The Italian Memorandum

(Luke 12:41-48)

Nonchalant, casually indifferent, cool, unconcerned

“Everyone to whom much has been given, of him much will be required”

(Luke 12:48)

Introduction: This section of Scripture is about stewardship and blessing. But, there will be a surprise for the nonchalant.

Three types of responses to the Master–

vv. 43-44 – ________________________

vv. 45-46 – ________________________

vv. 47-48 – ________________________

Conclusion: The Master is the Master. The steward is the steward. What are you doing with what the Master has entrusted to you?

“Those whose god is religion will not have God in their religion”

– Erskine

“…having a form of godliness, but denying its power”

(2 Timothy 3:5, NKJV)

The English Standard Version translates 2 Timothy 3:5—“…having the appearance of godliness.” Things are not always as they appear. Paul condemns this kind of Christianity. It seems that some are quite religious in the sense of having the ritual down pat, but, in actuality, there is something very wrong. The relationship aspect is missing.

Today, it is of vital necessity that we worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23,24). Going to assembly should be a habit of the heart (Hebrews 10:23-25). Hearing the gospel preached; praying to the Father; eating the Lord’s Supper—these are all examples of having vital communion with God. While they do contain ritual, in the sense that they are repeatable, they also afford precious moments of relationship with the Lord. Form of worship is important (2 Tim. 1:13; Rom. 6:17; etc), but, so is function. Hebrews 8:10 reads: “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

One’s heart should not be made of stone (see Ezek. 11:19). Religious format and religious relationship are both valid Scripturally. May your religious habits (ritual) always be conjoined in heart (relationship).

– Robert M. Housby

“The sands of time are sinking”

(Anne Ross Cousin, 1857, The Sands of Time)

“You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect”

(Luke 12:40, ESV)

Introduction: Did you know that you were meant for an hour? In today’s lesson, we will look at part of the parable of the watchful servant (12:35-48); emphasizing vv. 35-40.

I. The Christian doctrine here is about the _______

_________ of Jesus (see also Hebrews 9:27,28).

II. Jesus’ coming has 3 essential characteristics:

1. ______________________________

2. ______________________________

3. ______________________________

III. Therefore: _________________________

Conclusion: While most have given up on living life with a sense of urgency, the redeemed have been given a heads-up, as it were. So, prepare to meet your Lord—you were meant for an hour!

“…the church which is his body”

(Ephesians 1:22-23)

A common mistake being made by many in the world today is the notion that no one church is any better than any other church. The yellow pages are full of Christian type organizations, usually represented as this church or that church. However, the Lord is not bound by any American marketing found in the yellow pages. And, the Lord certainly never intended for the pluralistic nonsense out there that is being touted under the banner of non-judgmental inter-faith/inter-denominationalism (Matt. 16:18).

If your church is in the Bible, it will bear the credentials of being the church that Jesus built; if not, it simply won’t. These credentials include:

1. A Scriptural approach toward establishing what is “truth” (John 17:17).
2. A Scriptural name which honors Christ as its only head (Eph. 1:22,23).
3. A Scriptural unity based upon the word of the original apostles’ (John 17:20).
4. A Scriptural church organization (Eph. 4:4-16).
5. A Scriptural plan of salvation that speaks where the Bible speaks and is silent where the Bible is silent (Acts 2:38-47).

If your church is so represented in the Scriptures, then by all means and at all times, commit yourself to this church. Don’t make excuses, don’t shirk responsibility; don’t dilly-dally, shilly-shally, or commit willy-nilly. Give the Lord your best—do what’s right, right now (1 Corinthians 15:58).

– Robert M. Housby

“Fear not little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom”

(Luke 12:32)

Introduction: The gospel requires perception—a connecting of the dots. In Luke 12:32-34, Jesus will connect treasure with kingdom. Notice, in this section, that he will not ask whether one is committed to the cause of the kingdom; but, he will say—“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Lk. 12:34).

I. But, Why?

A. 12:31 – __________________________

B. 12:32 – __________________________

C. 12:33 – __________________________

II. With What Shall We Connect the Dots?

(12:34)

Conclusion: Jesus wants your life to become more and more kingdom centered. But, the acid test, which tells all, involves your treasure. Have you connected the dots?

“He [Christ] was foreknown before the foundation of the world
but was made manifest in the last times for your sake…”

(1 Peter 1:20, ESV)

Sometimes we need clarifying information. The five basic religious stories of the book of Genesis provide such a structure for understanding the Bible and the plan of God for mankind.

1. Genesis 1 – The story of creation: This Is My Father’s World (Genesis 1:31; 1 Tim. 4:4).

2. Genesis 2 – The story of Adam and Eve: Sin Had Left a Crimson Stain (Romans 5:12).

3. Genesis 6 – The story of Noah and the Flood: (Gen. 6:5- 8). Judgment.

4. Genesis 11 – The story of the tower of Babel: Social chaos (Genesis 11:9).

5. Genesis 12- The story of Abraham: Sweet Are the Promises (Gen. 12:3; ).

The first story is of one of paradise; the second, paradise lost; the third; judgment for wickedness; the fourth, further social disintegration and alienation; the fifth, hope through the coming Messiah.

-Robert M. Housby

“Then you will understand…every good path”

(Proverbs 2:9)

We are aware of the religious changes that are sweeping across our country. The sixth century B.C. prophet wrote, “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk in it” (Jeremiah 6:16). Jeremiah 6:16 equates “the ancient paths” of God with ,“the good way.” Some 400 years earlier, the Proverb writer gave the classic foundation for a theology of “the path” and “the way” in Proverbs 2:8-20.

We may deduce:

1. This is the way of God for his people (Prov. 2:8).
2. Every good path involves understanding (Prov. 2:9).
3. Such understanding is specific (Proverbs 2:10-20)

a. “wisdom” (2:10)
b. “knowledge” (2:10)
c. “discretion” (2:11)
d. “understanding” (2:12)
e. “delivering” (2:12)

(1) “from evil” [men; darkness; crooked paths] (2:13-15)

(2) “from the forbidden woman” (2:16-19; see also Revelation 17:18;18:3, etc. where the prostitute = a social structure)

Back to the Bible is a return to “every good path” (Prov. 2:9). Your present
path will determine your destination. So, which way are you going?

-Robert M. Housby

(Luke 12:22-31)

“Instead, seek his kingdom and these things will be added to you”

(Luke 12:34)

Introduction: Jesus knew that man had ordinary worries and fears; as well as more complicated matters: generalized anxiety disorder; panic disorder; phobias; and, obsessive-compulsive disorders.

1. Luke 12:22-23 –

Directive _____________________________

Explanation ___________________________

2. Luke 12:24-28 – Two Illustrations:

“Consider the ravens”                    “Consider the lilies”
= ______________________ = _____________________

3. Luke 12:29-30 –

Directive _____________________________

Explanation ___________________________

4. Luke 12:31 – Final Resolution

Conclusion: “We are all mad at some time or another”
(Battista Mantuanas, Eclogues, 1500). How do you do life?
Nervous living or redemptive living?