Luke 8

Ladies who supported ministry of Jesus verse 1- 3

And it came to pass afterward

that HE went throughout every city and village

preaching and showing

the glad tidings of the kingdom of God

and the twelve were with HIM

And certain women

which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities

Mary called Magdalene

out of whom went seven devils

And Joanna – wife of Chuza Herod’s steward

and Susanna – and many others

which ministered to HIM of their substance

Jesus told a parable to crowd verse 4- 8

And when much people were gathered together

and were come to him out of every city

HE spoke by a parable

A sower went out to sow his seed

and as he sowed – some fell by the wayside

and it was trodden down

and fowls of the air devoured it

And some fell upon a rock and as soon as it sprung up

it withered away

BECAUSE it lacked moisture

And some fell among thorns

and the thorns sprang up with it

and choked it

And other fell on good ground – and sprang up

bare fruit an hundredfold

And when HE had said these things – HE cried

He that hath ears to hear – let him hear

Disciples asked interpretation of parable verse 9- 15

And HIS disciples asked HIM saying

What might this parable be?

And HE said

Unto you it is given

to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God

BUT to others in parables – that seeing they might not see

and hearing they might not understand

Now the parable is this – The seed is the word of God

Those by the wayside are they that hear

THEN comes the devil – and takes away the word out of their hearts

lest they should believe and be saved

They on the rock are they – which – when they hear

receive the word with joy

and these have no root – which for a while believe

and in time of temptation fall away

And that which fell among thorns are they

which – when they have heard- go forth

and are choked with cares

and riches and pleasures of this life

and bring no fruit to perfection

BUT that on the good ground are they

which in an honest and good heart

having heard the word – keep it

and bring forth fruit with patience

Jesus instructs disciples to listen closely

to HIS teaching verse 16- 18

No man – when he has lighted a candle – covered it with a vessel

or putting it under a bed

BUT sets it on a candlestick

that they which enter in may see the light

For nothing is secret – that shall not be made manifest

neither any thing hid – that shall not be known and come abroad

Take heed therefore how you hear – for whosoever has

to him shall be given and whosoever has not

from him shall be taken even that which he seems to have

Jesus defines family verse 19- 21

Then came to HIM HIS mother and HIS brethren

and could not come at HIM for the press

And it was told HIM by certain which said

YOUR mother and YOUR brethren stand without

desiring to see YOU

And HE answered and said to them

MY mother and MY brethren are these

which hear the word of God – and do it

Power of faith verse 22- 25

Now it came to pass on a certain day

that HE went into a ship with HIS disciples

and HE said unto them

Let us go over unto the other side of the lake

AND they launched forth but as they sailed

HE fell asleep

and there came down a storm of wind on the lake

and they were filled with water

and were in jeopardy

AND they came to HIM – and awoke HIM – saying

Master – Master – we perish

THEN HE arose – and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water

and they ceased – and there was a calm

AND HE said unto them

Where is your faith?

AND they being afraid wondered saying one to another

What manner of MAN is this

FOR HE commands even the winds and water

and they obey HIM

Demon possessed man healed verse 26- 40

And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes

which is over against Galilee

and when HE went forth to land

there met HIM out of the city a certain man

which had devils long time – and ware not clothes

neither abode in any house – BUT in the tombs

When he saw Jesus – he cried out – and fell down before HIM

and with a loud voice said

What have I to do with YOU – Jesus

YOU Son of God most high?

I beseech YOU – torment me not

(FOR HE had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man

FOR oftentimes it had caught him

and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters

and he brake the bands

and was driven of the

devil into the wilderness)

And Jesus asked him – saying

What is your name?

