FEAR GOD, NOT PEOPLE
Luke 12:1-12
Key Verse: 12:5
“But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.”
When a large crowd gathered, to whom did he first speak and why (1)? How is hypocrisy like yeast, and why did Jesus warn his disciples about it at this moment (11:42-43)? Why is it impossible to cover up hypocrisy (2-3)?
Read verses 4-5. How did Jesus address his disciples? Whom should we fear and why (2Co 5:10; Rev 21:8)? What does it mean to fear God? How does this help us overcome the fear of people?
How did Jesus explain that his disciples are valuable to God (6-7)? What can we learn about God who does not forget the sparrow and numbers the hairs on our heads? How does this help us not to be afraid?
What does it mean to acknowledge Jesus publicly (8)? What is the consequence of disowning Jesus (9)? Who will be forgiven and who will not (10)?
When brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, how should they respond (11)? Why do we not need to worry about what we will say (12)?