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Get Ready: The Lord is Coming, Part 2 – Luke 12:37-38

The blessing for the Christian is rooted in their relationship with Christ as His devoted servant. Jesus describes His disciples as slaves, a term emphasizing their complete dedication to Him through faith. Their lives are marked by a deep desire to please their Master by hearing and obeying His commands. They welcome His lordship and live in anticipation of His return, preparing themselves through a posture of servanthood and readiness.

The Master, in turn, is eager to bless His faithful servants. His determination is evident in His efforts to find those who exhibit the marks of devotion. Just as the shepherds were given a sign to recognize Jesus in the manger, there are spiritual signs that identify the faithful servants who are prepared to partake in heavenly blessings. These signs set them apart as those awaiting the Lord’s return with eager anticipation.

A hallmark of these faithful servants is their vigilance—they remain spiritually awake and alert. This attentiveness is demonstrated by their commitment to Scripture, which is described as a treasure inspired by the Holy Spirit. Through regular engagement with God’s Word, believers deepen their understanding of the Lord and reveal their spiritual condition. This active relationship with Scripture is vital preparation for meeting the Master when He comes.

Prayer is another crucial way Christians prepare for Christ’s return. Prayer reveals the health of a believer’s spiritual life, as it involves opening one’s heart and mind to the Lord. Though it can be a struggle, prayer is a privilege that demonstrates faith. Neglecting prayer weakens spiritual vitality, much like sleep deprivation affects physical health. True believers persevere in prayer, recognizing its importance for their relationship with God.

Faithfulness is a defining trait of those who remain alert and ready for the Lord’s return. Jesus highlights qualities such as integrity, reliability, and a willingness to be used by God. This faithfulness is not self-generated but inherited from God, who is always faithful. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, believers can live in a way that glorifies God and maintains their readiness for His return.

The reward for faithful servants is extraordinary. Jesus promises to serve those who have been vigilant, inviting them to recline at His table while He ministers to them. This act reflects the humility and love of the Master, who delights in blessing those who have been steadfast in their devotion and alertness.

Believers are called to live in constant readiness for the Master’s return. This involves abiding diligently in God’s Word and maintaining a fervent prayer life. These practices not only prepare Christians for Christ’s coming but also sustain their faith and strengthen their spiritual health as they navigate daily life.

The urgency of this call is emphasized in Mark 13:35-37, where Jesus warns His followers to stay awake, as the exact timing of His return is unknown. Christians must resist spiritual complacency and remain vigilant, living with an unwavering focus on their faith and a readiness to meet their Master at any moment.

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Get Ready: The Lord is Coming – Luke 12:35-37

Jesus begins to shed light on His second coming. His first coming had a wonderful result and we can be assured that His next coming will happen and have a glorious result as well. So Jesus warns us to be prepared for His eventual return. We don’t know when but we do know for sure He is coming.

Why did Jesus bring up His second coming now? This topic seems out of context. He just told every believer not to worry. Those who are full of worries are always looking at their situation. They are without hope. Jesus gives us all hope by telling us about His second coming so that those who are worried may look forward to it. Also, Jesus teaches, “Where your treasure is, there your heart is also”. We lay up our treasures in the kingdom of God based on Jesus’ return.

Is he really coming? Yes, without a doubt. How do we know Jesus will return?

Jesus must return to complete the work He began in His first coming. He is alive and the Son of God cannot lie. Therefore Mark 13:26 will happen according to what Jesus said. Is Jesus really alive? Every other religion’s leader has died and remains dead. However, every disciple of Jesus confirmed Jesus to be alive and witnessed His ascension. He is the Creator, not the creature. He conquered sin and death. He will finish His work of salvation and bring all the elect to glory.

Jesus is coming to bring justice. Men have practiced injustice and many people have suffered injustices. No one is perfect but there are those who have been abused or oppressed unjustly. An example of this is the aborted babies. Every year, millions of babies are murdered. Who will right the wrongs? Who will bring justice to those babies? Not just the babies but all the people who have been treated wrongly especially the church. Who will punish Satan? Jesus will judge everyone including Satan according to their deeds (Rev 20:12). Many Christians have been persecuted and martyred for Christ. It still happens today in parts of the world where Christ is hated. William Tyndall was burned alive at the stake. His crime was simply to translate the Bible into English. For the sake of those treated unjustly, Jesus will return to bring true and final justice.

Scripture says Jesus is coming. If the Bible says and Jesus says then it is the truth. Scripture is sufficient. It is God’s word and by God’s authority in the Scripture, we know Jesus is coming. God’s word cannot be broken (Matthew 26:54).

The second coming will be spectacular. There are no words to describe Jesus coming from heaven with trumpet sounds flanked by hosts of angels. It will be the most exciting moment in history.

Why are Christians not excited?

