BiblicalMastery Buddy's bible blog

Lesson 38

Where Is It All Leading?

Luke 12:49-59

Where it is all leading is a good question to ask ourselves. There was a point in time when my whole life lay ahead.  I had no idea how it would all turn out and many ways still do not.  As I look back there was a pivotal point that changed my perspective.  It is what I like to call a turning point.  It is those moments when I sensed a new direction in my spiritual walk with God.  Until many years later I could not have given it a name.  I just knew it had occurred. 

For some reason I was led to make a study of the turning points in the lives of those in the Bible.  I discovered as I searched God’s word, that even though there was one major event in the lives of each of them, there were many crossroads that determined the path they would travel.  What happened to them still has an effect on me down to this day.  As was true for them the choices I make still lead me in one direction or another.  They also impact the lives of those who mean a great deal to me.  I have to be careful to understand that what I do may also cause someone I do not know well to either be drawn to Christ or to turn away from Him.  My words or deeds might be the catalyst to bring a person to his or her own turning point. 

The future of the church is determined by its own turning points.  Each time a new Teaching Elder comes or leadership changes the church is confronted with what kind of body it will become. There are some things that are more difficult to change, even with a shift in those who are providing direction to the church.  At some point a culture developed that takes a long time to be altered.  It would take a generation or two to make it happen. 

One of the greatest dangers for a congregation is to ignore the opportunities that God presents to us. Recently we have seen an influx of new families who are attending. How they view what we are providing for the whole family in the way of ministries will determine their commitment to the church meeting where we are located.  Without realizing their decisions are a turning point for them and for the church as well.  New people should open our eyes to see if what we have been doing is still effective in making disciples who make disciples.

Luke 12:49-50

Even before Jesus’ earthly began in earnest John the Baptist spoke of fire.  He stated that Jesus would “baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3:11.  The events that were going to occur in the coming days could only be described as fire. When an object is set ablaze it brings about a number of results.  (See Matthew 3:10, 12)  It may provide warmth, purify objects or completely destroy anything in its path.  Anything it touches will be completely altered. 

Jesus used that metaphor in His discourse with His disciples.  Through the suffering on the cross and the events to follow, He was going to turn all of previous history on its head.  No longer would the Jews depend on the Law. He was about to usher in a new age, the age of grace. The world and men’s lives would be forever changed by what He was about to accomplish by His death on the cross and resurrection.

Just as important is the idea expressed in Matthew that with His death the Holy Spiritual come on the scene to radically affect mankind from the day of Pentecost forward.  In Acts 2:3 is the picture of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit appearing as tongues of fire and resting on all of the people in the upper room.

Jesus was anxious for this event to occur.  He knew however that for the fire to come that would change men He had to go through the crucifixion which He described as baptism.  The church today celebrates baptism to signify that man has died and has been become new in Christ. Because of His death and man’s new relationship the Holy Spirit now indwells and empowers him to live a Christ like life.

1. What are some of the attributes of fire?
2. What does it accomplish?
3. What did Jesus mean by using the idea of fire to describe what was to occur? (A radical alteration was about occur to the way man would have a relationship with God.  No longer would it be according to the law but grace. Look back at the passages mentioned in Matthew.)
4. What did Jesus mean by speaking of His own baptism which He was about to undergo? (He would have to pass through death to live again.)
5. What actions have you taken to show that your life has been changed?

Some of the commentators alluded to fact that Jesus was also speaking of the final judgment against sin that would occur out in the future.  The final act of judgment will be the casting of the devil into the lake of fire to be punished forever.  One fact is clear that the whole world will be altered from its present state.  Revelation speaks of the New Jerusalem that comes down from heaven.  It is to be the new home of believers.

Luke 12: 51-53

The new reality that was to come would forever alter relationships between people.  For over fourteen hundred years the Jews lived by the Law of Moses.  Even though they may not have followed it they all believed that it was the guide for life and their relationship with the Father.  Jesus was about to change all of that.  Now man would have to choose between the following the Law or Jesus.  That choice would break down the peace they all had experience.  There would now be division even in families as some held on to their Jewish beliefs while others believed that Jesus was now the way to salvation through His death on the cross. 

1. What did Jesus mean that He came to bring division rather than peace?
2. In what ways was the peace the Jews practiced false? (Everyone followed the Law.)
3. In your life has your decision to become a follower of Christ affected your relationships with others?
4. When have you experience outright hostility?
5. Why is opposition or apathy among family members the hardest to endure?

Luke 12:54-56

Jesus turned from the disciples to the crowds to level His next criticism of the way men viewed Him.  Once again He used an example that each of them would have understood.  Depending on the direction from which the weather was coming the people could describe the type of day it would be.  Rain came from the direction of the Mediterranean Sea.  If the wind was coming from the dry desert area to the south of Judea the people would know they could expect a hot day. Today forecasters speak of high and low pressure systems etc. to indicate what kind of weather is to be expected.

