25: Teaching on God’s Kingdom (2) (Lk 18:9-34)
I.
The Basics
A.
Setting
This lesson continues the theme of
Jesus’ teachings on God’s kingdom. The three larger sections (9-30) all pertain
to the conditions for entering the kingdom
of God. Each stresses the
proper attitude we should have toward God as well as the incompatibility
between the ways of men and the way of God. Only if we change ourselves to
conform to the ways of God can we enter His kingdom.
B.
Key Verse
“I tell you, this man went down to his house
justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be
humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (18:14).
“So He said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to
you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or
children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, "who shall not receive many
times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life’”
(18:29-30).
II.
Observation
A.
Outline
(18:9-14)
(18:15-17)
(18:18-30)
(18:31-34)
B.
Key Words/Phrases
III.
Segment Analysis
A.
18:9-14
1. Note at least two things that
are wrong with the Pharisee’s prayer (11-12).
2. What can we learn from the tax
collector about the proper attitude we should have before God?
3. What makes a person
self-righteous? What makes him humble?
4. Why did Jesus pick a Pharisee
and a tax collector as characters in the story? What is his point?
B.
18:15-17
5. Why do you think the disciples
rebuked those who brought little children to Jesus? Have you ever made the same
mistake?
6. If you are a parent, how would
you let your children come to the Lord?
7. What does it mean to receive
the kingdom of God as a little child?
C.
18:18-30
8. Why did the Lord correct the
way the ruler addressed Him (18-19)? What can we learn here about the ruler’s
view of obtaining eternal life?
9a. What prevented the ruler from
entering into God’s kingdom?
9b. How does the ruler’s sorrow
show that he still had not kept God’s commandments even though he thought he
had?
10. Why is it so difficult for
those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God?
11a. What does this passage teach
about salvation by grace?
11b. In view of the Lord’s teaching,
how can we enter the kingdom of God?
12. What blessing does God give
to those who forsake all things for the sake of His kingdom?
D.
18:31-34
13a. How does Jesus’ prediction
show His awareness of His mission?
