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.”
INTRODUCTION
Happy new month!! Announcement.. Welcome to the last quarter of the year 2023. As we come to the
end of the year, many businesses are rounding up figures and preparing for the new year already. As Christians, we also need to reflect on our walk with God in this year, consider carefully the necessary areas we need to make amends in our Christian journey – and especially become aware of God to fear and obey Him.
Today’s passage is a continuation of Jesus’ teachings towards the end of His mission on earth (Lk. chps.9-19) as He makes His journey towards Jerusalem where He would be crucified for our sins. So in some of the teachings, Jesus paid more attention to preparing His disciples for the gospel-work ahead.
In Luke 12:1-12, Jesus warned His disciples to avoid hypocrisy, and to avoid every fear in professing their Christian identity – preaching the gospel to others. He prepared them to fear God more than people, and He gave them comforting words to help them understand that God cares for them so much and will give them support by The Holy Spirit. Let us learn from Jesus’ Words and find both comfort and challenge to confidently hold out our identity as Christians anywhere we are, so that many can be saved by the gospel we boldly practice and preach.
PART 1: JESUS TEACHES HIS DISCIPLES TO AVOID HYPOCRISY (1-3)
[Let’s read together – vs 1] “Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.”
In this verse, we see Jesus like a celebrity of the moment, a wise teacher, with many people gathering around to learn the Words of life. It is also possible that many of the people there were expecting healing, signs, miracles and the bread/fish they could get from Jesus. It was a stampede there. They know Jesus as a compassionate teacher for them. For any reason whatsoever, it is always a blessing to come to Jesus. While the people were trampling each other to get a better position around Jesus, He took a moment to speak to His disciples.
Why did He do so? Jesus was preparing them as spiritual leaders who would take care of that generation with the true gospel and overall confidence. It was necessary for Him to prepare the disciples for the gospel work which they had to engage after Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.
The first thing Jesus said to them was this; “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” During Jesus’ lifetime in Israel, bread was a common food there, and one popular ingredient in making bread is yeast. Yeasts are edible fungi used in the baking of bread – it causes bread-dough to rise by the process of fermentation. As the yeast ferments, it releases these little bubbles of air (CO2 – Carbondioxide), which puff the bread up, making it look big, but it’s only a fake size. This is deception, sorry to lovers of big soft bread. And all you need is just a little bit of yeast within the lump of dough, and that little yeast will exercise its influence upon the whole lump of dough. Now considering that Jesus used the words; ‘the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy..’ He is telling us the true nature of Pharisees that they are hypocrites.
Popular character of a hypocrite is that their speech and actions are contrary to one another. The hypocrite will tell others what is good to do, but the hypocrite does not practice that good. Another sign of hypocrisy is that they like to be seen in public as righteous, but in their hearts and in secret, they are full of evil actions/desires. This was the practice of the Pharisees – they love the praises of men, they also force the people to obey God’s laws completely, but they are unrighteous and Jesus knows their sinful heart. So they created a society where many struggle to obey the Jewish commandments in public, but in their hearts they are far from God.
Jesus warned His disciples against practicing hypocrisy because they were to preach the true gospel to others; and, if they should corrupt the Word of God, and deal deceitfully as hypocrites, their negative influence will affect the whole world. If they were pretenders, they would not be able to endure suffering, pain, and death for the sake of Christ, and their hypocritical actions would hinder the true gospel from reaching many people.
In our generation today, we have a large crowd of Bible students that need spiritual attention. Jesus’ Words can prepare us for teaching the Bible with all sincerity and godly influence. This generation needs leaders that can bring the desired influence of Jesus Christ upon the people, and not hypocritical influence like the Pharisees. We need to repent of all hypocrisy. Now, what is the cure for hypocrisy? (vs.2-3) “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight..” One reason people practice hypocrisy is because they don’t know God or they don’t believe that God sees everything we do. Another reason for hypocrisy is lack of fear of God. We cannot try to deceive when we know that God is looking at us (All-Seeing Eyes). It is impossible to play double and false when we completely believe that we are in the presence of the Most High every moment, and that he knows the thoughts and the secret purposes of our hearts. The only way in which the hypocrite can continue in hypocrisy is by forgetting or disrespecting the existence of God. So the cure for hypocrisy is the fear of God. It is for us to know that before God, there is nothing concealed/hidden, there is no secret whisper, and God will judge every man’s deeds on the day of judgment.
