Senior Class Notes – February 18, 2024

Winter – 2023-2024 Unit 2 Session 5 – Confident Faith; Luke 12:22-34, PSG 142-151 CSB; PSG 110-117 KJV.

February 18, 2024

The Point: Faith displaces worry.

Inspirational verse: “Where God guides, God will provide.” Is a paraphrase of “And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” (Isaiah 58:11).

Luke 12:22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

In saying: Therefore I say unto you, Jesus indicated He was giving an alternative to the rich man. If we busy our lives exclusively with physical concerns, we shift our attention away from that which is most important. In so doing, we risk our relationship with God. It is not about whether or not we get material needs, but on where we look for our values.¹⁹ This sounds a lot like Jesus’ instructions to the Disciples in Mark 6:8 “And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse.” And in Luke 9:3 “And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.”¹⁶ Concern for the future should not escalate into worry, according to Jesus. Just as rich people can become preoccupied with accumulating wealth, so can those of lesser means.¹⁷ Jesus now deals with the equally dangerous tendency of those who have few possessions: worry. Take no thought (Greek mē merimnaō) means “Do not be anxious.” This word means to be so disturbed about material needs that we distrust God and are distracted from faithfully doing His will. Anxious care is the direct opposite of faith. Therefore, even the poor are not to worry needlessly about what they should eat, drink, or wear.¹⁴

Luke 12:23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.

Jesus’ statement that “life is more than meat” echoes His rebuke of the devil during His temptation “And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God” (Luke 4:4). When we worry about clothing (raiment) or food (meat), we fail to focus on what is most important in life.¹⁷ The question – Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? (Matthew 6:25) – indicates that inner mental stability must come from the spirit of a man and not from outward physical provisions. To set one’s heart on material possessions or to worry about the lack of them is to live in perpetual insecurity and to deprive oneself of the spiritual blessings of God.¹⁴

Luke 12:24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouses nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

Since God feeds the ravens, who do not have storerooms, will He not care for humans, His most valuable and beloved creatures?¹⁶ The Greek word used here for storeroom is tameion. But could also refer to an inner or secret room (as in Luke 12:3 or Matthew 24:26). As a room into which someone typically goes to pray in private (Matt 6:6), it reflects the idea of an inside room (but not a modern “closet”) that could be closed off. The tameion implies a contrast with the public, open place.²⁰

Luke 12:25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?

Worry and anxiety are related to the length of one’s life in the phrase: can add to his stature one cubit? A cubit is a measurement of 18 inches. However, this reverence is probably not to one’s actual height but to the length of his life. The term stature (Greek hēlikia) may mean “age.” Thus the idea seems to be that a man cannot add the smallest measure to the span of his life by worrying. No amount of fretting will add to one’s height or improve one’s lot in life.¹⁴ Some translations say, “add a single hour to his life.” It seems that Jesus would bring a smile here; the mental picture either of growing taller, or of stretching time by worrying, helps us to see the futility of it.¹⁸

Luke 12:26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

Jesus’ advice to His disciples was not to be overcome with anxiety over the basic needs of life. Worrying will not change the least thing.¹⁶ That thing which is least: A single Greek word, this expresses the superlative degree. It can indicate that which is the very smallest or the very least in size, amount, importance, rank, or excellence. Worry is pointless or futile. It cannot add anything positive to our lives. It can, however, negatively impact our health, life span, and general well-being.²³ Such worry is even more foolish when we consider God’s marvelous provision for His creatures in nature. Believers should put God’s kingdom first.¹⁷ The hope of the future is brought to bear on the concerns of the present. If we focus on God’s promises for the future, then we are able to deal with problems in the present – problems that can prevent us from reaching that future reality. To live in anxiety is to fail to grasp who God is and how much we matter to him.¹⁹

Luke 12:27 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.

There are lessons to be learned from reflecting on God’s general revelation in nature in the light of His Word.¹⁴ Solomon, whose name relates to the Hebrew word for “Peace.” Served as Israel’s third king. Bathsheba gave birth to Solomon after the first son born to David and her died (2 Samuel 12:24). King Solomon is noted for his wisdom, building programs, and wealth. The king received twenty-five tons of Gold each year (1 Kings 10:14). Yet even Solomon, displaying all the magnificence of his affluence, including his fine clothing, did not compare with the beauty of the flowers.