And he said

Legion – because many devils were entered into him

and they besought HIM

that HE would not command them

to go out into the deep

And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain

and they besought HIM

that HE would suffer them to enter into them

And HE suffered them

THEN went the devils out of the man – and entered into the swine

and the herd ran violently down a steep place in the lake

and were choked

WHEN they that fed them saw what was done – they fled

and went and told it in the city and in the country

THEN they went out to see what was done

and came to Jesus – and found the man

out of whom the devils were departed

sitting at the feet of Jesus

clothed – and in his right mind

and they were afraid

They also which saw it told them

by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed

then the whole multitude

of the country of the Gadarenes round about

besought HIM to depart from them

FOR they were taken with great fear – and HE went up into the ship

and returned back again

Now the man – out of whom the devils were departed

besought HIM that he might be with HIM

BUT Jesus sent him away – saying

Return to your own house

and show how great things God hath done to you

AND he went his way

and published throughout the whole city

how great things Jesus had done to him

AND it came to pass – that – when Jesus was returned

the people gladly received HIM

FOR they were all waiting for HIM

Jairus asks for healing of daughter verse 41- 42

And – BEHOLD – there came a man named Jairu

and he was a ruler of the synagogue

and he fell down at Jesus’ feet

and besought HIM that HE would come into his house

FOR he had one only daughter

about twelve years of age – and she lay dying

BUT as HE went the people thronged HIM

Trip interrupted by woman with issue of blood verse 43- 48

And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years

which had spent all her living upon physicians

neither could be healed of any

CAME behind HIM – and touched the border of HIS garment

and immediately her issue of blood stanched

And Jesus said

Who touched ME?

When all denied – Peter and they that were with HIM said

Master – the multitude throng YOU and press YOU

and say YOU – Who touched ME?

And Jesus said

Somebody hath touched ME

for I perceive that virtue is gone out of ME

And when the woman saw that she was not hid – she came trembling

and falling down before HIM

she declared unto HIM before all the people

for what cause she had touched HIM

and how she was healed immediately

And HE said unto her

Daughter – be of good comfort

your faith hath made you whole – go in peace

Jesus raised dead daughter of Jairus verse 49- 56

While HE yet spoke

there come one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house

saying to him

Your daughter is dead – trouble not the Master

BUT when Jesus heard it – HE answered him – saying

Fear not – believe only – and she shall be made whole

And when HE came into the house

HE suffered no man to go in

save Peter and James and John

and the father and mother of the maiden

And all wept – and bewailed her – but HE said

Weep not – she is not dead – BUT sleeps

And they laughed HIM to scorn

knowing that she was dead

And HE put them all out – and took her by the hand

and called – saying

Maid – arise

AND her spirit came again – and she arose straightway

and HE commanded to give her meat

And her parents were astonished

BUT HE charged them

that they should tell no man what was done

COMMENTARYDAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers

: 3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance. (5224 “substance” [huparchonta] means possessions, resources, goods, wealth, things that one possesses or property.)

DEVOTION: One commentary called this group of women who supported Jesus the “first women’s missionary society.” It is interesting to know that the LORD needed a group of people behind him to support his ministry. We have a list of individuals who helped with their possessions to keep Jesus’ ministry going forward. HE had needs other than what the fish could provide to pay HIS taxes.

God has always used HIS people to support HIS work. The priests were supported by the people. The kings were supported by the people. There was booty from the wars to help support the kingdom of Israel. Money was a tool that is needed to see the work of the LORD move forward. Jesus never wanted more money than was needed. Rich people didn’t want to follow Jesus because they were asked to give up their wealth. The disciples were sent on missionary trips with nothing but the clothes on their backs. They were supposed to be supported by the people they ministered too.

These women were helped by the LORD. They wanted to show their appreciation by supporting HIS ministry. They also traveled with Jesus. There was nothing wrong with this as they were always faithful to the commands of the LORD regarding their relationship to HIM.

There had to be money to feed him and the twelve for three years. There had to be money for clothes for them for the three years. There had to be money for other things. We know that every ministry needs financial support from those who are involved in the ministry. The local church needs our support to keep going. Our missionaries need support to keep them on the field. Each parachurch ministry needs the help of God’s people to keep it moving. Money is necessary. God allows some to have finances to help ministries he wants supported. Some don’t have money but support the ministry through their prayer life. Both are important to the work of the LORD.

Each of us has to ask the LORD what HE would have us do for HIS kingdom. What are we doing for his kingdom? Are we using our gifts for HIS service?

