How can Christians guard against spiritual hypocrisy?

Spiritual hypocrisy arises when believers rely on their works or outward appearances rather than the transformative grace of God. Jesus warns in Luke 12:1 to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which embodies hypocrisy. To combat this, Christians must maintain a focus on the grace offered through Christ and the sufficiency of His work, understanding that their identity is rooted in Him rather than in their religious efforts. Regular self-examination in light of Scripture and seeking accountability within the body of Christ can further help guard against the subtle influences that promote a façade of righteousness. Ultimately, a heart directed toward sincere love and faith in Christ will mitigate the risks of hypocrisy.