Introduction

So far, we’ve viewed the judges as almost entirely positive. We’ve taken the interpretive lens from Hebrews 11:32, viewing these men as exemplars of faith. Othniel, Ehud, Barak, and Gideon were all called to lead the Israelites in military conquest against their oppressors. And God gave them success.

Unfortunately, when we come to the end of Gideon’s life, there is no excusing much of what he did. Yes God clothed him with the Spirit and used him to deliver Israel from the hands of Midian, but at some point along the way, Gideon stumbled.

Those whom God has accepted, effectually called, and sanctified “can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace” (WCF 17.1).

But, how do faithful saints of God still fall into grievous sins?

Never underestimate the power of temptation, our remaining corruption, and the means of our preservation (WCF 17.3).

Read Judges 7:24-8:35

Defeating the Enemy (7:24-8:21)

Ephraim defeats the princes of Midian

Ephraim controls the watercourses and puts to death the princes of Midian.

Ephraim complains about the late notice (power trip), but Gideon calms them with a kind word.

What are we to think of Ephraim’s conflict with Gideon?

DRD Sometimes the people of God are a great disappointment. (If you don’t know that, you may not survive the church.) Don’t allow God’s people to disillusion you; at least be prepared for it.

We disappoint one another all the time!Gideon’s soft answer turned away the wrath of Ephraim’s complaint (Prov. 15:1).

Gideon defeats the kings of Midian

Succoth and Penuel deny support to Gideon’s army.

As any good commander in chief would do, Gideon tweeted his outrage in all caps!

Gideon captures Zebah and Zalmunna, with his 300 troops (no effort to integrate reserves).

Gideon settles scores (forshadowing Abimelech’s actions):

He tortures, likely killing, the leaders of Succoth.

He kills the men of Penuel.

He gets vengeance on Zebah and Zalmunna for killing his brothers.

We can give God the praise for the capture and slaughter of Israel’s enemies (Ps. 83:11). On the other hand, Gideon’s treatment of Succoth and Penuel is troublesome.

Remember how the Angel of the Lord called Gideon (6:14)? He was sent to save Israel, instead Gideon tortured Israelites! What went wrong? Yes, Succoth and Penuel were selfish and inhospitable, but they weren’t the enemies.

Had the Spirit of the Lord left him? There hasn’t been any dialogue with God and no activity of the Spirit for quite some time (6:23, 25, 34, 36, 39; 7:2, 4, 7, 9).

It seems Gideon is beginning to neglect the means of God’s preservation. Instead of seeking the Lord’s guidance, he’s now acting on his own. He’s become presumptuous of the Lord’s favor rather than continually leaning upon Him.

Ultimately, we need a better judge, one who would endure suffering rather than inflict it.

Gideon’s retirement serves as a failed picture of…

Leaving A Legacy (8:22-35)

Gideon’s Good Intentions:

Gideon rejects the request to be Israel’s king. Is Gideon noble or showing false humility? He lived in a house, not a king’s palace (29). Yet, his influence was significant. The ephod led the entire nation into idolatry (27).

Gideon takes 43 pounds of gold earrings from the plunder and creates an ephod for display in Ophrah (Exod. 28:28-30; 1 Sam. 23:6-12; 30:7-8). However, rather than inquire of the Lord, the people worshipped the ephod, ensnaring Gideon too! (It’s reminiscent of Aaron in Exod. 32.) This idolatrous worship led them back to Baal worship immediately following Gideon’s death (33).

Gideon has come full circle:

Began: Destroyed idolatry in Ophrah.

End: Established idolatry in Ophrah.

Gideon was an inconsistent leader. He had a public persona that-in the end-didn’t match his private practice.

How does a secular king act (Deut. 17:14-17)?

Ruthless toward Israelites (5-9, 13-17)

Personal vendetta

Justifies actions as royal assassinations

Ridiculous demands (20)

Establishes a creative approach to worship, outside

Introduction

Who do you follow? Not on social media, but in life. It’s an important decision to make.

