The Hypocrisy that Hinders Us

 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. Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops. I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Lk 12:1-7).

As the crowd grew and the ministry prospered Jesus seized an opportunity to teach His disciples an important lesson about true discipleship. Growing up into Christ is not about public appearance but it's about the private, inner transformation that's taking place in the heart as we become more like Christ and reflect His image to the world around us… “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Our primary enemy in this perfecting process is hypocrisy. In this brief discourse Jesus revealed three indispensable virtues that lead to victory over the hypocrisy that hinders us.

Hypocrisy is conquered when we pursue Integrity – be consistent with Christ: Jesus taught here that there should be no difference in our public and personal lives. If we agree with the truth of God’s Word that Christ lives in us and He is working within us to make us more like Him, then we should consistently seek and apply His truth to every part of our lives. We do this corporately through fellowship, worship, and Bible study; and we do this privately in Bible study and prayer… “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13). Hypocrisy is overthrown as we consistently obey God’s Word.

Hypocrisy is crushed when we fear no man – be confident in Christ: Jesus taught here that we should fear no person, place, or thing but God. If we agree with the truth that God is absolutely sovereign over every particle of His creation, including every bit of our lives, then there is no room for fearing anything else beside Him. When we consider the depth of love that God has for us because we are His children… “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God” (1 John 3:1), we know we can be confident in Him as our loving Father… “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” (1 John 4:18). Hypocrisy is overshadowed by confidence in God’s love that conquers our hearts.

Hypocrisy is clobbered when we accept our worth – be conformed into Christ: Jesus taught here that we are of the highest value in the eyes of God. When the Father looks at His children He sees us through the blood of His Son… “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). When our spouse, our children, our friends, our boss, our bank balance, or any other person or circumstance begins putting us down, God challenges us to see ourselves like He does, created to worship, fellowship, and serve Him as Jesus does… “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10), and to glorify Him as we are being made over into the image of Christ as, “everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made” (Isaiah 43:7). Hypocrisy is overcome as we are conformed into Christ.

As we grow up into Christ, consistent, confident, and conformed in Him, we are delivered from…

The Hypocrisy that Hinders Us.

The Law that Frees the Heart

One of the lawyers answered him, “Teacher, in saying these things you insult us also.” And he said, “Woe to you lawyers also! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your fathers killed. So you are witnesses and you consent to the deeds of your fathers, for they killed them, and you build their tombs. Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,’ so that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be charged against this generation, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation. Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.” As he went away from there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press him hard and to provoke him to speak about many things, lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say (Lk 11:45–54).

The lawyers could not help feeling convicted by the woeful words of Christ that were directed at the Pharisees. That’s what happens when the Word of God… “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:12-13) and the Spirit of God… “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8) are working together to grasp and transform the hearts of sinners. In reply to their confession Jesus reveals how even the most zealous followers can be deceived unless they have been transformed by the law that frees the heart.

Some who call themselves followers of Jesus burden themselves and others with legalistic and religious burdens. True discipleship is not obeying a long list of rules that only modify external behavior. We don’t need the grace of God for such legalistic manipulation. True disciples are born again with a new heart that is hungry for God’s Word, holiness, fellowship with Him and other believers, to serve Him and His Church, and to share His precious gospel. A heart freed and compelled by the love of Christ is an obedient heart where Christ abides richly… “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:23).

Some who say they are Christ followers honor the prophets but do not honor or obey their words. True discipleship is not possible apart from the nourishment… “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4), equipping… “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and sanctifying… “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17) Word of God. That’s why the hearts of true disciples are immersed in God’s Word… “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).

Some who claim to be Jesus followers take away the key of knowledge. The key to knowledge is the Holy Spirit who leads earnest seekers deep into the truth sealed in God’s Word… “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13). True disciples rely on the Holy Spirit to teach God’s truth so they are transformed by the truth of God’s Word. They don’t want to miss the revelation of Jesus Christ in every part of scripture… “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me” (John 5:39). The hearts of true disciples are transformed and filled by the Spirit that replaces sin and death with the life of Christ… “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2).

As we grow up into Christ we grow and are transformed by the grace and mercy that accompanies…

The Law that Frees the Heart.

