Observe & Learn

Luke 12:54-59

Introduction:     Luke organized chapter 12 like he did for a reason.  He included some teaching that other gospel writers put in other contexts.  For example, Matthew (16:1-4) recorded the weather metaphor when the Pharisees and Sadducees were questioning Jesus’ right to teach.  Luke, however, uses it to conclude Jesus’ teaching concerning trusting God instead of the things of this world. 

I. Observe, learn, and prepare  vs. 54-57  Weather metaphor

         A. Notice things

                 1. Cloud in the west

                 2. South wind

                 3. The crowds were not noticing the things associated with Jesus

                          a. His teaching

                          b. His miracles

                          c. His dependence on God  John 5:19; 8:28-30

                 4. What are we missing?  Where is our treasure really (vs. 34)?

                          a. Selfishness in our church

                                  1) Almost no new converts because we are unwilling to                                  change to accommodate a changing culture

                                  2) We won’t come to church unless we are comfortable

                          b. Pride in our church

                                  1) We think our way is the right way, the only way

                                  2) We think our church is the only one that correctly                                       understands Scripture

                          c. Temporary nature of physical things

                                  1) We buy “things” like they will last

                                  2) Everything physical thing wears out, even the universe

         B. Learn from what you notice

                 1. We have learned much more about the weather through our                        observation

                 2. What have we learned about selfishness?

                          a. James 3:14-16 

                                  1) Selfish ambition

                                  2) KJV - strife

                                  3) Electioneering, ambition, self-seeking, rivalry, self-will,                             seeking to win followers

                          b. Romans 2:8   Same Greek word

                          c. Philippians 2:3-8   Same Greek word

                 3.      What have we learned about pride?

                          a. Mark 7:20-23   Greek word - pride, haughtiness, arrogance;                     the character of one who, with a swollen estimate of his own                    powers or merits, looks down on others and even treats them                    with insolence and contempt   Thayers

                          b. I Peter 5:5-6

                          c. Daniel 4:30-34, 37   Nebuchadnezzar

                          d. I think we think it is the other person’s problem!

                 4. What have we learned about the temporary nature of “things”?

                          a. vs. 15, 23

                          b. James 1:9-11; 4:14

         C. Make changes (prepare)

                 1. Why are we knowing these things and doing nothing about                        them?    vs. 57

II. Quickly do whatever is necessary    vs. 58-59    Legal system metaphor

         A. Do something while you can  vs. 42-46

         B. Make every effort   Diligence

                 1. Change is not easy

                 2. Mistakes will be made

                 3. Patience (with self and others) is required

Conclusion:   This church is full of wonderful people with good hearts.  But there is sin among us.  What will we do with our knowledge?  We can deny the problem, blame someone else, walk away and forget about it, or make changes.

Wichita, KS.  Central.  August 15, 1999.  PM.