Thesis: To bring to the forefront a series of warnings from the Lord in Luke 12; specifically against hypocrisy, improper priorities, shamefulness of Christ, and blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, and to make the proper application thereof.
Text: Ezek 33:1-9
Eze 33:1 The word of the LORD came to me:
Eze 33:2 "Son of man, speak to your people and say to them, If I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from among them, and make him their watchman,
Eze 33:3 and if he sees the sword coming upon the land and blows the trumpet and warns the people,
Eze 33:4 then if anyone who hears the sound of the trumpet does not take warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.
Eze 33:5 He heard the sound of the trumpet and did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself. But if he had taken warning, he would have (delivered his soul) saved his life.
Eze 33:6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand.
Eze 33:7 "So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.
Eze 33:8 If I say to the wicked, O wicked one, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked person shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand.
Eze 33:9 But if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, that person shall die in his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul.
Introduction,
In this lesson, we will be looking at one of the Lord’s many sermons, specifically that in Luke 12 (turn there), and we will break this particular sermon down into 4 separate studies; the main topic of these teachings is that of “warnings,” which Webster defines as “cautioning against danger.”
And this first section is addressed to Jesus’ disciples in particular, yet in Mt 28:20 the Lord told these same disciples “teaching them (future disciples) to OBSERVE (“OBEY”; NIV) ALL THINGS, WHATSOEVER I COMMANDED YOU” therefore “all” of the Lord’s teachings to His disciples can be and in fact must be “applied properly” unto “all” His disciples today, and until the end of time as we know it.
To have a good understanding of what is being brought forth any section of scripture, it helps to know the immediate context, here Jesus had just attended a dinner with the Pharisees (Luke 11:37), and when he did not wash according to their religious traditions, they took note and marvelled that He had not aligned Himself with their religious traditions, and He in turn pronounced 6 “woes” against them . . .
1) Concerning their outward show of religion, that was not from the heart, v 42
2) In respect to their looking for the praise of men, instead of exercising humility before others and God, v 43
3) That they appeared to be outwardly good, yet those that partake of what they taught are defiled, v 44
4) About their binding of their traditions as laws upon others, which they kept not their selves, v 46
5) He stated that in doing such things, and then building tombs for the prophets their fathers killed, who spoke against such things, they were in fact partakers with their fathers, v 47
6) And lastly He rails them for withholding God’s truth from themselves and the common people, so that neither they nor the people were able to enter into God’s eternal kingdom, v 52
And when the Lord left, because of what He said the scribes and the Pharisees purposed to “get back at Him” so to speak, they were figuratively “laying in wait for him” (v 54), as an animal waiting to pounce on its unsuspecting prey, of course our Lord knew what was in a man (John 2:25), therefore He knew perfectly well what was going on.
Word must have gotten out that the Lord and these religious leaders were at odds, that their confrontation came to a head, therefore many gathered together to see what would come of it, and it is at this occasion that the Master Teacher puts forth a sermon concerning “warnings” and those specifically linked to these leaders, and future events concerning them.
Therefore in this lesson we will look at the Lord’s warnings against . . .
1) Hypocrisy (Luke 12:1-3)
2) Improper priorities (Luke 12:4-7)
3) Being ashamed of Christ (Luke 12:8-9)
4) Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Luke 12:10-12)
I. WARNINGS AGAINST HYPOCRISY (Luke 12:1-3)
A. (v 1)
Luk 12:1 In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
If this number is to be taken literally (for we have no reason to push this to the figurative realm), the words “many thousands of the people” is translated from the plural of “myriad” which denotes at least 20,000 or more, that would make this the biggest crowd ever assembled before the Lord when He was teaching, even though at this time (at least for the first 12 verses of this lesson) His message is directed specifically towards the 12 or the 70, as seen in the words “He began to say to His disciples first,” the 70 who were last mentioned in (Luke 10:1; 17), or perhaps the 12 last mentioned in (Luke 9:1; 12; 17), or both.
1. Take note that before such a great crowd, the Lord did not give them some sermon that would appeal to their senses, tickle their ears, make them feel good inside, make Him popular, but rather He gave them what they needed to hear, that of “warnings!”
