Luke 13:1-5
Keeping Your Eyes on Christ
Sunday, September 12, 2021
There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. (Luke 13:6).
Main Point: Although we should express compassion for those who suffer, we must keep our focus on Jesus Christ and avoid becoming distracted by all the evil and calamity in the world.
I. Terrible national calamities will occur. “There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans….”
II. Calamities often occur as a result of poor leadership. “…whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.”
III. Our temptation is to focus on these calamities. “Or those eighteen on whom the tower of Siloam fell and killed them….”
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Php 4:6–8).
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1–27).
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27–Ac 15:19).
IV. We must not be insensitive but keep our focus on Christ. “And he answered them, ‘Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way?”
V. All people will perish if they do not repent and place their trust in Christ. “No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
VI. Our primary responsibility is to preach the gospel. “And he told this parable….”
“For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2–8).
Challenge: Are you keeping your eyes on Christ and spreading the gospel, or are you being distracted and demoralized by all the evil events of this world.
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