The religious example these disciples had prior to Jesus’ teaching was that of the Pharisees who were keen on judging and condemning everyone who didn’t quite meet their man-made standards. The Pharisees were not only hypocritical in their judgment of sin, they were entirely graceless in their condemnation of sinners.

Jesus speaks to the importance of following teachers who lead with a godly character.

The Golden Rule is ultimately about imitating the generous and gracious example of our Master.

Read Luke 6:37-42

A Generous Measurement (37-38)

Jesus isn’t simply saying “What goes around comes around.” This isn’t karma, but another application of the Golden Rule.

What Not to Do:

Judge – Not the same as criticizing a lifestyle of sin, practicing church discipline, or correcting false doctrine.

Condemn – Rejecting the person rather than rebuking them for their sin.

What to Do:

Forgive – Be prepared to forgive anyone at all times.

Give Generously – Like grain, God’s blessing will overflow.

JD Greear “Judge not” is one of the most popular Bible verses in our society, especially among non-Christians. It seems to fit in with two of our society’s most basic assumptions—that (1) religion is private and (2) morality is relative.

The context disallows either of these assumptions. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Religion is public and morality is objective. Following Jesus Christ is not a private matter, nor does it lead to moral ambiguity.

However, Jesus is commending a gracious approach to discipleship. Christianity is attractive for the forgiveness it offers and the blessings it provides.

Unfortunately, modern Evangelicalism has adopted the Pharisaical method of discipleship. We condemn sinners like David, overlooking personal failures and utterly damning everyone else (2 Sam. 12:1-7).

Truth should be communicated with passion, but never absent of compassion. We must make the distinction between rebuking the sin and loving the sinner.

Next, Jesus provides…

A Parable on Discipleship (39-42)

R.C. Sproul references a scene in Alice in Wonderland. It’s where Alice asks the Cheshire Cat for help deciding which direction she should go.

Alice: I don’t know which turn I should follow. I don’t know whether to go to the left or to the right. Can you help me?’

Cat: That depends on where you are going.

Alice: I don’t know.

Cat: And the cat grinned and said. ‘Then it doesn’t matter.’

The blind can’t lead the blind. Disciples become like their teachers (for good Acts 4:13, or bad – Pharisees). Therefore, the hypocritical religious leader’s planked eye blinds him. He’ll never be able to properly remove the speck from his brother’s eye.

However, if the teacher is able to remove the plank (repent of his own sin), then he IS able to properly diagnose and remove the speck from his brother’s eye.

Unfortunately, many fumble about like Alice, unsure of where they are and where they are going. The average person begins following whoever catches their interest. The charismatic leader, regardless of his doctrine, gains the most followers.

It was the same in Jesus’ day. The Pharisees were loud, obnoxious, and clueless about God’s will.

On the other hand, Jesus Christ, always did the will of his Father. So we can confidently follow his example.

In summary…

Conclusion

The Golden Rule is about reflecting the generous and gracious example of our Lord.

Jesus used A Generous Measurement in showing love and mercy.

His Parable on Discipleship reminds us of the need for repentance before diagnosing the sins of others.

We are to take heed, lest we ourselves fall. That theme is repeated with shameful consistency in every age.

But, with remarkable consistency, Jesus shows us God’s grace and generosity, whose Spirit enables us to bless others.

Bock The deeper our understanding and appreciation of what God has done, the better prepared we will be to reflect his ch

Introduction

As many as 42% of U.S. adults have assumed a different religious identity from the one in which they were raised, according to a 2014 Pew Research Center study.

Midianite oppression > Gideon’s call by the Angel of the Lord > conversion and offering. Gideon was from the tribe of Manassah, but his family not only worshipped Baal, his father was a priest of Baal keeping an altar at their home. Last week we noted the numerous parallels that signify Gideon’s role as a “new Moses”.

Perhaps our greatest challenge is not allowing commentaries to squelch this man of faith into a timid and cowardly judge. But we will also deal with the (unfortunately) common practice of “throwing out fleeces” before the Lord to determine his will.