These listed are using their substance to keep the ministry of the LORD moving forward to its completion. Let’s help the ministry that the LORD has laid on our heart.

CHALLENGE: Honor the LORD each paycheck with your money. It will save each of us from the sin of worshiping money.

DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers

: 15But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, have heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. (5281 “patience” [hupomone] means steadfastness, endurance, perseverance, tarrying, expectation, constancy or the power to withstand hardship or stress.)

DEVOTION: This fourth seed group was the only ones who were true believers. They were the only ones that produced fruit in their life. There were three characteristics to this group.

First, they were willing to hear the Word of God. They listened to what was said and understood it through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. They were good listeners.

Second, they not only listened they keep the word. They applied the truths of the Word of God to their life. They listened to what Jesus had to say and then practiced what HE was preaching. They clung to the Word of God. They were obedient.

Thirdly, they first listened. Then they applied it to their own life. Finally, they patiently spread the Word of God. They didn’t jam it down everyone’s throat but presented the truth of the Word of God lovingly. They loved the people first and then showed them a better way to life their life.

When they practiced these three things in their life they produced good fruit for the kingdom of God. There were people who became like them. They were people that listened to the Word of God and grew in their knowledge of the LORD. They turned into mature believers who were willing to share the Word of God with others.

CHALLENGE: Can Jesus say that about us?

DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers

: 17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither anything hid that shall not be known and come abroad. (2927 “secret” [kruptos] means hid, hidden, inward, concealed, private, disclosed or cover.)

DEVOTION: The hidden things of God were being revealed by Christ to HIS disciples. One by one each parable was beginning to sink into the minds of the disciples and by the time HE left this earth they through the ministry of the Holy Spirit would be able to go out into the whole world and reveal God’s plan for the future.

They would preach the truth that was revealed to them. They would under the guidance of the Holy Spirit write the books of the Bible to help us understand what they had learned from the LORD while HE was here on the earth.

We are expected to take what we learn to others. We are to spread the word to all those in our world. We are to believe it and show it by our lifestyles.

Too often people don’t see the truth of the Word of God because they look at our churches and our lives and see nothing different than how they are living. This is sad. I just finished a book by Ravi Zacharias called “Has Christianity Failed You? The answer to the question is NO!! Christianity hasn’t failed it is the representatives of Christianity and the church that has failed our world. The church has a divided message today. There are those who believe that all of us are sinners on our way to Hell for eternity while there are some who teach that there is no Hell or it will be empty because everyone is going to heaven. They are wrong but people get confused if our message is not Biblical.

Our life and church should only teach sound doctrine. That is the way we are going to show them the truth of the Word of God. Study the Bible to find the truth that it teaches and share it with others so that the secrets that Christ revealed are shared with the rest of the world without confusion.

One day the future that Jesus taught is going to happen and those who are believers will be called to heaven to meet HIM in the air. The rest of the world will go through a time period of seven years with progressive suffering for those outside of Christ. If we are warning them they might listen.

CHALLENGE: God wants everyone to look at Biblical Christians and see them as those who live out the Word of God and teach it as truth. It is not just their opinion.

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: 25 And HE said to them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered saying one to another, What manner of MAN is this! For HE commands even the winds and water, and they obey HIM. (2004 “commands” [epitasso] means charge, enjoin, order, to give instructions, to or direct somebody, to do something with authority.)

DEVOTION: After following someone for a long time period it would seem that you would know the person you are following. This was not just a forty hour a week following. This was a twenty-four hour a day following of Jesus. This would go on for three and a half years. They were following a man that they were watching at all times.

HE had performed miracles in their sight many times. HE had taught the truth that they had learned. HE had confronted the wrong beliefs of the Pharisees. They had watched both Jew and Gentile come to HIM.

Now they are in a boat and a storm comes up that stares them. Remember that they are fisherman and they knew about these types of storms. It was a test and they failed. They knew who Jesus was and what the future was going have for HIM.

Yet, they had to wake HIM up and tell HIM about the storm. HE went out and calmed the storm. They looked at HIM strange. They didn’t understand what was happening. They had been through many storms but this one ended quickly when HE spoke a word.

