What is a hypocrite?
A person who says one thing, or in christian's case, preaches one thing, and does not do what they say or preach.
In its simplest form, hypocrisy is a lie at the most basic level, in what motivates the person in their life decisions. A hypocrite will tell another to not sin, and then when they are in secret, will commit the very sin that they spoke against. They will say that a person should do this and that, but exempt themselves from those very things. They will say, don't judge me, but are constantly judging others as faulty or wrong.
All of these and more are sins, the sin of hypocrisy. But a hypocrite is worse still. They have no shame in their lies, and they truly believe that they are right, and everyone else is wrong. They are unwilling or unable to see their own lives in truth, but are very willing to judge others lives based upon their hypocritical view of right and wrong. A hypocrite is a person who is unable to be truthful about themselves, who is unwilling to see their lives in the truth. And they are perfectly happy to remain in this state, because it pleases them.
But what causes one to loose their vision so completely? An inflated sense of self worth and self importance. And a sense of being better than every other person. Many criminals are hypocrites. They do not want anyone to steal from them, nor to rape them or take their life, but feel perfectly justified in doing these things to others. Because they are worthy. And they cannot see other people with compassion.
The new commandment that Jesus gave us is proof against hypocrisy. His commandment to love one another even as He has loved us is the essence of denying ourselves in favor of our brothers and sisters. A hypocrite is simply unable to do this.
So, when Jesus returns, hypocrites will face His wrath, whether they are in the church, or without. Jesus hates hypocrites, for it is a type of spirit that is just as the devil, in that he will be like the Most High. "Everything is for me," says the hypocrite.
just a suggestion.
