Lucas 12
Charles Spurgeon · Citado em PreceptAustin
Lucas 12
Spurgeon - The teaching of our Lord, in this chapter, has very much to do with Christianity in connection with this present life, and its cares and troubles. God has nowhere promised us exemption from affliction and trial. Indeed, it has been said, with much truth, that the Old Testament promise was one of prosperity, but that the New Testament promise is one of tribulation. You may rest assured that, if it had been best for us to be taken away to heaven directly we were converted, the Lord would have done it, and that, as he has not done so, there are wise reasons why he keeps his people here for a while. The gold must go through the fire ere it has its place in the king’s crown, and the wheat must be exposed to the winnowing fan ere it can be taken into the heavenly garner. (Luke 12 - Exposition) Under these circumstances (in the meantime), after so many thousands (murias) of people had gathered together that they were stepping on one another - What circumstances? Recall from Lk 9:51 He has His face steadfastly set toward Jerusalem and the culmination of His mission to planet earth. Normally this question would force one to examine the previous context, but in this case, the circumstances clearly refer to the following circumstances of the "packed house" or "standing room only," so to speak. Luke's description paints a dramatic scene. This event ("these circumstances") seems to follow normally from the end of Luke 11 when Jesus had just left the brunch where he served a "Six Course" meal not of condiments but of condemnation (woes) to the Pharisee and lawyers (Who were the scribes that often argued with Jesus?). It was a time of markedly increasing hostility by the religious leaders against Jesus, Whose popularity with the lay people was increasing to the point that the crowds were dangerous (See Jensen's excellent diagram to help understand Jesus' rising and then declining popularity) Regarding this somewhat "out of control" crowd, some commentators feel they were friendly, but others (MacArthur) feel they were hostile, having been permeated by the leaven lies of the Pharisees which sought to paint Jesus as demon possessed! The text (and in my opinion the context) does not allow us to be dogmatic about the emotional state of the crowd. Undoubtedly some were hostile, but they may have been others who were desiring to enthrone Jesus as their King (which prompted the positive reaction when Jesus entered Jerusalem to shouts of Hosanna (cf Mk 11:9, 10+) So many thousands - Literally "many ten thousands." A plural of murias and so a multiple of 10,000, so that there could have been 20, 30, 40, 50 thousand. The point is that this is a huge crowd. Jesus is the headliner in all Israel, where religion played a dominant role in their day to day life. And Jesus is rocking their "religious boat" (so to speak). The implication is that the crowds have increased in size since Lk 11:29. They were stepping on one another - Jesus did not has a PA system to blast out His message, so they are getting as near to Him as possible to be sure they can hear what He says. Darrell Bock - The setting of his words is not insignificant. Even though people are practically crawling over one another to get to Jesus, the disciples should not be fooled by current popularity and should recall the level of opposition Jesus has faced. Popularity can breed a desire to remain popular and thus to soften the hard truth of our sinfulness before God. So Jesus warns, "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees." Leaven (NIV yeast) was a symbol of corruption (Ex 12:14-20; 1 Cor 5:6). The Pharisees' hypocrisy has just been discussed in 11:39-41. Jesus is saying that the desire to impress can lead to a double life. The way of the Pharisees is not the way for Jesus' disciples. He began saying to His disciples (mathetes) first of all - Saying is present tense indicating His teaching was continual. While this includes the inner 12 who would have been closely gathered around Him in such a large crowd, the word disciples should not be restricted to them. Disciples included the 12 and the 70 and others who were interested but not yet true disciples. There is one other way to look at "first" (which James Edwards - Pillar NT Commentary favors) as shown in Young's Literal translation which reads "At which time the myriads of the multitude having been gathered together, so as to tread upon one another, he began to say unto his disciples, first, 'Take heed to yourselves of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." (Luk 12:1YLT) In other words, the first thing you disciples need to do is pay attention to this command.
Lucas 12
Spurgeon - Hypocrisy, however, of a kind that was calculated to spread, like leaven. If you know that a man is a hypocrite, you do not feel inclined to imitate him; but the Pharisees were such well-made hypocrites, — such excellent counterfeits, — that many people were tempted to imitate them. (Luke 12 - Exposition) In simple terms hypocrisy is "play acting" and in context Jesus is referring to "play acting" at religion, and it is a dangerous role to play, because when this "play" is over the payment is eternal separation in hell! The Pharisees posed as paragons of virtue but actually they were masters of masquerade. -- William MacDonald James Edwards - The first reference to yeast in Israel’s history occurs at the exodus, when the haste in which Israel fled Egypt left no time for their bread to rise (Ex 12:39). The initial mention of yeast is thus negative — a sign of servitude, a hindrance. This negative connotation is retained in the metaphor of hypocrisy. “Hypocrisy” (Gk. hupokrisis) was primarily a theatrical term, denoting the mask an actor wore to impersonate a given character. But its obvious applicability to related issues led to a number of secondary associations, including, in this instance, the properties of “yeast,” the fermenting sugar that causes dough to expand. Both theatrical masks and yeast create false impressions: masks produce exterior appearances at variance from intrinsic characteristics, and yeast activates a gaseous reaction that increases mass but not substance and weight. The use of “yeast” as a metaphor of hypocrisy was not novel with Jesus, for Jewish rabbis and Greek authors also used “yeast” as a metaphor of evil impulses within people, or of the art of pretense and deception. We should not imagine that hypocrisy was unique to Pharisees — or even in a degree not present in other people of faith. Hypocrisy is an ever-present danger in all religious traditions. It is perhaps most perilous in a religion like Christianity, which calls for radical discipleship and transformation. Pharisees imagined that the privilege of election was due to merit, that the gift of Torah implied worthiness rather than responsibility, and that, in following a higher rule, Pharisees were in fact better people. Jesus condemned no malignancy, whether spiritual or moral, more severely than he condemned hypocrisy. He taught — and he expected his disciples to demonstrate — that call and election were not pretexts for pride but admonitions to humility. “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Lk 12:48). (See The Gospel According to Luke Pillar New Testament Commentary) Life Application Study Bible (page 68) - What are the signs of hypocrisy? (1) Hypocrisy is knowing the truth but not obeying it. People can say they follow Jesus, but not be obedient to his Word. (2) Hypocrisy is living a self serving life. People may desire leadership only because they love position and control, not because they want to serve others. (3) Hypocrisy reduces faith to rigid rules. People can end up worshiping their own rules and regulations about what they think God wants instead of worshiping God himself. (4) Hypocrisy is outward conformity without inner reality. People can obey the details but still be disobedient in general behavior. For example, a person may carefully tithe his income, but be rude and obnoxious to his coworkers. Many non-Christians use the supposed (or real) hypocrisy of Christians as an excuse to stay away from God and the church. Look carefully at your life. You are not perfect; therefore, at times an action or behavior might provide the ammunition for someone to label you a hypocrite. However, you must discern your own heart. Consider the signs of hypocrisy noted above and make sure you are not guilty. Then ask God to help you live rightly. Paul gives us a poignant, parallel warning in his first letter to the saints at Corinth Do not be deceived (planao in the present imperative with a negative = stop being deceived or don't let it begin! See Need for the Holy Spirit to obey): “Bad (kakos) company corrupts (phtheiro in the present tense = continually ruins, harms) good morals.” (1 Cor 15:33+) Comment: The word for company is the Greek noun homilia (3657)(from homiléō = to converse, talk) which in classic Greek had two main meanings. (1) The primary use is to denote communion with others. This can refer to a gathering of individuals or of a couple and in fact denotes conjugal rights in Ex 21:10 (Septuagint uses homilia). Homilia is also used to denote instruction or a lecture (English word homiletics, or homiletic which pertains to the art of preaching, homily = a discourse). The other use of homilia in the Septuagint is Pr 7:21 "With her many persuasions (Heb = leqach = teaching; Lxx = homilia = [much] converse) she entices him; With her flattering lips she seduces him." So the effect of the seductress is to lead one astray with her words! (2) The second use of homilia denotes “association” or “company,” or in a collective sense, “fellow-sojourners” or “shipmates.” In 1 Cor 15:33+ Paul warns of the corruption that will ensue if one persists in the company (companionship) of evil persons. THOUGHT - The practical application of Paul's warning (and Jesus') is crystal clear - "The reason association with evil people corrupts good morals is because of what they say. Don't expose yourself to a sermon, to a teaching, to a lecture, to communication through media, to a conversation that's going to give you evil, deceiving lies. It will corrupt you. That's why the psalmist said, "How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!" (Ps 1:1+) (MacArthur) This begs a very crucial question - Whose sermons or "homilies" are you listening to or reading? There is an incredible amount of false teaching "for free" on the Internet (but beware, because it may ultimately cost you dearly!) You need to be very discerning in these last days (2 Ti 3:1, 5+), lest you be "carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming." (See Eph 4:14+) Many thousands (myriad)(3461)(murias from murios = countless) represents the number 10,000 (Acts 19:19, five murias = 50,000). It most often denotes a numberless host or vast numbers of men (Luke 12:1; Acts 21:20) or angels (Hebrews 12:22; Jude 14). An indefinite large number - (Luke 12:1; Acts 21:20; Heb. 12:22; Jude 1:14; Rev. 5:11; 9:16; Gen. 24:60; 1 Sam. 21:11). Friberg - (1) literally, as a number myriad, ten thousand (Acts 19.19); (2) plural, in a more general sense of very large numbers myriads, countless thousands ( Rev 5.11) (Borrow Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament) Murias - 7x in 7v - fifty*(1), many thousands(2), myriads(3), thousand(1), thousands(1), two hundred million*(1). Lk. 12:1; Acts 19:19; Acts 21:20; Heb. 12:22 = myriads of angels; Jude 1:14 = many thousands; Rev. 5:11; Rev. 9:16 = two hundred million Murias - 24x in 23v in the Septuagint - Ge. 24:60 = "thousands of ten thousands,"; Ex 38:26; Lev. 26:8; Nu. 10:36; Deut. 32:30; 33:2; 33:17; 1 Sa 18:7; 18:8;21:11; 29:5; Ezr. 2:64; 2:69; Neh. 7:66;7:71, 72; Ps 3:6; Ps. 91:7; Song 5:10; Da. 7:10; Jon. 4:11; Mic. 6:7 Disciples (3101) mathetes from manthano = to learn which Vine says is "from a root math, indicating thought accompanied by endeavor". Gives us our English = "mathematics" - see matheteuo) describes a person who learns from another by instruction, whether formal or informal. Another sources says mathetes is from from math- which speaks of "mental effort that thinks something through" and thus describes is a learner; a follower who learns the doctrines and the lifestyle of the one they follow. Discipleship includes the idea of one who intentionally learns by inquiry and observation (cf inductive Bible study) and thus mathetes is more than a mere pupil. A mathetes describes an adherent of a teacher. As discussed below mathetes itself has no spiritual connotation, and it is used of superficial followers of Jesus as well as of genuine believers. The Lord calls everyone to grow as a disciple (a learner of Christ; cf. also Mt 11;29,30), one who lives in faith, who lives in and by His Word in the power of the Holy Spirit. Mathetes in Luke and Acts - Lk. 5:30; Lk. 5:33; Lk. 6:1; Lk. 6:13; Lk. 6:17; Lk. 6:20; Lk. 6:40; Lk. 7:11; Lk. 7:18; Lk. 7:19; Lk. 8:9; Lk. 8:22; Lk. 9:14; Lk. 9:16; Lk. 9:18; Lk. 9:40; Lk. 9:43; Lk. 9:54; Lk. 10:23; Lk. 11:1; Lk. 12:1; Lk. 12:22; Lk. 14:26; Lk. 14:27; Lk. 14:33; Lk. 16:1; Lk. 17:1; Lk. 17:22; Lk. 18:15; Lk. 19:29; Lk. 19:37; Lk. 19:39; Lk. 20:45; Lk. 22:11; Lk. 22:39; Lk. 22:45; Acts 6:1; Acts 6:2; Acts 6:7; Acts 9:1; Acts 9:10; Acts 9:19; Acts 9:25; Acts 9:26; Acts 9:38; Acts 11:26; Acts 11:29; Acts 13:52; Acts 14:20; Acts 14:22; Acts 14:28; Acts 15:10; Acts 16:1; Acts 18:23; Acts 18:27; Acts 19:1; Acts 19:9; Acts 19:30; Acts 20:1; Acts 20:30; Acts 21:4; Acts 21:16 Beware (keep on the lookout for, pay attention, be alert) (4337)(prosecho from pros = before, toward + echo = hold) means literally to hold to, toward or before. Originally it was followed by the word "the mind" (nous) but at times "the mind" was omitted but still the idea of "the mind" was implied. To apply one’s self to. To attach one’s self to. Prosecho means to moor a ship, to tie it up. Prosecho was also used to mean “to remain on course”. Jesus gives another command to "Beware" (different Gk verb horao in present imperative) in Luke 12:15+. The present imperative calls for the wise citizen of the kingdom of heaven to be continually on the look out for false prophets especially those who promote the deadly deceptive "doctrine" of the Pharisees that you can be righteous by keeping the Law. The present tense (habitual, lifestyle), imperative mood (a command not a suggestion!) calls for this discerning attitude to be the habit of one's life. The active voice means that we (the subject) must initiate this action as a choice of our will, but the problem is that our old man does not want to make this choice! It is only by the relying on the continual energization of God in us, the indwelling Spirit, that we will have the desire and power to obey and please God (Php 2:13NLT+). To reiterate, there is only ONE WAY to keep the commands of God that is not by relying on self but by continually relying on the Spirit's power to enable us to do supernaturally what we simply cannot accomplish naturally! If you have experienced frustration and repeated failure in keeping God's commands (there are over 1600 in the NT!), then this truth is for you! It is the Spirit Who sets you free to obey God's Word. (See also discussion of the Need for the Holy Spirit to obey NT commands). The etymology of the English word "beware" is from the Middle English words been and war, (been= to be + war = careful). Mattoon adds that prosecho "was used as a nautical term and meant to steer a ship in a certain direction or on a certain course or to sail toward a certain destination. Jesus wants us to stay focused on what He is saying here! Like my school teachers, He said, "Sit up straight and pay attention! Steer away from or be on guard against false prophets. Why is He warning them now at this particular time of popularity? The answer may be the fact that the disciples might be tempted either to gain popularity by pleasing the crowds, or avoid trouble by pleasing the scribes and Pharisees. All of us want people to like us, and it seems such an easy thing to "act the part" that others want to see. Jesus instructs His disciples to not fall into that trap. (Rod Mattoon - Treasures from Luke) Figuratively prosecho conveys the idea is to hold one's mind before then to take heed, to pay attention, to give heed, be in a state of alert, to watch out for or to be on guard. The word implies the giving one’s consent, as well as one’s attention. When used in this manner prosecho always warns of some type of danger (usually spiritual danger but occasionally physical)! Prosecho is not a call simply to notice or sense something, but to be on guard against it because it is so harmful (eg, the danger of practicing your righteousness for others to see, the danger of false prophets, false teachers and false teaching, the danger of the Pharisees and Sadducees). The idea is to turn one’s mind or attention to a thing by being on one’s guard against it. Prosecho - 24x in 24v in the NT - These 24 uses of prosecho would make an interesting study noting what one is beware of. Translated - addicted(1), beware(8), give attention(1), giving...attention(1), giving attention(2), guard(3), officiated(1), pay attention(2), pay...attention(1), paying attention(2), respond(1), take care(1). Matt. 6:1; Matt. 7:15; Matt. 10:17; Matt. 16:6; Matt. 16:11; Matt. 16:12; Lk. 12:1; Lk. 17:3; Lk. 20:46; Lk. 21:34; Acts 5:35; Acts 8:6; Acts 8:10; Acts 8:11; Acts 16:14; Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 1:4; 1 Tim. 3:8; 1 Tim. 4:1; 1 Tim. 4:13; Tit. 1:14; Heb. 2:1; Heb. 7:13; 2 Pet. 1:19 Leaven (yeast)(2219)(zume) probably from zeo = to heat, as occurs in fermentation of dough when leaven is mixed in) was literally a small portion of dough that was retained in order to start a new batch of dough (literal uses - Mt 16:12; Lk 13:21; 1 Cor 5:6; Gal 5:9). In ancient times, when bread was about to be baked, a small piece of dough was pulled off and saved. That leaven or yeast would then be allowed to ferment in water, and later kneaded into the next batch of fresh dough to make it rise. Leaven throughout Scripture was used figuratively to describe permeating power or influence, usually the influence of evil, but also of good in Mt 13:33 and Lk 13:21 referring to the growth or expansion of the Kingdom of God. Zume was used proverbially to demonstrate great effect from little causes (Gal 5:9). Zume is used figuratively to depict corruption of thought and conduct, which Jesus termed hypocrisy here in Lk 12:1. Zume was used figuratively to describe teachings based on unspiritual value systems (Mt 16.12). Finally, zume was a metaphor for sin within a believing community, and was identified as wicked ways (1Cor 5.8). The first use of zume in the Septuagint (Ex. 12:15; 12:19) is associated with the Passover, where the Jews were instructed to eat bread without leaven for seven days. (See What is the significance of unleavened bread?) Vine - Leaven was used in general in making bread. It required time to fulfill the process. Hence, when food was required at short notice, unleavened cakes were used, e.g., Gen. 18:6; Gen. 19:3; Exod. 12:8. The Israelites were forbidden to use "leaven" for seven days at the time of Passover, that they might be reminded that the Lord brought them out of Egypt "in haste," Deut. 16:3, with Exod. 12:11; the unleavened bread, insipid in taste, reminding them, too, of their afflictions, and of the need of self-judgment, is called "the bread of affliction." "Leaven" was forbidden in all offerings to the Lord by fire, Lev. 2:11; Lev. 6:17. Being bred of corruption and spreading through the mass of that in which it is mixed, and therefore symbolizing the pervasive character of evil, "leaven" was utterly inconsistent in offerings which typified the propitiatory sacrifice of Christ. In the OT "leaven" is not used in a metaphorically sense. In the NT it is used (a) metaphorically (1) of corrupt doctrine, Matt. 13:33; Luke 13:21, of error as mixed with the truth (there is no valid reason for regarding the symbol here differently from its application elsewhere in the NT); Matt. 16:6, 11; Mark 8:15 (1st part); Luke 12:1; that the kingdom of heaven is likened to "leaven," does not mean that the kingdom is "leaven." The same statement, as made in other parables, shows that it is the whole parable which constitutes the similitude of the kingdom; the history of Christendom confirms the fact that the pure meal of the doctrine of Christ has been adulterated with error; (2) of corrupt practices, Mark 8:15 (2nd part), the reference to the Herodians being especially applied to their irreligion; 1 Cor. 5:7, 8; (b) literally, in Matt. 16:12, and in the general statements in 1 Cor. 5:6; Gal. 5:9, where the implied applications are to corrupt practice and corrupt doctrine respectively. (Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words) Zodhiates - Most often (though not always) in Scripture, the word zúmē represents evil, including Mt. 13:33; Lk 13:21, if properly understood. The real significance of leaven is shown in 1 Cor. 5:7 as being destructive and typifying what does not belong originally and essentially to life, namely, sin. It is sin disturbing and penetrating daily life. It first appears in the institution of the Passover (Sept.: Ex. 12:15, 19, 20, 34, 39; 13:3, 7) and in the ritual of sacrifices (Sept.: Ex. 23:18; 34:25; Lev. 2:11; 6:17; 7:3; Deut. 16:3, 4). All that disgraces the Christian and detracts from his holy newness of life is an example of the leaven of sin (1 Cor. 5:6; Gal. 5:9). It represents false doctrine as opposed to that which has been received (Gal. 5:9). In Luke 12:1, hypocrisy is identified with leaven. (Borrow The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament ) Gilbrant - Zumē denotes “leaven” or “yeast.” In classical Greek the word is used for fermenting grain. The two Hebrew words that zumē translates in the Septuagint are chāmēts, meaning “that which is leavened” (Deuteronomy 16:3), and sᵉ’ōr, meaning “leaven” (Leviticus 2:11). The New Testament use of this word has as its backdrop the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the Old Testament (Exodus 12:18-20; 13:6f.; Numbers 28:16f.). In both Roman and Hebrew sources leaven became a metaphor for defilement or impurity. Though this is the predominant use of the term “leaven,” it is occasionally used positively as when rabbis saw the Torah as leaven that leads a person to God. Philo created several allegorical interpretations of zumē including using it as a symbol of pride or vanity and at other times as sinful lust. (Complete Biblical Library) Related Resources: Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology Torrey Topical Textbook Leaven American Tract Society Leaven Bridgeway Bible Dictionary Leaven Easton's Bible Dictionary Leaven Fausset Bible Dictionary Leaven Holman Bible Dictionary Leaven Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Leaven Hastings' Dictionary of the NT Leaven Leaven 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica Leaven International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Leaven Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Leaven and ferment The Jewish Encyclopedia Leaven Zume - 13x in 11v - all translated leaven Matthew 13:33 He spoke another parable to them, "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened." What is the meaning of the Parable of the Leaven? Matthew 16:6 And Jesus said to them, "Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Matthew 16:11 "How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Matthew 16:12 Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Mark 8:15 And He was giving orders to them, saying, "Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod." Luke 12:1 Under these circumstances, after so many thousands of people had gathered together that they were stepping on one another, He began saying to His disciples first of all,"Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Luke 13:21 "It (Kingdom of God) is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened." 1 Corinthians 5:6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough? 5:7 Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed. 5:8 Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Comment: Like our common saying "A rotten apple can spoil the whole barrel?" Evil influence of leaven is the idea in this passag. The whole lump of dough refers to the local church. Paul's point is that if given opportunity, sin will permeate an entire church just as leaven permeates the entire loaf of bread! It is a vivid picture of the nature of sin which is to ferment, corrupt, and spread. (See comment on Ex 12:15 below) Galatians 5:9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough. Comment: As noted leaven speaks of that which has ability to influence.
