It's All About Me

Introduction

We are back today in our series The Way, the Truth, and the Life: Studying Jesus Through the Gospels. And I’ll remind you that the reasons are many for which we are taking the time to study the life and ministry of Jesus Christ through the gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

First of all, we will better see the Character of God the Father. Jesus told His disciples that since they had seen Him, they had seen the Father. Jesus also said that He and the Father were one. They are united and share the same divine traits and character.

The other reason is that if we are to be followers of Jesus, then we need to know how Jesus walked. Before we can answer the question, “What would Jesus do?” we must know what exactly He would do. To know this, we must study Him.

The last reason is that Jesus taught us how to be His disciples. The goal of every believer in Christ is to be more like Jesus, to follow Him, to be His disciple. Jesus is the best source of how to follow Him. He tells us what to take with us, He tells us what to leave behind. He tells us what to focus on, and He tells us what things are a waste of energy. He tells us what is worthwhile, and tells us what is vanity. He tells us who to love, serve, embrace, be careful of, who to listen to, who to ignore, and who to obey.

So we study His life in order to follow Him more closely, to give Him glory, and to know the Father who sent us the Son and sealed us with the Holy Spirit.

So at this point in Jesus ministry, it seems He can go nowhere without a multitude following Him. In these multitudes are people that love Jesus, people who are curious about Jesus, and people who hate Jesus. The ones that show up that hate Jesus are primarily the Scribes and the Pharisees, religious leaders of Judaism. They see Jesus as a threat to all they believe in instead of the fulfillment of all they should be reading and understanding in the Scriptures they say that they hold so dear. But the reality is, they have been enjoying the authority their status has granted them over others, and now Jesus has come undermining their misinterpretations of Scripture, debunking traditions that were not based on God’s word, and exposing their hypocrisy for all to see. They want Jesus dead!

And over the past several sessions, we have seen confrontation after confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees, and today we will see one more. Our passage today will be in Luke 12. And if we get through all that I plan to get through, we will have read most of this chapter by the end of the sermon.

Go ahead with me and start reading at Luke 12:1-3

Luke 12:1–3 KJV 1900

1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. 3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

We see here a great multitude so pressing into each other to be able to hear Jesus’ words that they are stepping and walking on each other. After recently having eaten at a Pharisees home and rebuking the Scribes and the Pharisees both for being hypocrites and not only not entering at the gate of understanding the Scriptures, but because they twisted the word of God so much, they kept people that really wanted to understand God’s word from truly learning from it and understanding.

Now he warns his disciples, “Be careful, watch out for the leaven, the yeast of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. Don’t fall into that practice of being hypocritical.” Why? Because, as anyone with baking experience knows, it only takes a little bit of yeast to affect the whole, big, ball of dough.

Jesus is telling his disciples that even a little bit of hypocrisy can affect and damage all of their influence and every area of their lives. In essence, Jesus is telling His disciples to not get sucked into the practice of seeking the honor of men instead of seeking to truly honor God.

The Twelve might be tempted to cover or compromise the truth so that neither the crowds nor the Pharisees would be offended. God’s truth is like light, not leaven, and it must not be hidden. The lies of the hypocrite will one day be revealed, so why go on pretending? Let your light shine!

Many, fearing the storm of persecution which was soon to come upon the disciples, would attempt to conceal their faith, but the attempt would be vain, for one could not even trust his own family to keep silent about what was said even in the inner chambers of the home.

But look what Jesus tells His disciples in the following verses. Luke 12:4-5

Luke 12:4–5 KJV 1900

4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

“It would be a time of fear,” wrote J.W. McGarvey, “but the fear of God must dominate the fear of man. The fear of God should cause them to speak out, though the fear of man [tempted] them be silent.” The basic cause of hypocrisy is the fear of man, notes Warren Wiersbe. It is a fear of what others think of us that causes us to be hypocrites - too much concern about reputation, honor, and offending others. Yet the fear of man keeps us from fearing God. Men may think things about us, but God knows our hearts and who we truly are.

