Emory Baptist Church

The Peace We All Need

Here in Luke 12, Jesus is talking about the end of time.  If you have your Bibles, turn them to Luke 12:54, and I want to share with you a message entitled, “The Peace We All Need.”

 

Again, in the recent Sundays, we have been talking about end of time events because Jesus has been addressing the end of time.  We know that specifically because of Luke 12:40.

 

40 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

 

When talking about end time events, here at Emory Baptist Church, we generally use this time line.  The rapture of the church will be unexpected and begin a seven-year earthly tribulation of Christians.  The return of Christ is after the tribulation and begins a one-thousand-year earthly reign.  At the end of the millennium, eternity begins.

 

However, of those events, one is talked about more than others, and for good reason.  That is the second coming of Jesus Christ. 

 

 

Exposition

In Luke 12:45, we see that Jesus was talking to the multitudes.  Therefore, all of us need to pay attention this morning.

 

In verses 55-56, Jesus spoke about the weather.  He affirmed that these people were good at know the signs of impending weather.  However, they didn’t have radars or weather apps.

 

What did they have?  They had their eyes.

 

When they saw clouds coming from the west off of the Mediterranean Sea, they knew it would rain soon. Also, when they saw and felt the wind blowing from the south, they knew they were in for some hot weather. 

 

However, Jesus chastised them, and called them hypocrites.  Why?

 

They could see accurately discern the signs for weather.  However, the savior of the world was standing in front of them talking, but they didn’t recognize Him.

 

What should they do?  Verses 58-59 contain a parable.

 

If you are odds or conflict with your enemy, you better get the situation resolved.  Otherwise, a judge going to throw you in jail, and you won’t have the means to get out.

 

The main point of this parable and my message today is found in verse 58.  Make every effort along the way to settle with him.

 

What does that mean for us today?  Simply put, be at peace!

 

 

Application

Before I get more into peace with whom and how, does the Bible really commend a life of peace?  Consider these verses all from the New Testament.

 

Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

 

Romans 14:19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

 

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

 

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

 

James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

 

Therefore, I think we can say, without question, that the Bible commends a life of peace.  However, with whom and how?

 

First and foremost, and most important, and the primary point of this text at the end of Luke 12 is that we are invited to be at peace with God, our creator.  However, that doesn’t happen automatically.  See Romans 5:1.

 

Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Second, we are encouraged and challenged to be at peace with one another or our neighbor. However, we know from the story of the Good Samaritan that our neighbor isn’t just our geographical neighbor but anyone that God puts in our path each and every day.

 

It may be our across the fence neighbor.  It may be our school neighbor.  It may be our work neighbor.  It may be our family neighbor.  It may be our mom or son or daughter.

 

Be at peace with God.  Be at peace with one another.

 

Mark 9:50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”

 

Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

 

Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

 

1 Peter 3:10 For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit.  11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.  12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

 

But let me share one last thing with you.  For you to be peace with some of your neighbors or one of your neighbors, you might need to say, “I’m sorry.  Please forgive me.”

 

And please listen to this.  You don’t have to know how you hurt someone to apologize.  You just have to know THAT you hurt someone. 

 

And for others of you, for you to be peace with some of your neighbors or one of your neighbors, you might need to say, “I forgive you.”

 

And you might be saying, “You don’t know how bad he or she hurt me.”  That’s true.  I don’t, but God does.

 

And God says this in the Sermon on the Mount.  See Matthew 5:21-26 and Matthew 6:14-15.

 

Matthew 5:21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.

 

Matthew 6:14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

 

 

Conclusion

This morning, I invite you to be at peace with God through your faith in Jesus Christ.  If you already are, I invite you to be at peace with your neighbor by saying I’m sorry or I forgive you.

 

Division That Is Inevitable

to share a message with you entitled, “Division That Is Inevitable.”

 

In the recent messages in Luke 12, Jesus has been telling parables that have all had the same main idea.  It is found in Luke 12:40.

 

40 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

 

As we continue to think about the return of Christ today, we are going to look at the subject of division.  Generally speaking, division in the church or a church is not positive, and should be avoid at all costs.

 

Romans 16:17-18, 17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

 

1 Corinthians 1:10, 10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

 

Titus 3:9-11, 9 But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. 10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.

 

These divisions are avoidable.  They are about often about personal preferences and personalities.

 

However, some division is inevitable.  That is the division regarding the person of Christ, and that is our topic for today.

 

 

1. At the end of time judgment, fire will punish the sinner and purify the saint, Luke 12:49.

49 “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!

 

So many times in the Old and New Testaments, fire is understood to mean judgment.  Since we are talking about the return of Christ, I assume that is what Jesus means here as well.

 

BTW…as it relates to end of time timeline, here is what I believe in very general terms.  Unexpectedly, the rapture of the church will be first.  Then, there will be a seven-year earthly tribulation, and it will be really bad.

