Exploring God’s Word with Brad Thurston

Security in the Face of Fear

Episode Summary

Luke 12:1- 12 Jesus just left the Pharisees in an angry mood, planning how to stop Him. The crowds waiting on Jesus continue to increase beyond what the Pharisees could have imagined stirring up envy and jealousy. Jesus needs to address his disciples, preparing them for upcoming persecution.

Episode Notes

Jesus focuses on the core deception of the Pharisees which is a lie, which they ultimately believe! It leads not only to self deception, but feeds on pride, greed, and a judgmental attitude. This is what feeds hypocrisy. Hypocrisy:  a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess.  So Jesus teaches the disciples how to guard against this kind of an unseen enemy that can have disastrous consequences for them, not only for himself. 

1. Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees:  It starts of small until it infects everything with a lie.  It is a death of character and virtue.  Compromises truth and has eternal consequences.
2. Though done in secret, it is a hidden evil, that will be revealed!  You cannot hide your sins from God! This is a comfort to those who think evil will ultimately win in this world by disguising their deeds as good while serving their own interests, power, and gain.

The second line of defense Jesus focuses on in this very significant and timely teaching, as they make their way to Jerusalem where Jesus will be crucified, is to teach them the difference between security in God in the face of the fear of men.  Notice, there are two kinds of fear, one that implies punishment when evil is discovered and the other deals with awe and reverence of who God is.  Isaiah:  “Woe is me, I am a man of unclean lips”.

1. From verses 4 to 7 fear is mentioned 5 times.  
2. Twice he tells the disciples not to be afraid or fear in the face of what others would tremble at: those who persecute unjustly.
3. Fear what happens after death to those who act with hypocrisy!
4. Consider how much more valuable you are to God who cares for sparrows!  The safety you find is in his love for you both now and eternally.  See how value is determined: man sells dead sparrows for a pittance, but God values them!  If so, how much more does he value you?  This is a great mystery that many have trouble believing!  God will protect you for all eternity!

The third line of defense Jesus teaches them is the importance of the confession.  The power of the words, even if they lead to temporal persecution. The result of standing up for Jesus in the face of persecution is greatly rewarded.  Notice, this section of the training in standing up to those who would pull you down, focuses on words.  The words of the persecutors can lead to their damnation whereas the very Holy Spirit they blaspheme is the one who teaches them what to say in the time of trial.

Conclusion:  1. Understand how the enemy works with deception. 2. Do not fear the enemy, he is defeated, and 3. Expect the Holy Spirit teach you what to say in such situations.  The key to all of this is walking in truth and love, avoiding all hypocrisy.