2. What about today? Do men preach the preaching that the Lord bids (Jonah 3:2), or that which would boast themselves in the sight of others? Do they preach that which the people need, such as encouragement to holiness unto God, or speak about the latest religious fad?
a. We must always “preach the word” (2 Tim 4:2) in season, and out of season, for therein is God's power unleashed upon the hearts of individuals (Rom 1:16; Heb 4:12), it is the seed of the kingdom (Lk 8:11), that sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17).
b. Also you should notice that some of the hardest hitting sermons upon the pages of inspiration are given by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, our perfect example, therefore let those who teach follow Him in this and in all things, as Paul wrote (1 Cor 11:1)…
1Co 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
3. The disciples were told to “beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is “hypocrisy;” the word “hypocrite” originally referred to those who played fictional characters upon the stage, they would wear one face, then another, none of which were their own, therefore the hypocrite is one who acts this way or that, but in fact is another.
a. I think it should be brought up that in times past Christians would not attend theaters for this very reason, because actors were worldly, hypocrites, liars, pretenders, and did not want to be defiled by being exposed to their worldliness, their lies, my how far we have come since then, how many Christians expose themselves to the evils of hellywood and suppose that it does not affect them spiritually, yet this “is” one of the many devices the devil is using to destroy the church making them of the world where the love of God cannot abide (1 Jn 2:15-17).
http://biblehub.com/library/judy/questionable_amusements_and_worthy_substitutes/v_theater-going.htm
b. “Hypocrisy is likened unto “leaven” or “yeast,” it may exist without being detected at first, but soon permeates throughout the whole lump, it spreads to others.
c. We can see this principle in the sins that are spreading today throughout the body of Christ, unlawful marriages, sexual relations between the unwed, sodomy, lesbianism, transsexualism, the approval of mass murdering innocent babies because of the god of selfishness, the love and want of money, the love and want of fame, the love and want of the things of the world instead of the things above, the list goes on and on, yet these people claim to believe in and follow Jesus, they may believe in Him, but they certainly do not follow Him, in fact they have tainted, putrefied His holiness with their abominations, and set damnable examples which many are following today, they are spreading like leaven.
c. Also we can’t teach one thing and do another, as it is written (1 Tim 4:16),
1Ti 4:16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine (teaching). Continue in them, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
d. This applies not only to teachers, but also the learners, for it is written (Ja 1:22),
Jas 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
f. And we always must do the will of the Father from a humble, undeserving heart, remembering that we once were also without God and without hope in and of the world (1 Cor 6:11; Eph 2:12).
1Co 6:11 And such were some of you: but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.
B. (v 2)
Luk 12:2 Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.
The point being pushed here is that the disciples may be tempted to “hide the truth about them selves and what they believe,” as did Peter when he said he would die with Christ (Mt 26:35), but when the time came he denied Christ (Mt 26:69-75), or when he refused to eat with the Gentiles in the sight of his fellow-Jews (Gal 2:11-12), showing respect of persons and hypocrisy, both of which he well knew was sin (Lk 9:26; Ja 2:9).
Luk 9:26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
Jas 2:9 But if you are treating one person as more important (better) than another, you are sinning. You are guilty of breaking God's law. (ERV)
1. What about today? How many Christians are attempting to hide the “truth about themselves and what they believe? Trying to fit in with those among the world instead of shining like beacons for Christ, Jesus said (Mt 5:14-16a) . . .
Mat 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Mat 5:15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
Mat 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others . . .
a. Keep in mind He also said (Jn 15:19) . . .
Joh 15:19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
b. And the truth about one’s self, whether faithful or not to God, to Christ, will eventually be revealed, perhaps in this life, but surely in the next (Rom 2:16) . . .
Rom 2:16 in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men, according to my gospel, by Jesus Christ.
c. Therefore let us live our public and private lives and even that which we feel and think, being led by God’s Spirit, being aligned with God’s word and will (2 Cor 10:5).
2Co 10:5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;
C. (v 3)
Luk 12:3 Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.
In the ancient times in the east, after the days work, the families would gather on their roofs in the cool of the evening to catch the breezes, and when a public proclamation was to be made from the rulers of the lands, he would often send a professional crier to the highest roof and proclaim to all his subjects, the laws he wanted them to obey.
1. Thus the point being made here is that the disciples are not to keep the Truth revealed unto them quiet, but rather to figuratively shout it from the rooftops concerning salvation through the gospel of Christ.
For one cannot believe and obey that which they do not hear, therefore we ought to embrace the will of God in this aspect, to shine as lights, to teach and preach the truth of the gospel in order that some may be saved, if we don’t, we are like salt that has lost is savor, concerning which the Lord said (Mt 5:13b; Luke 14:35) . . .
Mat 5:13b it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.
Luk 14:35 It is fit neither for the land nor for the dunghill: men cast it out. He that has ears to hear, let him hear.