The people were called hypocrites.  They had chosen to ignore all of the signs that pointed to Jesus as the coming Messiah.  For fourteen hundred years the prophets had provided the prophecies that pointed to Jesus which they chose to ignore.  There are over three hundred prophecies in the Old Testament that speak of the Messiah.  All they would needed to do was to look at them to realize that the man before them had already filled many of them.  They pretended to keep the Scriptures and missed the One about whom the entire Old Testament had been written.

1. Why did Jesus use nature to describe the spiritual condition of the people? (They could discern the physical but miss what God was doing?
2. In what ways do we act the same as did the Jews?
3. Why did Jesus once again call them hypocrites? (They acted spiritual but missed all of the signs of the truly Spiritual One?
4. What evidence is presented to us that we dare not miss?
5. What does it make us if we decide to ignore the evidence of God’s grace given to us? (Hypocrites because we say we believe but do not act like Christ’s followers.)
6. How does this passage give us a picture of those who have been gifted by God but refuse to recognize or use those gifts?
7. How can we be in church all of our lives and miss the One about whom the whole Bible speaks to man?

Luke 12:57-59

These verses may be viewed from two different perspectives.  Jesus could have been speaking to the Jews and also those who would form the early church.

The nation of Israel had been given ample time to turn from their wicked ways. Because they refused to recognize Jesus as the coming Messiah they would continually face judgment for their rebellion. From the time of Christ until their dispersion they were instrumental in much of the early persecution of the church.  They did everything in their power to disassociate themselves from Christianity.  They did so to protect themselves from getting into trouble with the Romans. In 70 AD the Romans came and destroyed the city and sent many of the Jews into exile.  Sixty years later they began following false messiahs. At that point it was too late to repent from their corporate sin. God used the Romans once again to bring about His judgment on the rebellious nation. Their actions led to a complete exile from their homeland.  It would be over nineteen hundred years before they were allowed to return to their homeland.  The Jews are to face one more time of extreme persecution because of their infidelity.  In the book of Revelation John tells of the three and one half years in which the anti-christ will do all he can to eliminate the Jewish nation and those who will finally become followers of Christ.

1. Why have the Jews faced times of judgment throughout the ages?
2. What was the example of their greatest disobedience?
3. Who is the ultimate judge of those who rebel against Jesus?
4. What are you to do to make sure that you are not cast into the prison about which Jesus spoke?

Paul wrote about the way that followers of Christ are to handle conflict.  See 1 Corinthians 6:1-7.  The believer is repent of his sins before facing the Judge at the end of times.  Those who believe have already passed from the death sentence each man deserves to into life eternal.  As Jesus spoke earlier, he no longer fears the one who rules the world but lives in awe and reverence of the One who determines where he will spend eternity.

1. Why did Paul admonish Christians to handle their own conflicts?  (We belong to the arbiter of all problems in the body.)
2. Where is the prison from which the rebellious cannot escape?
3. How do we make sure that we do not find ourselves there? (Repent of our sins and believe in the giver of a release from bondage.)
4. Who is man to fear?
5. Why is this kind of fear healthy?
6. What are some examples of the ways you have made amends before arriving at the Day of Judgment?

    

• Take a look at your own life to see what event was your turning point.
• Determine what impact it had on your life.
• Jesus has called you to radical devotion to Him.
• Do not fail in being fully devoted to Him.
• Live in such a way that you will never face the judgment of God.
• If you live or work in an environment among non-believers maintain a heart of peace.

The church must understand its place in the world around it. Jesus called His followers to be radically different than those who have chosen to live according to the world’s standards.  We must realize to do so are going to put us odds with many of them.  This opposition may even come from those in one’s own families.  Only by serving Christ with all our heart can we impact how others view us.  If we live like the world we will be judged accordingly.  If we will live in accordance to the standard set before us by Jesus the world may try to marginalize.  God however does not judge those who are obedient to Him.  The way we follow His Son is by understanding what His word says to us about the kind of life we are to live.

I do not think that we want to face God because of our disobedience.  Let us not be like the nation of Israel which from its beginning continually turn its back of God and suffered exile and persecution. They were to be God’s witness to the world.  We as the church are to succeed where the Israelites failed.  Let us continue to be the witness and complete the work Jesus has given to us. It is not an easy road because we live in a world where it is more difficult to share the gospel.  Our efforts should not depend on what others say who want to thwart God’s work.  We are to be faithful to the end.

 

Lesson 37

Alert and Waiting

Luke 12:35-48

There are certain things I do not like.  I have told my wife many times that I would enjoy driving if it were not for traffic, stoplights and stop signs. The last two of these are necessary because there is so much of the first.  Even though we must have them they sure makes any trip take longer which is the reason I do not care for them.  I know that patience is not only a virtue but also is among the list of fruit listed in Galatians 5. 

