This week's Scripture passage is Luke 12:1-34.

(Click here for a PDF of this week's study.)

In Luke 12, Jesus gives us some tremendous promises but also some very direct warnings and sobering teaching. This week we will cover verses 1-34.

Luke 12:1-3 -  Every thought and action in our lives will one day be revealed. Our lives should be lived with sincere devotion to the Lord, without any hypocrisy.

Luke 12:4-7 - Our motivation: To please and fear the Lord, not any man. God knows everything about us, even the hairs on our heads. Our trust is to be in Him alone! 

Luke 12:8-12 - The Lord will acknowledge those who acknowledge HIm and deny those who deny Him. 

Words spoken against Jesus will be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. Jesus said the Holy Spirit is always working to “convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8) and to reveal Jesus to our hearts. (see John 16:1-15)  

Consistent refusal of the Holy Spirit's work is the only unforgivable sin.

The Holy Spirit will empower us and give us the words to speak as we openly proclaim and defend the Gospel.

Luke 12:13-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool teaches us that our soul may be required of us at any moment. In light of this we should not spend our lives laying up earthly treasures but instead laying up treasures in heaven by faithful stewardship of all God has blessed us with. 

Luke 12: 22-34 Jesus tells us to not be anxious and to not fear.  As we seek His Kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33) as our first priority, all of life's necessities will be provided to us by our loving and caring heavenly Father. He knows every detail of our lives and our every need and will provide as we seek Him first and honor Him with our resources.

Earthly treasure can be lost and taken away, but heavenly treasure is eternal and cannot be destroyed. 

As good stewards, our earthly possessions should be lightly held onto and are to be at the disposal of the Holy Spirit's will and direction.

How we steward our money and giftings reveals the condition of our hearts.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion:

1. How does the fear of the Lord keep us from living a hypocritical life? (v.1-7) 

2. Jesus tells us not to fear in verses 4 and 32, but to fear in verse 5. What is the difference?   

3. Anxiety and fear are sinful destructive emotions. What are Jesus' exhortations and teachings to overcome both of these in this passage? (v. 4-7, 22-27, 28-31, 32-34)

4. How aware are you of the Lord's care for you and His awareness of everything that goes on in your life?  Are you living in the good of this truth?

5. Can you recall times when the Holy Spirit has given you the faith and the words to either proclaim and/or defend the Gospel? (v.11-12)

6. How do we lay up treasures in heaven? (see Luke 16:1-13) What does this mean?

7. How and why does the way we handle money and giftings reveal the condition of our hearts? (v.34)