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.

October 27, 2024 0

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.

October 20, 2024 0

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.

October 13, 2024 0

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.

October 6, 2024 0

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.

September 29, 2024 0