Financial Crisis in Perspective

• Financial Crisis in Perspective
• Luke 12:8-48
• Luke 12:8-12 "Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God.9 But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God. 10 "And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven…
• 13 Then one from the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."
• How Jesus Answered…
• To the man and his brother …. verse 14
• To the multitude hearing Him … vs. 15-21
• To His disciples … vs. 22-48
• To the man and his brother…
• 14 But He said to him, "Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?"
• Two Points are clear…
• Jesus was not interested in this judgment because the real issue was deeper …
• Jesus does not speak to us so we can tell someone else what to do …
• To the multitudes …
• 15 And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses."
• Three lessons ….
• One’s life does not consist of the amount of possessions … vs. 15
• Three lessons ….
• Increasing possessions will not improve or extend your life…vs 16-20
• Three lessons ….
• Be rich toward God … vs. 21
– Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.
• To His own disciples …
• With the crowds He merely warned of covetousness …
• For the disciples He provided practical tools to help them be rich toward God …
• Four lessons …
• Don’t be anxious, trust God..vs 22-28
• Four lessons …
• Seek God’s kingdom … vs. 29-32
– 29 "And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind.30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things.31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.
– Haggai 1:1-11
• Four lessons …
• Sell some of your possessions and help the needy … vs. 33-34
– Prov 3:9-10; 1 Cor 16:1-4; Heb 13:16
• Four lessons …
• Stay alert in the Lord’s work … vs. 35-48
– Luke 12:42-44 And the Lord said, "Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.44 Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has.
• Financial Crisis in Perspective
• Luke 12:8-48