To be “in Christ” is what it means to be a Christian.
Scripture says:
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
-Galatians 2:20
For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.
-Galatians 3:26
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
-Romans 8:2
Pious Defined:
Webster 1812 Dictionary:
Danger of Relying On Outward Appearances
“Appearances” refers to the way that a person or thing looks on the outside, including their physical attributes and presentation. However, this external appearance is often not a true reflection of a person’s inner self or identity. It is more a projection of how the inner self wants to be perceived by others, and thus the true identity remains hidden.
Jesus:
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!
– Matthew 23:27-28
For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
What are “whitewashed tombs” ?
Whitewashed tombs appear clean and pure on the outside, but are filled with decay and death on the inside.
True piety lies in the inner purity and authenticity of one’s faith, rather than in mere external acts or appearances.
To achieve piety in Christ, one must undergo a genuine transformation of the heart and sincerely follow the teachings of Jesus.
This kind of piety implants a pure and genuine heart that is aligned with the mind of God.
The hypocritical leaders that Jesus speaks of were not paying attention to the inner state of their hearts but rather using God and his word as a tool to elevate themselves and control others.
Beyond Appearances
To truly understand someone’s character, it’s essential to look past appearances and analyze their intentions. Don’t blindly follow those whose motives you can’t discern, but also refrain from rushing to judgment.
Wisdom is not judging before Discerning… Discernment allows right judgment.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world…
1 John 4:1
We are sheep in the midst of wolves, we must be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
The Enemy’s Tactics
Several strategies will help you in this regard.
Focus on Eliminating Repentance
Repentance is the very practice that makes piety possible. Ideally, your targets would adopt the practice of rarely—if ever—asking for forgiveness from our Enemy, much less from each other.
It is helpful if His followers never see anyone else asking for forgiveness. An atmosphere lacking in repentance breeds moralism and hard-heartedness.
Emphasize Outward Appearances
Ensure that you make keen use of your targets’ pride in executing this strategy.
As you pique His followers’ pride, ensure they notice others.
For example, prompt your targets to be casually covetous of one or two particular families every time they go to worship.
Get them to notice new cars, beautiful spouses, or well behaved children that they will compare with their own.
Observable Signs of False Piety:
Pretending to Represent Jesus:
Claiming to act on behalf of Jesus while promoting personal agendas and rules, rather than embodying true Christian values.
Exclusiveness and Judgment:
Displaying an “Us vs. Them” attitude, considering oneself superior based on personal interpretations of rules and beliefs, and condemning those who do not conform.
Control and Manipulation:
Feigning love while attempting to control others’ beliefs, actions, or thoughts to align with one’s own views.
Rule-Keeping Salvation:
Believing salvation comes from strict adherence to rules rather than genuine faith and relationship with God.
Appearance Over Substance:
Focusing on external displays of piety while lacking true inner transformation and righteousness.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom;
Proverbs 2:13—>
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
8 guarding the paths of justice
and watching over the way of his saints.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice
and equity, every good path;
10 for wisdom will come into your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
11 discretion will watch over you,
understanding will guard you,
12 delivering you from the way of evil,
from men of perverted speech,
13 who forsake the paths of uprightness
to walk in the ways of darkness,
14 who rejoice in doing evil
and delight in the perverseness of evil,
15 men whose paths are crooked,
and who are devious in their ways.