The Change that is from the Inside Out

While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him, so he went in and reclined at table. The Pharisee was astonished to see that he did not first wash before dinner. And the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also? But give as alms those things that are within, and behold, everything is clean for you. 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. Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seat in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without knowing it” (Lk 11:37-44).

Jesus accepted an invitation to dine with a Pharisee. This is extraordinary when we remember that the Pharisees led the attacks against Christ and His message. Jesus willingly went to the home of this enemy and shared fellowship and a meal with this adversary because He loved him as much as He loved anyone else. But Jesus used this invitation to attempt to change this skeptic’s heart and not his skin. He revealed that evidence of the truly born again life is not merely a change of behavior but a change of motive because trusting Christ produces the change that is from the inside out.

The new life in Christ is identified by generous giving. Like the Pharisees, our old nature was enslaved by the deceitful notion that we own everything we have. When we gave something away we thought we were parting with something of ourselves. The old man’s giving is a reflection of impotent self-righteousness. When we are born again our spirit is quickened to receive and believe the truth that we are stewards of God’s creation because all things belong to Him… “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever” (Romans 11:36). Jesus commended tithing here at the same time He condemned unholy motive because tithing is the acknowledgement that because we are His born again children, God entrusts us with stewardship of His creation. The new heart of the new believer, where possession is replaced by stewardship, overflows with holy generosity that moves us beyond tithing and makes us cheerful givers… “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). God loves to bless generous, cheerful givers so we might steadily increase our stewardship and participation in His good work… “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

The new life in Christ is infused with gentle humility. Like the Pharisees, we used to crave the attention, admiration, and acceptance of others. We spent lots of energy investing in the right relationships that could help us build an attractive reputation for ourselves. Many try to build a reputation for themselves even in the church, but the truly born again disciple knows that Christ sees through even the haughtiest man-made reputation… “I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 3:1). True disciples have died with Christ and now Christ lives in us… “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). Genuine disciples have exchanged reputation for humility, following Christ’s example… “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:7-8 KJV).

The new life in Christ is inspired by genuine compassion. Like the Pharisees, we were controlled by selfishness. But selfishness is replaced by compassion in the love-driven heart of true disciples… “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died” (2 Corinthians 5:14).

As we grow up into Christ evidence that we are truly born again and becoming more like Him is…

The Change that is from the Inside Out.

The Light that is in Us

“No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light” (Lk 11:33–36).

Jesus just finished teaching that the Son of Man is a sign to this generation as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites in his generation. But what about other generations? What about our generation? In His very next lesson, with light as the object of the lesson, the Teacher exhorted His disciples to be a reflection of the sign of the Son of Man to their generation. The Bible reveals that Jesus Christ is life and light for all people… “In him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4). The Spirit moved the Apostle John to further identify Jesus as the only true light… “The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world” (John 1:9). He went on to teach that we are born again when we receive Christ, so the logical result is that the true Light now lives in us. The Holy Spirit inspired Luke to write down every detail of this powerful lesson for earnest disciples in every generation. Today, the Spirit of Truth exhorts us to be productive disciples and to illuminate our generation with the sign of Christ that is revealed by the Light that is in us.

The world is the objective of our light. Receiving Jesus Christ has immediate and eternal blessings for us individually. But receiving Him also brings the responsibility of sharing Him with those around us. If we believe the whole truth of the gospel, we see everyone as either on their way to heaven or hell, based upon whether they have heard and believed the same truth about Christ as we have… “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God” (John 3:18). The Spirit moved John to explain that it is the light of Christ that confronts and convicts the hearts of men and women, making their response to His light the deciding difference in where they will spend eternity… “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil” (John 3:19). Where might Christ want you to shine His true Light on someone today?

Christ is the origin of our light. While it’s true that the Light of Christ indwells the heart of the true believer, we also struggle with the sin nature and are tempted to fill our hearts with the darkness of the world that surrounds us. Knowing this, Jesus taught His disciples to keep their eyes healthy because the eye is the lamp of your body, or the doorway into your heart. He was so concerned about the power of what we see in the dark world around us to corrupt our heart that He said… “And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell” (Mark 9:47). Jesus wants us to keep our eyes on Him so He can fill us to overflowing with His true Light… “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Are your eyes fixed on the Light of Christ today?