 

At the end of that seven years, Jesus Christ will return and begin His one-thousand-year earthly kingdom.  Then, eternity will begin.

 

Just before eternity begins, God will punish unbelieving sinners with fire.  See Revelation 20:11-15.

 

11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

 

Also, sometime before eternity begins, God will purify His saints with fire.  See 1 Corinthians 3:10-15.

 

10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

 

Why did Jesus say he was looking forward this?  It was will be ultimate consummation of God’s plan and kingdom!

 

 

2. With His death on the cross, Jesus received God’s judgment on sin for all who would believe, Luke 12:50.

50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!

 

Jesus spoke of His judgement as a baptism.  Notice it was a future event from the time of this account. 

 

He was talking about His death on the cross, and no one in their right mind would look forward to it.  Jesus was distressed about it.

 

Why?  Wasn’t it God’s plan?  Yes, but Jesus became every sin every committed and would be committed. 

 

Think about that.  He became every act of rape and every act of murder and every act of sexual abuse and every act of drunkenness and every act terror in addition to every anger and every lie and every lust and every pride.

 

We know this because of 2 Corinthians 5:21. Therefore, either Jesus was judged for your sin or your will be judged for you sin.  The choice is yours.

 

 

3. Every single individual will be judged by what he or she has done in relation to the person of Christ, and division is inevitable, Luke 12:51-53.

51 Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. 52 For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. 53 Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

 

Because of His character, Jesus will be a source of division and not peace.  This is true because of the exclusive claims that Jesus makes about God and Himself.

 

For example, any individual can only have the peace of God when they are at peace with God through the Son of God, the Prince of Peace.  See Romans 5:1.

 

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

To be justified means to be made right.  We need to be made right because we are all wrong because of our sin.

 

We are only made right through faith in Jesus Christ.  However, it is not faith in some good person.  It is not faith in some moral teacher.  It is faith in the perfect, sinless Son of God as Lord and Savior.

 

When a person makes that decision, there will be others who don’t, and those others will even be family members.  This division is inevitable.

 

Fathers will disagree with sons and vice versa.  Mothers will disagree with daughters and vice versa.  Extended family will disagree with extended family and vice versa. 

 

 

Conclusion

However, Jesus worth it all!  See Matthew 19:29.

 

29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.

The Parable of the Faithful Steward

Introduction

If you have your Bible this morning, please take it and find Luke 12:41.  This morning, we are going to look at what is often referred to as, “The Parable of the Faithful Steward.”

 

On the first Sunday in April, Bro. Ronnie taught us from Luke 12:35-40.  Those verses contain at least one parable and possibly two.  They certainly contain the parable of the expectant steward and maybe the parable of the surprised master.

 

In today’s context, steward means someone who is in charge.  However, this steward is also a servant or a slave.

 

Please remember that a parable is an earthly story with a spiritual meaning or even multiple meanings.  Also, we would be wise not press the parable too hard.  In other words, we don’t have to find a spiritual meaning for noun or verb in the parable.

 

Look back at 12:40. The point of the previous parable or parables is the point of the today’s parable.

 

40 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

 

As follower of Christ, we must be ready for the return of Christ.  If you’re not a follower of Christ, I would say you are NOT ready for the return of Christ.

 

 

Exposition

Peter asked in verse 41 if the previous parable was for the disciples only or for the multitude as well.  Jesus didn’t answer explicitly, but I believe the text indicates that previous parable and today’s parable is meant for the multitude.

 

I want us to see three main characters: the master, faithful steward, and the unfaithful servant.

 

 

1. The Master

 

Undoubtedly, the master is the Lord Jesus, and let’s notice the master’s role.  However, we shouldn’t make the parable say something we know isn’t true.

 

In verse 42, the master has authority and give authority to the faithful and wise steward.

 

In verse 43, the master inspects the work of the steward and the servants.

 

In verse 45, the master goes away for an indefinite period of time. 

 

In verse 46, when the master returns, he holds the servants accountable for their work.  He even punishes the unfaithful ones by cutting them in two and grouping them with unbelievers.

 

Does this mean Jesus cuts unbelievers in two?  This is called hyperbole. 

 

Jesus is exaggerating to get your attention.  He did this in the Sermon on the Mount when He said pluck out your eye if it causes you to sin or cut off your hand if it causes you to sin.

 

 

2. The Faithful Steward

 

In verse 42, the faithful steward is also wise.  His master has given certain responsibilities to him, and he is faithful to do them. 

 

In verses 43-44, when the master returns from his trip, if he finds the steward or servant doing his will, the master will give even more responsibility to him.  This servant will be extremely blessed for his work. 

