CH 10 Pitfalls of Popularity & Prosperity
In the meantime, when there gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another Luke 12:1a
In the early days of Jesus’ ministry, he indeed was a celebrity that all wanted to see and hear. Wherever he went the masses followed after, desiring to see miracles he performed and to hear the marvelous words he spoke. He fed the hungry and spoke with authority, not as the scribes and teachers of the Law. He gave the people hope and they were actually starting to imagine that their yoke of oppression from the Romans would be lifted off of their necks by this wonderful prophet from Galilee. They started to dream that he was indeed the very prophesized Messiah who would arrive on the scene and set them free.
Of course, this was not Jesus’ mission. Political freedom without spiritual life was of no eternal benefit to men, as Jesus very well knew. Thus, with this background, Jesus felt it most important to temper his disciple’s enthusiasm, because of his & their growing popularity, with words of warning about two issues with eternal consequences.
He began to say unto his disciples first of all, beware you of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Luke 12:1b-2
The first warning the Teacher gave was a caution of what can happen when the World esteems me. What can occur when I become popular. Hypocrisy can creep into my life like leaven. It is insidious and subtle. It is intoxicating and addictive. And it will always lead to misery as I move the focus to self instead on others.
Hypocrisy is to say one thing and do another. It is mask wearing, literally. In the World’s definition, it is people of faith who have flaws which result in their not living up to the precepts of their faith, thus giving that said faith a “black eye.” But remember, Jesus’ definition of hypocrisy is religious people who by their words and actions keep others from him! Jesus is telling his men, to keep their eye on the ball, to not lose sight of the vision and the mission by the intoxicant of popularity. It’s always about God and his Word, not about me. It’s about the message & not the messenger! Popularity can take me out by leading me to wear a mask in order to keep the party going. You see, hypocrisy is fueled by the desire to have popularity, prestige, power, priority and/or preeminence. It’s ultimately ignited by one of the seven deadly sins, that of lust.
Jesus points out that all will be revealed. The mask will not stay covered. He correctly points out that hypocrisy is irrational as the truth will come out, always!
Therefore, whatsoever you have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which you have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. Luke 12:3
Whenever you see the word therefore, one must ask, what it is there for. In this case, in light that hypocritical words and actions will always be found out and exposed, it is a good idea to get out in front of this promise. It’s wise to confess this mask wearing, this tendency to elevate self over the Lord. This is true concerning hypocrisy certainly, and it’s right concerning all manner of sin. I want to confess and move on, otherwise I will be embarrassed later when the truth is revealed for all to see. “He that covers his sins shall not prosper: But whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy,” (Proverbs 28:13).
And I say to you my friends, be not afraid of them that can kill the body, and after that have no more they can do. But I will forewarn you whom you shall fear: Fear him, which after he has killed has power to cast into hell; yes, I say unto you, fear him. Luke 12:4-5
This is not a “power trip” by Jesus. He is just putting things in perspective. “Just saying” … “don’t fear men, you need to fear God!” Whether they understood at that point, that he was God, I do not know. But we know. Jesus is Lord, he is the Son, he is God and it is him that we revere. Understand, the cause of hypocrisy is fear. But it is fear of the wrong thing. It is the fear of man over the respect of God which we spoke of in the last section. And it’s always a snare, (Proverbs 29:25). What will people think of me if I go “all in” for the Lord. Jesus lovingly tells us that he is the only one that matters. What anyone else thinks of me is nothing compared to what he knows about me. So, stop worrying about what others think of me, stop wearing a mask, and only be concerned about what the lover of my soul feels about me and sees in me. That all that really counts.
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: You are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7
The God who is so big that he cares even about the sparrows, things that we feel are insignificant and trivial, also cares about us. He values us, he knows us, he remembers and watches over us! We have nothing really to fear when you think about it in this light. The God of the Universe loves you and cares about you. This should cause you to pause and bask in this remarkable truth!
