INTRODUCTION

Many people have the appearance of being religious, but few seem to truly love God and follow His word. As a rule, men want to feel and look religious. They want to appear as though they are submitted to some higher authority. They do not want others to look down upon them as though they are godless and vile. This inner desire has, unfortunately, been the source and cause of much of the hypocrisy among men. The appearance of religion is of no help to mankind. If a man does not love God and follow His holy words, no amount of religion can help him. Other men may marvel at another man’s goodness, but God does not judge simply based upon the appearance (John 7:24Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
See All...). If a man’s religion cannot change his heart, it is a vain religion making most religion vain.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): The Pharisees were religious people who made a show of their supposed faithfulness, but their hearts were not right. Jesus likened them to a cup and platter that were clean on the outside but dirty on the inside (Matthew 23:5-7 [5] But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, [6] And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, [7] And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
  See All..., 23, 25-26). Sadly, many are like this today (2 Corinthians 5:12For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.
  See All...c; 2 Timothy 3:1-5 [1] This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. [2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, [4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; [5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
  See All...).
• (For everyone): Do you appear religious to those around you? If so, why? Is it because you have the outward form of being religious or because you genuinely love God?
• Has your faith made any changes to your inner man? Has what you believe changed your heart or merely your appearance?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to change you on the inside.
• Ask the Lord to help you to be real with Him.

HYMN

COME TO THE SAVIOUR NOW!

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