 

 

3. The Unfaithful Servant

 

In verse 45, the unfaithful servant thinks he has plenty of time before his master returns.  Therefore, he begins to beat the other servants and he drinks and gets drunk. 

 

In verse 46, he will be judged by his master with severe punishment.  His master will assign a place with the unbelievers. 

 

In verse 47, the unfaithful servant will be punished with many stripes or beatings.  Why? He knew his master’s will and did not do it. 

 

BTW…Notice verses 47 and 48 together.  This make shock you, but this parable seems to indicate that there will be differing degrees of hell.

 

The parable seems to say that hell will be hotter or more painful for the one who had knowledge of how to be saved, and yet reject it.  For the one who had less knowledge, it will still be hell, but not as painful.

 

Also, this is related as to why Southern Baptists are so passionate about missions.  We give to missions.  We pray for missions.  We go on mission.

 

Why?  Because we believe that the Bible says that the only way to go to heaven is through a personal relationship with Jesus. 

 

We have to get the gospel to those who haven’t heard.  There is no other way.

 

 

Applications/Conclusions

First, we must be ready for the return of Christ.  We are ready when we are saved. 

 

To not be saved when we have the opportunity is literally playing with fire.  See Revelation 20:11-15.

 

11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

 

Second, the way for the saved to be ready is to be busy doing the Master’s will.  See 1 Corinthians 15:58.

 

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

 

Specifically, what is the work of the Lord?  It is pointing others to Christ. 

 

It is sharing your salvation story.  It is sharing a gospel presentation.  It is sharing an evangelistic tract.  It is inviting neighbors and family and friends to church to hear the gospel. 

 

Finally, when you are follower of Christ and you know God’s will, there is a level of accountability for you to live your life honoring Him.  To whom much is given, much is required, and for whom much is required, Jesus is more than worth it!

 

 

 

The Three Days of Easter

If you have your Bibles this morning, please find Mark 15:42.  I want to share a message with you entitled, “The Three Days of Easter.”

 

As you are finding our text, I am reminded my annual Easter joke of Brother Billy when he preached his Easter sermon at Main Street BC.  In the children’s sermon that morning, he asked them, “Can anyone tell me what happened on Easter?”  No one answered.

 

He persisted by saying, “Now I know that someone here knows what happened a long time ago for us to celebrate Easter today.”  Again, no one answered. 

 

Now frustrated, Brother Billy exclaimed, “Somebody please tell me about Easter Sunday!”  Little Johnny slowly raised his hand and said, “They killed Jesus!”  Brother Billy praised Johnny, “That’s right!”

 

“And then what?”  Little Johnny answered again, “They buried him, and he was in the tomb for three days.”  Brother Billy praised Johnny again, “That’s right!”

 

“And then what?”  Little Johnny answered a third time, “And on Easter morning, Jesus came out of the tomb!”  “That’s right,” Brother Billy exclaimed. 

 

Then Johnny blurted out, “And if he sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter.”

 

Little Johnny’s account of Easter is mostly true.  However, I want to remind you of the Easter story this morning that is completely true, and it revolves around the three days of Easter.

 

 

1. Good Friday, Mark 15:42-47

42 Now when evening had come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time. 45 So when he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. 46 Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. 47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses observed where He was laid.

 

For us, we celebrate Good Friday, and it was good for us that Jesus died on the cross in our place and for our sins.  He became sin who knew no sin so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 

 

As for Good Friday, notice first of all, Joseph of Arimathea. We pick up in verse 42 just before sundown on Friday.  The Sabbath started at sundown on Friday and went until sundown on Saturday. 

 

We know that Jesus died on the cross on Friday.  He was put on the cross at approximately 9 AM.  We know it got dark around 12 noon.  We know Jesus died, and the temple veil was torn in two at approximately 3 PM.

 

Because of the Sabbath, we know that He had to be taken down sometime before 6 PM.  Why?  See Deuteronomy 21:22-23.

 

22 “If a man has committed a sin deserving of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, 23 his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God.

 

Therefore, it seems to be probably between 3-4 PM.  Verse 43 introduces us to Joseph of Arimathea.  He was a prominent member of the Jewish Sanhedrin or council. 

 

Mark’s gospel said he was waiting for the kingdom of God.  Therefore, we know had recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah. 

 

Joseph was also very courageous because he came to Pilate to request Jesus’ body.    Pilate was not a fan of the Jews and felt like the Sanhedrin forced him to execute an innocent man.

 

Second, on Good Friday, notice Jesus who died.  Pilate verified that fact with the Roman centurion in verses 44-45.  He confirmed that Jesus was dead, and Joseph wrapped His dead body in linen and placed Him in a previously unused tomb.  Therefore, we have at least three individuals who confirmed that Jesus’ death was a fact and not a figment of someone’s imagination or made up: Pilate, the Roman centurion, and Joseph. 

