So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” ~ John 8:31-32 (ESV)
Jesus dealt with his share of hypocrites. In these verses we see Jesus interacting with some who had attached themselves to him. Jesus does not accept their declaration at face value, but instead predicates their sincerity on their constancy. True disciples abide (i.e. live and dwell) in Christ’s word and there find freeing truth. The Word of God is like a mirror, though we may not always like what it shows us about ourselves. Seeing the truth frees us from self-deception and false piety to then be true disciples.