LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Nov. 21: Jesus strings puts a few pearls on a string_111504

Posted: 11/12/04

LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Nov. 21

Jesus strings puts a few pearls on a string

Luke 12:1-59

By Pakon Chan

Chinese Baptist Church, Arlington

Chapter 12 is a typical example of Jewish preaching. Jewish preaching is called a “charaz,” which means stringing pearls. We can see very clearly that this chapter is compiled of several thoughts or themes not necessarily closely connected together. But if one wants to find the connection between these thoughts, he can find “a string” that puts all the “pearls” together.

Being Christians in this world, we should be honest and sincere. Even though we may suffer and be persecuted for our honesty and sincerity, we fear no man, for they cannot destroy our souls. Sometimes, they don't have power over our physical lives and possessions, so we don't need to worry, because God loves and cares about us.

Therefore, we need to set our priorities straight and live a simple life. Our life purpose is to seek God's kingdom and do his will. We always should be prepared and watchful for Jesus, because he is coming back any time.

During the end times, the conflict between Christians and the world will become more intensive, and we should be able to discern the signs and their spiritual implications. We should live peacefully with our brothers and sisters. Also, maintaining unity among Christians will be very important in church life to allow us to stand firm in any difficult time.

Let us now look at several pearls closely to appreciate their beauty.

Whom should we fear?

Fighting against terrorists became one of the major concerns of this country. We are living in fear of terrorism and trying to do everything to protect ourselves and the country from attack. As Christians, we always are under attack. Jesus has told us that people will hate us just because we are his disciples (John 15:18-19). It is good if we can develop certain security-alert systems in our spiritual life to warn us of spiritual attacks or danger.

We are alert and prepared, but fearless. There are two reasons we should not fear any attack from people. First, people may destroy the body or take away possessions, but they cannot destroy our souls (v. 4). It happens all the time in church history, but the church prevails and grows even stronger. Second, God will take care and protect his churches and us. Jesus used sparrows and our hairs to illustrate how God will care about us. “Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows,” Jesus said (v. 7).

But Christians should fear losing their faith. Satan will use physical persecution to threaten our faith. He wants to destroy our souls and throw us into hell (v. 5). We may not have any physical persecution in the United States, but we have a lot of spiritual persecution in the form of lust and temptation. They will destroy our souls and throw us into hell. James offers a tactic to fight against these enemies: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

Set the priority straight

One of the most dangerous enemies is our materialistic lifestyle. From church building to church program, and from Christian mentality to lifestyle, we are almost totally materialistic from inside out. Christian services and programs are more professional than spiritual. We measure God's blessings with our physical well-being and wealth. People waste their money on junk food that can feed a whole family in other countries.

A person's life is just like a barn, and it can only store a certain amount of things. If he puts more physical things in it, he has to empty some spiritual stuff to make room for his wealth. Even if he wants to build a bigger barn, the world is much bigger than his barn and will fill it up, leaving no room for spiritual things. That is why Jesus says, “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God” (v. 21).

We need to set our priority straight if we want to serve God. Whom should we serve, God or Mammon (money)? (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13). A simple lifestyle is one of the spiritual disciplines we need to put back into our discipleship training. If we can live a simple life, then we will have more energy and resources to serve and invest in the kingdom ministry (vv. 32-34).

Be watchful and ready

Our Lord will return at any time, and we, as servants, need to be alert and prepared. It is a very important reason why we should live a simple life and give high priority to God's kingdom works, because our Lord is coming, and he will come back at any time. When we know Jesus is going to return very soon, we will not waste our time and energy in any less-important things. How to define a faithful servant? A faithful servant knows how to set priority and focus on the task. Jesus also warns us that when he comes he will bring judgment to us (vv. 46-48).

Discussion questions

What is your priority as a Christian?

Does your lifestyle reflect your Christian priority?

Do you have difficulty in setting a priority that will please God?