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Sermon Notes July 3, 2011
Intro: At the close of our service today, “God Bless America”
- Stand beside her (presence) and guide her (Direction); to the Right with the Light from above.
- Has He? Do you think God has Blessed America?
n Fluke!
n The result of our Bravery, Work Ethic, …
n God has Given us this Security, Liberty and Prosperity!
t/s – God has Blessed America… Shed His Grace on Us!
Considering our abundant Prosperity,
Unequaled Security, and Unprecedented Liberty;
I found myself think of a Teaching of Jesus…
Luke 12: 41-48
Context: Large crowd gathered to Jesus, He speaks TO Disciples
End Times; His Coming, (Certain and Uncertain Time)
n Vigilence and Fidelity! (Ready and Faithful)
n Punishment and Reward (vs. 37 – Recline at Table)
t/s – Peter speaks up (as usual) ….Are you talking to US, or everyone?
At first, It seems that Jesus avoids question. In reality, He gives a Fascinating Answer a People so Blessed need to Hear
READ Luke 12: 41-48
The Principle of Judgment according to Light.
Peter asks, “Is this talk about Stewardship, Responsibility, Reward and punishment, Faithfulness and Vigilence; directed at Us, or everyone?”
- Everyone is Accountable; Some more than Others!
- Authority, Knowledge, Opportunity, Liberty
Truth as Old as Amos! (Amos 3:2)
You only have I chosen among all the families of the earth;
Therefore, I will punish you for all your iniquities!
Everyone Is Accountable; Some more than Others.
Read Luke 12: 41-48 with Comments
Vs. 41-42 “Steward”….”in charge” == A Day of Accounting
Resources to be used for Master’s Purpose!
n Money
n Knowledge…..spiritual truth (Gospel)
n Authority….Influence
n Freedom is always a Stewardship!
Vs. 43-44 Blessing for the Faithful on That Day!
n Recognition and Reward
Vs. 45-48a Punishment for the Unfaithful Stewards
#1 Mistreat people and Misuse Resources (45-46)
“Cut in Half!”
#2 Passive Disobedient… Did Nothing! (47)
The one who knows the good to do and does
Not do it, to him it is Sin! James
“Many lashes”
#3 “Few Lashes” (still punishment)
The one who did not Know…committed evil
Levels of accountability… Punishemnt
Vs. 48b The Principle that answers Peter’s Question
Everyone is Accountable; Some more than Others!
ILL – I first Learned this Principle when I was about 10!
- Upstairs of Old garage was strictly Off-Limits! The old wood floor was rotten, weak and dangerous.
- Black Cat Fire Crackers from an older cousin…
- Climbed tree, leaned out to old beams that had supported stairs, pulled myself into doorway, pulled brother along
- Struck match, lite fuse, jumped back…..fell through floor!
- Waiting for Dad to get home….
Little brother, was sent to bed without supper
I received a more severe punishment! (I knew better!)
Everyone is Accountable; Some more than Others!
Every time we claim God’s Blessing, His special Favor. Every time we Celebrate our Liberty. We need to also embrace this truth. Blessing is Stewardship. Liberty is Responsibility!
How should We Use our Freedom, our citizenship in this Nation Free and Blessed?
Exercise our Influence in the Public Arena.
Voice
Vote
Vocation
Exercise our Freedom to Proclaim the Good News of Jesus.
This is the Hope of our Nation.
He is the Hope of the nations! (knowledge, resources)
Ill – Last week we sent out some of our own to a nation
With very little Liberty…. Ruled by a King.
n Cannot own a Bible
n Cannot freely share the Gospel of Jesus
On That Day, both nations will be judged.
We, more than They?
Our Liberty is our Responsibility.
