Heart of Darkness
July 3, 2022 Preacher: Caleb Bunch Series: Isaiah
Topic: Hypocrisy Scripture: Isaiah 58, Matthew 23
The Lord Rejects Hypocritical Worship
Judah's Failures
"They seek me daily & delight to draw near" v2 AS IF...(a very negative term)-more than exaggerating, basically saying, "You are a liar."
Fasting and Sabbath observance-
How many days a year were the Israelites commanded to fast? 1 DAY. 2 meals/year
By the NT, the Pharisees made it 2x/week. The Pharisee and the Tax collector
Is 58:3 Don't you like it?
"They were committed" Actors in sackcloth and ashes AS IF they were pious. MAt 6:16Thew Pharisees would actually wear makeup.
vv6-7 The Sabbath-seeking their own pleasure, going their own way. God calls on them to turn away. It was their abuse of the Sabbath with hearts of darkness.
Yet God is gracious v8 REPENT, vv9-10 REPENT
Jesus's Success
Jesus is the focus of all of Scripture. HE was perfect in all HIs ways, full of grace and truth.
-He shines forth as the dawn Mat:14 His disciples shine forth
-He brings us full healing 1Pet 2:24
-He gives us His own righteousness for our protection 1Cor 5:21
-He gives us the hope of His glory
-He answers our prayers John 15:15
-He promises to satisfy us. 1Peter1
-He promises to build that which was broken 1Cor3
The good news is that these blessings are ours ONLY in Christ Jesus!
2 Application points
-Hypocrisy-Stop looking at others and look into our own hearts. Don't be an actor
(hypocrite). Does that describe you? You cannot fool God Heb4:13 God hates hypocrisy
-True Worship-Our worship is not designed to gain God's favor. Worship is not designed to make you feel good John 4:23. Why do you come to church? Why are you doing this?
To bless Jesus or how you feel?
More in Isaiah
August 28, 2022
The Sound and the FuryAugust 21, 2022
From Here to EternityAugust 14, 2022
Gaslighting