Reversing Values: Hope and Warnings in God's Kingdom
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Luke 6, where Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Plain, a powerful message that includes the Beatitudes and the corresponding woes. This sermon is a profound teaching on the nature of God's kingdom, emphasizing the reversal of worldly values. Jesus, like Moses, comes down from the mountain to deliver God's word, but unlike Moses, He brings not just the law but also healing and deliverance. The Beatitudes in Luke focus on the physical and social conditions of the poor, the hungry, and the sorrowful, promising them future blessings in God's kingdom. Conversely, the woes warn the rich, the well-fed, and the laughing of future sorrows if they do not align their lives with God's values.
Jesus' power and preaching inaugurate present blessings, as evidenced by His healing and deliverance of those troubled by evil spirits. This demonstrates that the kingdom of God has already broken into our present reality through Jesus. However, the full realization of this kingdom is yet to come, and Jesus' Beatitudes point us toward this future hope. The blessings are not just for the poor in spirit but for the physically poor, the hungry, and those who weep now, promising them satisfaction, laughter, and a great reward in heaven.
The woes serve as a stark warning to those who find their comfort and joy in this present age. Jesus cautions that those who are rich, well-fed, and praised now will face future sorrow if they do not follow Him. This teaching challenges us to evaluate our lives and priorities, urging us to live for the eternal "shall" rather than the temporal "now."
In essence, Jesus' sermon calls us to a radical reorientation of our values, urging us to seek God's kingdom above all else. It is a message of hope for the downtrodden and a warning for the complacent, reminding us that true blessing comes from aligning our lives with God's will.
### Key Takeaways
1. Present Blessing Through Jesus: Jesus' healing and deliverance demonstrate that the kingdom of God has already broken into our present reality. His power and preaching bring immediate blessings, showing that God's kingdom is both a present and future reality. This encourages us to seek Jesus for our present needs, knowing that He has the power to transform our lives now. [11:08]
2. Future Blessing for the Downtrodden: The Beatitudes promise future blessings for those who are poor, hungry, and sorrowful now. This teaching assures us that our current sufferings are not in vain and that God has a future reward for those who endure. It challenges us to lift our eyes from our present circumstances and focus on the eternal blessings that await us in God's kingdom. [17:45]
3. Reversal of Worldly Values: Jesus' message turns worldly values upside down, exalting the humble and humbling the proud. This theme of reversal is central to the Beatitudes and the woes, reminding us that God's kingdom operates on different principles than the world. It calls us to re-evaluate our priorities and align our lives with God's values. [20:43]
4. Warning Against Complacency: The woes serve as a stark warning to those who find their comfort and joy in this present age. Jesus cautions that those who are rich, well-fed, and praised now will face future sorrow if they do not follow Him. This teaching urges us to live for the eternal "shall" rather than the temporal "now," challenging us to examine our lives and ensure we are living for God's kingdom. [29:29]
5. Mercy Over Justice: The story of Jean Valjean from Les Misérables illustrates the transformative power of mercy over justice. Just as Valjean's life was changed by the mercy shown to him, our lives are transformed by the mercy of God. This underscores the gospel message that it is not our righteousness but God's mercy that saves us, calling us to extend that same mercy to others. [07:27]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:24] - Introduction to Luke 6
[03:01] - Jesus' Healing Power
[04:38] - The Beatitudes and Woes
[06:01] - Les Misérables and Mercy
[09:01] - The Theme of Reversal
[10:17] - Present Blessing Through Jesus
[11:08] - Jesus' Authority and Power
[13:46] - The Kingdom of God
[14:41] - Future Blessing for the Downtrodden
[17:45] - The Beatitudes Explained
[20:43] - Reversal of Worldly Values
[22:02] - Discipleship and Blessing
[23:38] - Eternal Perspective
[25:12] - Les Misérables Finale
[28:12] - Warning Against Complacency
[29:29] - The Woes Explained
[31:19] - Living for the Future Age
[32:08] - Evaluating Our Lives
[34:52] - Fear and Greed
[35:56] - Judas and the Love of Money
[37:42] - The Tragedy of Javert
[39:14] - The Gospel of Mercy
[39:54] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Luke 6:17-26 (NLT)
