Six Differences Between A Sincere Faith and A Hypocritical Faith

Therefore, to prevent mistakes, and that we may not be deceived and think we believe when we only presume, I shall give you six differences between a sincere faith, which is the flower of the spirit, and a hypocritical faith, which is the fruit of fancy.

1. A hypocritical faith is easy to come by. It is like the seed in the parable which sprung up suddenly, Mark 4:5. A false faith shoots up without any convictions and soul humblings. As Isaac said, “How comest thou by thy venison so soon?” Genesis 27:20. Likewise, how does this man come by faith so soon? Surely it is of different nature and will quickly wither away. But true faith, being an outlandish plant and of a heavenly extraction, is hard to come by. It costs many a sigh and tear, Acts 2:37. This spiritual infant is not born without pangs.

2. A hypocritical faith is afraid to come to trial. The hypocrite would rather have his faith commended than examined. He can no more endure a Scripture trial than counterfeit metal can endure the touchstone. He is like a man who has stolen goods in his house and is very unwilling to have his house searched. So the hypocrite has gotten some stolen goods that the devil has helped him to, and he is loathe to have his heart searched. Whereas true faith is willing to come to a trial. “Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and heart,” Psalm 26:2. David was riot afraid to be tried by a jury, no, though God Himself was one of the jury. Good wares are never afraid of the light.

3. A hypocritical faith has a slight esteem of true faith. The hypocrite hears others speak in the commendation of faith, but he wonders where the virtue of it lies. He looks upon faith as a drug, or some base commodity that will not go off. He will part with all the faith he has for a piece of silver and, perhaps, it might be dear enough at the price. But the man who has true faith sets a high value on it. He reckons this grace among his jewels. What incorporates him into Christ but faith? What puts him into a state of sonship but faith? Galatians 3:26. O precious faith! A believer would not exchange his shield of faith for a crown of gold!

4. A hypocritical faith is lame on one hand. With one hand it would take up Christ. But it does not with the other hand give itself up to Christ. It would take Christ by way of surety, but not give up itself to Him by way of surrender. True faith, however, is impartial. It takes Christ as a Savior and submits to Him as a Prince. Christ said, “With My body and My blood, I endow thee.” And faith says, “With my soul, I worship Thee.”

5. A hypocritical faith is impure. The hypocrite says he believes, yet goes on in sin. He is all creed, but no commandment. He believes, yet will take God’s name in vain. “Wilt thou not cry unto me, My Father, thou art the guide of my youth! Behold, thou hast done evil things as thou couldst,” Jeremiah 3:4-5. These impostors would call God their Father, yet sin as fast as they could. For one to say he has faith, yet live in sin, is as if a man should say he was in health, yet his vitals had perished. But a true faith is joined with sanctity. “Holding the mystery of faith in a pure conscience,” 1 Timothy 3:9. The jewel of faith is always put in the cabinet of a good conscience. The woman who touched Christ by faith felt a healing virtue come from Him. Though faith does not wholly remove sin, yet it subdues it.

6. A hypocritical faith is a dead faith; it tastes no sap or sweetness in Christ. The hypocrite tastes something in the vine and olive. He finds contentment in the carnal, luscious delights of the world, but no sweetness in a promise. ‘The Holy Ghost Himself is spiritless to him. That is a dead faith which has no sense or taste. But true faith finds much delight in heavenly things. The Word is sweeter than the honeycomb, Psalm 19:10. Christ’s love is better than wine, Song of Solomon 1:2. Thus we see a difference between true and spurious faith. How many have thought they have had the live child of faith by them, when it has proved the dead child. Take heed of presumption, but cherish faith. Faith applies Christ and makes a spiritual concoction of His body and blood. This supper was intended chiefly for believers, Luke 22:19. Christ’s blood to an unbeliever is like aqua-vitae in a dead man’s mouth: it loses all its virtue.

Remember When...

Remember when the disgusting sight of your sin was
suddenly eclipsed by a vision of Christ dying on Calvary
for you?