Lucas 12
Spurgeon on Hypocrisy - THE HYPOCRITE'S CHARACTER. (from his Sermon Hypocrisy Luke 12:1) 1. A hypocrite may be known by the fact that his speech and his actions are contrary to one another. As Jesus says, "They say and they do not." Talk is easy, but walk is hard; speech any man may attain unto, but act is difficult. We must have grace within to make our life holy; but lip-piety needs no grace. 2. The next mark of a hypocrite is, that whenever he does right it is that he may be seen of men. To him virtue in the dark is almost a vice; he can never detect any beauty in virtue, unless she has a thousand eyes to look upon her, and then she is something indeed. The true Christian, like the nightingale, sings in the night; but the hypocrite has all his songs in the day, when he can be seen and heard of men. 3. Hypocrite, love titles, and honours, and respect from men. There was another evidence of an hypocrite which was equally good, namely, that he strained at a gnat and swallowed a camel. Always suspect yourself when you are more careful about little than about great things. 4. These people neglected all the inward part of religion, and only observed the outward. As our Saviour said, they "made clean the outside of the cup and platter, but within they were full of extortion and excess." There are many books which are excellently bound, but there is nothing within them; and there are many persona that have a very fine spiritual exterior, but there is nothing whatever in the heart. 5. You may know a hypocrite by another sign. His religion depends upon the place, or upon the time of day. He rises at seven o'clock perhaps, and you will find him religious for a quarter of an hour; for he is, as the boy said, "saying his prayers to himself" in the first part of the morning. Well, then you find him pretty pious for another half-hour, for there is family prayer; but when the business begins, and he is talking to his men, I won't guarantee that you will be able to admire him. If one of his servants has been doing something a little amiss, you will find him perhaps using angry and unworthy language. You will find him, too, if he gets a customer whom he thinks to be rather green, not quite pious, for he will be taking him in. 6. There is another sign of the hypocrite, and now the lash will fall on my own back, and on most of us too. Hypocrites, and other people besides hypocrites, are generally severe with others, and very lenient with themselves. Have you ever heard a hypocrite describe himself? I describe him thus — "You are a mean, beggarly fellow." "No," says he, "I am not; I am economical." I say to him, "You are dishonest, you are a thief." "No," says he, "I am only cute and sharp for the times." "Well, but," I say to him, "you are proud and conceited." "Oh!" says he, "I have only a proper and manly respect." "Ay, but you are a fawning, cringing fellow." "No," says he, "I am all things to all men." Somehow or other he will make vice look like a virtue in himself, but he will deal by the reverse rule with others. Show him a Christian who is really humble, and he says, "I hate his fawning ways." Tell him there is one who is very courageous for Christ; "Oh! he is impudent," says he. Show him one who is liberal, doing what he can for his Master's service, spending, and being spent for Him; "Rash and imprudent," says he, "extravagant; the man does not know what he is about." You may point out a virtue, and the hypocrite shall at once say it is a vice. (Sermon Hypocrisy) Luke 12:2 "But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. KJV Luke 12:2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. AMP Nothing is [so closely] covered up that it will not be revealed, or hidden that it will not be known. Living Bible - It will become as evident as yeast in dough. NLT The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. Luke 8:17; Eccl 12:14; Mt 10:26; Mark 4:22; Ro 2:16; 1 Cor 4:5; 2 Cor 5:10; Rev 20:11,12 Luke 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 12:1-3 The Leaven of Hypocrisy - Greg Allen Luke 12:1-12 Confessing or Denying Christ? - Steven Cole Luke 12:1-7 A Certain Cure for Hypocrisy, Part 1 - John MacArthur Related Passages: Mt 10:26+ (SIMILAR DECLARATION SPOKEN EARLIER IN GALILEE) “Therefore do not fear (present imperative with a negative) them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Mk 4:22+“For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light. Luke 8:17+ “For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light. 1 Ti 5:24-25 The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after. 25 Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed. Ro 2:6, 16+ who WILL RENDER TO EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS: (2:16) on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus. 1 Cor 4:5+ Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God. Eccl 12:14 For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil. YOU CAN'T HIDE HYPOCRISY FOREVER But (term of contrast) contrasts the concealed masquerade of hypocrites with their inevitable future revelation. Their pretense will not endure forever. Hypocrisy is a sin, one that Jesus hated, and as a "hidden sin" it reminds me of God's sure Word in Nu 32:23+ "behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you out." That is the contrast Luke presents in this verse -- hypocrites hid (they thought securely) behind a mask, but one day God would rip off their mask and expose them for who they really were! There is nothing covered up that will not be revealed (apokalupto) and hidden (kruptos) that will not be known (ginosko) - This is straightforward and there is a suggestion of a pun because the Greek actors wore masks to cover their faces, even as the religious leaders hid behind the mask of their religiosity and pseudo-righteousness. God is omniscient and sees the hypocrisy for what it really is. The Greek word for nothing (ouden) means in essence "no exceptions!" Covered up (sugkalupto - sun/syn + kalupto) is used only here (Hapax legomenon) and means to keep something from being known by concealing (covering up on all sides indicating it is completely covered). Sugkalupto is in the perfect tense indicates something hidden in the past and still in that state! It speak of a completed condition with abiding results -- they keep it completely concealed! But the unveiling of the true character of these hypocrites is prophetically promised by Jesus to be revealed and be known (both are divine passives indicating God will effectively bring about these actions). Revealed means to take the lid off so that what is hidden is clearly visible and in context refers to the "hypocritical mask" of these religious charlatans. God will remove the mask and reveal the hidden sin! And known means they would be recognized for their life long masquerade of righteousness. In other words, although they think they will remain covered and hidden, the fact is that it will not and God will make sure of that! THOUGHT - In context Jesus is speaking of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Scribes. But clearly even believers are vulnerable to the sin of hypocrisy. So pause a moment and do a "cardiac" checkup. Pr 15:3+ says "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Watching the evil and the good." The upshot is that absolutely nothing we think, do or say escapes the omniscient eye of God (Corollary - Secret sin on earth is open scandal in Heaven!). It follows that no one escapes exposure and that everyone will be revealed. We all do well to practice the truth of the second clause in Proverbs 28:13 "He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion." But beware, that if you are living a double life now, be sure it will be revealed one day. Utley on covered up - This is a periphrastic perfect passive indicative. Sinful humans attempt to completely conceal their sins and bad attitudes, but they cannot. The future passive indicative in Luke 12:2 ("will not be revealed. . .will not be known") point toward an eschatological judgment (cf. Luke 12:40,45-47). Jesus knew the true motives and thoughts of the human heart and mind, and one day all will know! The divine judgment will reveal the true intents and thoughts of the unbelieving heart. David Guzik The art of being a hypocrite depends on concealment, but one day all will be revealed. We can only be hypocrites before men, but never before God. He sees through the actor’s mask. In 1985, a nationally known evangelist and preacher (Jimmy Swaggart) wrote a book condemning sin in America, especially sexual sin and pornography. Just a short time later, he tearfully confessed years of involvement in these very sins, and promised repentance—but was arrested for similar crimes again a few years down the road. His hypocrisy may have surprised many people, but not God. God knew all along. John
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Spurgeon - It would be well if we all lived in such a fashion that we should not be ashamed to have everything we did placarded on the very sky. I have heard of one who said that he would like to have a window in his heart, so that everybody might see what was going on. I think that, if I had such a window in my heart, I should like to have shutters to it; and I question whether any man really could wish to have his heart open to the gaze of all mankind. But, at least, let our lives be such that we should not be ashamed for the universal eye to be fixed upon them. If thou art ashamed to have any one of thine actions known, be ashamed to do it. If thou wouldst be ashamed to hear again what thou was about to say, do not say it. Check thy tongue; be cautious and careful. Live ever as one who realizes God’s omniscience. While one of the ancient orators was speaking, on one occasion, all his hearers went away with the exception of Plato; but he continued to speak as eloquently as ever, for he said that Plato was a sufficient audience for any man. So, if there be no one but the eye of God looking upon thee, be just as careful as if thou were in the street, surrounded by thy fellow-creatures; nay, be more careful because thou art in the presence of thy Creator. (Luke 12 - Exposition) Abraham Lincoln is credited with saying, “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all the time.” A few weeks back an umpire by the name of Jim Joyce made the wrong call on the last out of a perfect game that was pitched by Armando Galarraga of the Detroit Tigers. A perfect game is when a pitcher gives up no hits, no walks, and there are no base runners of any kind during the game. It is very rare. Joyce called the runner safe when replays showed he was clearly out. It was a bad call. Jim Joyce proved himself to be a genuine and sincere person. When the game was over he watched the replay. To His credit he went to the Tiger locker room and apologized for missing the call. He made no excuses. He did not plead any extenuating circumstances. He said he was wrong and he was sorry. He said the same thing to the media. On the other side the pitcher who was denied the record book was equally gracious and kind. This mistake led to one of the finest expressions of sportsmanship we have ever seen. This is the kind of character Jesus encourages us to pursue. Arthur Conan Doyle of Sherlock Holmes fame used to playfully tell a bogus tale about how he sent a telegram to each of twelve friends, all men of great virtue, reputation, and considerable position in society. The message simply said: “Fly at once, all is discovered.” Within twenty-four hours, Doyle says, all twelve had left the country![1] ILLUSTRATION - THE TRUTH WILL COME OUT - Early in 1996, the body of the former ambassador to Switzerland (M. Larry Lawrence) was buried in Arlington Cemetery, America's graveyard of war heroes. His granite tombstone read, "S1C [Seaman First Class] U.S. Merchant Marine." But according to Don Van Natta Jr. and Elaine Sciolino in the New York Times, on December 11, 1997, cemetery workers hauled that tombstone away, and they exhumed the casket. (READ THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE) The reason: the man had lied. For years he told others he had served on the Coast Guard ship Horace Bushnell during World War II. He said the Germans torpedoed the ship, and he had been thrown overboard, sustaining a head injury. In fact, records showed that at the time he said he was serving in the Merchant Marine he was actually attending Wilbur Wright College in Chicago. The Coast Guard had no record of his serving in the Merchant Marine, and of course he had never earned the rank of seaman first class. Somehow his lie was not discovered when the State Department investigated his background, and he was approved as an ambassador. Somehow his body was permitted to be buried in Arlington Cemetery with a tombstone engraved with a lie, but to no surprise, the truth eventually came out. The truth always will. Mr. Lawrence's misrepresentations went undetected in his lifetime by almost everyone, including President Clinton, who considered him a friend....Mr. Clinton told the mourners how Mr. Lawrence had suffered a serious head injury when he was thrown overboard from his ship, the Horace Bushnell, after it was hit by a German torpedo in the last days of World War II. He ''showed the same courage and resolve he had shown as a young merchant marine during World War II,'' the President said. It was not until last weekend that it became known that on the day the Bushnell was torpedoed, Mr. Lawrence was in his native Chicago, attending classes at Wilbur Wright College. Now there are regrets and soul-searching. (From the N Y Times - very interesting reading, even for the liberal N Y Times!) Luke 12:4 "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. KJV Luke 12:4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. I say to you, My friends Song of Solomon 5:1,16; Isa 41:8; Jn 15:14; James 2:23 do not be afraid of those who kill the body - Isa 51:7-13; Jer 1:8,17; 26:14,15; Ezek 2:6; Da 3:16,17; Mt 10:28; Acts 4:13; 20:24; Phil 1:28; 1 Pet 3:14; Rev 2:10 Luke 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 12:1-12 Confessing or Denying Christ? - Steven Cole Luke 12:1-7 A Certain Cure for Hypocrisy, Part 1 - John MacArthur Matthew's parallel passage Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted. COMMENT - We fear man's criticism, rejection, being left alone. What is the "snare" or the result of being ensnared by the "fear of man"? We become men pleasers (Ga 1:10) and we try to do whatever it takes to make men like me. We cannot be a bondservant of God and a slave of man. If you want to walk as without the fear of man, then you must walk as a "God-pleaser". Mt 10:28-31+ “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29“Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 “So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. Jeremiah 1:8 Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD. Isaiah 51:12-13 “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies And of the son of man who is made like grass, 13 That you have forgotten the LORD your Maker, Who stretched out the heavens And laid the foundations of the earth, That you fear continually all day long because of the fury of the oppressor, As he makes ready to destroy? But where is the fury of the oppressor? Luke 11:49+ ( “For this reason also the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and some they will persecute, James 2:23+ the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God. Psalm 41:9 Even my close friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me. (FULFILLED IN John 13:18) DISCIPLES WARNED NOT TO FEAR MAN I say (present tense) to you My friends (philos) - I say is emphatic in the Greek (first in the Greek sentence) and is in the present tense. Listen up! Friends is the antithesis of the hostile Pharisees! This is the only use of my friends (philos) in the Synoptic Gospels. Recall that Luke is has addressed this great Gospel to a friend (lover) of God, Theophilus (Lk 1:3+, Acts 1:1+) In John, Jesus calls His inner circle of disciples His friends... John 15:13-15 “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you (OBEDIENCE > BLESSING - cf Lk 11:28+). No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. THOUGHT - Are you a friend of Jesus? Is this truth not one of the incomparable fruits of God's amazing grace (Eph 2:8, 9+)? Is this thought not too precious to even contemplate! And this friendship will last forever! Do we really understand that the Lord of the Universe, the coming King of kings is also our FRIEND? May the Spirit comfort our hearts and illuminate our minds with this priceless truth. In Jesus' Name. Amen. Draw me close to You Never let me go I lay it all down again To hear You say that I'm Your friend You are my Desire No one else will do Moody Bible Commentary on the context of this next section (Lk 12:4-7) - Jesus next warned His disciples (My friends, 12:4) about the danger of the fear of man. This is a danger to which disciples are often exposed and may result in a denial of the faith or a failure to maintain expressed convictions. Pressure often causes people to "go along to get along." Do not be afraid (phobeo) of those who kill (apokteino) the body - The phrase do not be afraid in some Greek texts is aorist passive subjunctive but in other texts is considered an aorist imperative (see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey)(I favor the imperative in this context - here is the explanatory note in the Analytical Greek NT by Friberg = "verb subjunctive aorist passive 2nd person plural functioning as verb imperative aorist passive 2nd person plural from phobeo"). In either event, do not be afraid of those who have the temporal power to murder your body. In context who would the murderers most likely be? The religious leaders are clearly in Jesus' mind in this section, for they would be the very ones who would kill the body of Jesus through the instrumentation of the Romans (Lk 9:22, Lk 11:49, Lk 18:33, Lk 20:14, Jn 16:2, Acts 7:57-60+, Acts 12:1-2, 3+)! And we know that after Jesus died, a Pharisee named Saul was "breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord." (Acts 9:1+, cf Acts 8:1-2+, Acts 22:4+, Acts 26:10-11+) Jesus is saying that those who threatened to kill them (and were successful with godly men like Stephen - Acts 7:1-60+) And after that have no more that they can do - They cannot kill the soul and they cannot inflict permanent harm, for death is liberation for a believer (Php 1:21). For a believer the "worst" they can do to us is actually the "best" in the sense that it takes us into the presence of Jesus forever. Hypocrites however fear men. They fear what others think. But since they do not fear God, they have a sobering reason to be afraid, for God can take not only their earthly life but their eternal soul (Lk 12:5)! This instruction would proof "prophetic" for all except John died a martyr's death. Mattoon - Death is probably the greatest fear that most people face. They fear the pain involved with it and the mystery or unknown elements of death. Jesus instructs His disciples to not be afraid of those who can kill the body. If they do this, they are powerless. There is nothing more they can do. If you know Christ as your Savior, you need not fear death. You have a home in Heaven. Because the Lord is your shepherd, you can find peace as the curtain is drawn on your life. The spirit of fear is not from the Lord. The power to conquer that fear, however, is from Him. Paul said in the second epistle of Timothy, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Ti 1:7-note). (Rod Mattoon - Treasures from Luke)
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Spurgeon - And how brave we shall be if we fear God! It is well put in that psalm which we sometimes sing, — “Fear him, ye saints, and you will then Have nothing else to fear.” This great filial fear will chase out all the little, mean, graven fears, for he who, in the scriptural sense, fears God, can never be a coward in dealing with men. (Luke 12 - Exposition) "Fear God and you will have no one else to fear." Fear (phobeo) the One... fear (phobeo) Him - Two commands to fear God. God Alone desires our reverential fear. Both of these fears are in the aorist imperative and thus call for (1) immediate obedience and (2) for the hearer to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey. In fact only a believer can truly (in the right sense) fear God for Paul writes on unbelievers that "There is no fear of God before their eyes." (Ro 3:18+, Ps 36:1) For believers fear of God in fact is a blessing, the psalmist writing "Praise the LORD! How blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who greatly delights in His commandments." (Ps 112:1) and "How blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways." (Ps 128:1, see blessings enumerated in Ps 128:2-4) (See The Fear of the Lord) Note that one of the surest ways we know we have a proper fear of the LORD is that we keep His commandments (with delight, not drudgery, by the Spirit, not legalistically) (See Eccl 12:13). In the last book of the Bible, the Revelation of Jesus Christ, the apostle John describes an incredible global event which I think will occurs at the mid-point of the seven year period commonly referred to as the "Tribulation" or as Daniel's Seventieth Week. The mid-point of this seven years is demarcated by the abomination of desolation which Jesus described in Mt 24:15-note, the event which "ignites" the last 3.5 years He referred to as "The Great Tribulation" (Mt 24:21-note) (which Jeremiah 30:7-note called "the time of Jacob’s distress" and Daniel 12:1-note termed " a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time"), during which the Antichrist carries out the most horrible holocaust the world has ever known. And so it should not surprise us that God would answer Habakkuk's prayer "In wrath remember mercy." (Hab 3:2-note). And how does God "remember mercy" in the Revelation in a world on the edge of the impending, indescribable horrors of the Great Tribulation? You are probably wondering, how does this relate to "fear the One...fear Him?" Let's read John's words for the answer... And I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven, having an eternal Gospel (the same one proclaimed throughout history) to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people (cf those who describes as saved in Rev 7:9-note); and he said with a loud voice, “Fear (aorist imperative = command calling them to "Do this now!" "Don't delay!" It is urgent!) God, and give (also aorist imperative) Him the glory because the hour of His judgment has come; worship (proskuneo = bow down - aorist imperative) Him Who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.” (Revelation 14:6-7+) Comment: So what is the "Gospel" that is proclaimed to the whole world. Fear God. John
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Spurgeon - God does not forget the sparrows, but he regards you with far greater interest and care, for he counts the very hairs of your head. He not only knows that there is such a person, but he knows the minutest details of your life and being. It is always a great comfort to remember that our Heavenly Father knows us. A dying man, who had been for many years a believer, had a minister at his bedside who said to him, “Don’t you know Jesus?” “Yes, Sir,” he replied, “I do, but the ground of my comfort is that he knows me.” And, surely, there is a great force in that truth. Your Heavenly Father knows you so completely that he has counted the hairs of your head: “Fear not therefore; ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (Luke 12 - Exposition)
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Spurgeon - The Reward of Confessing Christ - (Spurgeon speaks of the "real reward" for confessing Christ!) There was a prince of right royal blood, who once upon a time left his father's palace and journeyed into a distant part of the king's dominions, where he was little known and cared for. He was a true prince, and he had about his face those princely marks — that strange divinity which doth hedge a king — that might have made the onlooker know that he was right royal. But when he came into the place, the people said, "This is the heir to the throne; let us insult him, let us hoot him!" Others said, he was no heir at all. And they agreed to set him in the pillory. As he stood there, every man did pelt him with all kinds of filth, and used all manner of hard words towards him; and they said, "Who dare acknowledge him for a prince? who dare stand by him?" There stood up one from the crowd, and said, "I dare!" They set him up in the pillory side ,by side with the prince; and when they threw their filth on the prince it fell on him, and when they spoke hard words of the prince they spoke hard words of him. He stood there, smiling, and received it all. Now and then a tear stole down his cheek; but that was for them, that they should thus ill-treat their sovereign. Years went by, the king came into those dominions and subdued them; and there came a day of triumph over the conquered city: streamers hung from every windows and the streets were strewn with roses. There came the king's troops dressed in burnished armour of gold, with plumes upon their glittering helmets. The music rang right sweetly, for all the trumpets of glory sounded. It was from heaven they had come. The prince rode through the streets in His glorious chariot; and when He came to the gates of the city, there were the traitors all bound in chains. They stood before Him trembling. He singled out from among the crowd one man only who stood free and unfettered, and He said to the traitors, "Know ye this man? He stood with Me in that day when ye treated Me with scorn and indignation. He shall stand with Me in the day of My glory. Come up hither!" said He. And amidst the sounding of trumpets and the voice of acclamation, the poor, despised, and rejected citizen of that rebellious city rode through the streets in triumph, side by side with his King, who clothed him in purple, and set a crown of pure gold upon his head. Steven
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Spurgeon - What courage this ought to give us! In company where the very name of Christ is kicked about like a football, — where everything is respected except true religion, — it is not always an easy thing to come forward, and say, “I also am his disciple.” But if you will do this, you have Christ’s pledge that he will own you before the angels of God. If you do not do so, but practically deny him by a shameful silence, you may reasonably expect that he also will deny you before the angels. (Luke 12 - Exposition) He who denies (arneomai in aorist middle = he himself denies) Me before (emprosthen) men will be (future = prophetic warning) denied (aparneomai) before (emprosthen) the angels of God - It is interesting that the first use of before (emprosthen) is in Mt 5:16+ where disciples are commanded to “Let your light shine (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) before (emprosthen)men"! Here Jesus describes the essentially the antithesis of that use! Matthew 10:33 has before My Father instead of before the angels of God, but Jesus' point is the same in both passages. Notice that this in a sense is a conditional promise, but it is also a strong and clear warning. Keep in mind that the verb deny also carries the sense of disown. We need to ponder the thought of disowning Jesus, lest He disown us. Don't misunderstand for Jesus is not speaking about denial or disowning indicating that such a person loses their salvation. While a genuine believer (like Peter) may deny Him occasionally, they will not continually deny Him. Denial of Jesus is not the pattern of their life. Only an unbeliever continually denies or disowns Jesus and these false professors and hypocrites will be "flushed out" in the future at the judgment by God Who sees their hearts! THOUGHT- Be aware that there are some evangelical writers (e.g., Thomas Constable) who state that the terms "believer" and "disciple" are not the same. This aberrant teaching allows them to come to a passage like Luke 12:9 and say that those who fail to acknowledge Jesus (and in effect deny Him) will not receive a reward (or will lose their rewards) at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The specific verb deny (arneomai) is never used anywhere else in the NT in the context of rewards, so to invoke that meaning here seems a bit of a stretch. The "Gospel truth" is that it is not rewards deniers of Christ will lose at the Judgment Seat of Christ but it eternal life they will lose at the Great White Throne judgment, where sadly they will receive their just "reward" of eternal punishment! See Jesus' strong warning in Matthew 7:21-23+ for the "many" (not few) who claim with their lips to know Him, but with their life (habitual practice of lawlessness) deny Him. John Martin - To acknowledge denotes the fact that the disciples recognized Him as the Messiah and therefore they had access to the way of salvation. Those who did not acknowledge Him were denying themselves the way of salvation. (See context - Bible Knowledge Commentary - An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty - NOTE: MARTIN IS ALSO AT SAME SEMINARY AS CONSTABLE BUT HOLDS A DIAMETRICALLY OPPOSITE VIEWPOINT WHICH IS MORE IN KEEPING WITH MOST CONSERVATIVE EVANGELICAL COMMENTATORS AS SHOWN BELOW) Leon