Therefore let us heed this “warning against hypocrisy,” and be as wise people who built their house on the Rock, Which is Christ, in order that all may see, and likewise build according to that revealed divine pattern (2 Tim 1:13).
II. WARNINGS AGAINST IMPROPER PRIORITIES (Luke 12:4-7)
A. (v 4)
Luk 12:4 "I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.
Here Jesus calls His disciples His “friends,” and that would be in contrast to Pharisees who have purposed themselves against Him as enemies, all His faithful disciples are His friends, as He stated in (John 15:14) . . .
Joh 15:14 You are my friends if you do what I command you.
1. Here Christ admonishes (warns) them to not be afraid of the inevitable, they would be going in the world teaching that there is but one Way, one Truth, one Faith (Eph 4:5), and that all others “ways” are mistaken, this would bring about reproach and persecutions from all sides, and ultimately physical death to most of them, yet they were not to fear.
a. Why? Because physical death as we know it, is not the end, it is simply the separation of body and spirit (Ja 2:26), the body decays back into the ground from which it came, which will be raised, changed, and reunited with our spirits on the Last Day (1 Cor 15), and the spirit goes back to God Who gave it (Eccl 12:7), Who in turn puts it into the realm of departed spirits (Hades; Luke 16:19-31), as it is written (Luke 16:22a) . . .
Luk 16:22a The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side (bosom). (which is in Hades; Luke 16:23)
b. The same is true today, we are not to fear the spirit of antichrist that permeates our society, that has made it politically incorrect, even illegal in some cases to speak the name of Jesus, to live the Christian life according to the bible, for all these can do is kill our bodies, but they don’t have the power to kill our souls. But if God so willed He could destroy both our bodies and souls (Mt 10:28).
Mat 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
B. (v 5)
Luk 12:5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!
Instead of the disciples being afraid of man, and withholding the truth of the gospel from others because it may be offensive to most, one ought to fear God, Who is over all (Eph 4:6);
1. This statement by the Lord proves either; 1) that Jesus is a liar, and not a perfect sacrifice,
therefore we are still in our sins, or (2) He is the perfect, sinless Son of God, Who died for us, and is affirming the reality of Gehennah Hell.
a. In one poll given to 500 religious ministers, 69% denied that there is a hell, how can they believe the Jesus is the sinless Christ (2 Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15; 1 Pet 2:22) Who died for their sins, when they are basically calling Him a liar and making Him an imperfect sacrifice by their assertion?
b. What it comes down to many times, is their denial of God’s word as inspired truth (John 17:17), they would state that the bible is, for the most part, the product of man, and statements such as these, were not made by the Lord (as per the Jesus Seminar).
c. But the bible both proves and defends itself, and it is these very words that will judge these false teachers on the Last Day (John 12:48; Rom 2:16; Rev 20:12), and destroy them for eternity (Mt 10:28) in a place which they don’t even believe exists (Rev 20:15), they will believe it then (Luke 9:26).
2. This also is one of many passages that teach the immortal nature of a person’s spirit (soul), and that it in fact continues to survive when the body had expired, and the word “destroy” (“appolumai”) in Mt 10:28 used in connection with a passage similar to this seems to mean “extinction” or “annihilation” as many teachers assert, but it could mean “ruin, or loss” (Vines), as the lost (“appolumai”) sheep (Mt 10:6), coin, the lost (“appolumai”) prodigal son, and so on.
apollumi
Total KJV Occurrences: 92
perish, 25
Mat_5:29-30 (2), Mat_8:25, Mat_9:17, Mat_18:14, Mat_26:52, Mar_4:38, Luk_5:37, Luk_8:24, Luk_13:3, Luk_13:5, Luk_13:33, Luk_21:17-18 (2), Joh_3:15-16 (2), Joh_10:28, Joh_11:50, Rom_2:12, 1Co_1:18, 1Co_8:11, 2Co_2:15, 2Th_2:10, Heb_1:11, 2Pe_3:9
destroy, 19
Mat_2:13, Mat_10:28, Mat_12:14, Mat_21:41, Mat_27:20, Mar_1:24, Mar_3:6, Mar_9:22, Mar_11:18, Mar_12:9, Luk_4:34, Luk_6:9, Luk_9:56, Luk_19:47, Luk_20:16, Joh_10:10, Rom_14:15, 1Co_1:19, Jam_4:12
lose, 17
Mat_10:39, Mat_10:42, Mat_16:25 (2), Mar_8:35 (2), Mar_9:41, Luk_9:24-25 (3), Luk_15:4, Luk_15:8, Luk_17:33 (2), Joh_6:39, Joh_12:25, 2Jo_1:8
lost, 13
Mat_10:6, Mat_15:24, Mat_18:11, Luk_15:4, Luk_15:6, Luk_15:9, Luk_15:24, Luk_15:32, Luk_19:10, Joh_17:12 (2), Joh_18:9, 2Co_4:3
destroyed, 7
Mat_22:7, Luk_17:27, Luk_17:29, 1Co_10:9-10 (2), 2Co_4:9, Jud_1:5
perished, 5
Luk_11:51, Act_5:37, 1Co_15:18, 2Pe_3:6, Jud_1:11
perisheth, 3
Joh_6:27, Jam_1:11, 1Pe_1:7
die, 1
Joh_18:14
loseth, 1
Mat_10:39
marred, 1
Mar_2:22
a. Therefore instead of outwardly disobeying God, and thinking that He will merely be giving the disobedient an eternal sleeping pill at the end of time, “fear Him” unto the obedience of faith, and teach others the same, for we know and believe in the terror of the Lord (2 Cor 5:10-11a).