Luke 12:28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

God so clothe the grass. This illustration indicates that God cares enough to provide beauty for the parts of His creation that have a short life.¹⁸ Here grass parallels the flowers mentioned in verse 27. These flowers that dotted the areas open fields often bloomed one day and died the next. Because wood was relatively scares, dried grasses and wildflowers fueled ovens to bake bread. In the Old Testament, grass frequently symbolized the brevity or transitory nature of life (see Ps. 37:1-2; Isa. 40:6-8)²³. This state of anxiety is related to having little faith (Matt. 6:30; Luke 12:28). Faith is total confidence in the provision of God.¹⁴ Little faith from the Greek oligopistos, is a combined form of the root words for “little” and “faith.” This word describes someone who does not have complete confidence in God or trust that He will help them. It is not unbelief, but rather undeveloped faith that needs to grow. Jesus uses this word in five places in scripture, each time as a tender rebuke of those who should know better. He is like a father telling His children, “After all you’ve seen, don’t you trust Me yet?”²⁰

Luke 12:29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

Seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink. This verb can also convey the idea of craving. Verse 29 lists things we should not seek or crave, whereas verse 31 identifies what we need to seek – the kingdom of God. the expression in the original Greek more literally means to stop craving or to stop seeking. It assumes the action is already in progress and needs to cease. Jesus’ similar instruction in Matthew 6:31 addresses worry, and is the basic meaning of Jesus’ command here.²³ Neither be ye of doubtful mind. The verb in this expression, although differing from the one regarding taking thought in Luke 12:22, 25-26, conveys a similar meaning. This particular verb, however, provides a graphic word picture of what worry can do to us. Its basic meaning is “to put a ship out to sea.” From that basic meaning the term derived a word picture taken from ships tossed about by the wind and waves. Thus, it came to mean “to harass or agitate with cares” or “to make anxious.”²³

Luke 12:30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

Why should we worry if God takes such care of even the smallest blade of grass? The Lord knows our problems and will provide us with what we need.¹⁸ The nations of the world. The Greek word translated “nations” is written in English as ethnos, from which our word ethnic derives. In the New Testament, the term often designates people who were not part of God’s chosen family (Jews) at birth. It could be rendered as “pagan.” The translation “nations” suggest territory, while “pagans” would suggest religion, thus the unbelieving would (1 Thess. 4:5). Jesus’s ministry included being a light for the nations (Luke 2:32).²³

Luke 12:31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew in 6:33 translates the verse in Luke 12:31 as “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” The disciples who have pledged their allegiance to the King must continue seeking the kingdom and its righteousness. The present imperative form of the verb (Greek zēteō) indicates a continual or constant seeking. The contrast between the spiritual and the material is again emphasized. The believer is to seek first the righteousness that is characteristic of God’s kingdom and then all these things (material things) shall be added to him.¹⁴

Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Fear not: Luke previously recorded Jesus’s speaking these same words to Peter (5:10) and to Jairus (8:50). The structure of this command in the original language prohibits the continuation of an action or feeling already in progress. Thus, its impact is: “stop being afraid.” With these words of assurance, Jesus desired to alleviate worry and to strengthen faith.²³

Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

Sell that ye have, that is, sell your possessions. Giving alms involves putting one’s material assets to a use that will glorify God, quite possibly by relieving some human need.¹⁴ In contrast to the world’s hoarding of possessions, the disciple must be generous with what God gives. By serving God and others, you can invest in your eternal future. You cannot take possessions with you into the next life, but you can store up an eternal treasure by giving to others. “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” (Phil. 4:17). Paul uses business terminology. The Philippians’ gift was producing spiritual profit, just as money deposited in a bank account accrues interest. But Paul was not as concerned with their gift as with the development in the Philippians of the spiritual ability to give.¹⁸ Wax not old means that they do not lose their contents due to the wear and tear of age.¹⁴ Jesus doesn’t seem to regard His disciples as poor. His instructions here should be read as a general rule, not a broad-sweeping command.¹⁷

Luke 12:34 For where your treasure is. There will your heart be also.