So don’t fear what others may think of you for being bold about what God says. Be loving, but be bold. And if others think you are a bigot, or harsh, or unloving, know that your Heavenly Father knows exactly who you are, fear Him.

Remember, Jesus is talking to the disciples, and now, He is giving a warning to Judas, and to anyone around that is listening that is too concerned with what others may think to fully follow Jesus. He says, “Don’t fear what the Pharisees or any other enemy can do to you. All they can do is kill the body. Fear the one who can kill the soul.” Ladies and gentlemen, that is none other than God. It is not Satan who can kill the soul, it is God. It is the Lord who will judge and and send those who are unbelieving to an everlasting condemnation.

But now, he after mentioning fear and fearful things, Jesus gives some comfort. Luke 12:6-7

Luke 12:6–7 KJV 1900

6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? 7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

A farthing, sometimes translated a pence or a penny, was 1/16th of a denarius. This was a little copper coin. In those days, you could get two sparrows for a farthing, but if you spent two farthings, the common practice was to get an extra sparrow for free. So, you go to Walmart to get two sparrows for a farthing, but you can go to Sam’s and get 5 for the regular price of 4 - bulk pricing!

Then, Jesus reminds the disciples that the Father cares for each of the sparrows. Why? Because he created the sparrows. But then he lets them also know that people are far more important than sparrows, and if we understand that Jesus is talking to the disciples and we understand the context of Scripture, those that are believers are held closely like sons and daughters, and if God loves the sparrows that are so plentiful they are sold for super cheap, how much more does He love His sons and daughters?

Our God knows us and cares for us, so why should we fear people?

Once we realize this and really take stock in the fact that our God knows and cares for us, then confessing what we believe about Jesus to others should not be difficult. Luke 12:8-12

Luke 12:8–12 KJV 1900

8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. 10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. 11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: 12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

Knowing that our God knows and cares for His children should embolden us to confess Jesus as lord before men, no matter the circumstance. Jesus then gives a warning again about blaspheming the holy Spirit. And after that, gives a prophecy.

There will come a day when the disciples would be brought before the synagogues and before governors. Jesus told His disciples to not try to prepare for those times, but to trust the Holy Spirit to give them the words to say in that hour. This prophecy is fulfilled in the apostles, and we can read about it throughout the book of Acts, but it is still a promise for believers today.

Jesus started this discourse warning about the ways of the Pharisees, and he is again going to address selfish and egotistical behavior.

I have titled this sermon

It’s All About Me

As Jesus is teaching these things, remember, He is addressing the disciples as He is going, somebody shouts and interrupts.

Luke 12:13–14 KJV 1900

13 And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. 14 And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?

This man is concerned with the inheritance. he has recognized that Jesus has authority and influence, but that realization is twisted. When we realize the person and the authority and Lordship of Jesus, it should cause us to bow at His feet and commit our lives to following and serving Him. This man’s realization was twisted - he thought that maybe he could get something out of Jesus.

Instead of having a willingness to be used by Jesus, this man wanted to use Jesus for personal gain. This man had probably heard Jesus talk of generosity, and wanted Jesus to legislate his brother’s generosity.

But in essence, Jesus says, “No.”

But then, Jesus gives a warning, not just to this man, but to those that are listening.

Luke 12:15 KJV 1900

15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Beware of Greed

The warning is against covetousness. Covetousness is a greedy desire to have more. And then Jesus tells us why - a man’s life consists of more than just the things you own. This is repetition of what he says in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus there tells us that life is more than food and clothing.

Why is living a life that is greedy, covetous so vain and empty? Jesus answers that question next. Luke 12:16-21

Luke 12:16–21 KJV 1900

16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

This parable gives us a very clear view of the limitations of stuff.

The man in this parable gives a speech to himself. It is a short speech but there is a lot that we can understand by what is said and by what is not said.