Also, I say unto you, whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: Luke 12:8
Going on record and his follower is the cure for hypocrisy. As I confess Jesus before men I lose the need to falsely please others with things that are not true. Whenever I’m in a new environment or setting I want to be quick to somehow convey that I am a Jesus follower. That I’m his man, his agent, his hands & feet!
But he that denies me before men shall be denied before the angels of God: And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: Luke 12:9-10a
The people of the World will try to get you to deny your faith. Don’t do it! Again, don’t fear men, fear God. Thankfully, when I fall short of our Lord’s expectations and lose the courage of my convictions there is forgiveness. Oh, the grace and mercy of our Friend!
But unto him that blasphemes against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. Luke 12:10b
This is critical. To blaspheme against the Holy Spirit is to live a life in resistance to and rejection of the love of God in my life. It is to willfully and purposefully walk over the broken body of Christ given as payment for the massive debt of my sin. It is to continually and persistently say no to God. The blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is the only unforgiveable sin. That is, rejection of the Spirit in wooing the lost soul to faith in Christ is the only unpardonable offence. All other manner of iniquity, including denying him in fear, e.g. Peter’s three denials that night, will be forgiven by our loving Savior.
And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto the magistrates, and powers, take no thought how or what thing you shall answer, or what you shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what you ought to say. Luke 12:11-12
“So, you are popular now, but it will not always be this way. The tables will turn. You most certainly will have times of hardship and persecution. I’m telling you this now so when it occurs you will not be surprised, alarmed and wiped out because of fear. Just stay close to me and you will always know what to do and what to say.”
What wonderful words these are for us. I want to confess Jesus and I will lose the power and the pull that people of the World would otherwise hold over me.
Next, let’s look at the second issue of eternal consequence. The pitfall of prosperity.
And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? Luke 12:13
Jesus isn’t falling for this distraction, no, not at all! To be an arbitrator was not his mission. As we have discussed previously, the Lord came to make dead men alive, not bad men good or good men better. This shows me that in following my Lord, I don’t want to get mired down by the lessor at the expense of the greater. People need Jesus ultimately over a better bank account. I want to focus and serve in arenas that effect the eternal over the temporal.
What I’m not saying here though, is that if you are a bank accountant or a car salesman, that Jesus cannot use you for things eternal. Opportunities will arise on a daily basis to make a difference for the Kingdom. The secret to a life well lived is not your job but how you answer your daily calling of the Spirit & the nudges he places on your heart to which you obediently respond.
And he said unto them, take heed, and beware of covetousness: For a man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses. Luke 12:15
This second warning involves not the day of popularity but the day of prosperity. In that day I need to heed his warning and look out against my tendency towards covetousness. I don’t want to let my possessions posses me. This does not say possessions and prosperity are bad, but it warns that they can be a great temptation. I must have control of them and not the other way around. I want to be liberated. The World says to buy, to accumulate. The Lord says to sell. To use my wealth for good. To give, especially things that hold me back and things that hold on to me too tightly.
Look at the result of holding on to riches & possessions too stringently;
And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him…you know the commandments, do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother. And he said, all these I have kept from my youth up. Luke 18:18-21
Notice Jesus’ answer. He says to the seeker, “you know the commandments,” but then lists five of the six commandments which deal with avoiding evil and does not mention the first four which speak of man’s relationship to God, nor does he mention the tenth commandment, that of coveting.
At this point, the ruler is feeling pretty good about his chances for eternal life…
But then the other shoe drops. The One called Faithful & True (Revelation 19:11) speaks truth.
Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, yet lack you one thing: Sell all that you have… Luke 18:22a
As we have discussed from the very beginning of this book, eternal life begins with repentance. With realizing that I am a sinner in need of God’s grace. This was the ruler’s sin. That of covetousness. He needed to realize that fact. That is why Jesus told him to sell everything. Unfortunately, this verse has been preached from pulpits across the ages as a word against prosperity. Nothing could be further from the truth! God will gift some of his followers with riches as he knows he can trust them to distribute their bounty to others to advance the Kingdom. But in this seeker’s case, his possessions had control of him. For another it could be something else, such as a job or a hobby, etc.