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Spurgeon - I have often been amazed and delighted with the remarkable answers which were given to bishops and priests by poor humble men and women who were on trial for their lives. Perhaps you remember that Anne Askew was asked, in order to entangle her in her speech, “What would become of a mouse if it ate the bread of the holy sacrament? “She said that was too deep a question for a poor woman like her to answer, and she begged the learned bishop on the bench to tell her what would become of the mouse; to which his lordship answered that it would be damned. Now, what reply could be given to that but the one Anne Askew gave, “Alack, poor mouse!” I do not know that anything better could have been said; and, on other occasions, there have been answers which have been deeply theological, and there have been some which have been wisely evasive and, also some full of weight, and others full of grace and truth, for the Holy Ghost has helped his saints, in time of persecution, to answer well those who have accused them. He has often done this. If you will read, in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, the answers given even by unlearned, illiterate men and women, who were taken quite at unawares, and assailed by subtle questions, you will see that they often answered in a remarkably wise way. They could not have answered better if the questions had been before them for months. They frequently burned their cunning adversaries by their wisdom and sometimes by their wit, for the Holy Ghost taught them in the same hour what they ought to speak. (Luke 12 - Exposition) Bock - God’s care for disciples was mentioned in Luke 12:6–7. Here Jesus specifies an aspect of that care: God will provide the Spirit to help them answer their accusers. The answer will come immediately....To those who depend on God in the hour of testing the Spirit offers aid so that they can confess their faith. Paul makes a similar request for boldness (Eph. 6:18–20; Col. 4:3–4), as does the early church (Acts 4:24–30). (Luke 9:51-24:53 (Baker Exegetical Commentary ) (You can borrow Bock's IVP Commentary on Luke - click Luke) David Guzik makes a good point that Jesus' promise " isn’t a justification of poor preparation in teaching and preaching God’s Word, but it is a promise of strength and guidance for the persecuted that have an opportunity to testify of Jesus." “Alice Driver, martyr, at her examination, put all the doctors to silence, so that they had not a word to say, but looked upon another. Then she said, Have ye no more to say? God be honored; you be not able to resist the Spirit of God in me, a poor woman … So the chancellor condemned her, and she returned to the prison as joyful as the bird of the day.” (Trapp) She was burned at the stake two weeks before the end of Queen Mary’s reign (Bloody Mary). In that very hour - His grace is sufficient and is provided when it is needed. At the moment of need, then and not before, you will know what to say. This may entail waiting on (and trusting in) the Lord as Isaiah says Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. (Isaiah 40:31-note) Will teach (1321)(didasko from dáo= know or teach; English = didactic; see study of related noun didaskalia and the adjective didaktikos) means to provide instruction or information in a formal or informal setting. To be taught by the Spirit, we must make the (Spirit enabled) choice to set aside your human reasons (initiated by our flesh). Didasko is used of the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit in John 14:26 and 1 John 2:27-note. Didasko in Luke and Acts - Lk. 4:15; Lk. 4:31; Lk. 5:3; Lk. 5:17; Lk. 6:6; Lk. 11:1; Lk. 12:12; Lk. 13:10; Lk. 13:22; Lk. 13:26; Lk. 19:47; Lk. 20:1; Lk. 20:21; Lk. 21:37; Lk. 23:5; Acts 1:1; Acts 4:2; Acts 4:18; Acts 5:21; Acts 5:25; Acts 5:28; Acts 5:42; Acts 11:26; Acts 15:1; Acts 15:35; Acts 18:11; Acts 18:25; Acts 20:20; Acts 21:21; Acts 21:28; Acts 28:31; Ought (better = "Must" or "what is necessary to say")(1163) (dei from deo = to bind or tie objects together, put in prison and also root of doulos, bond-servant) refers to what is not optional but needful (binding) out of intrinsic necessity or inevitability. Dei refers to inward constraint which is why it is often translated "must". Dei describes that which is under the necessity of happening or which must necessarily take place, and as stated above, conveys a sense of inevitability. To express the sense of necessity dei is translated "one ought", "one should", "one has to" or "one must". Dei in Luke and Acts - Lk. 2:49; Lk. 4:43; Lk. 9:22; Lk. 11:42; Lk. 12:12; Lk. 13:14; Lk. 13:16; Lk. 13:33; Lk. 15:32; Lk. 17:25; Lk. 18:1; Lk. 19:5; Lk. 21:9; Lk. 22:7; Lk. 22:37; Lk. 24:7; Lk. 24:26; Lk. 24:44; Acts 1:16; Acts 1:21; Acts 3:21; Acts 4:12; Acts 5:29; Acts 9:6; Acts 9:16; Acts 14:22; Acts 15:5; Acts 16:30; Acts 17:3; Acts 19:21; Acts 20:35; Acts 23:11; Acts 24:19; Acts 25:10; Acts 25:24; Acts 26:9; Acts 27:21; Acts 27:24; Acts 27:26; “Alice Driver, martyr, at her examination, put all the doctors to silence, so that they had not a word to say, but looked upon another. Then she said, Have ye no more to say? God be honored; you be not able to resist the Spirit of God in me, a poor woman … So the chancellor condemned her, and she returned to the prison as joyful as the bird of the day.” (Trapp) She was burned at the stake two weeks before the end of Queen Mary’s reign (Bloody Mary). ILLUSTRATION - When we look at the life of Martin Luther, we find that the Lord helped him in a time of danger and oppression. When Martin Luther first stood before the Diet at Worms, John Eck, the Archbishop of Trier, asked him, "Martin Luther, do you recant of the heresies in your writings?... Do you defend them all, or do you care to reject a part?" Martin gave the quiet answer, "This touches God and His Word. This affects the salvation of souls. Of this Christ said, 'He who denies me before men, him will I deny before the Father.' To say too little or too much would be dangerous. I beg you, give me time to think it over." Luther asked for twenty-four hours to consider the situation he was facing in his life. John Eck and the whole assembly were amazed. How could the supreme intellectual leader of this movement ask for more time to think? Was he succumbing to fear? What was going on in this man's heart? That night Luther and his colleagues passionately called out to God in prayer. With the rising of the sun, another, larger hall was chosen, and it was so crowded that scarcely anyone except the emperor could sit. John Eck spoke long and eloquently in the flickering candlelight, concluding, "I ask you, Martin, answer candidly and without horns, do you or do you not repudiate your books and the errors which they contain?" Luther spoke, and his voice rang. He spoke first in German and then in Latin: "Since then your Majesty and your lordships desire a simple reply, I will, answer without horns and without teeth. Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason, I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other. My conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen." (See Christian History article; See also Blog by John
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Spurgeon - Our Lord kept to his proper business, which was the preaching of the gospel and the healing of the sick. We find, in these days, that the minister of the gospel is asked to do almost everything. He must be a politician; he must be a social reformer; he must be I know not what. For my part, I often feel as if I could answer, “Who made me to do anything of the kind? If I can preach the gospel, I shall have done well if I do that to the glory of God, and to the salvation of men. Surely there are enough people to be judges and dividers, there are quite sufficient politicians to attend to politics, and plenty of men who feel themselves qualified to direct social reforms. Some of us may be spared to attend to spiritual affairs.” (Luke 12 - Exposition) Teacher (didaskalos), tell (aorist imperative = do this now! Don't delay!) my brother (adelphos) to divide (merizo) the family inheritance with me - This man is actually giving the Lord of the Universe a command to carry out immediately! Talk about Hebrew Chutzpah! Bock says in calling Jesus Teacher "shows people view him as a respected rabbi. A rabbi would often settle such disputes about inheritance because the regulations on them appear in the Pentateuch and the rabbi interpreted Torah (Deut. 21:15–17; Num. 27:1–11; 36:7–9) (See Luke - Baker Exegetical Commentary) This man is actually commanding Jesus what to do! He must have heard some of Jesus' discourse but could care less about eternal spiritual matters and instead is focused on temporal material interests! The way this is stated indicates the other brother possesses the inheritance and this brother wants a portion of the possession. Given that Jesus' "reply" (which was really a question in Lk 12:14) led to a discourse on greed, it is very likely that the underlying motive for this somewhat abrupt question was greed or covetousness. According to the law of the day, the elder brother received two-thirds of the inheritance and the younger brother received one-third. Leon
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Spurgeon - There were empty cupboards in the houses of the poor, and there were hungry children to be filled; so this man need not have lacked room where he could bestow his fruits. (Luke 12 - Exposition) Reasoning (pondering) (1260)(dialogizomai from dia = intensifies meaning + logizomai - to reason, reckon, consider. Related to our English word "dialogue" a conversation between two or more people) means to consider, reason or reckon thoroughly, to think through, to deliberate by reflection. "To bring together different reasons." (Vine) To hold a discussion. To take full account of, to stop to consider, to distinguish between. To think about or reason in one's mind alone. The imperfect tense indicates he was doing this over and over. It was something that he was really thinking through carefully. His thoughts were tethered to earth, not heaven. Dialogizomai - 15v - discuss(4), discussing(1), pondering(1), reason(1), reasoned(1), reasoning(7), wondering(1) Matt. 16:7; Matt. 16:8; Matt. 21:25; Mk. 2:6; Mk. 2:8; Mk. 8:16; Mk. 8:17; Mk. 9:33; Mk. 11:31; Lk. 1:29; Lk. 3:15; Lk. 5:21; Lk. 5:22; Lk. 12:17; Lk. 20:14 Luke 12:18 "Then he said, 'This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. KJV Luke 12:18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. Luke 12:21; 18:4,6; Ps 17:14; James 3:15; 4:15 Luke 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 12:13-21 How To Be Really Rich - Steven Cole Luke 12:13-21 The Rich Fool - John MacArthur A BAD CASE OF "I"-ITIS! Then he said, 'This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. - I...my...I...I...my - Note how often the first person pronoun and possessives are used which indicate the farmer is totally self absorbed, focused on his self indulgence. "I" and "my" are also prominent in Lk 12:17 and Lk 12:19 (Total - 8 I’s and 4 my’s...OH MY!). This man is all about SELF! That's a major problem because as Jesus said “No one can serve (douleuo) two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve (douleuo) God and wealth (mammonas). (Mt 6:24+) Gary Inrig agrees that Jesus portrays an man dominated by "selfishness: “I … I … I”—six times over. He is totally preoccupied with himself. For him, the purpose of having is self-indulgence. “I deserve it; I owe it to myself; I’ll do it my way”—all the anthems and slogans of twentieth-century selfists were known to their first-century cousins. (Borrow The parables : understanding what Jesus meant - see page 93) People who are satisfied only with the things that money can buy are in great danger of losing the things that money cannot buy. -- Warren Wiersbe
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Spurgeon - It is “my” all through, — my fruits, my barns, my goods. The man was eaten up with selfishness, and did not recognize the fact of his stewardship. He did not know that even his own soul did not belong to him; he thought it did: “I will say to my soul,” (Luke 12 - Exposition) Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come - The farmer first boasted about his wealth and now his health! Or so he thought! James speaks to this deceptive mode of thinking "Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” (James 4:13-15+) Gary Inrig says this man was marked by "materialism. The purpose of having barns is to get bigger barns, and the good life comes from having good things. The quality of the future he anticipates is directly related to the size of the barns he builds. He could no more be content with medium-sized barns than Imelda Marcos could be content with ten pairs of shoes!" (Borrow The parables : understanding what Jesus meant - see page 93) R Kent
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Spurgeon - Other men said of him, “This is a wise man; he minds the main chance; he is a fellow plentifully endowed with good sense and prudence;” but God said unto him, “Thou fool, “ I should like you to set that up as the counter picture to the one that we had this morning, “Today shalt thou be with me in Paradise.” That was said by Christ to the penitent thief, but to this impenitent rich man, God said, “This night thy soul shall be required of thee.” ....“Thou fool.” That is God’s opinion of the man who means to build bigger barns in order that he may himself enjoy what is about to be taken away from him. He was a fool to be laying up in store for others to scatter. Many a miser’s heirs have lived to ridicule him. He was the rake that gathered up a heap of gold, and they are the shovel and fork that scatter it. They drink the old man’s health, and are much obliged to him for stinting himself that they may drink so deeply.(Luke 12 - Exposition) Gary Inrig - In God’s eyes, he is a fool to be pitied. The term fool in biblical language is not a description of mental ability but of spiritual discernment. In the Old Testament language of Psalms and Proverbs, a fool is an individual who makes choices as if God doesn’t exist and who lives as if God hasn’t spoken. Eleven times over, we hear “I” and “my” in this man’s words. For all intents and purposes, God does not exist. (Borrow The parables : understanding what Jesus meant - see page 93) ESV Study Note - Though this verse does not prohibit wealth, Jesus clearly warns his hearers concerning the dangerous eternal implications of wealth, with its seductive tendency toward complacency, self-sufficiency, and covetousness (Borrow ESV Study Bible) Warren
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Spurgeon - “He that layeth up treasure for himself.” That was the chief point of this man’s wrongdoing, his selfishness. His charity began at home, and ended there; he lived only for himself. (Luke 12 - Exposition) The crucial issue in life is not the amount of our treasure, but the location of it. -- Gary Inrig NET Note - It is selfishness that is rebuked here, in the accumulation of riches for himself. Recall the emphasis on the first person pronouns throughout the parable. (Luke 12)
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Spurgeon - Here our Saviour shows us the frail nature of the tenure upon which we hold all earthly goods, and how it is not worth while to make these the chief things of our life; for, while they may leave us, we are quite sure by-and- by, to have to leave them. (Luke 12 - Exposition Lest we be like this fool we all need to hear and heed the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount where He used the same verb theaurizo to explain an "investment strategy" which will guarantee the highest yield (forever!)…this is the ultimate "hedge fund!".... Do not lay up present imperative with a negative = command to stop action already in process) for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. (The saying is true… You can't take it with you!) "But lay up (present imperative = make this the habit of your life! Don't be stingy! The only way to keep this continually is to continually filled with the Holy Spirit! Eph 5:18+) for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal (Mt 6:19-10+) Having possessions is not wrong, it is putting your security in them that is wrong. -- Hampton Keathley And is not rich (plouteo) toward God - Here is the point of the parable - As the rich fool discovered you can't take it with you. But you can send it on ahead, by investing in God's kingdom work. THOUGHT - This pithy parable begs the question of every reading it -- where are you investing your treasure? We should focus not on earthly riches but heavenly riches. Store up an abundant "harvest" in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy and thief does no break in to steal, for where you treasure is, there is your heart (cf Mt 6:19-21). Gary Inrig - In the moment of truth, the wealthy farmer realizes that he has worked so hard for so little. He has invested in the passing, not in the permanent. What makes death hard is the evaluation of what we lose by it. This is a man who is leaving everything behind—the barns he has built, the people he has controlled, the prestige he has acquired. Death strips him bare and reveals him for who he is, a man who “stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” That last statement forces us to sober reflection. Am I a fool in God’s eyes? What label would He attach to my life? Jim Elliot’s familiar words merit careful consideration: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” (Borrow The parables : understanding what Jesus meant - see page 93) On our money we Americans print the slogan “In God we trust.” Fine words—but do we trust God on our money or with our money? -- Gary Inrig Hampton Keathley - The rich man made at least four mistakes: (1) The rich man made the mistake of thinking he was the owner of his stuff when he was just a steward. We are just stewards of our stuff. (2) He was worried about the present and forgot about eternity. (3) He was concerned only for the physical and forgot about spiritual things. (4) He treasured stuff more than people. He lived an isolated life. This parable tells us how to define life. Most people define life in terms of material possessions, physical fitness or the future. This parable speaks loudly to our generation. Have you been defining life in your career, your house, your stock portfolio, in terms of what you can do physically, or the assumption that you will live much longer? What is going to happen when you lose one or more of those things? What happens when you get laid off? What happens when the stock market crashes? What happens when you get some disease which takes away your physical ability. What happens when you find out you only have six months to live? If you define life in these things, you will be devastated. Having possessions is not wrong, it is putting your security in them that is wrong. The rich man is not condemned for being rich. He is condemned for being self-centered, for not using his surplus to help others, for leaving God out of his life. (Luke 12:13-21 The Parable of the Rich Fool) David Guzik The man’s problem was not in that he had treasure on earth; but that he was not rich toward God.. We may become rich toward God by sacrificial giving to those in need (Luke 12:33, 18:22; 1 Timothy 6:17–19). Also, by trusting in Jesus for every necessary thing (Revelation 3:17–18).. We can’t obscure the fact that earthly riches often keep us from going after heavenly riches as we should. Paul wrote: 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. (1 Timothy 6:9) Most of us are afraid of poverty; we should be afraid of wealth.i. John Wesley’s taught and lived wisely regarding riches. He said that you should earn as much as you can, save as much as you can, and give as much as you can. He himself lived on £28 British pounds a year and gave the rest away, even when his salary went from £30 to £60 to £90 to £120 over his lifetime. Related Resources: How can we store up treasures in heaven? What is the Judgment Seat of Christ / Bema Seat of Christ? What is the purpose of there being rewards in heaven? Stores up treasure (2343)(theaurizo from thesaurós = a treasure, that which is deposited = place where something is kept. English = thesaurus, a treasury of words) means of keep some material thing (especially things of great value) safe by storing it. To store or treasure up goods for future use. Theaurizo means to do something that will bring about a future event or condition. The present tense indicates treasuring up treasure was his continual lifelong activity! Theaurizo - 8v - reserved(1), save(2), store(2), stored up...treasure(1), stores up treasure(1), storing(1). Matt. 6:19; Matt. 6:20; Lk. 12:21; Rom. 2:5; 1 Co. 16:2; 2 Co. 12:14; Jas. 5:3; 2 Pet. 3:7 Rich (abounding in riches)(4147)(plouteo from ploutos = wealth) means to be or become rich or wealthy (Lk 1:53, 1 Ti 6:9) and is used figuratively of spiritual riches (cp Lk 12:21, Rev 3:18 and literally in Rev 3:17!) Gilbrant - The stem of this verb goes back to a root common to many languages meaning “to fill” or “to be filled” (Hauck and Kasch, “ploutos,” Kittel, 6:319). From the classical Greek period to the New Testament era, the essential meaning remained “to be rich” or “to be wealthy,” primarily in a material way (for Aristotle, although Plato believed riches could also include virtue and wisdom [ibid., p.322])....In the 12 instances in the New Testament where the verb is found, plouteō many times has a figurative meaning, frequently suggesting spiritual liberality or fullness. For example, 1 Corinthians 4:8 says, “Now ye are full, now ye are rich,” and seems to imply spiritual wealth. A second passage is 2 Corinthians 8:9 which describes Jesus with the words, “Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor.” Again, it is not temporal wealth that is in view here, but a figurative or spiritual sense is suggested. (See also Luke 12:21; Romans 10:12.) When plouteō is to be taken literally, “to be rich” is usually (if not always) seen in a negative way and dissociated from the riches which come from God or which are associated with the godly life. Earthly wealth, which in the Old Testament is frequently a sign of God’s blessing, in the New Testament is seen as a possible hindrance to the heavenly riches (Luke 1:53; Revelation 3:17). However, a complete study of the New Testament words related to plouteō and of the theme of “wealth” itself will reveal that temporal wealth ought also to be viewed as a gift of God and used properly (cf. 1 Timothy 6:17-19). (Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary) Plouteo - 12v - abounding in riches(1), become rich(4), become wealthy(1), get rich(1), rich(5). Lk. 1:53; Lk. 12:21; Rom. 10:12; 1 Co. 4:8; 2 Co. 8:9; 1 Tim. 6:9; 1 Tim. 6:18; Rev. 3:17; Rev. 3:18; Rev. 18:3; Rev. 18:15; Rev. 18:19 Gary Inrig - The crucial issue in life is not the amount of our treasure, but the location of it. The rich man’s treasures were on earth. He was a fool because he built his life around what couldn’t last and what really didn’t matter. The disciple’s call is to be rich toward God, with a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted. D. L. Moody once said, “It does not take long to tell where a man’s treasure is. In fifteen minutes’ conversation with most men, you can tell whether their treasures are on earth or in heaven.” (ED: Woe! Are you as convicted as I am?) No one wants to be called a fool by God. How do we make sure that doesn’t happen? We can choose limits, not luxury, so our treasure can be invested in heaven. We can cultivate compassion, not greed. Most of all, we can pursue confidence in God, not money. On our money we Americans print the slogan “In God we trust.” Fine words—but do we trust God on our money or with our money? Writing of his slim financial resources in a time of escalating needs, a friend said, “If we find ourselves sinking, we will not cry ‘uncle.’ Instead, we will cry out ‘Father’ to the One who knows all our needs and possesses all resources.” Such a person has learned the wisdom of God. (Borrow The parables : understanding what Jesus meant - see page 93) A Wealth Of Poverty Read: Luke 12:16-21 Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. —Matthew 6:20 A band of gangsters in France got away with more than $3.5 million. But the thieves had a problem. The loot was in French coins worth only about $2 each and weighing a total of 17 tons! A Paris newspaper taunted the bandits with this statement: “You can’t buy a chateau, a car, or even a pair of crocodile shoes with bags of change. And if you go out to celebrate your coup, the owner of the smallest cafe will become suspicious before you drop the tenth coin on the counter.” The article continued, “Their punishment is included in their success. They will have to spend their loot franc by franc. They can buy millions of bottles of soft drinks. But what else?” Those robbers had what might be called a wealth of poverty. Although they were rich, they couldn’t spend their money for anything worthwhile. Their situation reminds me of people who spend a lifetime accumulating things while making no provision for eternity. They have material wealth but are spiritually poor. The poorest person is one whose only wealth is money. Buried Toys: Luke 12:16-21 Have you ever seen this bumper sticker? HE WHO DIES WITH THE MOST TOYS WINS. It’s a sad statement. For anyone living by that philosophy, death is the greatest of all tragedies. At that point, everything he’s lived for is gone. Where’s your treasure? Things of the world often pull at my heart, But, Lord, help me see the end from the start; Open my eyes to where my life's going, What I will reap from all I've been sowing. —K. De Haan Invest your life in what pays eternal dividends. Misplaced Treasure - Luke 12:13-21 Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. —Matthew 6:21 I once read about a man who bought a luxurious house and filled it with expensive and impressive furnishings. After taking a friend on a tour through the mansion’s many spacious rooms, the owner asked proudly, “Well, what do you think of it?” He expected to hear lavish praise, so he was stunned when his guest replied, “It is magnificent; but to be perfectly frank, things like this make a deathbed terrible.” In the parable of the rich farmer (Lk. 12:16-21), Jesus told about a man who thought riches could satisfy his soul (v.19). But God called him a fool, and said, “This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?” (v.20). If we cherish this world’s goods so much that the prospect of heaven loses its attraction, we can be sure that the earthly has become more valuable to us than the heavenly. The “treasure” we possess is misplaced. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Mt. 6:21). If we live for wealth and fame, We'll bring dishonor to Christ's name; But truth and light will flood our soul When we pursue a heavenly goal. —DJD Invest your life in what pays eternal dividends. Throughout history, much has been written about happiness and contentment. Two thousand years ago, Lucius Seneca wrote, "It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, who is poor." Fred Allen said, "I don't want to own anything that won't fit into my coffin." Someone else wrote, "Half the world is unhappy because it can't have the things that are making the other half unhappy." Steve Brown put it this way, "The most unhappy person in the world is not someone who didn't get what he or she wanted. The most unhappy person is the one who got what he or she wanted and then found out that it wasn't as wonderful as they expected." Beloved, the secret of a happy life and contentment is not getting what you want but living with contentment with what you already have. Most people spend their lives concentrating on what they don't have instead of thanking God for what they do have. They think that life consists of what you possess. When they finally wake up, their life is over, and they have missed the beauty of the present. Those who covet are like the bird, the oyster catcher. They lay two to three eggs, but will desert their nest for one that has four eggs if it is undefended by the parents. They are also attracted to larger eggs and will desert their nest for a nest that has larger eggs. They will even try to incubate eggs they cannot straddle. These birds are a fitting illustration of people not content with their present provisions. They are always wanting more or what is bigger. (Rod Mattoon - Treasures from Luke) HOW TO BE TRULY SUCCESSFUL: A very rich man, who had run after the things of the world and had overtaken them, lay dying. He was visited by the daughter of a friend with whom he had been associated in early youth, but who had left their profitable business to serve Christ. Now he too was dying but with great peace of mind and holy confidence. "You may wonder why I cannot be as happy and quiet as he," said the unsaved millionaire, "but just think of the difference between us. He is going to his treasure and I — I must leave mine!" One who feels wretched and defeated cannot be considered successful regardless of how much wealth he may have amassed, or how many honors may have been heaped upon him. Nor can any person be termed "successful" if he has lived his life with-out God. I can think of some very happy people who never acquired wealth or fame. An elderly couple I know are still deeply in love with each other and radiate spiritual joy. They have four children, all married and in full-time Christian service. They are truly successful! Some men will risk anything, will lie, cheat, and traffic in all sorts of dishonesty and immorality in order to obtain that illusive will-o'-the-wisp called fame! Joseph Stowell - MORE OF CHRIST - “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” —Mark 8:36–37 Jesus calls us to be “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21), but in a world obsessed with acquiring more, we are prone to live for the riches of our present world. Our concerns are intensified by mounting stacks of bills and the shrinking balance in our checkbook. Yet Paul teaches us that “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6 KJV). To watch our lives you would think he had said that godliness with gain would make us content. It’s easy to see ourselves in Luke 12:13. As the crowd moved along with Jesus, a man who no doubt had strained to catch Jesus’ attention catches Christ’s eyes and blurts out, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” Imagine having the opportunity to talk to Christ. You might expect that this man would have chosen some serious theme to probe the depths of Christ’s claims. He could have talked with the Savior about deep realities of life and eternity. He could have asked Jesus to bless his frail humanity. Instead, he asked for wealth—for his piece of the pie. He is Exhibit A of how easy it is to be obsessed with consumption. Jesus’ answer was honest and profound: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Lk 12:15). Jesus said the same thing in Mark 8:36–37: “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” There is something far more important than the more of this world: It is more of Jesus Christ. In Him alone we find true wealth and full contentment. The focus of our contentment needs to be our confidence in Christ, that He is aware of and will supply our needs, and that if we have Him, we have enough. Do you treasure Jesus and His gifts more than earthly gain? How does it show in your life? (Strength for the Journey) Gotquestions - The Parable of the Rich Fool can be found in Luke 12:13–21. The key to understanding this parable is in verse 15 (and later summarized in verse 21). Luke 12:15 says, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Jesus says this to the man who asked Him to arbitrate between him and his brother. In ancient times, the firstborn