Luke 20:27-40

Luke 20:27-40

1. We see in these verses what an old thing unbelief is.
2. We see what a favorite weapon of skeptics is a 'supposed case'.
3. We see something of the true character of the saints' existence in the world to come.
4. We see the antiquity of belief in a resurrection.

"It is not in reality an astonishing thing that there should rise up so many who call in question the truth of the Bible. The marvel is rather, that in a fallen world the sect of the Sadducees should be so small."

"For one thing, we have nothing to do with 'supposed and imaginary cases'. It will be time enough to discuss them when they really arise. Enough for us to talk and argue about facts as they are."

"A heaven where all the joy is spiritual, would surely be no heaven to an unconverted soul! Few subjects are so likely to cheer and animate the mind of a true Christian."

"Let us anchor our own souls firmly on this great foundation truth, "that we shall all rise again.""

Questions:

1. Ryle warns us that strange doctrines arising and pulling people away from the church should not be counted as a strange or rare thing. Rather, we should be surprised when there are so few of them! Does this change any preconceived notions in our thinking? How so?

2. Have you ever encountered fancied and invented stories from others to make a doctrine seem foolish? What encouragement does Ryle’s advice give you regarding such situations?

3. Ryle points out two truths revealed here about heaven: one, that it is a world of spiritual joy, and second, it is eternal. He also points out that those who are not spiritually minded now, will be no heaven to the unconverted. Do we long for the joys of heaven and being with God?

4. How often do we think of the resurrection of the dead? Ryle says it will cheer us in the day of trial and comfort us in the hour of death. How precious is this great promise! Let us put it before us often!