Matthew 23:2–3, 8–12 (NIV)

“The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach…

But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah.

The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Stop Hiding Behind Hypocrites

Jesus doesn’t mince words.
He calls out the religious elite of His day—men who sat in power, taught the Scriptures, and yet lived like kings rather than servants. They preached well but practiced nothing.

And here’s where it hits us:
Too many Christian men today use that hypocrisy as an excuse to check out spiritually.
“The church is full of hypocrites.”
“My pastor’s no better than me.”
“If the leaders don’t live it, why should I?”

Jesus says: That won’t fly.

Every Man Answers for Himself

Jesus isn’t outlawing church leadership or spiritual titles—Scripture is full of godly roles like pastor, teacher, and elder.
What He is saying is this:
You don’t get to hand off your spiritual responsibility to someone else.

Every man stands alone before God.
Not with his pastor.
Not with his priest.
Not with his favorite YouTube preacher.

You.
God.
Judgment.

Men Don’t Delegate Obedience

Let’s be clear:
You can’t outsource your walk with Christ.

Not to your wife.
Not to your pastor.
Not to your spiritual mentor.
They may help—but you are responsible.

God calls you to:

• Know His Word

• Obey His commands

• Seek Him in prayer

• Lead with humility

• Love Him with your whole heart, soul, mind, and strength

You can’t blame your spiritual laziness on bad leadership.
Jesus never said, “Follow me only if your rabbi isn’t a hypocrite.”

Final Challenge: Own It

Stop making excuses.
Stop pointing at bad leaders.
Stop hoping someone else will fix your faith.

God’s looking at you.
And He’s not asking what your pastor believed.
He’s asking:

“Did you love Me?
Did you obey Me?
Did you humble yourself and follow My Son?”

This is your shot.
Own your faith.
Lead your family.
Humble yourself.
Serve Christ.

No excuses. No delegation. Just obedience.