was guaranteed a double portion of the family inheritance. More than likely, the brother who was addressing Jesus was not the firstborn and was asking for an equal share of the inheritance. Jesus refuses to arbitrate their dispute and gets to the heart of the matter: Covetousness! Jesus warns this person, and all within earshot, that our lives are not to be about gathering wealth. Life is so much more than the “abundance of possessions.” Jesus proceeds to tell the man the Parable of the Rich Fool. This person was materially blessed by God; his land “produced plentifully” (verse 16). As God continued to bless the man, instead of using his increase to further the will of God, all he was interested in was managing his increase and accumulating his growing wealth. So the man builds larger barns in place of the existing ones and starts planning an early retirement. Unbeknownst to him, this was his last night on planet earth. Jesus then closes the story by saying, “So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” So the point of the Parable of the Rich Fool is twofold. First, we are not to devote our lives to the gathering and accumulation of wealth. There is an interesting point made in the parable. God says to the man in the story, “And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” This echoes the thought expressed in Ecclesiastes 2:18 (“I hated all my toil in which I toil under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the man who will come after me”). You see it all the time in people who are singularly devoted to the accumulation of wealth. What happens to all that wealth when they die? It gets left behind to others who didn’t earn it and won’t appreciate it. Furthermore, if money is your master, that means God is not (Matthew 6:24). The second point of the Parable of the Rich Fool is the fact that we are not blessed by God to hoard our wealth to ourselves. We are blessed to be a blessing in the lives of others, and we are blessed to build the kingdom of God. The Bible says if our riches increase, we are not to set our hearts upon them (Psalm 62:10). The Bible also says there is one who gives freely and grows all the richer (Proverbs 11:24). Finally, the Bible says we are to honor God with the first fruits of our increase (Proverbs 3:9–10). The point is clear; if we honor God with what He has given us, He will bless with more so that we can honor Him with more. There is a passage in 2 Corinthians that summarizes this aptly (2 Corinthians 9:6–15). In that passage Paul says, “And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that having all contentment in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” We are blessed by God, so we can in turn “abound in every good work” and be a blessing in the lives of others. So, if God has blessed you with material wealth “set not your heart on it” and “be rich toward God.” That is the message of the Parable of the Rich Fool. (Gotquestions) Luke 12:22 And He said to His disciples, "For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. KJV Luke 12:22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. do not worry about your life Luke 12:29; Mt 6:25-34; 1 Cor 7:32; Phil 4:6; Heb 13:5 Luke 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 12:22-34 How to Solve Worries About Money - Steven Cole Luke 12:22-25 Anxiety-Free Living, Pt. 1 - John MacArthur Similar passages - Matt. 6:19–21, 25–34; 19:21; Mark 10:21; Luke 11:41; 18:22 For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; (phrase added by Matthew) nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? (Mt 6:25) AVOID ANXIETY OVER FOOD AND CLOTHING And He said to His disciples (mathetes) - Recall that Jesus has been addressing the crowd (and the disciples), but now turns to direct His remarks to His disciples. For this reason I say to you, do not worry (merimnao) about your life (psuche), as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on - This group designated disciples included the inner 12, others who had believed in Him (probably the 70 of Lk 10:1), and others who were undecided (cf Lk 12:41). Jesus gives a command which is present imperative with a negative (see need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) which means "Stop being worried." Or "Don't begin to worry." Stop fretting, being weighed down with cares, being distracted and distressed, being troubled. Clearly God's will for His children is not to worry which is an important truth to recall to your mind, for whatever God wills (His desire is we do not worry and fret), He always enables by His grace and His Spirit. A lack of anxiety about basic daily needs is to characterize the disciple. Notice that this word merimnao occurs 3 times in this section (Lk 12:22, 25, 26), which places strong emphasis on Jesus' instruction about worrying. We need to hear and heed His word of truth on anxiety and worry. For this reason (because of this) - term of conclusion. Whenever you encounter a term of conclusion consider the "5P's" - Pause to Ponder the Passage then Practice it in the Power of the Spirit. Because of the futility of storing up possessions for this life, don't worry about this life! MacArthur thinks for this reason "connects what Jesus was about to say with what He had just said. He had confronted His hearers with a choice. They could, like the foolish man in the parable, store up treasure on earth. Or they could be rich toward God and store up treasure in heaven (Lk 12:21; cf. Mt. 6:19–21+)." Darrell Bock feels the idea is that "One should not deal with anxiety by pursuing possessions; rather one should trust God to meet needs." (Baker Exegetical Commentary) What had He just stated? He had given them the choice between the rich fool who stores up for himself treasure on earth and the truly rich person who stores up treasure in heaven. He stated the same truth in Matthew explaining that “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. (Mt 6:24+). J C Ryle on Luke 12:22-31 - We have in these verses a collection of striking arguments against over-anxiety about the things of this world. At first sight they may seem to some minds simple and common place. But the more they are pondered, the more weighty will they appear. An abiding recollection of them would save many Christians an immense amount of trouble. Leon
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Spurgeon - Have no anxious, carking care. Do not be looking after the inferior things, and neglecting your soul. Take care of your soul; your body will take care of itself better than your soul can. The raiment for the body will come in due time; but the clothing for the soul is the all-important matter. Therefore, see to that. (Luke 12 - Exposition) R Kent
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Spurgeon - The best cure for the cares of this life is to care much to please God. If we loved him better, we should love the world far less, and be less troubled about our portion in it. (Luke 12 - Exposition) There is a subtle distinction between worry and concern, for whereas worry tends to "paralyze" us and decreases initiative, genuine concern tends to motivate us to take the initiative. Worry fears the worse and tries to control the future, whereas godly concern hopes for the best and redeems the future. Worry does not give God the glory due Him (Mt 5:16+) and tends to take our mind off of the things that are important, whereas genuine concern tends to direct our focus to those things that are truly important. A good antidote for present worry is to maintain a "future focus", continually contemplating the things above (Col 3:1+, Col 3:2+) and the things to come, especially our blessed future hope (Titus 2:13+). "Amid fret and worry a hope of heaven is an effectual balm." (Spurgeon) See discussion of this spiritual dynamic I like to call "Vertical Vision."
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Spurgeon - What a title to address to us, — “O ye of little faith!” — but, depend upon it, we deserve it when we are full of anxious care. Much care argues little faith. When faith is strong, she casts all her care on him who careth for us. Oh, that we could but be rid of that which, after all, is not our business, and give our whole mind, and heart, and soul, to what is our business, namely, to please our Creator, our Redeemer, our Friend!....‘Little faith’ is not a little fault; for it greatly wrongs the Lord, and sadly grieves the fretful mind. To think the Lord who clothes the lilies will leave his own children naked is shameful. O little faith, learn better manners!” (Luke 12 - Exposition)
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Spurgeon - So that, with the knowledge of his guarantees to you that you shall always have enough, what need have you to be careworn and anxious? I have often looked at birds in a cage, and thought of the happiness and carelessness of heart which they seem to exhibit; and yet, if you were to forget to give them water, or if you were to fail to give them seed, how soon they would die! Perhaps the little creature has not enough to last it more than one day, but it goes on singing its tune, and leaves all anxiety about the morrow to those whose business it is to care for it. You would be ashamed to let your bird starve; and will your Heavenly Father let you, who are not his birds, but his children, starve? Oh, no! “Your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.”....It seems, then, that those that are fed by God are much better fed than those that are fed by men. The ravens know no care whatever, for God cares for them; and, if we could ever bring our hearts into such a condition that we felt that everything to do with us was in God’s hand, we should enter into a blessed, hallowed freedom from care in which we should find a sweet repose of spirit. (Luke 12 - Exposition) “Beneath the spreading heavens, No creature but is fed; And He who feeds the ravens, Will give his children bread.” Steven
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Spurgeon - “You cannot lengthen your body;” or perhaps the Saviour meant, “You cannot lengthen out your life.” It would be a very small matter to you if you were a foot taller, or if you were a foot shorter. It is not that the making of yourself a cubit taller or shorter would be a small thing to do, but it is a small thing in its result; it is an inconsiderable matter whether a man is tall or short. If ye, then, be not able even to reduce your stature, or to increase it, take no anxious thought about other things. (Luke 12 - Exposition) Robert Stein on a single hour - Literally a cubit. As a measure of length, the cubit was about eighteen inches. The next expression, “life” or “span of life” (RSV), can have either a physical or temporal meaning. In Lk 2:52 and Lk 19:3 it refers to stature, but here it refers to length of life, for adding a cubit to one’s height would be more than a “little thing” (Lk 12:26). “Cubit” must therefore refer not to a measure of length but to a measure of time. This verse asks whether believers can extend the length of their lives in any way by worrying. The assumed answer is, of course, no. This then is the third reason for the exhortation of Lk 12:22. Due to human impotence, worry is pointless. (See Luke: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition) David Guzik Worry accomplishes nothing; we can add nothing to our lives by worrying. There may be greater sins than worry, but there are none more self-defeating and useless.. Can add: The ancient Greek may mean adding to life instead of adding to height, but the thought is the same. Indeed, instead of adding to our life, we can actually harm ourselves through worry. Stress is one of the great contributors to disease and poor health. R Kent
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Spurgeon - So that God cares not only for things that have necessities, as ravens have, but for things that have luxuries, as lilies have. When God does anything, he does it well. He is a grand Housekeeper; he does not measure out so many ounces of bread per diem, as if we were in a workhouse, but “they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.” “No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” The lilies might do as well without their golden hues, they might ripen their seed without the lengthened stems that lift them where they can be observed; but God takes more care of them even than Solomon did of himself, for “Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Now, dear children of God, if you trust your Heavenly Father, he will see that you have no cause for care. If you trust him with your souls, he will not give you a bare salvation, but a rich robe of righteousness to cover all your nakedness. When he does any work, he does it after a better fashion than the wisest of men could do it; and nature herself, working as she does for the lilies, is only God working in another way. But when God himself, without the intervention of the laws of nature, works in the kingdom of his grace, he does it perfectly; he does it gloriously.....The lilies simply stand still in the sunlight, and silently say to us, “See how beautiful are the thoughts of God.” If we could just drink in God’s love, and then, almost without speech, show it in our lives, how we should glorify his name! (Luke 12 - Exposition) Stein rightly points out that "There is extensive parallelism between Luke 12:27–28 and Lk 12:24: “Consider the ravens”—“Consider the lilies”; “They do not sow or reap”—“They do not labor or spin”; “Yet God feeds them”—“God clothes the grass”; “How much more valuable you are than birds!”—“How much more will he clothe you.” (New American Commentary – Volume 24: Luke) Spurgeon - "Clothes must not be made much of; for in our finest array, flowers far excel us. We must not be anxious about how we shall be clad; for the field lilies, not under the gardener’s care, are as glorious as the most pompous of monarchs; and yet they enjoy life free from labor and thought. Lovely lilies, how ye rebuke our foolish nervousness! The array of lilies comes without fret: why do we kill ourselves with care about that which God gives to plants which cannot care? My Lord, I would grow to thy praise as the lily cloth, and be content to be what thou cost make me, and wear what thou cost give me." (Commentary) Lilies (2918)(krinon) is used only in Mt 6:28 and Lk 12:27. Hastings Bible Dictionary - The lily (שׁוּשַׁן, שׁוֹשַׁנָּה, κρίnon) is mentioned by various OT writers (1 Kings 7:19, 2 Chronicles 4:5, Song of Solomon 2:1 etc., Hosea 14:5). In the NT there is but one reference (Matthew 6:28 and || Luke 12:27). From the expression ‘lilies of the field,’ we gather that they were wild flowers, while the comparison of them with the regal robes of Solomon (Matthew 6:29) implies that they were not white, but coloured (cf. Song 5:13). The plant that best accords with these conditions is the scarlet anemone (A. coronaria - see picture), with which, in the spring of the year, the Galilaean hillsides are clothed. (See Tristram, Fauna and Flora of Palestine, p. 208; Nat. Hist. of Bible, p. 462). The nature of the reference might, however, favour the supposition that our Lord used the term ‘lilies’ in a very general way, and that it should be taken as comprising a variety of flowers, such as anemones, poppies, and tulips. Krinon - 17x in 17v in the Septuagint - Ex. 25:31; 25:33; 25:34; Num. 8:4; 1 Ki. 7:19; 7:26; 2 Chr. 4:5; Song 2:1; Song 2:2; Song 2:16; Song 4:5; Song 5:13; Song 6:2; Song 6:3; Song 7:2; Isa 35:1; Hos. 14:5; Toil (2872)(kopiao from kopos = labor, fatigue) This root word kopos is used in secular Greek of “a beating,” “weariness” (as though one had been beaten) and “exertion,” was the proper word for physical tiredness induced by work, exertion or heat. Kopiao means to to exhibit great effort and exertion, to the point of sweat and exhaustion. To physically become worn out, weary or faint. To engage in hard work with the implication of difficulty and trouble. Kopiao - 21v - diligently labor(1), grown weary(1), hard-working(1), labor(3), labored(4), labors(1), toil(4), wearied(1), weary(1), work hard(1), worked(2), worked hard(1), worked hard worked hard(1), workers(1), working hard(1). Matt. 6:28; Matt. 11:28; Lk. 5:5; Lk. 12:27; Jn. 4:6; Jn. 4:38; Acts 20:35; Rom. 16:6; Rom. 16:12; 1 Co. 4:12; 1 Co. 15:10; 1 Co. 16:16; Gal. 4:11; Eph. 4:28; Phil. 2:16; Col. 1:29; 1 Thess. 5:12; 1 Tim. 4:10; 1 Tim. 5:17; 2 Tim. 2:6; Rev. 2:3 Glory (1391)(doxa) brightness, radiance, splendor, magnificence. Majesty. In this context refers to Solomon's state characterized by honor, power, remarkable appearance and splendor. Doxa uses in Luke and Acts - Lk. 2:9; Lk. 2:14; Lk. 2:32; Lk. 4:6; Lk. 9:26; Lk. 9:31; Lk. 9:32; Lk. 12:27; Lk. 14:10; Lk. 17:18; Lk. 19:38; Lk. 21:27; Lk. 24:26; Acts 7:2; Acts 7:55; Acts 12:23; Acts 22:11 Luke 12:28 "But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith! KJV Luke 12:28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace Isa 40:6; 1 Pet 1:24 You men of little faith Luke 8:25; Mt 8:26; 14:31; 16:8; 17:17,20 Luke 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 12:22-34 How to Solve Worries About Money - Steven Cole Luke 12:25-31 Anxiety-Free Living, Pt. 2 - John MacArthur Related Passages: Mt 6:30+ But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? Isaiah 40:6-8 A voice says, “Call out.” Then he answered, “What shall I call out?” All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades, When the breath of the LORD blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever. But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace How much more will He clothe you, You men of little faith - The grass blooms, dies and is burned year after year. The flowers blooming (grass growing) every Spring without fail should remind us of the certainty of God's provision. Since wood was often hard to find in Palestine, grass was frequently used for cooking. Another "a fortiori" argument. Jesus point is if God cares for the lilies (which are beautiful year after year or the grass which sprouts up every Spring without fail) how much more will He care for those created in His own image, those whom He loved and for whom He gave His only begotten Son (Jn 3:16)? You men of little faith is a rebuke,so the implication is Jesus discerned the disciples had doubts about God's faithfulness to provide, their doubting being manifested by the fact that they were worried. Spurgeon - Your life is not like that of the grass, or the flower of the field, that fades on a summer’s day. God will take care of you, and the everlasting things shall have from him a care even greater than he gives to the temporal. Yet how much God really does for flowers ¾flowers that only open their cups in the morning, and shut them in death at night! How much of skill and wisdom there is even about them! Shall there not be greater skill and wisdom employed upon you who, when you have once begun to bloom in the light of God, shall go on blooming, and flowering, and shedding your perfume throughout the endless ages? (Luke 12 - Exposition) John Walvoord - The argument was advanced that if God can care for the grass of the field, existing only for a day and then used for fuel for the oven, how much more will He clothe and care for those who are the objects of His great salvation? (The Life of Faith in the Kingdom) J C
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Spurgeon - But you have some faith, else the Saviour would not have said to you, “O ye of little faith!” The man who has no faith may well go on fretting, toiling, spinning; but he that hath faith, as he goes forth to his daily labour, looks beyond that to the God of providence, and thus God keeps him without care, and provides for him. (Luke 12 - Exposition) Little faith (3640)(oligopistos from oligos = little + pistos = faith) is an adjective describing one who does not believe or trust strongly. This expression "little faith" is used four times in Matthew, once in Luke (Luke 12:28), as an encouragement to growth in faith as well as a gentle reproof. Oligopistos - 5x in the NT and no uses in the Septuagint Matthew 6:30 "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Matthew 8:26 He said to them, "Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?" Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. Matthew 14:31 Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Matthew 16:8 But Jesus, aware of this, said, "You men of little faith, why do you discuss among yourselves that you have no bread? Luke 12:28 "But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith! The great saint George Mueller (Click for example of Mueller's amazing faith) once said that "The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.: The perfect cure for worry is trust in God. Faith is total confidence in the provision of God. - Therefore, a lack of faith will lead to a life of psychological anxiety. Since this lack of faith is identified with sin, Adams is correct in asserting that man’s emotional problems stem from his sin (J. Adams, Christian Counselors’ Manual. p. 117 ff.). In the Sermon on the Mount we have then, not only a directive for spiritual well-being, but the model of a manual of mental health as well. (Hindson, E, Woodrow Kroll: KJV Bible Commentary) ILLUSTRATION - A businessman ran into a friend of his a stockbroker who had always had problems with ulcers and high blood pressure. "How's your health?" the man asked his stockbroker friend. "Great. My ulcers are gone and I don't have a worry in the world!" The man asked "How did that happen?" The stockbroker said, "It's easy. I hired a professional worrier. Whenever something comes along that I need to worry about, I tell him about it and he does all of my worrying for me." The businessman couldn't believe it. "That's incredible. I'd be interested in something like that. How much does it cost?" The294 stockbroker said, "He charges $100,000 a year." The businessman said "How in the world can you afford to pay him $100,000 a year?" The stockbroker said, "I don't know. I let him worry about it." In the same way the stockbroker gave his worries to the "professional worrier," we should give our worries and cares to God. In other words, give your financial problems, family problems, health problems, work and school problems, people problems, etc, all to the Lord. When we fail to do this, we show a lack of faith in Him as Jesus rebukingly says, "O ye of little faith. (Rod Mattoon - Treasures from Luke) Spurgeon devotional "Divine Provision" CLOTHES are expensive, and poor believers may be led into anxiety as to where their next suit will come from. The soles are thin; how shall we get new shoes? See how our thoughtful Lord has provided against this care. Our heavenly Father clothes the grass of the field with a splendor such as Solomon could not equal: will He not clothe His own children? We are sure He will. There may be many a patch and a darn, but raiment we shall have. A poor minister found his clothes nearly threadbare and so far gone that they would hardly hold together; but as a servant of the Lord, he expected his Master to find him his livery. It so happened that the writer on a visit to a friend had the loan of the good man’s pulpit, and it came into his mind to make a collection for him, and there was his suit. Many other cases we have seen in which those who have served the Lord have found Him considerate of their wardrobe. He who made man so that when he had sinned he needed garments, also in mercy supplied him with them; and those which the Lord gave to our first parents were far better than those they made for themselves. (Faith's Checkbook) Faith and Care Vance Havner FOUR times in Matthew (and once in Luke) our Lord uses the expression "O ye of little faith," and each time the application is to a different problem. The first occurrence of the phrase is in Matthew 6:30: "Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" This is part of the well-known passage from the Sermon on the Mount dealing with our daily anxieties. Nowhere is faith more needed nowadays. Many Christians seem to think of worry as a "white sin," as though God had made an exception in that case and we were allowed to fret and grieve, with no provision being made for our relief. People think they simply must worry, but God's Word is explicit that we are to be anxious about nothing (Phil. 4:6), casting all our care (anxiety) upon God (1 Pet. 5:7-note)—letting not our hearts be troubled (John 14:1). Why did Jesus say "Let not your heart be troubled" if we cannot help it? So our Lord tells us: "Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink" (Mt 6:25). Of course, we know that "thought" here means anxious thought and not the forethought and planning that are necessary for any business. It is not work, but worry, that kills—the feverish tension and uneasiness that soon wear down mind and body. The man who lives in the will of God need never worry about food, clothes, and the vexations of daily experience. It does no good, it is positively forbidden in the Word, and God has promised to supply all the believer's needs (Phil. 4:19). The Lord Jesus speaks in this passage of the birds and the lilies as illustrations of God's care. Here cynics have objected that the sparrow falls just the same. But the idea is that no matter what happens, we are in God's care. The mistake is in limiting His care to temporal welfare—but God does not guarantee to save us from trouble and danger. His care goes beyond that: come what will, our lives are hid with Christ, and no matter what happens to our health or our money, we ourselves—our spirits—are safe in Him. The heart of the whole matter is found in Mt 6:33 (cf parallel Lk 12:31): "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." We make "all these things" our chief concern but Christ makes them merely incidental. These things should be marginal and God central in our lives, but we put them on the main track and God is switched to the sidetrack, to be called upon only in trouble. "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Each day has enough troubles of its own. But we insist upon borrowing from tomorrow and crossing the bridge before we reach it. No Christian should worry. His sole business is to know the will of God and do it. Whatever his occupation may be, it is only to pay expenses while he is about his real business. But we reverse the whole matter and make our trade the main business with God's will an outside affair that is considered now and then, if at all. Consequently, when trouble and vexation come we fret and worry. Our "little faith" shows up daily in this matter of care (anxious care, anxiety, worry). The believer who has gained through faith the conquest of care has found life here, even in this troublesome world, a blessed experience. Truly, the peace of God will garrison the hearts and minds of those who are careful for nothing but thankful for everything. Luke 12:29 "And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. KJV Luke 12:29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink Luke 12:22; 10:7,8; 22:35; Mt 6:31 Luke 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 12:22-34 How to Solve Worries About Money - Steven Cole Luke 12:25-31 Anxiety-Free Living, Pt. 2 - John MacArthur Related Passage: Mt 6:31+ “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ TWO DO NOT'S And do not seek (zeteo) what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying (meteorizomai) - NIV = "Do not set your heart on" NET = "do not be overly concerned about." Seek and worrying are both in the present imperative with a negative, calling for them to stop (or not to begin) these actions. Do not seek could be misunderstood to mean that people should make no attempt to obtain their food, which clearly is not Jesus' intended meaning. Other passages clearly teach of the value of work. The distinction is that we are not to "obsess" over our food and our clothing. Don't be consumed by efforts to get food.. This Greek for keep worrying is not (merimnao), but is a synonym conveying the sense of one who vacillates between the emotions of hope and fear. David Guzik Anxious mind (keep worrying) translates the ancient Greek word meteorizesthe, with the root word meteor. Trapp thought the sense was, “Hang not in suspense, as meteors do in the air, not certain whether to hang or fall to the ground.” Spurgeon - The original of the text is not easy to explain, for the word translated ‘doubtful’ [anxious] is not used anywhere else in the New Testament. It appears to have something to do with meteors, so that the passage might be rendered, ‘Neither be ye of meteoric mind. Why does Jesus mention food and clothing? Aren't these the basic necessities of life? And as such these basic elements stand for all of the things we need to live in this world, including housing, jobs, money, etc. Jesus is saying don't worry about any of these things. Notice the parallel passage in Matthew has do not worry for do not seek, suggesting that in one's seeking there is often an element of worry or anxiety that they may or may not obtain what they are seeking. The use of seek in a negative sense here is balanced by the use of seek in a positive sense in Lk 12:31+. Mattoon - The Lord gives us closing instructions on how to overcome the stress and worry in our lives. In a nutshell He says, "Get out of the way and put me first in your life. Let me drive and you get in the back seat." We are to seek Him first! (Rod Mattoon - Treasures from Luke) Steven
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Spurgeon - Therefore he would have you so live — industriously, prudently, thriftily, — that you shall get these things, and shall not waste them when you have them; but he would not have you live in an anxious, worrying, depressed spirit, as if you had no God, no Heavenly Father, no all-sufficient Friend; and as if there were no all-wise providence, and you were left to drift about uncared for and alone. It is not so. O thou God of the lilies and God of the ravens, thou wilt be the God of thy people too! (Luke 12 - Exposition) Spurgeon - For you, the immortal, the twice-born, the very body-guard of Christ, to live for such things as the men of the world live for, is to degrade the peerage of heaven, to bring those who are of the blood royal of the skies down to a gross pursuit. No; let your whole thought, and heart, and life, be spent for something higher and better than these things; and leave the lower cares with your Father. (Luke 12 - Exposition) Matthew's parallel Mt 6:32+ “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. Paul gives an accurate, succinct description of the Nations (Gentiles) in 1 Th 4:5-note writing of "the Gentiles who do not know God."