 

Verse 46 tells us that Joseph buried Jesus’ body.  We know from John’s gospel that Joseph and Nicodemus prepared Jesus’ body with probably close to 100 pounds of grave clothes and placed Him in a family tomb belonging to Joseph. 

 

Verse 46 also tell us that the tomb was sealed.  The stone was circular and on a track and was rolled down an incline and into place to protect the body from grave robbers and wild animals. 

 

It was not as difficult to get the tomb sealed.  However, it would take a supernatural act to move that stone.

 

In verse 47, we see the Marys followed Joseph and Nicodemus to the tomb.  That fact will be important as we move from Good Friday to Silent Saturday.  

 

 

2. Silent Saturday, Mark 16:1

1 Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him.

 

On Saturday, the disciples were afraid.  That is understandable right? 

 

They had just witnessed their Lord, their Savior, their Messiah brutally murdered.  If the Jews and the Romans did that to Jesus, what would they do to them?

 

Jesus was still dead.  We don’t hear a single word from Him because He literally died.  He literally was in the tomb, and the tomb was literally sealed.

 

However, we do read again about the Marys.  Because they didn’t understand what Jesus had told them about His resurrection, they He would still be dead, and they bought spices on Saturday night to anoint Jesus’ body early on Sunday morning after Sabbath was over.

 

How would they know where to go?  Go back to 15:47.

 

47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses observed where He was laid. 

 

Now, let’s move from Silent Saturday to Resurrection Sunday!

 

 

3. Resurrection Sunday, Mark 16:2-8

2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. 3 And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.  6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. 7 But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”  8 So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

 

Verse 2 says the Marys came to the tomb on Sunday morning, the first day of the week, to anoint Jesus’ body to keep it from stinking.  Again, the end of chapter 15 says they saw were Jesus was laid.

 

As they were on the way to the tomb, they began to get worried about who would move the stone.  As I said previously, this would have been a round stone that would have been rolled down an incline into a track.  Therefore, while it was easier to put in place, it would have been difficult to move and would have required the efforts of multiple men.

 

Matthew’s gospel tells us that a localized earthquake dislodged the stone, and an angel moved it.  Keep in mind that Jesus was already gone.  Therefore, moving the stone was to allow the witnesses in, not to let Jesus out.

 

When they arrived, the stone had been rolled away, and they were greeted by an angel.  Again, the other gospels tell us there were two angels, but only one of them spoke.  However, these women were deathly afraid which is the common human response to interactions with angels in the Bible.

 

Beginning in verse 6, we see the angel announced a message to the women. He informed the ladies that Jesus was in fact alive.  The Jesus they were seeking, who had been crucified, had been raised. 

 

The NKJV says He is risen.  In other words, Jesus was alive!

 

The angel then invited the ladies to look at the place where Jesus had been laid.  He was gone.  He was not there. 

 

In verse 7, the angel told the ladies to go and tell the disciples that Jesus would be awaiting them in Galilee.  Not only was He alive, but they would get to see Him again. 

 

Verse 8 says they left the tomb amazed at the prospect of Jesus, whom they saw die with their own eyes, living again.  These women came, and saw, and were sent.

 

BTW…Look back at verse 7.  Remember that Mark’s gospel is Peter’s eyewitness accounts that were written down by Mark. 

 

Verse 7 is talking about the same Peter who back in Mark 14 denied any association with the Lord on three occasions.  Then the rooster crowed.

 

However, in this verse 7, we see the foreshadowing of Peter’s restoration from a mistake and for ministry.  Again, Peter didn’t just deny the Lord once or even twice but three times. 

 

It was a huge mistake, but the Lord wasn’t done with Peter.  He would later use him mightily in the book of Acts preaching and seeing thousands saved and as a prominent leader in the early church.

 

Some of you are here today and the devil has told you that your time and opportunity for the Lord using you is done because of mistakes in your past.  I want you to know that the Lord can and will restore you for future ministry if you let Him. 

 

Tell the Lord that you’re sorry for those mistakes and ask for His forgiveness.  Then, ask Him to restore you and use you again in ministry for His Church. 

 

 

Invitation

I have two invitations this morning to give to you.  If you are a follower of Christ, I invite you to come again to the empty tomb on the pages of Scripture and see that Jesus is alive, and like the Marys, live sent…pointing others to Jesus as Lord and Savior with your words and your life.

 

My second invitation is for those who have never believed.  Today, I invite you to come to the empty tomb on the pages of Scripture and see that Jesus alive and call on Him this morning to save you.

 

The empty tomb is what separates Jesus and Christianity from every other world religion.  Jesus is alive!

 

Girded and Guarded

The Christian and His/Her Possessions

Please take your Bibles this morning, and turn to Luke 12:22.  I want to speak to you this morning about the Christian and His Possessions or the Christian and Her Possessions. 

