you and speak highly of you and exalt you as a godly man, as a godly woman, and it can be the most damning thing that ever happens to you.
Hypocracy is dangerous because it works.
You want to do things for the approval of men? You're in a great state, right here in the buckle of the Bible belt. Say the right things, wear the right things, and your going to be exalted all the days of your life, and you're going to die and stand naked before God and have the fullness of your reward, and that's a terrifying idea. A terrifying idea."
WOW.
"Woe are you when men speak highly of you."