Holiness is the outcome of our light. If our eyes are focused on Christ then His Light fills our hearts and overcomes any hidden darkness… “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). As we walk closely with Jesus through this dark world, His light within us keeps us free from sin and in close fellowship with other true believers… “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Are you growing so close to Christ that others see His light radiating from your heart?

As we grow up into Christ we become a brighter and more powerful reflection of Jesus…

The Light that is in Us.

The Sign that is for Every Generation

When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “This generation is an evil generation. It seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here” (Lk 11:29–32).

Once again the teaching and miracles of Jesus increased the size of the crowd. Once again Jesus confronted the crowd. His plan was clear and consistent. He wanted followers to take a step away from the cloud and closer to Him to become true disciples. In today’s text we see Jesus expose the hearts of those in the crowd that were looking for some sign that confirmed His claim that He is the Christ. They were looking for something big, dramatic and physical, something they could see or hear. But Jesus told them that as the people of Nineveh received the sign of Jonah, they would see the only sign of the Son of Man, which is revealed in the person and the gospel message of Jesus Christ Himself. Here the Spirit of Truth uses the words of Jesus to confront our hearts too. How often do we demand a sign from the Lord to encourage us when the going gets tough or to reassure us that Jesus is who He claims to be? It’s in moments like these that we are like those in the crowd who in looking so hard for something so big, miss the something so obvious that God gave us in Christ, the sign that is for every generation.

The sign of Jesus and His gospel reflects the passion of Christ. Just as Jonah was buried in the belly of a great fish, Jesus would be buried in the grave for three days… “For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40). Jonah suffered because of his disobedience when he tried to run away from the call to preach to the Ninevites. Jesus willingly suffered crucifixion and burial to atone for the sins of mankind… “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24). Christ’s death at Calvary is a sign of His passion for every generation.

The sign of Jesus and His gospel raises the perception of sin. Just as Jonah’s preaching convicted the hearts of the Ninevites, the grace of God released in Jesus’ preaching and teaching confronted the crowd with the reality of sin… “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin” (John 15:22). When we believe and live according to His words we become instruments of God’s heart-piercing grace, confronting others around us… “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19). Our born again life and pursuit of holiness is a reflection of the grace of Christ, a confrontational sign for every generation.

The sign of Jesus and His gospel reveals the profit of repentance. Just as Jonah’s preaching compelled the Ninevites to repent of their sin, Jesus’ preaching of the gospel was intended to move the hearts of His listeners to repentance… “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). The Spirit teaches through the Apostle Paul that genuine repentance leads to salvation… “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death” (2 Corinthians 7:10). It is Jesus’ desire that true disciples in every age, who have witnessed and experienced the new birth, should proclaim this message of repentance to all nations… “Repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:47-48). Our earnest proclamation of the gospel in word and deed will produce repentance in many because it is a compelling sign for every generation.

As we grow up into Christ we become a clear and compelling reflection of Jesus and His gospel…

The Sign that is for Every Generation.

The Life that is Blessed

As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Lk 11:27–28).

A woman in the crowd was so struck by the authoritative teaching and delivering power of Jesus that she was moved to acknowledge the unique anointing that rested upon Him. She believed the source of the anointing that empowered Jesus and His ministry was a reflection of God’s blessing on Mary, His mother and she declared her to be blessed (Greek – makarios: supremely fortunate, well-off, happy). It was natural for a loving mother to attribute such compassion, charisma, and power to inheritance and upbringing. Jesus did not deny that His mother was blessed, but He wanted this precious woman and the crowd of followers to know that the favor that rested upon His mother was available to all true disciples. Despite what you’re experiencing today, you can know and enjoy the life that is blessed.

Like Mary, true disciples are blessed because of our relationship with Jesus. You are not enslaved by your family of origin. Perhaps you grew up in a warm, encouraging home or a severely dysfunctional household. Maybe you were raised in a wealthy or a poor family. You do not have to be trapped by the circumstances that formed you. When you received Jesus Christ you were born again into the family of God… “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13). Nothing that’s happening to you today can change your pedigree… “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39). True disciples have the blessing of an unbreakable relationship with Jesus Christ!

