27: Fear God, Be Rich toward God & Trust God (Luke 12:1 – 34)

Do not fear man, especially Pharisees who accuse Jesus’ followers, but fear God. Guard yourself from all sorts of greed, but rich toward God. Do not worry about your life. But trust in the Father’s provision. These are the areas of our spiritual battle. 

One keyword in this passage is LIFE

👉 Read Luke 12:1-34

Q1. We tend to hide our mistake and pretend to be a better someone when we care about people's eyes. Bible warns us not to be hypocritical (1). Why hiding something is useless? (2-3)

ANS: Because what's hidden for now will be surely revealed.

Q2. What mindset is helpful not to be hypocritical? (two, 4-5, 6-7)

ANS: Fear and Trust in God. 

Knowing that God will judge even our heart and able to put us to eternal punishment (v5) and that everything is in God's hands (v7) is why you should fear God rather than man. 

He who is more conscious of God has no room (or need) to be conscious of man's eyes.

On the other hand, the reason for being conscious of people's eyes is that they think success and failure are in their hands. Those who believe in God's sovereignty won’t be hypocritical.

Q3. What mistake will you make when you fear people and their assessment? (vv8–10) 

ANS: You might deny the Lord in front of people. You lose something big to protect something small.

In fear of the Pharisees’ accusation, some of them hesitated to acknowledge Jesus. To speak against the Son of Man is to deny Jesus before knowing Jesus’ cross and receiving the Holy Spirit to acknowledge Jesus as their savior.

To blaspheme against the Holy Spirit: one denies and despise the cross even though one knows God’s salvation through the sacrifice of His Son.

With this dire warning. We are not to deny Jesus even before the authority.

Q4. Everyone has a fear of authority. What is the Lord's promise to us? (vv11-12)

ANS: He said he would let us know how to respond when necessary.

Note that the Bible doesn't say He will protect us, though He protects most times.

Q5. Why do we have to cast out greed? (v15, v20)

ANS: This is because abundant materials do not bring us life.

It disappears eventually. Seeking them is a waste of time.

When we have time and money, we often question where do I invest my time and money just like the rich said (17). The bible says, ‘rich toward God.’ (21) Invest your life for God’s kingdom.

Q6. What is the reason for being greedy? (v22)

ANS: a concern about the world, what to eat, and what to wear.

Q7. Why shouldn't we worry about our lives? (v24, 25, 30)

ANS: God takes care of us.

Our worries give us nothing.

God knows all our needs.

We must know that there is something more important than food for our life (v.23).

God’s knowing our needs does not mean He will provide according to our timing.

He knows what we need, but when He does not provide as we expect, He is preparing something greater—His kingdom for us.

Q8. What is one of the reasons for not seeking the kingdom of God? (vv29-31)

ANS: Too much concern for the world.

Q9. How do you seek God's kingdom and possess it? (vv32-34)

ANS: Using your resources, help the poor and needy.

Regarding seeking God's kingdom, Matthew says to seek God's righteousness, and Luke says to care for the poor.

Verse 32 is a promise that His kingdom will be given to you when you seek it. Note that it is not automatic or for guaranteed for the kingdom to be given to you when you seek. It will be given to you according to God’s well pleasing will. He is willing to give His kingdom to us.