Change requires adjustments…
Change can be awkward and uncomfortable…
Opposition arises…
Will you quit?
Will you do whatever it takes to BE READY?
As Jesus approached the end of His life, He was purposeful to prepare His followers for the changes that lay ahead. Review the chart “Life of Christ Showing Coverage by Luke” on page 1710 of “The New Inductive Study Bible.” Over a brief three year span notice how Jesus has transitioned from obscurity to popularity to increasing opposition.
This week we will see how Jesus continues to offer instruction, correction and encouragement to his followers.
Things to Do this Week
Read Luke chapters 16-18 on pages 1688-1694 in “The New Inductive Study Bible.” (Or use the Bible of your choice.)
Make an effort to read and interact with a portion of Luke each day.
- An easy way to read Luke is one event at a time. List each main event in the margin of your Bible for easy reference. Mark every reference to time with a circle. Underline geographic locations.
- Record your answers to the questions below in a notebook or journal.
- Consider adopting this pattern for your personal Bible study time each day.
- Pray – John 14:26 Ask the Helper, the Holy Spirit to teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance what you read and study.
- Read Scripture – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Why? All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness; so the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
- Interact with Scripture – 2 Timothy 2:15 Why? So you will not be ashamed and you will be able to accurately handle the word of truth and apply it to your life effectively. Interaction with scripture includes: keeping everything in context; marking repeated words & references to time; asking questions… who, what, where, when, why & how; using scripture cross references to allow scripture to interpret scripture; word studies (dictionary, lexicon, concordance)
- Pray – Philippians 4:4-9 Thank God for what you learn. Ask God to help you PRACTICE what you learn. Ask God to help you THINK correct thoughts based on what you learn.
Main Events – Luke 16-18
- Read 16:1-12 Who is Jesus speaking to in verse 1? When the manager was confronted by his boss about the mismanagement of his possessions, how did the manager respond? Why did the manager respond by collecting only part of what was owed to his boss? Verses 8-9 can be confusing so it is helpful to consult a reputable commentary. An excerpt from Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise) is copied below. The link is also included.
Verses 1-12 Whatever we have, the property of it is God’s; we have only the use of it, according to the direction of our great Lord, and for his honor. This steward wasted his lord’s goods. And we are all liable to the same charge; we have not made due improvement of what God has trusted us with. The steward cannot deny it; he must make up his accounts, and be gone. This may teach us that death will come, and deprive us of the opportunities we now have. The steward will make friends of his lord’s debtors or tenants, by striking off a considerable part of their debt to his lord. The lord referred to in this parable commended not the fraud, but the policy of the steward. In that respect alone is it so noticed. Worldly men, in the choice of their object, are foolish; but in their activity, and perseverance, they are often wiser than believers. The unjust steward is not set before us as an example in cheating his master, or to justify any dishonesty, but to point out the careful ways of worldly men. It would be well if the children of light would learn wisdom from the men of the world, and would as earnestly pursue their better object. The true riches signify spiritual blessings; and if a man spends upon himself, or hoards up what God has trusted to him, as to outward things, what evidence can he have, that he is an heir of God through Christ? The riches of this world are deceitful and uncertain. Let us be convinced that those are truly rich, and very rich, who are rich in faith, and rich toward God, rich in Christ, in the promises; let us then lay up our treasure in heaven, and expect our portion from thence.
http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/luke/16.html
- Read Luke 16:13-18 Remember Jesus is speaking to the disciples in chapter 16. Who is listening “to all these things” in verse 14? How did the Pharisees respond to what Jesus was saying?
Verses 13-18 To this parable our Lord added a solemn warning. Ye cannot serve God and the world, so divided are the two interests. When our Lord spoke thus, the covetous Pharisees treated his instructions with contempt. But he warned them, that what they contended for as the law, was a wresting of its meaning: this our Lord showed in a case respecting divorce. There are many covetous sticklers for the forms of godliness, who are the bitterest enemies to its power, and try to set others against the truth.
http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/luke/16.html
- Read Luke 16:19-31 What do you learn about the rich man? What do you learn about the poor man? If you died today would you be with Lazarus or the rich man? Who will your brothers, sisters, coworkers, friends and family be with today if they die? Will this prompt you to take action? If yes, what action will you take?
- Read Luke 17:1-6 What do you learn about stumbling blocks, correction, forgiveness and faith?
- Read Luke 17:7-10 Do you expect an immediate reward or an expression of appreciation for doing what is right? What insight do you gain from the parable of the servant?
- Read Luke 17:11-19 Where is Jesus going? Where is Jesus when he encounters the 10 leprous men? When were the Lepers cleansed according to verse 14? How many lepers gave thanks to God for their healing? Notice that the one who returned to give glory to God and thank Jesus was a Samaritan… a foreigner. Take time today to give glory to God and thanks to Jesus for the blessings in your life.
- Read Luke 17-:20-37 How is Jesus the Son of Man described in verse 24? List what will happen to Jesus in verse 25? How are the days of the Son of Man described?
- Read Luke 18:1-14 Remember Jesus is speaking to the disciples and the Pharisees are listening. When should the followers of Christ pray? Should they give up after awhile if their prayers are not answered? Why? Why not? In verse 9 we see another group of people listening to Jesus. How are the people in verse 9 described and how do they view others? Describe the Pharisee and the tax collector. Which are you most like and why?
- Read Luke 18:15-27 The disciples mess up. What do they do? How do men and women receive the kingdom of God and enter it? What does the ruler want to know in verse 18? How had the ruler been conducting himself throughout his life? What did Jesus say the ruler lacked in verse 22? How did the ruler respond? Is it impossible for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God? Why or why not… back your answer up with scripture.
- Read Luke 18:28-34 What do you learn about the people who leave their homes and families for the sake of the kingdom of God? List what Jesus tells the 12 disciples in verses 31-33. Did the disciples understand what Jesus was telling them?
- Read Luke 18:35-43 What city is Jesus approaching? How did the people respond to the blind man who was calling out to Jesus? How did Jesus respond to the blind man? Why did the blind man receive his sight? How did the man respond to Jesus when he received his sight? How did the people respond to the miracle?
Are you willing to do whatever it takes to be ready?
Write out a prayer of confession and thanksgiving. Ask God to help you with the difficult and challenging areas of your life. Give all glory and honor to God the Father and thank Jesus for the example that He has provided for you.
As a guide for prayer consider the words of Jesus from Luke 12.
All things that are hidden will be revealed.
Do not worry or be anxious about how or what you should speak in your defense.
The Holy Spirit will teach you what to say when you need to say it.
Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed.
Seek God first and He will provide what you need.
Be ready, Jesus will return unexpectedly.
Doing whatever it takes,
Ginger
Ginger Craddock | Executive Coach
Find Joy In The Journey 