Luke 12:1-12
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This is the fifth of nine sermons in our series on ‘Discipleship Lessons from Luke’. This sermon is on ‘Hypocrisy’.
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
CONNECT: What can you put in place to help your prayer life be ‘in tune’ with Jesus’?
WARM-UP Question
- What is hypocrisy? What do you think it is about hypocrisy that our culture finds so offensive?
- What do you think are the most common forms of hypocrisy that we might be guilty of?
READ Luke 12:1-7
- In what way was the yeast of the Pharisees hypocrisy? How can hypocrisy be like yeast in our lives?
- Do you think our culture is really serious about authenticity and sincerity? Why or why not?
- How extensively does the Lord know about every aspect of our lives? How does this make you feel?
- To what extent will these things be more broadly made known? How do you feel about this?!
- In what way should this reality cause us to live lives authentically in accordance with Jesus’ Lordship?
- In what way do you think you’re most likely to be hypocritical? What do you think motivates you?
- What is Jesus forewarning the disciples about concerning what they will face in the future?
- Why should our ‘hierarchy’ of fears be in accordance with who really has ultimate authority?
- How can we both fear God and not be afraid?
- How much does God value us? What does it mean to you to know that you are richly valued by God even though he knows everything about you?
READ Luke 12:8-12
- How is the disowning of Jesus the ultimate form of hypocrisy?
- What is verse 10 all about? Why is blaspheming against the Holy Spirit such a perilous course of action?
- What are the circumstances in which you are most tempted to not speak up for Jesus? Are there any particular contexts (friends, family, workplaces, and other front lines) in which you are most afraid of being known as a follower of Jesus? What could help counter this for you?
- How does a sincere trust in the Lord Jesus give us a certainty of life forever with God?
APPLY: What is one area of hypocrisy that you need to address this week?
BONUS: On which one of your front lines can you acknowledge Jesus as Lord this week?
Prayer
Gracious Father, thank you that you hate hypocrisy. Please forgive us for the times or aspects of our lives in which we are hypocritical. Please help to acknowledge that you see things are they really are and that such a reality would cause us to live for you and you alone. Thank you that we can be secure in your love by acknowledging Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Frontline This Week: When our frontlines are hectic and sleep deprived - remember grace, be faithful and be kind. Read More.
For Families
- Have you registered for our Holiday Kids Program? This will be an amazing opportunity for kids to learn more about Jesus and what it means to be disciple makers with their lives. Register Here.
Audio and Video
- VIDEO: “How to Judge the Church when it seems out of tune with Jesus” from “The Love of God”
- VIDEO: Don Carson on ‘The Unforgivable Sin”
- AUDIO: “Proclaimed on the House Tops” by Dick Lucas:
- AUDIO: “A Contaminating Error” by William Taylor:
Articles
- “The Unforgivable Sin” by R.C.Sproul
- “Faith and Belief in Australia” by Mcrindle Research (regarding hypocrisy as a belief blocker):
Other Helpful Resources (For Series)
- 13-Week Series on Luke by Gary Millar (QTC):
- ARTICLE: “The 6Ms - Uncovering Fruitfulness Where You Are”
- BOOK: Overview of Luke by the Bible Project
- BOOK: “Luke (Read, Mark, Learn Series)”
