Jesus Wants Us to Do Better

Today we will reach the half way mark of the book of Luke. Before we get to our text today, I want you to hear this Pastor’s heart of where we are going as a church with this series. As we go through the book of Luke, I want you to get to know who Jesus is on a more intimate level. If you remember from the first couple of weeks in this series, I told you that Luke was a gentile. So, Luke’s Gospel account is for you and me, gentiles. As we see the story of Jesus come to life before our eyes I want you to understand who Jesus is. I want you to get to know Jesus on a personal level. I want you to draw closer to who Jesus is and I want you to grow in your faith as we look at the life of Jesus.

When we finish the book of Luke, we will continue into the book of Acts. The book of Acts is Luke’s second volume. In Acts, we get a picture of what the church is supposed to be. I want you to know what your role as a believer in the church is supposed to be. My prayer is that we become the church that God wants us to become. We want to become a healthier church along this journey. And we want to put what we learn into practice, so we can be the best version of who God is calling us to become.

If you have your Bibles, let’s go to Luke chapter 12 and I want to begin at verse 1. This is the story that is picking up where we left off last time. If you remember at the end of chapter 11, Jesus gave the Scribes and the Pharisees a list of six woes. He was chastising them, so much so that a scribe said in verse 45…

Luke 11:45 NIV

45 One of the experts in the law answered him, “Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also.”

The conversation became so much heated that in verse 53 and 54, they are looking for something to destroy Jesus with.

Luke 11:53–54 NIV

53 When Jesus went outside, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to oppose him fiercely and to besiege him with questions, 54 waiting to catch him in something he might say.

So, now we are in Luke 12:1

Luke 12:1 NIV

1 Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

How many of you remember when a fight would break out at school, what would happen? A crowd would start to form to see what was happening. In my imagination, I see this happening here. I see Jesus having a discussion with the Pharisees and Scribes. And I can imagine that the scene is getting heated. In my best estimation, the scribes and Pharisees are getting angrier and angrier as they talk to Jesus and I am sure that their voices are getting louder and louder. I am sure that every question they throw at Jesus, He is coming back with some good stuff. All of this is happening and while it is happening a large crowd is forming. The Greek word for thousands is myrias. It means ten thousand or a myriad. Many times this word is used to refer to a large indefinite number. So, a very large crowd was forming.

Jesus turns to His disciples and tells them, “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Yeast is an ingredient that is placed in bread to make it rise. It is a leavening agent. In Exodus, God tells Moses not to offer a sacrifice with anything containing yeast. The reason for this is that fermentation implied a process of corruption. That is why Jesus says to be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees or the corruption of the Pharisees. And He tells them what that corruption is. He says it is hypocrisy.

Hypocrisy means acting as if you are what you are not.

For example, if you are acting outwardly as a godly and faithful Christian, but in your private life you are hiding sin, immorality, greed, lust or any other ungodly attitudes and behaviors, then you are a hypocrite. A hypocrite is a deceiver when it comes to appearing right.

And since hypocrisy involves living a lie, it makes a person a partner or co-worker with Satan, the father of lies.

John 8:44 NIV

44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Then Jesus continues in verse 2 of our text.

Luke 12:2–3 NIV

2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 3 What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

Jesus is letting the disciples know that God will see all that they do. There is nothing they can do in secret that God won’t know. And He confirms this with verses 4-5

Luke 12:4–5 NIV

4 “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.

We serve a mighty and powerful God and we need to have an awe and reverence of God’s majesty and holiness.

People don’t have an awe of God anymore. We have become too big for God. We feel like we don’t need Him anymore. But He cares for us more than we do ourselves.

Luke 12:6–7 NIV

6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

According to the cost of Sparrows, these birds were cheap and yet God loves them. So, how much more do you think God places value on our life.

Luke 12:8–12 NIV

8 “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. 9 But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God. 10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 11 “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

Some day we are going to have to stand before God and I want Jesus on my side. We must proclaim the name of Jesus wherever we go. We must be loud and proud about the name of Jesus. There is no name greater. Jesus’ name is above all other names.

So, as Jesus is addressing His disciples with these issues, someone in the crowd says…

Luke 12:13–14 NIV

13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?”

