“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, and wife and children, and brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.”
Luke 14.26
In his gospel Luke focuses on discipleship and its cost. The kingdom is open to all, Lk 14.15-24, at a price, for God is eager to welcome the lost, Lk 15.1-32.
Jesus uses the word “hate.” Why does he do that?
“Realize that the Lord shows the godly special favor; the Lord responds when I cry out to him.”
Psalm 4.3
David speaks to those who seek to bring shame upon him, v 2. He appeals for their repentance, v. 4.
God hears his people’s prayers. They alone are so privileged. He helps those who seek him. What pleas do you make to God today?
“No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
Luke 16.13
Loving God will cause a disciple to be faithful in the use of money, vv. 10-12. But those who love money will scoff at Jesus’ words and justify themselves, vv. 14-15.
How do people try to serve two masters at once?
“[He] was caught up into paradise and heard things too sacred to be put into words, things that a person is not permitted to speak.”
2 Corinthians 12.4
Paul mentioned his out-of-body experiences. The celestial reality is far beyond human comprehension and appreciation.
“Heaven must surely be worth it all,” goes the hymn. How does it serve as a motivation for you?
“King Solomon was wealthier and wiser than any of the kings of the earth.”
2 Chronicles 9.22
God gave Solomon great gifts. For the most part, they were not well used. But he did produce much of the book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, for our learning and direction.
What gifts has God given you to use well for his glory and kingdom?
“Now it was for this very purpose that the gospel was preached to those who are now dead, so that though they were judged in the flesh by human standards they may live spiritually by God’s standards.”
1 Peter 4.6
God’s standards are to suffer in the flesh and finish with sin (v. 1), to do his will (v. 2), and to refuse the pressure of what non-Christians desire (vv. 3-4), on whom judgment will come (v. 5).
What is the purpose of the gospel?
“Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth.”
1 Corinthians 13.6 CSB
Paul’s chapter on love centers the discussion of the need for each member of the body (chapter 12) and the use of gifts for edification (chapter 14).
How does rejoicing in the truth manifest itself?