Remember the first time you realized that God loved
you?

Remember the moment you first believed?


Remember when you first realized that God had taken
away all your sins and you were really forgiven?

Remember the first time you felt clean? Clean by the
blood of the lamb?

Remember the first time you sang, “Amazing Grace”
and understood what the author was saying?

Remember the first time you told someone about your
conversion?

Remember the first time the Holy Spirit gave you power
over a certain besetting sin?

Remember the first time you sensed the presence of
Christ?

Remember the first time you were alone with the Scriptures
and God showed you something in His Word?

Remember the first time after your conversion when
God revealed to you a little more of what it meant for
Christ to die for you?

Remember the first time you wept with joy because of
what God had done for you?

Remember the first time God gave you a promise?

Remember the first time God answered your prayer?

Remember the first time you shared your testimony in
front of the church?

Remember the first time you led someone else to Christ?

Remember the first time God brought you through a
trial?

Remember the first time God disciplined you and you
saw the value of it?

Remember the first verse you ever memorized?

Remember the first time you tithed or gave sacrificially
to meet a need?

Remember the first time God led you to do something
and it really was God?

Remember when you cherished time to be alone with
God, to pray, and read His Word?

Remember when you could not wait to go to church in
order to worship and hear the message?

Remember when you sought out fellowship with other
believers just to talk about Jesus?

Remember when you did not want to talk about anything
or anyone but Jesus?

Remember when you could not think of anything or
anyone but Jesus?

Remember when your zeal for the Lord caused you to
turn away from evil?

Remember when you prayed for God to make you like
Jesus no matter the cost?

Remember when you prayed for God to use you?

Remember when you were willing to risk it all for Christ
and His Kingdom?

It is good to remember...

In Christ

Paul Washer
“

True Thanksgiving - The Depth of the Cross

I had the very surreal and surprising privilege of hearing Paul Washer live during chapel at The Master's College about a week ago. The second sermon started on Flavel's writings "The Father's Bargain". He built it up with the story of Abraham and Isaac, and then he brought it home with the picture of the cross. Next he said, "And the Father slaughtered Him there!". He paused to look around the room for several moments, and I presume, when he saw nothing but blank stares from the audience as I myself witnessed, he abruptly walked off of stage towards the doors. As he was going out, a couple of people started to clap, and he came out and said, "No, don't!" and walked outside. There was nothing for a minute or two but a bewildered silence. There were some students that were laughing (probably from nerves), some were walking out, and some were waiting to see if he would come back. When it was obvious that he wouldn't come back, more people left except for a handful. As the auditorium emptied, I can see that there were a few huddles of students crying and some were just sitting with their heads down in prayer weeping. As unconventional as Paul Washer was walking off of stage, it brought sadness to my own heart; I as well as most of the people there shared the shame of our apathy for the cross. According to sources on campus, there was salvation that day; praise the LORD!

Below is the link of the two sermons. I hope you'll find the time to listen to these. It has really helped me not only expose my own indifference for the sacrifice that was done for me, but also give me a new thanksgiving for He was not spared.

Here is the first sermon on man's depravity.



This is the second sermon given two days later that I wrote about in the above post.



Related post:

Paul Washer on Homiletics - Jesse Johnson

The Ten Indictments to The Modern Church

I'm looking forward to seeing this man preach live next month. Although Paul Washer is known for the "Shocking Youth Message" sermon, this one is my favorite. I was struck on how much the church has strayed ever so slowly away from being Biblical. If you think your church is sound in doctrine and how it worships, teaches and runs, I would urge you to view this and see for yourself.

"Preached Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008 at the Revival Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Paul Washer delivers a urgent appeal to the Christians and Churches in North America that many have been believing a false gospel and have false assurance of their salvation. He lists 10 indictments against the modern Church system in America. This is a historical urgent message, tell others and spread the message. We need a reformation and revival of a biblical standard!"- Greg Gordon (Revival Conference Organizer)

To Be Self Controlled - Hope With Besetting Sin

Dear Sisters,

Most of us struggle against sin, but there are sins we just accept, because they have become so much apart of who we are. Do you feel hopeless? Well, you don't have to put up with it anymore! Jesus truely saves us from our sin! What is your Goliath?