### Observation Questions
1. What are the four Beatitudes mentioned in Luke 6:20-23?
2. According to the sermon, what does Jesus' healing and deliverance demonstrate about the kingdom of God? [11:08]
3. What are the four woes that Jesus pronounces in Luke 6:24-26?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' message in the Beatitudes challenge the values of the world? [20:43]
2. What is the significance of Jesus coming down from the mountain to deliver His sermon, as compared to Moses receiving the Ten Commandments? [01:24]
3. How does the story of Jean Valjean from Les Misérables illustrate the transformative power of mercy over justice? [07:27]
### Application Questions
1. Jesus' Beatitudes promise future blessings for those who are poor, hungry, and sorrowful now. How can this promise change the way you view your current struggles? [17:45]
2. The sermon emphasizes the reversal of worldly values. In what ways do you need to re-evaluate your priorities to align more closely with God's kingdom? [20:43]
3. Jesus warns against finding comfort and joy in this present age. Are there areas in your life where you are too comfortable or complacent? How can you shift your focus to eternal values? [29:29]
4. The story of Jean Valjean shows the power of mercy over justice. How can you extend mercy to someone in your life who may not deserve it, just as God has shown mercy to you? [07:27]
5. Reflect on the idea that true blessing comes from aligning your life with God's will. What specific steps can you take this week to seek God's kingdom above all else? [39:54]
6. Jesus' sermon calls for a radical reorientation of our values. What practical changes can you make in your daily life to live for the eternal "shall" rather than the temporal "now"? [31:19]
7. How can you actively seek Jesus for your present needs, knowing that He has the power to transform your life now? [11:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Present Blessing Through Jesus
Jesus' healing and deliverance demonstrate that the kingdom of God has already broken into our present reality. His power and preaching bring immediate blessings, showing that God's kingdom is both a present and future reality. This encourages us to seek Jesus for our present needs, knowing that He has the power to transform our lives now. Jesus' authority and power are evident in His ability to heal the sick and cast out evil spirits, providing a foretaste of the complete restoration that will come in God's kingdom. This present blessing is a sign of God's love and mercy, inviting us to experience His transformative power in our daily lives. [11:08]
Luke 17:20-21 (ESV): "Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, 'The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.'"
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need Jesus' healing and deliverance today? How can you invite His transformative power into that specific situation?
Day 2: Future Blessing for the Downtrodden
The Beatitudes promise future blessings for those who are poor, hungry, and sorrowful now. This teaching assures us that our current sufferings are not in vain and that God has a future reward for those who endure. It challenges us to lift our eyes from our present circumstances and focus on the eternal blessings that await us in God's kingdom. Jesus' words provide hope and encouragement, reminding us that God's justice and mercy will prevail, and those who are downtrodden will be lifted up and comforted. This future blessing is a powerful reminder to persevere in faith, trusting that God's promises are true and that He will bring about a glorious future for His people. [17:45]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from your current struggles to the eternal blessings that God has promised? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of God's future reward?
Day 3: Reversal of Worldly Values
Jesus' message turns worldly values upside down, exalting the humble and humbling the proud. This theme of reversal is central to the Beatitudes and the woes, reminding us that God's kingdom operates on different principles than the world. It calls us to re-evaluate our priorities and align our lives with God's values. In a world that often celebrates wealth, power, and success, Jesus' teaching challenges us to seek humility, service, and dependence on God. This reversal of values invites us to live counter-culturally, embracing the principles of God's kingdom and trusting that true greatness is found in serving others and following Jesus. [20:43]
James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: What worldly values do you find yourself tempted to pursue? How can you reorient your priorities to align with the values of God's kingdom?
Day 4: Warning Against Complacency
The woes serve as a stark warning to those who find their comfort and joy in this present age. Jesus cautions that those who are rich, well-fed, and praised now will face future sorrow if they do not follow Him. This teaching urges us to live for the eternal "shall" rather than the temporal "now," challenging us to examine our lives and ensure we are living for God's kingdom. Complacency can lead to spiritual stagnation and a false sense of security, but Jesus calls us to remain vigilant and committed to His ways. This warning encourages us to continually seek God's will, avoid the traps of materialism and self-satisfaction, and live with an eternal perspective. [29:29]
Revelation 3:17-18 (ESV): "For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see."
Reflection: In what ways have you become complacent in your spiritual life? What steps can you take to renew your commitment to following Jesus and living for His kingdom?
