You Cannot Draw Clean Water From a Sewer


I. Introduction:

A. Why does the character of God matter? Why do we need to know He is good, honest, and righteous; as the Scriptures say He is (Deuteronomy 32:4, Numbers 23:19, and Psalms 145:17)?

  1. Would you trust God if He were unjust (Proverbs 29:27)?
  2. Would you trust God if He had a history of dishonesty (Jeremiah 7:4)?

B. What about those who proclaim to be His people and profess to be teachers of His will? Does the character of the messenger matter (Matthew 7:15-20)? *This does not mean truth is validated or negated because of a messenger. What it does mean is that listeners are justified in avoiding evil men, regardless of their message (cf. Romans 16:17-18).

  1. We know that actions mean more than words (Titus 1:16).
  2. Do you have an outward appearance that does not truly reflect who you are (Matthew 23:27-28)?
  3. Would others have just cause to avoid what you say if you are found to be different than you appear (II Timothy 3:1-9)?

II. Body: James 3:11-12

A. Hypocrisy damages the influence of the truth (Romans 2:17-24).

  1. Hearers are warned to beware of such (Luke 12:1).
  2. Hypocrites are destructive (Proverbs 11:9).
  3. Think about what happens when a hypocrite converts someone, and that someone imitates his or her teacher (Matthew 23:15).

B. A hypocrite must first deal with his or her own issues (Luke 6:41-42).

  1. Deal first with yourself (Psalms 51:1-13).
  2. Then you are useful for the Master’s use (II Timothy 2:19-21).

C. The principle of practicing what you preach (I Timothy 4:12-16 and Titus 2:7-8).

  1. Can those whom you instruct trust that they can do what they have seen you do (Matthew 23:1-5 and Philippians 4:9)?
  2. Can you be confident that those whom you teach (or will teach) can rightly follow your example (II Thessalonians 3:7)?
  3. Can we, as a congregation, stand as an example for other congregations to follow (I Thessalonians 1:7)?

III. Conclusion: Don’t think that good will come from evil (Luke 6:43-45).


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