 

If you were here last Sunday, you remember that Jesus was talking to His disciples, but He was interrupted with a request from the crowd.  He then took that opportunity to encourage His disciples and the crowd to beware of coveting riches. 

 

Do you remember why we shouldn’t covet riches?  The main reason is because they tempt us to forget God. 

 

Jesus illustrated His message with the parable of the rich fool.  Jesus called this rich man a fool because his riches had caused him to forget God.  He presumed that he was in control of his life instead of God. 

 

This morning, we are going to continue talking about riches or possessions.  Jesus is refocusing His attention to His disciples.

 

Today’s text will sound a lot like Jesus’ sermon on the mount.  We are going to see three “do not” statements, and each of them will be countered with a “do” statement.

 

One more thing to keep in mind today.  Nothing that Jesus says today means Christians shouldn’t work hard or Christians should save for the future.  Both diligence in our work and discernment for the future are commended in the Bible.

 

 

1. DO NOT WORRY ABOUT POSSESSIONS! Luke 12:22-28

22 Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. 23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? 25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 26 If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?

 

Again, verse 22 begins with Jesus refocusing His attention to His disciples.  He then gives our first imperative or command related a Christian and his possessions.

 

Do not worry!  Do not worry about what?  Do not worry about this life and our food or our clothes. 

 

Why not?  Life is more than food and clothing.  Then Jesus gave three reasons why Christians should not worry about our possessions.

 

First, God takes care of the birds of the air, and we are more valuable to Him than them.  Look at verse 24.  

 

God also takes care of the flowers of the field.  Look at verse 27 and 28.  We are more valuable than them.

 

Second, look at verses 25-26.  We should worry because worry doesn’t accomplish anything.  It can’t add time to your life.  It can’t change the situation, and it certainly can’t help. 

 

Third, look at verses 29 and 30.  We shouldn’t worry about possessions because that is what lost people do. 

 

I mentioned when we began that every “do not” statement is offset by a “do” statement.  Instead of worrying about possessions, we should remember these reasons why not to worry. 

 

 

2. DO NOT SEEK AN ABUNDANCE OF POSSSESIONS! Luke 12:29-31

29 “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

 

Remember from last week, money is not the root of all evil.  It is the love of money.

 

In a similar way, possessions aren’t bad in and of themselves.  It is coveting them or seek an abundance of them that crosses the line.

 

Just like we should not worry about possessions, we should not seek an abundance of possessions.  Of course, this doesn’t mean not working hard, and it doesn’t mean not saving for the future.

 

However, instead of seeking an abundance of possessions, we should seek first the kingdom of God.  Making Jesus your first priority.

 

Why?  Verse 30 says God knows what we need like food and drink, and when we seek Him, all these other things will follow.

 

 

3. DO NOT FEAR THE ABSENCE OF POSSESSIONS! Luke 12:32-34

32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

 

The last “do not” statement is in verse 32.  Jesus addressed His disciples as little flock.  He charged them not to worry about the absence of possessions. 

 

Why?  Our good, heavenly Father wants to give the riches of His kingdom. 

Jesus then said the unthinkable.  He told them to sell their possessions.

 

I wouldn’t take this as absolute for all disciples to sell all.  However, if you’re struggling with coveting, and you’re afraid of the absence of possessions, you might want to consider this antidote.

 

Instead of fearing the absence of possessions, we should invest in eternity.  That is what He means when he says provide for yourselves money bags that don’t grow old. 

 

Invest in the gospel.  Invest in missions.  Invest in growing God’s kingdom in heaven.

 

 

Invitation

Verse 34 is an invitation.  It is an invitation to give your heart to Jesus.  Make Him the treasure of your life.

The Danger of Riches

Today, we return to Luke 12.  If you have your Bibles, please find Luke 12:13.  I want to share with you a message entitled, “The Danger of Riches.”

 

In today’s text, we are going to look at what has been known as the parable of the Rich Fool, and this parable is unique to Luke.  Remember, a parable is an earthly story with a spiritual or heavenly meaning. 

 

Simply put, Jesus’ warning for us can be found in verse 15.  Beware of covetousness.

 

Your translation may say greed.  This word means an unusual desire for riches.  Implied is a strong desire to acquire more and more material possessions beyond your needs.

 

I can remember dealing with covetousness as a teenager as well as early in my marriage.  First, when I was teenager, I remember only being willing to wear a certain brand of clothing. 

 

I was willing to wear these certain clothes multiple times a week.  I would just ask my mom to wash them again.

 

Consequently, I refused to wear clothes or even shop at certain stores.  Ironically, my entire wardrobe today is from that store that I refused to shop at as a teenager.