And distribute to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: And come, follow me. Luke 18:22b
“And come, follow me.” That’s it! Repentance of sin and confession of the Savior. This is eternal life! Jesus is saying eternal life puts God first. I want to do what it takes to make Jesus, Lord. Do what it takes to go “all in.” And not only did our Lord tell him how to have eternal life, but he told him how to have treasure, how to have riches, when he does inherit his eternal life. That is, give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven.
Unfortunately, we know the rich young ruler’s response. It is tragic indeed.
And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: For he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, how hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Luke 18:23-25
The man’s possessions possessed him. Jesus wasn’t trying to make him miserable, he wanted to set him free! In another version, it says that Jesus had compassion on the man for his terrible predicament. The Lord went on to say that because of covetousness, a rich man will have difficulty entering the Kingdom of God. For indeed, it is difficult for a camel to enter into the side door, the eye of the needle, of the gates of Jerusalem. That camel must be unloaded and stoop very low to pass thorough. Exactly what a rich person also must do. I must unload the baggage (sin & stuff) holding me back and in humility reach out for my Savior. Then, I too will be able to pass through the needle’s eye.
As an aside, this statement concerning riches highlights the truth of the first three beatitudes. Blessed are the poor in spirit, happy are they that mourn and blessed are the meek. For these three groups readily will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, they shall be comforted and they shall inherit the earth. All three of these things is what the rich young ruler wanted but was unable to obtain, secondary, not to being rich, but because of his sin of covetousness.
Now, back to Jesus’ second warning from Luke 12;
And he spoke a parable unto them, saying, the ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, what shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, this I will do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. Luke 12:16-18
Brothers & sisters, this is the World’s way. The is greed in full bloom & display. I’ve got too much, what shall I do? I know, I’ll expand, I’ll grow, so I can accumulate more! It’s always more more more. If you doubt me, look at the corporations of America. They have become behemoths in the business world, gobbling up smaller companies in their paths and ever expanding their barns. But follow the flow here in the words of Jesus. Ultimately these companies and their CEO’s are only chasing after the wind.
And I will say to my soul, soul, you have much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. Luke 12: 19
At some point the coveter realizes he finally has enough, he can kick back and relax. He can enjoy. Little does he realize or even consider that what he has accumulated has absolutely no lasting value for him. When he dies, even if the company carries on, there is nothing in it for him. It is like it didn’t even exist. How sad, how heartbreaking. How important these words of Jesus are for those who have ears to hear!
But God said unto him, you fool, this night your soul shall be required of thee: Then whose shall those things be which you have provided? So is he that lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. Luke 12:20-21
A life living for the here and now is tragically missing the point of life. It is vanity & meaningless. It is pride and a waste. It is falling oh so short of what he could have been had he stored up eternal treasure in heaven rather than temporal treasure for his short time on the earth. This is why covetousness is so evil. It rips men and women off by taking their eyes of God and putting them on trinkets. Paul rightly tells us that covetousness is idolatry (Colossians 3:5). It is breaking the first and second commandments, that of worshiping false gods and of worshiping God falsely.
And he said unto his disciples, therefore I say unto you, (In light that you can’t take anything with you) take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, neither for the body, what you shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body more than raiment. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse or barn; and God feeds them: How much more are you better than the fowls? And which of you taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If you then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take you thought (worry) for the rest? Consider the lilies how they grow: They toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not you what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, neither be you of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: And your Father knows you have need of these things. But rather seek you the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Luke 12:22-31 (italics added)
That’s the key. That’s the whole enchilada. If I seek God and his kingdom, everything, every need, will fall into place. I don’t need to covet. It’s all about trust, (Hebrews 13:5-6). And God is trustworthy. Take notice on how God operates. The birds, the flowers, things you have no control over. God works it out. Ultimately, I know this because he went to the Cross and died for my sins. Thus, I know he will freely give me everything I need. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)
In light that the Lord has it all covered, here is some good advice from him;
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell all that you have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in heaven that fails not, where no thief approaches, neither moth corrupts. For where your treasure is, there where your heart be also. Luke 12:32-34
It is ever so smart to use your money and possessions wisely. To pass them forward. As Jim Elliot has famously quoted. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep in order to gain what he cannot lose.” So, the Teacher’s first recommendation to keep my tendency toward covetousness at bay is to give my stuff away. Be generous, be magnanimous!
