Study 28. Luke 12:1-12
1. Why is hypocrisy dangerously foolish (12:1-3)? How is hypocrisy like yeast? (12:1) In the presence of a very large crowd Jesus addressed His disciples first with His teaching.Yeast {leaven) ' speaks of a penetration that is slow, insidious and constant' (Morris). A small amount can contaminate the whole loaf. Gal 2:11-14 gives an example of how hypocrisy can permeate the church Hypocrisy cannot be sustained. The truth will eventually come to light. The most secret things will be publically proclaimed. 2. What fear can motivate a hypocrite to act as other people want him to act (12:4)? The fear of being harmed by people who disagree with your views, or the fear of losing some advantage. Jesus calls His disciples 'friends' only here in the Synoptics. 3.What fear should prevent hypocrisy (12:5)? The fear of God, whose power extends beyond temporary death and who has the power to cast into hell for infinite suffering. The right fear of God (cf. 1 Jn 4:18) is a good t...