Living Waters Christian Fellowship - Lake Nacimiento - California

12:1 In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
2 “For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known.
3 “Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.

Introduction Jesus encourages us to love Him, love others, and to be real, consistent, not hypocritical.

1. All people want to be thought of as good - to make a good outward impression

2. Some “good people” are actually hypocrites v1

12:1 In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Hypocrisy = under (hidden from) + judgment (the ability to discern) - not genuine, fake, play acting, to speak from a stage, reality different from appearance.

3. Hypocrisy spreads v1

“Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.”

4. It’s a blessing to be sincere, have integrity, love the truth, not live in dualism

5. An atomosphere of grace, mercy, and acceptance of reality fosters truth, honesty, victory over problems

Isaiah 57:11a
11 “And of whom have you been afraid, or feared, That you have lied And not remembered Me, Nor taken it to your heart?

6. All will be known anyway v2-3

2 “For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known.
3 “Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.

7. Confession is good for the soul James 5:16

16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Conclusion