 

As an adult and early in our marriage, I developed a very unhealthy preoccupation with televisions, and I fell victim to football season every year.

 

Do you know what I mean?  Every August, all the televisions go on sale.  For about 4 or 5 years in a row, I bought a new television thinking I had to have newer and bigger than the year before.

 

I was guilty of covetousness.  I was guilty of greed.  I was actin a fool.

 

 

1. The Explanation to Flee Covetousness, Luke 12:13-15

13 Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”  14 But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” 15 And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” 

 

In Luke 11, Jesus was speaking to the crowds.  At the beginning of Luke 12, He narrowed His focus to His Disciples.

 

Verse 13 introduces an interruption from the crowd.  It was a brother asking Jesus to settle a dispute between brothers.

 

The brother who spoke addressed Jesus as Teacher or Rabbi.  It was common for Jewish religious leaders to settle disputes or even arbitrate conflicts.

 

Even though only who brother spoke, we can assume the other brother was close.  It seems to that it was the younger brother who was speaking.

 

In the Old Testament, the older brother would receive 2/3 of the family inheritance, and the younger brother would receive 1/3.  This younger brother may have been looking for half, and he didn’t want Jesus to arbitrate as much as he wanted Jesus to rule in his favor. 

 

However, Jesus’ mission wasn’t to settle disputes. His mission was save souls.  Therefore, in verse 14, He declined to get involved.

 

He declined to get involved in the dispute.  However, He took the opportunity to teach a lesson. 

 

He warned against covetousness. He went on to declare that life is more the accumulation of possessions. 

 

 

2. The Illustration of the Foolishness of Covetousness, Luke 12:16-20

16 Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. 17 And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ 18 So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’

 

Jesus often used parables to illustrate His point.  That is true here. 

 

Remember, a parable is earthly story with a spiritual or heavenly meaning.  Jesus introduced this parable in verse 16 to illustrate how foolish coveting is.

 

The parable begins with a rich man.  It is important to remember that this man is already rich when the parable begins.

 

He is a farmer, and he had an exceptionally good year.  He had an abundance of crops on his hands.

 

Verse 17 reveals an inner conversation.  He had more crops that storage.  What should he do?

 

He could have given to the poor.  He could have given to the needy.  However, he decided to do otherwise.

 

To get a little foreshadowing of what was to come, notice the use of the first person pronoun “my:” my crops, my barns, my crops, my goods, and my soul.  Also, notice I: I do, I have, I will do, I will pull, I will store, and I will say.

 

He decided to tear down his existing barns.  In their place, he would build bigger barns to store all of his crops and goods. 

 

Then, thinking he had many years to live, he would take it easy.  He would eat, drink, and do whatever he felt like doing. 

 

BTW…It was true for this man, and it is true for us.  We aren’t in charge of how long we live.  God is, and we aren’t privy to God’s timetable. 

 

In verse 20, look at what God said to this man in response to his plans. He called him a fool, and told him that he would die this day.

 

He would have to give an account of his actions.  Consequently, his new barns and all his crops and goods would be of no value to him. 

 

He would leave them behind. You’ve never seen a funeral coach with a U-Haul in tow.

 

Proverbs 23:4-5, 4 Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease!  5 Will you set your eyes on that which is not?  For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.

 

 

3. The Application of Forsaking Covetousness and Honoring Chris, Luke 12:21

21 “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

 

Listen and listen closely. You are fool when seek after riches and material possessions at all costs because the danger of riches is that they cause you to forget God.

 

Deuteronomy 8:11-14, 11 “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, 12 lest—when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; 13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; 14 when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

 

 

Conclusion

Instead, trust God to provide for your needs and seek after being rich toward God.  How do we do that?

 

First, prioritize Jesus first.  See Matthew 6:33.

 

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

 

Second, ask the Lord to help you be content.  See 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

 

6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

 

Third, use your material blessings to invest in eternity.  See Matthew 6:20.

 

20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

The Bible's Most Famous Verse

Introduction

• In most of the English translations represented here this morning, including the NKJV and the NIV, it is 25 words.
• For years and years as a little boy, I saw its reference on televised professional football games at every extra point attempt and every field goal try.
• This morning, I want to remind you of the most famous verse in the Bible: John 3:16.

 

Consequently, I believe it is the most famous verse in the Bible because it speaks to the heart of God.

 

 

1. The Motivation of God’s Heart is His Love.

16 For God so loved the world

 

Remember the context of this verse.  Jesus was talking with Nicodemus.  Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a ruler of Jews who came to Jesus at night time. 

 

He knew Jesus was different and even recognized Him as being from God because of the signs or miracles He had done.  Jesus told Nicodemus that in order to be saved, you had to be born again.

 

Nicodemus was an intelligent man, but he didn’t quite understand what it meant to be born again.  So he asked how to be born again, and Jesus gave him the answer in John 3:16.

