INTRODUCTION

The Lord commended the hypocrite for his discernment in certain areas of life but rebuked him for his lack of discernment in the most needful areas. As such, the hypocrite readily recognizes problems in others but remains blind to those same inadequacies within his own life. Though some might accuse the hypocrite of merely ignoring his own deficiencies, it is likely that he cannot discern the presence of these problems as they appear within his own life. This is most likely caused by the blindness produced by Satan. After all, Satan has no problem when a man finds fault in others so long as that man remains oblivious to his own failures. Without God’s help, the hypocrite will never discern that his hypocrisy is his problem.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): God sent the prophet Nathan to tell king David a story about a rich man who had wronged a poor man. David became angry and expressed his disgust for what the rich man had done. God was using the story to help David realize that he must confess his own sin (2 Samuel 12:1-7 [1] And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. [2] The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds: [3] But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. [4] And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him. [5] And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: [6] And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. [7] And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;
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• (For everyone): How easy is it for you to find fault in others? What are some areas in which you have problems? Is it easier for you to see the problems in others than those that exist within your own life?
• What are some areas in which you see problems in others but fail to recognize your guilt in the same area? Do you judge others more severely than yourself?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to help you repent of your own problems.
• Ask God to give you grace in dealing with others.

HYMN

Cleanse Me

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