Luke 12:13–15

Luke 12:13-15 

English Standard Version 

  We don't hear many sermons about these teachings.  It's far easier to preach on sins that are easy to see and count.  Greed, though... that's pervasive.  It erodes us from the inside, leaving us dissatisfied and in a state of constant comparison.  We keep score in our possessions, in a way that's celebrated in society.  Any number of websites, magazines, and social media channels will celebrate covetousness.  We covet other houses, other lives, other things.  We'd just as soon not think about this as sin.

  But Jesus warns us against everything that corrupts, everything that separates us from God.  He has care for our souls, and so we have this warning.  When our minds think of things we want, hoping they'll bring fulfillment, they're pulling our hearts away from God, who is only one who can truly satisfy.

  What do you want most?  What does your life consist of?

  And how do we pray for the Holy Spirit to help us answer honestly, and then to help shift that answer so that we can say with integrity that we want more of God.

Luke 12:8–12

Luke 12:8-12 

English Standard Version 

  Have you ever felt pressured to hide your faith?  You're in good company -- the apostles certainly felt pressure.  Jesus was constantly opposed by the Pharisees, and after his ascension, the early church was heavily persecuted.  Jesus knew this would happen, which is why he includes a promise.  We don't have to be anxious about finding the right words to say -- the key is to remember that Jesus is sending the Holy Spirit to give us the words to say, to speak on our behalf, and our reward sits not in the hands of those with worldly power, but rather with the one who holds universal power.  The same power that carves the mountains is acknowledging you and holding you tightly.  So fear not.  

Pentecost Sermon on 1 Samuel 13

 

Luke 12:4–7

Luke 12:4-7 

English Standard Version 

  What do you fear? 

  There's all sorts of things we can be afraid of.  We fear scarcity, or aging, or loneliness.  We fear pain and death.  We fear poverty.

  Jesus tells us that we should lead our fears.  We need not fear the things that cannot impact our eternal lives -- because that's what will last forever.  Christianity is a matter of keeping things in perspective and keeping our hearts focused on eternal life in Christ.  There will be setbacks in the short-term, but we're a long-term people, with a God who is saving us for eternity.  Trust in God, Jesus reminds us, and all will be well in the end.