Then Jesus speaks to the crowd at verse 15.

Luke 12:15–21 NIV

15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” 16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ 18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ’ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ 21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Jesus tells the crowd a parable about a man that hoarded all he had. But the truth is we are to give all we have to God and listen to His voice and do what He tells us to do.

Then Jesus goes back to His disciples. This next passage must have been a big concern of their day. I know this is a big concern for all of us here in the states. With the way the economy is going. Some places more so than others. Let me begin by saying, “God has your back.” Look at verse 22.

Luke 12:22–34 NIV

22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

We get to worrying about every little detail of our life. We get a surprise bill and we worry. We get an unexpected doctor’s visit and we worry. Our child gets sick and we worry. Our car breaks down and we worry. All of these are a part of life.

I find it interesting how Jesus answers the problems to the disciples worry. Look at verse 33 again.

Luke 12:33 NIV

33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.

Our stuff is the biggest part of our problems when it comes to worry. Our car breaks down, we worry. Our house needs fixed, worry. We lose something of value, worry. We get too fixated on stuff.

Jesus then proceeds to tell us to sell our possessions. It’s time that we break away from our stuff and not become so fixated on what we have. We need to give our life and our stuff to Jesus. First of all, it’s just stuff! None of the stuff we have matters. When you leave this world, whether you go to Heaven or hell, you are not going to be able to take it with you. Instead of storing up treasures in this world Jesus says…

Luke 12:33–34 NIV

33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The word treasure here in the text in both 33 and 34 are the same word Thesauros. It means literally a “deposit,” so wealth and treasure. All throughout the New Testament this word has a twofold usage; material treasure, either money or other valuable material possession, and spiritual treasure. Verse 33 uses the spiritual treasure word form and Verse 34 uses the material word form.

Think for a moment about spiritual treasures you can store in heaven. What good have you done for the kingdom lately? As believers we are to work at becoming Kingdom Builders. What are you doing to build the Kingdom of God?

I talk every week about Kingdom Builders when I take up the offering and that is a big part of Kingdom building, but what kind of spiritual treasures are you storing in heaven? When you get to heaven some day and God opens up your treasure chest, what kind of things will be in it? Have you spoke to your neighbor about church lately? Have you visited someone in the hospital? Have you called someone that has missed church lately? Have you sent a card to someone that has missed? Have you voluteered at a shelter? Have you helped in the nursery? Have you worked in kids church? Are you a greeter? Have you gave someone an encouraging word?

Who am I asking these questions to? I am asking all the true bible believing Christians that are here today. I am asking all the Spirit-empowered believers that are here today. If you truly have Jesus working in your life and you are building a relationship with Jesus, then you want to do these things because you want to become a kingdom builder.

Alton Garrison wrote a book called A Spirit-empowered Church. He wrote this…

Alton Garrison, A Spirit-empowered Church, “Every spiritual discipline, every behavioral truth, every spiritual activity rings hollow without a growing relationship with Christ—and will eventually bring frustration, disappointment, or burnout.”

If you are working in the church but you don’t have a growing relationship with Jesus then you will fall flat on your face.

Do you know how many times I have wanted to quit?

And what do I do? I get on my knees and I pray and I ask and sometimes I beg for God to give me the strength to keep doing what I am doing.

Some of this is my fault. I have failed in equipping you for the work of the ministry. This year I have been taking a more necessary step towards equipping you. One thing I have been doing is teaching you on Sundays through the book of Luke.

I want you to grow in your faith. I want you to work on your relationship with Jesus. I want you to store up for yourself some good treasures so that when God opens your treasure chest He will say well done though good and faithful servant.

Luke 12:34 NIV

34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

If you treasure is in the things of earth then your heart is in the things of earth. If your treasure is in the things of heaven and what God has for you, then your heart will be in the things of heaven.

Do you know how to tell where your heart is? Look at your bank statement every week. Who do you pay first? Does your treasure go to the church or does it go to the light bill?

Jesus said, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be.”

Do you give your tithe first or do you eat out first? Do you give your first 10% to the tithe or do you pay the cable bill? Where is your heart?

