The Discernment that Empowers Us

 He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, ‘A shower is coming.’ And so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat,’ and it happens. 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?” (Luke 12:54-56).

A brief review of the present discourse reveals that Jesus taught His disciples to live every day expecting Him to show up. He exhorted them to let go of earthly treasure and to pursue heavenly treasure. He urged them to put on the armor of God, to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and to be compelled by His love to serve and witness to others. He taught them that being baptized with Him would cause division between true and counterfeit disciples. Today Jesus rebuked the spiritual insensitivity of the crowd and He declared that His true disciples will be able to “interpret the present time.” Here Jesus exhorts all true disciples to exercise the discernment that empowers us.

We are embraced by the spirit of discernment when we are born again. When we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior we are born again as God’s children… “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). Because we are His children, God has placed the Spirit of His Son into our hearts… “Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying” ‘Abba! Father!’” (Galatians 4:6). The Spirit moved John the Baptist to declare that true believers are baptized or immersed in God’s Holy Spirit… “I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (Mark 1:8). The Holy Spirit wants to embrace our hearts and give us the ability to understand and interpret the truth of God… “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). True born again disciples are embraced by the Spirit that wants us to discern and interpret our times to each other and to the world around us.

We are enlightened by the spirit of discernment when we seek God’s truth. The Holy Spirit loves to reveal the truth of God to truth seekers… “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come” (John 16:13). Notice that the Spirit of Truth interprets what God has spoken, thus He reveals the truth of God’s Word as we diligently study the Bible. He also declares the things that are to come. He reveals what God is accomplishing in us as He makes us more like His Son… “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17). He gives us the ability to see beyond transient trials and to discern and interpret the eternal work of God in every circumstance… “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). Diligent disciples are enlightened by the truth that is revealed to them by the spirit of discernment.

We are employed by the spirit of discernment when we put our faith into action. Understanding and interpreting the times in the light of God’s truth is impotent unless we put the revelation He gives us to work in the world around us. The fact is, those true disciples with the spirit of discernment are constantly faced with a choice. We must decide if we believe what we see in the natural world or if we believe the truth God that reveals to us… “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7)). When we put our faith into action the power of God’s truth is released and made visible in and through us… “If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20). Productive disciples are employed in the Lord’s work when we respond in faith to what is revealed by the spirit of discernment.

As we grow up into Christ, we become more engaged and successful in His work as we grow in…

The Discernment that Empowers Us.

The Baptism that Separates Us

 “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. 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” (Luke 12:49-53).

Wait a minute! I thought Christ came… “to give peace on earth”. Didn’t the angels proclaimed this truth at His birth… “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14). If we search for truth here, the Spirit shows us that Jesus does indeed bring peace to some. His peace is for “those with whom He is pleased”. The Holy Spirit confirmed this truth through the pen of the Apostle Paul… “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross” (Colossians 1:19-20). He also affirms what Jesus taught here in today’s text. His peace is made available to Christ’s disciples through His baptism in blood on the cross. What’s more, true disciples are divided from the rest of this world by being baptized with Christ in the baptism that separates us.

Our baptism associates us with Christ. At the beginning of His ministry Jesus was baptized. It was not for purification. It was to fulfill righteousness on our behalf… “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’  But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he consented” (Matthew 3:13-15). It was also to give us a commandment and an example to follow… “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). Our baptism is a testimony that we are disciples of Jesus Christ because it is a clear sign that we are becoming more like Him… “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). Our baptism is the step of obedience that associates us with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our baptism attaches us to Christ. The Spirit moved Paul to teach that when we are baptized with Christ we die with Him… “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” (Romans 6:3). Our old selfish, sinful nature was put to death through faith in Jesus Christ and confirmed in our baptism. Looking to the crucifixion of Christ gives us the faith to be crucified with Him that we might also be raised to new life with Him… “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Being joined by faith to Christ through the testimony of our baptism empowers us to say with the Apostle Paul… “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Our baptism sets us free from the sin nature and attaches us in the spirit to our Savior Jesus Christ.

Our baptism alienates us from the world. Those true disciples that have died with Christ and are now living a new life of faith in Christ are no longer consumed and conquered by the things of the world… “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:1-2). We no longer live just for today but we live for the soon coming day when Jesus shall return and we shall be gathered together to be with Him in glory… “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:4). Our baptism stirs resentment and rejection in the rebellious and often alienates us from the unbelieving world around us.

As we grow up into Christ, we enjoy new life in Him since we died and we are raised with Him in…

The Baptism that Separates Us.

The Responsibility that Shapes Us

Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 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, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. 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. 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” (Luke 12:41-48).