We can see the man’s focus. It’s all about himself. In his little talk to himself, the man uses the personal pronoun “I” 6 times and the possessive pronoun “my” 5 times. This man was in some serious sin, but it wasn’t theft or extortion. This man had come by his goods honestly, but he was selfish and greedy for more.

But we also learn of this man from what he did not say. He talks about plans for himself, but never says one word about others. This man did not have a care for how he could use any of his goods to be a blessing to others.

The speech is also very telling of where he puts his faith. God is not mentioned once, but his possessions and how he plans to store and use them are mentioned 7 times. He doesn’t thank God for his goods; he doesn’t seek counsel on how to use his goods in a Godly manner. He looks to his possessions as the source of peace, stability, and joy. “Take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.”

But Jesus points out his foolishness. “This night, your soul will be required of you.” You think that these possessions guarantee you many years of ease, but you don’t even have a full day left.

Money, stuff cannot buy you a second more of life, and if you’ve spent your life chasing money and material things, you will arrive at the presence of the Lord empty-handed. To be rich in character is far more rewarding than being rich in possessions.

Jesus goes on to warn of anxiety once again. Luke 12:22-30

Luke 12:22–30 KJV 1900

22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. 23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. 24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? 25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? 29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

This is almost a word-for-word repetition of the Sermon on the Mount section dealing with anxiety.

Beware of Anxiety

If you cannot add one second to your lifespan, then why worry about anything? Don’t be anxious for the smaller concerns of life.

It is these things that the world that wanders without faith in God seeks after. Don’t be consumed or anxious food and clothing and provisions. God, who cares for us more than the he cares for the sparrows, and the ravens, and the grass of the field will be faithful in providing these things for His children. Don’t be of a doubtful mind.

Instead, Luke 12:31-34

Luke 12:31–34 KJV 1900

31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Seek first the kingdom of God. This life is not all about you. It is not about God’s Kingdom. Fear not, don’t be anxious, little flock.

Luke 12:32 KJV 1900

32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

That phrase “little flock” in the original Greek uses a double diminutive. It is Jesus saying, Fear not, tiny, little flock.” It shows two things. It shows how powerless we are and how small we are. A whole flock of sheep is powerless against a wolf or lion or bear. We are powerless to fend for ourselves, so don’t get caught up in the anxiety of doing it.

Do you think that sheep sit within the fold at night worrying if their shepherd is going to take them to get water and gras in the morning? No. They just do what sheep do. They wait for the shepherd, then they follow the shepherd. They cannot well fend for themselves, but they don’t worry about it either.

The second thing this phrase, “tiny, little flock” shows us is just how much we are cared for. We use diminutives for people who we hold dear. When my kids were babies, I would talk to them and use diminutives often. I would hold them, look into their faces, talk to them, and say, “I love you so much my little, itty-bitty baby boy/girl.”

Jesus is doing the same thing here. “Fear not, my tiny, little flock. It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” We aren’t just part of it, we are part owners of it. We have a vested interest in the kingdom.

He goes on to talk about purses and treasures, and laying up treasures in bags that are sturdy. Places that will last. In other words, lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.

And when you begin to invest in heaven, you will find that your passions soon follow.

If you have ever found yourself thinking, “I just don’t have a whole lot of motivation to do what God wants me to do.” Start investing your treasure, your time, and your talents in God’s work, and you will see that soon you will be passionate about God’s things.

Your heart will follow your treasure.

Beware of Your Focus

The next few verses Jesus uses to let us know that if we are too focused on the things of this earth, worried about our own provisions, or caught up with our own selfish greed, then we will not be ready for His coming.