Let us hear Charles Spurgeon’s humble prayer in his piece on hypocrisy: He said; “Often do I fall on my knees in an agony of doubt, and I cry, ‘Lord, make me sincere; if I be deceived, undeceive me.’” Every Christian needs this self-examination. Do not look around to find the faults in another person, each person needs to do a personal heart examination, repent, and pray for God’s help, so that we can be true leaders in righteousness for this generation.
PART 2: FEAR AND OBEY GOD (4-7)
[vs. 4-5] “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 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.”
As the disciples were preparing to continue the ministry of Christ, they needed sufficient courage, because they would face much opposition from the people, from the synagogue leaders and from the authorities. Jesus warned them not to fear people, but to fear God. He gave them assuring words to encourage them in their work. (vs.4) “I say unto you, my friends, do not be afraid…” and (vs.7) “Indeed the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid..”
The disciples had a dangerous mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and all the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8b) just 40 days after Jesus was humiliated and killed on the cross because of that same gospel of salvation for mankind through Jesus – The Son of God. They would face rejection from their friends and families, persecution and oppression from the religious leaders who killed Jesus. They would also become the scum of the earth (1Cor. 4:13) and be tagged as “the men who turn the world upside down.” (Acts 17:6)
Jesus knew that they would face all these persecutions in their mission, and he said, “I will show you who to fear..” With these words He prepared their hearts to fear God more than people, because God has the power to kill both body and soul in hell, but people can only kill the body. With these Words of Jesus (Holy Spirit helping), the disciples became resolute believers in the gospel they preached, and they were willing to die in defense of the truth which they witnessed – the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus to save the world. As a matter of fact, all the Apostles (except John) became martyrs and to the glory of God they preserved the salvation gospel for many generations to receive it and be saved. Tertullian, one of the Early Church Fathers of the second century said, “the blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church.” (think about it..)
Let us get to the basics. What sponsors your daily action? Is it the fear of God or the fear of people and their opinions? Many times we find ourselves acting in ways that don’t glorify God just because we seek to please people and get worldly affirmation/acceptance. God has placed in us a good conscience that tells us what’s right, and through Bible study we also learn more ways to live for God, but there is always a struggle to confidently live for God everywhere we are. We have to understand that the power of our enemy is limited. The biggest loss in this world is loss of life, but the greatest loss for any person is the soul lost for eternity. God is to be feared more than the most powerful men. Moses conquered his fear of the wrath of the Egyptian king/pharaoh, because he saw God in the burning bush (Exo. 3:1-12). We need the fear of God in all we do. We need that consciousness that God has power to kill both body and soul, and that He sees all we do.
Read vs.6-7, “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” After warning them not to fear people, Jesus comforted the disciples with the assuring words that none of them is forgotten by God. This also means that God cares for them. Jesus talked about the sparrows as an example of something of little value, and yet God cares for them. The disciples may focus better when they don’t worry about their daily provisions, but trust God.
Sometimes, the source of fear in us is when we think about daily provisions. Some Christians facing persecution from this world may feel worthless and that no one cares for them. Yet a loving God in heaven values each one. His eye is on the sparrows, and I know He watches over you. Have faith in God! Fear God! Obey Him!
God Our Father is concerned with a loving heart for us. He knows more than you could imagine or care about. For example, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Have you tried to count your hairs? (*smiles, maybe we should try right now.. Do you need a mirror, or an iPhone 15 Ultra camera?..) The point of the matter is this – God cares for you my brothers and sisters, since He knows about your hairs, rest assured, He knows all the important things. He knows your personal prayer and concerns; your sighs and tears are numbered; He knows your effort and sacrifice in studying Bible and teaching people about Jesus. God knows the number of steps you take on each evangelical/fishing outing; He knows all your sufferings for the sake of Christ, and He promised to reward each man according to their work. Another area I want to alert us about is that God knows every dollar you give to support the Church and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Permit me to touch on this controversial topic about giving to the Church and to people: I have observed that each dollar is hard to earn, or maybe it’s the bills and taxes, and some Christians feel the difficulty in giving for the work of God. The budget is just so tight that it’s hard to release that 10% or more. Some measure the tithes, offerings and their financial gifts to Christian brothers and sisters, and they wish to reduce it. Some others have stopped giving altogether and dismiss every topic about giving, Baba.. repent.. (Eccl. 5:10 – Whoever loves money never has enough..).