  • They have bad theology such as preterists. Preterists believe Jesus already came back around 70 AD. Hyper-preterists believe based on Matthew 24:34 that all Biblical prophecies have been fulfilled a long time ago. Their bad theology results in denying Jesus’ future coming because they think it already happened. They also deny future bodily resurrection and the future final judgment. Revelation is only symbolic. So nothing to be excited about.
  • Hyper-sensationalism. They only focus on when Jesus is coming. They think they can predict Jesus’s coming based on signs or visions. An example is when a group thought Jesus would come in 1988. People sold everything and gave up on their normal lives. Jesus did not come in 1988. Everyone who has committed to a particular date has ended in failure, heresy, and ruin. Apostle Paul believed Jesus was coming soon and it motivated his faith. He desired to be more like Christ. This is the healthy understanding of Jesus’ coming. We don’t know when but He is coming.
  • Christians can be ignorant and indifferent to Jesus’ coming. They are too busy with their daily lives. Whatever happens, happens. They care more about their earthly life instead of Jesus’ coming.

We must be excited for Jesus’ second coming. The second coming will be different from the first coming. The first coming brought justification and sanctification. The second coming will complete our salvation with glorification. As a born-again Christ, our hope and excitement is for the second coming when we will be truly rid of our sin and dwell with God face to face. The Second coming will be many things, including the end of history and the beginning of eternity with a new heaven and a new earth. It will be a marriage celebration with the Groom (Jesus) and the Bride (the church) together. It will be amazing. It will be brighter, greater, and last forever. We let our worries of this world overshadow the greatness of the second coming.

So Jesus says, “Gird up your loins and keep your lamps lit.” Girding up your loins means keeping yourself in a perpetual state of readiness. We should continually be aware of and ready for His second coming. Be on the lookout and prepared to take quick action. It’s too late to gird up your loins once you hear the trumpet sound. You need to be ready before the moment happens (Exodus 12:11).

We must gird up our minds. Our minds are sluggish and drunk on the world. We need the spirit of pilgrims which is always moving forward and pressing onward. Remember the parable of ten virgins who were waiting for the groom to appear. Five virgins were prepared with lots of oil. This was their preparation and readiness.

We must gird up our lifestyle. We have too much clutter and too many distractions in our lives. As Christians, we should see our lives through the eyes of God and we should discern what can be removed from our lives.

Jesus says “Keep your lamps lit”. This is so you can see in the night when something happens. The Word of God is your lamp. By God’s word, we know God’s mind and will. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”. Submitting our lives to God’s word is how we keep our lamps lit.

Trying to get ready when Jesus comes is too late. Keep thinking about the second coming while remembering the first coming. We look back at the cross so that we look joyfully forward to the Great White Throne. Another benefit is that the present will seem small and temporary.

So are you ready? Are you ready for Jesus to come back again? The servants are waiting and expecting. Waiting can be boring. But if you have high expectations then waiting becomes exciting. We have the highest of expectations and can be excited.

Jesus will come through the door. Thieves come through some other way (John 10:1). But the waiting servant can recognize their master right away because they love Him. No one recognized Jesus after He was resurrected but Apostle John did through love (John 21:7). The Christian loves Jesus and will know Jesus by their love. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve gone to church or what you’ve done. You must love Him. If you love Jesus you will be ready and waiting for His coming. Jesus loves you and His love for you will never fail. Be ready.

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Fear and the Kingdom Citizen, Part 2 – Luke 12:32-34

Continuing his series on living fearlessly as Christians, Pastor Paul delves into Jesus’ teachings on the heart’s true focus. Jesus urges us to center our lives on Him and His kingdom rather than on worldly wealth, particularly money. He reminds us that as members of God’s kingdom, Christians are spiritually rich because our Father supplies all we need. “The earth is Yahweh’s, and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it” (Ps. 24:1). As God’s children, we inherit endless resources and are called not to let material possessions rule us. Instead, wealth should serve us, not the other way around.

Jesus commands us to “sell our possessions and give to charity” (Luke 12:33). With new hearts given by the Holy Spirit, Christians are led to give rather than to keep for themselves. Everything we have ultimately belongs to God, making us stewards of His blessings. Our call is to be faithful in managing what God has entrusted to us. Through the Spirit, we recognize that nothing compares to the kingdom’s value, as illustrated in Matthew 13:44. Only through God’s work in our lives can we come to treasure His kingdom.

Since Jesus resides in our hearts, our loyalty cannot be divided. He said, “No one can serve two masters…You cannot serve God and money” (Matt. 6:24). Our lives reflect what we serve. Those who worship wealth cannot find satisfaction even if they accumulate more (Luke 12:17). The Apostle Paul shared that the secret to contentment in all circumstances is making Jesus our King (Phil. 4:12-13).

In a world obsessed with wealth, we are called to be focused on giving to those in need. Jesus teaches us to build “money belts that do not wear out”—to invest in heaven by giving generously. Our heavenly treasure will never be subject to decay or theft, for our rewards in heaven are secure with Jesus.

For those who feel they have little to give, remember that generosity goes beyond material possessions. Christians can give through service, encouragement, and kindness, knowing that every act of love is an investment in heaven.