Their question was “Who can this be?” or What manner of man is this!

They didn’t understand that HE was God in the flesh. HE was the creator of the universe. HE was in control. To them HE was just a good teacher who could manifest the power of God at times. They were not getting the true picture. They were confused.

We sometimes get confused about who we are following. To us, some of the time, we are just following a man who could maybe answer our prayers. We sometimes think that HE is just like a genie in a bottle. The problem is that we have a limited understanding of who HE really is.

We need to give HIM the place that HE really desires in our life. We need to make HIM the supreme ruler in our life.

CHALLENGE: We need to depend on HIM fully. Once we do these things,

we will have the answer to the disciple’s question.

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DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:

BODY

Chastity (Purity in living)

Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)

Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)

Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)

Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)

SOUL

Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)

Frugality (wise use of resources)

List of those who supported Jesus’ ministry verse 2, 3

Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)

Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)

Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)

Nothing is secret verse 17

SPIRIT

Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)

Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)

Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)

Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)

Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)

Synagogue verse 41, 49

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DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:

Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)

Seed = Word of God verse 11, 21

Word

God the Father (First person of the Godhead)

God verse 1, 11, 21, 39

God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)

Parable of four soils verse 4- 15

Seeds on wayside – devoured

Rocky soil – no moisture

Thorny soil – choked

Good ground – bare fruit

Fell asleep verse 24

Master verse 24, 45, 49

Rebuked the wind verse 24

Winds and water obey verse 24

Heals man with seven devils verse 26- 39

Jesus verse 28, 30, 35, 38- 41, 45, 46

Son of God verse 28

Most high verse 28

Jesus –Son of God – most high verse 28

People gladly received HIM verse 40

Healing of Jarius’ daughter verse 41- 42, 49- 56

Healing of woman with issue of blood verse 43- 48

Virtue gone out verse 46

God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)

Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)

God verse 1, 10, 11, 21, 39

Kingdom of God verse 1 , 10

Word of God verse 11, 21

Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)

Evil spirits – demons – evil angels verse 2

Seven devils – demons – evil angels verse 2, 27, 33, 35, 36

Devil – fallen angel – Satan verse 12

Unclean spirit – evil angels – Legion verse 28- 30, 33, 35, 38

Legion verse 30

Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)

Infirmities verse 2

Chuza – Herod’s steward verse 3

Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)

Not seeing verse 10

Hearing but not understanding verse 10

Time of temptation verse 13

Fall away verse 13

Choked with cares verse 14

Choked with riches and pleasures verse 14

No fruit verse 14

Thought they were in jeopardy verse 23

Afraid verse 25, 35

Great fear verse 37

Laughing at Jesus verse 53

Scorned Jesus verse 53

Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)

Preaching verse 1

Showing glad tidings verse 1

Ministered verse 3

Give substance to ministry verse 3

Hear the word verse 8, 15

Fruit verse 8, 15

Believe verse 12, 50

Be saved verse 12

Fruit to perfection verse 14

Honest and good heart verse 14

Keep the Word verse 15

Fruit with patience verse 15

See the light verse 16

Hear the Word of God and do it verse 21

Faith verse 25, 48

Right mind verse 35

Witness verse 39

Good comfort verse 48

Peace verse 48

Fear not verse 50

Israel (Old Testament people of God)

Every city and village verse 1

Mary Magdalene verse 2
Joanna the wife of Chuza verse 3

Susanna verse 3

Mother of Jesus: Mary verse 19, 20

Jesus’s siblings verse 19, 20

Gadarenes verse 26, 37

Galilee verse 26

Jairus – ruler of the synagogue verse 41

Church (New Testament people of God)

Twelve verse 1

Disciples verse 9, 22

Peter verse 45, 51

James verse 51

John verse 51

Last Things (Future Events)

Kingdom of God verse 1, 10

DONATIONS:

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QUOTES regarding passage

15 Luke’s stress on the character of the individual is in contrast to Matthew’s reference (13:23) to “understanding” (synieis) the word. This is in accord with Matthew’s interest in comprehending the secrets of the kingdom (cf. Matt 13:11, 14–15, 19–25). The description “noble and good” (kalē kai agathē) is a Christian adaptation of an ancient Greek phrase. The word “heart” (kardia) means the spiritual, intellectual, volitional center of a person’s being, i.e., the whole person. This person is marked by singleness of purpose, unlike those of divided heart mentioned in Hosea 10:1–2 (cf. Ps 101:2 [100:2 LXX]—en akakia kardias mou [“with blameless heart”] and 1 Chronicles 29:17–19). Jesus’ emphasis here is not so much on whether a person perseveres but on the kind of person who does persevere. RSV’s “bring forth fruit with patience” (en hypomonē) is more literal and perhaps more accurate than NIV’s “by persevering produce a crop.” (Leifeld, W. L. (1984). Luke. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke (Vol. 8, pp. 907–908). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)

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Four kinds of people are represented by the four soils. All four kinds receive the same news. The first group consists of those who hear but do not believe at all, because of the work of the devil (v. 12).

The second group are those who listen and rejoice but then do not stick with the truth of the message for they have no root (v. 13). The fact that they believe for a while but … fall away means that they only accept the facts of the Word mentally and then reject it when “the going gets rough.” It does not mean they lose their salvation, for they had none to lose.

The third group are those who listen but never come to maturity (v. 14). These may be those who are interested in Jesus’ message but who cannot accept it because of their devotion to material things—life’s worries, riches, and pleasures.

The fourth group consists of those who listen, retain the Word, and … produce a crop (v. 15), that is, they bear spiritual fruit, evidence of their spiritual life. Their hearts were changed for they were noble and good.

As Jesus’ ministry progressed, it was evident that each of these groups surfaced: (1) The Pharisees and religious leaders refused to believe. (2) Some people rallied around Jesus because of His miracles of healing and feeding but refused to stay with His message (e.g., John 6:66). (3) Others, such as the rich ruler (Luke 18:18–30), were interested in Jesus but would not accept Him because of the strong pull of materialism. (4) Others followed Him and were committed to His Word regardless of the cost (e.g., 8:1–3). (Martin, J. A. (1985). Luke. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 225). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)

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The good soil (vv. 8, 15). This soil alone is fruitful. It illustrates the individual who hears the Word, understands it, receives it within, is truly saved, and proves it by patiently producing fruit (see 1 Thes. 2:13; 1 Peter 1:22–25). Not everybody produces the same amount of fruit (Matt. 13:8), but all true believers will produce some fruit as evidence of spiritual life. That fruit may include winning others to Christ (Rom. 1:13), money given to God’s work (Rom. 15:25–28), good works (Col. 1:10), Christian character (Gal. 5:22–23), and praise to the Lord (Heb. 13:15).

This parable shows that Jesus was not impressed by the great crowds that followed Him. He knew that most of the people did not really “hear” the Word and receive it in their hearts. He gave this story to encourage the disciples in their future ministry, and to encourage us today. When you consider how much teaching, preaching, and witnessing goes on in the course of a month or a year, you wonder why there is such a small harvest. The fault does not lie with the sower or the seed. The problem is with the soil. The human heart will not submit to God, repent and receive the Word, and be saved.

“Faith comes first to the hearing ear, not to the cogitating mind,” said A.W. Tozer, the much-quoted pastor and author. Faith is not a matter of IQ or education; it is a matter of humbly preparing the heart to receive God’s truth (James 1:19–21). The wise and prudent are blind to truths that are easy for the babes to understand (Matt. 11:20–26). (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, pp. 200–201). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)

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8:15 heard … hold … bear fruit. This constitutes evidence of true salvation. “Heard” is a reference to understanding and believing (Jn 8:31, 47). “Hold” refers to ongoing obedience (11:28; see note on Jn 14:21–24). “Fruit” is good works (Mt 7:16–20; Jas 2:14–26). (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Lk 8:15). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.)

