We continue this week’s sermon series, The Gospel of Luke, Part III: A Journey through Galilee in Luke 12:1-12. John Baptiste, the Pastor of Mustard Seed Community Church in Africa, helps us realize that we are deeply significant to God. As such, Jesus wants us to have open eyes and a pure heart, so we can be free from hypocrisy and the fear of man and to live significant and worthy lives unto Him.

Jean Baptiste’s Main Points

You are deeply significant to God.

• Live a life free from the sin of hypocrisy.
• Live a life free from the fear of man.
• Live a life proclaiming the true Gospel of Jesus Christ
• Keep the promise of depending upon the Holy Spirit.

Key Takeaways

• We must avoid the sin of hypocrisy, fear God, and confess Jesus Christ.
• Hypocrisy is a deception of one’s words and actions. It is sin.
• The judgement of God is real and will happen. Jesus is warning His disciples against the actions of the Pharisees and to be aware of them.
• Hypocrisy seems a small thing, but it kills. We will bear the responsibility of our words and actions.
• Jesus wants His followers to rely on Him and His Word. (He transforms the lives of sinners and gives us hope.)
• A double life is hypocritical and ignores the truth of Jesus Christ.
• God knows our hearts. (We all need Jesus.)
• Our actions and words are powerful. (i.e. examples of domestic abuse and not paying taxes) They have influence over our testimony towards unbelievers.)
• It is the Lord Jesus Christ Who empowers us to live lives free from the sin of hypocrisy.
• Recognize your significance to God. (i.e. sparrows and human life)
• The devil sometimes uses fear to deviate us from the right track.
• The Word of God tells us not to fear (men and circumstances). Trust in God. He is faithful.
• God does not forget His own. We may face various trials and tribulations, but we are not forsaken. Remember the sparrows.
• God is Almighty. He knows and is able. He has you in His eye and the palms of His hands.
• Jesus invites His disciples to confess Him before men. (He wants us to be open, transparent, holy, and unashamed of Him before all.)
• Jesus has the divine judgement on the last day. Bear the testimony of Jesus Christ and do not be afraid of others’ opinions.
• The Holy Spirit gives words to those who trust in Jesus Christ.
• God intervenes for those who belong to Him.

Discussion Questions/Application

Personal application:

• Do I truly fear God? Is this displayed in my life?
• What has greater weight on my thoughts, words, and actions? The fear of God or the fear of man?
• Is my life free from the sin of hypocrisy? Do I openly confess Jesus to others? Is my life consistent with this confession?
• Do I believe that I am deeply significant to God? Why or why not? Am I depending on myself or on Jesus in this response?

Discuss with your community group:

• In what ways do we openly confess Jesus? Do we ever shrink back? Why or why not?
• Do we have any of the Pharisaic tendencies in us? Are we more interested in our personal influence and personal attention over our commitment, confession, and faithfulness to Jesus.

Spend time encouraging and praying for one another.

Passages Referenced

Luke 12:1-12; Isaiah 49:15; Acts 7:51-56; Mark 8:15

Worship Set List

Hark The Herald Angels Sing, Oh Come All Ye Faithful, Come Let Us Adore Him, Living Hope, Behold The Lamb, What He’s Done