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Spurgeon - He knows that you must go and work for these things; but he would not have you fret and fume about them. “Your Father knows.” He will provide. It is enough for him to know his children’s wants, and he will be sure to provide for them. (Luke 12 - Exposition) Spurgeon - Is not that a sweet word? “Your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.” There used to be a hymn which was sung a good deal at revival meetings, it had a very sweet refrain, “This my Father knows.” If you cannot yourselves understand your ease, your Father knows all about it. If you cannot make other people comprehend it, yet your Father knows all that needs to be known. Whatever you really require, even for the present life, need not be any cause of anxiety to you, believers, for “your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.” There is no need, therefore, for you to seek “what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink.” (Luke 12 - Exposition)
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Spurgeon comments on this verse - "Fathers feel for their children, especially when they are in pain; they would like to suffer in their stead, their sighs and groans cut them to the quick: thus sensitive towards us is our Heavenly Father. His pity never fails to flow, and we never cease to need it. Lawrence Richards - The pagan is gripped by anxiety because he faces an uncertain tomorrow. The Christian, who has a personal relationship with God as his Father, relies on One who not only knows, but also controls tomorrow. When we appreciate how much God loves us, we no longer feel pressure to “run after” even the necessities of life. This frees us to set right priorities, and “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness”. What a joy to worry about nothing except pleasing Jesus! (365 Day Devotional Commentary) Nations (Gentiles - “Pagan world”) (1484)(ethnos gives us our word "ethnic") in general refers to a multitude (especially persons) associated with one another, living together, united in kinship, culture or traditions and summed up by the words nation, Gentiles (especially when ethnos is plural), people (much like "people groups" in our modern missionary vernacular). In somewhat of a negative sense ethnos conveys the meaning of godless (generally idol worshipping) pagans (heathens, cp Eph 4:17, Mt 6:32), foreign nations not worshipping the true God (Mt 4:15). Often ethnos stands in clear contradistinction to Jew (Ioudaios) (Gal 2:14). Ethnos sometimes refers to Gentile Christians (Ro 11:13, Ro 15:27, 16:4, Gal 2:12). Ethnos is used in the singular of the Jewish Nation (Lk 7:5; 23:2; Jn 11:48, 50-53; Jn 18:35; Acts 10:22; 24:2, 10; Acts 26:4; 28:19). Plato used ethnos of a special class of men, a caste, tribe. In the Septuagint ethnos was used for nation, people Ge 10:5; non-Jews, Gentiles Ps 2:1. Related Resources: Nations - Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology Gentiles - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Gentiles - Holman Bible Dictionary Gentiles - Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament Gentiles (2) - Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament Eagerly seek (present tense = continually)(1934)(epizeteo from epi = intensifies meaning + zeteo = try to learn location of something, searching for) means to search or look for (people [Jesus] Lk 4:42-note). To have a strong desire for and so to wish for (Mt 6:32, Lk 12:30 Ro 11:7). Epizeteo is used to describe the wicked generation of Israel what was seeking (even craving) for a sign from Jesus, despite the multitude of signs He had already performed. This verb is surely one of the watchwords of the Madison Avenue mindset. In other words, every advertisement is calculated to make us eagerly seek their product, whether it is the latest I-Phone (my old I-Phone 4 still works great and my 12 year old car still has less than 50,000 miles and looks like new!) or the newest chic Armani purse, etc. Is this not somewhat of a commentary of the "American disease" known as "keeping up with the Jones?" We fret and worry and work ourselves almost to death to make enough money to keep pace with our rich neighbors. Of course this never happens to Christians! I am being facetious, because we what the nations are seeking and we begin to zealously seek to accumulate what they crave and we worry that we can't keep up. Knows (1492) (eido - perfect tense = oida) speaks of knowledge which comes from one's state of being and in case since it refers to God, it is synonymous with His omniscience. It reflects an absolute, positive, beyond a doubt, knowledge of our situation, independent of whether we "feel" like He knows or cares. The point is He always knows our deepest need. Need (5535) (chrezo from chreia = need, necessity) means to have need of. God knows our personal needs (and our greeds), but we can count on Him supplying only our needs. (See Anne Ortlund's devotional - Fix Your Eyes On Jesus - 44 excellent meditations when you struggle financially) God has His own way of taking care of us. James Montgomery Boice shared the story of a man named Hotchkiss that went to Nigeria for forty years as a missionary. One day he was late for a service he was to conduct in a village located across a large plain. There was a rule in Nigeria in those days that no one ever crossed a large open space for fear of stampedes by the herds of wild animals that grazed the country side.297 A safe path could always be taken within a short run of the trees. Hotchkiss was late, and he knew the quickest way to the village was across the plains. He started out and sure enough, about half way across the plain, he was caught in the path of a rhinoceros stampede. He was trapped with nowhere to go or hide. The rumbling thunder and dust cloud continued to approach the faithful missionary who hugged his Bible to his chest, and knelt in prayer saying, "Lord, I'm coming home." It seemed like eternity as the missionary waited for the inedible. The roar intensified and his heart beat faster and faster, but then, the roar began to soften and fade away until all was quiet. Hotchiss got up and found himself in the midst of footprints from, over one hundred rhinoceros. He was actually alive, and went on to the church service in the village. It was a miracle and a tribute to God's protection. Years later, a couple from Ohio visited Hotchkiss in Nigeria. In the course of their conversation, the husband said to the missionary, "I had a most unusual experience once that involved you. One night I woke up suddenly with an irresistible urge to pray for you. I did, committing you to God's safekeeping." Hotchkiss asked if he remembered when this took place. The man had written the event down in his Bible that very night. When they compared the times, it was on the same day and at the same hour that Hotchkiss had been miraculously spared on the Nigerian plain. Never underestimate the power of prayer and do not ignore the urges of the Holy Spirit to pray for others. Don't neglect the opportunities to take your cares to the Lord in prayer and then wait and watch Him work out the solutions.(Rod Mattoon - Treasures from Luke) Bread to Hold - In his book God’s Psychiatry, Charles L. Allen tells this story - “As World War II was drawing to a close, the Allied armies gathered up many hungry orphans. They were placed in camps where they were well-fed. Despite excellent care, they slept poorly. They seemed nervous and afraid. Finally, a psychologist came up with the solution. Each child was given a piece of bread to hold after he was put to bed. This particular piece of bread was just to be held—not eaten. The piece of bread produced wonderful results. The children went to bed knowing instinctively they would have food to eat the next day. That guarantee gave the children a restful and contented sleep.” Dandelions And Dollars - Several years ago I was a missionary home on furlough, feeling anxious about my mounting financial needs. One morning at the farmhouse where I was staying, I talked with the Lord and finally handed over these needs to Him. Later I was strolling through a field full of dandelions. Glancing down, I saw at my feet a crisp one-dollar bill! As I picked it up, I sensed that God wanted me to know that He would take care of me and my needs. If He wanted to, He could turn dandelions into dollars! I've carried that dollar bill with me ever since as a reminder of God's power to provide. In Luke 12, Jesus referred to His Father's care of the "birds of the air" and the "lilies of the field" to illustrate His eagerness to meet our material needs. He also taught that we will have what we need if we focus on spiritual priorities. Instead of being preoccupied with worry about personal needs, we should be occupied with God's kingdom and His righteousness. And when we are, we can be assured that not some, not most, but all things that we need will be supplied. The One who feeds the birds And clothes the lilies fair Will surely meet our needs If we His purpose share. --DJD If all we want is to please the Lord, we'll have everything we need. Enough For Today - Life can be monotonous. The road that lies before us seems to stretch mile after mile across a flat, barren desert with no oasis in sight. How then are we to handle wearisome responsibilities when there's no foreseeable relief from our burdens? Oliver de Vinck, severely disabled from birth, lay helplessly on his bed for all of his 32 years, unable to care for himself. Day after day and year after year his parents put every spoonful of food into his mouth, changed his diapers, and still maintained a happy home. One day Oliver's brother Christopher asked his father how they managed. He explained that they didn't worry about the long succession of tomorrows that might lie before them. They lived a day at a time, asking, "Can I feed Oliver today?" And the answer always was, "Yes, today I can do it." The road I'm on is twisted, Lord, Its end defies my view; Teach me to take each step in faith And leave the rest to You. --Gustafson God supplies all our needs--one day at a time. God often sends His help by way of human hands. Related Resources: Christian Contentment Contentment-Devotional Luke 12:31 "But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. KJV Luke 12:31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Luke 10:42; 1 Ki 3:11-13; Ps 34:9; 37:3,19,25; 84:11; Isa 33:16; Mt 6:33; Jn 6:27; Ro 8:31; 1 Ti 4:8; Heb 1 Luke 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 12:22-34 How to Solve Worries About Money - Steven Cole Luke 12:25-31 Anxiety-Free Living, Pt. 2 - John MacArthur Related Passages: Mt 6:33-34+ But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. KEEP ON SEEKING HIS KINGDOM But seek (zeteo) His kingdom (basileia) and these things will be added (prostithemi) to you. - In Luke 12:22-31 Jesus has reduced what we seek for to two categories, the essentials of life versus God's Kingdom and righteousness. Seeking for the former will make us anxious and worried. Seeking for God will give us peace that passes human understanding. Seek (zeteo) in the present context speaks of a single minded focus, as when one's eye is "single" (clear) (Mt 6:22, 23+). Jesus is calling for this to be our consuming passion as emphasized by the present imperative calling for us to habitually practice prioritizing God's kingdom and His righteousness. The world won't stop tempting us to seek it's passing pleasures (1Jn 2:17), but one of the best "defenses" against the world's seductive lure is a good "offense", in this case seeking the things above where the King sits at the right hand of His Father (cf Col 3:1+, Col 3:2+). This "Vertical Vision" mindset is God's key to freedom from worry and anxiety - make the conscious, volitional choice every day that your thoughts and actions are set on the kingdom of God. What are these things? He has just described "these things the nations of the world eagerly seek." (Lk 12:30). THOUGHT - Caveat - Don't attempt to obey Jesus' command to seek in your own (old man) strength! You will fail and experience frustration. And you will in effect place yourself under the yoke of legalism. The only way to obey this command to seek as our practice (present tense = continually, habitually and remember we're talking about "direction" not "perfection") is by daily dying to self and jettisoning self-effort and self-sufficiency (to live the supernatural/Christian life), daily seeking to be wholly controlled by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is in us and is continually energizing us, giving us the supernatural desire and the supernatural power we need (Phil 2:13NLT+) so that we might effectively, successively work out our salvation in fear and trembling (Phil 2:12+). To put it another way, we need to learn to depend on the Spirit's power to enable us to work out what He works in! Do you see the difference? Self-effort versus Spirit energization! The first is natural and the second supernatural power. And this command (not to mention all >1500 commands in the NT! See discussion of commands and need for the Spirit) can only be obeyed supernaturally. This is a process which we need to practice, daily seeking to be filled with (controlled by) the Spirit of Jesus (Eph 5:18+) so that we might continually walk by the self-same Spirit and then (and only then) we will not carry out the desires of our flesh (Gal 5:16+). It follows that we will need to be sensitive to those thoughts, words and action in our life which quench the Spirit (1Th 5:19+) or grieve the Spirit (Eph 4:30+) lest we "short circuit" our Source of power (dunamis)! Paul reminded the saints at Galatia of their abject need to for dependence on the Holy Spirit asking "Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" (Galatians 3:3) Of course the answer is a resounding "No" as all of us can attest from personal experience! Steven
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Spurgeon - He may not give you much here; but, in due time, he will give you the kingdom. He may give to worldlings more of these secondary things —these husks, these mere illusions, these mirages of the desert — than he gives to you; but for you there is prepared a city that hath foundations, and a kingdom that shall never pass away. Therefore patiently wait until the appointed time; and fear not; “for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”.... Spurgeon - When Abraham had many sons, he gave to each one of them a portion and sent them away; but Isaac had the family heritage. It is the same with you. The Lord may give to others more than he bestows upon you in this life, but for you he reserves the kingdom. Are you not content with that, whatever else your Father gives you or withholds from you? Thrown in as a kind of make-weight. You get the spiritual, and then the common blessings of life shall be added unto you. (Luke 12 - Exposition)
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Spurgeon writes that... When I had resolved to enter college, walking across Midsummer Common, just outside of Cambridge, revolving in my mind the joys of scholarship and the hope of being something in the world, that text came to my heart, "Seekest thou great things for thyself? Seek them not" (Jer. 45:5) "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." All was given up, everything was renounced, the finest prospects seemed to melt into thin air, merely on the strength of that text, believing that God would most certainly fulfill to me his promise if I could keep his precept. God will always keep His word to the letter. Actually He will usually go beyond what the letter seems to mean. In this instance (cf "And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him" 1 Kings 5:12), while He gave Solomon wisdom, He also added to him riches and a thousand other things which did not appear in the compact. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you (Matt. 6:33). He who makes promises about infinite blessings will throw in everyday things as if they were of small account and were given in as a matter of course, like the grocer’s paper bags in which he packs up our purchases. (From his sermon Obtaining Promises ) Kingdom (932)(basileia from basileus = a sovereign, king, monarch) denotes sovereignty, royal power, dominion. Basileia can also refer to the territory or people over whom a king rules. See more detailed comments on uses in Lk 17:20-21 Added (increase, proceed) (4369) prostithemi from from prós = to or besides + títhēmi = to put) means to set, add, put, lay unto or with something. It involves increasing the substance rather than adding a new substance. Friberg summaries prostithemi - (1) put to, add to; (a) as adding to what is already present (Mt 6.27); (b) as uniting people into a society already existing (Acts 2.41); (c) passive, as a Hebraism of one joining his forefathers through death be buried with, be laid away with, be gathered to (Acts 13.36); (2) provide, give, grant (Mt 6.33; Lk 17.5); (3) as a Hebraism denoting continuation or repetition when followed by an infinitive, literally add to do something, i.e. do again, do further (Lk 19.11); (4) as a Hebraism followed by an infinitive to mark an event that immediately follows proceed to do (Acts 12.3) (Borrow Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament) Prostithemi - 18v - add(2), added(6), adding(1), brought(1), further be spoken(1), increase(1), laid(1), more will be given...besides(1), proceeded(3), went(1). Matt. 6:27; Matt. 6:33; Mk. 4:24; Lk. 3:20; Lk. 12:25; Lk. 12:31; Lk. 17:5; Lk. 19:11; Lk. 20:11; Lk. 20:12; Acts 2:41; Acts 2:47; Acts 5:14; Acts 11:24; Acts 12:3; Acts 13:36; Gal. 3:19; Heb. 12:19 ILLUSTRATION - Have you ever heard of "worry beads" (fidget beads or komboloi [from kombos = knot or large number of knots + loi = a group that sticks together] in modern Greece) which is a string of beads that when fingered or played with supposedly relieves nervous tension? You can get them at some great prices on EBay but they don't work! However Jesus' powerful teaching Luke 12:22-30 and culminating in His command in Luke 12:31 is the truth that can set you free if diligently "fingered" (i.e., mediated upon and put into daily practice). Joseph Stowell - TREASURE FOR ETERNITY —Matthew 6:33 The disciples were no doubt delighted with Jesus’ reproof of the man who was rich with earthly goods but poor in that he had no relationship with God (Luke 12). This was a message for the pagans . . . they were off the hook. Until he turned to them and asked why they were so distracted by earthly things and so uninterested in the kingdom. We have probably heard that living to promote and participate in the kingdom of Christ is important. But what would it mean if we really lived to “seek first His kingdom”? First, we must understand the essence of the kingdom. At its core is the reality of eternity. Christ hammered home the kingdom truth that there is something significant beyond the grave. This truth guided His view of this life. From Christ’s perspective, it made little sense to invest your life only in things you will not be able to take with you. He had a point. I have been to many funerals, and I have yet to see a Brink’s truck or a U-Haul following the hearse. A Spanish proverb says, “Shrouds have no pockets.” Christ taught that in this life we should live so as to make a difference in eternity. Just a few verses before Christ gave His call to the priority of kingdom things, He anticipated that point by saying, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19–21). Someone has paraphrased this statement of Christ by saying, “You can’t take it with you, but you can send it on ahead.” Christ commands us to inventory our lives for the future. Think of your children, your money, your strength, and your gifts as investments in your kingdom portfolio. If the kingdom had a national hymn, it would be, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.” What treasures of eternal significance have you stored in heaven? (Strength for the Journey) During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, a busy merchant was chosen by Her Majesty to fulfill an important ambassadorial mission. Informed of this honor, he asked to be excused, saying that it would cause him monetary loss and severely interrupt the supervision of his industrial activities. To this the Queen replied, "You look after my business abroad, and I will look after yours at home." The gentleman accepted the appointment and was gone for several years. When he returned, he found that the Queen, true to her word, had more than adequately taken care of his affairs. To be faithful disciples of Jesus requires that we give the Savior top priority in all things, trusting Him fully to take care of our needs. God gives His best blessings to those who put Christ first. Does He have top priority in your life? —H. G. Bosch (Ibid) He who offers God second place offers him no place. First Things First - In the late 19th century John Wanamaker opened a department store in Philadelphia. Within a few years that enterprise had become one of the most successful businesses in the country. But operating his store wasn’t Wanamaker’s only responsibility. He was also named Postmaster General of the United States, and he served as superintendent for what was then the largest Sunday school in the world at Bethany Presbyterian Church. When someone asked him how he could hold all those positions at once, he explained. “Early in life I read, ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.’ The Sunday school is my business, all the rest are the things.” One evidence of Wanamaker’s desire to keep the Lord’s work first in his life was a specially constructed soundproof room in his store. Every day he spent 30 minutes there praying and meditating upon God’s Word. He had his priorities straight! Planned Neglect - Have you ever noticed how the saints in the Bible were eager to let God have His way in their lives? They bestirred themselves as soon as dawn touched the sky in order to worship Him and seek His leading. For example, Abraham got up very early to stand before the Lord (Gen. 19:27). Jacob in like manner arose from his stony pillows to worship God after having seen a vision of angels in the night (Gen. 28:18). Moses went early to meet the Lord at Sinai (Ex. 34:4). Joshua did the same when he pre-pared to capture Jericho (Josh. 6:12), and Gideon followed their example when he made his way at dawn to examine the fleece that he had cast upon the ground to discern Jehovah's will (Judg. 6:38). Hannah and Elkanah arose early to worship God (1 Sam. 1:19), as did Samuel when he went to meet Saul (1 Sam. 15: 12). Job left his warm bed to offer sacrifices for his children (Job 1:5), and the faithful women who had followed the Savior arose at daybreak that they might go to the sepulcher on the first Easter morn (Mark 16:2). Say, have you ever gotten up early to study God's Word, to pray, and to seek His will? Does He have priority in all you do? A noted young concert artist was asked the secret of her success with the violin. "Planned neglect!" she replied, and then explained. "Years ago I discovered that there were many things which demanded my time. After washing breakfast dishes, I made my bed, straightened my room, dusted the furniture, and did a host of other things. I then turned my attention to violin practice. That system, however, failed to accomplish the desired results. So I realized I had to reverse things. I deliberately set aside every-thing else until my practice period was ended. That program of planned neglect accounts for my success!" Christian, put priority on daily Bible study and prayer, even if you must neglect some secondary things. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God!" He who puts God first will find God with him at the last! ILLUSTRATION - For many of us one of the major obstacles to seeking first His kingdom is the persistent, pesky Problem with Priorities - I’ve shared before the story of the time management expert who was speaking to a group of business students. He pulled out a large, wide-mouth jar and filled it with fist-sized rocks. When he couldn’t put any more in, he asked, “Is this jar full?” The class responded, “Yes.” He said, “Really?” Then he pulled out a bucket of gravel and poured it in, shaking it down through the cracks. Then he asked, “Is the jar full?” The students were onto him, so they said, “No.” “Good,” he replied. He dumped in a bucket of sand. Once more he asked, “Is the jar full?” “No,” they shouted. Again he said, “Good.” He poured in a pitcher of water until the jar was full to the brim. Then he asked, “What is the point of the illustration?” One student ventured, “No matter how full your schedule, if you try hard, you can always fit more in.” “No,” the speaker replied, “that is not the point. The point is, if you don’t put the big rocks in first, you’ll never get them in at all.” (First Things First, by Stephen Covey, Roger & Rebecca Merrill [Simon & Schuster], pp. 88-89.) Editorial comment - What should our “big rocks” be? Jesus and His Word! Put them first in your life! If we put the pebbles, or sand, etc, in first, we won't find time (room) for Jesus the King of kings and His living Word which endures forever! (from Steven Cole) Joseph Stowell - A PURPOSE BEYOND OURSELVES—Luke 12:30–31 It’s amazing how many of us have become disoriented by the seduction of success. Even those of us who have little and have been unable to make a big splash in this world often live with the regret that life didn’t turn out as well as we had hoped. It’s time for us to get a biblical life! The late Ted DeMoss, former chairman of the Christian Business Men’s Committee, tells of a friend, John Herman, whose lifelong ambition had been to meet the brilliant criminal lawyer Clarence Darrow of the Scopes “monkey trial” fame. It was arranged for the two men to meet. Sitting in the attorney’s living room, Herman asked Darrow, “Now that you’ve come this far in life and you’re not doing much lecturing or teaching or writing anymore, how would you sum up your life?” Without hesitation, Darrow walked over to a coffee table and picked up the Bible. This took Herman by surprise, since Darrow was an atheist who had spent much of his life publicly ridiculing Scripture. “This verse in the Bible describes my life.” Darrow turned to the fifth chapter of Luke, the fifth verse. He changed the “we” to “I”: “I have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing” (see KJV). He closed the Bible, put it back on the coffee table, and looked Herman straight in the face. “I have lived a life without purpose, without meaning, without direction. I don’t know where I came from. And I don’t know what I’m doing here. And worst of all, I don’t know what’s going to happen to me when I punch out of here.” Take it from those who have cut their own wake and arrived in the fantasyland of fame and fortune without God: We need something more in life than we can supply. Our hearts long for something beyond ourselves, for a cause that can give meaning and value to life. What is the cause that drives your life? Of what significance will it be at the threshold of eternity? Do you need to refocus? (Strength for the Journey) Beyond Our Dreams - Luke 12:31 October 13, 2000 Read: Luke 12:15-31 | Bible in a Year: Isaiah 41-42; 1 Thessalonians 1 Beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses. —Luke 12:15 According to research by university professors Richard Ryan and Tim Kasser, there’s a dark side to the “American dream” of prosperity, and the problem isn’t confined to the United States. Based on data collected from subjects in 12 countries, Kasser says that in every culture he’s studied, there are psychologically unhelpful and often destructive results from pursuing wealth. The problem is not having money, but “living a life where that’s your focus.” In today’s Scripture, Jesus warned His followers: “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15). But our lingering conviction that more money will bring us more happiness and satisfaction makes it difficult to believe either the psychologists or the Son of God. To counter our natural tendency toward covetousness, Christ urged us to be rich toward God and to trust Him for all our needs. He commands us to “seek the kingdom of God,” and promises that “all these things” (life’s necessities) will be added to us (Luke 12:31). True happiness comes not from wealth, Real peace you can never buy; The contentment that you long for Is in Christ who reigns on high. —Fitzhugh Our greatest riches are the riches we have in Christ. Which World?. —Matthew 6:33 Read: Luke 12:15-31 “How is your son John doing?” said a pastor to the father of a prosperous young man. “Oh,” said the proud father, “John is doing very well. He is really getting along in the world.” After a moment’s hesitation, the pastor asked, “Which world?” Yes, that is the important question. As you get ready to go to your work in the shop, the factory, the office, or the home, what is your chief interest? Is it merely to make money and enjoy yourself, or is your desire to live your life today for Christ? Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God” (Mt. 6:33). Put first things first. Your life here will last at best a few years, but the life hereafter will last for eternity. If you have settled your eternal destiny by trusting the Lord Jesus, surely you can trust Him for material things. What is your greatest desire for today? Is it to please God and lay up riches for eternity? Or is it merely to “get along” in this world? I am resolved no longer to linger, Charmed by the world's delight; Things that are higher, things that are nobler— These have allured my sight. —Hartsough To make the most of today, Keep eternity in mind. Luke 12:32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. KJV Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Do not be afraid, little flock Song 1:7,8; Isa 40:11; 41:14; Isa 53:6; Mt 7:15; 18:12-14; 20:16; Jn 10:26-30 your Father has chosen gladly to give you Luke 10:21; Mt 11:25-27; Eph 1:5-9; Phil 2:13; 2 Th 1:11 the kingdom Jer 3:19; Mt 25:34; Jn 18:36; Ro 6:23; 8:28-32; 2 Th 1:5; Heb 12:28; James 2:5; 1 Pet 1:3-5; 2 Peter 1:11; Rev 1:6; 22:5 Luke 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 12:22-34 How to Solve Worries About Money - Steven Cole Luke 12:32-34 Anxiety-Free Living, Part 3 - John MacArthur Related Passage: Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. DO NOT FEAR LITTLE FLOCK Jesus reminds the disciples (not the large crowd) (and us as His children) though small in numbers, the flock is dear to the Father! And because the Father is pleased to give them (us) the kingdom, there is no reason to fear. Do not be afraid (phobeo) little flock (poimnion) - Do not be afraid is present imperative with a negative (see need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) which means to stop being fearful (or do not begin). Fear what? In context probably persecution or pressure for being a follower of Jesus. A natural response is anxiety. Little flock is a metaphorical description of people who have believed in Jesus the Good Shepherd and are His sheep. In John 10:14-16 Jesus alludes to the little flock declaring “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd. David Guzik The original uses a double diminutive, as in little, little flock (Trapp, Clarke). It was to this small and unlikely flock that the Father would give the kingdom unto. It was a little flock, but it was His flock. They were little, but they were a flock—meaning they have a Shepherd. Better a little flock with the Good Shepherd than a big flock with a hireling. Why might the sheep of the flock be afraid? In Luke 10:3 Jesus warned "Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. (cf Paul's warning in Acts 20:29+) In Mt 26:31 we read Jesus' prophetic warning to His disciples “You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, ‘I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP OF THE FLOCK SHALL BE SCATTERED.’" Jesus assures His followers that they have no reason to fear when they experience opposition (which He told them would occur). His words remind us of those Jehovah (Josh 1:1) gave to Joshua as he prepared to enter the promised land filled with God hating peoples “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9+) For (term of explanation which always begs question "What is being explained?" = Why you need not fear!) your Father (pater) has chosen gladly (eudokeo) to give you the kingdom (basileia) - Your Father indicates that this addressed to only to God's children, believers in Christ the Son of God, for they are the only ones who can genuinely call God their Father (see Jn 1:12+, 1 Jn 3:1+). Jesus is telling the little flock (that He knows will be hated, rejected and even sometimes killed) that they have a reward, not this present, passing, evil world but the future Kingdom of God (cf Millennium). It is our Father's gives us the kingdom with delight not grudgingly! One may also say that there is a sense in which the kingdom is the present rule of God within the hearts of all of Christ's followers. How trivial to worry about food and clothing when God's children are heirs of the Kingdom! THOUGHT- Amazing truth! Amazing grace! Anxiety destroying truth (if we let it sink in)! Receive this truth. Believe this truth. It will do wonders for your worry, anxiety and fears! In Revelation 5 John described their future in the Kingdom of God "And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth (Ed: referring to the Millennium or another description here).” (Revelation 5:9-10+) Romans 8:17-18+ also reminds us that "If (SINCE YOU ARE IN FACT) children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if (SINCE) indeed we suffer with Him so that (PURPOSE CLAUSE -- WHAT IS PURPOSE OF SUFFERING?) we may also be glorified with Him. 18 For (TERM OF EXPLANATION - FURTHER EXPLAINS SUFFERING) I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us." MacArthur on gladly to give you the kingdom- It is God’s good pleasure to grant the kingdom in all its fullness to His children. All of its riches of righteousness, peace, and joy (Rom. 14:17) are theirs as “heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ” (Ro 8:17), with whom He will “freely give [them] all things” (Lk 12:32; cf. Matt. 25:21, 23, 34; Luke 22:29; 2 Cor. 9:8; Eph. 1:3–14; James 2:5; 2 Peter 1:3–4). Here is yet another reason that worry is foolish and unnecessary for believers. Since God has freely given them all the glorious riches of His kingdom, how much more willingly will He give them what they need to serve Him in that kingdom? (See context Luke 11-17 MacArthur New Testament Commentary) Mattoon - A second principle that is needed in preparing for the second coming of Christ is to realize that your future is in God's hands. Fretting over today or the past is a waste of energy and is a distraction. God wants us to be at peace about our future and be focused on serving Him and reaching others for Christ until He returns. In Christ, we are joint-heirs of the kingdom of God because we become sons of God when we put our faith in Him. We have so much to look forward to in the days ahead of us. (Jn 1:12-note, Ro 8:16-17-note) (Rod Mattoon - Treasures from Luke) Bock on chosen gladly to give you the kingdom - The promise of the kingdom is not specified or described in detail. What seems to be in view are kingdom blessings that are the product of pursuing the kingdom. In other words, pursuit of the kingdom is a goal that can be realized. Above all, secure relationship with God is alluded to in the promise, one that can bring stability and absence of anxiety. (Luke 9:51-24:53 Baker Exegetical Commentary) Spurgeon on give you the kingdom - That is your share. Others (NON-BELIEVERS) may have inferior joys; but you are to have the kingdom. The Lord could not give you more than that; and He will not give you less. (Luke 12 - Exposition) Flock (4168)(poimnion from poimen = shepherd) was literally a flock of sheep but in the NT is applied only figuratively to spiritual sheep that make the community of Jesus' disciples, citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. Poimnion - 5v - Lk. 12:32; Acts 20:28; Acts 20:29; 1 Pet. 5:2; 1 Pet. 5:3 Father (3962)(pater) is the genitor (a begetter), by whom another is begotten. Stated more simply this is a man who has begotten a child. Father is the progenitor, the ancestor in the direct line (a forefather -- thus Adam was the "progenitor" of the Human Race). Pater in Luke's Gospel - Lk. 1:17; Lk. 1:32; Lk. 1:55; Lk. 1:59; Lk. 1:62; Lk. 1:67; Lk. 1:72; Lk. 1:73; Lk. 2:33; Lk. 2:48; Lk. 2:49; Lk. 3:8; Lk. 6:23; Lk. 6:26; Lk. 6:36; Lk. 8:51; Lk. 9:26; Lk. 9:42; Lk. 9:59; Lk. 10:21; Lk. 10:22; Lk. 11:2; Lk. 11:11; Lk. 11:13; Lk. 11:47; Lk. 11:48; Lk. 12:30; Lk. 12:32; Lk. 12:53; Lk. 14:26; Lk. 15:12; Lk. 15:17; Lk. 15:18; Lk. 15:20; Lk. 15:21; Lk. 15:22; Lk. 15:27; Lk. 15:28; Lk. 15:29; Lk. 16:24; Lk. 16:27; Lk. 16:30; Lk. 18:20; Lk. 22:29; Lk. 22:42; Lk. 23:34; Lk. 23:46; Lk. 24:49 Has chosen (taken pleasure, is well pleased, delights in) (2106)(eudokeo from eu = well, good + dokeo = to think) means literally to think well of and so to be well pleased, to take pleasure or delight in (This is the sense in which eudokeo is used in He 10:38). The idea is to find satisfaction in something or someone or to view with approval. To delight means to take great pleasure, to give keen enjoyment, to provide a high degree of gratification. The Father delights to give this great gift, not because we are so good, but because we are in His Son, in eternal, unbreakable union with Him by grace through faith and thus are eternally co-heirs with Him as Paul explained to the saints at Rome... For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Ro 8:15-18+) Eudokeo - 21v - am well content(1), am well-pleased(5), been pleased(1), chosen gladly(1), good pleasure(1), has...pleasure(1), pleased(2), prefer(1), taken pleasure(1), taken...pleasure(1), thought it best(1), took pleasure(1), well-pleased(4). Matt. 3:17; Matt. 12:18; Matt. 17:5; Mk. 1:11; Lk. 3:22; Lk. 12:32; Rom. 15:26; Rom. 15:27; 1 Co. 1:21; 1 Co. 10:5; 2 Co. 5:8; 2 Co. 12:10; Gal. 1:15; Col. 1:19; 1 Thess. 2:8; 1 Thess. 3:1; 2 Thess. 2:12; Heb. 10:6; Heb. 10:8; Heb. 10:38; 2 Pet. 1:17 ILLUSTRATION - Hugh Lattimer (read of his martydom; see Martyr's Monument at Oxford) once preached before King Henry VIII. Henry was greatly displeased by the boldness in the sermon and ordered Latimer to preach again on the following Sunday and apologize for the offence he had given.The next Sunday, after reading his text, he thus began his sermon: "Hugh Latimer, dost thou know before whom thou are this day to speak? To the high and mighty monarch, the king's most excellent majesty, who can take away thy life, if thou offendest. Therefore, take heed that thou speakest not a word that may displease. But then consider well, Hugh, dost thou not know from whence thou comest—upon Whose message thou are sent? Even by the great and mighty God, Who is all-present and Who beholdeth all thy ways and Who is able to cast thy soul into hell! Therefore, take care that thou deliverest thy message faithfully." He then preached the same sermon he had preached the preceding Sunday—and with considerably more energy. Latimer was faithful to the Lord. It was under the reign of Queen Bloody Mary, that he was burned alive at the stake for his faith in Christ and God's Word. On that day, Latimer was executed beside another Christian, Nicholas Ridley. In the hours before his death, with great boldness, Lattimer is quoted as having said to Ridley: Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out. Lattimer was a man that conquered his fear in order to do what God led him to do. (Rod Mattoon - Treasures from Luke) He Meant What He Said—Luke 12:32 Time and time again, the Lord has tenderly spoken these reassuring words to His people: “Do not fear.” Yet how prone we are to live our days, like frightened lambs, in fear and anxiety. Why are we fearful? Could it be that we see God as a reluctant giver? Jesus tenderly corrected this distortion when He said, “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Lk. 12:32). When Jesus said, “Do not fear,” He implied that fear is needless because we can trust our Father’s care. Not too long ago, I was stewing about several personal concerns while driving my car. Suddenly the words “Do not fear!” broke into my troubled mind. As my car ate up the miles, God’s loving rebuke ate up my doubts, and I prayed, “Lord, when You said, ‘Do not fear,’ You really meant it! You want me to take You seriously, and that means trusting the Father’s eagerness to look after me and my needs.” At times our fears may loom so large We long for proof that God is near; It's then our Father says to us, "Have faith, My child, and do not fear." —DJD The perfect cure for fear is trust in God. Money Worries—Luke 12:32 Of His words recorded in the Bible, Jesus has more to say on money than any other topic. Luke 12 offers a good summary of His attitude. He does not condemn possessions, but He warns against putting faith in money to secure the future. Money fails to solve life’s biggest problems. Although Jesus speaks to many aspects about money, He seems to concentrate on the question: What is money doing to you? Money can dominate a person’s life, diverting attention away from God. Jesus challenges us to break free of money’s power—even if it means giving it all away. Jesus urges His listeners to seek treasure in the kingdom of God, for such treasure can benefit them in this life and the next one too. “Do not worry,” He says (v.22), for God is the one who provides for our needs. And then to emphasize His point, He brings up King Solomon, the richest man in the Old Testament. Jesus said that a common wildflower is clothed more gloriously by God than a royal king. So do not have an anxious mind (vv.27-29), “but seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you” (v.31). For Further Study Learn more about this subject by reading Jesus’ Parables About Money The real measure of our wealth is what will be ours in eternity. RELATED RESOURCES FROM RANDY ALCORN The resources below are made freely available by archive.org but have several caveats - (1) they do not allow copy and paste, (2) they can only be checked out for one hour (but usually can be checked out again immediately when your hour expires giving you time to read or take notes on a lengthy section) and (3) they require creating an account which allows you to check out the books free of charge. To set up an account click archive.org and then click the picture of the person in right upper corner and enter email and a password. That's all you have to do. The treasure principle by Alcorn, Randy (Or Here) (See also in depth commentary - 2 Corinthians 5:10) “Supercharged with stunning, divine truth! Lightning struck over and over as I read it.” -John Piper “The Treasure Principle will change your life! This book is destined to become a classic.” -Howard Dayton, Co-CEO, Crown Financial Ministries “The Scripture passages and illustrations really ring true. Just what I needed!” -Hugh Maclellan, President, The Maclellan Foundation “I enthusiastically endorse The Treasure Principle. I hope millions will read it.” -Ronald W. Blue, Founder and CEO, Ronald Blue & Company See also A life God rewards Bible study by Wilkinson, Bruce The treasure principle bible study Discovering the Secret of Joyful Giving by Smith, Brian; Alcorn, Randy (2003) Readers of Randy Alcorn's bestseller The Treasure Principle encountered a revolution in material freedom and generosity that utterly changed their quality of life. In this companion Bible study, the principles become personally applicable and more real than ever, with a powerful combination of biblical concepts, practical quotations from the book, thought-provoking questions, group discussion starters, and short Scripture passages for meditation and memorization. Managing God's investment in their lives will become a new delight, as Christians learn to put their resources to their most rewarding use. Publishers Weekly - "When you discover the secret joy of the Treasure Principle, I guarantee you'll never be content with less." So claims Alcorn in the introduction to this small gift book on Christian generosity. Noting that fifteen percent of Christ's teachings in the New Testament deal with money and possessions-more than his teachings on heaven and hell combined-Alcorn compares heavenly treasure, which is eternal, with earthly riches, which "will always be lost" after death. Alcorn encourages Christians to understand that everything they believe they own is actually God's; they are merely managers. He is a compelling storyteller, whether drawing on Scripture, accounts of others who have lived generously, or recounting his own experiences; all of his book royalties and a large portion of his salary go to charity. Analyzing the pervasive disease of "affluenza" and the fact that Americans' unprecedented wealth does not seem to be bringing extraordinary happiness, he says that he and other people who have discovered the secret of unfettered giving know that they are storing up treasures in heaven, their true home. Alcorn's writing here is more akin to a motivational speech (including an overabundance of rhetorical questions, italicized words and exclamation points for emphasis) than a book. However, many Christians will appreciate his countercultural messages that "giving is the only antidote to materialism" and the "health and wealth gospel dishonors Christ." Indeed, for many, this could be a life-changing book. Money, possessions, and eternity by Alcorn, Randy 369 ratings The law of rewards by Alcorn, Randy Managing God's money : a biblical guide by Alcorn, Randy Seeing The Unseen A Daily Dose Of Eternal Perspective by Randy Alcorn Reach through the fog of this life?and see the world beyond. From the author of the bestselling book Heaven, here are 60 meditations that will inspire you to live each day with an eternal perspective. Spiritually speaking, we live in the Country of the Blind. Sin has blinded us to the truth about God and Heaven, both of which are real yet unseen. But just as the physically blind must accept by faith there are stars in the sky, we must remind ourselves what Scripture tells us about eternal realities. In daily doses, author Randy Alcorn offers insights on the Christian life along with Scriptures and inspirational quotes that can transform the way you think and live today. It's time to open your eyes and see the unseen. Heaven : Alcorn, Randy C Life promises for eternity by Alcorn, Randy The promise of heaven : reflections on our eternal home by Alcorn, Randy C Wait until then by Alcorn, Randy 50 days of heaven : reflections that bring eternity to light by Alcorn, Randy Safely home by Alcorn, Randy C The grace and truth paradox by Alcorn, Randy Grace by Alcorn, Randy The goodness of God : why does a good God allow evil and suffering? by Alcorn, Randy Luke 12:33 "Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. KJV Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. Sell your possessions and give to charity Luke 18:22; Mt 19:21; Acts 2:45; 4:34,35; 2 Cor 8:2 Make yourselves money belts which do not wear out Luke 16:9; Haggai 1:6; Mt 6:19-21; Jn 12:6; 1 Ti 6:17-19; James 5:1-3 Luke 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 12:22-34 How to Solve Worries About Money - Steven Cole Luke 12:32-34 Anxiety-Free Living, Part 3 - John MacArthur JESUS' INVESTMENT TIP: INVEST IN ETERNITY Sell (poleo) your possessions and give to charity - First do not misinterpret this as a command to sell everything you own, because clearly in the Bible it is assumed that believers have possessions. One issue of course is just make sure those possessions don't "possess" you, specifically your heart! To be kingdom citizens we must be willing to give it all up! That does not mean we actually do give it up, but it is about our heart attitude. Jesus says a similar thing in Lk 14:33 "So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions." Giving up our possessions does not earn or merit salvation but it does demonstrate our heart is His, that we are humble in heart, that we are poor in spirit, etc. These are those saved by grace through faith in the King of the Kingdom and Lord of the Universe. As Randy Alcorn reminds us in his book The Treasure Principle (borrow) that "God owns everything. I'm just His money manager!" TECHNICAL NOTE - Sell and give are both in the aorist imperative which calls for us to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey. To obey these commands in dependence on your flesh is to fall into the trap of works or legalism and even deceptively thinking we can merit His Kingdom. Our heart must yield to the wooing of the Spirit, Who circumcises our hearts so that then we will be supernaturally enabled to carry these commands out in His power. Spurgeon - That is to say, do not merely give a little, which you can readily spare; but sometimes even pinch yourselves to relieve the poor. (Luke 12 - Exposition) David Guzik The command to give away what we have is a test of discipleship, and it is also a tool to train us as disciples. It points to giving as an antidote or cure to covetousness. “Readiness to respond to the call of renunciation is a sign of genuine conversion, a sign of undivided loyalty to Jesus, a sign of unwavering faith in Him.” (Pate) Steven
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Spurgeon - Put some of your estate where it cannot be lost. Take care that you invest some of it for God’s poor, and God’s work, where the interest will be sure, and the investment will be safe. (Luke 12 - Exposition) Mattoon - A third principle for rapture readiness is learning to cut your ties to this world. This is not your final home. Heaven is your future home if you are a Christian. Christ urged His disciples to let go of the treasures they had on earth and to lay up treasures in Heaven by investing in the Lord's work and giving to others. By relinquishing their prized possessions, their focus would be shifted to their future home with the Lord. Beloved, God wants us to realize that money is a tool. When we use this tool for His glory, we lay up treasure in Heaven where it will not be stolen or corrupted. There is nothing wrong in having money and taking care of your family. There is something wrong, however, when we fall in love with money to the point that we hurt our relationship with Christ and our family. Our hearts are not to be gripped by greed. Paul warned about this love for money. (1 Ti 6:10). We can guard ourselves against greed by storing up treasure in Heaven. (Rod Mattoon - Treasures from Luke) Reformation Study Bible - Central to this verse is the contrast between earthly goods that are perishable and a source of anxiety, and the treasures of the kingdom of God that are a lasting source of peace. Some of Jesus' followers had at least moderate wealth (Lk 10:38; John 19:27), and He is not demanding that all His disciples be poor. But they must be generous and not set their hearts on earthly possessions (Lk 12:34). (Luke 12:33) Life Application Study Bible - Money seen as an end in itself quickly traps us and cuts us off from both God and the needy. The key to using money wisely is to see how much we can use for God's purposes, not how much we can accumulate for ourselves. Does God's love touch your wallet? Does your money free you to help others? If so, you are storing up lasting treasures in heaven. If your financial goals and possessions hinder you from giving generously, loving others, or serving God, sell what you must to bring your life into line with his purposes. (See Excellent online resource on Luke) An unfailing (anekleiptos) treasure (thesauros) in heaven Where no thief (kleptes) comes near nor moth (ses) destroys (diaphtheiro) - (cf Lk 16:1-13+) Another way to phrase it that we will receive an "inexhaustible treasure," one that lasts forever and ever! Now if that is not a blessed hope (absolute assurance of future good) to hold fast to when the storm winds rise then I don't know of one! Heavenly treasures are full insured! No thief because no sin in heaven! No moths either! Good news! A moth can wreak havoc on an expensive piece of clothing (I have a couple of nice suits that would attest to this truth). This was a big deal in Jesus' day clothing was a significant component of an individual's wealth and destruction by pesky moths could be quite costly. So a place where one's "wealth" could be stored without risk of attack by moths was very attractive. Jesus' words are reminiscent of Peter's description of our "reservation" in heaven... Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved (perfect tense = speaks of permanence - if you have ever walked up to the desk and they said "Sorry. Your reservation has been cancelled" as happened to me on my honeymoon night, then Peter's description should give you great joy and anticipation!) in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5+) Norman Crawford - This is a summary of the Lord's teaching about earthly possessions. They are never to control the believer, or to be allowed to reign in the heart. The believer is cheerfully to give of his possessions to meet the needs of others, that is, "give alms"; his chief aim in life is to lay up treasure above, for unlike all the corruptible treasures of earth, heaven's treasure will never lose its value. Our true treasure is the Lord Jesus (Col 2:3) and He is now in heaven; therefore we are to set our affection on things above (Col 3:1). We also have the treasure in earthen vessels, for we have Christ and all the precious truths that relate to Him to enjoy and proclaim to others (2 Cor 4:5-7). (What the Bible teaches – Luke) Sell (4453)(poleo) refers to trading merchandise, bartering or exchanging possessions for money or in the passive to be offered for sale or be sold. Poleo - 22x - dealers(1), sell(7), selling(8), sells(1), sold(5). Matt. 10:29; 13:44; 19:21; 21:12; 25:9; Mk. 10:21; Mk. 11:15; Lk. 12:6; Lk. 12:33; Lk. 17:28; Lk. 18:22; Lk. 19:45; Lk. 22:36; Jn. 2:14; Jn. 2:16; Acts 4:34; Acts 4:37; Acts 5:1; 1 Co. 10:25; Rev. 13:17 (Mt 13:44) “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. (Mt 19:21) Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete (means "goal" or "end" and here is a synonym for salvation and eternal life), go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” Comment: Do not misunderstand Jesus. He is not teaching salvation by works! (see Ro. 3:23-24; Eph. 2:8, 9) Jesus was proving the error of the man's claim to have fulfilled God's law (Mt 19:20).This is the same command (sell in aorist imperative) Jesus gave to the one who ask Him "what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?" (Mt 19:16-22). Such mercy toward the poor would demonstrate inner righteousness, a righteousness based on his faith in Jesus. This he would not do and went away sorrowful (grieved). The rich man's unwillingness to share his possessions showed that he did not love his neighbor as himself. Sadly he proved that His possessions, his wealth and security, had become his god. What he lacked was the attitude that abandons everything (Mt 16:24) for the sake of God's unearned grace (Phil. 3:7-9).