Patience, the ability for things to come in its own time is one of the qualities that is needed in today’s world.  As I long for the Second Coming of Christ in my mind I have to wonder if I am really ready for Him to show up.  The signs are all around us that it could be soon, but what if He really came today.  It has been so long since He returned to His Father with a promise to return.  After so long a time it becomes harder to stay awake and alert spiritually until that day comes. 

I need to be patient and remain vigilant in my walk with the Lord.  What He has called me to do with my life should be all I need as I wait for Him to come.  I may not live to see the Second Coming but even if it does not come in my life time He commands that I wait patiently.

Sometimes in the church we have a tendency to take matters in our own hands.  Rather than waiting on the perfect time of the Lord we make decisions that come back to plague us for years.  It may be building a new building or starting a new program.  We act like the kingdom work depend on us.  Although the lesson today refers to the coming of Christ and how we should wait for Him there is a message to the church about total dependence on God before making decisions. Preparation for the future through prayer and faithfulness in the things we are doing now are signs being in tune for what God has planned for us.  It is better to do what we have been commanded to do than take matters in own hands as if there was no tomorrow.

Luke 12:35-36

It almost appears as if Jesus is completely going on to a new discussion in these two verses.  In reality it is a continuation of understanding what is truly important.  He does turn to what is going to happen in the future and how man is to be prepared for receiving that treasure stored up in heaven. He gives three commands concerning the preparation. The first is about man’s mindset and actions.  The follower of Christ is to always be ready to welcome Jesus who is to come for His people at a moment’s notice. The Jews would have understood what He meant by those words. 

To be dressed in readiness or being alert would indicate that the person would have pulled up his robe and tucked it into his belt.  By doing so he would not be slowed down or hindered in accomplishing the task ahead of him like soldiers going into battle.  Secondly He told them to keep their lamps lit.  

 

The second command was the image carried over from the idea of keeping the lamps lit in the tabernacle.  The lamp needed constant attention because the fire was produced by a wick floating in a pool of oil.  The burned part had to be trimmed away to allow the fire to continue burning. Both of these examples portray a continued vigilance to the possibility of the imminent return of the master. To let the lamp to go out would put the person in the dark. It would make it impossible for the guest to make his way to the master’s home.

His third command was to make everything ready for the coming of the bridegroom.  They are to be waiting with such anticipation that they immediately open the door for him.

1. Why did Jesus use the images of being dressed in readiness and keeping lamps lit? (The Jews would have recognized both practices.)
2. What modern terms would be used if Jesus were to speak today? (Carry a flashlight or turn on the front porch light.)
3. How can we be prepared for the return of Jesus?
4. Why is it important to remain ready for His return?  (Do not want to do anything to miss that day. We also do not know when He will return.)

Luke 12:37-38

Surprisingly Jesus turned the standard practice of the day on its head.  Usually when the bridegroom or master would return home the slaves would immediately set out to serve him.  He told them that rather than be served the master would begin to serve them. Those servants would be treated with such kindness because no matter what time he returned they would be faithfully waiting.  Those servants would be full of joy at the realization that they were sitting at the table in the presence of a master that loved them enough to serve them. It is a picture of what will happen in heaven at the end of time.

1. How did Jesus turn the normal practice on its head?
2. What does what he said say about leadership in the church today?
3. What does the promise in these words make you feel?
4.  What did Jesus mean by using the word blessed?

Luke 12:39-40

Once again Jesus emphasized the fact that no one knew or even today knows when He will return. If one did he might live a life away from God only to become a believer at the last moment.  In these verses He used the metaphor of a thief who might break into a home when the owner might least expect him.  If the owner knew he would make preparations for that event.  He may have gone for years not doing anything to keep the thief out of his home.  Man is not to wait until the last moment to be ready for the coming of Christ but always keep his house in order.

1. What is the problem with the way a thief operates? (He breaks in when one least expects him.)
2. How is this an image of the way Christ will appear? (He will come suddenly like a thief in the night.)
3. How can we be prepared for the thief in our own lives?
4. In what ways do many act as if Jesus will never return?
5. What is the danger in living in this way?

Luke 12:41

Peter understood that Jesus had been again using a parable to teach a lesson.  He was not sure for whom the parable had been shared.  It would have been difficult for anyone to understand what was out in the future.  Peter wanted to understand what it all meant.

1. Why did Peter ask the question? (He was not sure what all of the words meant.)
2. Why did Jesus share the parable? (To prepare the people for what would happen in the future.)
3. How could they understand? (The events are still out in the future even for us.)
4. How can we relate to Peter’s question?  (See below for the answer.)