The Lord takes several opportunities to show his sovereignty over Baal, and to assure his covenant people that his favor is upon them.

Read Judges 6:25-40

Gideon’s Obedience (6:25-27)

The Lord instructed Gideon to destroy Baal’s altar and the Asherah pole at his father’s house, erect an altar to the Lord on top of Baal’s destroyed altar, then pile the Asherah pole wood on top in order to sacrifice “the second bull” as a burnt offering.

This is no small challenge! He decides he can accomplish the task with ten servants if he goes at night. He completes the assignment perfectly.

Many castigate Gideon for his fear. Consider the son of an Islamic Imam being called to destroy his father’s mosque and build a church in its place. And then, to begin holding a worship service there.

You cannot serve two masters! The Lord allows one altar exclusively for Him. Should the destruction of our idols cause offense, we must choose who we will serve.

Obedience to God often means disobedience to family in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Conversion realigns allegiances causing turmoil. That was precisely Gideon’s fear.

…which was warranted…

Ophrah’s Belligerence (6:28-32)

In the morning, after discovering the vandalism and perpetrator, the people immediately call for Gideon’s execution. Apparently, Gideon’s perception was right to accomplish his mission at night.

Joash, Gideon’s father, reasons with the mob encouraging them to trust that Baal can take care of himself. Let Baal contend with Gideon.

Cundall If this advice had been followed by the devotees of the world’s religions, not excepting many who claimed to be Christians, the world would have been spared a great deal of torture, bloodshed and untold misery.

“Jerubbaal” involves a wordplay that mocks Baal and his followers. He served as proof of Baal’s silence and impotence.

Jesus Christ already paid the penalty for sin on the cross, but he continues the work he began until completion (Phil. 1:6). Like Gideon, we are called to tear down the idols of our heart (Col. 3:5-7). Jesus will bring complete victory over all of our idols.

Next we see the source of…

Gideon’s Authority (6:33-35)

During this time, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern peoples are planning another siege against Israel. This is what they had done the past seven years (6:1, 3).

But this year would be different! The Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon and 32,000 troops respond to his call to war.

The increasing publicity of Gideon’s role and the growing size of the audience testify of God’s power over Baal. Gideon’s private encounter > Ophrah’s discovery of the altar > 32,000 (7:3) troops ready for war.

The Spirit of the Lord provided the authority Gideon needed (Zech. 4:6) to call an apostate people (11, 29-30, 34).

The same Spirit that clothed Gideon clothes you (Rom. 8:12-14)! It’s through the process of killing our sin, that we begin to experience the life Christ has called us to. How do we kill our sin? It is only possible “by the Spirit”! That’s the confidence in which we stand!

So why another test?

Gideon’s Fleece (6:36-40)

Is this about determining the will of God? No. Does Gideon need further reassurances? No.

Gideon was already convinced (24). This sign revealed God’s presence

Introduction

As many as 42% of U.S. adults have assumed a different religious identity from the one in which they were raised, according to a 2014 Pew Research Center study.

Midianite oppression > Gideon’s call by the Angel of the Lord > conversion and offering. Gideon was from the tribe of Manassah, but his family not only worshipped Baal, his father was a priest of Baal keeping an altar at their home. Last week we noted the numerous parallels that signify Gideon’s role as a “new Moses”.

Perhaps our greatest challenge is not allowing commentaries to squelch this man of faith into a timid and cowardly judge. But we will also deal with the (unfortunately) common practice of “throwing out fleeces” before the Lord to determine his will.

The Lord takes several opportunities to show his sovereignty over Baal, and to assure his covenant people that his favor is upon them.

Read Judges 6:25-40

Gideon’s Obedience (6:25-27)

The Lord instructed Gideon to destroy Baal’s altar and the Asherah pole at his father’s house, erect an altar to the Lord on top of Baal’s destroyed altar, then pile the Asherah pole wood on top in order to sacrifice “the second bull” as a burnt offering.

This is no small challenge! He decides he can accomplish the task with ten servants if he goes at night. He completes the assignment perfectly.