Like Mary, true disciples are blessed because we are called to do God’s work. Just as every true disciple is saved by the grace of God, so too every true child of God is created for a unique work of God… “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). When we make a priority of loving God and seeking and doing God’s work we discover our true purpose and fulfillment and everything comes together for us… “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). True disciples have the blessing of enjoying a great day every day as we answer the call to be fully engaged in God’s work.

Like Mary, true disciples are blessed because we can hear the Word of God and keep it. The spiritual truth implanted in God’s word is not understood by unsaved people… “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). The Holy Spirit is a Helper to truth seekers born of God… “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13). The love of Christ that consumes the heart of true disciples also compels us to keep (Greek – phylassō: watch, guard, observe, and preserve) His Word… “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:23). Jesus taught that His Word was life for hungry disciples… “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63). The Spirit inspired John to write that those who keep His Word will be blessed in this troubled world as well as in eternity… “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near” (Revelation 1:3). True disciples know the life-giving and sustaining blessing of hearing and keeping God’s Word.

As we grow up into Christ immersed in Him, His work and His Word, we experience the…

The Life that is Blessed.

The State of True Deliverance

“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first” (Lk 11:24–26).

Jesus demonstrated His power and authority over demons and unclean spirits. In today’s reading He adds depth to His teaching about deliverance from spiritual enemies. He revealed the desperate character of the unclean spirit that is compelled to seek a home in the life of a human being. Unclean spirits and demons seek rest in dry, deserted, empty places. They cannot stand to be in watery, life-filled places. They often return to their former abode in order to take up residence there, bringing along other dark spiritual forces with them. But they will not settle unless the soul of their former host remains empty, dry, and lifeless. Jesus was pointing the way to an indispensable step that must be taken to secure lasting victory over the devil’s allies. Only the soul that is filled with the Holy Spirit’s living water will enjoy the state of true deliverance.

Jesus had just demonstrated His absolute authority over demons… “Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled” (Luke 11:14). The man could speak because he was free and his life was put in order. Jesus shares His authority over demons and unclean spirits with His true disciples… “The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!’ And he said to them… ‘Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you’” (Luke 10:17-19). Earnest disciples can discern the presence of the enemy and exercise Christ’s authority in our own lives as well as the lives of other victims as the Holy Spirit leads us to them. But to make deliverance complete and lasting we must understand and apply the Biblical truth about demons and unclean spirits whenever we encounter them.

The Holy Spirit teaches through the pen of the Apostle Paul that demons are the powers of this present darkness… “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness” (Ephesians 6:12). They are disembodied spirits of the Nephilim that once had bodies but lost them. God destroyed their bodies in the great flood of Noah’s day. This explains why they hunt for bodies to inhabit… “The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them” (Genesis 6:4). It also explains why, as in the case of the Gerasene victim who was possessed by a legion of demons, they seek rest in dry, desert, waterless places… “He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert” (Luke 8:29). A life that is delivered from demonic oppression and set in order can still be a dry, attractive place for a presumptuous demon like this one. He even boastfully called the poor victim my house from which I came! For the life that was delivered to become a life that is permanently off-limits to further demonic attack, it must be possessed and overflowing with the new life of Christ through the Holy Spirit!

We are saved and delivered to become the home of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God’s living water, meant to transform our desert lives... “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants” (Isaiah 44:3). When we are filled with the Holy Spirit demons and unclean spirits are repelled by the life of Christ and the holiness of God in us that the fullness of His Spirit produces and maintains. He makes and keeps us holy as we learn to let Him fill our hearts to overflowing with His life-giving living water… “’Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive” (John 7:38-39).

As we grow up into Christ and we are filled with the Holy Spirit we enjoy and impart to others…

The State of True Deliverance.

The Finger that Invokes a Kingdom

Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters” (Lk 11:14–23).

The Son of God became like us in order to reveal the glory of God to us… “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).  When Jesus spoke we heard the word of God… “For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak” (John 12:49). When Jesus acted we saw the work of God… “Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves” (John 14:11). Today we see that when Jesus spoke and acted people did not always acknowledge His manifestation of the kingdom of God. The difference between would-be and genuine disciples is that we anticipate and acknowledge the finger of God as the finger that invokes a Kingdom.

