1.   The deceptive behavior of religious hypocrites (vv. 1–5)
2.  

Is. 58:1 “Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast. Shout aloud! Don’t be timid. Tell my people Israel of their sins!

When we behave as hypocrites before the Lord, we should expect that the Lord will have something to say about our actions. We are all guilty of a dangerous transgression and sin. God instructed Isaiah to give a profound review, from His perspective, of how Israel was acting before Him. This message is quite relevant to all God’s people in every generation. It is so significant that the prophet was told to shout it out and not hold back from telling the truth.

What was the Issue at Hand?

God’s people were deliberately rebelling against Him, turning away from His holy commandments. Although they professed to know the LORD and to be following Him, they lived hypocritical lives. They were living dangerous lives that did not reflect the heart of God.

2Tim. 3:5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

The Danger of Hypocrisy

It is quite dangerous for us to practice a lifestyle that is unreal or hypocritical before God and man. In most cases we tend to not recognize our behavior because we are blinded by this great sin. In the text, the house of Israel deceived themselves. Despite being guilty before God, they continue their regular religious sinful activities in the belief that God still accepts them. They are convinced that they are good enough and have done enough good works for God not to reject them.

It does not matter how deeply sin is rooted in their lives, they are of the belief that in the end they will be accepted by God. They are convinced that they are eternally secure. God responds, stating that those who are blinded by hypocrisy can even make the following four claims:

1.     They seek God daily; that is, they have a daily devotional or worship time, either in their home or worship center (v. 2).
2.     They are eager to learn God’s ways, to study His Word so they will know how to live righteous lives and please the LORD.
3.     They pray for guidance, seeking to make right and just decisions in their behavior toward others.
4.   They worship and seek the LORD on a regular basis throughout the day, drawing near to Him in fellowship and communion.
5.  

The Actual Day-to-Day Behavior They Conceal

Note what Scripture says: these are deceptive claims, for the hypocrites have forsaken the commandments of God and are not living righteously. Their hearts and day-to-day behavior are a far cry from what God requires (vv. 3–5). God demands a personal relationship with and obedience from His true followers. Hypocrites, however, confuse the issue. They substitute religion or church membership for a personal relationship with the LORD; and they equate good works with obedience to His commands.

Seeking God daily, being eager to learn His Word, praying, and drawing near to the LORD throughout the day are all necessary to maintain a strong spiritual life and relationship with the LORD. But engaging in these worshipful activities while neglecting to behave righteously is hypocritical. This was the indictment of God against many of the Jews in Isaiah’s day. And it has been God’s indictment against many down through the centuries. They “have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof” (2 Ti. 3:5). Their hearts are far from God, and their daily behavior does not conform to the commandments of God. The prophet Isaiah described how they act. Note the feeble behavior of hypocrites:

1. They complain to God that He has not noticed their fasting or prayer: Has not met their needs or blessed them.

Some complain to God that He has not noted their fasting or prayer, not met their needs or blessed them (v. 3). When trials or crises arise, they seek the LORD for help, even to the point of fasting. But they think God appears disinterested in their needs and seems to be ignoring their prayers. Thus, they question God, asking why He had not heard their cries. What they are overlooking is the importance of simply obeying God, for God considers obedience even better than offerings and sacrifices (1 Sam. 15:22).

2.   They live selfishly.

Using fasting as an example, they will set aside a day to fast, but instead of spending the day in prayer, they selfishly go about their regular daily routines and activities. Professing to be followers of the LORD, many people faithfully participate in religious services, rituals, and ceremonies. However, directly after the religious activity, they return to their selfish ways. They live as they want, indulging the flesh and becoming entangled with the sinful pleasures of the world. Ignoring the commandments of God, they seek to please themselves and do their own thing, regardless of what God says.

3.   They exploit people.

Some are guilty of exploiting those who work under their supervision. (v.3)

4.   They are divisive, arguing & fighting: Right after fasting or leaving worship.

Some are divisive (v. 4). The picture being painted by Scripture is tragic. Some were arguing and fighting even after fasting and as soon as they walked out of worship. Think how many families every week walk out of worship and quickly return to their divisive behavior, quarrelling and treating each other coldly. Despite living under the same roof, they shut one another out and live what amounts to separate lives. This is phony and insincere. Think also about church members who are divisive within the church, who fuel or initiate heated discussions that at times, regrettably, lead to a split within the church. This is hypocritical behavior at its worst.

5.   They expect God to bless them despite their wicked behavior.

Most, if not all, hypocrites expect God to bless them despite their sinful, wicked behavior.

(v. 4). Nevertheless, God is very clear in this passage: “You cannot fast [pray, seek God] as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high” (v. 4). God will not bless hypocrites. He will not answer their prayers until they have confessed and repented of their sins. No matter how religious they are or how many good deeds they do, God will not accept people who continue to live wickedly and disobey His commandments.

6.   They wrongly think the Lord will accept their religious behavior.