What is in one’s heart is inextricably [forming a maze or tangle from which it is impossible to get free] connected to his or her idea of treasure. In the long run, heavenly things endure as earthly ones deteriorate.¹⁷ (See also Matthew 6:19-21).¹² Where your treasure is. What people consider valuable is where their energy will be spent. Knowing God and investing in His purposes should be the treasure we seek.¹⁸ What we treasure determines our loyalty and priorities. In biblical thought the heart was associated with the activities of the mind and will. It also was recognized as the center of moral and spiritual life. Not the possession of material things but rather the attitude we hold toward them marks us as either heavenly-minded or worldly-minded. The lack of earthly possessions does not necessarily make us heavenly-minded. With or without an abundance of this world’s goods, we may be consumed by anxiety. Confident faith displaces anxiety as it clings to the expectation that God will take care of us as we seek His kingdom.²³

References: Winter 2023-2024, December 3, 2023 – February 25, 2024

(CWB) – Commentary on the Whole Bible by Matthew Henry – Marshall, Morgan & Scott, Ltd. Copyright © 1960. Copyright 1961 by Zondervan Publishing House – Grand Rapids, Michigan. 49506
(CWB#2) – Commentary practical and explanatory on the Whole Bible by Rev. Robert Jamieson, Rev. A.R. Fausset, Rev. David Brown by Zondervan Publishing House – Grand Rapids, Michigan. 49506
(ESVSB) – The English Standard Version Study Bible, Personal size. Copyright © 2008 by Crossway. Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway.
(ETB) – Explore The Book by J Sidlow Baxter. Copyright © 1960 by J. Sidlow Baxter. Published 1960 by Zondervan Publishing House – Grand Rapids, Michigan.
(HISB) – The Holman Illustrated Study Bible – The Holman Illustrated Study Bible Copyright © 2006 by Holman Bible Publishers. The Holman Christian Standard Bible Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers.
(HRTB) He Reads Truth Bible Copyright © 2019 by Holman Bible Publishers Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved. Based on the Christian Standard Bible Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved.
(IMO) – On occasion, with the prayerful guidance of the Holy Spirit, I will make comments of my own, based on my understanding of the events. I will indicate such times with – In My O
(KJBC) – The King James Bible Commentary, Copyright © 1999 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. ©1983 by Old-Time Gospel Hour. Scripture quotations are from the Open Bible, King James version, © 1975 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
(KJSB) – The King James Study Bible, (previously published as The Liberty Annotated Study Bible and as The Annotated Study Bible, King James Version) © 1988 by Liberty University.
(LESB) Life Essentials Study Bible Copyright © 2019 by Holman Bible Publishers Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved. Based on the Christian Standard Bible Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved.
(NCBD) – The Nelson’s Compact Bible Dictionary Copyright © 2004 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. with Scripture Quotations from the New King James Version of the Bible Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982, 1990 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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(NIVBTSB) – The New International Version Biblical Theology Study Bible Copyright © 2018 by The Zondervan Corporation. Text from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. previously published as The New International Version Zondervan Study Bible.
(NIVCBSB) – The New International Version Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible Copyright © 2016 by The Zondervan Corporation text from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. published by the Zondervan Corporation.
(NIVJSB) – The New International Version Jeremiah Study Bible, Copyright © 2016 by David Jeremiah, Inc. Using the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan.
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(NIVMEB) – The New International Version Ministry Essentials Bible, Copyright © 2014 by Hendrickson Publishers Marketing, LLC. Based on The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
(NIVSB) – The New International Version Study Bible Copyright © 1985 by the Zondervan Corporation text from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the New York International Bible Society.®
(NIVSB #2) – The New International Version Study Bible Copyright © 1985, 1995, 2002, 2008, 2011, 2020 by Zondervan Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546, USA. text from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.®
(NIVZSB) – The New International Version Zondervan Study Bible Copyright © 2015 by the Zondervan Corporation. Text from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
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(NKJVSB) – Holman Study Bible, New King James Version Edition Copyright © 2013 by Holman Bible Publishers Nashville, Tn. Text from the New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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(QNBD) – Quick Notes Bible Dictionary based on text from the King James Version of the Bible and cross referenced with the NIV and NRSV Bibles. Copyright © 1998 by George W. Knight and Rayburn W. Ray.
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(TDNT) – Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
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(TMEB) – The Ministry Essential Bible © 2014 by Hendrickson Publishers Marketing, LLC P.O. Box 3473 Peabody, Massachusetts 01961-3473.
(TZPEB) – The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, copyright © 1975, 1976 by the Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
(WIKI) Wikipedia – internet source.