In this sermon, guest seminarian Julian Borda discusses Matthew 11:18-19 and what Jesus has to say about the widespread problem of hypocrisy in our lives, in our nation, and in our church. It is one of the most destructive forces in human life - but, as Jesus says, “wisdom is justified by her deeds".

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

The last verse of Romans 6 sums up all that Paul has written about. That verse may be the most famous that his hand, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, penned. Yet when it comes to understanding this verse, we don’t usually acknowledge the fact that the sixth chapter and its summation is about sin in our personal lives, not someone else’s life.

The Apostle Paul provides a stark choice to the believer in Jesus. We will surrender our hearts in obedience to the Lord and his life or return to the bondage of sin submitting ourselves to its authority and power. As Bob Dylan sang, “you gotta serve somebody!”

Being a disciple means living into the freedom granted by our baptism into Jesus. The pressure is on to return to the old ways of being human. The tyranny of sin and corruption would have us surrender our witness to the Gospel out fear of others, enticement to temptations, and intimidation to shame. But, the world desperately needs bold disciples who are deeply connected to God the Father. The world needs godly fathers who will lead their homes and communities with freedom and bravery.