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Spurgeon - It is not only important to lay up that which can truly be called treasure, but also to lay it up in the right place: “a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.” Such treasure as that will not harm us if we set our heart upon it, and, by-and-by, in God’s good time, we and our treasure shall both be in heaven. .... You are sure to live for that which is the choicest object of your love. Whatever you think to be first, will be first; and what you love in your heart, you will be sure to follow in your life. Make sure of that. Your heart will go after your treasure; and if none of your treasure has gone to heaven, none of your heart will go there. (Luke 12 - Exposition) Steven
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Spurgeon writes "A short life should be wisely spent. We have not enough time at our disposal to justify us in misspending a single quarter of an hour. Neither are we sure of enough life to justify us in procrastinating for a moment. If we were wise in heart we should see this, but mere head wisdom will not guide us aright." See his full note on Ps 90:12-note) We see a similar declaration by Jesus in Luke 6... But love your enemies, and do good, and lend (love, do good, lend are not suggestions but commands in the present imperative, only possible as we are filled with the Spirit of love Who Alone energizes "good deeds"), expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:35–36+) Give us Thy grace to rise above The glare of this world’s smelting fires; Let God’s great love put out the love Of gold, and gain, and low desires. Cecil F. Alexander Heart (2588)(kardia) does not refer to the physical organ but is always used figuratively in Scripture to refer to the seat and center of human life. The heart is the center of the personality, and it controls the intellect, emotions, and will. To the Jew, the heart was considered the center of the person and as such expresses the totality of one’s self. WHERE IS YOUR TREASURE? Mattoon - Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Why are men driven by excitement and energized by their goals and dreams? Because that is where their treasure is. Why will a man will take risks, even face danger or death for what he loves? Because that is where his treasure is. What causes a person to sacrifice and spend his money on his desires and objectives? Because that is where his treasure is. What drives a person to go without sleep in order to complete a task that is important to him? Because that is where his treasure is. Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Your Aims or goals will reveal what you treasure. Your Attention will be grabbed by what you treasure. Your Abandonment of prized possessions for special projects, people, or things show what you treasure. The Additional funds or hours that you sacrifice to complete a task divulge what you treasure. Your Animation and the things that ignite your Anticipation unveil what you treasure. An Accounting of how you spend your money will declare what you treasure. Where is your treasure? Where is your heart? What are the most important things to you in your life? If you want to be ready for the Rapture, lay up treasure in Heaven by putting the Lord first in your life. Failure to put Christ first, living for yourself or for this world, will cause you to be like the person who put his possessions in a bag full of holes. Notice what prophet Haggai said to God's people in his day, who were far from God. Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts, “Consider your ways! 6“You have sown much, but harvest little; you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes.” 7 Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Consider your ways! If the Lord is not first in your life, then consider your ways and make some changes for the better. (Rod Mattoon - Treasures from Luke) John
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Spurgeon comments that… It is sure to be so: your heart will follow your treasure. Send it away therefore up to the everlasting hills, lay up treasure in that blessed land before you go there yourself. There is many a way of sending your treasure before you to heaven. God’s poor are His money-boxes — His exchequer. You can pass your treasure over to heaven by their means. And the work of evangelizing the world by the labors of God’s servants in the ministry of the gospel — you can help this also. There is much need ye should. Thus also ye can pass your treasure over into the King’s exchequer, and your heart will follow it. I have heard of one who said his religion did not cost him a shilling a year, and it was remarked that very probably it would have been expensive at the price. You will find people form a pretty accurate estimate of the value of their own religion by the proportion which they are prepared to sacrifice for it. (Comments on Mt 6:19-21 - scroll down) C H Spurgeon adds this in his commentary "This is a grand moral motive for keeping our desires above groveling objects. The heart must and will go in the direction of that which we count precious. The whole man will be transformed into the likeness of that for which he lives. Where we place our treasures our thoughts will naturally fly It will be wise to let all that we have act as magnets to draw us in the right direction. If our very best things are in heaven, our very best thoughts will fly in the same direction: but if our choicest possessions are of the earth, our heart will be earth-bound." (Commentary) Adam
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Spurgeon - Many people are thinking just now of Christ’s first advent, but this passage bids us watch for His glorious second coming. Never be undressed, as it were, in a moral or spiritual sense: “Let your loins be girded about.” Never be in the dark spiritually. Keep in the light; let your lamp be ever burning. Not only walk in the light of God but let your light shine before men. (Luke 12 - Exposition) Geldenhuys “These words of the Saviour are closely linked up with the previous warnings not to be worldly minded but heavenly minded.” Mattoon - A fourth principle for Rapture readiness is to remove from your life that which is spiritually hindering you and let your light shine for Christ (Mt 5:16+). Be ready for the arrival of the Lord. We find these truths here when the Lord told us to let our loins be girded. Girding your loins was an expression for removing hindrances so that you could freely work. It carried the idea of being diligent, prepared, or ready. (see God's words to His prophet Jeremiah = Jer 1:17) Men in Bible days wore long robes. If they had to perform work or needed to make haste, they would tuck their robe into their belt around their waist. This would enable the person to walk, work, or run freely. This is why "girding your loins" deals with being ready for a task and removing obstructions from your life. This same truth is taught in other verses of the Bible. We are to remove sinful habits that hurt our effectiveness for Christ. (Read Heb 12:1+, 2 Cor 7:1+, 2 Ti 2:4+ 1 Pe 2:1-2+, 1 Pe 4:2+). (Rod Mattoon - Treasures from Luke) Hold the fort for I am coming, Jesus signals still, Send the answer back to heaven, "By Thy grace we will." Believers are to like children of Israel were called to be on the first Passover. Moses records 'Now you shall eat it in this manner: with your loins girded (Lxx uses same verb - perizonnumi), your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste-- it is the LORD'S Passover."The picture is of the Passover night in Egypt. The lamb has been slain, the houses protected by the blood of the blemish-free lamb (cf 1 Pe 1:18-19+), and each Hebrew was to have his loins girded, waiting for marching orders. Even more so should be the attitude of God's children who now wait expectantly for "Christ our Passover" (1 Cor 5:7+)! NET Note - "Let your loins be girded," an idiom referring to the practice of tucking the ends of the long cloak (outer garment) into the belt to shorten it in preparation for activities like running, etc. (Luke 12) Peter uses the related verb anazonnumi (ana = up ~ stresses lifting up of long robe + zonnumi = bind about with a belt) exhorting saints "Therefore, prepare your minds for action (gird up the loins of your mind), keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:13+) Paul uses the image in respect to spiritual warfare Stand firm (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) therefore, HAVING GIRDED (perizonnumi) YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, (Eph 6:14+) This same image of girding your loins as you prepare to move is found in Luke 17:8; Ex 12:11; 1Ki 18:46; 2Ki 4:29; 2Ki 9:1; David Guzik The idea behind this phrase is well expressed in the NIV: Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning.. We are also reminded that Your word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path (Psalm 119:105). One may have an inner willingness to serve God (your waist is girded) but not have the illumination needed to serve Him well (the light of God’s word burning brightly). Keep your lamps (luchnos/lychnos) lit (kaio) - Lit is in the present tense means continually lit. Keep them burning. The picture is of a disciple who is ready at all times. One English definition of ready is "poised for action." I like that picture. Luke uses this same verb (lit) one other time figuratively to describe the disciples' "hearts burning within...while He (the resurrected Lord Jesus) was speaking to (them) on the road." (Lk 24:32+) Luke had earlier mentioned lighting a lamp n Lk 8:16+ and Lk 11:33+ (but both use a different verb hapto, not the verb kaio). While the main point of your lamps lit in context is readiness for His return, disciples with lamps lit also speaks of the light emitted from our supernatural lives which point those in spiritual darkness to God and Jesus the Light of the world. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught... You (DISCIPLES) are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 “Let your light shine (A COMMAND) before men in such a way (THIS IS KEY CAVEAT - SO THAT ULTIMATELY IT POINTS TO GOD NOT US) that they may see your good works, and glorify (GIVE A PROPER OPINION OF) your Father Who is in heaven (HE IS INVISIBLE BUT IN A SENSE MADE "VISIBLE" BY OUR SPIRIT ENERGIZED SUPERNATURAL LIVES AND SUPERNATURAL WORKS). (Mt 5:14-16+) Paul echoes this principle Do (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) all things without grumbling or disputing; 15 so that (PURPOSE CLAUSE - WHAT PURPOSE?) you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that (PURPOSE CLAUSE - WHAT PURPOSE?) in the day of Christ (SECOND COMING) I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. (Phil 2:14-16+) Therefore do not be (present imperative with a negative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) partakers with them; 8 for (TERM OF EXPLANATION - WHAT IS PAUL EXPLAINING?) you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) as children of Light (Eph 5:7-8+) R Kent
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Spurgeon - Brethren, whatever theory we hold about the future, may God grant that it may never prevent our looking for the coming of Christ as an event which may happen at any moment, (ED: imminent) and being on the watch for it as a matter the date of which we do not know! The practical essence of all Scriptural teaching upon that subject is just this, “Ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding.” (Luke 12 - Exposition) Tannehill - Detachment from possessions (Lk 12:13–21) and from cares of daily life (Lk 12:22–34) is an important part of the readiness for the coming of the Son of Man which Jesus wishes to see in his disciples. (Abingdon New Testament Commentary: Luke) David Guzik We all know the embarrassment of being called on when unprepared. Jesus told everyone to be prepared for His coming—which is the most important thing anyone could ever be ready for. Mattoon - In Bible days, a faithful and good servant would keep the lights burning in the home when his master was away at a wedding. Most Jewish weddings in that time were at night. The faithful servant was prepared and anticipated the arrival of his master's return from the wedding. He would stay up all night long into the dark hours of the night to be able to greet his master at the door and serve him when he arrived. (Rod Mattoon - Treasures from Luke) Warren
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Spurgeon - What rewards Christ has in store for his people! If we will but be his servants now, and the servants of our brethren, he will make us rulers over all that he has. I cannot attempt to explain all that these words mean, but I bless the Lord that they are absolutely true. Just as Pharaoh made Joseph ruler over all Egypt, so, when men have done well in the ministry of Christ, he will promote them, and they shall do still more for him. (Luke 12 - Exposition) As an aside, it was rich mercy that God would deliver us from hell, and here unspeakably amazing grace that He would reward us in heaven! How great a salvation we have been given (Heb 2:3+). Faithfulness and obedience will result in greater blessing (all his possessions - not "some of his possessions" but "all"! Amazing grace indeed!). Compare Matthew 25:23 Matthew 25:34 Luke 6:35 Lk 19:17 Luke 22:28-29 Ro 5:17 1Co 6:2 2Ti 2:12 Rev 1:5-6 Rev. 3:21 Rev. 20:4 Rev. 22:5).
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Spurgeon - This always seems to me to be one of the most remarkable of our Lord’s utterances while he was here upon the earth. His whole life was one of condescension, which was never more clearly manifested than it was when he, the Lord and Master of all, took the position of servant of all, and washed his disciples’ feet; yet he here tells us that, if he finds us watching when he comes again, he will once more take his place as our servitor......I will not attempt fully to explain this passage of Scripture in the few moments which I can give to it, but it is very wonderful. Our Lord has been here once, and girded himself to serve us; but is it not extraordinary that here is an intimation of a second girding of Himself that he may serve us? Oh, how fond is Christ of being the Servant of servants, ministering unto those who delight to minister unto him! What an honour does the Captain of our salvation put upon the meanest soldiers in this war when he declares that, if we be found faithful, he will gird himself, and come forth and serve us! (Luke 12 - Exposition) NET Note - "have them recline at table," as 1st century middle eastern meals were not eaten while sitting at a table, but while reclining on one's side on the floor with the head closest to the low table and the feet farthest away. (Luke 12) John MacArthur on gird Himself - I.e., he will take the servant's role and wait on them. This remarkable statement pictures Christ, at His return, ministering as a servant to believers. (BORROW MacArthur Study Bible, PAGE 1540) Robert Stein on wait (diakoneo) on them - The image of the “Lord” serving his servants at the parousia is unexpected and powerful. How blessed indeed are those whom the Lord will serve when he returns! (New American Commentary – Volume 24: Luke) Holman New Testament Commentary - For those who are ready, what a surprise. No barking of commands. No extra burden of work. Instead, it is role reversal. The slaves will lie down at the table ready to eat. The Master will put on the servant's clothes, prepare the food, and serve the servants. What a reward for being ready and for storing up heavenly treasures! Just remember: Be alert twenty-four hours seven days a week until he comes. No slack time allowed. He may come when you least expect him, in the middle of the night. Be alert, and be blessed. (Holman New Testament Commentary – Luke)
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Spurgeon - Peradventure he will not come when the modern prophetic say that he will appear, but he will come when least of all he is expected. Therefore, expect the unexpected; look for your Lord to come when the many go to sleep. Perhaps, while yet I am speaking, ere this gathered assembly shall disperse, there may be heard the cry, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” Are our loins girded? Are our lamps burning? God bless his own truth to the effecting of both those ends! (Luke 12 - Exposition) NET Note on watch - The second or third watch of the night would be between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. on a Roman schedule and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on a Jewish schedule. Luke uses the four-watch schedule of the Romans in Acts 12:4 (cf Mt 14:25, Mk 6:48), so that is more probable here. Regardless of the precise times of the watches, however, it is clear that the late-night watches when a person is least alert are in view here. (Luke 12) Stein agrees that Luke probably was thinking of the Roman practice of dividing the night into four watches. ("Note the four sets of guards in Acts 12:4; cf. also Matt 14:25; Mark 13:35") The watches were 6–9, 9–12, 12–3, and 3–6. The time would therefore be around midnight. If he was referring instead to the Jewish system of three watches (6–10, 10–2, 2–6), then the time would be around 2:00 a.m. (See Luke: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition) Spurgeon - This is a warning to Christ’s own people; but it is still more a warning to those who do not know him. Suppose he were to come tonight; where would you be, you who have hitherto lived as if you were your own masters, and were by no means the servants of Christ? Take heed unto yourselves, for ye know not when your Lord shall come. (Luke 12 - Exposition) Finds them so - How? Finds them "alert when he returns!" Paul in his letter to the saints at Thessalonica, exhorts them (AND US) not to become "sleepy saints" lulled into spiritual apathy and/or complacency in light of the imminency of Christ's return (he believed he would see the Lord in the air - see Paul's use of "we" in 1 Thes 4:15, 17 "that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord...Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air)... But you, brethren, are not in darkness (unbeliever's moral state and separation from God), that the day should overtake you like a thief; 5 for (gar = term of explanation) you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; 6 so then (term of conclusion) let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. For (gar = term of explanation) those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. 8 But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him 11 Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing. (1 Thes 5:4-11+) Warren Wiersbe exhorts saints to "Live expectantly. This does not mean putting on a white sheet and sitting atop a mountain. That is the very attitude God condemned (Acts 1:10-11). But it does mean living in the light of His return, realizing that our works will be judged and that our opportunities for service on earth will end. It means to live “with eternity’s values in view.” Believers who live in the expectation of the Lord’s return will certainly enjoy a better life than Christians who compromise with the world (ED: THEY WILL ALSO RECEIVE A BETTER BLESSING IN THE NEXT WORLD!). At the end of each chapter in this letter (1 Thessalonians), Paul pointed out the practical results of living expectantly. Take time now to review those verses and to examine your heart (1 Th 1:10, 1 Th 2:19-20, 1 Th 3:11-13, 1 Th 4:17-18, 1 Th 5:23-24), (Borrow Be compassionate) NLT paraphrases the promised "blessing" - "He will reward the servants who are ready." This reminds me of Paul's promise to believers in some of his last written words... In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved (agapao in the perfect tense = speaks of an abiding, enduring love of) His appearing (epiphaneia). (2 Ti 4:8+) Comment: Beloved, who or what you are looking for tomorrow will determine what or who you are living for today. Do you truly love the thought of Christ's appearing? Do your thoughts, your words, your actions (e.g., your checkbook) indicate that you are truly looking, longing and loving His appearing? Today, would you say you find yourself loving the Lord's appearing or are you dreading the Lord's appearing? I have heard more than one professing believer say "I have too much left I want to do (speaking of earthly not eternal things). I'm not ready for Him to come back." Do you have a "Maranatha Mindset?" John Wesley said that "only a real Christian can" truly love and look forward to Christ's appearing." Beloved, next to losing one’s soul and going to hell, (in my opinion) the greatest tragedy may well be when a believer enters into glory and discovers that he or she had squandered the opportunities the Lord had given them to bring Him glory. Only a person longing for His appearing will live like He could appear today.