Those who solely amass treasures on earth are shortsighted, for we brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing with us (1 Tim. 6:7). When we live with heaven in mind, our actions reveal our commitment to our true home with Christ. Through God’s grace, we are transformed from receivers to cheerful givers.

Devotion and charity are closely linked (Acts 2:42, 45). When we give, we show obedience to our King, not as an obligation, but as a joyful act of worship. Why are some Christians more generous than others? Our sacrificial giving reveals the true condition of our hearts, for “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:34). Our heart reflects our innermost self, and God calls us to set our hearts on things above, where Christ is (Col. 3:1-2).

In the end, what matters most is the condition of our hearts and our heavenly perspective. God, by His grace, has transformed us to love Him deeply and to see His kingdom as our greatest investment. When we live this way, there is nothing to fear.

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Fear and the Kingdom Citizen – Luke 12:32-34

In today’s text, Jesus reassures His disciples not to fear, reminding them they are part of His kingdom and under His protection. This kingdom assurance invites believers to place their entire trust and investment in God, as opposed to worldly worries and anxieties that burden those outside of God’s care.

Jesus refers to His followers as a “little flock,” portraying them as His beloved sheep. This phrase underscores both their vulnerability and their distinctiveness as those few who enter through the narrow gate, chosen and led by God Himself.

God’s gift of the kingdom is a demonstration of His will, which is inherently good, pleasing, and perfect (Romans 12:2). His intent is to provide both security and freedom from fear for those who follow Him and are part of His “little flock.” This assurance is a promise rooted in God’s steadfast commitment to His people.

This “little flock” has specific characteristics that allow them entrance into God’s kingdom. Key traits include true repentance initiated by God and a childlike faith. True repentance represents a complete turning from sin, while childlike faith reflects dependence, humility, and openness to God’s guidance.

A childlike heart and humility are essential traits in the kingdom. Since pride is natural to humanity, humility must be cultivated through repentance and faith. This humility, alongside a trusting disposition toward God, enables kingdom citizens to receive and reciprocate God’s merciful and kind nature.

Upon entering the kingdom, believers no longer fear, experiencing righteousness, joy, and peace in the Holy Spirit. Unlike those outside the kingdom who prioritize material concerns, kingdom citizens rest assured that God provides for their material needs, allowing them to focus on spiritual growth and peace.

Passion for knowing God and devotion to serving Christ become hallmarks of a true kingdom citizen. The believer’s priority is to serve and honor King Jesus, who laid down His life for His followers. Such devotion fuels joy and trust in God, even amid hardship.

In summary, believers in God’s kingdom live free from fear, sustained by His promises and provision. Their lives are marked by humility, trust, and joy as they prioritize serving the King, confident in His protection and peace. This distinct relationship with God, illustrated by trust and dependence, defines the kingdom citizen.

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The Lord Jesus Commands: Do Not Worry, Part 3 – Luke 12:29-31

Anxiety is something we face every day. Our lives are full of worries. Jesus our Lord is confident we can overcome worries in Him. John Wesley was once on a mission trip to America. The ship is caught in a violent storm. Everyone on board was terrified and panicking. However, one group, the German Moravians, displayed calm and peace during the storm. Afterward, Wesley asked them if they were afraid. They answered they were not afraid to die. They proved that they had peace in their hearts through Jesus Christ. John Wesley wrote, “This was the most glorious day I had seen” because he had witnessed the power of Jesus manifest so clearly in their response to the storm.

Last week we learned three points from Jesus:

  • Knowledge matters – worrying is not beneficial to any situation. If you know this, then worry should not be our first reaction.
  • Thinking matters: Consider who God is and realize the truth. Understand how God takes care of His creatures and you are more valuable than them.
  • Faith Matters: by faith, we can trust and enjoy God because God is faithful.

How do we apply faith in our circumstances? We must go to God’s word, find a promise that applies to our situation, reflect and meditate on that promise, stand on God’s word in that situation, and give thanks.

Two more points to deal with worry. First, is our relationship with God, and second is our devotion to God.

Our relationship matters. Knowing God as Father matters. We have a divine Father therefore we are not alone. What a comfort it is that you are not going through your situation alone. No father abandons their child just because they have made a mistake. How much greater is our heavenly Father’s care for us.

“Do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink and do not keep worrying”. Jesus is referring to our basic needs. The nations of the world are the gentiles and the pagans. They have no room for God in their heart and only react to their circumstances according to their own wickedness and blindness (Ephesians 4:17-19). The gentile can only understand according to the flesh. Their attempts at religion are futile and they have no relationship with the Father.