Luke 12:35–40 KJV 1900

35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; [the girding of the loins was a reference to be ready to run. Lights burning a reference to how people would be prepared to feast at weddings, as weddings in those regions always took place at night. 36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. [The kingdom would not come in a day. As the little flock, we are to be watching and waiting and faithfully serving before the Lord’s coming. 37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. [The second and third watches were the two watches of the night, the last wight hours before the dawn watch. These are the sleepiest times. Jesus says, blessed are those that are watching and awake and ready when the Lord comes if he comes in the late watches. 39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. [We do not know the hour of the coming of the Lord. Otherwise, most of us would say, “Oh, He’s not coming for another 8 years? Fine, then I have 7 and a half years to do what I want.” No, he will come like a thief in the night. Be ready, be faithful so that at His arrival, we don’t have to be ashamed. 40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

It is a reminder that our life is not all about ourselves. We are not to take the attitude that it is all about me.

But Jesus has one more warning as a response to a question from Peter.

Luke 12:41 KJV 1900

41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?

This is a good question. Jesus had started this interaction by speaking specifically to His disciples, then he is asked a question of the crowd which brings him to the topic of greed. Jesus then starts to speak of little flocks and servants. So, naturally, Peter wonders, “Is Jesus back to addressing just His disciples, or is He still talking to the whole crowd?”

Let’s look at Jesus’ response. Luke 12:42

Luke 12:42 KJV 1900

42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?

Jesus says that there are stewards that rule over the household and are responsible for feeding the household. Who are they? Well, they would be the apostles first. Jesus, after his resurrection, first commissioned Peter to “feed the flock” of the other disciples that remained. But then, the apostles as a whole would be involved in feeding the multitudes of people that would become Christians on the day of Pentecost and afterward.

This duty would then expand to pastors.

In Acts 20:28, Paul is speaking of church pastors or overseers. Look what he tells them.

Acts 20:28 KJV 1900

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Peter also gives charge to the pastors of churches to fulfill their responsibility of feeding the flock. 1 Peter 5:2-4

1 Peter 5:2–4 KJV 1900

2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Feed the flock of God, he says.

So, back to Luke 12, Jesus’ response to Peter is a warning to pastors, but it is also a way for Christians to determine if a pastor is a true disciple or not.

Luke 12:42–44 KJV 1900

42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? [who is the steward over the household of God that is supposed to feed them? pastors] 43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. [How do I know if a pastor is doing what he is supposed to be doing? Is he feeding the flock, the household which God has made him a steward of? Is he being faithful and wise? If he is, then he is blessed.] 44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. [In following with the parables that Jesus has already shared and will share later, this principle of being faithful in small things and then rewarded with greater things is taught by Jesus here.]

The principle requirement of a steward is faithfulness - not great ability, not charisma, not talent, but faithfulness to the Lord. This is an encouragement to pastors.

But then, look at what Jesus continues to say. There is a warning for false teachers that would make themselves pastors and there is a way to recognize them too.

Luke 12:45–46 KJV 1900

45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

This is not talking about a person who was saved and lost his salvation, this is talking about a false teacher who was not saved, that took the role of a pastor, and abused the household of God.

The Lord of that servant, and yes, God is still the Lord of unbelievers, whether they recognize it or not, will come for him. It will be a surprise, and that wicked person will receive a punishment that is dire. This will be one of those people that say, “Lord, didn’t I do all these wonderful things in your name?” to whom Jesus will respond, “Depart from me, I never knew you.” What are the characteristics of these false prophets?

They are abusive to the church

they are lazy

they use the pastorate for personal gain

many will be surprised that they are not really saved

This is not a comprehensive list, there are other characteristics of false teachers throughout the Bible.

To them, life, church, pastoring, and the members and ministries are all about themselves.

Jesus warns the false teachers, but he gives true disciples something to look for in pastors to determine if they are false or not.

. Look at the next few verses. Luke 12:47-48

Luke 12:47–48 KJV 1900

47 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Beware Your Responsibilities

Each Christian has a responsibility. Our primary responsibility is to be faithful to the Lord.

I like J.W. McGarvey’s comment on these verses.

The greater the powers and opportunities entrusted to us, the larger the service which the Lord requires of us. Ignorance does not entirely excuse us, for we are stewards, and it is the steward's duty to know his master's will. There is a guilt of ignorance as well as a guilt of transgression.

