18: Warning and Encouragements (Lk 12:1-34)
I.
The Basics
A.
Setting
The previous chapter ends with the
vehement response of the scribes and Pharisees to the Lord’s rebuke. This
hostile situation leads to Jesus’ teachings in this chapter. He warned the
disciples and prepared them for further oppositions. In the second part of this
lesson, in response to a man’s request for Jesus to act as an arbitrator, the
Lord spoke about material and spiritual wealth, teaching the crowd and the
disciples about having the right priorities in life.
B.
Key Verse
“But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear
Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you,
fear Him!” (12:5).
“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’” (12:15).
“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your
Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (12:32).
C.
Did You Know…?
1.
Divide the inheritance (12:13): The people often
consulted rabbis on ethical or legal matters.
II.
Observation
A.
Outline
(12:1-12)
(1-3)
(4-7)
(8-12)
(12:13-21)
(12:22-34)
B.
Key Words/Phrases
III.
Segment Analysis
A.
12:1-12
1. What is hypocrisy (cf.
11:39-44)?
2. How is hypocrisy like leaven?
3. Why must the disciples beware
of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees?
4a. What is the point of verses
2-3?
4b. How should we conduct
ourselves, knowing that nothing can be concealed?
5a. Why should we fear God
instead of men?
5b. Why do we often fear men more
than we fear God?
6. How should we fear God?
7. What reason does the Lord give
in 6-11 for why we need not fear?
8. Have you been in a situation
where you felt ashamed to confess Christ’s name?
9a. What does it mean to
blaspheme against the Holy Spirit? (cf. Mt 12:22-32; Mk 3:22-30).
9b. Why is blasphemy against the
Holy Spirit more serious than speaking against the Son of Man?
B.
12:13-21
10. According to this passage,
what is the meaning of covetousness (15)?
11a. How does the Lord’s teaching
in 15 contradict the views of many people today?
11b. How should this teaching
redirect your life-goals?
12. Why was the rich man in the
parable a fool?
13. What can you do with your
life now in order to be “rich toward God”?
C.
12:22-34
14. What does 23 teach us about
our priorities?
15a. List the reasons, according
to this paragraph, why we need not worry.
15b. In short, what does it take
for us to be worry-free? (cf. 28)
16. Are you worried or anxious
about anything in your life right now? Apply this passage to your situation.
17. Explain the meaning of 32.
18. How should we seek God’s
kingdom? According to this paragraph, what is a concrete way to seek God’s
kingdom?
