Luke 12
Main Theme
Jesus instructs his followers on how they are to live their lives.
Outline
- Fear God, not man. (1-12)
- Key Verse - 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! (v. 12)
- Fearing God is showing reverence for Him. God is sovereign and possesses all authority. Therefore, we are to seek His Word and His approval rather than man’s.
- Seek and treasure God’s kingdom, not your own. (13-34)
- Key Verses - Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you….For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (vv. 31 & 34)
- Unlike the rich fool whose focus and treasure were his possessions, followers of Jesus are to treasure and pursue God’s kingdom. God has promised to always provide for His people. If He has provided His son as a sacrifice for sin, He will provide all that His people need. Therefore, treasure and seek His kingdom, and all will be provided for you.
- Be ready for Jesus’s return. (35-59)
- Key Verses - 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. (v. 35-36)
- In this life, followers of Jesus must always be ready to serve him and for him to return. No one knows when Jesus will return to bring about the final judgment and the new heavens and the new earth. Therefore, until he returns, his followers should prepare themselves to serve him as he continues to build the Kingdom of God.
Gospel Connection
Following Jesus is hard work, but it is not complicated. The more you understand the gospel (the good news that though you have sinned against God and are subject to God’s just punishment, Jesus died and suffered God’s punishment for your sin if you place your faith in him), the more you will see that God is be revered for his power and grace, that God’s kingdom is far than yours, and that is great joy in serving God.
Whole Bible Connection
As you read the Old Testament, you see multiple examples of God’s glory and power. He created the universe out of nothing with just His word. He parted the Red Sea. He made the sun stand still. He set fire from Heaven and much more! As God reveals Himself, the only proper response is to revere Him through a healthy fear and respect of His power and holiness and a delight in His love and grace.
Key Takeaways
Honor God regardless of what people think. Followers of Jesus should not worry about others' approval. We are accountable to God for how we live. Therefore, we need to know what God desires of us, follow Him faithfully, and continue to love others as He commands.
Reject anxiety and worry. Though anxiety is prevalent, followers of Jesus must trust in God’s Word rather than our feelings and assure ourselves of God’s promises. God promises to provide all that we need and commands us to trust in Him. In times of anxiety, go to God’s Word to reassure yourself of His promises and trust in Him.
Make yourself useful and available to be used by God. God sovereignly works through His people. The Bible affirms that God is totally sovereign over all and that people make real, consequential choices. Therefore, through studying His Word, gathering with a biblical church every week, building intentional relationships, and submitting our resources, schedules, and abilities to God, we can ready ourselves to be a useful tool in the hands of God for the building of His kingdom.