Luke 10:38-42

1. Let us observe how different the characters and temperaments of true Christians may be.
2. Let us observe what a snare to our souls the cares of the world may be, if allowed to take up too much attention.
3. Let us observe the solemn rebuke our Lord Jesus Christ gave to His servant Martha
4. Let us observe what high commendation our Lord Jesus Christ pronounced on Mary's choice.

"We must not expect all believers in Christ to be exactly like one another."

"If we love life, we must hold the things of this world with a very loose hand, and beware of allowing anything to have the first place in our hearts, excepting God. Let us write 'poison' on all temporal good things."

"Health, and money, and lands, and rank, and honors, and prosperity, are all well in their way. But they cannot be called needful."

Questions:

First, Ryle points out that Christians have different temperaments. Are their certain temperaments that we value and others we despise? What are they?

Second, this passage warns us of good things becoming bad things when they become god things. Lawful things are good, says Ryle, but permitted to fill our minds they become positive curses. Are there any good things in our lives that are taking the place of first importance?

Third, Jesus tells Martha that one thing is needful. Do our lives give evidence that this is true? If so, how?

Fourth, as Ryle points out how grace - the one thing needful - is good in life and death, now and for eternity, doesn't this cause our hearts to value the Lord Jesus?