The finger of God imprecates His enemies. In this encounter between the Son of God and a son of Beelzebul, the demon was cast out by the power of God. The touch of heaven’s potency was captivating and conquering. This was a revelation of the creative power of God… “‘Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:17). This was a release of the defending power of God… “The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent” (Exodus 14:14). As we grow in faith we learn to rejoice in our trials because they are opportunities for the kingdom of God to be released and revealed through the finger of God in triumph over our enemies.

The finger of God imposes His authority. In this encounter between the Son of God and a son of Beelzebul, the demon was cast out by the rule of God. The touch from heaven’s throne was commanding and compelling. This was a revelation of the reign of God over other would-be pretenders… “Say among the nations, ‘The LORD reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity’” (Psalm 96:10). This was a manifestation of the divine sovereignty of God… “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all” (1 Chronicles 29:11). As we grow in faith we learn to surrender our battles to the Lord as we trust the finger of God to enforce His kingdom authority over our enemies.

The finger of God identifies His disciples. In this encounter between the Son of God and a son of Beelzebul, the demon was cast out and witnesses were compelled to choose sides. The touch of heaven’s grace was divisive and distinguishing. Whenever God shows up and defeats His enemies, those who despise Him will deny His power… “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator” (Romans 1:25). Those who love Him will praise and celebrate His grace… “What is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might” (Ephesians 1:19). As we grow in faith we welcome trials in anticipation of the finger of God manifesting His kingdom’s grace toward us, His children.

As we grow up into Christ we anticipate and celebrate the finger of God every day because it is…

The Finger that Invokes a Kingdom.

The Prayer that is Impudent

And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Lk 11:5–13).

Right after He told them what to pray, Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. It’s all about relationship. He described the kind of attitude the person praying should have with the word impudence. The Greek word anaideia means audacity, rudeness, shameless persistence. In short, Jesus taught that determined disciples should pray determined prayers. He wants us to pray with a bold, consistent confidence because we know that He is like a faithful friend who will not grow weary of our request. He is like a loving father who will not let anything hinder or distract Him from answering us. When we have a serious need, Jesus wants His true disciples to pray the prayer that is impudent.

The impudent prayer is persistent. Jesus responds to the persistent prayer because persistence drives us closer to Him. He is not like a fickle friend that is disturbed by the desperate need of another. Jesus is a faithful friend that willingly sets aside His agenda and reorders His life’s priorities around the needs of His friends… “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Our shameless, persistent prayers in time of need are an expression of our humility and confidence in the special relationship we have as born again friends of the Son of God… “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15).

The impudent prayer is paternal. Jesus responds to childlike prayer because He loves to reveal God as our Father. He is not like an earthly father who although he may love his children still has a sin nature to deal with. Jesus wants us to discover the perfect love our holy and omnipotent Father has for us as His born again children… “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). When we respond to need with audacious, persistent prayer, God responds with the precious, powerful grace of a loving father… “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are” (1 John 3:1).

The impudent prayer is pursuing. Jesus responds to the vocal, searching, and pursuing seeker because such diligent prayer drives us closer to Him. Asking is speaking and declaring the need. Seeking is searching for the answer. Knocking is approaching the Presence. God is sovereign over every inch and moment of our lives and He allows and orchestrates our needs to compel us to discover and know Him more clearly because knowing God is what real life is all about… “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). Asking, seeking, and knocking should become a way of life for born again children of God living in a very needy and fallen world… “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). When we learn to let our needs inspire impudent prayer we get to know God and His glorious power better… “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” (Jeremiah 33:3).

As we grow up into Christ we discover that our loving Father always answers when we pray…

The Prayer that is Impudent.

The Requirements of Kingdom Living

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” And he said to them, “When you pray, say:

Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation” (Lk 11:1–4).

Have you ever wondered why Jesus prayed? Jesus and His Father are one… “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). Jesus intentionally talked to Himself in prayer in the sight of His disciples. The Holy Spirit inspired Luke to present this compelling illustration of Christ at prayer for hungry disciples in every age as an example for us to follow too. Today we note how Christ’s discipline of prayer moved at least one of His disciples to ask Him, “Lord, teach us to pray”. In His response, Jesus exhorted them to acknowledge the holiness of God and then to ask Him to let “Your kingdom come”. Then He taught His disciples to ask for God’s help, that they might live the kingdom life here on earth and so become a part of the answer to their prayer. Luke’s Holy Spirit inspired reflection on the Lord’s Prayer reminds us that God promises to give us grace when we pray for and seek to meet the requirements of kingdom living.