His second piece of advice is to be looking for his return;
Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning. (We might say, keep your powder dry…be ready, be prepared.) And you yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he comes and knocks, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he comes shall find watching: Truly I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch (midnight), or come in the third watch (3am), and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be you therefore ready also: (Pro tip) For the Son of man will come at an hour when you think not. Luke 12:35-40 (italics added)
Being thoughtful and intentional that my Lord could come at any time, whether it be upon my death or at his Second Coming, will keep me away from the ever so strong temptation to covet. And my Lord teaches that it is certain that his return it will be at a time when I think not. On a day which will be surprising to me. So, I want to always be ready.
Also, look what is in store for the servant looking for his Master’s return…the Lord will actually serve him! How outrageous is that. Jesus, the object of our affection, waiting upon us! No wonder Peter was scandalized when the Lord offered to wash his feet that night. He, like me, felt unworthy to be attended by his Lord. The greater waiting upon the lessor.
Conversely, look what can happen to me if I’m not looking to his return. If I’m not living for heaven & driven by eternity;
Then Peter said unto him, do you speak this parable unto us, or even to all? And the Lord said, who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom the lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom the lord when he comes shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he has. But if that servant say in his heart, my lord delays his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken… Luke 12:41-45
Two servants. The first is looking for his Master’s return and carrying on his business while waiting. To him the Master will bestow honor and future responsibility in due season. That is, this parable is teaching that as we look to the Lord’s return, he will be pleased and we will receive rewards, praise & wonderful roles to carry out in heaven.
But the second servant, the one who feels his Master is not coming anytime soon falls prey to sin, harshness & debauchery. Reading on in this parable, which I will let you do if you like, that servant’s end is not good! You see, looking for the Lord’s return keeps me from sin, while the converse is also true. Not looking for his coming makes me vulnerable to evil. It sets me up for failure. It makes me easy pickings for my flesh to rise up, the World to trip me up and for Satan to rip me up!
So, there you have it. The pitfalls of popularity and prosperity. That of hypocrisy and covetousness. Having the fear of man over the fear of the Lord in play and letting my possessions take possession of me. The antidote for these pitfalls. Confess the Lord to men every day, everywhere. And fear him, not men. Elevate him to his proper position, the love of my life, the source of my life, the reason for my life. Do this and you will say goodbye to hypocrisy. As for covetousness, look for opportunities every day to bless others by giving to them. I want to pass my stuff God has entrusted to me forward. And I want to always keep watch for his return. Indeed, the hour is late. Behold my Lord will come quickly!
Summary:
Hypocrisy is like leaven. It is insidious & subtle.
Mask wearing is fueled by the fear of men & the desire for popularity, prestige, power, priority and/or preeminence.
The fear of the Lord will cause one to lose the fear of men and overcome hypocritical tendencies.
Confessing Jesus before men also throws water on the fire of hypocrisy.
Covetousness is the desire to have and to hang on to more and more possessions. It is a physical manifestation of selfishness and is fueled by lust and the lack of trust in God’s provision.
The Great Physician’s two prescriptions for covetousness are to be generous & to be looking for his return.
For Further Study:
Jesus taught that the truth will always win out.
Can you think of a time you witnessed hypocritical behavior being exposed? How did it look?
Is it easy to blaspheme against the Holy Ghost? Why or why not?
Is it bad to be wealthy? Why not?
Is it dangerous to be rich? Why?
Can it be an honor to be affluent? Why?