Today’s passage: Luke 12:1-12
Helpful thoughts:
- In an environment where people were being physically trampled, the greatest danger was still false teaching and what it produces.
- There are four specific commands communicated in this passage:
- Beware the leaven of the Pharisees (Watch out for false teachers). Verse 1
- Do not fear those who can kill the body…fear not. Verses 4 & 7
- Fear God (Him who…has authority to cast into hell). Verse 5
- Do not be anxious about how you would defend yourself or what you should say. Verse 11
- The Holy Spirit exalts Jesus Christ (John 15:26). To blaspheme the Holy Spirit is to reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. If you go to your grave having rejected Him you have also blasphemed the Holy Spirit, and you will not be forgiven.
Questions to consider:
- In a room where ten hostile people hate Christ and His followers and only one loves Christ and loves his neighbor as himself, who has the upper hand? Why? Who is with the Christian and actively involved in times of persecution?
- How could we apply this passage today in our current culture? What part does faith in God’s presence and promises play when we are faced with choosing to share Christ with a friend and risk their disapproval?
- What would be easier, affirming your faith in Christ before a firing squad or sharing the Gospel with friends who might stop calling you? (This isn’t a gotcha question… The answer might be more complicated than we think.) Ultimately, why is it only right to be willing and obedient to do both?