The fear of God is central to the Christian life, as every believer in Christ is made new and called to live in reverence of Him (2 Cor. 5:17). This reverence, however, does not eliminate the existence of hypocrisy but does help to rid one’s life of its patterns. Hypocrisy remains a real temptation, yet through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians can resist and overcome it.
Hypocrisy, both in Jesus’ time and today, is marked by knowledge of the truth without true obedience. Hypocrites are often driven by worldly concerns, such as status and titles, rather than God’s Word. Like the scribes and Pharisees, they prioritize appearances over substance. As Charles Simeon observed, many nominal Christians may be nothing more than unconverted worldlings, revealing the seriousness of hypocrisy in the church.
To avoid hypocrisy, Jesus teaches that fearing God is essential (v 4). Fearing God requires that we do not fear man. Fear of man, when combined with professing a fear of God, is hypocrisy. Jesus explains that godly fear should only be directed toward God, who alone has the power over both body and soul. Men may kill the body, but only God can determine eternal destinies. This calls Christians to love and revere God fully, recognizing His ultimate authority.
People often do not fear God because they fail to understand His attributes. God is Sovereign, all-powerful, and just. He alone holds the power to give and take life and to cast souls into hell (v 5). His strength is unmatched, as David writes in the Psalms (Ps. 62:11), and His holiness and justice will prevail in the final judgment. However, God’s patience and kindness also lead sinners to repentance (Ro. 4:4), revealing His mercy alongside His judgment.
Jesus highlights God’s care by pointing out that He does not forget even a sparrow, which is considered worthless (v 6). If God cares for such small creatures, how much more does He care for humans, made in His image? This care is even more profound for Christians, whom He will never forget or abandon.
God’s intimate knowledge extends to every detail, even down to the hairs on our heads, which He has numbered (v 7). This signifies His deep personal care, especially in times of persecution, when even seemingly insignificant things like the hair on our heads are under His protection. God’s care is constant, and it reassures believers of His presence, even in the most difficult circumstances.
The difference between those who fear God and those who do not is clear, as illustrated by the Pharisee and the tax collector in Jesus’ parable. The Pharisee exalts himself, while the tax collector humbles himself before God (Lk. 18:10-14). Those who fear God are humble, knowing that God will exalt them, while those who lack this fear elevate themselves, only to be humbled.
Ultimately, hypocrisy stems from not fearing God. To avoid hypocrisy, Christians must continually seek to know, love, and fear God. This fear leads to true worship and a life free from hypocrisy, rooted in genuine reverence and humility before the Almighty God.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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