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Our Lord used parables in order to arouse the attention of men. They would want to know the meaning if they were really interested. But of the great majority He said. “Seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not understand.” So the Lord Jesus used this parabolic teaching in order to make clear things that He wanted them to understand and to challenge them. But where there was no exercise of soul the parables would only serve to harden them. (Ironside, H. A. (1947). Addresses on the Gospel of Luke. (pp. 242–243). Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers.)

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The problem was all with the soil (the roadside soil, the rocky soil, and the ruined soil) just as the potential was all in the receptive soil.

We note the demonic factor in the roadside soil. “Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved” (8:12). There are the disturbances that detract even while the preacher is proclaiming the Word. There is the immediate roar of small talk the moment the benediction is announced. There is the critical dissection of the preacher at home around the kitchen table. Satan is busy snatching away the seed.

We note also the disappointment factor in the rocky soil, the factor of unbelief. “They hear, receive the word with joy,” Jesus said, “and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away” (8:13). Although they show immediate promise, underneath their hearts are of stone, worse than the soil by the roadside. They come forward when the invitation is given. They say the right words, pray an appropriate prayer, start to attend church, and rejoice in their new family of friends. But it is all very disappointing before long. The truth takes no real root in their hearts. Come the first breath of opposition or disagreement, off they go. They professed Christ but never possessed Christ in their hearts.

The deterring factor, so characteristic of the ruined soil, is the presence of thorns and thistles. They are already in place waiting to choke the life from the seed as soon as it is sown. The people depicted here have divided hearts. The Word of God is eagerly received and shows all of the early signs of having genuinely taken root. However, what these people really want are the material benefits of the faith rather than the spiritual blessings. They imagine that becoming a believer will guarantee wealth, health, and a joyride to heaven on flowery beds of ease. When these things fail to materialize, they drift away. The “cares of this world” overwhelm the poor, the “deceitfulness of riches” snare those who have great wealth, and “pleasure” becomes an end in itself for the affluent (8:14). Worry, wealth, and worldliness are all enemies of the gospel. The Lord says of such that they give some place to the Word when they hear it, but then they “go forth,” and it is choked. The word that the Lord used describes the bustle of an active life and the coming and going of people who are transacting business. In other words, they profess faith in Christ, but then it is “business as usual.” This world remains the predominant factor in the equation of life. They love this world rather than the world to come.

In contrast to the poor ground is the good ground: “they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience” (8:15). The word for “keep” can be rendered “hold fast.” The Lord demands a response of some sort to the proclamation of His Word. Honesty and openness will result in God’s Word taking permanent root in a human heart. Demonic activity, shallowness, materialism, and ulterior motives are primary causes for hearing God’s Word in vain.

Soil can usually be improved. No sower scatters seed on soil that has not been plowed and harrowed. Hard hearts can be softened. False beliefs can be uprooted. God’s kindness shows Him how to break up the soil of a human soul. (Phillips, J. (2009). Exploring the Gospel of Luke: An Expository Commentary (Lk 8:4–18). Kregel Publications; WORDsearch Corp.) (Phillips, J. (2009). Exploring the Gospel of Luke: An Expository Commentary (Lk 8:4–18). Kregel Publications; WORDsearch Corp.)

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FROM MY READING:

1 Thessalonians 3
Paul is not able to visit Thessalonica so he sends Timothy instead.
INSIGHT

Affliction is part of life. Sometimes circumstances afflict us; sometimes other people afflict us; sometimes we afflict ourselves. In the midst of affliction, we need encouragement. Paul writes that he sent Timothy to visit the Thessalonians “to establish and encourage” them because of their afflictions (vv. 2-3). Paul feared for their spiritual well-being. When we see others in the midst of affliction, we should be quick to encourage them. Rebuke, exhortation, counsel, and instruction all have their time and place, but encouragement is one of the most powerful ministries on earth.