Many castigate Gideon for his fear. Consider the son of an Islamic Imam being called to destroy his father’s mosque and build a church in its place. And then, to begin holding a worship service there.

You cannot serve two masters! The Lord allows one altar exclusively for Him. Should the destruction of our idols cause offense, we must choose who we will serve.

Obedience to God often means disobedience to family in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Conversion realigns allegiances causing turmoil. That was precisely Gideon’s fear.

…which was warranted…

Ophrah’s Belligerence (6:28-32)

In the morning, after discovering the vandalism and perpetrator, the people immediately call for Gideon’s execution. Apparently, Gideon’s perception was right to accomplish his mission at night.

Joash, Gideon’s father, reasons with the mob encouraging them to trust that Baal can take care of himself. Let Baal contend with Gideon.

Cundall If this advice had been followed by the devotees of the world’s religions, not excepting many who claimed to be Christians, the world would have been spared a great deal of torture, bloodshed and untold misery.

“Jerubbaal” involves a wordplay that mocks Baal and his followers. He served as proof of Baal’s silence and impotence.

Jesus Christ already paid the penalty for sin on the cross, but he continues the work he began until completion (Phil. 1:6). Like Gideon, we are called to tear down the idols of our heart (Col. 3:5-7). Jesus will bring complete victory over all of our idols.

Next we see the source of…

Gideon’s Authority (6:33-35)

During this time, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern peoples are planning another siege against Israel. This is what they had done the past seven years (6:1, 3).

But this year would be different! The Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon and 32,000 troops respond to his call to war.

The increasing publicity of Gideon’s role and the growing size of the audience testify of God’s power over Baal. Gideon’s private encounter > Ophrah’s discovery of the altar > 32,000 (7:3) troops ready for war.

The Spirit of the Lord provided the authority Gideon needed (Zech. 4:6) to call an apostate people (11, 29-30, 34).

The same Spirit that clothed Gideon clothes you (Rom. 8:12-14)! It’s through the process of killing our sin, that we begin to experience the life Christ has called us to. How do we kill our sin? It is only possible “by the Spirit”! That’s the confidence in which we stand!

So why another test?

Gideon’s Fleece (6:36-40)

Is this about determining the will of God? No. Does Gideon need further reassurances? No.

Gideon was already convinced (24). This sign revealed God’s presence

Introduction

The Golden Rule is almost universally praised, yet scarcely followed.

Last week we began our look at the Golden Rule (Commandments > Examples > Rule). Now Jesus provides further illustrations of the Golden Rule in practice (29-30, 32-34) before closing with the standard stated from a divine perspective (31, 35).

The Golden Rule is a standard many see as good, but it is the Christian alone who has the proper enabling and motivation to live accordingly (2 Pet. 1:4).

The only satisfying response to mercy received is mercy extended to others.

Read Luke 6:32-36

The Grace of the Gospel (32-34)

If you act no different than the world, how are you portraying the power of the gospel? The principles that guide the actions of Christians should be different than the principles that guide the best deeds of sinners. Those who know grace, show grace.

In fact, we have a responsibility to the outside world. The commission we received involves displaying grace.

ECF Quesnel A man ought to tremble with fear, if beside the external part of his religion, he finds nothing in his life but what may be found in a Turk or a heathen.

Gospel grace compels us to change old patterns of love. We have a higher standard now.

We do not love others because of what we will get out of the relationship. We love others because God loved us even when we hated him.

That grace, in part, is our participation in…

The Reward of the Son (35a)

Living according to the sacrificial standard of the Golden Rule may sound like we will be taken advantage of. But Jesus wants our sights to be set upon our spiritual benefits. The reward of adoption motivates us to live like sons (Eph. 5:1-2).

It grates our conservative values to give money to those irresponsible.

In All the Money in the World, J. Paul Getty is a callous oil tycoon who would only provide ransom money up to the amount he could claim as a tax break. He wouldn’t even budge for his grandson.

We know that we have present joys and an eternal inheritance that can never be stolen.