It is right after this that Jesus tells those there to be on the look out.

Luke 12:35–40 NIV

35 “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. 39 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

It is so important that we keep ourselves ready for when Christ returns. This doesn’t mean that we stop doing everything that we are doing. It means that we keep doing the work that God has planned for us to do. However, we need to keep our hearts ready for the return and be sure to tell everyone to be ready.

Peter then asks Jesus a question. Jesus answers Peter’s question with a parable.

Luke 12:41–48 NIV

41 Peter asked, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?” 42 The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 43 It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. 44 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 45 But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the other servants, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. 47 “The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

Time is running out. We are so close to the finish line. God has given each of us a ministry to do. Some of you are called to be greeters. Some of you are called to be teachers. Some of you are called to be laborers. My particular calling is to be a pastor or shepherd. God has given me a great responsibility and that is to equip you guys to do the work of the ministry.

Ephesians 4:11–12 NIV

11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

I believe that as your pastor I have failed to equip you properly. I felt like this year, 2024, was a reset for our church. If you remember at the end of last year, we stopped doing most of what we had always done. I have slowly added back some things to help our church move forward. My goal, my vision, is for us to be a healthy church, period. My job is to help each of you get healthy spiritually.

Think for a moment where you are spiritually. On a scale of 1 to 10 where do you rank in your mind. My job as a pastor is to help you move up that scale. My job, as Ephesians tells us, is to equip you so that you can do the ministry that God called you to do. Your job is to do the ministry that God has called you to do. What has God been laying on your heart to do? Are you a hypocrite as Jesus called the Pharisees and Scribes in verse 1.

Today, we are moving forward in the direction that God wants you to go.

How do we get healthy?

6 Things Make a Church Healthy - 1. Fellowship 2. Evangelism 3. Discipleship 4. Gift-Oriented Ministry 5. Missions 6. Worship

We need these 6 things active in our church. Sadly we aren’t utilizing all of these the way we need to. I want to help us do better. I need all of you to get on board with me. We want to be kingdom minded and this is how we become kingdom minded.

Over the next several months you will see us add things slowly to our church to help us reach these things. We are wanting to become healthy.

The first thing I am implementing is a new Connect Group on Wednesday night. For a couple of years, Pastor Bill has done a wonderful job teaching us. He will continue His class. I am adding a six week class on the Holy Spirit that will take place at the same time His does. If you want to know more about the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit, come to this class for the six weeks. We want each of you to get involved on Wednesday nights. You can not make it through the week with just coming on Sundays. You need the extra boost to get through the week. My class will start June 5th. If you haven’t been going to Wednesday night Connect Group, this is a great way to get started.

Also I told you last week that I was going to show you an illustration on Kingdom Builders.

I have a large bucket in front of you that has tithe on it. This is the main item that most of you give to. I’m not going into many details on the tithe today, but I want you to understand that we want you to give to the tithe first. Remember, I have told you for the past several weeks, the tithe is what keeps the church alive. It pays the bills, it keeps the lights on, it helps to provide the necessary materials for the youth and kids. All of the things we think about that we think is part of what the church does is the tithe. So, the tithe keeps the church alive.

Then when we come to you with special projects throughout the year, it is like these smaller buckets.

One week we come to you and tell you about Compact Services our Foster Care program that we want to help support. The next week we talk about Silk Road Fire Bible. Then the first of the week the kids come and ask you to give to BGMC. Don’t forget the youth want to raise money for Speed the Light. Then the next week a natural disaster happens and we want to give to Convoy of Hope. And Hope Campus and on and on.

So, what we want to do is simplify this process and give you two categories to give to. We will still present the projects to you so you know what is happening around the world and so you know what the Kingdom Builders funds go to but we are simplifying it. Now, you give your tithes and then when you want to give above your tithes, you give to Kingdom Builders. We want to be about Building the Kingdom of God. Kingdom Builders is like a mutual fund for ministry.

I hope I have given you some guidance today on what I want our church to do. Above anything else, I want our church to be healthy. I want you to be healthy in your walk with Christ. I believe that as you grow in your walk with Christ you will want to give to kingdom Builders and help us make a difference in the kingdom.

Let’s Pray.