Old Llantrisant Hill
Introduction
- Focusing on v32
- Quote from Bill Bryson - "Joyous consumerism is a well of diminishing returns"
- Writing about our modern generation
- It brings comforts ... but problems
- Issues still relevant from Jesus' time
- Jesus is teaching and yet someone calls out with a worry about his material wellbeing (v13)
- Christians have a walk of faith through a world of materialism
- Hence Jesus offers these words: "Do not fear little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (v32)
- This in the lens we should live through
- Overview: three points
Something very personal
- The Lord Jesus Christ is lovingly addresses His people - "Little flock"
- This is the only time He uses this term
- He usually uses "little children"
- Why this phrase?
- v30 - in contrast to the nations of the world
- It is a term of endearment
- Example of son
- Jesus is reminding His people of the love and concern He has for them
- It is a unique term with its foundations in the Old Testament
- The King was a shepherd and the people were the sheep
- Jesus addresses His followers as the Good Shepherd
- Isa 40
- He is to lay down His life for His sheep, they will hear His voice and follow Him
- This should be a wonderful encouragement to us
- Christianity is not confined to church
- Jesus tells us He will walk with us all our days
- We cannot phantom Jesus' love for us in our circumstances
A Perspective
- Jesus gives a perspective to alleviate our anxiety and fears
- Jesus puts the outburst from v13 into perspective
- Quote from Song 'Lord for the Years'
- There is something about material wealth that is unsatisfying - because of who we are and what we are made for
- We were made for God - to enjoy Him and be loved by Him
- The person of v13 is displaying anxiety and worry for material positions
- As a society, we often worry about the wrong things
- Jesus does not want believers to live in this way
- Jesus' examples - the lilies, the birds
- Our lives do not "consist in the abundance of the things he possesses"
- We would probably all agree with this
- Do we really believe and live it?
- Jesus teaches a parable
- Society wants to build bigger barns and accumulate more things
- Our soul is more important
- Quote
- Application
- Jesus wants us to realistic about our Christianity
- We live in a material world but need to get things into perspective
- What priority do we put on and seek material things?
- Jesus encourages us
- He holds us
- Example
- He provides for the sparrows, He will provide for us
A Promise
- A promise rich in comfort and hope
- "It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom" (v32)
- Someone has said there are 7474 promises in the Scriptures
- The Bible is full of promises
- Here is a promise about material things
- Good "pleasure"
- Meaning to think well of / approve of - and want to give them good things
- God finds pleasure in Himself as a supreme being
- God finds pleasure in His creation
- God also finds pleasure in providing for believers
- God finds pleasure/is well pleased with His Son
- If we are in Jesus - God has pleasure in us, because He has pleasure in His Son
- God has the power to provide for us
- God has given us His Son - the Lord Jesus
- Therefore, there is nothing He will not give us
- There is permanence to His promise
- We will share with Him in the Kingdom
Closing Remarks
- A little flock - with a great promise
- An enduring nature - beyond the temporary material
- As we go into the world - don't let material issues overwhelm your destiny as a follower of Jesus
- God gives us the Kingdom
- We are part of something so certain and so vast - do not worry about material needs
- Remember God's promise
Closing Prayer