Christian pollster George Barna said, “Faith makes very little difference in their [Christians] lives: believers do not train their children to think or act differently [from the world]. It’s no wonder that they [Christian children] grow up to be just as involved in gambling, excessive drinking, and any other unbiblical behavior as everyone else.” Most Christians live for this world. Because their lives aren’t distinct from others, people aren’t interested in what the church or Christianity has to offer. Luke 12 explains Biblical convictions derived from discipleship.
Beware of hypocrisy because every secret will be revealed. Don’t fear people, but fear the One who has authority to cast into hell. Because God loves you, confess Him before men so He can confess you before angels. Rejecting the Holy Spirit has an eternal impact determining whether one goes to heaven or hell. God will teach you what to say when you have opportunity to share the gospel (Lk. 12:1-12). Be guided by the Holy Spirit in authenticity and transparency as you lead people to faith in Christ.
Be on guard against every form of greed because life does not consist of possessions. Laying up goods on earth so you can be comfortable and happy is short-sighted because everyone must give an account to God. It’s foolishness to lay up treasure for yourself and not be rich toward God (Lk. 12:13-21). Lay up treasure in heaven by refusing materialism and greed.
Don’t be anxious as God provides for you like He does for the birds who neither sow nor reap. Have faith in God and don’t worry about food, clothing and shelter because He knows you need these things. Seek first His kingdom and these things will be added to you. Don’t be afraid because your Father has gladly given you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those with real needs so you lay up treasure in heaven (Lk. 12:22-34). Seek God’s kingdom first by being generous and trusting Him to provide.
Be ready and alert for Christ’s second coming so you can welcome Him with open arms. The head of the house prepares and protects himself if he knew a thief was coming to break into his house. The Son of Man is coming at an hour you don’t expect (Lk. 12:35-40). Be spiritually prepared and not complacent for Christ’s Second Coming.
The faithful steward in charge of God’s possessions will not beat the slaves because of his master’s delay. In contrast, the unfaithful steward beats the slaves and the master assigns him a place with unbelievers. A slave who knew the master’s will but disobeyed shall receive many lashes. The one who did not know it but committed deeds worthy of flogging will receive few lashes (Lk. 12:41-48). Those who have received much, more will be required.
Christ is distressed until His baptism is accomplished since He brings division, not peace, to families. Three members will be against two, two against three, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter, daughter against mother, etc. (Lk. 12:49-53). Identifying with Christ brings persecution within families.
Hypocrites analyze the weather but not this present time. They don’t judge what is right. If you have a dispute, it’s better to settle than risk having the authorities throw you into prison until the penalty is paid in full (Lk. 12:54-59). Consider the eternal outcomes of your actions so you judge correctly.
Here are Biblical convictions derived from discipleship. Use a chiastic structure beginning with the first paragraph: A, B, C, D, C’, B’ A’. We group together the content in A & A’, B & B’, etc.
1. Consider the eternal outcomes of heaven and hell as you are guided by the Holy Spirit to share your faith with others.
2. Identify with Christ instead of career even though you suffer persecution within your family.
3. Maximize your time, talent and treasure for God’s purposes.
4. Be spiritually prepared for Christ’s Second Coming.
Discipleship will develop the above four convictions in your life. Ask Him to develop them.
