Kingdom Principle: What will the Kingdom of God be like? Who will we find there? On what basis will we enter its gates? What we find in our text for this morning is that many will enter in, but solely on the basis of their relationship to Jesus. Our connection to Christ gains us entrance into God’s Heavenly Kingdom.  

1. Kingdom of God is ____________________________.

Luke 13:18–19 (ESV) 18 He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? 19 It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.” 

The mustards are annuals, reproduced with extraordinary rapidity wherever the seed finds a lodgment, a particular that seems to be implied in the parable. In fat soil they often attain a height of 10 or 12 ft., and have branches which attract the passing birds.

No longer was God’s kingdom limited to an ethnic people who could trace their lineage to a single origin. No, instead all people from all backgrounds were invited to participate in God’s kingdom.

Acts 2:41 (ESV) — 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 

Acts 4:4 (ESV) — 4 But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand. 

Acts 5:14 (ESV) — 14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 

Acts 6:7 (ESV) — 7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. 

Acts 11:21 (ESV) — 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 

When Jesus says that the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, he is not only acknowledging that it had humble beginnings, he is also anticipating that the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ would one day permeate the whole known world. 

The Religious Elite imagined the Kingdom of God was narrow but broad. They believed that it was reserved for Israel and that all of Israel would be included because of their lineage. 

John 8:39–42 (ESV) — 39 They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, 40 but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41 You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 

John 8:58–59 (ESV) — 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. 

1. The Kingdom of God is _____________________________.

Luke 13:26–27 (ESV) — 26 Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ 27 But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’

The only way into the kingdom is through Jesus himself. The kingdom is offered to all, but only on the basis of their connection to Christ. Simply knowing of Jesus or being socially acquainted with him is not enough. We must be a guest at this table. We must be family. 

Ephesians 2:19 (ESV) — 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 

Questions to Consider

• In what ways does the remarkable growth of God’s kingdom show that God often does more than we anticipate? In what ways is God working in your life in a way you didn’t expect? 

• Reflect on being a guest at God’s table. In what ways does this cause you to be amazed?

Kingdom Principle: There are real spiritual forces that we encounter in this world. We should be mindful of this spiritual battle in order that we do not lose sight of God’s purposes in our circumstances. 

1. Spiritual Affliction is ___________________________.

Luke 13:11 (ESV) — 11 And behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself.

Among the suggestions for the disease referred to are [ankylosing] spondylitis (a fusion of the spinal bones; Marshall 1978: 557) and skoliasis hysterica (a type of hysterical or muscular paralysis; Grundmann 1963: 279).

The point is that there is a spirit of infirmity that is causing this woman to be disabled, and that this spirit answers to the prince of demons. 

Ephesians 6:10–13 (ESV) — 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 

There are some things in life that have a very normal and physical explanation. (John 9:1-4) Not everything has a spiritual cause. On the other hand, not everything can be explained by physical or material causes either. We should be mindful of both.

1. Believers are not _______________________ from this kind of affliction.

Luke 13:16 (ESV) — 16 And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?”

Everything in this text suggests that this woman was faithful to God, in spite of her condition. What this teaches us is not only that this woman is suffering from a spiritual affliction, brought about by the direction of Satan, but also that she is a believer. This suggest that believers are not immune to this kind of spiritual attack

Two Biblical Illustrations of this, Job and Paul:

Job 1:6–12 (ESV) — 6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. 7 The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” 8 And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” 9 Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? 10 Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” 12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. 

Job 1:21 (ESV) — 21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” 

2 Corinthians 12:7–9 (ESV) — 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

1. God ________________________ over all of our affliction.

Kingdom Principle: Jesus turns to the crowd and calls them to repent. Repentance is a turning from our sin and a turning to Jesus. It is trusting in HIs perfect sacrifice on our behalf to satisfy the righteous wrath of God and to be reconciled to the Judge of all the earth. There is nothing left to be done, we are on our way to the Judge and now is the day of salvation. 

1. The Judge’s Return is ______________________________

Luke 12:56 (ESV) — 56 You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? 

Jesus’ point in this whole interchange is that if the world could be so confident about future events with signs that are so subtle, how could they not see that something major was coming in the miraculous works that Jesus had performed. 

Luke 12:57–59 (ESV) 57 “And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 58 As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison. 59 I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny.” 

When we say the Lord’s return is Imminent what we mean to say is that it could happen at any moment because all has been fulfilled in order for it to occur.

1. No One is ___________________________________

Luke 13:5 (ESV) — 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

Jesus is not being cold here, he is being real. All of us deserve to die. 

Romans 3:10 (ESV) 10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 

Romans 3:23 (ESV) 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 

Romans 6:23 (ESV) 23 For the wages of sin is death…

Hebrews 9:27 (ESV) 27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 

Here is the point, Judgement Day is Imminent, and every one must stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ as a guilty sinner. No one is off the hook.  

