Matthew 13: 47, 48 Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. --NIV
In the name of the Chief Fisher of men, amen.
It is not uncommon to hear someone who doesn't go to church say that the church is full of hypocrites. While the church isn't full of hypocrites, there certainly are hypocrites in the visible church. Yesterday we noted that we cannot tell for sure who is a believer, and who is not, but we know that where the Gospel is proclaimed, and the sacraments administered, there will be Christians.
Today we see clearly that it is a mixed bag. While we cannot judge someone else, we certainly can judge ourselves. At times we become very lazy and take the attitude that as long as we come to church we are OK. But the truth is that coming to church is not what saves us. It is very possible for us to speak the words and go through the motions without having faith. There are undoubtedly numerous people like that; don't let yourself be one of them. The verses immediately following today's passage speak clearly of what happens to such people, and it isn't nice.
So how do you keep yourself from becoming a hypocrite? Well, to begin with, it is the Holy Spirit that keeps us from becoming hypocrites. Our job is to stay out of His way. When you hear God condemning sin in the scripture readings, and in the sermon, don't try to explain it away. Don't try to say, "Oh it's not talking about me," or "well, at least I'm not that bad..." Rather try to see how it is talking about you, and how you are that bad. When you see your own sin, then you will see your need for the Gospel. Then the Holy Spirit will work through the Gospel and the sacraments to keep you in the true faith.
The Holy Spirit does work through the Gospel and the sacraments to strengthen your faith in Jesus our Savior. Guilt is not something we need to deny out of fear. Guilt is something we give to Jesus as a gift to Him. From this comes the peace that the world cannot give. It is the peace of knowing that you are part of the true Church of Jesus Christ. It is peace with God because guilt is taken away. Amen.
Prayer: Dear Holy Spirit, You are glorious and worthy of all thanks because You call all people through the Gospel. You are wise and worthy of all praise because You know who belongs to the true Church, and You keep Your chosen ones in the true faith. Guard our faith! Keep us from becoming hypocrites! Show us our sins and then show us how Jesus took all our guilt on Himself! Amen.