Day 5: Mercy Over Justice
The story of Jean Valjean from Les Misérables illustrates the transformative power of mercy over justice. Just as Valjean's life was changed by the mercy shown to him, our lives are transformed by the mercy of God. This underscores the gospel message that it is not our righteousness but God's mercy that saves us, calling us to extend that same mercy to others. Mercy triumphs over judgment, and as recipients of God's mercy, we are called to be merciful to those around us. This teaching challenges us to reflect on the ways we can show mercy in our daily interactions, embodying the love and grace of God in a world that often prioritizes justice and retribution. [07:27]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience God's mercy through you today? How can you extend mercy and kindness to them in a tangible way?
Quotes
1. "Jesus went up onto the mountain. He prayed all night. He called the 12 apostles, sort of reconstituting the people of Israel, the 12 tribes. Then he comes down to speak God's word to them and to us. And so we're going to pick things up today and look at Luke's version of the Beatitudes. There's four of them in a sermon I've entitled Power and Preaching, because we will see the power of Jesus unleashed on this crowd and in our lives." [01:24] (26 seconds)
2. "But as we look at this broken world, we know that's exactly what this world needs. And so, God, we pray that your Word would still have its way. In our hearts, to humble us, that we might inherit the kingdom of God and find our greatest joy in heaven." [04:38] (16 seconds)
3. "Mercy is what turns our lives around, and mercy is what Jesus offers. His power and his preaching turn the world and turn our lives upside down as well. And if you're taking notes, there's three ways we'll see from this passage where he turns our lives around, through his power and preaching. First, he inaugurates present blessing. We'll look at the miracles of Jesus, and the blessing that he breaks into this world. Secondly, Jesus's power and preaching promises future blessing. We'll look at the four Beatitudes of Jesus. And then thirdly and finally, Jesus' power in preaching warns of future sorrows." [09:01] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The kingdom of God is an already but not yet. Here's what I mean. We all look forward to a future age where there'll be no more death, sorrow, suffering, evil, right? And in this world, we all know that the world is broken. It ain't the way it's supposed to be and we feel that. But in Jesus, we see him right every wrong, heal every affliction, drive out every evil spirit. So in his person and work and teaching, heaven is broken into this present evil reality and as we come near to Jesus, he drives it out." [14:41] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Regardless of your state in life, regardless of how much you have, if you have Jesus, you have everything. Amen? And if you're hungry now, there is a day coming where there's a great feast and God is preparing it for you where you will never go hungry. He is saying this blessing over us so that we would lift our eyes from our present circumstances to that perfected age." [22:02] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The harder life gets here, the better heaven becomes. Amen? The contrast is all the greater. So whatever affliction you are walking through, you can say that if I'm in Christ, I am blessed. And if he changes my circumstances and heals me today, I will bless his name. But if like Job, if I say the Lord gives, the Lord takes away, I will still bless his name. These blessings are now untouchable." [23:38] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Jesus promises us a heaven where we will, if we're in Christ, if we're his disciples, if we follow the Son of Man, regardless of what happens in this world, we will leap for joy. But then he doesn't leave hell out of the equation. He has a warning for us between heaven and hell. He says, but woe. Of the ESV, there's the four woes. And that's what the NLT says. What sorrow awaits? Woe to you. And all four of those woes are the exact inversion of the beatitudes and the blessings." [28:12] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Do not let fear and greed drive your life. Do not let money drive your life because you will wake up one day not liking the person you've become. And the patterns of behavior that we put into our life now, day to day, week to week, month and month, they disciple us. May we not be driven by fear and greed." [34:52] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Jesus is ushered in a kingdom where the love of money should never rule the saints of God. And ultimately, sorrow overtook Judas' life. Sadly, he killed himself. And sorrow rules his eternity. Why? Because he didn't listen to the sermon on the plane. He didn't take it seriously. He didn't adjust his life. And even though he was one of the twelve, he thought he wasn't vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy." [36:47] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The good news of the gospel isn't that good people go to heaven and bad people go to hell. It's that God comes to the broken, the weak, and the bad, and he cleans them up. And even the sorrows that Jesus predicts upon the world, we have a savior who is called the man of sorrows by the prophet Isaiah. And surely he bore our sorrows away on the cross. Amen." [38:26] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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