October 28, 2018

Masquerade : Be Real
October 28, 2018
Dr. Ben Guterriz

 

Open:

Have you attended a function where someone tried to impress those present, yet their family or close friends knew their words were not consistent with the person they are at home? Can someone share an example, and tell how you felt for the family?

As we continue our series Masquerade, today we focus on the Mask of Religion. Wearing this mask, we try to appear spiritually as someone we’re not. We wish to appear perfect, which is not only deceitful—therefore sinful—but ruins opportunities to show the world how faithful and loving God is during our worst trials. Dr. Ben Gutierrez teaches us how important it is to be transparent, so our testimony becomes powerful and gives praise to God for His grace to us.

Focal Passages: Matt. 23:1-6, 11-12; Mark 5:1-15, 18-20; Mark 7:31-33a; Eccl. 7:20; Jas. 3:2; 1 John 1:8-9.

 

Discuss:

THE DANGERS OF WEARING THE MASK OF RELIGION

It Has No Spiritual Benefit:

  • Read James 3:2. What signals do you pick up when someone you are talking to is not authentic? Do you notice a lot of emphasis on “I”?
  • What impact does portraying a spiritual manner have on one’s own character? What are some of the sinful qualities that wearing this mask hides?

It Repels People:

  • Most people have some idea of the kindness of Jesus as a man, and how He lived His life. They see through someone who claims to be a Christian; how?
  • Read Eccl. 7:20. What type of feelings might a child experience if they see their parent or guardian act in a holy attitude at church, yet be the opposite at home? What might happen as they get old enough to leave home?
  • Read 1 John 1:8-9. Why do people resort to wearing a mask to cover a life of discontent with themselves or their circumstances?

It Is Not Believable

  • Back to the reference from Ecclesiastes, what do other people think when they know you are pretending to have “all your ducks in a row”?
  • How does it alienate friends or acquaintances if you are not authentic in portraying your lifestyle?
  • What is at the root of wearing a mask? Read 1 Peter 5:5. How will your testimony reflect the fact that you are covering a perceived flaw?

 

 

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE OF GOD’S BLESSING ON BEING REAL

Two Examples of those Who Wore Masks

  • Read Matt. 23:1-6, 11-12. Who were the two groups in this passage whom Jesus was using for an example of how NOT to be?
  • What were some of the reasons they were an offense to God?
  • Their lifestyle was summed up in verse 5a: what was it? Do you know anyone who lives like this, perhaps with their clothes, home, yard or other pretense?

 

An Example of Someone Who Was Real

  • Almost everyone knows the story of the Gadarene Demoniac. Will someone paraphrase the story from the book of Mark (for time’s sake)?
  • Read Luke 8:37. What was the reaction of the people to Jesus because of the now fully-restored man?
  • Read verse 18-19. How did Jesus respond when the man asked to go with Him and become one of His followers?
  • Read verse 20. This man was known by everyone in the region of the Gadarenes. What was their reaction when he told them what had happened?
  • Read Mark 7:33a. Jesus decided to return to the towns where the demoniac had lived. What impact did his testimony have on the people? How do you know this?

 

 

 

Close:

No doubt many of us have recognized in the past few weeks areas where we have continually worn a mask. It would be the prayer of every pastor who has spoken during this series that we are able to break free from the bondage this mask gives us. It is not hiding anything: those who are authentic realize immediately that we are fooling only ourselves. There is a universal law among financiers that to recognize a counterfeit bill, one must become so familiar with genuine currency that the false is spotted instantly. It is the same with the masks we wear: true Christ-followers will spot those whose life does not line up with Truth. At the same time, for those who don’t know us well, our family will recognize the deceit and it will alienate us from them eventually. Unbelievers may not know Jesus as their Savior, but most people will be able to tell you that He was someone who lived a life of being real and will know you are not living that life. All in all, the result will be that a mask will be holding back its wearer from a life of fullness and joy. It is not unlike an elderly woman (or man) who keeps themselves fit, wearing clothes and make-up meant for youth. The evidence is there for everyone to see—except the one looking from the inside out.

Key Verse: Matthew 23:12: But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

 

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