Luke 12:42-44

Jesus did as He had many times before. He did not directly answer Peter’s question. His answer would have been in a way another riddle.  He talked of faith. The person of faith is one who the master could put in charge of providing for the other servants while the he was away. That servant would receive the praise and blessing of his master for doing such a good job while he was gone.  Jesus expected Peter and the others to be that faithful servant.  This can be seen in the command that Peter was given in John 21 to care for the followers of Christ.

1. Why did Jesus not answer Peter’s question directly?  (Peter’s did not need to know the time of Jesus’ return but what his task was to be until the end of his life.)
2. What was the important lesson for Peter to learn? (What a faithful servant is to be like.)
3. In what ways are we an example of the faithful servant?
4. How can we follow in the footsteps of Peter?
5. In what way did Jesus finally answer Peter’s question in John 21?

Luke 12:45-46

There was another kind of slave about which Jesus spoke.  He was completely different than the first example.  He first of all did not believe the master was going to return for long time so he could act in any manner he wished. He mistreated the slaves left in his care.  Rather than taking care of the slaves he spent his time in eating and getting drunk.  To his surprise the master came home unexpectantly. Rather than receiving a commendation he received a death penalty and was cast into hell.

1. How different was the second slave than the first?
2. Why did he act as he did?
3. In what ways do some of us act like the slave?
4. What can we expect if we continue to reject the teachings of Jesus?
5. Why did Jesus pronounce such a horrible demise of the slave?

Luke 12:47

There is a second group of servants.  They knew what their master expected of them.  These people, although they knew, did not act according to the master’s will.  Their punishment was not as severe or immediate as the first servant but would be judged in accordance to their actions.

1. Who would the second group represent? (Those who have tasted of the things of the Lord and drifted away?
2. Why would they receive a judgment different than the first slave?  (Their actions were not as flagrant as the first.  His sin was intentional theirs were more slipping away from the way of life called for by the master.)
3. What are some actions that represent the actions of those slaves?
4. Why were they not judged immediately? (They might respond to the punishment given to them and return to faith.)

Luke 12:48a

Finally there was those who had not heard the words of the master.  These might represent all of those in places in which the word of God has not come.  They were unlike those spoken about in Romans 2:14-15 who kept the law unto themselves even though they had never been exposed to it. These particular slaves committed acts that deserved punishment. God will be the ultimate judge who will deal with those who are completely ignorant of the words of God.

1. Who are the third group? (Those who have not heard the instructions of God.)
2. What are actions of those who have not heard?
3. Why will God deal less harshly with this group than the other two?
4. Which of the three groups represent you at one time?
5. How do we keep from being guilty of the actions of the three different groups?

Luke 12:48b

A tremendous responsibility falls on everyone who has received much from the Lord.  Every follower of Christ has received at least one gift and many abilities to be used in service to Him.  The greatest gift of course is eternal life.  There are those who use what God has provided for them to take care of the sheep.  God expects a great deal from each of them.

1. Why does God expect more from those to whom He has given much?
2. What are the gifts God has given to you?
3. What does He expect of each of us? Why?
4. Why does He give certain people certain gifts and abilities?
5. What is the danger of not using the gifts God gives us?
6. In what way does the service we give Him differ from the three different groups?

    

• From Scripture understand that God is not delaying the return of Christ but is working out all things in its time.
• Do not let the events of this present age disturb you God is fully aware that all of these things must come to pass before the second coming of Christ.
• Live every moment as if Christ could come any moment.
• Realizing that Christ could come at any time you are to be about the business of serving Him passionately and sharing the gospel at every opportunity.

For two thousand years the church has been on the alert in preparation of Christ’s return.  Today more than ever we can see events unfolding that should lead us to sense a greater urgency to present the gospel to the unbelievers.  We are to be the faithful servants that Jesus will find if He would come today.  The way we go about being the church should reflect our desire to please Him and to ready for Him to come for His bride.  Our focus is not to be on His coming but the task He has given us to accomplish while we are here on earth. 

We are the only organization that has the good news that God loves us, has given us eternal life and is coming again for us to be with Him.  How important that message is will determine the eagerness we have of taking care of those He has brought together in His church.  We should with joyful hearts look forward to the day when He says to each of us in His body, Well done good and faithful servant.

     

 

           

Lesson 36

What Do You Treasure?

Luke 12:13-34

The title to this lesson is a vital question.  One of the people in a Bible Study gave a good definition for STUFF.  He said it was Stuff That’s Unimportant For the Future.  I think that pretty much sums it up. I have to admit that I am just as guilty as the next person in liking to have things. Like most men I enjoy walking through the man’s toy store better known as the place where all kinds of neat gadgets are on display. It is so easy to get into the position where I know longer have things because they meet a practical need and be possessed by something just because I just have to have it because of the fact that it is the latest and greatest.  The fact is that I can never keep up with all that is offered in the market place.

