02/27/05 – “THE PEOPLE & PRINCIPLES OF LUKE 18”
We are cleansed by the blood of Christ and faith in Him makes an unworthy sinner a redeemed saint receiving eternal life
Jesus said, “He who believes in Me will live even if he dies and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” – John 11:25-26
A divine exchange at the Cross - He took on all our sins and we receive His righteousness – Amazing grace! Amazing love!
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21
Humility or Self-righteous
The Pharisee was a religious sinner and saw himself not only as worthy but better – The “sinful” Publican was contrite and knew his unworthiness
Which one are we? The Pharisee, thanking God that we’re not like other people or the Publican who was lost, undone and pleading for mercy?
Tax collectors were known to be corrupt and self-serving – Why would God ever accept him? – Why not?…Came to seek and save the lost
For by grace you have been saved through faith…the self-righteous present “good works” which is not the basis of acceptance before God
Why were the disciples trying to keep people from coming to Jesus? - Let’s get them to Jesus…He is the Way, Truth and Life
Jesus is alive…risen from the dead – Bring them to Jesus – Bring Jesus to them - The Holy Spirit draws us to Christ
We are to be childlike in the sense of acceptance, faith, trust, teachable, open, joyful…childlike is not childish immaturity
It’s a paradoxical that being childlike is the pathway to maturity, fruitfulness – Foolishness of God wiser than wisdom of men
One thing he lacked…Rich Young Ruler was someone we would want in our church…was good man but Jesus was after his heart
Is there something that holds us back?…misplaced priorities, pride, status, lack of faith…Are you His disciple? Do you follow?
The Rich Young Ruler controlled by the wrong treasure - a good man yet unable to give Jesus his treasure…HIS LIFE
Jesus didn’t say riches are bad, rather that there was “one thing” he still lacked…one thing that separated him from Christ
Possessions are never to possess us - The Rich Young Ruler’s security and identity was in his wealth which owned him
Rich Young Ruler knew he was missing something, and Jesus called him to lose his life to find it – “Price was too high”
Material wealth can bring power, influence and comfort – Riches can be deceptive making it difficult to trust, obey and follow
Revelation 3:17-18 Laodicea Church – “Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,’ and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich”
Jesus may be asking, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Bartimaeus was blind beggar, but an aggressive blind beggar
Disciples chastened him for crying out and yet he would not be deprived – “Son of David have mercy on me!” – Received his sight
V. Luke 19:1-10 – Zaccheus the Repentant
Zaccheus was short of stature but determined to see, was very rich yet when Jesus came, repented and received salvation
Rich Zaccheus receives salvation – Rich Young Ruler goes away despondent and empty…who do you identify with?
Jesus the Relentless Redeemer –Not going after well people but after those who know they need a doctor…He’s the Chief Physician
The Way Up is the Way Down
The Publican demonstrates humility in his sinfulness…he had the right altitude…lowly, humble, needing mercy - Received God’s justification
The children had the right approach…teachable, trusted Him – For such has the kingdom come – Received their blessings
The Rich Young Ruler had wrong affection – “Where your treasure is there shall be your heart also” – Received only sadness
Bartemaeus was right in being aggressive…would not be denied regardless of circumstances – Received his sight
Zaccheus had the right attitude…humble and contrite heart will not be despised regardless of past – Received salvation