The parable pointed to those who listened with delight to Jesus, but were careless about knowing his meaning.

Woe unto any of us that sit and read the Bible or listen to a sermon or teaching and do not obey it. I will be a sad day when we must give accounts for how we stewarded the word of God.

But also, we cannot hide from God’s word. “I just won’t read my Bible then,” or, “I just won’t go to church and listen to sermons or teachings.” Ignorance is not an excuse. As J.W. McGarvey said, “It is the responsibility of the servant [us] to know the Master’s will and to obey it.”

This life is not about us.

{Play slide transition video}

It’s All About Him

My life is not about how people perceive me. Honestly, what anyone thinks about me doesn’t matter. My life is about Him, about Jesus. If I am following Jesus the right way, that is all that matters. People may, and have, and will lie about me, slander me, twist my words, misinterpret my words or actions or inaction. And if you follow Jesus, they will do it to you too. It doesn’t matter.

Life is not about possessions. It doesn’t matter how much money you have or how much stuff you’ve accumulated. Greed and covetousness will not extend your life or make it more fulfilling, and if you are a Christian and you’re living this way, know this: you are damaging the kingdom of heaven by simply not giving it a second thought.

I make life about myself when I worry about things. When my focus shifts from trusting God to worrying about how I am going to fix all my problems, I live life as if it were all about me. I have no time to help others nor to seek God’s face, because I am too busy worrying about how I can provide for myself. Listen, we need to understand that we are sheep and it is not our job to provide for ourselves. It is the Good Shepherd’s job, and I could never do His job as well as He can.

We make life about ourselves when we do not join God in His work. Lazy Christians that just sit and eat and get fat spiritually are living a selfish and egotistical life, and they will be ashamed when Jesus comes back. They will miss out on so many blessings.

For those in ministry- this last warning was for us. Whether you’re a pastor or a greeter at the door, a nursery worker or a worship team member, the ministry is not about you. It is all about Him. Start acting like it.

Don’t use the ministry to satisfy some egotistical need to have influence in something. Don’t use it to have your15 minutes of stage time. Don’t use the ministry to feel good about yourself because you’re “doing something” and feel valuable.

It’s not about that. Ministry of any kind is all about Jesus.

Invitation

Home Groups

Warm Up Questions

1. When you were a kid, what was one thing you were really afraid of? Do you still think about it?

2. If someone peeked into your garage, closet, or backpack, what’s one thing they’d find too much of?

3. Finish this sentence: “Life would be easier if I didn’t worry so much about ______.”

Scripture Focused Questions

4. Jesus said a little bit of yeast (hypocrisy) can affect the whole loaf. What’s a small thing you’ve seen (good or bad) that grew bigger than expected?

5. Jesus told His followers not to fear people, but to fear God. What do you think is harder practically—disappointing people or disappointing God? Why?

6. The man in Jesus’ parable kept saying “my barns, my crops, my goods.” What do you notice about how often people today talk about “my” stuff, “my” plans, or “my” future?

7. Jesus said, “Fear not, little flock.” If Jesus called you His “tiny little flock,” how would that make you feel?

Heart Focused Questions

8. Why do you think it’s so easy to make life “all about me”?

9. Can you remember a time when you were more worried about what people thought of you than about what God thought?

10. What’s one thing you own that sometimes competes with God for your attention?

11. How does it change things when you really believe God knows you, values you, and even numbers the hairs on your head?

Life Application Questions

12. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” If someone followed your schedule or bank account, what would they think your heart treasures most?

13. If worrying doesn’t actually solve problems, what’s one practical way we can remind ourselves to trust God instead?

14. What would “seeking first the Kingdom of God” look like for a teenager? For a parent? For a retiree?

15. Ministry can become “all about me” instead of “all about Him.” How can we tell the difference between serving for ourselves and serving for Jesus?

16. If someone asked you this week why you follow Jesus, what’s one thing you would want to say?