I read or hear of people who will camp out for days just so they can be the first one in line to get the brand new phone or whatever gismo that is being put on sale.  There is a person I know who felt a need to purchase something almost every day.  Their rational was that I bought it because I deserve it.  One may accumulate a drawer full of gadgets, a tool shed full of tools or a closet full of clothes.  The question at the end of the day that each of us must ask ourselves is do the things in our possession really satisfy a deep longing that only God can fill or do they possess us and become an idol.  I am trying to learn to differentiate between these two opposite views.  Hopefully, I will gain a greater understanding that things are just tools to make a job a little easier.

It is a subtle kind of greed that may take place in the church.  Greed is another way of thinking about looking out for one’s own interest.  The way this plays out in the church is the focus that we have on the one or two ministries in which we are involved without regard of how it impacts the church as a whole.  It becomes my Bible study class, the choir, small group ministry etc. Whenever we seek funding for every dream we may have which may cripple some other ministry it may be the type of attitude that Jesus condemned.  Bill Hybels in his book, “Courageous Leadership” discovered this was occurring at Willow Creek.  Each staff member acted as if their ministry was not part of the overall vision and strategy of the church.  We need to be careful that we do not minister in isolation.

Luke 12:13-15

It seems that Jesus at that point in His earthly ministry was dealing with more and more major issues that the people of His day were facing. Many of them are still prevalent today.  He had just dealt with the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and now was faced with another situation which could have played right into the hands of the religious leaders. A man approached Jesus demanding that Jesus go against the law of inheritance established in the Mosaic Law.  He wanted Jesus to tell his brother to divide the inheritance with him. Whatever decision Jesus would have made would have offended someone and set Himself up for further accusations by the Pharisees. As He had done so many times He refused to get into the middle of a controversy by answering the person in such a way that He dealt with the core issue.  The man was suffering from at least the sins of greed and covetousness. Jesus gave a stern warning against that kind of thinking. He pointed out that a person’s identity is not wrapped up in what he possessed. In a way Jesus was telling him that his demand reflected his character.  He certainly was not satisfied with what God had given him but wanted more even if it was not rightfully his.

1. What were the major issues with which Jesus was confronted that have already been discussed? (The hypocrisy and false teaching of the Pharisees.)
2. What was the man demanding of Jesus?
3. Why did Jesus refuse to get involved in the family matter? (He would lose either way in the eyes of those around Him.)
4. How could the Pharisees have used His answer against Him? (If He gave in to the demands of the man then they could accuse Him of violating the Mosaic Law on inheritance.)
5. What was the underlying problem in the man’s life? (He was a greedy and covetousness man.)
6. What did it say about Him? (His god was physical possessions.)
7. What did Jesus say was more important than wealth? (Who he was did not depend on what he owned.  Contrary to what is said today that money makes a man the opposite is true that he truly reflects what kind of man he is based on how he handles what God has given him.)
8. What should our attitude be toward things?

Luke 12:16-20

Instead of answering the man directly Jesus told a parable.  It would be a message for all those around Him to hear.  The parable was about a man who had reaped a great harvest.  It was pointed out that the man was already rich before the abundant crop came in.  He decided to increase his wealth by building new barns and hording the crop for himself. His plans were to enjoy all of the fruits of his labor for himself.  He was not going to share them with anyone but was going to eat, drink and be merry.  There was only hitch in what he had decided.  While he expected to have a long life God came to him and declared that he had been a fool for thinking that he was the one who determined what his future would be like.  Rather than the long life with all of its benefits his life would end that very night. God further indicated to him that what he thought was his would be distributed to others after his death.

1. What problem did Jesus address when He told the parable? (The greed of the man in hording the harvest for his own pleasure and comfort.)
2. What would have kept the man from being judged by God so harshly?
3. What does this parable say about the way we view our possessions?
4. What would it mean to hold possessions with an open hand rather than a clinched fists?
5. What picture did Jesus paint for us by declaring that the man had acted like a fool?
6. What was the final judgment of the man? (With all of his possessions he forgot the One who he should fear?
7. What did God mean by his soul would be required of you? (He had been more interested in profited himself and gaining the whole world than doing those things that would have indicated he loved God.)

Luke 12:21

What Jesus was pointing out was that the greedy man one who holds on to what he has earned or been given does not honor God with what God has provided him.

1. What is to be our treasure?
2. Where should it be stored?
3. What are the indications that through your actions and attitudes that you are storing them in heaven?
4. How does greed, covetousness and other failures keep us from a relationship with Jesus? (Our focus is on the things of this world and not as if we are aliens who are only here for a short while.)

Luke 12:22-28

In complete contrast to the man in the parable Jesus wanted His disciples to not worry about what this life has to offer in the way of possessions including food and clothing, prestige, power, or position.  Jesus goes on to share three examples of how God provides for their needs. 