Determined disciples trust God to provide daily bread. When we are born again we become children of God and citizens of His kingdom… “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). As we grow and mature in the faith we become more aware of the contrasts and contradictions between the kingdom of the world and the kingdom of God… “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world” (John 18:36). Decreasing dependence on the world and increasing trust in God’s provision are evidence that we are truly born again and growing as disciples. We are learning that we can serve and trust only one King to meet our needs… “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Luke 16:13). Choosing God’s kingdom is the right choice for today and tomorrow in the light of Biblical revelation… “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15). Kingdom living relies on God’s faithful provision.

Diligent disciples trust God to forgive sin. In this fallen world, everyone sins. Both believers and non-believers sin… “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The difference is disciples believe Jesus paid for our sins and helps us to forgive others who sin against us… “Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses” (Mark 11:25). Kingdom living reflects the forgiveness we’ve experienced in Christ to others.

Disciplined disciples trust God to deliver from temptation. True disciples believe that Christ also empowers us to overcome sin. The born again Christ follower does not willingly keep on sinning… “We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him” (1 John 5:18). The Spirit of Christ in us makes us sensitive and resistant to temptation so that we can overcome sin… “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Kingdom living results in increasing victory over temptation and sin.

As we grow up into Christ we learn how faithful God is to answer prayer and empower us to meet…

The Requirements of Kingdom Living.

The One Thing that is Necessary

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10: 38-42).

The Spirit inspired Luke to make a record of a brief stop at the home of two sisters, Martha and Mary. We notice the contrast here between the sisters’ interaction with Jesus. Mary was so consumed with the presence and words of Jesus that she sat undistracted at His feet. Martha was so consumed with serving Jesus and that she was moved to complain. Jesus did not condemn or commend either sister, but He used this encounter to teach truth seekers that He is the one thing that is necessary.

Developing disciples are not distracted by Godly service. Martha was upset because she was busy tending to the needs of Jesus and the disciples that traveled with Him. There was so much to do that she had no time to sit at the feet of the Teacher like her insensitive sister Mary. The Spirit intentionally inspired Luke to use the words “Martha was distracted by much serving” to warn truth seekers to avoid the temptation to let serving Christ keep us from knowing Christ. Jesus taught that the primary work of God is building faith in Him… “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent” (John 6:29). Increasing faith in Christ requires increasing fellowship and intimacy with Him… “Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD” (Hosea 6:3). Truly born again disciples believe that all of life, serving, praying, studying, or fellowshipping is opportunity to know God and His Son better… “This is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3).

Determined disciples are not disturbed by holy seclusion. Martha was upset because she was serving alone. Busyness separated Martha from others and left her bearing the entire responsibility of caring for Jesus and His disciples all by herself. Often our ministry takes us away from family and friends and leaves us feeling isolated. There is temptation to try to drag others into our place of service just so we don’t have to be alone. But the Spirit teaches that God has created each of us for a unique and holy work… “We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). As we grow in Christ we learn to enjoy the wonderful diversity in the body of Christ and to encourage others to discover and pursue the calling and gifts God has uniquely blessed them with. We also learn to trust God to supply us with the personal energy and power we need to serve Him as well as bringing others alongside of us to help in His work… “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Diligent disciples are not diverted by less-important seductions. Martha was upset because her eyes were on circumstances that were not what she thought they should be. Her attention was on people that were not doing what she thought they should be doing. She was unable to see and appreciate how her Godly hospitality and service were enabling others like her sister Mary to enjoy the blessing of sitting at the feet of Jesus. Her focus on the natural things around her blinded her to the spiritual blessings others were receiving. Maturing disciples are increasingly sensitive to the spiritual blessings of knowing and serving Christ… “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3). This spiritual discernment increases as we train our eyes to seek Christ in every moment of life… “As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

As we grow up into Christ we are blessed in all we do as we keep our focus on Jesus because He is…

The One Thing that is Necessary.