God the Father is the first person of the Trinity. Whatever God the Father does is good because He is good. He is the real and perfect Father. Isn’t it amazing that Jesus’ Father is our father (John 20:17). God the Father is so kind. Irrationally kind. There are low points in life where we sometimes question our salvation. We look at ourselves and see nothing good. But this is exactly how we know we are saved. Because God saves the sinner (Romans 5:6-7). This is our wonderful Father who gives you life for all eternity. So you do not have to worry because God is your Father. He’s not someone else’s Father but your Father. You are adopted into His family through Jesus Christ according to the good pleasure of His will (Ephesians 1:5). So the Christian is adopted into the family of God, which is called the church, to be coheirs with Jesus Christ and to receive the same love from God that Father that is given to Jesus Christ (John 17:23). So do not worry! God loves you as He loves Jesus Christ, as His very own child.

“But the Father knows that you need these things.” He knows presently what you need. He is always there with you and He always knows your deepest needs every day. Nothing happens without God’s knowledge and presence. He knows the past, present, and future (Psalm 139:4). He knows what you need before you ask Him in prayer (Matthew 6:8). He knows your needs and responds just as our earthly father would do. He leads, guides, protects, provides, teaches, and disciplines. He is our friend, our helper, our leader, and more. He does all these things perfectly and abundantly (Philippians 4:19). We might not understand all His ways and His timing or how He does things. But He is our Father. Therefore we must trust the Father. We must rest in the Father. Our Father is Yahweh. We can depend on Him by waiting patiently (Psalm 27:10).

Secondly, our devotion matters. Jesus commands what to do instead of worrying. “But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you”. This is the devotional attitude we need to overcome our anxiety. Seeking refers to a single-mindedness of heart and focus on the kingdom of God (Luke 15:8). Seeking is an active and consuming pursuit. We must seek Jesus because He is ready and wants to help us.

We are to seek the kingdom of God which is where Jesus is. Only the born-again believer can see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). Being born again means you have life and understand how good God is and would not trade God for anything in this world (Matthew 13:44). We seek God’s kingdom by prayer (Philippians 4:6-7). Remember to always turn to God in prayer in your time of need. This must be our first reaction to everything. Pray to God in the same way we would dial 911 for emergencies. Seek God by reading the Word of God (Isaiah 55:1-2). God’s word and commands will not fail (Isaiah 34:16). God’s word is given to us so our joy may be complete (1 John 1:4). His word is good and will encourage you (Proverbs 12:25). God’s word is perfect. Place your confidence in the Bible. Take God at His word.

When you seek first God’s kingdom then “All these things will be added unto you”. More than we know and more than we ask, beyond our expectations, God will provide. Therefore do not worry but trust in your Heavenly Father and seek Him in prayer and in His word.

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The Lord Jesus Commands: Do Not Worry, Part 2 – Luke 12:25-28

Jesus continues to provide evidence for His command: Do not worry. Thanks to this command, as Christians, we can live free from anxiety and free from worries. This is because we believe in God Almighty who has no worries. He is our faithful Father and if He does not worry then His children have no need to worry either.

Six principles to be free from worry. We will cover three of them today.

Knowledge matters. You must know what worry is and that worrying is useless. If you keep worrying, instead of helping you, it eventually becomes poisonous. To be worry-free, you must realize there is nothing worry can really do. Jesus says, “And which of you by worrying can add a single cubit to his life span? Therefore, if you cannot do even a very little thing…” Worry cannot add to or lengthen anyone’s life span. People are living longer these days but no matter how disciplined or healthy you are you cannot determine when you die and prevent your death when your time is up (Deuteronomy 34:7). No amount of anxiety can extend one’s life beyond what God has determined. Our life is not under our control but God’s (Luke 12:20). At the pinnacle of your life, if God deems it, he can demand your soul. All our days are ordained before we are even born (Psalms 139:16). So you don’t have to worry because there is nothing worry can do.

“Why do you worry about other matters?” When you start worrying about one thing, it will spread into other matters. Worry starts focusing on small matters and brings you down (Proverb 4:23;12:25). Stress and anxiety cause many health issues in our generation, even acting as a catalyst for cancer. Worry has zero nutritional value. It’s harmful. So do not be friends with worry. As a Christian, worry is your enemy.

Thinking matters. To prove His point, Jesus asks us to “Consider the lilies, how they grow”. He is telling us to think in a particular way. Consider is the keyword (Luke 12:24). It means to observe and think carefully to gain understanding. What are we to consider? How God cares for the lilies in the best way even though they don’t do anything. There are flowers everywhere in all parts of the world. Why do those flowers still grow and bloom and display their beauty though they don’t worry or labor at all. Because God shamelessly provides everything they need to bloom beautifully. Their beauty is greater than Solomon, the most wealthy and extravagant king in all of history.

So Jesus rhetorically asks, “How much more will he clothe you?” Humans are different than plants or animals. Man was created in God’s image with a great purpose (Genesis 1:27-28). God values people more than anything else in creation. Believers are not second-class citizens or slaves. Believers are special, they belong to Him, bought by the sacrifice of His only beloved Son. That’s how precious we are in God’s eyes. God loves us and saved us (Romans 8:32). Jesus says, if you think about how much God cares for us than lilies, then we have no need to worry. Consider the fact that you are in Christ. Lilies have nothing to do with Christ, but you are in Christ. That’s the difference of “how much more”. That’s why Paul can say to die is gain. Whatever happens, consider you are in Christ. When you begin to worry, remember you are in the Lord. Reflect on your spiritual status. You are a Christian who is in Christ! Whatever happens is caused by God for our good. We can trust Jesus without worry.