• Ravens certainly do not strive the way man does yet God takes care of them.
• Although man can certainly shorten his life it is not in his power to add one hour to his time on earth.  Since he cannot affect even the smallest detail he should leave everything in God’s hands
• The lilies cannot make themselves beautiful, but Solomon as wealthy as he was could not compare to the beauty that God gave them. If God took the time to create such beauty in vegetation which is only alive for a short period of time, how much more would he provide what a person wears.

Jesus had strong words for those who concerned themselves with the basic needs of this life.  He called them men of little faith.

 

1. What is to be the concern of each of us?  (We are not worry about anything knowing God will provide for us.)
2. What examples did Jesus give to show how God will provide for us?
3. What are the things about which you spend time worrying?
4. Which of the examples resonates the most with you?
5. How does your choice reflect the things that concern you the most?
6. Why did Jesus use such strong words speaking of those who worry?

Luke 12:29-31

The followers of Christ were to be different than those who focused on material things like food and clothing.  The nations of the world seek after and war over those things.  He admonished them to not worry about earthly possessions.  The Father would provide what they needed. 

1. In what ways were the disciples to be different than the people of the nations around them?
2. What are the possessions that you believe you cannot do without?
3. What would you think if God told you that He would provide you with all you need?
4. Is there anything wrong with desiring to have material possessions?
5. Why or why not?

Luke 12:31-32

Man’s focus is to be on the things of the kingdom of God.  Those things that man needs, God has promised to provide.  He does not give out of some kind of obligation. His joy is to gladly man share the one thing that is important, His kingdom.

1. What was to be the disciple’s main focus? (Eternity)
2. Why do we not have to worry about material possessions? (They are temporary.)
3. What is God’s attitude concerning the things He wants to provide for us?
4. How does this focus eliminate the attitudes of greed and covetousness?
5. What is the greatest gift that God wants to give us?

Luke 12:33-34

To make sure that the disciples understood what He was saying, Jesus commanded them to:

• Sell possessions,
• Give to charity
• Make money belts that do not wear out.
• Place your unfailing treasure in heaven where it will be safe. 

He demanded those things from them so they would understand to whom they were to be committed.  To belong to Christ is to put one’s total trust in Him.  The very thing that a person treasures to that he will give his heart.  Man’s belief in Christ is the greatest treasure of all.

1. Why did Jesus command the disciples to sell everything?
2. What is meant by a money belt that does not wear out? (The wealth of this earth is temporary. 
3. Where is your heart’s treasure?
4. Why is our treasure safe in heaven?

 

• Take a realistic look at what you consider important.
• Learn to be satisfied with what God provides for you.
• Remember that your life is not what you have but your place in God’s kingdom.
• It is important for you to be at peace with God which means to not be anxious about the things that you cannot control.
• Pray that God will help you with attitudes like greed and covetousness.

Instead of focusing on ourselves we are to strive to serve others.  This was the theme of the teaching of Jesus and prevalent in the letters of Paul.  We see this especially in the answer to one of the Scribes when he asked about the law.  Jesus finished up His words with the command to love one’s neighbor as well as you love yourself.  When we reach the point that we stop thinking about ourselves but others we will have no time for things like greed or covetousness to creep into the body.  Pride is to have no place in the church because it is the great destroyer of unity in the body of Christ.

 

Lesson 35

It’s all in the Open

Luke 12:1-12

I think one reason that some of us watch too much Fox News, CNN or MSBN is our desire to know what is going on.  Beyond that there is whole idea of picking sides. Being a conservative I am ready to hear when the opposite side messes up when in actuality there is enough sinister behind the scenes maneuvering to be disappointed with everyone.  I have come to learn that eventually no matter how hard one may try to hide his or her real character the truth will be brought to light.  I think it was P.T. Barnum who said, “You can fool some of the people part of the time but not all of the people all of the time.”  Sadly, recently there have been enough scandals that I cannot even keep up with them.  Jesus gave the greatest advice when He told those around Him to seek to know the truth.  By truly knowing it and living it one can be free. 

I have found that if I tell a lie then I wind up having to tell more of them to cover up the first one.  Soon if carried to its logical conclusion I would no longer know the truth if it was right before my eyes.  This is the problem faced by the Pharisees. They had lived so long under the self-made law that they could not recognize that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Law.  For me the gospel is the truth and to deviate from its teachings makes my whole life a dishonest display of false piety.  Although I fail I want to live according to God’s word.

Churches must guard against presenting a false front to the world.  We can do this by having our priorities all wrong.  One of the falsehoods that so many present is that large numbers in attendance shows that we must be doing something right.  What may be happening is a lot of busy work that appeal to the needs and senses of people but do nothing to build a mature follower of Christ.  When someone comes up with a better mousetrap many will gravitate to the new place because all they truly desire is to be entertained. 

It is more important for us to take a hard look at ourselves to see what are the core beliefs for which we stand.  It is easy to be popular but in the long run it does not help a person deal with the real need of their life.  We should be all about presenting the truth of the gospel even when it is not the popular thing to do.

