CONNECT: What could help you pray more consistently and boldly this week?

WARM-UP

1. What do you think people who donʼt know Jesus think about hypocrisy? What about in regards to the hypocrisy of Christians?

Read Matthew 25:1-12

1. Who were the Pharisees and teachers of the law? Why did Jesus tell the crowds to not do as they do but only do what they say?
2. Define hypocrisy. What sort of hypocrisy do we see in this passage in the teachers of the law? Does this mean that other types of hypocrisy are allowed? Why/why not?
3. Why are all types of hypocrisy arrogant? How did this arrogance show in the lives of the Pharisees? How might this present itself in our lives?
4. In what areas of life may you be more prone to hypocrisy? How might we ensure that we are living our lives consistently in the way of Jesus?

Read Matthew 25:23-36

1. What does ʻwoeʼ mean in this situation? Why does Jesus use it against the teachers of the law?
2. Where else in Matthew do we see Jesus calling out the hypocrites for their outward shows? Are you ever tempted to put our lives and deeds ʻon showʼ for others? Why?
3. What is the end result for those who are hypocrites and donʼt turn away from their sin?

Read Matthew 25:37-39

1. What does our culture think of and do to those who act in hypocritical ways? How is Jesus' response different?
2. What is the hope for the person who turns back to Jesus? While we await his return, what could help us live consistent lives in line with his?
3. How might you respond to someone who tells you that they are put off Christianity by the hypocrisy of Christians?

APPLY: What area of life do you struggle to live consistently in line with Godʼs will? Bring it before God.

On Your Frontline This Week: Ask someone on your frontline what they think the biggest issue with Christianity is, and invite them along to join you for our ongoing big issues series.

Listen, Watch, and Read:          

• Read: “How can God be good when the Church is so Bad?” by Dan Paterson
• Read: “Religion Poisons Everything” by Natasha Moore
• Read: “Aussies Admire People who Live Out a Genuine Faith” by Tess Delbridge
• Listen: "The Log in Our Eye”, Undeceptions
• Watch: ”How to Judge the Church”, Centre for Public Christianity

SERIES Resources:

• Series Resource Guide: www.stbarts.com.au/bigissues
• Book: “Confronting Christianity” by Rebecca McLaughlin.
• Book: “Bullies and Saints” by John Dickson.
• Book: “Where is God in all the Suffering?” by Amy Orr-Ewing.