2Co 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
2Co 5:11a Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; (KJV)
3. Also keep in mind that God’s word teaches that our spirits are going to be in Hades until the end of time as we know it, either being tormented or comforted (Lk 16:23-25), enjoying that sabbath rest (Heb 4:9-11), guarded by the angels in profound quiet (2 Esdras 7:95).
2 Esdras 7:95 The fourth order, they understand the rest that they now enjoy, being gathered into their chambers and guarded by angels in profound quiet, and the glory waiting for them in the last days.
Luk 16:23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.
Luk 16:24 And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.'
Luk 16:25 But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.
Luk 16:23 In the afterlife, [Lit. Hades, i.e. the realm of the dead] where he was in constant torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus by his side.
Luk 16:24 So he shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me! Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool off my tongue, because I am suffering in this fire.’
Luk 16:25 ¶ “But Abraham said, ‘My child, remember that during your lifetime you received blessings, [Lit. good things] while Lazarus received hardships. [Lit. and Lazarus in like manner evil things] But now he is being comforted here, while you suffer. (ISV)
a. And on the Last Day Hades will be emptied and thrown into the lake of fire (Rev 20:13-15), that is when God will cast the unbelievers into Hell (i.e. the lake of fire).
Rev 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead that were in it; and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
Rev 20:14 And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, even the lake of fire.
Rev 20:15 And if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.
b. And they will be no more like the Hadean realm itself and death (Rev 20:14).
D. (v 6)
Luk 12:6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.
“Sparrows” here comes from the word “strouthion” stroo-thee'-on
It is a generic word for small birds, including sparrows, they were and are very common in Palestine, they could be purchased for next to nothing, for sacrifices, for food, yet even they are not forgotten by God, when one of these die, God takes notice, keep in mind He is over all (Mt 10:29b) . . .
Mat 10:29b And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.
1. And He not only is aware of these occurrences, He regulates them (Eph 4:6), He appoints the times of our deaths (Heb 9:27; 2 Esdras 7:78), and Mt 10:29 teaches He does the same for the lesser creatures, those not made in His image, yet He is caring about them, He pays attention to and is compassionate towards these seemingly unimportant creatures and their needs and their circumstances.
E. (v 7)
Luk 12:7 Why (But), even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Therefore if God’s knowledge and care is such concerning these abundant, seemingly insignificant birds, how much more His own children, those made in His image, His knowledge is so complete, if He were asked, and were to answer, He could inform you of the very number of hairs upon your head, He is aware when even one of them fall, this teaches the omniscience, the all-knowingness of our Father.
1. Therefore if He knows when a sparrow dies, He surely knows when one of His faithful die a
martyr’s death (that is the context); Consider the fact that when Stephen was stoned to death for preaching the truth (Acts 7), that Christ was watching and “standing” not “sitting” which denotes His taking special attention to the matter.
a. Therefore when we in similar fashion are persecuted, or have to endure, or suffer to do God’s will, we can know that God is also taking note, and that He does care, for it is written (Pro 15:3; Ps 116:15; Rev 14:13) . . .
Pro 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
Psa 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
Rev 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!"
b. Our mindsets are far from God’s (Isa 55:8-9), concerning physical life and death, but that is one thing that the renewal of the Spirit is to bring about in the children of God, and passages such as these are to teach us to act and to think like God (Col 3:10), to look more at the eternal, and faithfulness to God in this life, our “priorities” are to be more in line with His (Rev 20:10-15; Eccl 12:13-14) . . .