Young Woman's Testimony

This is a must listen. My biggest burden is that I believe before this woman's true conversion, this is what our churches are filled with. An untold amount of people are under the illusion of salvation because they prayed a prayer and/or have been raised Christian and rely on their own morality and a graven image of a God they have formed out of their own mind. I'm so grateful beyond words for His grace and love He bestows on us.

...to love their children

Here is an excellent series on teaching children the word of God.


"It is not the job of Sunday School teachers or Awana people or anything else to teach your children, or the responsibility of the youth minister to disciple your teenagers. Let me say that again because no one is hearing me; not enough people are throwing stones." ~ Paul Washer



To Love the Word of God - Paul Washer from HeartCry Missionary Society on Vimeo.

It Will Cost You Everything

My first passion is the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Even though I share what I've learned in Titus 2:3-5, we are simply unable to do what is listed without the Holy Spirit as it shows when you read further in Titus 2.


For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,
looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. Titus 2:11-14

Mentoring: A Blessed Call (Titus 2:3)

As I look back over the last few years of my Christian walk, I’m amazed at the surprises the Lord brings me. One of them is how much of a blessing it is to mentor a young woman. After going to an interdenominational woman’s Titus 2 for several years, I really was struck with the desire for this teaching to be implemented at my local church.


As I study the entire book of Titus in all of its three chapters, I noticed something very important. Paul is writing a letter to his protégé, Titus, who was planting a church in Crete, which is an island in the Mediterranean Sea. The book of Titus is a very basic and fundamental outline of the organization of a group of believers (church). Chapter one speaks of the requirements of the overseers and leaders and how to protect against its enemies. If we skip over to chapter three, it gives us a summary of the Christian’s responsibility to the world. All of these things are being taught in Bible teaching churches today which is a good thing, but when I get to chapter two and compare it to the way modern churches are ran today, this beautiful doctrine has become obsolete in our response to the young women as well as the young men. We are called to mentor a younger woman within our church.


We assume the responsibility of helping others on the pastor, youth/college pastors or any other trained individual. Because we have this unbiblical view, we ignore the need of one on one personal discipleship and our young people are left with nobody to help them with practical day to day. I can’t imagine how much churches would flourish spiritually if all of us would act in accordance with this scripture within the body of believers, not to mention help equip young people. Our pastors are often overwhelmed with all of the family problems within the flock, and not spending enough time in their study so they can feed us.


Books have replaced so much of our call to mentor. Case and point; the book "The Excellent Wife" from Martha Peace was the hot item when I was first married. It's a fine book, but I took a chapter in it WAY too seriously. The chapter (which is controversial) was about reproving your husband as you would any other brother in Christ. (Not sure about that. I will use the example of Esther on making an appeal in a later blog.) I marched in the living room and rebuked my husband for his "idol" of football. It didn't got over well to say the least. My countenance was disrespectful, and I appeared a self righteous brat. Even though books can be a good instrument, they lack the personal needs of a unique individual. I needed a spiritual mother to admonish me to be sober, check my motives (which were not pure at all), and be that quiet and gentle spirit as 1 Peter 3 calls me to be.

On the other hand, I'm encouraged to see the seeds of a reformation of Titus 2 as I visit churches in my town, whether that would be in a form of a news letter, the pulpit, or a class. Titus 2 is making a come back and it is Gods doing. I see the plea to mentor young people as it is mandated in scripture.