Faith Matters. Faith is the best deterrent against anxiety. “How much more will He clothe you?” This is God’s fundamental promise to every believer. God will provide what you need (Luke 10:4, 22:35). This promise is echoed in Psalms 37:25. “I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread”. Jesus pinpoints the source of our worry. “You of little faith.” Little faith means small faith. It’s not no faith but it is little faith. These are believers who fail to display their faith outwardly. Though they have faith, it is a faith that is not practiced or tested.

By faith we know who God is and how to please Him and seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). God is known and pleased by Jesus Christ. Therefore Jesus Christ is the only object of our faith.

Characteristics of little faith

  • Ignorant of God (little knowledge of God and His word). Lots of assumptions about who God is.
  • God seems smaller than their issues. God seems weaker than men (Numbers 13:2). This causes us to be too embarrassed to act on faith. Genuine faith is not blind faith but faith that stands on the word of God. The Bible teaches us who God is and what He says. Faith believes and acts on God’s word.
  • Tries to handle things on their own. Even though Jesus is always with us, near us, and able to help us, instead of relying on Jesus, we rely on ourselves. Turning to Jesus for big and small needs is not shameful but being faithful (Mark 4:37,40). God doesn’t want you to handle as much as you can by yourself and only turn to him when you fail. That’s not how faith works. From the beginning faith acts in obedience (Hebrews 11:8).

Great faith sees Jesus clearly in the darkest situations. Peter could see it was Jesus walking on the water during the raging storm. Even in the darkest circumstances, faith places its trust in Jesus. When the situation gets tougher, Jesus must be closer. Fix your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). Don’t look at anyone or anything else. Why do you worry? You have lost sight of Jesus. Does Jesus change? Does Jesus grow weak? Is he far away? Of course not. We must seek Him diligently, especially in His word. Spend time with Jesus in meditation and prayer. This is the proven way of faith.

Conclusion

Three things to be free from worry. Worrying is useless and worrying will not change anything. Think about God’s care for you and how much He loves you. Have faith and look to Jesus. Then instead of worrying we will know the will of God for us. New time, three more points about being worry-free.

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The Lord Jesus Commands: Do Not Worry – Luke 12:22-24

In today’s passage, Jesus reassures His disciples not to worry, emphasizing that true abundance is found in Him. However, just as the disciples often forgot, we too are prone to forgetfulness as we bear the burdens of life’s challenges. This forgetfulness amplifies our problems, leading to anxious hearts. Yet, we must remember that we are not alone—Christ is always with us. Jesus admonished His disciples for their anxious spirits, noting that they acted as though they were abandoned. Much like children who grow anxious in the absence of their parents, those who fail to trust and rely on God inevitably become worried and anxious.

Worry is incapable of comprehending divine priorities. Jesus reveals that God the Father knows our true priorities and our greatest needs, such as food and clothing, which are essential for life. Jesus further teaches not to worry about life’s necessities like food, because life is about more than just sustenance. Scripture commands believers to cast all their anxieties upon Christ, for He cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7; Ps. 37:25). What God provides, and how we receive His provision, should be met with a heart of contentment (1 Tim. 6:8). It is often discontentment that leads to worry and anxiety.

Jesus also advises His disciples not to worry about their bodies or their clothing, for life is more than what we wear. Since the Fall in Genesis 2, God has provided clothing for humanity. The deeper issue lies in mankind’s dissatisfaction with what God provides. It is crucial to recognize that life is not solely about food and clothing. Unlike animals, humans possess souls, and we are called to focus on God, who alone can meet our spiritual needs.

In essence, God provides for our greatest need—our salvation and spiritual growth. The most important aspect of human life is the health of our souls. Like the rich fool in the preceding verses, it is foolish to focus only on material wealth. The world falsely promises that accumulating more will bring satisfaction, but this is far from the truth. Our souls need forgiveness and the richness of a relationship with God, and only Jesus can provide for this deepest need (v. 21).

Death is inevitable and can come unexpectedly to anyone, regardless of age. Therefore, it is essential to prepare for death, as we will all face God’s judgment. We can only be saved and enter God’s presence through the righteousness of Christ, which is credited to us by faith.

Through Christ alone, we have the full assurance of salvation, and our souls are secure in His death and resurrection. Only when our souls are saved can we find true peace and freedom from worry. Ultimately, we will enter God’s presence in heaven, where there will be no more sorrow, death, or pain (Rev. 21:4). This ultimate security, provided by Christ, sustains us through life’s trials, for we know the end. Though we may face difficulties, we do not need to worry, for Christ is our safeguard.