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Spurgeon - Our Master taught us how to die as well as how to live. He could say, “I have finished the work which You gave Me” (John 17:4). Triple blessed is the believer who, in permanently laying down the shepherd’s staff or the carpenter’s plane, or in putting aside the ledger or the schoolbook, can exclaim, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me” (2 Ti 4:7, 8). They asked good old Mede, the Puritan, how he was doing. He answered, “Going home as fast as I can, and bless God I have a good home to go to.” Dear aged saint, so near home, faith will transform death from an enemy to a friend as it brings the glory near. You will soon be in the Father’s house and leave me behind. But I am not sure. I remember that the other disciple outran Peter and came first to the tomb (John 20:4), and so may I. You have the start on me in years, but I may be called home first. Let death come. We will not be afraid. Jesus, who loved us and gave His life for us, is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25). Why should we not want to go? What is here that we should want to wait? What is there on this poor earth to detain a heaven born and heaven bound spirit? Let us go. He, our treasure, is gone. He whose beauties have enthralled our love is not here. Why should we linger? He has risen (Mt 28:7). Let us rise. The Promised Prize - Recently I received a magazine sweepstakes letter that addressed me by name and repeatedly mentioned a $500,000 prize. It spoke of instant wealth and a lifetime of leisure. Finally, at the bottom of page 2, in very small print, I found the part I was looking for. As required by law, the letter told me that the approximate numerical odds of my winning the prize were 1 in 80 million. Now that's remote! Contrast that with Paul's anticipation of what awaited him in heaven: "There is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2Ti 4:8). Note his assurance: "There is laid up for me." Not "there might be" or "there's a slight chance"--"there is." J. Oswald Sanders writes, "This crown is awarded to those who have completed the Christian race with integrity, with eyes fixed on the coming Lord. It is the reward for fulfilling the ministry entrusted to one." Run the straight race through God's good grace, Lift up your eyes and seek His face; Life with its way before us lies, Christ is the path, and Christ the prize. --Monsell Our present choices determine our future rewards. See Finishing Well (RBC Booklet) Luke 12:39 "But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into. KJV Luke 12:39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Mt 24:43,44; 1 Th 5:2,3; 2 Peter 3:10; Rev 3:3; 16:15 Luke 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 12:35-48 Are You Ready for Christ’s Return? - Steven Cole Luke 12:35-40 Waiting for the Master's Return, Part 1 - John MacArthur Luke 12:35-40 Waiting for the Master's Return, Part 2 - John MacArthur Related Passage: Mt 24:43,44 But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will. LIKE A THIEF IN THE NIGHT: SUDDEN, UNEXPECTED But - term of contrast. What is Jesus contrasting? He is changing the illustration, now comparing the call to be alert to how one would watch to protect against a robbery if he knew the time of the robbery. He is giving this picture simply to point out the unexpected nature of the thief and how that points to the unexpected nature of His return and the need to not "fall asleep" spiritually! Be sure (ginosko - present tense but some see this as a present imperative) of this, that if the head of the house (oikodespotes) had known (eido/oida) at what hour the thief was coming - Be sure (present tense) continually understanding the truth of the parable. The chief thought is that the thief comes at an unexpected hour. Clearly thieves don't telegraph that they are coming to visit. They come when everyone is sleeping. They come when least expected. They come stealthily and swiftly. As Jesus explains in Lk 12:40, speaking of His own return, this is how He too will come (unexpectedly) but not to rob but to bless His Bride. But for some His coming will have a similar effect of a thief, for they will lose everything of value, and worst of all will lose their chance for salvation and be themselves "lost" forever in the eternal torments of hell. But for those who have received Jesus by grace through faith as their Lord and Savior, His coming will in fact end the night of this evil age, and be the dawning of the New Age of the Messiah and His Millennial Kingdom which lasts for 1000 years and is followed by the burning of the old heavens and earth, the Great White Throne judgment of all unbelievers of the all ages, be their great or small, rich or poor, which is then followed by the glorious New Heavens and New Earth, where righteousness will dwell forever and ever. Amen. He would not have allowed (aphiemi) his house to be broken into (diorusso) - This is straightforward logic. If we know we are going to be robbed tonight, we will be ready for the thief. Of course, Jesus will not come to His own to rob them. The timing of His return is not known and that is His main point in this simile. The Church needs to remain "awake" and not be falling asleep! How would you describe your church beloved? Awake and ready to meet Jesus face to face or "dozing into somnolence" regarding His return? Broken into literally means dug through because houses made of mud brick were common in Jesus' day. Liefeld - It is unusual, but not impossible, for an evil character, such as a thief, to represent a good person (see the unjust judge [Lk 18:1-8], who stands in contrast to God). Actually, it is the story as a whole, not the individual characters in it, that provides the comparison here. Norman Crawford - It cannot be correct to interpret that the Lord will come to His own as a thief in the night when Paul, Peter and John say that it is in judgment on the ungodly that He will so come (1Th 5:2; 2 Pet 3:10; Rev 16:15)...Paul teaches that the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, "But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief" (1 Th 5:4), so the Lord does not come as a thief to His own. This warning by the Lord is general, teaching the suddenness of His return, and the great necessity of being ready. It is not really necessary to make a positive identification of the householder. (What the Bible teaches – Luke) Jesus used this metaphor of His returning like a thief in Revelation ‘So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.(Rev 3:3+) Tony
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Spurgeon - And the Lord told him that, while it was spoken to all, it had a very special bearing upon apostolic men, upon preachers of the gospel, ministers of Christ. (Luke 12 - Exposition) The English word ready means "ready and waiting," waiting and prepared to act, prepared for what is going to happen, in a state of completion or preparedness, prepared or equipped to act or be used immediately, as for use or action willing or eager, prompt or rapid, quick in perceiving, fully prepared, made suitable and available for immediate use. There is a phrase referring to clothes as "ready to wear" clothing. Beloved, when we see Him in the air, we will receive our "ready to wear" clothing, for we will be made like Him (1 Jn 3:2+) in the twinkling of an eye (1 Co 15:52+) and clothed immediately and forever in glory. Beloved, this is why we need to remain in a state of spiritual/moral readiness now and every day until He returns! Let this grand truth motivate and inspire you to be ready. As Paul wrote to the saints at Rome Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed (He is referring to "future tense salvation" = glorification). 12 The night (of this evil age) is almost gone, and the day is near (The day of His glorious return - Defeat of all enemies = Mt 24:30+, Rapture =1Th 4:17+). Therefore (LET THE TRUTH OF HIS IMMINENT RETURN MOTIVATE YOU TO) let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. (Ro 13:11-14+) NET Note - do not expect - Jesus made clear that his coming could not be timed, and suggested it would take some time. So long, in fact, that some will not be looking for him any longer (at an hour you do not expect). (Luke 12) Crawford - The reason for interpreting the parable as a general warning to be ready is seen in this verse, for the Lord applies the principle of being ready (prepared) to His own disciples. Indeed, the entire section has had this as its major theme. The rich man was well prepared for time but totally unprepared for eternity, so "Be ye therefore ready also" must be understood in this context. Applications to a believer's heart and life are certainly appropriate, but the main teaching is to be prepared for a day of judgment. Throughout the passage there is on the one hand those who are "cast into hell" (v. 5) and on the other, those who seek the kingdom of God (v. 31), wait for the coming of their Lord (v. 36), and will be blessed in their watching for Him (v. 37). (What the Bible teaches – Luke) Ready (2092) (hetoimos from an old noun heteos = fitness) means ready, prepared, in a state of readiness. Readiness both of things (Mark 14:15) and people (Luke 12:40) are included. The papyri also refer to the making ready of things (statements regarding corn and money) and people (getting the harvesters ready; see Moulton-Milligan). Hetoimos - 17v - accomplished(1), opportune(1), ready(15). Matt. 22:4; Matt. 22:8; Matt. 24:44; Matt. 25:10; Mk. 14:15; Lk. 12:40; Lk. 14:17; Lk. 22:33; Jn. 7:6; Acts 23:15; Acts 23:21; 2 Co. 9:5; 2 Co. 10:6; 2 Co. 10:16; Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 1:5; 1 Pet. 3:15 Son of Man - See What does it mean that Jesus is the Son of Man? | GotQuestions.org Luke's 27 uses of Son of Man - Lk. 5:24; Lk. 6:5; Lk. 6:22; Lk. 7:34; Lk. 9:22; Lk. 9:26; Lk. 9:44; Lk. 9:56; Lk. 9:58; Lk. 11:30; Lk. 12:8; Lk. 12:10; Lk. 12:40; Lk. 17:22; Lk. 17:24; Lk. 17:26; Lk. 17:30; Lk. 18:8; Lk. 18:31; Lk. 19:10; Lk. 21:27; Lk. 21:36; Lk. 22:22; Lk. 22:48; Lk. 22:69; Lk. 24:7; Acts 7:56; Expect (suppose)(1380) dokeo "primarily, to be of opinion, think, imagine, suppose. To hold an opinion based upon appearances which may be significantly different from reality. It also signifies "to seem, be accounted, reputed." (Vine) Dokeo is a verb with the general meaning "to think" in a variety of contexts. The underlying sense is that of "making a rational assessment," or "giving consideration to." Dokeo reflects the subjective mental estimate or opinion about some matter, in this passage in Galatians 6 in regard to one's state of personal "religiosity". It means to regard something as presumably true, without particular certainty. When used with a reflexive pronoun it means to seem to oneself - to be of opinion, suppose (Acts 26:9). Dokeo - 62v - deem(1), expect(1), has a mind(1), inclined(1), recognized(1), regarded(1), reputation(3), reputed(1), seem(3), seemed best(1), seemed fitting(1), seemed good(4), seems(3), suppose(5), supposed(2), supposes(1), supposing(4), think(18), thinking(1), thinks(6), thought(4). Matt. 3:9; Matt. 6:7; Matt. 17:25; Matt. 18:12; Matt. 21:28; Matt. 22:17; Matt. 22:42; Matt. 24:44; Matt. 26:53; Matt. 26:66; Mk. 6:49; Mk. 10:42; Lk. 1:3; Lk. 8:18; Lk. 10:36; Lk. 12:40; Lk. 12:51; Lk. 13:2; Lk. 13:4; Lk. 19:11; Lk. 22:24; Lk. 24:37; Jn. 5:39; Jn. 5:45; Jn. 11:13; Jn. 11:31; Jn. 11:56; Jn. 13:29; Jn. 16:2; Jn. 20:15; Acts 12:9; Acts 15:22; Acts 15:25; Acts 15:28; Acts 15:34; Acts 17:18; Acts 25:27; Acts 26:9; Acts 27:13; 1 Co. 3:18; 1 Co. 4:9; 1 Co. 7:40; 1 Co. 8:2; 1 Co. 10:12; 1 Co. 11:16; 1 Co. 12:22; 1 Co. 12:23; 1 Co. 14:37; 2 Co. 10:9; 2 Co. 11:16; 2 Co. 12:19; Gal. 2:2; Gal. 2:6; Gal. 2:9; Gal. 6:3; Phil. 3:4; Heb. 4:1; Heb. 10:29; Heb. 12:10; Heb. 12:11; Jas. 1:26; Jas. 4:5 I'm Ready—Luke 12:40 A friend of mine who has lived all her life in California goes to sleep every night with her shoes and a flashlight under the bed. When she was a child, her father required every family member to be ready to leave the house if an earthquake were to come during the night. “During a tremor,” my friend says, “windows shatter and electricity is lost. With shoes I can walk on broken glass and with a light I can find my way in the dark. I never go to bed without them. I’m ready.” When Jesus spoke to His followers about His return, He said, “Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Luke 12:40). What does it mean for a Christian to be ready for Christ’s return? Jesus said that instead of worrying about material things, we are to trust God’s provision and make His kingdom our priority (vv.22-31). Instead of fear that grasps, we are to demonstrate faith that gives (vv.32-34). Like faithful servants, we should expect our Master at any time, because He will return at an unexpected hour (vv.35-40). Jesus promised to return and told us how to live as we wait for His coming. Our lives, more than our lips, are to say, “I’m ready!” — David C. McCasland He surely is coming, I do not know when; But this I am sure of, He's coming again; So you'd better get ready, no time for delay, For Jesus is coming, it may be today! —Smith Be ready for the last moment by being ready every moment. (ED: THOUGHT - KEEP "SHORT ACCOUNTS" - I.E., CONFESS SIN QUICKLY!) Prepared For The Real Thing—Luke 12:40 Through the years, quite a few people have predicted the return of Jesus at a specific time. Just last year an American radio preacher stirred up the interest of the mainstream media with his prediction that Jesus would return on May 21, 2011. Anyone who knows Scripture well knew that this advance warning wasn’t accurate, because Jesus Himself said His return would be “at an hour you do not expect” (Luke 12:40). But I do have to admit that this prediction captured my attention. Often I get so caught up in the busyness of life that I live as though Jesus’ return is some distant reality. I forget that Jesus could come back at any time. The prediction, wrong as it was, reminded me about the importance of being prepared for my Savior’s return, and it renewed my excitement that it could be any day—even today. Sometimes when we think of being ready for Jesus’ return, we think about what we shouldn’t be doing. But being prepared is really about purifying ourselves and becoming more and more like Him so we are pleasing to Him when He comes back for us (1 John 3:2-3). Jesus taught that being ready for His return requires living according to our Master’s will now (Luke 12:47). Will we be prepared when it’s time for the real thing? By Joe Stowell Keep me praying, keep me trusting Every step along life’s way! Keep me waiting, keep me watching, For He may return today! —Thiesen Look for Christ’s return and you’ll live for Christ’s glory. Luke 12:41 Peter said, "Lord, are You addressing this parable to us, or to everyone else as well?" KJV Luke 12:41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? NLT Luke 12:41 Peter asked, "Lord, is that illustration just for us or for everyone?" (Luk 12:41 NLT) Lord, are You addressing this parable to us Mark 13:37; 14:37; 1 Pet 4:7; 5:8 Luke 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 12:35-48 Are You Ready for Christ’s Return? - Steven Cole Luke 12:41-48 Reward and Punishment at Christ's Return - John MacArthur A DISCIPLE'S QUESTION Previously Jesus dealt primarily with WATCHING AND WAITING, but now He shifts to WORKING in Luke 12:41-48 The Parable of the Steward. MacArthur on the theme of readiness - The Lord taught this same principle in Matthew 24:44-51 (cf. Mark 13:33-37 and the similar teaching in the parable of the talents [Matt. 25:14-30]), indicating that it was a recurring theme of His teaching. (MacArthur New Testament Commentary – Luke 11-17) Peter said Lord (kurios), are You addressing this parable (parabole) to us - Peter was always representative of the disciples and their spokesman. Every church leader needs to read this passage and apply it to himself. Is “this parable” (Lk 12:39–40) for the disciples only or for the crowds as well? Note that in Lk 12:22 it says "He said to His disciples." Jesus does not answer directly Peter but gives another parable describing first a faithful servant (believers ready for His return and who will be blessed) and then an unfaithful servant (unbelievers who will be punished). So while He did not directly answer Peter, now it is clear that this next parable is addressed to everyone listening. THOUGHT - Lest we get the idea that watching and waiting are all that He requires, Jesus added the following story to encourage every disciple to be actively working for His Kingdom when the King returns. The Apostles had a special responsibility to feed God’s household, His church; but each of us has some work to do in this world, assigned to us by the Lord. Our responsibility is to be faithful until He returns, to "hold the fort" so to speak! We may not appear successful in our own eyes, or in the eyes of others, but that is not the point. God wants us to be faithful and He will take care of fruitful (1 Cor. 4:2+). NET Note - [or for everyone] - Is the parable only for disciples (us) or for all humanity (everyone)? Or does Peter mean for disciples (us) or for the crowd (everyone)? The fact that unfaithful slaves are mentioned in Lk 12:46 looks to a warning that includes a broad audience, though it is quality of service that is addressed. This means the parable focuses on those who are associated with Jesus. (In other words, the warning of being watchful applies to all, even to [maybe especially] to His disciples). (Luke 12) Darrell Bock agrees that "The context determines the question’s scope. Does Peter mean “us” as leaders among Jesus’ followers and “all” as all disciples? Or does he mean “us” as disciples and “all” as all people? Or does “all” mean all who think they are related to the kingdom? Luke 12:46 provides a clue when one of the groups is called “the unfaithful.” Thus, anyone who has a connection to Jesus is included in the scope of the parable, even if the relationship consists of not being faithful to him." (Luke 9:51-24:53 (Baker Exegetical Commentary ) (You can borrow Bock's IVP Commentary on Luke - click Luke) Gilbrant - In this parable, Jesus once again uses one of His favorite illustrations, that of the master who bequeaths authority to a steward. Other instances where Jesus used this illustration are Luke 16:1-8; 19:12-27, and Matthew 25:14-30. In each case Jesus is emphasizing two truths concerning the kingdom of God: that of preparedness for His return, and that of proper stewardship over what Christ has given us until His return. The immediate emphasis of the parable, as established by the context of Lk 12:36-39, is on the unexpectedness of Christ's return. When interpreting parables in particular, it is important to recognize that their meaning is generally related to a specific context or subject. To allegorize or spiritualize beyond the boundaries of context often adds meanings that were never intended. (Complete Biblical Library) Steven
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Spurgeon - Wonderful words! We cannot at present tell all that they mean; but, by God’s grace, may they be fulfilled to us when our Lord comes to take us to himself! Distributing the bread of life, giving milk to babes and meat to strong men; not behaving as if he were master, but acting only as a steward who serves out, not his own, but his master’s stores. Oh, that we who are ministers of Christ may be always doing this! So shall we obtain the blessing promised to “that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” (Luke 12 - Exposition) Giving them rations - The spiritual application is God's steward of His mysteries is FAITHFULLY giving them "solid food" (Heb 5:14) and "pure milk" (1 Pe 2:2). Compare John 21:15; John 21:16-17 1 Cor. 4:2 1 Tim. 4:16). And as aside EVERY BELIEVER shares in this accountability when the Master returns whether you are a pastor, teacher or otherwise, for Peter exhorts us.. As EACH ONE has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4:10-note) Crawford - This bond servant is appointed over the household, not to lord it over the other servants (1 Pet 5:2-4) but to provide for the needs of each one "in due season". This latter phrase normally is used to convey the thought of God's full provision for man's need (Rom 5:6; 1 Tim 2:6; Titus 1:3). Into the bond servant's hands has been entrusted the goods of his Lord to be dispensed according to his Lord's will. God has committed to men the care and feeding of His people in every age. The overseers, shepherds and teachers of assemblies have a God-given responsibility "to feed the church of God" (Acts 20:28). It is tragic when God's people are not fed. There will be a day of accounting, and we will be found out regarding the reasons for our failure. (What the Bible teaches – Luke) Faithful (trustworthy)(4103) (pistos from peitho = to persuade - induce one by words to believe, have confidence) is something or someone who is worthy of faith or keeps promises and is applied to God, humans, His Word, etc Pistos means dependable (worthy of reliance or trust), trustworthy, steadfast, unswerving. Webster says that "Faithful" means firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance and implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted. Pistos 63v - believe(2), believer(4), believers(5), believing(1), faithful(44), faithful one(1), faithfully(1), sure(1), trustworthy(7), who believe(1). Matt. 24:45; Matt. 25:21; Matt. 25:23; Lk. 12:42; Lk. 16:10; Lk. 16:11; Lk. 16:12; Lk. 19:17; Jn. 20:27; Acts 10:45; Acts 13:34; Acts 16:1; Acts 16:15; 1 Co. 1:9; 1 Co. 4:2; 1 Co. 4:17; 1 Co. 7:25; 1 Co. 10:13; 2 Co. 1:18; 2 Co. 6:15; Gal. 3:9; Eph. 1:1; Eph. 6:21; Col. 1:2; Col. 1:7; Col. 4:7; Col. 4:9; 1 Thess. 5:24; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 Tim. 1:12; 1 Tim. 1:15; 1 Tim. 3:1; 1 Tim. 3:11; 1 Tim. 4:3; 1 Tim. 4:9; 1 Tim. 4:10; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Tim. 5:16; 1 Tim. 6:2; 2 Tim. 2:2; 2 Tim. 2:11; 2 Tim. 2:13; Tit. 1:6; Tit. 1:9; Tit. 3:8; Heb. 2:17; Heb. 3:2; Heb. 3:5; Heb. 10:23; Heb. 11:11; 1 Pet. 1:21; 1 Pet. 4:19; 1 Pet. 5:12; 1 Jn. 1:9; 3 Jn. 1:5; Rev. 1:5; Rev. 2:10; Rev. 2:13; Rev. 3:14; Rev. 17:14; Rev. 19:11; Rev. 21:5; Rev. 22:6 Sensible (prudent, wise, shrewd) (5429)(phronimos from phronéo = think, have a mindset from phren = diaphragm, seat of mental and spiritual activity, then the understanding) is an adjective which describes one who is thoughtful, sagacious or discreet. It describes the quality of one's thinking which is the result of insight and stands in opposition to moros which means foolish. The idea is that there is understanding combined with wisdom and insight. Phronimos implies a cautious, sensible, prudent character. Luke's only other use of this adjective is Lk 16:8. Phronimos - 14v - more shrewd(1), prudent(5), sensible(2), shrewd(1), wise(4), wise men(1). Matt. 7:24; Matt. 10:16; Matt. 24:45; Matt. 25:2; Matt. 25:4; Matt. 25:8; Matt. 25:9; Lk. 12:42; Lk. 16:8; Rom. 11:25; Rom. 12:16; 1 Co. 4:10; 1 Co. 10:15; 2 Co. 11:19 Steward (3623) (oikonomos from oíkos = house + némo = manage, distribute, dispense) (see study of related word oikonomia) is literally the manager or superintendent of a household or estate. A steward was a trusted servant, usually someone born in the household, who was chief of the management and distribution of household provisions. He provided food for all the other servants, thus managing his master’s resources for the well being of others. He acted as an agent for his master, with full authority to transact business in the master’s name.
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Spurgeon - First, he becomes lordly, he acts as if he were master, beats his fellow servants, he is harsh and ungenerous, and assumes great dignity and gives himself airs. Let him mind what he is at, for his Master will come, and catch him usurping his place. The next danger is that he begins to enjoy himself, to be voluptuous, self-indulgent: “To eat and drink, and to be drunken.” He becomes intoxicated with pride, he is carried away with divers errors; in making much of himself he loses his head, and acts like a fool. (Luke 12 - Exposition)
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Spurgeon - Again let me say that I cannot attempt to explain all that these words mean; but, oh! what will be the horror, the terror, of the punishment which will fall upon the unfaithful steward, the minister who is untrue to his holy calling, the professor who says that he is a child of God, and a steward of Christ, and yet is unfaithful to his trust? I will read our Lord’s words again. You know how we are sometimes accused of saying things too dreadful about the wrath of God in the world to come; but, beloved, we never say anything dreadful enough. If you will carefully examine the Word of God, you will find there expressions such as even Dante or the mediaeval preachers, with all the horrors they depicted, never; surpassed. We cannot exaggerate the awful depth of meaning which we find in the words of the loving Christ himself; let me read this verse again: “The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.” (Luke 12 - Exposition) Steven
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Spurgeon - So that there are different measures of responsibility; there are degrees in guilt, and degrees in punishment. (Luke 12 - Exposition) Hendriksen on the punishments in Lk 12:46, 47, 48 - Among those who at the master’s return are punished there is indeed a difference: some are punished severely, others lightly. This shows that not only are there degrees of glory in the new heaven and earth (1 Cor. 15:41, 42), but there are also degrees of suffering in hell....Even the Old Testament teaches this (Lev. 26:28; Nu 15:22–31; Ps. 19:12, 13; and, last but not least, Amos 3:2).... Why should the servant who did not know his master’s will be punished at all? Answer: ignorance is never absolute. See Ro 1:20, 21; 2:14–16. The entire passage—see especially verse 48b—makes clear that the talents with which God has endowed men must be used, the time must be “redeemed,” the opportunities improved. No one has the right to be lazy. Also, no one has the right to live for himself alone. A person must live for others (1 Cor. 9:22), and for God (1 Cor. 10:31). (Borrow Exposition of the Gospel of Luke) MacArthur feels the unfaithful servants in Lk 12:47-48 are still unbelievers - But while all unbelievers will be sentenced to hell, our Lord makes clear here that the degree of their punishment will differ. Jesus alluded to that fact by describing, in addition to the defiant slave mentioned above, two other types of unfaithful slaves. (See Luke Commentary) Henry
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Spurgeon - O my brethren! Let those of us who are privileged with the possession of the gospel, and privileged with any amount of ability to spread it, enquire whether we could give in a good account if the Lord were to come tonight, and summon us, as stewards, to give an account of our stewardship. God bless to us all the reading of his Word! Amen.....Judge ye, then, brethren and sisters, how much of ability and talent your lord has entrusted to you, and be not content to have rendered him some service; but look for proportionate service, and humble yourselves in his presence if your service is not in proportion to the opportunities entrusted to you. Who among us can refrain from humbling himself before God when he thinks of this? (Luke 12 - Exposition) To whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more - Those who have been entrusted with many abilities, gifts and responsibilities will be held to a higher standard (cf. Mt. 25:29; Mk 4:24, 25). And again this basic principle applies to all men, whether regenerate or unregenerate, this latter group being primarily in view in this context. NET Note on entrusted much To be gifted with precious responsibility is something that requires faithfulness. (Luke 12) Norman Crawford sums up Lk 12:47-48 - These two verses fully explain that in the day of judgment the Lord will judge men according to their evil works (Eccles 12:14), but it will be righteous judgment. Although ignorance does not exempt a sinner from judgment (note the "few stripes"), yet light and knowledge make a sinner much more responsible when he sins against that light. From all we are told in the NT, there do not seem to be degrees of punishment in hell (hadēs Ed: but the final "hell" is Gehenna), the present prison house of the lost, unless the remorse of memory is considered as added torment (Lk 16:25), but in the lake of fire there will be degrees of punishment according to works and the light that has been given (Rev 20:11-15).This principle that light given results in increased responsibility has a broad application to saint and sinner. The latter part of Lk 12:48 makes this clear. We must answer to God for our obedience to the truth that He has given to us. Some have far higher privilege than others. (What the Bible teaches – Luke) Steven