Four Life-Principles (Luke 12:22-40)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
5 September 2021
Here are four life principles given by Jesus Christ from Luke 12:22-40.
First, stop worrying. (12:22-31). Life is more than food, clothing, work and play Your heavenly Father will provide for you. (But are you in a right relationship with God the Father?)
Consider the birds. Consider the flowers. Birds don’t worry yet they are well-fed. Flowers don’t worry yet they display their beauty in due season. You are more valuable than birds and flowers. If your heavenly Father cares for the lesser he will certainly care for the greater. Stop worrying. Keep trusting.
Jesus did not worry about his necessities. For thirty years he worked and earned his living. Then for around three years during his public ministry he was provided for. Jesus lived out what he taught. He will not abandon people who follow his example.
Secondly set your heart on heavenly things. (12:32-34).
Jesus urges you to think of the things of heaven for where your treasure is there your heart will be also.
The heart set on gaining heavenly things is not upset at the loss of earthly things. Such a heart is prepared to be parted from earthly possessions. This is what Jesus meant when he exhorted his disciples to sell and give to the poor. Be ready to part with riches. Jesus did this. Though he was rich yet he became poor for our sake (2 Cor. 8:9).
Jesus addressed his disciples as “little flock”. How beautiful. Here the good Shepherd speaks gently and lovingly to his people. When your faith is weak there is someone beside you who is strong yet gentle. It is Jesus your Shepherd. We are prone to worldliness. Jesus gently shepherds us to heavenly things.
Earthly things can rot or be stolen but in heaven no thief can steal, no rust can corrupt. Don't bank on earthly treasure; invest in heavenly ones.
Thirdly watch for the second coming of Jesus Christ (12:35-40). Why should you watch for Jesus? Because he is coming at an hour you do not expect.
The faithful believer will be watchful so that when the Lord returns he will be ready to open the door immediately. The Lord is well pleased with him and shall dine with him. How blessed you are when Jesus dines with you. Let us therefore be watchful ever waiting for his return.
Jesus himself is waiting to return. In Matthew 24:35,36 we are taught that only the Father knows the time when heaven and earth will pass away. Jesus waits for the word from his Father and at that word he will return to earth.
Fourthly make good use of talents and possessions God has given you (12:41-48). Why? Because you will give an account of what you do with the good things God gives you in life.
Be faithful and wise in the use of what has been entrusted to your keeping. The Lord will ask for an account. At that time will you be blessed with the good pleasure of the Lord?
The Lord has entrusted to us the gospel. How are you using this precious gospel? Are you keeping it to yourself? What a shame! The Lord has said to go into the world to share this gospel. Don't hoard the gospel; herald it.
Jesus himself will one day appear before the Father and give an account of what he has done and he will deliver the kingdom to the Father (1 Cor.15:24). Can we not hear the Father say, “Well done my beloved Son.”
These four life principles are taught by Jesus. If you live by them you would have lived well. A life on good principles leads to one of good purpose.