WSC Q.34 Adoption is an act of God’s free grace, whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges, of the sons of God.

That confidence comes from…

The Mercy of the Father (35b-36)

The mercy of the Father, who showed kindness to us when we were ungrateful and evil, is to be the new standard by which we operate.

The children, belonging to the covenant family, are to imitate their Heavenly Father’s communicable attributes (Lev. 19:2).

There are exceptions to these standards. The Golden Rule doesn’t eliminate good stewardship, accountability and self-defense. If we stick to a literal interpretation of these illustrations we will be led to some absurd conclusions. Live like this every day and you will quickly find yourself naked, broke, and wounded.

However, the goal isn’t to create such a safe environment that we can never be taken advantage of (i.e., Getty). When we receive the undeserved mercy of God and display that mercy to those who have nothing to offer in return, we become a living witness of the gospel.

In summary…

Conclusion

The Grace of the Gospel changes us and places a higher ethic upon us.

The Reward of the Son motivates us to follow that ethic, imitating…

The Mercy of the Father

Jesus knew what it was like to spend every waking minute healing and teaching. His instructions to live a life of generosity comes from experience. It was exemplified fully when he was stripped, beaten, mocked, and crucified. Instead of retaliating, Jesus loved his enemies, and prayed for his abusers (23:34, 43). In so doing, he perfectly pictured the Father (John 14:9). Let us go and do likewise.

The post “Love Your Enemies” (Luke 6:32-36) appeared first on Grace Presbyterian Church (PCA).

Introduction

What is your response to the Lord’s warnings? We feel convicted by our tendency to seek comfort in this life rather than God’s promises. We may even question our salvation. Is the Lord’s goal to fill you with fear and doubt? No.

Warnings of judgment should drive us to repentance. When Jesus declares “woe is you” we ought to respond like Jeremiah (Isa. 6:5). That is the response of someone who has been called by a Holy God. The recognition of what we deserve is, in part, how God preserves our faith.

Jesus elaborates the final blessing/woe (22, 26). The Golden Rule is placed within a particularly difficult context.

Do to your enemies as you would have them do to you.

Read Luke 6:27-31

The Golden Commandments (27-28)

Jesus clarifies his audience (20, 27). “But” regards subject, not hearers.

Love (agapé) your enemies.

Do good to your haters.

Bless your cursers.

Pray for your abusers.

Love is not merely something we feel, but something we do while trusting God. Personal retaliation is unchristian.

Before softening the blow, consider how Jesus modeled these commands:

Jesus showed love to Judas.

Jesus called Saul to himself.

Jesus blessed those who crucified him…

and prayed for their forgiveness (Luke 23:34).

His parable of The Good Samaritan reveals this kind of radical, sacrificial love for our neighbor.

That is how Jesus treated us. Our call is to imitate God’s extravagant love (36). We remain in this world, in order to relate God’s love to the world.

Wright Think of the best thing you can do for the worst person, and go ahead and do it.

From commandments to…

The Golden Examples (29-30)

The disciples’ behavior was to radically depart from the self-centered, hedonistic world. These absolute examples are startling, but not exclusive. We must consider the whole counsel of God’s word.

Don’t retaliate against insulting abuse: Matt. 5:39; John 18:22-23; Rom. 12:19-21.

Don’t prevent a thief: Trust God for delayed justice. Vengeance is His.

Give to every beggar: Did Peter and John fail (Acts 3:3-6)? Related to lending without interest (35; Matt. 5:42). Disciples are called to be generous and compassionate.

Don’t demand the return of stolen goods: Bishop Myriel in Les Miserables. Be willing to suffer wrong for the sake of the gospel.

None of this is meant to eliminate accountability (41-42). Nor does it restrict self-preservation and protection of property. However, the idea is that we would love people more than our stuff.

Jesus finally states the principle…

The Golden Rule (31)

The parallel passage in Matt. 7:12 follows Jesus’ teaching of God’s generous response to our asking.

Although, this rule existed in the ancient world (cf. Lev. 19:18), Jesus knows it can only be obeyed through the help of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 7:18).

