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  AN ANGEL ON THE OUTSIDE--AND A DEVIL WITHIN
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: The sermon warns against hypocrisy, emphasizing that a seeming
sanctified outside does not excuse a wicked inside, and ultimately leads
to condemnation.

Topics: "Inner Purity", "Hypocrisy"
Scripture References: Matthew 23:25

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Thomas Brooks addresses the issue of hypocrisy in his sermon,
emphasizing the stark contrast between a hypocrite's outward appearance
and their inner reality. He illustrates that while hypocrites may
present a facade of righteousness, their hearts are filled with greed,
malice, and wickedness, akin to beautiful temples hiding venomous
creatures. Brooks warns that such duplicity is a grave sin, as it leads
to spiritual death and condemnation, urging listeners to examine their
true selves rather than merely their outward actions.

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CONTENT
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"Hypocrites! You are so careful to clean the outside

of the cup and the dish; but inside you are filthy--

full of greed and self-indulgence!" Matthew 23:25

A hypocrite's outside never corresponds with his inside.

A hypocrite's outside is one thing--and his inside another.

A hypocrite's outside is religious--but his inside is wicked.

Hypocrites are like the Egyptian temples, which were beautiful

outside--but within there was nothing to be found but serpents

and crocodiles, and other venomous creatures. They are like

white silver--but they draw black lines. They have a seeming

sanctified outside--but are stuffed within with malice, pride,

worldliness, envy, etc. They are like window cushions, made up

of velvet and richly embroidered--but stuffed within with hay.

A hypocrite . . .

may offer sacrifice with Cain,

and fast with Jezebel,

and humble himself with Ahab,

and lament with the tears of Esau,

and kiss Christ with Judas,

and follow Christ with Demas,

and be baptized with Simon Magus;

and yet for all this, his inside is as bad as any of theirs!

A hypocrite is . . .

a Jacob on the outside--and an Esau within;

a David on the outside--and a Saul within;

a John on the outside--and a Judas within;

a saint on the outside--and a Satan within;

an angel on the outside--and a devil within.

But let all such hypocrites know, that pretend sanctity

is double iniquity--and accordingly at last they shall be

dealt with. "You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will

you escape being condemned to hell?" Matthew 23:33

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/an-angel-on-the-outsideand-a-devil-within/
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