FEAR GOD, NOT PEOPLE
Luke 12:1-12
Key Verse 12:4-5 “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.”
1. How is hypocrisy like yeast and why did Jesus warn his disciples about it at this time? (1b) How did the Pharisees reveal their hypocrisy? (11:38-43) How does the fact that everything will be revealed help us avoid hypocrisy? (2-3)
2. Why do we fear people? (4) Why should we fear God? (5; cf. 2 Corinthians 5:10) What do verses 6-7 reveal about who God is? How does this help us not to be afraid?
3. What does it mean to acknowledge Jesus publicly? (8-9; cf. Romans 10:9-10)
4. Why is speaking against the Son of Man forgivable while blaspheming against the Holy Spirit unforgivable? (10; cf. Matthew 12:31-32) What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? (cf. 11:15; Mark 3:29-30)
5. When we are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities of our time, why should we not worry? (11-12; cf. Mark 13:11)