 

Verse 16 begins with God.  It is the God of creation.  He is the eternal sovereign, and for His children, He is their heavenly Father. 

 

We then see what God did.  He so loved. 

 

The word in the language of the NT is the word agape.  It means a perfect and complete love that considers others before it considers self.  It is an unconditional love.

 

Then notice the object of God’s love.  It is the world. 

 

Here is the word kosmos.  It means everything and all things.  When Christ died on the cross, He provided the possibility for the entire world to be saved.

 

Jesus’ words probably caught Nicodemus off guard.  He knew that God loved Israel as seen clearly from the OT. 

 

However, what Jesus is saying here is that not only does God love Israel, but He also loves Gentiles.  He loves the entire world’s population, which is approximately 8.2 billion people. 

 

You could line up every human being alive today, and I believe that God would say I love you to each one of them. 

 

God loves both Jew and Gentile.  He loves both male and female.  He loves both black and white.  He loves both Republican and Democrat.  He loves both blue-collar and white-collar.  He loves both Aggies and Longhorns.

 

Furthermore, He loves every sinner.  He loves every racist and every adulterer and every liar and every thief and every homosexual and every murderer and every rapist and every child molester and every addict and every alcoholic. 

 

God loves every person who has ever lived because every person who has ever lived was created in the image of God.  Love is the motivation of God’s heart.

 

 

1. The Demonstration of God’s Love is His Son.

that He gave His only begotten Son

 

How did God demonstrate or prove His love?  He gave. 

 

He gave freely.  He gave with no strings attached.  He gave knowing what would happen. 

 

What did He give?  He gave His only begotten and unique Son.  He didn’t have another Son.  He had only one Son. 

 

This Son was unique in that He was fully divine.  Even though born in a feeding trough for cows, He was born fully God. 

 

Jesus described Himself in this verse using the word “monogene.”  Mono means one.  Gene is seed. 

 

There is only one seed like this.  There are no others. 

 

He didn’t give His house or His car or His wallet or His investment portfolio or His most prized toy.  God gave His only Son to die by the cruelest means of execution that humanity has ever known, and this is the demonstration of God’s love.

 

You have heard the cliché that the proof is in the pudding.  Actually, it has been shortened from the proof of the pudding is in the tasting.  In other words, you know if the pudding is good by tasting it. 

 

You know that God loves you when you read or remember John 3:16. He gave His one and only Son to die on the cross and in your place and for your sins. 

 

 

• The Invitation to Receive God’s Gift is to Believe.

that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

 

God invites us to receive His love, but He will not force us.  God gives us an option.  We can receive this gift, or we can reject this gift. 

 

What would it mean to receive it?  Remember, it is a gift.  Therefore, it can’t be earned. 

 

To receive it means to believe in Jesus.  However, it is not merely mental ascent.  To believe means to trust in, to cling to, and to rely on Jesus. 

 

A person can believe with his mind by trusting that Jesus is the promised Messiah.  He can believe with his heart by clinging to Him as the only way to heaven.  He can believe with his life by relying on Him to enable you to repent of your old ways of life and living a life that is surrendered to Him.

 

On the other hand, to reject Him is to say no thanks.  However, you are also rejecting Him if you do nothing at all. 

 

On occasion, it may be appropriate to be a something, such as apolitical.  However, you cannot be asalvation or aeternallife because that is not an option. 

 

Your options are to receive or reject…no others, and to reject is to perish, to die, to have your soul destroyed, to be spiritually lost and separated from God for eternity, but to receive Him is to have eternal or everlasting life. 

 

 

Conclusion

The story is told of a little boy living in an orphanage who was a hand full to manage or may be even two hands full.  The workers in the home were even looking for an excuse to move him to another orphanage. 

 

One day, they saw the little boy running across the yard, and he climbed up in a tree, and they watched him leave a note posted on one of the branches.  After he climbed down, they immediately went and checked it out.  The note said, “If anybody finds this, I love you.” 

 

Today, if you are within the sound of my voice, John 3:16 is a note from God, and it says, “I love you.” 

 

Will you respond today by receiving God’s gift of eternal life?

 

Following Jesus 101

Introduction

If you have Bibles this morning, please take them and find Luke 12:1.  I want to share a message with you this morning entitled, “Following Jesus 101.”

 

If you are familiar with college classes, they usually have a title and a number.  For my experience, 100 level classes were for freshmen, 200 level classes for sophomores, 300 level classes for juniors, and 400 level classes were for senior.

 

To attach 101 to something is to it is the beginning or the foundation.  It is the most basic starting point. 

 

In today’s text, Jesus was speaking to His disciples, and He gave them some beginning instructions.  These were some basics for following Jesus.

 

 

1. Avoid the Pharisees’ Hypocrisy, Luke 12:1-3.

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. 

