Stay Away from Hypocrisy

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

Read Luke 12:1-12.

In Luke 11, Jesus is in the middle of an intense, heated debate with religious hypocrites who are trying to provoke and entrap Him, but He turns to address His disciples: “Pay attention. Be on your guard against the corrupting influence of religious hypocrites.”

Then Jesus outlines what will keep us from the eternal disaster of walking in the way of hypocrites: Honor the Father. Honor the Son. Honor the Holy Spirit. We must focus on the triune God. When we do, the Lord will honor us.

First, Jesus commands us to honor the Father: “Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell” (Luke 12:5). The Father is the one who will judge all. No secret will be hidden from Him, and no hypocrite will be able to stand before Him on the last day, for just as yeast is hidden inside a batch of dough and is only revealed when the bread rises, so too will the hidden lives of hypocrites be revealed (see Luke 12:1-2). This, of course, should fill those who love Him with joy—and fill those who live as hypocrites with dread.

Second, Jesus exhorts us to honor the Son: “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God” (v. 8). Those who fail to confess Jesus as Lord and Savior will hear from the King of kings the most devastating words imaginable: “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23). 

There will be those who say, “But we wore clerical garb! We agreed with some things in the Bible!” And Jesus will reply, “I never knew you.” Friends, be very careful of the leaven of hypocrisy.

Finally, Jesus calls us to honor the Spirit, for “anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven” (Luke 12:10). To blaspheme the Holy Spirit is to reject the testimony of the Spirit concerning Jesus. He testifies of Jesus and reveals that salvation is found in no one else. Hypocrites always compromise this Truth, and in doing so, dishonor God’s Holy Spirit. They stand condemned by their own words.

Those of us who stand on the uncompromised Truth will have trouble in this world. But Jesus encouraged: “Take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to focus on You so that I do not stray from Your Truth nor seek to exalt myself and my own ways. I want to follow Your way—the only path to eternal life—by trusting in Christ’s blood poured out for the forgiveness of my sins. Thank You, Lord. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy” (Luke 12:1).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon series Enduring Wisdom: WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

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