With all of my zeal, the Lord was teaching me a lesson in humility. I wanted to start a ministry in my church because I saw this gaping hole much by my own experience as a young woman, and the complaint of others. We started a Titus 2 Bible study with much excitement. The first year went well with about ten women. As we were preparing for the second year, my church went through a split taking the majority of the women in the study away. We were left with two young women in their early twenties just starting out in their adult lives. My partner and I were disappointed, but we committed ourselves as though we were ministering to many women in hopes others would eventually come. Throughout the year, some would come and go, but these two young women eagerly came faithfully week after week. After the study was over and a few months passed with my enthusiasm waned, I get a call from these young ladies wanting to go out to lunch. In my shame, I got so distracted with my big visionary ideas that I forgot the most fundamental part of Titus 2; the call to being an older woman to a younger woman.

Spending time with these two young ladies has been by far more of a blessing than any big ministry. This is God’s real call. I have to admit, I would rather stand in front of a large audience of people, than sit across a table from a younger woman. It’s scary. So much of our modern Christianity in America has “curriculized” ministry so much that we’re paralyzed with fear of not doing it right or saying the wrong thing. Well, let me ask, what does it take to qualify to be that older woman? As I move through this passage of Titus 2:3-5 it doesn’t say we need to be biblical scholars or have a counseling certificate.

“The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things” Titus 2:3 (NKJ)

The older women: Many Bible scholars that I respect say that this requires gray hair old ladies. We certainly welcome your wisdom dear saints if you’re out there, but it says older, not necessarily old.

Be reverent: We must strive to be reverent. In other words, to have a deep exalted view of God that is in pursuit of a holy life to glorify Him. Our behavior is to be respectful especially to our husbands. To be a godly woman is to be nourished by the Word constantly, and know sound doctrine.

Not slanderers: If you have a bad habit of wanting to know the scoop in the church, or are urged to share personal information about others, than I would seriously examine yourself and ask the Lord to help you repent. This disqualifies you as being a trusted person, and your motive is not help a younger woman, but to gratify your own desires. Gossiping is not only a serious offence to the person that you're gossiping about, but it's a serious offence to a holy God. He puts it in the same company as murderers (Romans 1:29). Many times a younger woman will share things that are personal about people you might know, or even attend the same church. She will be seriously wounded if it is shared even under the veil of a prayer request. Keep it to yourself! I believe much of the reason why Titus 2 is not implemented in the church in a practical way is because of people being burned by gossipers.

Not given to much wine: I know this is obvious, but in the ancient world, wine was widely used as the drug of choice. When you’re addicted to a controlled substance, your perspective is greatly skewed. This also includes prescriptive medication. This is a epidemic today as millions, including church goers, are addicted to prescriptive drugs.

Teachers of good things: Life experience in its triumphs and defeats are all good. The Lord gives us a lifetime to share. So much of what I hear from a lot of women is from Dr. Phil, media, cultural perspectives, or other books that are not biblically sound. Many people in Christian circles today believe that the Bible is inspired, but the question that remains, do you believe the Bible is sufficient? “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17. If you’re in a situation that you don’t know an answer, than let her know you’ll try to get back with her. You’re better off not having an answer than to give wives tales. It will mean the world to a young woman if you can only take the time and just pray with her. It’s far better than indifference.

“that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.” Titus 2:4-5

Experience: You need to have some experience in your life in child raising and being a wife. Some parents have this notion that Titus 2 can be learned from older Christian youth. How can any young woman learn how to love their husband and children if the mentor never marched through the trenches? Now, there are exceptions. Many older women who never been married can still be a mentor, but again, she must be mature, reverent, and teacher of good things due to her knowledge of scripture and wise due to her life experiences.

Being a good example: loving your own children and husband, and being a discreet, chaste, good homemaker, and being obedient to your husband. Much of the wives behavior can be so destructive that the word of God can be blasphemed.

Finding a younger woman: Pray about it. Send a card to a young woman from your local church. Greet her every Sunday. She may start sharing and open doors for a wonderful friendship.

Making time: Believe me; I understand the stress of time. Being a busy mom with a part time job has its challenges. Remember, you’re the boss of your calendar. A once a month trip with a new young friend to Starbucks might be the break you need from your busy life. More than likely, you’re going to be the one who will be blessed; I know I am.