(Quiet Walk)

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HOW TO TEST THE SPIRITS
…try the spirits… 1 John 4:1
How is this testing to be done? How are we to know whether certain spirits are true or false?
There are those who claim that the gifts of the Spirit are absolutely essential, and that unless men and women are able to manifest certain gifts of the Spirit, they have not received the Spirit. They say, for example, “You have not received the Holy Spirit unless you are able to speak in tongues or have done this or that.” They refer to a particular gift, and they say that if you have not experienced that, you have not received the Spirit, in spite of the fact that the apostle Paul asks the question, “Do all speak with tongues?”(1 Corinthians 12:30). The whole of chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians is designed to show that the gifts are distributed by the Spirit. He may or may not give these gifts, and the manifestation of gifts is not an essential proof of the possession of the Spirit.
But let me go on to particular matters. A very dangerous way of testing or examining the claim to having the Spirit is to judge in terms of phenomena, as in the gift of healing or the particular result of a ministry. These are the tests that are put up. People say, “Surely this man must be right. Haven’t you heard what he has been doing? Haven’t you heard of the cures he is able to bring about? Look at the results he has had.” The test of phenomena, taken alone, is an extremely dangerous one because evil spirits can work miracles; our Lord warned His followers that these spirits would be able to do such marvelous works.
The fact that people are full of fervor does not imply that they have the Holy Spirit. Evil spirits are often very fervent. Great excitement is not a proof of the Spirit; great energy is not a proof of the Spirit; much assurance or confidence is not a proof of the Spirit.
A Thought to Ponder: The test of phenomena, taken alone, is an extremely dangerous one because evil spirits can work miracles. (From The Love of God, pp. 21-22, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)

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Messages from the Messiah’s Life: True Character Revealed
“And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.” (Mark 14:3)
A few days before Passover, after the Lord Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, Jesus returned to Bethany with His close friends. Simon the leper offered his house as a gathering place (John 12:1; Mark 14:3; Matthew 26:6). We are not told who Simon was, but he might have been the only one of the 10 lepers who had been cleansed who actually came back to thank the Lord (Luke 17:17). This supper was a chance for Simon to show his appreciation for the Lord’s ministry.
Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, were at the dinner. Martha was serving. She had been gently admonished by Jesus sometime back (Luke 10:41-42), yet she still held to what was familiar to her, giving what she knew to give—her personal service to the Lord.
Mary, on the other hand, took “a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment. . . . Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, [said,] Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?” (John 12:3-5). This may be a hint of Judas’ family. If he is Simon the leper’s son, then we are shown a huge disparity between the father, now healed, and a bitter son who “was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein” (v. 6).
Martha, the servant; Mary, the generous disciple; Simon, the grateful host; and Judas, the bitter thief—all followers of the Lord on the surface. One, however, is not present to learn or to fellowship, but to advance his own agenda. (HMM III, The Institute for Creation Research)

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More than 24 years ago, Pam and her husband Bob were serving as missionaries to the Philippines and praying for a fifth child. Pam contracted amoebic dysentery, an infection of the intestine caused by a parasite found in contaminated food or drink.

She went into a coma and was treated with strong antibiotics before they discovered she was pregnant. Doctors urged her to abort the baby for her own safety, telling her the medicines had caused irreversible damage to her baby. She refused the abortion and cited her Christian faith as the reason for her hope that her son would be born without the devastating disabilities physicians predicted.

While pregnant, Pam nearly lost their baby four times, but still refused to consider abortion. She recalled making a pledge to God with her husband: If you will give us a son, we’ll name him Timothy and we’ll make him a preacher.

Pam ultimately spent the last two months of her pregnancy in bed and eventually gave birth to a healthy baby boy August 14, 1987. Pam’s youngest son is indeed a preacher. He preaches in prisons, makes hospital visits, and serves with his father’s ministry in the Philippines. He also plays football. His name is Tim Tebow! Oh and he’s now engaged to miss universe!

Had to share, gave me chills!