Moreover, we should not worry because God deeply cares for and values His children. Jesus says, “Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (v. 24-25). Ravens, unlike other birds, are completely dependent on God’s provision.

How much more valuable are Christians in God’s eyes! Believers are precious to God because we have been redeemed at a high cost—the sacrifice of Christ. Through Christ’s righteousness imputed to us, we become sons and daughters of God (Gal. 4:5-7) and are made new (2 Cor. 5:17). Our value in God’s sight is immeasurable, for when He sees us, He sees Jesus dwelling within us.

As forgiven and redeemed believers, we are called to live free from worry and anxiety, glorifying God through our trust and obedience to His Word and sovereignty. Childlike faith leads us to love and trust in God and His promises. In all that we do, may we glorify God, for He has provided not only for our greatest need but abundantly more.

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Biblical View of God – Luke 12:13-31

We are looking at the topic of greed. It is easy to talk about greed as a moral issue. Lots of religions warn against greed. The Catholics include greed in the seven deadly sins that can’t be forgiven. This is wrong. Greed is a serious sin and Jesus talks about the serious consequences of greed, it is a matter of the soul, but we must have a biblical view of greed. It is not merely a moral issue but has to do with our salvation. Christians should learn about and deal with greed from the beginning when they are saved. We exchange our earthly treasures for the riches of salvation in Jesus Christ. Every Christian is not just a receiver but also a giver, which means we are rich and able to give. Greed is one of the accusations against capitalism, that capitalism advocates for greed which is why socialism is gaining popularity in our society today. Socialism is foolish and just another form of greed. We should learn what our Lord has to say about greed. What is greed, how does greed work, and the solution to not being greedy?

Jesus is finishing his teaching on the damning issue of hypocrisy. A man in the crowd comes to Jesus with a family financial issue. Seems strange to ask Jesus to deal with this sort of matter. However, this is a matter of Jewish law (Numbers 27:6-7) and Jesus is “Rabbi”. Jesus responds with a disapproving question, “Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?”. Jesus’ purpose was to redeem people from their sins, not to settle petty disputes. Sometimes we treat God in the same way, like a vending machine for our needs. This is what the prosperity gospel does. Some people love God’s gift more than God himself.

While this question has nothing to do with Jesus’ purpose, Jesus continues to answer. Jesus sees this situation as more than just an argument between brothers. The deeper issue that applies to everyone is greed. Greed has many forms. Jesus says “Be on your guard against every form of greed”. Greed is covetousness, a desire to have more. Greed is desire more and more and never being satisfied, an insatiable desire. Greed is very toxic and you must watch out for all forms. Greed is more about wanting money but can include power, sex, relationships, family, the internet, games, entertainment, knowledge, or whatever. It’s when you obsess over anything, and try to get as much as you can.

Jesus says an important and clarifying point about greed. “for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” There’s no true life in possessions. True life is the gift of God. Your life is not generated by what you have. Life is what God offers you through forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Only God can give you life and life is faithful to God. When Job lost everything, he understood that his life was from God and for God (Job 1:21-22). When losing everything, real life stands out. With greed, real life is dead. When you have real life, then you won’t be obsessed with your own life but will be sensitive to others and will help others in need (Mark 8:12). Jesus has given so much to you, provides what you need, shows you compassion so there is no reason for the Christian to be greedy. Those who have real life are satisfied with God alone (Matthew 4:4). If you are not satisfied with God then you are greedy. They doubt God and His word. They want something more outside of God. Instead, God should be our most precious and wonderful possession. We worship God instead of worshipping possessions.

Jesus begins a parable about a rich man. Being rich is not a sin. There are many rich and faithful people in the Bible. That’s because being rich comes from God. This man became rich because the land was very productive. This implies that his riches came from God because God made the land productive. That leads to the first problem, which is that the man was not thankful to God. God is the cause of this man’s wealth, yet the man did not give thanks to God. So we should learn to be thankful to God in all circumstances.

Secondly, this man is full of self. This man asked himself, “What should I do?”. He is only concerned about himself, his problem, and his plans. Jesus on the other hand, as he got closer to the cross, was more and more concerned about his disciples and showed His love for them to the end. For the rich there was no room or concern for others but only for himself. Jesus says we should deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. So this man makes a plan. Plans are not bad, they are wise. But plans made without God are foolish and will not stand. You must realize that your life is part of a larger story of God’s plan. Plans are God, but make plans by God, with God, to God, and for God.

Self also builds a false sense of security. The man says to himself, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” This security is built on sand. It is not real and does not last. “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days happen and the years draw near in which you will say, “I have no delight in them”;”(Ecclesiastes 12:1) So remember the Lord Jesus Christ and put your trust in Him and not your possessions.

“But God said to him, ‘You fool….”. God seemed distant to this man but was actually always there. He rebukes this man and calls him a fool. A fool is an unbeliever. The fool is wicked and says in his heart there is no God. “What fools are they who, for a drop of pleasure, drink a sea of wrath.” – Thomas Watson. The rich man is a fool to think he will enjoy all his riches and live out the rest of his days being merry. He was greedy and acted with God. The greedy forget and deny God and His generosity. God is the most generous, even giving His only Son, loving and saving the sinner. The greedy fool rejects God’s love and chooses to perish.

