Primary Text: Luke 11:14-12:59
Memory Verse: “Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God. And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.” Luke 12:8-10
Introduction:
Jesus corrected His disciples by warning them against developing attitudes like those of the Scribes and Pharisees. The warnings on which He expounds in this week’s lesson all have their root in our motivation. Our motivations show our true nature. If we are motivated towards the things of God, we act with Godly character. If we are motivated towards the things of the world, we rebel against the will of God.
Jesus spoke to them about not seeking signs and not to give room to darkness in their lives. His desire for them was to know and discern the scriptures and the times in which they were living.
Jesus then warned His followers about being hypocritical, as were the Scribes and Pharisees. The word hypocrisy is from a Greek word that was used to describe an actor who was performing a role. The actor’s motivation was to get the audience to believe the part, approve of the acting, and to applaud. Jesus compared the Pharisees to the actor in a play because the Pharisees “acted out” a predetermined set of religious rituals before an audience. But Jesus pointed out that they should have been more concerned about what was on the inside rather than the show they were making on the outside.
Jesus’s next warning dealt with the motivation of fear. He instructed that men are motivated by fear of other men but should be motivated by fear of God. Instead of desiring to please men, our impetus to good works should be from a heart desiring to please God.
Jesus also warned against greed and reminded them that earthly possessions are not permanent. He instructed that we need to concentrate on the Kingdom of God, rather than striving for the Kingdom of “Self.” As believers, we need to not be hoarders but be generous vessels pouring out God’s blessings to the world.
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- What is Jesus’s warning about hypocrisy? Luke 12:1-3; 1 Timothy 4:2; 1 John 2:4.
- What promises does God give to those who fear Him? Luke 12:6-7; Psalm 115:12-13; Ezekiel 34:12.
- How does the Holy Spirit empower us? Luke 12:12; Acts 4:33; John 14:26; Micah 3:8.
- What qualities does the master look for in His servants? Luke 12:35-36; Matthew 24:44; 26:41; 1 Corinthians 16:13.
- What energy and investment is required of the servants? Luke 12:35; Deuteronomy 4:9; 1 Peter 5:8.
- When the master returns, why does He fix the servants dinner? Luke 12:37; Matthew 20:28; Philippians 2:7.
- What is the point of the parable of a homeowner watching for a thief? Luke 12:39-40; Matthew 24:38-39; 1 Thessalonians 5:3.
- How is it that the message of Christ can bring division? Luke 12:49-53; Jeremiah 23:29; John 7:7; Acts 17:5; Matthew 10:37-38.