2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV) 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 

2Peter 3:3-10

1. The Judges Return is not ______________________________

Luke 13:9 (ESV) — 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’ ” 

This speaks to the amazing nature of God’s mercy, grace, and long-suffering. The tree in this context is the unbelieving world and God is giving it another chance to bear fruit. 

Hebrews 3:7–8 (ESV) — 7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, 

What Jesus’ words and works should have communicated to the world, and should communicate to the world today is not only that the judge is coming, but that Jesus saves us from the wrath to come. The irony of this statement is that Jesus is both the judge and the one whom will settle our accounts. He is all in all.  (Rom. 3:21-26)

Questions to Consider

• Are you ready for the Judgement Day? Are those you know ready? How are you to prepare?

• Why has God postponed his Judgement? How then should we live as believers? (2Pet. 3:11-15)

Kingdom Principle: Jesus takes priority even over our greatest allegiance, our allegiance to our family. There is a new unifying principle in those who follow Christ and it is the Spirit of God that indwells Jesus’ followers. This creates in us a love that goes beyond even the love we have for family. 

1. Our Greatest ________________________ Have Changed

Luke 12:49–53 (ESV) — 49 “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!

I came to cast fire (Πυρ ἠλθον βαλειν [Pur ēlthon balein]). Suddenly Jesus lets the volcano in his own heart burst forth. The fire was already burning. “Christ came to set the world on fire, and the conflagration [wildfire] had already begun” (Plummer). The very passion in Christ’s heart would set his friends on fire and his foes in opposition as we have just seen (Luke 11:53f.). It is like the saying of Jesus that he came to bring not peace, but a sword, to bring cleavage [separation] among men (Matt. 10:34–36).

The word fire here indicates that Jesus’ advent has brought with it a range of emotions/passions, some are holy, others are wicked.

Titus 2:14 (ESV) — 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. 

If you belong to Christ, you will desire to walk with Christ. If the Spirit of Christ lives within you, you will have a passion for holiness. And this serves as our motivation for godliness.

Galatians 5:16–18 (ESV) — 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 

1. Our Greatest ________________________ Challenged

Luke 12:51–53 (ESV) — 51 Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 52 For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” 

The Lord is calling us to a higher love. He is calling us to a greater allegiance. One that supersedes family ties and heritage. He is calling us to love Jesus over all things yea, even our families. 

This is not to say that we should not love our families.

A husband or wife might be called to love a significant other who has abandoned Christ or has never loved him in the first place.

1 Corinthians 7:12–14 (ESV) — 12 To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. 13 If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. 

A child might be called on to care for a parent, even if they don’t love Christ or never supported your faith.

1 Timothy 5:3–4 (ESV) — 3 Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 

A parent might be called on to love a child who has abandoned the faith and is not living for Christ. (Luke 15:11-32)

“Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” 

–William Carry

Kingdom Principle: To combat our allegiances to this earthly realm Jesus challenges us to value those things that heaven values. As we do, we will store up treasure in heaven and we will treasure up heaven in our hearts. And we will serve faithfully waiting for the Master’s return. 

1. 3 Examples of a ______________________ Servant

Luke 12:41 (ESV) — 41 Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” 

Who is the “us” and who is the “all”?

4 Reasons the “us” are believers and the “all” are unbelievers:

1. The audience to whom Jesus is speaking is mixed (crowd, disciples, Pharisees). 

Luke 12:1 (ESV) — 1 In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 

1. The punishment the bad servants receive does not apply to believers. 

The Lord might chastise his children (Heb. 12), but he does not punish them. He punishes the wicked. And some to a greater degree. (Luke 10:13-16)

Punishment of the unbeliever is the same in duration, that is that all who reject Christ suffer for eternity, but it is not the same in degree, not all will suffer in the same measure.

“For although all the reprobate suffer the same punishment, yet it will not be alike severe in all.” — Institutes of the Christian Religion, 3.25.12; John Calvin

1. All must stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ. 

Philippians 2:10-11; Romans 2:6-8

1. This is similar to the parable of the soils.

Luke 8:5-15

1. The ___________________________ Servant

Luke 12:45 (ESV) — 45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk…

There are things in this world that deserve the harshest of punishment and abusing those who are lesser than you is one of them. May it never be said of us!

Psalm 58:1–6 (ESV) — 1 Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? Do you judge the children of man uprightly? 2 No, in your hearts you devise wrongs; your hands deal out violence on earth. 3 The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray from birth, speaking lies. 4 They have venom like the venom of a serpent, like the deaf adder that stops its ear, 5 so that it does not hear the voice of charmers or of the cunning enchanter. 6 O God, break the teeth in their mouths; tear out the fangs of the young lions, O Lord!