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Old Testament WORDS for Today by Warren W. Wiersbe

When Ezekiel ate the scroll (Ezek. 2: 8), he joined an illustrious fellowship of believers who have been spiritually nourished by the Scriptures. (p. 168)

Reading and hearing the Scriptures should be as pleasant an experience to us as consuming a sumptuous banquet. After all, receiving the Word of God into our hearts (Ezek. 3:10) is not punishment but nourishment and enjoyment. (p. 168)

Receiving spiritual truth is like eating food, and the truth goes into our mind and heart and gradually transforms our inner person. (p. 169)

Too many busy Christians swallow “religious junk food” that actually makes them weaker and not stronger. We should come away from our daily quiet time with the taste of honey on our tongue and the warmth of God’s love in our hearts (Luke 24:32), and we should meditate on these blessings during the day. (p. 169)

Many times the Lord has awakened me during the night and taught me truths I never saw while reading my Bible at my desk. God’s “night school” is worth attending. (p. 169)

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Treasures from the Greek New Testament by Kenneth S. Wuest

Word: GRACE: In the ethical terminology of the Greek schools charis implied ever a favor freely done, without claim or expectation of return… Thus Aristotle, defining charis, “lays the whole stress on this very point, that it is conferred freely, with no expectation of return, and finding its only motive in the bounty and free-heartedness of the giver.” Charis was also used to describe an act that was beyond the ordinary course of what might be expected, and was therefore commendable. (p. 16)

Both Luke (17:9) and Paul in Romans 6:17 and II Corinthians 8:16 use charis in its classical meaning of “thankfulness.” Peter uses the word in its meaning of “that which is beyond the ordinary course of what might be expected, and is therefore commendable,” in his first epistle (2:19, 20), where the words “thankworthy” and “acceptable” are the translations of charis which appears in the Greek text. (p. 17)

Thus the word charis comes to its highest and most exalted content of meaning in the New Testament. It refers to God’s offer of salvation with all that that implies, which salvation was procured at Calvary’s Cross with all the personal sacrifice which that included, offered to one who is His bitter enemy and who is not only underserving of that salvation but deserves condign punishment for his sins, offered without any expectation fo return, but give out of the bounty and free-heartedness of the giver. This means that there is no room for good works on the part of the sinner as a means whereby he could earn his salvation, or after salvation whereby he might retain that salvation. .Paul sets grace over against works as things directly in opposition to one another so far as the means of salvation is concerned (Rom. 4: 4-5, 11:6). But Paul is very careful to make plain that good works naturally issue from and are required by grace (Titus 2: 11-12). (p. 18)

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DAILY HOPE

Today’s Scripture

Numbers 23-25

Temptations come in many forms. It can be flattery, seduction, promotion, or finances to name just a few. Often it comes in something that looks harmless and perhaps as simple as not telling the entire truth when asked a question or taking a few minutes more for lunch than is allotted.

Israel was on the edge of the country of Moab, the size and military strength of the Israeli nation was a great concern for king Balak. Sending for Balaam is essentially Balak’s acknowledgement of a God greater than the one he worshipped. His desire was to tempt Balaam to deliver a prophecy for profit. The prophet Balaam had already spoken to the king’s messengers, stating he could only speak what the Lord commanded him and nothing else.

When Balaam arrived before the king, he again states that he can only speak what the Lord puts in his mouth (22:38). King Balak demands his assistance and seeks to have anathema put on the people of Israel. Five times Balak attempts to have a curse placed upon the nation of Israel and five times Balaam blesses Israel instead (Numbers 23: 1-12; 13-24; 25- 24:9; 10-19; 20-25).

Although the story ends here with Balaam leaving and returning to his home, the New Testament commentary concerning Balaam reveals that he did assist Balak in leading the people of Israel into temptation and sin. 2 Peter 2:15 and Revelation 2:14 state that Balaam taught Balak how to lead the people of God astray through idol worship and sexual immorality.

In chapter 25 we see the results of this instruction as Moses is directed to discipline the people of God after they had begun to worship Baal of Peor and “play the harlot with the daughters of Moab (25:1).” The sad ending of this failure was the death of 24,000 Israelites and hostility between the nation of Israel and the Midianites from that time forward.

One form of temptation can be avoided while another becomes a stumbling block and a deterrent to spiritual growth. We will face many forms of temptation that will require us to be wise in our speech and actions. Read 1 Corinthians 10 and note the details that Paul states how the Israelites were tempted. In verse 11 Paul then states, “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:11-12). May we be wise and flee when the appearance of temptation comes before us today!

In Expectant Hope, Pastor Miller

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