An Angel on the Outside--and a Devil Within
The sermon warns against hypocrisy, emphasizing that a seeming sanctified outside does not excuse a wicked inside, and ultimately leads to condemnation.
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.
Text
"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
Sermon Outline
- The Hypocrisy of the Pharisees
- A hypocrite's outside never corresponds with his inside
- Examples of hypocrites in the Bible
- The consequences of pretending sanctity
Key Quotes
“A hypocrite's outside never corresponds with his inside.” — Thomas Brooks
“Pretending sanctity is double iniquity--and accordingly at last they shall be dealt with.” — Thomas Brooks
“You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We must examine our hearts to ensure our inside matches our outside, being genuine in our faith and actions.
- Pretending sanctity is a form of double iniquity that will be dealt with accordingly.
- True sanctity comes from a heart that is pure and genuine, not just a outward appearance.