When I say it is time to get serious about God, I mean both as a society and as individuals. So, let’s start with us. In order to get serious about God, we need to identify all of the ways we aren’t serious about God. Think about how you go about your day. Ask yourself this “Do I make EVERY decision based on glorifying God and in-line with His plan in my life?” Most likely the answer is no. We try. We think we are good Christians. But is that good enough?
This is Luke’s account of the Sermon on the Mount. While it closely parallels Matthew’s account, each has a special emphasis. Matthew’s emphasis appears to be simple Christian living. Luke’s emphasis is a more serious approach to the reality of God, judgment, and eternity.
The world is full of daydreamers. There are many people who fool themselves by thinking they can ignore God. Because they have managed to escape responsibility in other areas of their lives, they think they can do that with God.
In these passages of scripture, Jesus is trying to get His listeners to face reality. As a minister of the gospel, it is my desire to do the same thing today. Hear the warnings of the master today. It is time to get serious and think about eternal matters.
Luke 12:1-9
1 In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops. 4 “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Why even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. 8 “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, 9 but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. (Luke 12:1-9)
Luke 12:24-30
24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. (Luke 12:24-30)
A Time of Revealing Will Come (Luke 12:1-3)
Beware of hypocrisy and deceit.
- This is religion without reality and power. It is a form of godliness that denies the power of God (2 Timothy 3:5). It is silent pollution that works until it overtakes a person’s life.
- The Pharisees were morally good but spiritually corrupt. Jesus warned them to be on their guard. One day our experience with Jesus will be revealed for what it truly is.
A Time to Fear Will Come (Luke 12:4-5)
We must fear Satan in any form. Treat him as you treat a communicable disease. We should be more afraid of Satan then we are of people.
Fear him now while you can still do so. You will never be able to control sin. Run from it!
Flee Satan and repent (Luke 13:1-5).
A Time to Watch Is Here (Luke 12:37-40)
For those who know Jesus personally, there will be a great reward. In the same way that a person on trial has a defense attorney, Jesus will be our defense before the Judge of the universe.
His return will cause a separation (Luke 13:24-27). Nothing will matter at that moment except that we are prepared.
A Time of Reward Will Come (Luke 12:8-9)
For those who do not know Jesus, it will be a time of reckoning.
- Those who disown Him here will stand alone in God’s judgment hall.
- Suddenly, they will realize the truth of the Word, but it will be too late to change the outcome.
- Many may be like the young man Jesus told about in Luke 12:16-21.
Conclusion
Please consider the deadly consequences of daydreaming about your experience with God. There is nothing wrong with daydreaming about some things. But not here. Some people think that they can make a change at the last moment. But remember Luke 13:25. This is the same message that we receive from the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13).
It is time to get serious, wake up and face the reality of your true relationship with Jesus Christ. You may face Him sooner than you think. Are you prepared?
Click here to download or print the Bible study “Time to Get Serious“
