1. Do not fear men (1-7)

Jesus warns his disciples not to be like the Pharisees, who were hypocrites. How can we rid our lives of hypocrisy? First, we must know that all hypocrisy will be exposed in Jesus' light. Everything hidden will be made known. Second, we must not live before the eyes of people. This makes us fearful and double-minded. Fear of people opens the door for all kinds of human thinking and calculation. We must love and fear God. He is the one who can save us from hell. He knows all about us, and he loves us.

2. Acknowledge Jesus before people (8-12)

The Christian life is meant to be simple. The Holy Spirit leads us to God. He works through the gospel. A deliberate decision not to believe the gospel is to reject God and his forgiveness. When we acknowledge Jesus as Lord and let his Spirit lead us, there is no longer any need to be anxious; there is no need for human calculations. We can live in the light, without fear. The Spirit will tell us what to do and say.

Application: Lord, forgive my useless fears and help me to fear you and walk in your light.
One Word: Be a Christian--not a Pharisee