How is this ethic consistent with the imprecatory psalms? The imprecatory Psalms are judicial rather than personal rules. They represent the actions of a theocracy calling upon the God of justice to mete out his punishment upon those who seek to diminish his glory. The Golden Rule doesn’t eliminate punishment.

Many of us spend most of our thought attempting to shave off the sharp edges of this passage. But, stop and consider the simplicity of Jesus’ words. Could you imagine a world where our common ethic was, Do to your enemies as you would have them do to you.

In summary…

Conclusion

The Golden Commandments

The Golden Examples

The Golden Rule

Regardless of the exceptions to the rule, we miss Christ’s point if it’s anything other than a strong exhortation to show God’s love to everyone, including our enemies (contrary to what the Pharisees taught).

Who among us can say that we live like this? Praise God we have a Savior who forgives us when we fail.

This passage reveals the generous character of God, which was on full display in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He satisfied the Golden Rule perfectly when we died upon the cross while we were enemies.

The post “The Golden Rule” (Luke 6:27-31) ap

Introduction

What is the posture of your heart when you prepare to come into the Lord’s presence for worship? Would you confess a reluctant spirit? Is your mind so divided that you fail to grasp what’s being read? Maybe we’re distracted by other people or other concerns. We’re filled with disinterest instead of reverence, complacency instead of anticipation.

In this opening section of Gideon’s narrative, which focuses upon his calling, we get an illustration of the proper posture of our hearts in worship. It begins with a cycle we’ve grown accustomed to in Judges. Israel’s idolatry leads them into oppression, and from their desperation, they cry out for deliverance.

Gideon is the central judge and his narrative is the longest. He is the only one called directly by the angel of the Lord. So much about this narrative suggests it to be the climax of the book.

Read Judges 6:1-24

Midianite Oppression (1-10)

1-2a Once again – Fickle-faith Israelites commit idolatry and the Lord sells them to Midian.

2b-5 Israel began building hiding places (dens, caves, and strongholds) to protect their crops and livestock.

Israel’s idolatry which led to Midianite oppression has caused them to begin living like animals in dens and caves. Sin has a dehumanizing effect on us.

It’s the grace of God that Israel was raided by their oppressors. He would not permit them to remain complacent in their sin. Their discomfort increased to the point that they had no other option than to cry out to Yahweh (Not Baal/Asherah).

6 Israel at the end of their rope, cry out in desperation.

7-10 The formal indictment of the Lord’s prophet (Covenant Lawyer). “You have not obeyed my voice.” Because of their disobedience, the blessings for covenant faithfulness (land, produce, rest) were stolen by the Midianites.

Notice how the scene ends with uncertainty. Will the Lord deliver his people? The prophet’s rebuke hangs in the air.

A young adult questioned, “I know God exists, but is He good (to me)?” What do you say? Psalms.

The person living in unrepentant sin is left in this same state of uncertainty. To have any sense of assurance one must repent. To stop repenting is to start falling away.

However, instead of judgment, God preserves them…

Gideon’s Call (6:11-18)

11 The Angel of the Lord sat under the oak tree (cf. Deborah’s palm) preparing to deliver a word from the Lord. Gideon hid the wheat from his oppressors. Threshing wheat in a winepress was like flying a kite in a warehouse.

12 Irony? No. Gideon isn’t cowering in fear, eyes darting back and forth. He’s using wisdom!

13-18 Call > Gideon’s hesitation > the Lord’s reassurance (14, 16) > request for a sign.

Parallels to Moses (Exodus 3):

Context: Severe oppression, Israel cried for help, Moses/Gideon hiding, working for father/in-law who were cult priests.

Call: “The Angel of the Lord” calls Moses/Gideon to deliver Israel from her oppressors.

Hesitation: Oppose the call twice (“Please, sir” or “Oh Lord”) claiming inadequacy.

Sign: Both receive a sign of the Lord’s presence through a “fire theophany”.

Fire: Both were afraid. Both assured of the Lord’s presence and support.

