A WARNING TO HYPOCRITES JUDGMENT A WARNING TO HYPOCRITES ROMANS 2:1-

How a Hypocrite Feels 1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things A hypocrite is a person who feels like other people's sins are worse than their own

2 Samuel 12:1 And the Lord sent Nathan unto David 2 Samuel 12:1  And the Lord sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. 2 The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds: 3 But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. 4 And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him. 5 And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the Lord liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: 6 And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. 7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man.

PRINCIPLE #1 The only standard worth holding ourselves to is the measure of Christ.

What a Hypocrite Finds God promises judgment for hypocrites. 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? God promises judgment for hypocrites. 2 Samuel 12:7-14

Luke 18:9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

PRINCIPLE #2 While we all struggle with hypocrisy, When we invite Christian accountability into our lives, we avert the judgment of God.

What a Hypocrite Forgets 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Who hates riches? Who hates being treated with goodness? Who hates forbearance? Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

PRINCIPLE #3 A repentant person is willfully thankful. A thankful person is always willing to repent.

What a Hypocrite Forgets 5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: The effect of each sin will be considered in all its aspects – its effect on the sinner, on others and on God. As a stone cast into a pond starts the ripples flowing in ever expanding circles till the disturbance reaches the furthermost shore, so sin sets in motion events over which the sinner has not control. - John Phillips, Romans Commentary

2 Cor 5: 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Romans 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Have you been comparing yourself to others? Will you consider your own heart this morning? Have you been comparing yourself to others? Are you truly thankful for Christ’s riches and goodness towards you?