Hypocrites: Hope of Perishes
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In the biblical context, the term "hypocrite" refers to individuals who outwardly display righteousness but inwardly are deceitful or insincere. The Bible frequently addresses the issue of hypocrisy, particularly in the teachings of Jesus Christ, who condemned the Pharisees and religious leaders for their duplicity. The hope of hypocrites is depicted as ultimately perishing, as their actions are not rooted in genuine faith or obedience to God.

Old Testament Insights

The concept of hypocrisy is addressed in the Old Testament, where the fate of the hypocrite is often linked to divine judgment. In the book of Job, one of the earliest references to the fate of hypocrites is found. Job 8:13 states, "Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so the hope of the godless will perish." Here, Bildad the Shuhite speaks of the inevitable downfall of those who are not sincere in their relationship with God, equating them with hypocrites whose hope is fleeting.

The Psalms also reflect on the fate of the wicked and insincere. Psalm 37:38 declares, "But the transgressors will all be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off." This passage underscores the belief that those who live in hypocrisy, failing to align their actions with God's will, will ultimately face destruction.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ frequently addresses the issue of hypocrisy, particularly among the religious leaders of His time. In Matthew 23, Jesus delivers a series of "woes" to the scribes and Pharisees, highlighting their hypocritical behavior. Matthew 23:27-28 states, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."

Jesus' rebuke emphasizes that the hope of hypocrites is ultimately in vain, as their outward displays of piety are not matched by inward righteousness. Their hope perishes because it is not grounded in a true relationship with God.

Apostolic Writings

The apostolic writings continue to warn against hypocrisy and its consequences. In the epistle of James, believers are admonished to live out their faith genuinely. James 1:22 instructs, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves." This call to authentic faith highlights the futility of hypocrisy, as self-deception leads to a perishing hope.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue in his letters. In Galatians 6:7-8 , he writes, "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." This passage underscores the principle that hypocritical actions, which are sown in the flesh, lead to destruction, while genuine faith leads to eternal life.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently portrays the hope of hypocrites as perishing. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the Scriptures warn against the dangers of insincerity and duplicity in one's relationship with God. The ultimate fate of hypocrites is one of judgment and destruction, as their hope is not founded on true faith and obedience.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Job 8:13
So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 27:8,9
For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he has gained, when God takes away his soul?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Matt. vi. 16
... is common to us and to the hypocrites, for they ... the opposite thing, that if thou
give not, it perishes. ... general is taken prisoner; what sort of hope will there ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xx matt vi 16.htm

Obedience
... Unless we serve God thus, in hope and confidence of ... Hypocrites' obedience is but
for a season; it is like ... of his own damnation, and he perishes without excuse. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 1 obedience.htm

The Withered Fig Tree
... last might not harm us; but to envy hypocrites can never ... faith, even to presumption;
he is joyous in hope, even to ... which comes up in a night and perishes in a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/the withered fig tree.htm

Compassion for Souls
... asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites." And yet ... for in addition
to the compassion I hope I feel ... by each one here, "If a soul perishes, I, at ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/compassion for souls.htm

Our Stronghold
... rock falls I cannot; unless the gospel perishes I cannot ... young sons of God, begotten
unto a lively hope. ... their faces down, and like the hypocrites pretend to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/our stronghold.htm

Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels.
... all brethren in Him, [732]284 sq.; we are made Christians in hope of His ... of ancient
Church in speaking of, [1019]277 (note), [1020]392; hypocrites, as Judas ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of.htm

Reply to the Arguments of the Adversaries.
... made uncertain, and the promise of God perishes, as Paul ... from time to time devised
[the hypocrites nevertheless used ... that love is preferred to faith and hope. ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 7 reply to the.htm

The Joyous Return
... If anybody here perishes it is not because the Saviour is ... He is the hope of those
who have no other confidence. ... as he never helps men to be hypocrites, he will ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the joyous return.htm

Enduring to the End
... father unto young converts, sternly to rebuke hypocrites, to deal ... many years, and
take courage to hope that there ... No true child of God perishes"hold that fast ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/enduring to the end.htm

The Treatise
... because of which He rebukes the hypocrites; not because ... not want to ask for faith,
hope, love, humility ... common, effectual and fruitful prayer perishes and its ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/the treatise.htm

Resources
Why are Christians always arguing? | GotQuestions.org

How should Christians handle disputes (Matthew 18:15-17)? | GotQuestions.org

Do Christians sin? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Hypocrites

Hypocrites in Power, are a Snare

Hypocrites: Absalom

Hypocrites: Ananias

Hypocrites: Apparently Zealous in the Things of God

Hypocrites: Beware the Principles of

Hypocrites: Cain

Hypocrites: Censorious

Hypocrites: Christ Knew and Detected

Hypocrites: Covetous

Hypocrites: Destroy Others by Slander

Hypocrites: Devouring Widows' Houses

Hypocrites: Exact in Minor, But Neglecting Important Duties

Hypocrites: Fearfulness Shall Surprise

Hypocrites: Glorying in Appearance Only

Hypocrites: God Has No Pleasure In

Hypocrites: God Knows and Detects

Hypocrites: Having But a Form of Godliness

Hypocrites: Heap up Wrath

Hypocrites: Herodians

Hypocrites: Hope of Perishes

Hypocrites: Illustrated

Hypocrites: Joy of, But for a Moment

Hypocrites: Judas

Hypocrites: Loving Pre-Eminence

Hypocrites: Ostentatious

Hypocrites: Pharisees

Hypocrites: Professing But not Practising

Hypocrites: Punishment of

Hypocrites: Regarding Tradition More than the Word of God

Hypocrites: Seeking Only Outward Purity

Hypocrites: Self-Righteous

Hypocrites: Shall not Come Before God

Hypocrites: Simon

Hypocrites: Spirit of, Hinders Growth in Grace

Hypocrites: The Apostasy to Abound With

Hypocrites: The Jews

Hypocrites: Trusting in Privileges

Hypocrites: Using But Lip-Worship

Hypocrites: Vile

Hypocrites: Wilfully Blind

Hypocrites: Woe To

Hypocrites: Worship of, not Acceptable to God

Hypocrites: Zealous in Making Proselytes

Satire of Jesus Against Hypocrites

Related Terms

Hypocrites (22 Occurrences)

Hyprocrite

Hypocritical (3 Occurrences)

Hypocrite (10 Occurrences)

Hypocrisy (11 Occurrences)

Hypocrites: Herodians
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