 

Verse 1 says that there were A LOT of people had come to Jesus to see Him and hear him.  The text literally indicates thousands.

 

However, Jesus had some specific words for His disciples.  Therefore, He changed audiences from chapter 11 where He was talking to the Pharisees.

 

The end of verse says beware of the leaven of the Pharisees. Just in case you didn’t understand His figurative language, He said to avoid their hypocrisy.

 

Most of the time, leaven in the Bible is not good.  It is evil. 

 

Leaven is akin to yeast.  It makes bread rise.

 

BTW…Why do we use unleavened bread for the Lord’s Supper?  The bread symbolizes Jesus’ body.  Jesus’ body had no sin, no evil, whatsoever. 

 

A little leaven is all you need to make bread rise.  A little leaven goes a long way as it permeates the entire loaf.  The hypocrisy of the Pharisees had permeated or infected every area of their lives. 

 

What is hypocrisy?  It literally means wearing a mask.  It was a theater term that described actors.

 

It means to be two different people.  You act one way around some folks and act a completely different way around others. 

 

Or, your talk out of both sides of your mouth.  You say nice things to someone’s face and bad things when they aren’t around. 

 

Why did Jesus say beware or avoid this behavior?  Because all that is hidden will eventually be revealed. All that is said in private places will eventually be made public. 

 

In other words, it is illogical. At the final judgement, there will be no secrets. 

 

Therefore, avoid that behavior now.  Conversely, live authentically or genuinely.  Be transparent and an open book.

 

 

2. Fear the Personal Deity, Luke 12:4-7.

4 “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!  6 “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

 

And I say to you in verse 4 marks a new section.  The instruction here is not to fear men.  They can only take your physical life.

 

Instead, fear God or fear Deity.  Fear God because He is in charge of your eternity. 

 

The word fear means to revere or respect or live in such a way that you honor Him by obeying Him. 

 

Before you speak, is that what God wants?  Before you act, is this what God wants?  Before you respond, is this what God wants?

 

Why does this matter?  The one who doesn’t surrender his or her life to God will spend an eternity in hell without God. 

 

The word hell here is the word Gehenna or the Valley of Hennon.  In the OT, this was where pagans sacrificed their children by burning them.

 

By the time of the NT, this was the city dump outside of Jerusalem.  Trash was burning day and night.  You could see and smell the smoke.

 

In the same way, hell is a real place. It is a real place where real lost people go when they really die, and where they will experience real physical and real spiritual pain for a real eternity. 

 

However, this deity is not just any deity.  He is the Personal Deity who loves you and wants a personal relationship with you.  His name is Jesus.

 

Verse 6 says that sparrows are cheap, but God loves them.  Why?  They are part of His creation.

 

Consequently, the Personal Deity, Jesus, is and wants to be intimately acquainted with the details of your life.  He knows the number of hairs on your head.  On average, that is more than 100,000.

 

God loves His creation?  Who is the pinnacle of His creation? 

 

You are.  He loves you.  Fear the Personal Deity!

 

 

3. Confess Jesus Publically, Luke 12:8-12.

8 “Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. 9 But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.  10 “And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.  11 “Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. 12 For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

 

The last instruction of following Jesus 101 is confess Him publically.  We find that in verse 8.

 

The word confess means to say the same thing.  To confess Jesus is to say that you are His.  He would then say the same thing about you.  You are His.

 

If we confess Jesus before men or publically, Jesus will confess us in heaven.  However, if we deny Him publically, He will deny us in heaven.

 

Speaking of heaven, how does a person go to heaven when he or she dies?  He or she goes to heaven and is forgiven of sin by not blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

 

Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is the unpardonable or unforgiveable sin.  It is not suicide or divorce or any other thing that folks have made up through the years.

 

To blaspheme the Holy Spirit is give credit to the devil for doing what only God can do.  Don’t think that the devil can do what only God can do.

 

In chapter 11, the Pharisees said that Jesus cast out a demon by the power of the devil.  However, only God can do that, but they were giving the credit to the devil.

 

How do we do that today?  Only Jesus can save you.  You can’t be saved any other way. 

 

However, when you reject Jesus as Savior, you are saying with your actions that there is another savior.  That is not true. 

 

You are giving the devil credit for only what God can do.  This is the unpardonable sin. 

 

And when you stand for Jesus, there will be persecution.  However, don’t worry.  In that moment, God will give you exactly what you should say and what He wants you to say.

 

 

Invitation

If you are here this morning and you’re committing the unforgivable sin, stop.  Repent. 

 

Only Jesus can save. Call on Him.

 

If you are saved, are you living a life of authenticity?  Are you fearing God?  Have you confessed Jesus publically through baptism and with your daily life?

 

 

 

Glorious Dishwashers