“The Just Shall Live By Faith”

New King James Version                          Written by: David Hicks

 

Romans 1:17 “ For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

Galatians 3:11 “But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith."

Hebrews 10:38 “Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."

“Articles of Faith"

An Orderly Account Of The Greatest Story Ever Told

(A Study in Luke)

Chapter 12:39-48:

In our last lesson, we left off with the instruction that since the kingdom of God was coming, the disciples of the Lord were to watch and be faithfully ready when it does.

This was introduced with this introduction verse:

Luke 12:35 “Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning;”

This statement becomes the theme for verses 36-48.

Both commands are designed to indicate that they are to be prepared at all times and in all aspects for the coming of the kingdom of God . The long robes often worn in this part of the world had to be lifted up and girded about the waist in order to step quickly. In addition, if the lamps are not lit before dark, how will you see anything or anyone when it comes at night? Thus the impression is given that preparedness was to be constant and without wavering. See also: Luke 19:11-27.

In the remainder of this portion of the text, we will be given a series of illustrations concerning this need for preparation. Having talked about the first illustration in our last lesson, we will take up with the second illustration.

Text #1:

Luke 12:39-41 “But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 40 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
41 Then Peter said to Him, “Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people? ”

In this second illustration, the emphasis is the same purpose as the preceding one; the necessity of watching. Jesus speaks favorably of this householder who would resist having his house attacked. However, success would be rendered only to the householder who was truly ready and that meant especially when not expecting the break in.

As we introduced this section of the Lord's sermon to His disciples, the preparation was for the coming of the kingdom; however, an additional subject for the focus of watchfulness has been added, His coming! This is the same coming of the Son of Man mentioned in Matthew 24, as the Lord would describe His coming in judgment, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the temple (Matthew 24:2-3; 14; 30; 33-35; 36-44).

Since this prophesied judgment of the Lord on the people of Israel for their rejection of Him as the Christ and the avenging of the apostles and prophets (Matthew 23:35-36; Revelation 6:10; 18:20), would be such a traumatic event, the Lord is preparing them as to not have their faith shaken (goods plundered).

Peter's question comes because a great deal of the teaching of the Lord came specifically to His chosen. However, Peter seems to be confused because of the multitudes that still are within ear shot of this instruction.

Text #2:

Luke 12:42-48 “And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. 45 But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,' and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47 And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.”

Because of the similarity of the type or shadow of Joseph as the faithful steward, see: Genesis 39:1-6; 41:37-45.

First, In this third illustration of the faithful steward and the evil steward, we learn that there are three very specific requisites to true stewardship.

The first is fidelity, which is the strict observance of promises, and duties.

The second is wisdom, which is the watchfulness being spoken of throughout this portion of the Lord's sermon. This is to know that the Lord's kingdom and His coming are in close proximity. In addition, it would include the trust necessary to apply the masters warning and not be found lacking in the event a surprise visit. The third is to be found faithful in all things the Master has commanded and taught in preparation.

The Apostle Paul would parrot the Lord's teaching on this instruction concerning his own work as a minister of the Gospel of Christ, note:

1 Corinthians 4:2 “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”

Furthermore, Paul would teach that all Christians are stewards and that makes the primary points of this lesson concerning stewardship applicable to you and me, note:

Galatians 3:26-4:2 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Galatians 4

  1 Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, 2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father.

Second, although this sermon is aimed at His disciples in answer to Peter's question (those to which the complete burden of care for the domestic establishment of the kingdom rested), the Lord did not exclude anyone. In addition, this parable truly points to those who listened intently and with delight (the multitudes); however, they were both careless and negligent about applying the meaning. Their reward for the lack of obedience, wisdom, and faithfulness would be to have a portion with the unbelievers. These are described by the Lord as those on the left, note:

Matthew 25:41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:”

Matthew 25:46 “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

These are in direct contrast to the faithful stewards the chosen were to be and all who believed and trusted that Jesus was the Son of God. The Lord would describe these as on the right, note:

Matthew 25:34 “Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world”

Third, the greater the responsibilities and opportunities entrusted to a steward, the larger the service which the Master requires of His stewards. Ignorance will not excuse any of the stewards of the Lord, as it is the steward's responsibility to know the will of the Master and meet them. We will discuss this in detail in chapter 19:11-27, in the parable of the Minas; in which we will learn that there is guilt in ignorance, just as there is in disobedience.

Next: “Discern This Time!”