Rev 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where are also the beast and the false prophet; and they shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Rev 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat upon it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne; and books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Rev 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead that were in it; and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
Rev 20:14 And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, even the lake of fire.
Rev 20:15 And if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.
Ecc 12:13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecc 12:14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
III. WARNINGS AGAINST BEING ASHAMED OF CHRIST (Luke 12:8-9)
A. (v 8)
Luk 12:8 "And I tell you, everyone who (confesses) acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will (confess) acknowledge before the angels of God,
Disciples of Christ must not be intimidated by the Pharisees nor any one else, these would have to take a stand for Christ “against” the whole world, and at the same time being actually “for” the whole world (John 3:16) . . .
Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that everyone believing into him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (LITV)
1. We hardly have any records concerning the 70, (which grew to 120 in the book of Acts) and what we have of the 12 (outside of the bible) is all tradition, therefore possibly inaccurate, but we know Stephen was of this group, and we know that Saul (Paul) had his part in putting many of the first Christians to death (Acts 26:10).
a. But it is probable that some withheld speaking of Christ at the times that they ought, for fear of their lives, instead of their caring for the hearer’s souls.
b. Basically what we see is God “forcing” a choice upon His followers, choose the things of the earth, the temporal, or the things of heaven, the eternal, the acknowledgment of men as rulers of this earth, or the acknowledgment of Christ as Lord and ruler over heaven and earth (Mt 28:18).
c. The confession (acknowledgement) of Christ before men is one of the prime dictates
of Christianity, it is spoken of time and time again in the NT (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9; 1 Tim 6:12)
Rom 10:9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
d. The person that makes that good confession at conversion, verbally pronouncing Christ’s divinity and Lordship, and from that time forward attempting to live a life in line with God’s will, giving verbal credit where credit is due throughout his life unto God, (Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit), that person will be confessed, acknowledged as faithful before the angels and the Father (Mt 10:32), Who are in heaven.
B. (v 9)
Luk 12:9 but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.
Private Christians are one talent Christians, this trait could cause them to be cast into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Mt 25:30).
1. Needless to say that being a Christian is going to be trying at the least, to confess yourself as a disciple of Christ in the 1st century was literally putting your life in jeopardy.
a. And if it was demanded of them, how much more would God expect us in this
day, with access to God’s completed revelation, in the face a growing degree of opposition (there is a growing spirit of antichrist all around us), this is a very serious issue.
b. We need to understand God’s mechanics in this issue, when a member of Isis attempts to get us to deny Jesus or else get our heads chopped off, and instead of being in fear of men and crying for mercy, first, we know that our God is watching, He wants us to do the right thing, we are of great value to Him, we, in the love of Christ ought to say, “if you chop my head off you will enable me to go directly to God and Christ and reign with them for a thousand years, instead of taking the usual route through the hadean realm, so go ahead and enable me to be a partaker of the first resurrection in the name of the Lord Jesus”, and when they hear that it will teach them and all that hear the truth that will make them free, in fact, this kind of response in the early church made many enemies of Jesus turn to Him, and it can do the same today. But what if we folded under the earthly pressure and were not faithful? What kind of message would it send to those outside of Christ? Probably that Christ is false, our faith is false, and their faith is true, of course this is not good or true.
2. If we deny and are denied, what specifically does that entail?
a. We are not told, if we take this statement literally, it is speaking of God’s unchangeable law of sowing and reaping (Gal 6:7-8) . . .
Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
Gal 6:8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
b. If we deny the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit the credit they deserve as Creator, Savior, and Empowerer, then it seems logical that we will be denied as a creature, saved, and empowered by the Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, it would seem that Mt 7:23 would fit right here (Mt 7:23) . . .
Mat 7:23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness.' (NASB)
c. The bottom line is we can’t be “ashamed of Jesus Christ and His words,” which are His commands, (Mt 28: 20), which impart life (Jn 6:63) it could cost us our souls, for He Himself said (look at Luke 9:26) . . .
Luk 9:26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
d. Again here we see law of sowing and reaping, if Jesus is ashamed of us what would that entail? We certainly would not be hearing that longed for statement from Mt 25:21 “well done good and faithful servant”.
e. Perhaps He will be ashamed of us for a period of time, and then forgive us, because we forgave others, that would be my hope.
f. So if we have ever denied Jesus, been ashamed of Jesus in this life, first forgive others so we can be forgiven (Mt 6:14), then go to the Father in prayer about it, ask for forgiveness, and for boldness, to be a more effective Christian in the sight of others, and most of all, in the sight of God, for it is written (Pro 15:3; Heb 4:13; Phili 2:9-11) . . .