Peter asked Jesus if His exhortation to live everyday with an earnest anticipation of his presence and power was just for the disciples or for everyone. Jesus answered with a description of the kind of servant leadership all true disciples should reflect in light of the great blessing and responsibility we have received in Him. If we agree that true disciples are becoming more like their Teacher… “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40), then we expect true disciples to display a different kind of relationship toward people, possessions, and the Lord Himself. Here, Jesus told Peter and all disciples that our lives should be an increasingly clear reflection of the Son of God as we are transformed by the responsibility that shapes us.

Maturing disciples are marked by stewardship toward possessions. While others believe they actually own the material things they have accumulated, truly born again disciples understand that everything that exists was created by God for His pleasure and glory… “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created” (Revelation 4:11). We believe that possession is a fleeting, temporary thing. Whatever blessing we have in received from God, whether little or much, He wants us to use it to express Christ-like generosity toward others… “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11). Christian stewardship is treating our possessions as His blessings and using them for His work, and it is a precious way to confirm His gospel and to glorify God… “By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others” (2 Corinthians 9:13).

Maturing disciples are marked by sympathy toward people. While others are consumed with living for self, truly born again disciples have a heart that has been captured and is now controlled by the love of Jesus Christ… “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). Selfishness died with our old sin nature and we are now raised with Christ, whose Spirit grants us sympathy by making us sensitive and responsive to the hurts and needs of others… “Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:4).

Maturing disciples are marked by submission toward Christ. While others are distracted by the cares of this world, truly born again disciples are focused on meeting Jesus Christ one day soon. We live today to hear Him say on that day… “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21).

As we grow up into Christ, we become a sharper reflection of Him as we are transformed by…

The Responsibility that Shapes Us.

The Posture that Prepares Us

 “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 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. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Luke 12:35-40).

Jesus promised He will return one day. He also promised that His return would come… “At an hour you do not expect”. Diligent disciples should live every day as if Jesus Christ is returning today. We need to be prepared for the coming of Christ into the circumstances and situations of everyday life… “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). We need to be prepared for His return to gather us to Himself and initiate His millennial reign at any moment… “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Today we see how in one sentence Jesus taught His disciples how to be ready for His return and along with them we learn the posture that prepares us.

We are prepared for the return of Christ when we put on the armor of God. Jesus urged His disciples to… “Stay dressed for action”. The Spirit moved Paul to teach disciples how to dress in His epistle to the Ephesians… “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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” (Ephesians 6:10-12). When we are dressed for battle we are more sensitive to the presence of Christ in the spiritual war that is being waged around us every day. When we stay dressed for action we are anticipating and prepared for Christ’s return and will share in His ultimate triumph over all the spiritual forces of our enemies… “They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful” (Revelation 17:14).

We are prepared for the return of Christ when we put on the Spirit of Christ. Jesus taught His disciples to “Keep your lamps burning”. With another parable He urged disciples to keep lamps filled with oil… “For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps” (Matthew 25:3-4). Jesus likened the oil that was fuel for lamps to the Holy Spirit that is fuel for the victorious Christian life… “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4).

We are prepared for the return of Christ when we put on the hope of Heaven. Jesus taught the disciples to… “Be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast”. We cannot see the presence and work of Christ each day if we are consumed with people and circumstances in this natural world. Because we have been crucified and raised with Christ we should be looking above and beyond the challenges and trials of everyday life… “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1). Looking forward to our sure, certain blessed hope empowers us to live in holiness today… “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,  training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11-13).

As we grow up into Christ, we experience increasing holiness and victory as we maintain…

The Posture that Prepares Us.

The Treasure that Frees Us

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. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 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! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 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. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Luke 12:22-34).

Jesus followed up His warning to avoid the treasure that traps us with an exhortation to pursue a different kind of treasure. This makes sense when we consider that true disciples are born again into a completely new life in Christ… “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Perhaps that’s why the Spirit moved Luke to note that Jesus made this address “to his disciples”. True disciples are supposed to live a life that is free from the entanglements of the world, above the temptations and beyond the trials of everyday life… “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:1-2). Today we hear Jesus exhorting all true disciples to set our hearts on a different kind of prize and to earnestly seek the treasure that frees us.

The treasure that frees us from this world is found in the life that Christ sustains. Maturing disciples are learning to walk by faith… “So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:6-7). This means that despite the temporary evidence in this temporal world, we accept and rejoice in the truth that we are blessed with everything we need eternally in 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). Living in Christ for eternity delivers us from worry about the needs of this day.

The treasure that frees us from this world is found in the life that Christ shapes. Earnest disciples are learning to become more like Christ rather than being conformed to the demands and expectations of this fallen world… “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). Jesus exhorts us to let Him make us more like Him as we grow in discipleship… “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). Focus on becoming more like Christ frees us from the pressure to fit into this unholy world.

