A Camel Goes Through the Eye of a Needle - Robert Hamilton

 

Luke 19:1-10 records the the surprising conversion of Zaccheus, the chief tax collector.
1. The Sinner (described).
2. The Searching.
3. The Salvation.
4. The Squawking.
5. The Signs (of repentance).

Application:
1. God saves people of all stripes.
2. Look where God is working and join in.
3. Don't suffer paralysis by analysis.
4. Remember the grace of God shown us in Christ.
5. If there are no signs of repentance, then someone is still unsaved.
6. Be confident in the saving power of God.

Becoming a Bigshot in the Kingdom: Christ's Radical Requirements for Leaders - Nathan Rages

 

Matthew 20:20-28 records the story of James and John's audacious attempt to get themselves appointed to the top two positions in Christ's Kingdom. This causes indignation from the other ten apostles and leads to Jesus teaching about the topic of pursuing leadership positions in the church -- showing how radically His Kingdom differs from the World.

The Wrong Way to pursue leadership:
1. Using personal influence to gain advantage (v20-21).
2. Pursuing roles that are not understood (v22).
3. Inciting discord among brethren (v24).
4. Copying worldly power structures (v25-26).

The Right Way to pursue leadership:
1. Accepting the cup of suffering (v22-23).
2. Submitting to God’s plans (v23).
3. Excelling at sacrificial service (v26-27).
4. Following Jesus’ perfect example (v28).

What Was Wrong With the Disciples? - Nathan Rages

In Luke 18:31-34, Jesus gives His disciples the most clearly detailed prediction of His eminent sufferings and resurrection. The disciples, however, completely fail to understand His meaning. Why was this? Why were they so clueless?

We explore the passage following this simple outline:
1. Completed prophecies (v31).
Ps. 22:1-18,34:20,69:21, Isa. 50:6,53:1-12, Dan. 9:26,
Zech. 11:12-13,12:10,13:7.

2. Comprehensive sufferings (v32-33).
Gentile involvement, mocked, mistreated, spit upon, scourged, and killed.

3. Certain resurrection (v33).
Proving atonement success, truthfulness of His claims, and our future rising.

4. Confused disciples (v34).
So be humble, teachable, and grateful for the Holy Spirit.

Living in a Grace-Centered Economy - Nathan Rages

In Matthew 20:1-16, Jesus tells the parable of the workers in the vineyard who are hired at different times, work different amounts of time, and yet are all paid the same wage.  The parable teaches these four spiritual principles:

1. Believers do different amounts of Kingdom work but receive the same salvation (v1-10).

2. Our motivation for Kingdom service is not earning wages (v10).  

3. God chooses to give greater grace to some folks than others (v14-15).

4. We dare not grumble or envy when others receive more blessings than we do (v11,15).

A Camel, a Needle, and God Who Saves Impossible Cases - Nathan Rages

Luke 18:18-30 records Jesus' interaction with a man known as the Rich Young Ruler.  This passage reveals five major lessons: 

1. Lost people misunderstand true goodness (v18-21).

2. Jesus makes radical demands on prospective disciples (v22).

3. Materialism can prevent our salvation (v23-25).

4. God’s mighty grace saves “impossible” people (v26-27).

5. All our sacrifices for Christ will be abundantly rewarded (v28-30).

Let the Children Come to Me - Nathan Rages

Luke 18:15-17 describes the children being brought to Jesus for His blessing.  The account points to several truths about Christ's concern for children:  

1. Jesus welcomes children to Himself (v15-16).

2. Adults should make it easy for children to come to Jesus (v15-16):  

     In the family.  

     In the church. 

     In our evangelism. 

3. Only child-like people can become Christians (v16-17).

What Two Prayers Can Tell You - Nathan Rages

In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus tells a parable about two men praying in the Temple: a Pharisee and a tax collector:

1. The audience (v9).

2. The parable:

     Very different men (v10).

     Very different postures (v11,13).

     Very different prayers (v11-13).

     Very different results (v14).

3. The lesson (v14).

Applications:

1. The evil of religious pride.

2. The blessing of feeling conviction about your sin.

3. The way to be justified before God.