Pro 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
Heb 4:13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Php 2:9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
Php 2:10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
Php 2:11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
IV. WARNINGS AGAINST BLASPHEMY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (Luke 12:10-12)
A. (v 10)
Luk 12:10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
Now with the last couple of verses in view the Lord shifts the topic, the disciple that didn’t confess Christ can be forgiven of that sin according to the plan laid out in the gospel for the erring child of God, (which consists of repentance and confession to God; Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9); and it ought to take place while God’s grace (favor) gives that erring person life and breath.
1. And that is what Jesus taught in the very next chapter (look at Luke 13:1-5) . . .
Luk 13:1 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
Luk 13:2 And he answered them, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way?
Luk 13:3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.
Luk 13:4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem?
Luk 13:5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."
a. Because (Heb 9:27) . . .
Heb 9:27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
b. For when one goes into the Hadean realm, his eternal future is fixed, there is no crossing over. Abraham said (Luke 16:26) . . .
Luk 16:26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm (gulf) has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.'
c. Now we need to remember to keep everything in its context, these statements were made by our Lord before His death, burial, and resurrection, for we know of one group (those who lived during the days of the building of Noah’s ark) who were given the opportunity to cross over, thus “none” here is not absolute (turn to 1 Pet 3:18-20, 4:6) . . .
1Pe 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,
1Pe 3:19 in which he went and proclaimed (preached) to the spirits in prison (a figure for the bad side of Hades),
1Pe 3:20 because they formerly (in this world/realm) did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.
1Pe 4:6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
1Pe 4:6 For unto this end was the gospel preached even to the dead, that they might be judged indeed according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. (ASV)
d. Now was this the only group that was given opportunity to live in the spirit “the way God does” or “live according to God in the spirit?” The answer to that question has great bearing on our subject.
2. So, when one speaks against Christ, in effect ‘denies Him,’ he can be forgiven, but the one that “blasphemes (speaks against) the Holy Spirit it will not be forgiven.”
a. Let us keep in mind that this is Christ speaking to His disciples, turn to Mt 12:22-32,
Mat 12:22 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a demon, blind and dumb (mute): and he healed him, insomuch that the dumb (mute) man spake and saw.
Mat 12:23 And all the multitudes were amazed, and said, Can this be the son of David? (i.e. the Messiah)
Mat 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This man doth not cast out demons, but by Beelzebub the prince of the demons.
Mat 12:25 And knowing their thoughts he (Jesus) said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
Mat 12:26 and if Satan casteth out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?
Mat 12:27 And if I by Beelzebub cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.
Mat 12:28 But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then is the kingdom of God come upon you.
Mat 12:29 Or how can one enter into the house of the strong man, and spoil (plunder) his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil (plunder) his house.
Mat 12:30 He that is not with me is against me, and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
Mat 12:31 Therefore I say unto you, Every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men; but the blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven.
Mat 12:32 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him; but whosoever shall speak against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world (age; NKJV; ASV margin), nor in that which is to come. (ASV)
b. Notice that this passage is being addressed to the Pharisees not His disciples (v 24 “he said unto them” v 25) and it states “it shall not be forgiven him in this world or age” (NKJV; ESV; NASB), nor in that which is to come”
c. Also this passage (Mt 12:22-32) clearly defines what this sin is, it is attributing Christ’s miracles to Satan (Beelzebub; v 26-27), and “this age” (NKJV; ESV; NASB; ASV margin) could refer to the Mosaic dispensation which they were presently in, then “that which is to come” refers to the Christian dispensation, which would begin on that Pentecost after the death, resurrection and ascension of Christ, but if we take the ASV, KJV translation then it refers to this physical “world” in contrast to the spiritual “world”, this is the crux of the matter, most language experts (Strong’s, Thayer) give us either options for this word “aion” translating it either “world” or “age”.
d. This is a passage that Catholics use to assert that forgiveness of certain sins are possible in the next world (the spirit realm, i.e. Hades, Roman Catholics would say Purgatory), but not that of Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.
e. So what Christ is telling the Pharisees here is that “when you do this now (attribute God’s miracles to Satan), or later in the Christian age, when My disciples are confirming the word in the spread of the gospel throughout the earth (as seen in the book of Acts), you will not be forgiven of this sin,” or “when you commit this sin you will not be forgiven in this world, or in the next, in the spirit realm,” thus this may teach also the future forgiveness after ones physical death as per 1 Pet 3:18-20; 4:6.
f. And in our verse (Luke 12:10), Christ is reassuring the disciples that those who oppose their preaching and teaching, and the signs done to confirm the message are blasphemed, (spoken evil of) God’s condemning power will be on their side, therefore preach the word with all boldness (Mk 16:20; Acts 14:3; Heb 2:3-4).