Don’t you see what this means? Israel had been assured that the Lord would raise up a prophet like Moses (Deut. 18:15-18). They had been looking for “the Prophet” since Moses’ death! Could Gideon be the one?

As Israel is beginning to recognize their need for deliverance, the Lord in raising up a deliverer. The sinner’s only hope is in a God who heals our apostasy (Hos. 14:4).

Gideon’s response was to prepare…

Gideon’s Offering (19-24)

19-21 Gideon makes an offering consisting of a young goat and an ephah of flour for unleavened cakes (10x the omer of manna Exodus 16, almost 6 gallons!). After presenting it, fire consumes it, and the angel vanishes.

22 This terrifies Gideon:

Davis We western Christians do not understand Gideon’s agony. Such talk is strange to us. We long to reach our warm hand through the print of our Bible page, pat Gideon’s shoulder

Introduction

The world says,

“Who are you to judge?” Christians need to take Jesus’ advice to “judge not…” and stay out of everyone’s personal business.

They obviously haven’t read tonight’s passage.

These woes stand in direct contrast to the Beatitudes in order to wake us up! Pastors need to preach both the beatitudes and the woes.

Remember, this sermon was especially for Jesus’ disciples (20). These warnings apply to believers. Jesus seeks to redirect our hearts to what is eternal rather than temporal.

Doom awaits those who settle for the best this world has to offer.

Read Luke 6:24-26

Woe To You Who Are Rich (24)

Although Jesus is addressing those who have material prosperity, He’s most concerned with their spiritual lives. His warning is for those who find their comfort in their money. It’s become an idol.

Maybe your mind goes to the obvious examples in movies and literature. This verse certainly rebukes people like Scrooge who are stingy and self-serving with their money. But what about those who are anxious until the check arrives?

Gaining the whole world would not be worth losing your soul (Matt. 16:26)! Money cannot save you, but it can condemn you (1 Tim. 6:10). Beware of wealth’s power.

Those who are rich are always full…

Woe To You Who Are Full (25a)

Just like money, many find their comfort in food. As long as they have food in the fridge, they are content. But their satisfaction will turn to hunger on Judgment Day.

We saw a similar warning in Amos 8:11. There has always been a correlation between finding our satisfaction in food versus hearing the Word of God (Deut. 8:3). Fasting was meant to teach this to us.

Food is a gift from God and should be enjoyed, even feasted upon. But food can quickly become a means of numbing ourselves from trials.

The satisfied have no interest in receiving (John 4:13-14).

Rich > Full…

Woe To You Who Laugh (25b)

Of course, there are exceptions to every one of these general warnings. Jesus isn’t condemning joy, but warning those who pursue happiness in the wrong objects. Those unwilling to unplug from entertainment.

John Calvin argues that Jesus is referring to “Epicurean mirth”. Epicurus was a Greek philosopher who promoted the enjoyment of sensual pleasures such as food and alcohol. In other words, Jesus is warning those who forsake everything for parties.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with parties (or food/money), but when we prioritize entertainment we compromise our calling.

On the other hand, when we prioritize eternity our envy of the world’s heroes turns into pity.

Rich > Full > Laugh…

Woe To You Who Are Popular (26)

Those who are willing to speak the truth will cause division and upset the mixed multitudes. The good news is that it’s never been easier to offend people. There’s so much sensitivity!

Calvin This warning refers peculiarly to teachers, who have no plague more to be dreaded than ambition: because it is impossible for them not to corrupt the pure doctrine of God, when they “seek to please men,” (Gal. 1:10.)

Woe to the “pastor” that never condemns the philosophies of this world. They may become darlings of the media for their 10 seconds of fame, but their place on Judgment Day is reserved alongside the false prophets.

In…

Conclusion

Doom awaits those who settle for the best this world has to offer. What the world most desires (money, food, happiness, and fame) Christ issues grave warnings.

J.C. Ryle comments that these woes target…

…the men who prefer the joys and so-called happiness of this world, to the joy and peace in believing, and will not risk the loss of the one in order to gain the other.

