Luke 12:1-12

HYPOCRISY AND FEAR OF GOD

Keywords 12:7

Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

1. Guard against hypocrisy (1-3)

The opposition of the religious leaders did not deter people from coming to Jesus. Thousands came to him, wanting to hear him teach. Jesus spoke first to his disciples. He told them to watch out for the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. Hypocrisy is saying one thing and living another way. The Pharisees weren’t living as they taught. God saw through that. There are no secrets with God.



2. Fear God; don’t be afraid (4-12)

The people feared the Pharisees. But Jesus taught them to not be afraid of people, who can only kill the body. Rather, fear God, who can throw you into hell. When we learn to fear God, we do not need to be afraid. He will take care of our needs. If God takes such wonderful care of tiny sparrows, surely he will take care of us too. So, we should acknowledge God before people and rely on the Holy Spirit for wisdom. When we acknowledge Jesus, he will acknowledge and honor us.

Prayer Lord, help me to repent my hypocrisy. Help me to live before you, acknowledging you and trusting you for all things in my life. Help me not to be afraid of anything in this life, but to fear you.

One Word Fear, love and trust God