July - Reading 23

Good afternoon -

Our Scriptures for today are:Luke 12:22-34

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Psalm 148

2 Chronicles 28-29

May God bless the reading of His Word.

 

I suppose it is, rsr. When a get a few moments in a row, I'll ananlyze what you're talking about.

Good evening –

A pattern has been established in the Chronicles now that we have gotten into the “bad” kings of Judah. The Chronicler cites the positive acts of the kings first and shows the reflection of blessing as a result. Then in the second half of his account for each of these reigns, he will cite the negative acts performed by these monarchs and the consequences of these acts. We see this cycle in all three chapters of today’s readings. For example, Amaziah listens to the prophet in verse 25:10 and thus claims victory over the men of Seir. However, in verse 20 he refuses to listen to God and is thus defeated by Israel. In organizing the writings of these chapters in such a way, the Chronicler clearly shows the theology behind the success or the failures of the Judean Kings.

In our reading of Luke the Parable of the rich fool sums up the Christian view towards materialism. This reflects clearly the passage in Matthew 6:19-20 which puts into perspective where true riches lay:
quote:
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19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
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2Thessalonians 13 brings us back to the concept of election. For other references to this concept you can check Collosians 3:12, 1Thessalonians 1:4 and Ephesians 1:4. Verse 14 shows us that election, though from eternity, happens during a lifetime as God calls us through the Gospel. The remainder of this passage shows us the necessity to stand firm on our teachings to preserve our election into the Body.

May God bless you

- Clint

[ July 23, 2002, 09:12 PM: Message edited by: Clint Kritzer ]

 

Sunday School lesson 11/21/04 - continued

Luke 12:22-31 The Sin of Worry

The Parable of the Rich Fool, unique to Luke, is followed by a Passage paralleled in Matthew as part of the Sermon on the Mount. In Luke, these teachings addressed to the Disciples continue to teach that life is far too fleeting and precious for a man to spend his energies pursuing financial gain. Anxiety is the futile self-defeating worry that we all too often feel when we contemplate the future. Our worry does not guarantee that we will have luxuries in the future nor even that we will be here to enjoy them.

The life and body will exist after death in a resurrected state and this fact should shed perspective that such knowledge is far more important than the narrow window between birth and death. Effort to provide for daily needs is legitimate. Worrying about what we will eat or wear next year is not. We as believers should direct our future planning towards higher priorities than how we will feed or clothe ourselves. Worry over physical needs accomplishes nothing. It is at best non-productive, at worst, counter-productive.

God cares for his creations. The raven is offered as an example. Though it can not store food, God provides for its daily needs. Likewise, the lilies, which are here for such a brief time, are cared for under God's providence. How much more then should man expect. Worry will not add height, nor years, nor any other thing. It adds only more worry.

Furthermore, worry is a pagan practice. The surrounding nations of the world were not atheistic. They were religious, but their false gods were self-centered and fickle towards their followers. Jesus introduced to a God Who is our Father, caring for the needs of His children. Worry undermines that role of a loving God. The goal of the Christian is to seek the Kingdom. When we set that priority as paramount, all the other wants and needs fall into place.

Luke 12:32-34 Heavenly Treasure

Instead of worry, Christ urges us to "fear not." If we seek the Kingdom, we will not be disappointed. We have a Shepherd Who guides us in the right direction. It is God's good pleasure to give us what we seek. Having treasures in Heaven, we can dispense with our earthly wealth. It is here today and gone tomorrow. Even the wallets in which we store our money deteriorate but we look forward to an eternal reward. The Kingdom is what we invest in. As such, our values reflect that investment.

 

Our Scriptures for 7/24 are:

Luke 12:35-48

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Psalm 149

2 Chronicles 30-33

 

Our Scriptures for 7/24 are:

Luke 12:35-48

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Psalm 149

2 Chronicles 30-33

 

Our Scriptures for 7/24 are:

Luke 12:35-48

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Psalm 149

2 Chronicles 30-33

 

Our Scriptures for 7/24 are:

Luke 12:35-48

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Psalm 149

2 Chronicles 30-33

 

Our Scriptures for 7/24 are:

Luke 12:35-48

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Psalm 149

2 Chronicles 30-33