May our best always be what is yet to come! That nothing would take Christ’s central place in our hearts. The gifts cannot bring contentment, nor ever replace the Giver.

The post “Woe To You” (Luke 6:24-26) appeared first on Grace Presbyterian Church (PCA).

Introduction

Martin Luther once said that he did not care so much who wrote the theologies, as long as he could write the hymns. Music has a powerful effect and can do more to change the culture than mere logic. Songs have a way of bringing head knowledge to the heart.

Israel’s downward spiral entered it’s third cycle in ch.4. Deborah’s leadership role, Barak’s faith, Jael’s assassination of Sisera.

How do we know Deborah wrote it? Not a duet wearing matching outfits (vv.3, 7, 9, and 21). Why is it inserted here? Reveals religious syncretism of the premonarchic era, the actions of those worthy of commendation before the nation, to give glory to Yahweh. As a praise song, it is conceptually different than any of the modern songs. Dove Award?

Let us sing praise to our God who carries out justice and leads us to victory.

Read Judges 5:1-31

A Call to Worship (1-11)

2 Bless the Lord for Israel’s military leaders.

3 Foreign kings (no king in Israel)

4-5 Divine travel unhindered

6-7 Israel’s travel hindered

8 Foreign gods

9 Bless the Lord for Israel’s military leaders.

Their singing to the Lord was before the nations (2 Sam. 22:50). This would have served as both a proclamation about the goodness of the Lord and a rebuke of God’s enemies.

Deborah recalls imagery from the Lord descending upon Mt. Sinai (storm, earthquake). This is also a polemic against the foreign gods these kings, of whom Israel has come alongside, served (Baal = storm god).

The sufficiency and power of God is placed side-by-side with the desperate situation of Israel in this songs opening stanza.

This hymn of celebration to God is much like Moses’ Song (Exodus 15) which followed the crossing of the Red Sea.

10-11 Deborah calls upon all Israel, whether rich or poor, to sing of the Lord’s triumphs. The musicians have returned to their locations.

Peace has been restored, and the only proper response is to lift up their hearts in praise and adoration.

But apparently, Deborah didn’t know the trick to writing a hit worship song. It’s too judgmental, not enough emotion. You won’t hear this on KDUV!

The song transitions from a call to worship to…

A Call to War (12-23)

12-15a, 18 Those tribes that went to the battle risked their lives and trusted the Lord because they believed in his promise to deliver them.

15b-17 Several tribes stay home, and their faith is mocked in this song.

Deborah, Barak, Jael, and 10,000 men from several tribes responded to the Lord’s call. Their faith was tried and it was found true and they are all commended without hesitation.

12 Barak’s victory is secure. The Israelite captives will be lead away in freedom (Eph. 4:8).

19-22 Recounting the battle: Yahweh is not a territorial deity but the cosmic Lord, sovereign even over Baal (20). The leaders fought and then the Lord sent a “torrent” that “swept them away.”

23 Meroz was probably close to the battle, but interestingly, we have no idea where it was located. I’d say it was thoroughly cursed!

This was a moment of testing. Would they stay in the comfort of their homes, far away from battle, or would they join the fight?

Augustine War is loves response to a neighbor threatened by force.

Although all wars are not just, this passage makes clear that some wars are. Some of us need to be woken up to the physical warfare that is going on all around the world! Love requires intervention!

A just war involves…

A Call to Wrath (vv.24-31)

Deborah as the Mother of Israel and Jael, a non-Israelite, are recognized in this song for their heroic response to evil.

Not only does Jael stand in contrast to Meroz, but she also is contrasted with Sisera’s mother. Her wicked imagination could’ve be worse than her son’s. Deborah’s song mocks her greed and disrespect for God’s people.

31 Praying for the Lord’s enemies to perish is not improper.

Whereas Jael kills the sinner, Sisera’s mother proves that she condoned and enabled her son’s sin.

This is a picture of what sin deserves. Jael carried out justice in honor of a holy G

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