Mar 16:20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.
Act 14:3 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Heb 2:3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested (confirmed) to us by those who heard,
Heb 2:4 while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
3. And in like manner we can have boldness today, the age of confirming miracles is past (1 Cor 13:8-10; Eph 4:8-14), God’s word concerning the Faith has been once and for all time delivered (Jude 3), but we can look back at these miracles, and have confidence that they indeed took place, no one could deny them, but rather they attributed them to Satan, and killed these men for their belief “in” and the preaching “of” the resurrected Christ and salvation “only” through Him (John 14:6).
a. Today, if we deny the miracles that we have recorded in our New Testaments that confirmed the truth of the gospel and attribute them to Satan or in some other way speak evil of those miracles, we also could be guilty of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, so my advice is read it, believe it, and obey it.
b. I want to assert that God still works today, miraculously if He wills, but not for the reason (confirming the once for all time delivered Faith), nor with the magnitude/abundance that He did when the gospel was first going forth, but I believe he still can and does work depending on each specific situation.
c. This is “THE” unpardonable sin.
4. But there is also “A” unpardonable sin, that would be “ANY” sin that a person in a covenantal relationship with God commits, and does not repent of and confess to God (Acts 8:22; 1 Jn 1:9).
a. This is the sin mentioned in 1 Jn 5:16, we are not to pray for God to forgive a person that will not meet the terms of forgiveness, but rather we should pray for that individual to have a change of heart and come to God on His terms, for it is God who justifies (Rom 8:33) and desires that all people to be saved (1 Tim 2:4), for He loves us so (Jn 3:16).
b. There are some that believe that “THE” unpardonable sin is denouncing the Holy Spirit delivered word (not necessarily the miracles attributed to the Holy Spirit), and that it can be committed today.
c. The main problem of this assertion is that forgiveness of this sin is impossible, when committed, there is no turning back, that would mean that one who rejects the gospel after hearing it could never be repent and be saved, now if this passage were anywhere with a present active participle connected with the forgiveness, (as seen in Heb 6:6; 10:26), I might believe it to be true, but there is no such evidence, thus to me it seems unsound.
d. Another thought on that assertion would be that surely the apostle Paul rejected Christ’s word and the word of the apostles before his conversion, he “persecuted this Way unto the death” (Acts 22:4), yet he stated this in view of his impending death (2 Tim 4:8) . . .
2Ti 4:8 henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing.
e. And when one today rejects, or speaks against the word, yet repents, changes concerning that matter and turns to the Lord, believes and obeys, they also can have the hope of attaining the crown on That Day.
B. (v 11)
Luk 12:11 And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should (answer) defend yourself or what you should say,
These next 2 verses tells us why the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit was brought up, when the disciples were out preaching and teaching what they knew along the rest of the body of knowledge known as “the Faith” by the power of the Holy Spirit, it would incur opposition, from religious and secular leaders, and they would be brought before them.
1. Yet they were not to be anxious of what they would say.
a. We in like manner ought not to be anxious what we would say concerning the hope that is in us, rather we are to be “ready” in other words “prepared,” and we are to do it with a spirit of meekness (humbleness and control) and the reverential fear of God (1 Pet 3:15) . . .
1Pe 3:15 but sanctify (set apart) in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear: (ASV)
C. (v 12)
Luk 12:12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."
An “hour” is the shortest increment of time among the ancients, this is speaking about miraculous direct inspiration, they would not have to prepare what to say, it would be immediate. Notice it was not only the “teaching” but the very “words” would be given “what you ought to say,” thus here we see the promise of VERBAL PLEANARY INSPIRATION (words, all of them, inspired of God) in these instances.
1. Here is why they were not to be concerned what they would say when brought before the religious and secular rulers of their day, because the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit would teach them the very words that they ought (are bound or obligated) to say, remembering God’s condemning power associated with the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit would also be on their side.
a. And in the book of Acts we see the fulfillment of this promise, they spoke by the inspiration of God, and those that heard, these common men (fishermen, tax collectors, and so on) speak, they recognized them as being like Jesus, Whose very words came from heaven (Acts 4:13) . . .
