To Whom Much Is Given
There are many principles in the Bible. They are given to us, so we can apply them in all of the situations in our lives. A command deals with a specific situation, whereas a principle can apply to many different situations. This morning our guys dealt with a principle from Luke 12:41-48. The words of Jesus to His disciples were very direct and even disturbing, but they are very true and very important for us today, as well.
Jesus told them several parables to show that they needed to stay obedient to Him, because the Lord is watching, and He is ready to come when they were not expecting and punish them, if they were being disobedient. It is in this context that Jesus gave the principle, "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required." Jesus wants His disciples to know that we are responsible to do what we know. If we have been given much knowledge and insight into God and His will, we will be required to live accordingly. If we don't, we will be "beaten with many stripes." That is the disturbing part. Some people do not think God would ever beat them, but Jesus is very clear. If we know the will of God, and we do not do it, He will make sure we are punished in proportion to the knowledge we have be given.
Have you ever wondered why some of God's children seem to have such a tough time in life? It could be a trial to help them grow, but it could be punishment for their lack of obedience. Jesus holds us accountable for what He has given us. He wants to see results or fruit. In America Christians have every advantage. We have been given so much spiritual insight. We have all kinds of Bibles and Bible study books. We have radio and TV, as well as every kind of church program. We have God's will laid out for us plainly. How are you doing in keeping what you know? If you say you are not doing well, you could be receiving God's stripes for your lack of application of what you know.
On the positive side God blesses us greatly when we are given much, and we obey. He is so glad to see us have a heart for Him that He opens the windows of heaven to pour out His blessings on us. We have the choice of receiving His blessings or His stripes. Which will it be?
Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 10-12.
Jesus told them several parables to show that they needed to stay obedient to Him, because the Lord is watching, and He is ready to come when they were not expecting and punish them, if they were being disobedient. It is in this context that Jesus gave the principle, "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required." Jesus wants His disciples to know that we are responsible to do what we know. If we have been given much knowledge and insight into God and His will, we will be required to live accordingly. If we don't, we will be "beaten with many stripes." That is the disturbing part. Some people do not think God would ever beat them, but Jesus is very clear. If we know the will of God, and we do not do it, He will make sure we are punished in proportion to the knowledge we have be given.
Have you ever wondered why some of God's children seem to have such a tough time in life? It could be a trial to help them grow, but it could be punishment for their lack of obedience. Jesus holds us accountable for what He has given us. He wants to see results or fruit. In America Christians have every advantage. We have been given so much spiritual insight. We have all kinds of Bibles and Bible study books. We have radio and TV, as well as every kind of church program. We have God's will laid out for us plainly. How are you doing in keeping what you know? If you say you are not doing well, you could be receiving God's stripes for your lack of application of what you know.
On the positive side God blesses us greatly when we are given much, and we obey. He is so glad to see us have a heart for Him that He opens the windows of heaven to pour out His blessings on us. We have the choice of receiving His blessings or His stripes. Which will it be?
Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 10-12.