In the biblical context, the term "hypocrite" is often used to describe individuals who outwardly display righteousness but are inwardly corrupt or insincere. The concept of hypocrisy is frequently addressed in Scripture, particularly in the teachings of Jesus Christ, who condemned the religious leaders of His time for their duplicity and lack of genuine faith. The notion of being "wilfully blind" is closely associated with hypocrisy, as it denotes a deliberate refusal to acknowledge or accept the truth, despite having the capacity to do so.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament provides several instances where hypocrisy is condemned. In the book of Isaiah, the prophet rebukes the people of Israel for their insincere worship and empty rituals: "The Lord said: 'These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men'" (Isaiah 29:13). This passage highlights the disconnect between outward religious observance and inward devotion, a hallmark of hypocrisy.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently addresses the issue of hypocrisy, particularly among the Pharisees and scribes. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus criticizes them for their outward displays of piety that mask their inner corruption: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence" (Matthew 23:25). Here, Jesus underscores the superficial nature of their righteousness, which is devoid of true spiritual integrity.

The concept of wilful blindness is further illustrated in the Gospel of John, where Jesus heals a man born blind. The Pharisees, despite witnessing the miracle, refuse to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus addresses their spiritual blindness, saying, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains" (John 9:41). This passage emphasizes the Pharisees' deliberate rejection of the truth, despite having the evidence before them.

Apostolic Writings

The apostle Paul also addresses hypocrisy in his epistles. In his letter to the Romans, Paul warns against judging others while committing the same sins: "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things" (Romans 2:1). Paul highlights the danger of self-righteousness and the importance of self-examination to avoid hypocrisy.

Spiritual Implications

Hypocrisy and wilful blindness have significant spiritual implications. They hinder one's relationship with God and obstruct the path to genuine repentance and transformation. The Bible calls believers to authenticity and integrity, urging them to align their actions with their professed beliefs. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8), emphasizing the importance of inner purity and sincerity in one's walk with God.

Practical Application

For Christians, the call to avoid hypocrisy involves a commitment to self-reflection and humility. It requires an openness to the Holy Spirit's conviction and a willingness to address areas of inconsistency in one's life. By seeking God's truth and allowing it to transform the heart, believers can overcome the pitfalls of hypocrisy and wilful blindness, living lives that genuinely reflect the love and righteousness of Christ.Matthew 23:17,19,26
You fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jesus Angry with Hard Hearts
... He was angry because they were wilfully rejecting the light ... as eagles against themselves,
but they are blind as bats ... that none of us may be hypocrites, for the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/jesus angry with hard hearts.htm

Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels.
... Church in speaking of, [1019]277 (note), [1020]392; hypocrites, as Judas ... 1418]397,
[1419]400; destroyed their Physician, [1420]350 sq.; wilfully blind to Holy ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... up to duty; and as to each Covenant sign they continue wilfully blind, to them ... Like
hypocrites in every age, many of the ancient Israelites brake God's covenant ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

The Allegories of Sarah and Hagar
... striving to make a compound of them"often ignorantly, and sometimes wilfully. ... sinner
trying to be saved by law is like a blind horse going ... ye hypocrites! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the allegories of sarah and.htm

The Motives to this Oversight
... that ye yourselves are guides of the blind, and lights to ... no pity on others, that
is wilfully cruel to ... their hearts are a company of enthusiasts or hypocrites. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 2 the motives to.htm

Mongrel Religion
... being led into the ditch by a blind guide ... to believe in the final perseverance of
hypocrites; for, really ... professes to be a Christian, and yet wilfully lives in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/mongrel religion.htm

Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the ...
... to forsake evil companions: such who wilfully continue in ... stand in his courts but
the blind and lame ... appoint thee thy portion with the hypocrites, where shall ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations on the hindrances which.htm

The Right Kind of Fear
... a mistake altogether"unless they had wilfully deceived others ... the veil which had
become so blind to them. ... who were half afraid they were hypocrites, and poor ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the right kind of fear.htm

False Profession.
... There is the wilfully ignorant professor, or he that ... what does he call them but
hypocrites, whited walls, painted sepulchres, fools, and blind, and tells ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xx false profession.htm

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ...
... them for to abide, And suffer not the blind to be ... sincerely done; then have a care
For hypocrites are hateful ... not at the peril of our souls wilfully to violate ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse of the building.htm

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