I want to encourage you today, don’t be discouraged, be aware that God knows your sacrifice and every dollar you are giving, and He blesses all. Trust God!! We may feel like losers in this world, but in the sight of God, we are top-gainers. An account is kept of all your losses in this world, and it will all be to your advantage in the end when God says to you, “Well done, my faithful servant.. Come and share your Master’s happiness!” (Matt. 25:21,23). Amen.
PART 3: IDENTIFY WITH JESUS (8-12)
[Read vs 8-9] “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God.”
Public declaration of our allegiance to Jesus is part of our Christian journey. For many, this is the most difficult thing to do – and it’s usually difficult because of our fear of people/opinion, Jesus had warned us not to fear people. The test to either confess or deny Jesus before men may come in many ways; but it will always come. It is helpful to be determined in heart and mind before the test comes. Whoever acknowledges me before others, The Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. Acknowledging Jesus before others means that we are bold enough to live as Christians and can tell people about Jesus. This is what it means to identify with Jesus. In the world today, many prefer to identify with all other people/things/ideologies but Christ. We have many Christians who are like an opposite of Apostle Paul in that they are so ashamed of the gospel of Christ which has power to save. (Rom. 1:16) Identity with Christ is becoming a matter that is only personal and never expressed publicly. This is not Jesus’ expectation from each Christian. In Matt. 5:16, Jesus said; “..let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Jesus is expecting Christians to bring glory to God by their public example of godly living and through Bible teaching/preaching about Jesus. He promised a reward that we will be acknowledged in God’s Kingdom. But if we continue to struggle with shyness and all limitations that make us conform to please the world. Then it means we have disowned Jesus before the people, we have chosen to please men rather than God, and Jesus says, such people will be disowned in God’s Kingdom. Once again, we are reminded to fear God and please God, not people.
In verse 10 there is a point to be made about blasphemy against The Holy Spirit – “And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.”
From the previous chapter (Lk.11:15) some people accused Jesus of healing a mute man by the help of demon powers. Jesus performed the healing by The power of God, and when the people say it is demon power, Jesus calls that a blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that this sin will never be forgiven. But why is that so? Didn’t the Bible clearly teach us that God is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance? (2Pet. 3:9)
Think of it this way; The Holy Spirit’s main ministry is to testify of Jesus (He will testify of Me, John 15:26). For all the good works of Christ, from healing a mute man to giving salvation to all people, The Holy Spirit is always at the center of the work of God. The Holy Spirit testifies of God’s power in the life and ministry of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit convicts us so that we can repent and put our faith in Jesus Christ. When that testimony of Jesus is ‘fully and finally’ rejected, one has truly blasphemed the Holy Spirit. All who continue to reject the gospel of salvation cannot receive the forgiveness of any sin because it is only by accepting Jesus Christ that we can be forgiven of any/all sins. God can forgive every sin. Talking badly against The Holy Spirit is serious enough, but it is not a sin too big for God to forgive. In fact, no sin is too big for God to forgive. If anyone made such a mistake of speaking against God’s work or against God’s sincere servants, but repent sincerely, God is gracious and merciful to forgive. But those who remain unrepentant like the Pharisees and die in their state of continuous rejection of Jesus, they will not be forgiven.
[Read vs. 11-12] “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for The Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” Another encouragement for the disciples is that The Holy Spirit will support them and give them the best words with which to defend themselves and the gospel of Christ. Preaching the gospel will really put them up against the world. The synagogues, rulers and authorities will accuse them of severe crimes, and they have to stand in defense. Jesus is saying; “don’t worry about how you will defend yourself, The Holy Spirit will teach you what to say.” These words will bring so much relief to them and us. We can trust that God is with us in the trying times and He promised to give us the right words to help us defend gospel mission and glorify God.
Today we have learned about hypocrisy and how to overcome it by the fear of God. We also learned that God cares for us more than many sparrows. We also learned that God is The Almighty Judge Who rewards faithfulness and can condemn both body and soul of the unfaithful in hell. Let us believe and practice the lessons, and overcome all our fears so that we can identify with Jesus no matter what people say or do to us. Amen. “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.”