The Italian Memorandum

“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?

(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?

(Luke 12:13-21)

“So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God”

(Luke 12:21)

Introduction: What’s treasure? and, what’s not?

I. What’s Behind the Question? (see Lk. 12:13-15)

A. ______________________________________

B. ______________________________________

C. ______________________________________

D. ______________________________________

II. The Parable of the Rich Fool

A. Teaches that this man forgot-

1. ___________________________________

2. ___________________________________

3. ___________________________________

4. ___________________________________

B. Teaches that he was hung up on _______________ .

Conclusion: The American system has historically emphasized the material side to living. Although this is a blessing, on the one hand, materialism tends to detract from the spiritual understanding. May you and yours’ be rich toward God.

“…whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man
also will confess before the angels of God. But he who
denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of
God”

(Luke 12: 8, 9, NKJV)

Introduction: Luke 12:8-12 provides another aspect of what it means to live redemptive lives—Christian living at its best. Christian living is about confessional living:

1. Confessional Living focuses on ______________ , but
also involves the Holy Spirit.

2. Confessional Living is consequential.

3. Two choices (not three)

Conclusion: Will the angels in heaven one day hear of you? Indeed! But what will be told them? “Will not the judge of all the earth do what is right?” (Gen. 18:25)

“do not fear those…fear him…”

(Luke 12:4,5)

Introduction: Jesus often addressed man’s deepest concerns. In Luke 12:4-7, Jesus will deal with the fears (phobia) of man. The options appear—

Option 1 – Fear as intimidation from others/things (12:4)

Option 2 – Fear of being forgotten by God (12:6)

Option 3 – Fear of personal insignificance (12:7)

Option 4 – Fear him [God] (12:5)

Conclusion: Man could not figure out the fear thing on his own. But, the Son of Man, the Man of Sorrows, can take away the bellicose intimidations of Pharisees and demons and instill instead the reassuring reverence of God.

“Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees”

(Luke 12:1)

Introduction: “Christian Living” has come to mean just about any-thing anymore. However, in Luke 12:1-3, Jesus encourages critical thinking—not hypocritical thinking, but critical thinking. Modern liberals have equated the two, but Jesus never did. So, what is the leaven of the Pharisees? Three concepts deserve our attention:

1. Hypocrisy in failing to differentiate between _______________
judgment and ______________ judgment (6:37;12:57; Jn. 7:24)

2. Hypocrisy—in that they were adept at hiding personal iniquity
(see Luke 11:39)

3. Hypocrisy in taking away “the key of knowledge”
(see Luke 11:52,53)—the Messianic application of the O.T. (see
Matt. 16:19; Acts 2:14-41)

Conclusion: Jesus aroused some strong hostility here (Lk.11:53,54).
But, all who refuse to recognize the “beware” statement of Jesus in Luke 12:1 is a downright fraud. And, anyone who would aspire to live the Christian life must reject the leaven of the Pharisees and its modern counter-part of religious pluralism (the other extreme where anything is okay). “Judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24; Luke 12:57; Hebrews 4:13). Would you live the Christian life?