1. The ___________________________ Servant

Luke 12:47 (ESV) — 47 And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 

The reason this servant received punishment is not because he did not know, it is because he knew but did not do it. May we not be like the negligent servant.

James 4:17 (ESV) — 17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. 

1. The Un-________________________ Servant

Luke 12:48 (ESV) — 48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. 

Certainly to us who have been given much, much will be required, but also to us who have been given much, much more will be given. Might we be faithful with what the Lord has given us.

Question to Consider

• In what ways does the conduct of the bad servants call you to repent and walk with the Lord in faithful service?

Kingdom Principle: To combat our allegiances to this earthly realm Jesus challenges us to value those things that heaven values. As we do, we will store up treasure in heaven and we will treasure up heaven in our hearts. 

1. 3 Characteristics of a ______________________ Servant

Luke 12:35 “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.

1. Service

The first quality of a good servant is that he/she is about the master’s business.

1 Corinthians 12:4–7 (ESV) — 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 

1 Corinthians 12:12–20 (ESV) — 12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. 

1. Diligence

The blessed servant should not only be about their regular tasks, they should also be preparing for the master’s return by maintaining their lamps. 

Titus 2:11–13 (ESV) — 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 

We should be about our business (the tasks that the Lord has assigned to each) in light of the Lord’s business.

1. Anticipation

Luke 12:36–37 (ESV) — 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes…

The blessed servant is the one watching and listening for the Master’s return. He maintains his responsibilities, he diligently keeps his lamp burning, and he is also looking for the Master’s return.

Philippians 1:20–25 (ESV) 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 

Everything we do in this life should be done in anticipation of the life to come.

Questions to Consider

• How has the Lord called you to serve as you wait for his return? 

• In what ways is he calling you to prepare for his coming?

• What do we have to look forward to when he returns? How should this motivate us for service?

Kingdom Principle: To combat our allegiances to this earthly realm Jesus challenges us to value those things that heaven values. As we do, we will store up treasure in heaven and we will treasure up heaven in our hearts. 

1. _________________________ Up Treasures in Heaven

Luke 12:33 (ESV) — 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.

We save what we value most.

Luke 11:42 (ESV) — 42 “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. 

To store up treasure in heaven is to choose heaven’s values over and above what the earth values, so much so that you act in accordance with these values and do not compromise in order to attain physical or earthly advantages. 

1. __________________________ Up Heaven in Your Heart

Luke 12:34 (ESV) — 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 

Jesus is saying here that our hearts will follow our acts of self-sacrifice and service into heaven. 

Matthew 12:34–35 (ESV) — 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 

God changes us, at the core of who we are, and we are changing as we live out of that change that God has produced and continues to produce in us. 

More than 800 references to heart are woven into the fabric of biblical revelation. An overview of these passages reflects a clear pattern. They all point consistently toward a single and simple truth: The heart represents the unifying center of man’s entire existence, the spiritual concentration point of our total selfhood, the inner reflective core which sets the direction for all of our life relationships. It is the wellspring of all our willing, thinking, feeling, acting, and every other life utterance. It is the fountainhead from which flows every movement of man’s intellect, emotions, and will, as well as any other “faculty” or mode of our existence. In short, the heart is the mini-me. He who has my heart has me, not just part of me, but me wholly. Hence the urgency of the divine summons, “My son, [my daughter], give me thy heart!” (Proverbs 23:26).

The more we value heaven in our actions, the more we will value heaven in our hearts and the more we value heaven in our hearts, the more we will value heaven in our actions. 

Galatians 6:7–8 (ESV) — 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 

Questions to Consider

• What does it look like to give to the poor in our modern context and culture?

• In what ways are you investing in Christ’s Kingdom (storing up treasures in heaven)? 

• Have you seen your love for Christ grow as you act more and more in line with his kingdom? In what ways? In what areas might you continue to grow in your love for Christ and in your actions for his kingdom?

Kingdom Principle: What would you say is your greatest allegiance? If it is not Jesus, then the things of this world have the potential to rule you. Jesus calls us here to put the things of this earth in proper perspective. Jesus is Lord over all of your earthly allegiances. 

1. What is Jesus Commanding Here?

1. We should not be OVERLY-___________________

Luke 12:22–23 (ESV) — 22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 

Jesus is not saying here we shouldn’t work or save. (Prov. 6:6-8, 13:22, 19:14, 20:7; 2Cor. 12:14; 1Tim. 5:8) Jesus is saying here we should not be obsessed with working and saving. Jesus is saying here we shouldn’t put our trust in working or saving. We should put our trust in God. 

μεριμνάω comes from the root μέριμνα (merimna), which is related to μερίζω (merízō), meaning: “to divide, to apportion, or to separate”.

So at its root, merimnáō carries the idea of being mentally divided or pulled in different directions.

