In the biblical context, the term "hypocrite" is often used to describe individuals who outwardly display righteousness but are inwardly corrupt or insincere. One of the key characteristics of hypocrites, as depicted in the Scriptures, is their love for pre-eminence and recognition. This desire for prominence is frequently condemned by Jesus and the apostles, as it stands in stark contrast to the humility and servitude that God desires from His followers.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 23:5-7 : In this passage, Jesus criticizes the scribes and Pharisees for their ostentatious displays of piety. He states, "All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues, the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of 'Rabbi' by which they are addressed." Here, Jesus highlights their love for pre-eminence, as they seek honor and recognition from others rather than genuine devotion to God.

2. Luke 20:46-47 : Jesus warns His disciples, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and love the greetings in the marketplaces, the chief seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation." This passage underscores the hypocrisy of those who seek pre-eminence while exploiting others and neglecting true righteousness.

3. 3 John 1:9 : The apostle John writes about Diotrephes, who "loves to be first." John notes, "I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction." Diotrephes' desire for pre-eminence leads him to reject apostolic authority, demonstrating how such a love can disrupt church unity and hinder the work of the Gospel.

Theological Implications:

The love of pre-eminence is antithetical to the teachings of Christ, who exemplified humility and servitude. In Philippians 2:3-4 , Paul exhorts believers, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This call to humility is a direct challenge to the hypocritical pursuit of status and recognition.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to examine their motives and actions to ensure they align with the humility and servitude modeled by Christ. The desire for pre-eminence can manifest in various ways, such as seeking leadership positions for personal glory, craving public recognition for charitable acts, or prioritizing one's reputation over genuine service. Christians are called to serve others selflessly, seeking God's approval rather than human accolades.

Conclusion:

The biblical portrayal of hypocrites who love pre-eminence serves as a warning to all believers. It challenges Christians to cultivate a heart of humility, prioritizing God's glory and the well-being of others above personal ambition. By doing so, they reflect the character of Christ and advance His kingdom on earth.Matthew 23:6,7
And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Chapter xii.
... ye fast," says He, "be not, as the hypocrites, of a ... as being the head which has the
pre-eminence in the ... says, when giving the precept as to loving one's wife ...
/.../augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xii 2.htm

Christ's People --Imitators of Him
... Woe unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites;" and when ... Imitate Christ in you
loving spirits; speak kindly ... are of you like Diotrephes, seeking pre-eminence? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/christs peopleimitators of him.htm

Infant Salvation
... conceive it possible of him as the loving and tender ... Out of this, how many are
hypocrites, and know not ... all things Christ is to have the pre-eminence, and why ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/infant salvation.htm

The Great Awakening.
... the holy life, and the loving prayers of ... in general as "unconverted," "Pharisees,"
"hypocrites." And yet ... the Baptist churches a lasting preeminence in numbers ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xi the great awakening.htm

Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels.
... as sinners, [527]514; contention of, for pre-eminence, part of ... release soul,
[993]307; by not loving them, hurt ... 1019]277 (note), [1020]392; hypocrites, as Judas ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of.htm

Concerning Persecution
... By this you go beyond hypocrites. ... arrows, but they are shot from the hand of a loving
Father ... is kindled from heaven makes us give Christ the pre-eminence of our ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties.
... believers only, but also comprehends hypocrites, who gloried ... reason David sings,
that the loving-kindness of ... faith is real, it always obtains the preeminence. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 of faith the.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... Hypocrites court God and speak him fair, but refuse to ... time of our loathing was the
time of God's loving. ... the children of God have a pre-eminence and dignity ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

The Pharisee and the Publican
... and obtain mercy at the hands of, a loving, just, and ... I say, hypocrites love not
to think of their sins, when ... the Son of God might have the pre-eminence in all ...
/.../bunyan/the pharisee and publican/the pharisee and the publican.htm

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
The Creeds of the Evangelical Protestant Churches. <. ...
/.../english version of the second.htm

Why are all Christians hypocrites? Are all Christians hypocrites? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Jesus refer to the Pharisees as a “child of hell” in Matthew 23:15? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that we should not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3 4)? | GotQuestions.org

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