“Now who will own what you prepared?” This is the judgment against the greedy. What you have will be given to others. So do not store up treasures for yourself but be rich towards God(Luke 12:21). The treasures you store up will not last (Matthew 6:19-20). Think about what you store for yourself, whether it is money or time. Do you spend your time and effort on the Lord or on yourself? So be rich towards God, serve God as your master, and live as a pilgrim on this earth (Matthew 6:24). Remember that what we have we do not own, but we are stewards. Also giving is better than receiving. Jesus gave to us even unto death. We give up everything because it is all rubbish but we gain Christ (Philippians 3:8). We give, not because we have an abundance, but because we know God provides what we need (Philippians 4:19). Christians are givers. We should not be greedy but always be giving. “Giving is true having. We are receiving from the Lord through our blessed giving.” – Charles Spurgeon

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Fear the Spirit – Luke 12:10-12

Hypocrisy arises when a person has not experienced the transformative forgiveness of God. This hypocrisy manifests as an external attempt to appear righteous, even though the heart remains unchanged. True transformation comes through the gospel of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit, which convicts and forgives sinners (1 Thess. 1:5). Only through forgiveness can hypocrisy be truly eradicated, as it allows for a change of heart. The foundation of forgiveness is a reverence for the Holy Spirit, for without forgiveness, one cannot enter into a restored relationship with God. Everyone is a sinner, and forgiveness is the cornerstone of the faith, highlighting our need for God’s grace.

In Luke 12:10, Jesus teaches that speaking against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but blaspheming against the Holy Spirit cannot. The distinction lies in the nature of the sin. Those who speak against the Son of Man may be temporarily rejecting Christ out of ignorance or indifference, but there remains the possibility of future repentance. An example of this is the Apostle Paul, who initially persecuted Christians before becoming a devoted follower of Christ (Acts 9:1-2; 1 Tim. 1:13). Another example is Peter, who denied Jesus three times, but later repented and was forgiven. These stories show that even those who deny Jesus can be forgiven if they repent and place their faith in Him.

Blaspheming the Holy Spirit, however, is a graver sin. It signifies a permanent, willful rejection of Christ and the gospel. The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in salvation by regenerating the heart and leading individuals to faith. To reject the Holy Spirit’s work is to reject the only means of being saved. Since the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, rejecting His work leads to a complete estrangement from God, leaving no path for forgiveness.

The Holy Spirit effectually calls sinners to salvation, regenerating their hearts and enabling them to believe. When someone continually rejects the gospel, they are not merely resisting an idea but refusing the Holy Spirit’s call to repentance and faith. This ongoing rejection is a deliberate and conscious choice that ultimately results in spiritual death. Blasphemy against the Spirit is more than disbelief; it is an intentional, persistent rejection of the truth of Christ until the end.

Throughout Scripture, there are numerous examples of individuals who had knowledge of Christ but still chose to reject Him. These people not only ignored His teachings but attributed His works to evil forces. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, as noted by theologian Darrel Bock, is not a single act of rejection but a continual refusal to accept the Spirit’s work and message concerning Jesus. This kind of rejection hardens the heart against any opportunity for repentance.

In modern times, figures like Adolf Hitler and Friedrich Nietzsche exemplify those who heard the gospel yet rejected it all their lives. Both were exposed to the truth of Christ but refused the Holy Spirit’s call to repentance. When the Holy Spirit’s persistent invitations to turn to Christ are ignored, the heart becomes closed off to the possibility of salvation. After continual rejection, there is nothing left but judgment and condemnation, as reflected in passages like Matthew 23:37-38.

Luke 12:11-12 further illustrates the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, especially during times of persecution. Jesus warns that Christians may face trials before religious or governmental authorities because of their faith in Him. These powerful figures may even have the authority to take their lives. However, in moments of trial, the true nature of a believer’s faith is revealed. Will they succumb to fear, or will they trust in the strength of the Holy Spirit, who promises to guide and sustain them during such difficult times (Acts 4:19-20; 16:25)?

Anxiety and worry, particularly in the face of persecution, reveal a lack of trust in God. The Bible teaches that anxiety is a sin because it stems from doubting God’s power and love (Phil. 4:6-7). If we believe in the living God, there is no reason to fear anything in this world. As Romans 8:31-35 reminds us, nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Whether facing the likes of affliction, famine, or persecution, Christians are called to place their trust in the Holy Spirit, knowing He is with them. To fear anything other than God is to fall into the same patterns as unbelievers, missing the fullness of faith.

The Holy Spirit is not just a concept but a living, active presence in the lives of believers. He loves, protects, and empowers Christians to live lives free from hypocrisy. Through the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to live in faith and for the glory of God. As followers of Christ, we are called to avoid the “leaven of hypocrisy” by remaining faithful to the Spirit’s leading, trusting in His strength, and living in the freedom that forgiveness brings.

