Today’s text teaches us the results of fear in our lives. The fear of man will lead to hypocrisy and false religion. The fear of God will lead to right living and true relationship with God.

 
1 Meanwhile, the crowds grew until thousands were milling about and stepping on each other. Jesus turned first to his disciples and warned them, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees—their hypocrisy. 2 The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. 3 Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear! 4 “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. 5 But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear. 6 “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. 7 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So, don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. 8 “I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels.

 Luke 12:1–8 (NLT)

What causes hypocrisy (V:4-7). Jesus mentioned “fear” five times in these verses, so He is teaching us that a basic cause of hypocrisy is the fear of man. The remedy for hypocrisy is to forget about what people may say and do and fear God alone. The fear of God is the fear that conquers all other fears, for the person who truly fears God need fear nothing else.

The cure for false religion and hypocrisy is found in verses four through eight. Read it again and allow the Holy Spirit of God to speak to you.

                       Pastor Mike