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Notes on Sermon Preached at PCF on 2 January 2011

“Which way now?” (Luke 6 v.43-49)

The first sermon of the New Year seems like a good time to take stock and to consider where our lives are going. The passage we have come to in Luke gives us the opportunity to do just that.

These verses conclude a section in Luke’s gospel in which Jesus has been teaching His disciples. The “Sermon on the Plain” contains some key teaching directed to the wide group of disciples (not just the  twelve ) which He concludes with this  challenging exhortation.

Three points emerge:

1. Two Types of tree

“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.  Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.

There is only one true way to determine what kind of tree is in your garden. What kind of fruit does it bear? In the same way, there is only one way to determine what kind of disciple you are. What kind of fruit do you bear? The fruit of a genuine disciple of Jesus is their obedience to His will.  If the fruit is not there, there is no evidence that they belong to Jesus. So we have to ask ourselves – is there fruit in my life- obedience to the word of God- that indicates that I belong to Him?

2. Two Types of Disciple

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like.⁸ They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock…….But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation…”

Just as there are two types of tree, there are two kinds of professing disciples. Notice that both types hear the word of God, and are perfectly aware of what he wants. The difference? One does it…one does not.

What are the areas in our lives that indicate whether or not we are true disciples of Jesus?

1. Our church life. Is church for us something that we are a part of for our own needs – or are we interested in fulfilling the purposes of God?
2. Our Family life. In every relationship we have there are indications in God’s word as to how we should conduct ourselves. So God tells us how to behave as a husband, as a wife, as a child and so on. Is Jesus Lord of our family lives? And is our family life submitted to Jesus? It is quite possible for family life to be exalted far above God’s kingdom.
3. Our working life. Is Jesus Lord of the time that we spend at work during the week? Whether as a boss or an employee Jesus has ways he wants us to behave. The same applies if we are at school, college or University. Is our work done “as to the Lord”? And if we are retired, does our retirement have Jesus at its centre? If we are unemployed, do we look to Jesus for the future and do everything we can to find work?
4. Our financial life. When Paul said “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” he was talking about his ability to life in want or in plenty – to live within means which God had given him. Does our use of God’s resources bring him honour? And do we use God’s resources to honour him, giving generously and sacrificially into His work?

There are many other areas in which we need to obey God – but these four are a good place to start off 2011.

None of this is to suggest that perfection is going to happen overnight. But the question is, in these areas and other areas is the chosen direction of our lives that we will, in every area of our lives, determine from God’s word what is right and make a firm commitment to follow his way?

If not Jesus has a question for you: “Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and not do as I say?”

3. Two Types of result

“When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built….The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

God governs his universe by means of consequences. Every action has its own consequence. The choice you make determines the consequence you will reap. You cannot make one choice and reaps a different consequence.

For those who are the “bad tree” the false disciple who is not serious about obeying Jesus, there is only trouble ahead, in this life and in eternity.

For the good tree, the true disciple, who obeys Jesus there is the promise of security, the promise that though difficult situations may come, our house will not fall. There is the promise of heaven and that we will be welcomed with “ well done, good and faithful servant”.

What kind of tree are you?

What kind of disciple are you?

What kind of consequences will follow you, in this life and in eternity?

John MacDiarmid

January 2011

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Reference: John 13 v 31-38

You can download Richard’s slides here.

Notes on Sermon preached at PCF on 12 December 2010

“Who are you like?” – Luke 6 v. 27-42

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As we said last time Doctor Luke’s narrative has taken us through a period of calling of disciples, of healings and miracles and a series of confrontations with the religious establishment. We now have a section where Luke concentrates on teaching that was brought by Jesus to his disciples. “The Sermon on the Plain” has much in common with the better known “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5-7), but Luke seems to want us to see that it is different occasion.

Having already looked at Luke’s version of the  beautitudes under the heading “What are you like”?, we are now looking at the next section of the teaching of Jesus to His disciples where he urges them to be like their Father in heaven.

Firstly , some initial thoughts on the passage.

1. We are called to be like Jesus – He tells us that a student is not above his teacher, and that when we are fully trained we will be like our teacher
2. We are called to be like our heavenly Father – the whole thrust of this passage is that in our lifestyle we are to show mercy and be like our Father in heaven.
3. Such a life is impossible without the Holy Spirit. RT Kendall refers to the Sermon on the Mount – and Luke’s equivalent that we are looking at here – as the teaching of Jesus on the Holy Spirit, in so far as it shows us what the man who is completely living under the anointing of the Holy Spirit is like.
4. So what characteristics of God are we to imitate. Specifically, this passage tells us that we are to imitate and to pass on the mercy of God. We are all people who have received the mercy of God. Now we have to pass it on. As David Pawson says – God’s mercy is available to those who will pass it on.

So.. how do we show God’s mercy?

1. We show God’s mercy in our personal relationships

The so called “golden rule” has been imitated by world religions, business leaders, social workers and everyone who wants to make the world a better place. Jesus is saying that his disciples will be characterised by an attitude that decides that we will treat others in the way we ourselves would like ot be treated. Easily said – but only possible in the power of the Holy Spirit.

2 .We show God’s mercy in the way we treat our enemies.

It is easy enough to love our friends and those who are kind to us. But to love our enemies – this can only come from a love that is divine. As Jesus says, the worst of sinners know how to do good to their friends. Jesus tells us to do good to those who oppose us, criticise us, harm us. It is not saying that we should turn a blind eye to crime. We know that God cares about justice and will see to it that wrongdoers get their desserts. But God expects us to reach out to our enemies again and again.

3.We show God’s mercy in the way we forgive one another

The section starting at verse 37 is about forgiveness. And it shows that we will receive the same measure of mercy that we are prepared to pass onto other people.

4.We show God’s mercy in the way we speak of one another.

Being critical and gossiping is a major flaw in many Christians’ lives.. But Jesus says that we should be concerned about our own failings – like our tendency to criticise – and deal with it before we point out others’ weaknesses.

And finally – how can we receive God’s mercy?

1. God’s mercy is offered to us freely in salvation. We are the beneficiaries of God’s undeserved mercy and favour
2. God’s mercy is offered to us in rewards. Yes – there are rewards here and now and in eternity that God offers to those who serve Him
3. And most imporantly, God’s mercy is offered to those who would pass it on. The whole of the passage reinforces this point. Show mercy and you will shown mercy, forgive and you will be forgiven, give and you will receive. It is always in our interests to be channels of God’s mercy.

John MacDiarmid

December 2010

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Reference: Acts 16 v 9-15