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Fear Jesus (the Son) – Luke 12:8-9

Huge crowds were gathering around Jesus but instead of appealing to the masses, Jesus specifically speaks to His disciples. The topic he wants to address is hypocrisy. As Christians, we practice a certain level of hypocrisy every day as we sin. We fail to apply God’s word to the fullest extent in every area of our lives. Just because we are all hypocrites does not mean hypocrisy is any less deadly. Hypocrisy is damning and deadly (Matthew 23:15). So Jesus warns his disciples to beware of the leaven of hypocrisy. Thankfully, Jesus has overcome the world which means he has also overcome hypocrisy (John 16:33; Hebrews 5:7). Jesus overcame hypocrisy by revering the Father. We must also fear God. True fear of God is trembling, adoration, and wonder at God’s goodness.

“Everyone who confesses me before men.” This is how we honor and fear Jesus the Son, by confession. To confess is to acknowledge. To confess is to receive Jesus as the only Lord and Savior. We are saved by this confession (Romans 10:9-10). To confess Jesus as Lord is to submit our wants, our will, and our life to Jesus. This means Jesus’ gospel becomes our greatest pursuit (Acts 20:24). To confess Jesus is to be like Him. We do not just serve Jesus but we are in Him and He is in us. If we are in Jesus then we are to be like Jesus, specifically in his suffering (Philippians 3:20-11). When we identify with Jesus, we follow His teaching, we practice His humility and we continue His work. We constantly acknowledge Jesus through the highs and the lows. The essence of confessing Jesus is self-denial (Luke 9:23).

“confess before men.” This means we confess openly and publicly. Public confession opens the door to persecution and tribulation. Do people know you are a Christian? Every choice is between the narrow versus the wide gate. Public confession is costly when your words match your actions. Your behavior will match your words when your head and heart align.

What is the result of our confession? The Son of Man will confess him before the angels of God. What an amazing reciprocation! The Son of Man is a messianic title. Jesus knows who He is and He will return just as He left. Daniel 7:13-14 explains that Jesus will establish his dominion and kingdom when He returns. At that moment He will stand with those who confessed Him and confess them before the Father. It is the most wondrous grace. Our judgment and punishment have already been fulfilled by Jesus on the cross. On the final day, we will avoid the final judgment when Jesus confesses us.

Jesus’ confession is not before men but before the angels. Imagine the scene, standing before God the Father and all the angels, with everything about us, revealed before all. That is the moment we need Jesus’ confession. We have no other hope but the confession of the Son of God. This is why Apostle Paul sincerely and faithfully endured all the sufferings of this life, putting his hope in the glory that is to be revealed. The suffering that comes with our confession before men is nothing compared to Christ’s glorious confession in heaven.

Therefore, it is our goal to show the world who Jesus is without hypocrisy. This is easier said than done. Tragically, many of us are like the Pharisees who Jesus wants to gather as a mother hen but reject Him. “He who denies Jesus before men will be denied before the angels of God.” Many will say “Lord, Lord” but Jesus will say to them I never knew you. When Jesus accuses them of denial it is not a one-time denial but a life of denial. Their denial is their hypocrisy. They have an outward appearance of holiness but an inward rejection. Like Judas the traitor, they have morality and hypocrisy. Peter though he also denied Jesus, his denial did not reflect his inner nature. Under morality, Judas was so racked with guilt he committed suicide. Peter, too, was racked with the same guilt but by God’s grace and love, he was able to repent. That is the difference between those who deny vs those who confess Jesus.

These are some signs of the absence of true self-denial.

  • Jesus is Lord and He must be your Lord to be your Savior. Receiving Jesus as Savior but remaining as your own lord and doing everything according to your own will is not true salvation (Matthew 7:23).
  • Practical Atheism. They deny Jesus as Lord in the areas of their life. Whether it is family, work, finances or hobbies, or whatever, think of the areas where you ignore Jesus or merely practice legalism. Being holy at church but pagan at home is not a true confession.
  • Easy believism which produces nominal Christians. Remember Demas who loved the world and left Paul. The nominal Christians are compromising Christians who did not fully count the cost of following Christ.

Conclusion

“If some of you really believed that there is a hell, and that there is a heaven, as you believe other secular things, you would act very differently from what you now do. You know that you must be born again, but you are still strangers to the new birth. You are as religious as the seats you sit on, but no more; and you are as likely to get to heaven as those seats are, but not one whit more, for you are dead in sin, and death cannot enter heaven. You are like dunghills with snow upon them — while the snow lasts you look white and fair, but when the snow melts, the dunghill remains a dunghill still!” – Charles Spurgeon

To confess Christ does not require a skill or knowledge. It requires the gospel. Someone with a changed heart doesn’t make excuses. We sin every week so we are sad and remorseful. But we are reminded that God is merciful and gracious. He is waiting for our repentance and gives us faith so that our confession may be genuine.

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