RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL FOR SUNDAY 17TH OF DECEMBER, 2023

[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.

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 AIM: To teach students about hypocrites in the church.

At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

a. Know who a hypocrite is.

b. Understand the forms and why some people engage in hypocrisy.

c. Discover the consequences of hypocrisy.

To achieve the above-stated objectives, the teacher should:

a. Allow the students to recite the memory verse, read the Bible passage, contribute to the discussion, do class activities and assignment.

b. Allow the Assistant Teacher to see to the well-being of the class, mark attendance and assignment.

c. Teach the lesson outline, summarise, conclude, evaluate the lesson, and give an assignment to the students.

The passage above describes the miserable condition of hypocrites:

i. The hypocrites in heart are always angry V13a.

ii. They cry not for help when God bindeth them. V13b.

iii. They die in ……………………… V14.

A. Hypocrisy can take three forms:

i. Professing belief in something and then acting in a manner contrary to that belief (Isaiah 29:13).

ii. Looking down on others when we ourselves are flawed (Matthew 7:3-5; Romans 2:1).

iii. Projecting ourselves to be what we are not (Romans 12:3) – this is common on social media.

B. Jesus describes hypocrites as:

i. Wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15).

ii. White-washed tombs (Matthew 23:27).

iii. Snakes and broods of vipers (Matthew 23:33).

iv. Graves (Luke 11:44).

C. There are several reasons people engage in hypocrisy. Some of these include:

i. Pride of life (1 John 2:15-16).;

ii. Desire for men’s honour (John 12:43).

iii. A feeling of insecurity (2 Corinthians 10:12).

iv. They want to be respected in the church as being holy but in secret, committing sins (1 Samuel 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).

v. 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).

vi. Self-indulgence may be another reason for hypocrisy (Romans 16:18).

A. The consequences of hypocrisy may include:

i. Bad leadership (1 Samuel 15:24).

ii. Shame and disgrace (Jeremiah 13:25-26).

iii. Punishment (Proverbs 11:21).

iv. Curses (Job 15:34-35).

v. Untimely or spiritual death (Job 36:13-14).

B. God knows all things including the secret deceit of the heart (Psalm 44:21) and all the ways of man (Job 31:4; Psalm 1:6). Therefore:

i. No one can hide from Him or deceive Him (Psalm 139:7-12).

ii. He will repay every man according to his works (Revelation 22:11-12).

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

* Mention four reasons for hypocrisy.

* What are the consequences of hypocrisy?

EVALUATION: State the three forms of hypocrisy you know.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, help me to be true to You and to myself in Jesus’name.

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