Fear God, Not People
Question
FEAR GOD, NOT PEOPLE
Luke 12:1-12, Key Verse 12:5
“But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.”
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When a large crowd gathered, to whom did Jesus first speak and why (1)? How is hypocrisy like yeast, and why did Jesus warn his disciples about it at this moment (11:42-43)? What do verses 2-3 imply about the end result of a hypocritical life?
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Read verses 4-5. How did Jesus address his disciples? Discuss some examples of how we can be tempted to live in fear of people. Whom should we fear and why (2Co 5:10)? What does it mean to fear God? How does this help us overcome the fear of people?
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How did Jesus explain that his disciples are valuable to God (6-7)? What can we learn about God, who does not forget the sparrow and who numbers the hairs on our heads? How does this help us not to be afraid?
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What does it mean to acknowledge Jesus publicly (8)? What is the consequence of disowning Jesus (9)? Who will be forgiven and who will not (10)?
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When brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, how should disciples respond (11)? Why do we not need to worry about what we will say (12)?