In Dr. Sproul's formulation, we see two ingredients: Shame, and then pretense. But there is one further, fatal step to be taken before it can justly be called hypocrisy, a step Dr. Sproul touches on but does not emphasize. That is, we must see ourselves as BETTER THAN OTHERS.

C. S. Lewis wrote on the value of pretending. He concluded that if pretending to be better than you are is hypocrisy, “then hypocrisy can do a man good.” Many other theologians and observers of humanity have noted that our actions influence our heart every bit as much as our heart influences our actions. (Dennis Prager is good on this—see his book, “Happiness Is A Serious Problem.”)

When we act better than we are, we tend to become better than we have been. One can see this easily through acting pleasant when we feel miserable.

The route to sinful hypocrisy is not merely to pretend, but to buy into our own pretense. The sure path to humility and true righteousness is through beholding Jesus.

Actually, churches ARE full of hypocrites--pretenders, who profess to be Christians but are not. Sinners need to not just confess their sins, but repent of them to be saved. Tragically, millions name the name of Christ but have never departed from iniquity, and will hear Him say, “Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!”

D. James Kennedy said, “The vast majority of people who are members of churches in America today are not Christians. I say that without the slightest fear of contradiction. I base it on empirical evidence of twenty-four years of examining thousands of people.” Barna surveys reveal that the vast majority of church attenders look just like the world in both beliefs and behaviors. Many estimate that 80%+ of those who think they're saved are false converts.

The article “The Real Deal" rightly notes that "the greatest mission field in the world stares us in the face every week"--in the pews. Challenge others to examine themselves to see if they're in the faith.

Actually the church is full of hypocrites. It is this negative image that we as christians should try and clean up in front of our neighbors, friends and family. Starting with yourself and working on yourself first then spreading outwardly we can cast of this veil that nonchristians have put on the church. Until we take this step to look at the painful truth of our church and how to better it for people who wish to join in that church family we can be assured we will lose the church to new age beliefs, ideals in a world that pressures us to condense the Bible.

church is not a building but a composition of individuals who has a common belief.as a professing Christian the question that should be ask is;do i hate the things that God hates and do i love the things that God loves?yes Christians do stumble and fall but that should not be an excuse,if we consider our selves to be an ambassadors of Christ then we should always watch our behavior.remember when we fall it is not only us who are being criticize but our Lord also.2 Cor.13:5 states that we should examine and prove ourselves if we are in the faith.bearing the name of Christ has a lot of responsibility;i'd rather not call myself a Christian if i am not rightly representing the name above all names.bottom line is am i really been saved by God or am i relying on what the pastor said when i accepted Christ as my Lord and Saviour?

I really like this explanation of hypocrisy for those of us who are believers. When dealing with the unchurched, I do like to keep it simple because it seems to work better. I tell them about a bumper sticker I saw one day. "I'm not perfect, I'm forgiven."

I really like this explanation of hypocrisy for those of us who are believers. When dealing with the unchurched, I do like to keep it simple because it seems to work better. I tell them about a bumper sticker I saw one day. "I'm not perfect, I'm forgiven."

I agree with whune, the church is obviously full of hypocrites. Jesus said we would know the work of a true Christian by the fruit he produces. I think it is safe to say that there is little fruit coming out of many Christian churches all over America. Yes, the church is full of sinners but God gives us all the tools after we surrender ourselves to him to have a renewed mind and walk according to his will by the Holy Spirit, so we are able to not sin anymore. When we sing songs in church such as "I Surrender All" I can conclusively say that the majority of Christians don't know what surrendering all is. I am not putting myself on a pedestal because God is still teaching me how to totally surrender to Him, but there has to be the desire to give everything to God, or your life will become lukewarm. This is the image I get when I look at the majority of Christian churches.

The church is too quick to excuse hypocrisy if the offender is sincere in their good-intentions; but the word hypocrite makes no reference to sincerity or lack thereof.
A hypocrite is simply someone that says they are/do one thing; while actually being/doing another.

Throughout the church there are people making all kinds of declarations of alleged devotion to - and adoration for - God; with boy-band sounding lyrics like "we shine like the stars in the universe declaring the love of our God."

Many of said people then they proceed to live their lives in complacent oblivion: ever convinced that they "love God more than anything!" In spite of the fact that they spend their days watching idiotic television and mindlessly socializing with their 'good christian' friends.

Jesus clearly states that "If you loved me you would keep my commandments"

Any that say that they "Love [Him]" and neglect to show their faith by their works...

Their faith is dead; thus they are indeed hypocrites.

I been looking for the answer,thank you for the answer.