Luke 12:1

Luke begins with what took place following the exchange with the religious leaders.  After Jesus had pretty much destroyed the bases for how they lived they became as is written, hostile toward Jesus.  As mentioned last week they became very confrontational.  Every venue in which they had the opportunity they attempted to trap Jesus with all kinds of questions.  Their intentions were to have cause to accuse Him of breaking the Mosaic Law.

It was during one of those debates that the crowds were drawn out of curiosity to where Jesus was.  They were so intent on hearing what was taking place, it was what one would expect at a mob scene with everyone jockeying for a better seat or position.  Luke indicates that things were out of control with people actually stepping on one another. 

Jesus took that opportunity to tell His disciples to be on guard against the false teachings of the Pharisees.  He called their work hypocrisy because they were not what they appeared to be. They were like so many false prophets of today who slip into positions of leadership and subtly influence others to believe a lie.  The yeast of which Jesus spoke was the piece of sourdough that permeated the whole batch of dough altering the way it reacted when cooked.  The teachings of false teachers can do the same to any church.

1. What was the attitude of the Pharisees and lawyers after the debate Jesus had with them?
2. What usually happens in a debate involving Christianity and Atheism?  (Because Atheism is based on a lie the proponents of that ideology become belligerent and hostile.)
3. What did Jesus mean by using the metaphor of the yeast? (The sourdough affects all of the dough and alters its nature.)
4. What examples of yeast do we have in society today?
5. How are they able to gain influence over others? (They use half-truths and try to alter the teachings of Scripture as the serpent did in the Garden of Eden.)
6. How can we be on guard against them? (By studying and meditating on God’s word and comparing what they teach against what the truths are found in the Bible.)
7. In what ways do we see hypocrisy at work in the church today?

Luke 12:2-3

For years the religious leaders had kept the people in the dark with their false interpretations of the Law.  Now Jesus was telling the people that those leaders would no longer be able to hide behind the mask of hypocrisy. Their entire lives would be on display for the whole world to see.  How they thought they could continue with the kind of life they were leading is amazing.  If they truly knew the Scriptures as they thought they did then they would have understood that it is impossible to hide from God. Back in Psalm 139 David wrote that there was no place that a person could go to hide from God.  The writer of Hebrews said, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 5:13) 

He goes on to write, “There is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Jesus, in Luke, told the people, even what is said in the privacy of one’s home will be made public. Every man’s sin will be made public at some point.  The last judgment will bring about the final revealing of all the acts done by every man.

1. What was the great cover up about which Jesus spoke? (The hypocrisy of the Pharisees.)
2. What does the Scriptures tell us about man’s attempt to cover up and hide things from man and God?
3. What have been the occasions when you have not been totally honest with yourself or God? 
4. How did you feel when you came under conviction of what you had done?
5. Why do men attempt to hide from God?
6. In what ways will your secret actions be revealed? (Eventually our true nature will be revealed.)

Luke 12:4-5

Jesus never sugar coated the future for His followers.  In a number of places He told them they could expect persecution and death. At the beginning of His earthly ministry He spoke of the persecuted in the Sermon on the Mount.  See Matthew 5:10-11. During the last hours of His life He again warned them of the impending time of persecution and even the death of some of them at the hands of the religious leaders. See John 16:1-4.

Here in Luke He was telling them that even those things were inevitable that they need not have fear.  Men under the power of satan could only kill the body but could not affect what occurs with a man’s soul. He went on to say that the One to fear is God.  It is He who has ultimate say over what happens after death.  He has the authority to allow a person into heaven or cast him into hell the place of eternal punishment.  Every person who has ever lived will spend eternity in one of those places.   

1. Why was it important that Jesus explain what would happen to His disciples in the future? (He needed to make sure of their commitment no matter what took place.)
2. What power does satan have?
3. What power has God retained for Himself? (Whether we spend eternity in heaven or hell.)
4. Why do people act as if God does not have the final authority over where you spend eternity?    
5. What are evidences that this is true?
6. What decision have you made in regard of your future in eternity?

Luke 12:6-7

Jesus told those around that if they are safe in the hands of God they not need to fear what may happen to them in this world.  He gave a detailed description of God’s total knowledge.  When one considers that He is even aware of the number of hairs on a person’s head that is pretty conclusive evidence.  As John wrote to know that followers of Christ are totally secure in the hands of God is assuring.

1. What do these verses say about God?
2. What evidence did Jesus give of our eternal security?
3. How do those words make you feel?
4. How do these verses relate to what Jesus said in John 10:27-30 and 1 Peter 1:3-4?

Luke 12:8

Paul wrote in Romans 1:16 that he was not ashamed of the gospel. Here Jesus was encouraging His followers to take the lead from Paul.  He was calling them not to be silent before men but to share the good news about Him with all they met.  If they did so He promised to witness of their faith before the angels in heaven.

