How can we encourage others to pursue genuine righteousness in their lives? Setting the Scene Matthew 23 records Jesus’ penetrating words to religious leaders who looked polished on the outside yet were hollow within. In verse 28 He says, “In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous to men, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” This contrast between appearance and reality sets the stage for helping others aim at heartfelt, authentic righteousness rather than surface-level performance. Seeing the Warning in Matthew 23:28 • Outward image can fool people, never God (1 Samuel 16:7). • Hypocrisy isn’t minor; Jesus calls it “wickedness.” • Genuine righteousness therefore starts at the heart and works outward, not vice versa. Understanding Genuine Righteousness • Gifted by God: “that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God on the basis of faith” (Philippians 3:9). • Empowered by grace: “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation…training us to deny ungodliness” (Titus 2:11-12). • Evidenced in obedience: “Be doers of the word and not hearers only” (James 1:22). Encouragement must keep all three pieces together—faith, grace, obedience—so we do not replace hypocrisy with legalism. Encouraging Others by Example People notice authentic lives more quickly than eloquent speeches. • Live transparently—share victories and struggles (2 Corinthians 4:7). • Consistency in private and public inspires trust (1 Timothy 4:16). • Demonstrate quick repentance; confess sin, seek forgiveness (James 5:16). • Celebrate progress, not perfection, showing how Christ is shaping you (Philippians 1:6). Encouraging Others through Words • Speak Scripture that exposes the heart—“All Scripture is God-breathed…profitable for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). • Affirm God’s promise of enablement (Philippians 2:13). • Warn gently when hypocrisy surfaces—“restore him with a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1). • Strengthen weary hearts—“encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13). Cultivating an Environment of Grace • Create spaces where honesty is safe and gossip absent. • Celebrate testimonies of God’s transforming power. • Practice church discipline biblically—firm but restorative (Matthew 18:15-17). • Keep the cross central so no one forgets we all depend on mercy (Galatians 6:14). Practical Steps We Can Offer 1. Recommend regular heart checks—journaling, Psalm 139:23-24 meditation. 2. Pair up for accountability; meet or call weekly. 3. Memorize passages on inner purity (Psalm 51; Matthew 5:8). 4. Serve together—righteous actions grow from righteous motives (Ephesians 2:10). 5. Share good books or studies that spotlight gospel-rooted holiness. 6. Invite participation in communion, baptism testimonies, and small groups to foster transparent community. Promises That Motivate Perseverance • “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8) • “If we walk in the light…we have fellowship…and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) Holding these promises before brothers and sisters keeps the pursuit of genuine righteousness joyful, attainable, and centered on Christ—not on appearances. |
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