Anxiety rejects the goodness and sovereignty of the Lord of all the universe.

1 Corinthians 3:5–9 (ESV) — 5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. 9 For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building. 

What Jesus is saying here is do not be overly-concerned with your life, because you are not the only one responsible for how your life unfolds. 

1. Why does Jesus Command this?

1. God ____________________ for us

Luke 12:24 (ESV) — 24 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! 

To assume that we shouldn’t work because Jesus uses this illustration is to assert that we shouldn’t have bosses because ants are a good illustration of self-initiation and planning for the future. 

Proverbs 6:6–8 (ESV) — 6 Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. 7 Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, 8 she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. 

1. God is in ______________________

Luke 12:25–26 (ESV) — 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 

Newsflash: You are not in Control!

Psalm 135:1–7 (ESV) — 1 Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord, give praise, O servants of the Lord, 2 who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God! 3 Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing to his name, for it is pleasant! 4 For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel as his own possession. 5 For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. 6 Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. 7 He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses. 

Psalm 139:1–2, 13-16 (ESV) — 1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me! 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar… 13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. 

Kingdom Principle: What would you say is your greatest allegiance? If it is not Jesus, then the things of this world have the potential to rule you. Jesus calls us here to put the things of this earth in proper perspective. Jesus is Lord over all of your earthly allegiances. 

1. The __________________ ____________________ of Wealth

Luke 12:15 (ESV) — 15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Jesus does not settle this dispute because it seems that the man approaches Jesus with false motives. His desire is not for justice, his desire is for more. Knowing the man’s heart, he addresses his greed, not his grievance. 

Luke 12:15 (LSB) — 15 Then He said to them, “Watch out and be on your guard against every form of greed, for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” 

Whenever we want more than what the Lord provides we tend to do things that the Lord forbids in order to secure it.

The danger here is thinking that fullness of life is found in a full bank account, when really it is found in a fullness of God. 

Luke 12:16–19 (ESV) — 16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” ’ 

“When he says, Eat, my soul, and enjoy thyself, there is an emphatic meaning in this Hebrew idiom; 271 for he addresses himself in such a manner as to imply, that he has all that is necessary for gratifying all his senses and all his desires.” 

–John Calvin

1. The _________________ _____________________ of God

Luke 12:33–34 (ESV) — 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 

What does it mean to be rich toward God?

If one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions and if we are to do the inverse of that to be rich in God, then the abundance of life consists in having much of Christ.

To be rich toward God is not to be so heavenly minded you are of no earthly good. To be rich toward God is to be of earthly good because you are so heavenly minded.  

Philippians 4:10–13 (ESV) — 10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 

Make God the Lord of your wealth, and your wealth will never become lord over you. 

Questions to Consider

• In what way has God called us to manage our wealth? 

• What are some things you have prioritized over God’s kingdom? 

• How is this reflected in your finances? 

• In what ways is God calling you to be radically generous and to store up treasures in heaven?

Kingdom Principle: There will be those who vehemently oppose the gospel. We should confront them with the truth of Scripture, trusting the Spirit in our times of need.  

Three Important Questions Concerning Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit:

1. _________________ is Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit?

Luke 12:10 (ESV) — 10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 

Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is a unique, specific, and intentional sin. 

1. Unique

The sin that Jesus is addressing here is a sin that is so hardened that it continues into eternity. This is not a “typical” sin. Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is in a whole n’other league.

1. Specific

Mark 3:28–30 (ESV) — 28 “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— 30 for (explanation) they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.” 

Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is claiming that the work that Jesus is doing is the work of Satan. It is to falsely assert that Jesus has not come from the Father of lights, but the father of lies. 

1. Intentional

Luke 11:23 (ESV) — 23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 

Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is a deliberate and hardened rejection of the work of Christ that motivates you to oppose the advance of the kingdom of God at every turn.

“The sin against the Holy Spirit consists in a conscious, malicious, and willful rejection and slandering of the grace of God in Christ… It is not a sin of ignorance but one committed against better knowledge and therefore is unpardonable.”

1. _________________ commits this sin? (with examples)

1. Who does NOT commit this sin. (Luke 22:54-62)

1. Who commits this sin? (Acts 5:12-42)

1. _____________________ does it matter?

Luke 12:11–12 (ESV) — 11 And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” 

John 15:18 (ESV) — 18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 

Matthew 24:9 (ESV) — 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. 

Jesus is saying that we should not be overly concerned with what we will say in the moment we are tested, but he is not saying we shouldn’t be prepared.

Proverbs 21:31 (ESV) — 31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord. 

The comfort in Proverbs 21:31 is that your preparations are not done in vain.

Jesus promises here, that in those times when you are called upon to give a defense for your faith, the Father loves you no matter your circumstances, the Son accepts you no matter your opposition, and the Spirit will be with you no matter your strength.