1. What did Jesus mean when He called His followers to confess Him before men?
2. What are some of the ways that we can carry out His words?
3. What is the importance of speaking of what He has done in your life? (It is hard for others to see you other than a good person unless you verbalize your faith.)
4. What does it mean to you to think that Jesus will speak about you because of your witness in His name to the angels in heaven?
5. In what way does this reassure you of the security of your eternal life?

Luke 12:9

Conversely, to deny Jesus before men by one’s silence will bring about the same silence from Him on a person’s behalf in heaven.  To refuse to witness of Him before men would have indicated a lack of faith in the good news He brought into the world.  The strong words spoken by Jesus indicated how He viewed of the importance of commitment to Him and the willingness to openly telling others about Him.

1. Why did Jesus present the negative consequences of not confessing Him before men?
2. What is one of the ways that we show the lack of faith in all that Christ has said? (We keep the good news to ourselves out of fear.)
3. What in this verse gives a clue to how Jesus viewed confessing Him before men?
4. In what way do the words found in Romans 10:13-14 show the importance of our role in the spreading of the gospel?

Luke 12:10

Jesus carries His admonishment one step further.  Even though He told them that they would be forgiven if they spoke anything against Him.  He did not however stop there.  To blaspheme the Holy Spirit is the unpardonable sin. This was a heavy condemnation against all those who had seen the works He had done and refused to understand that He had done it under the power of the Holy Spirit.  He had said in John that He could do nothing unless directed by God.  In essence to deny Jesus was denying the Holy Spirit also.  To reject the Son was to reject the God who sent Him.  That is exactly what the religious leaders had done.  Sadly, at that point they had hardened their heart against God doing a work of turning the heart of stone into one of flesh as was written in Ezekiel 11:19.

1. What was the last stage of denial in a person’s life? (Denying the Holy Spirit.)
2. Why was this sin not forgivable? (It denied the work of the Holy Spirit in the world which had been going on since before creation.)
3. Why did Jesus allow people to speak against Himself? (Because the ultimate rejection was of His Father and not just Him.)
4. When has a person reached that point in his life? (If you think that you may have reached it you there is still hope for you because the Holy Spirit is convicting you of your thoughts.)
5. To whom was Jesus directing those words?
6. Why? (They were so blinded by their own self-righteousness that they could not see that the Son of God, the Messiah was right before them.)

Luke 12:11-12

The final words in this particular discourse were for the ears of the disciples. Notice He did not say if you are, but when you are brought before the authorities. They were told that on those occasions they were to not plan ahead of time how they would defend themselves. At that point in time the Holy Spirit would give them the words to say appropriate for the time.  I do not usually do this but I am going to share what this verse means to me.  I believe that it points out the upmost importance in the life of every Christian to study God’s word and meditate on it until it becomes ingrained in our lives.  Then when the occasion arises when a defense or confession needs to take place the Holy Spirit can pull out from that well of knowledge the exact words needed for that moment.  It is as if He can only get living water from a full well but will come up empty if there is no water there.  Preparation will lead us to being sure of what we speak because we know the source.

1. What was the one thing that Jesus was sure was going to take place after He was gone? (His disciples would be brought before the authorities because they confessed Him as Savior and Lord.
2. What was the one thing they did not need to do? (Write out their defense ahead of time.)
3. How was the Holy Spirit able to give them the words to speak? (The word of God was already an important part of their lives.)
4. How can we be prepared for God to use us in difficult situations? (Prepare ahead of time by making His word a vital part of your life?
5. What examples can you share of an occasion when you sensed the Holy Spirit giving you the right words to speak?

 

• Arm yourself with God’s word so that you will not be mislead by false teachers.
• Understand that you cannot hide anything from God.  He knows every infinite detail about you. See Psalm 139
• Confess your sins and ask for forgiveness knowing that God knows everything that happens anyway.
• Stand up and be willing to share the gospel at all times and in every places.
• As Paul said in Romans 1:16 never be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Do not be fearful of men.  They cannot keep you from your rightful place with God for eternity.

The church has two choices.  We can either put up a false front of righteous as did the Pharisees or we can show the world how truly committed we are to Christ.  The former puts us in a position of bringing attention to our accomplishments.  The second brings all the glory to God.  If we think we can hide behind the masks of self-righteous we will be sadly mistaken.  Not only will the world see right through that façade but God will judge us for attempting to mislead others.  Jesus spoke to His disciples clearly of their responsibility.  It is the same instruction He has given us today.  We are to openly and willingly confess Him as Savior and Lord before a world that desperately needs to hear that news.  To refuse to do so is as He said is to reject Him. This is the task given to the church in Matthew 20:18-19.  It is still in effect today.  Let us not be found guilty of rejecting our Lord.