Act 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
b. And we don’t have to worry what we will say either, we simply do as commanded (1 Pet 4:11a) . . .
1Pe 4:11a Whoever speaks must speak God's words . . .
c. And leave the rest up to God (Heb 4:12) . . .
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
d. And God’s word does the work, it stirs up the hearts and souls of all that hear it (Isa 55:11) . . .
Isa 55:11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
e. And for the most part it is going to result in opposition, but there are a few, the good ground, those with good and honest hearts, that when they hear it, they will respond accordingly, some quicker than others, but their heart is indeed the determining factor as seen in the parable of the sower (Luke 8:4-15).
6. And the question is “will they choose to put off self, and put on Christ” (Gal 3:27), to drink of the water of life (Rev 22:17), unto the life which is life indeed, which God, Who cannot lie, promised of before the world began (Tit 1:2); for it is written (Rev 22:12-17) . . .
Rev 22:12 "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.
Rev 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."
Rev 22:14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.
Rev 22:15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
Rev 22:16 "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star."
Rev 22:17 The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires (wills) take the water of life without price (freely).
Conclusion,
1. We looked at warnings against “hypocrisy” (v 1-3), they and we must doers and not hearers only of God’s word, it will work in us, and cause us to work for God.
2. Then we looked at warnings against “improper priorities” (v 4-7), we need to lay up heavenly treasures, even when it seems like the whole world is against us, if God is with us, who can be against us, it may cost us many things in this life, but the promise keeping God has assured us, it will be well worth it, this world and heaven cannot be our home at the same time (Col 3:1-2).
3. We also looking the price of being “ashamed of Christ” (v 8-9), and the warnings connected with not confessing Him “verbally” and with “actions;” They were warned “don’t do it” even in the face of death; would
not our unchanging God expect us to endure the far lesser degree of persecutions today that come about from declaring that one Faith (Eph 4:5), and Christ’s sovereign rule over all things to His church (Eph 5:23).
4. And lastly we looked at warnings against “blasphemy of the Holy Spirit” (v 10-12), the 1st century was filled with the outpouring of miracles of God, they delivered His completed all sufficient will (1 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:3; Jude 3), and confirmed it as such (Mk 16:20; Acts 14:3; Heb 2:4), those that denied those miracles as being of God, were eternally condemned, without hope, and without God, forever and ever.
5. There is a simple and plain plan of salvation, but most determine to follow men, instead of God; the worship, the work, and the organization of Christ’s church is under His loving thumb, which is the last will and testament of Jesus Christ (John 17:20-21) through which He rules over all things to the church which is His body (Eph 1:22:23).
6. And entrance into His body, His church, which is His kingdom (Mt 16:18-19; Col 1:13; Heb 12:23, 28), the only place wherein man can be saved, is the same as it has been for almost 2,000 years
One is to . . .
Hear the Word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17) this how the Father plants the word, the seed of the kingdom (Lk 8:11), within the good ground, that good, honest and open heart.
One is to . . .
Believe that Jesus died for our sins, was raised from the dead, and ascended into Heaven, and that we have a living hope of following Him (1 Cor 15:1-4; 23; 1 Pet 1:3-4), belief (faith) is the crossover point (Jn 5:24) wherein one enters into the process of “being saved” (Lk 13:23; Acts 2:46; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15)
Joh 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
And one is not to stop there, but rather continue in the process of “being saved” (Lk 13:23; Acts 2:46; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15) . . .
One is to . . .
Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5), Repentance is a change of mind that results in a changed life, a life
that is likened unto Christ’s (Jn 14:6; 1 Cor 11:1)
One is to . . .
Confess Jesus as the Christ to others (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9), if you are ashamed of Christ and His words, He will be ashamed of you on That Day (Luke 9:26), this is how God propagates His kingdom (Mt 28:19-20).
One is to . . .
Be baptized (immersed) into Christ (Gal 3:27) into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3) where His precious blood was shed (John 19:34) unto (for) the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16), it is the point where one is to be dead to the practice of sin and alive unto God (Rom 6:1-11).
And finally one is to . . . Live a holy life (1 Pet 1:15), and “knowing” what being “holy” is, “separated” “set-apart” “from” the ways of the world and “to” the Way of God (2 Cor 6:14-7:1), doing, practicing the will of the Father, being “doers” of the word (Ja 1:22) in order that you won’t have your name blotted out the book of life (Rev 3:5), that you may enter into the eternal phase of the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:10-11)
2Pe 1:10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.
2Pe 1:11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.