Luke 12:1-21

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.^[a] Yes, he’s the one to fear.’” v. 1-5

Awesome stuff this morning from the NLT Life Application Study Bible!

As Jesus watched the huge crowds waiting to hear him he warned his disciples against hypocrisy – trying to appear Holy when ones heart is far from God.  The Pharisees could not keep their attitudes hidden forever.  Their selfishness would act like yeast, and soon they would expose themselves for what they really were – power hungry impostors, not devoted religious leaders.  It is easy to be angry at the blatant hypocrisy of the pharisees, but each of us must resist the temptation to settle for the appearance of respectability when our hearts are far from God.

What are the signs of Hypocrisy?

1. Knowing the Truth and Not Obeying it! People can say they follow Jesus but not be obedient to His Word.
   
2. Living a Self-Serving Life! People may desire leadership only because they love position and control, not because they want to serve others.
3. Reduces Faith to Rigid Rules! People can end up worshiping thier own rules and regulations about what they think God wants instead of worshiping God Himself.
4. Outward Conformity without Inward Reality! People can obey details but still be disobedient in general behavior.

Many non-Christians use the supposed (or real) hypocrisy of Christians as an excuse to stay away from God and the church.  Look carefully at your life.  You are not perfect; therefore, at times an action or behavior might provide the ammunition for someone to label you a hypocrite.  However, you must discern your own heart.  Consider the signs of hypocrisy noted above and make sure you are not guilty.  Then ask God to help you live rightly.