The treasure that frees us from this world is found in the life that Christ secures. Diligent disciples are learning to live beyond the persecutions and trials of today because of confidence that He guarantees our tomorrow… “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28). Confidence in the One who secures our eternal future empowers us to live for Him every day.

As we grow up into Christ, trusting Him to sustain, shape, and secure us, we discover…

The Treasure that Frees Us.

The Treasure that Traps Us

Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 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.” And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 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. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:13-21).

The heart of the greedy brother was revealed to the Master in his arrogant and premature request for Jesus to order his brother to divide their inheritance between them. His heart was captivated by a deceitful desire for treasure that was not his, could not increase his stature, and could not bring him peace. This encounter would soon lead Jesus to warn about the power of treasure to ensnare the heart… “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Luke 12:34). Today the Master describes the warning signs of the treasure that traps us.

Coveted treasure traps us. In this parable, Jesus warned against covetousness because desiring and acquiring what belongs to someone else is a trap. The brother was deceived into thinking that the inheritance belonged to him today, but an inheritance is not to be possessed until the true owner dies or relinquishes it. If it is possessed ahead of time it will most certainly be less than it could be if left to grow through years of investment. The truth is children of God are fellow heirs with Jesus Christ… “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:16-17). As His children we have an incredible inheritance that makes anything this world has to offer pale by comparison… “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will” (Ephesians 1:11). With our focus on our eternal inheritance we can discern and resist any coveted treasure trap this world might tempt us with.

Conceited treasure traps us. In this parable, Jesus warned against conceit because building a false and haughty opinion of ourselves by amassing an abundance of possessions is a trap. It is deceitful to measure the value of our lives by the amount of material things we have in light of the truth that real disciples believe our lives are bound up in Christ… “In him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28) and we are learning to trust Him to meet all of our needs… “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Dying to self and living for Christ will help us avoid the conceited treasure trap as we enjoy the blessings of His perfect provision today.

Comforting treasure traps us. In this parable, Jesus warned that seeking comfort and peace in storing up material goods is a trap. If we become consumed with preparing for a safe and comfortable future we are likely to take our eyes off of the present world and God’s purpose and plan for us today. When we are overly concerned about and planning for the future we hope to enjoy, we miss the unique and wonderful plan God has for us in the days to come. To avoid the dangerous trap of comforting treasure we should have a generous spirit toward all that God has blessed us with so we can be a growing part of His kingdom building work every day…” 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). Let’s avoid the comforting treasure trap by living for Christ today as we trust Him with tomorrow.

As we grow up into Christ, we find our worth and provision in Him and we learn to avoid…

The Treasure that Traps Us.

The Testimony that Confirms Us

 “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. 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. 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, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say” (Lk 12:8-12).

Words are powerful. The words of the born again disciple of Jesus Christ should spring from a heart that is overflowing with thanksgiving for His saving grace and mercy. Words that praise and glorify God are certain evidence of a born again heart… “My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day” (Psalm 71:8). The Spirit warns through the pen of the Apostle James that confusion and contradiction reign in the hearts of the unrepentant and their words confirm the lost condition of their hearts… “With it (the tongue) we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so” (James 3:9-10). Today we see that Jesus prepared His disciples for their future ministry with a lesson about how words reveal the condition of the heart and with encouragement to share with the world around us the testimony that confirms us.

Our testimony before men confirms that we are not of this world. God’s word transforms the heart and mind of the born again disciple, making us think and speak differently than the world around us… “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). When our hearts are filled with truth from God’s Word then His truth overflows from our lips… “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34) and our words identify us as being set apart from the world… “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:16-17). The testimony of diligent Biblical truth seekers confirms that we are not of this world.

Our testimony before the Holy Spirit confirms that we are born again. When we receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord we are born again as children 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). Because we are His children, God places the Spirit of His Son in our hearts… “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Galatians 4:6). The truly born again child of God cannot blaspheme (Greek: blasphēmeō – vilify, defame, rail on, revile, speak evil) against the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit if that Spirit is consuming their heart… “Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says ‘Jesus is accursed!’ and no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3). The testimony of maturing, Spirit-filled disciples confirms that we are His born again children.

Our testimony before authorities confirms that we are subjects of the sovereign Lord. As born again disciples we imitate our Teacher Jesus who was silent when he was brought before the authorities of His day… “And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, ’Have you no answer to make?’… But he remained silent and made no answer” (Mark 14:60-61). In our silence the Holy Spirit gives us words to speak that glorify Christ, our supreme authority… “He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you” (John 16:14). The testimony of obedient disciples confirms that Jesus is our Lord.

As we grow up into Christ, at every opportunity with increasing confidence we learn to share…

The Testimony that Confirms Us.

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.