Luke 21:34-38

Luke 21:34-38

1. Let us learn the spiritual danger to which even the holiest believers are exposed in this world.
2. Let us learn the exceeding suddenness of our Lord's second coming.
3. Let us learn the special duties of believers in the prospect of the second advent of Christ.

"Excess in eating and drinking is not the only excess which injures the soul. There is an excessive anxiety about the innocent things of this life, which is just as disastrous to our spiritual prosperity, and just as poisonous to the inner man. Never, never let us forget that we may make spiritual shipwreck on lawful things, as really and truly as on open vices."

"The Gospel does not call on us to retire from earthly callings, or neglect the duties of our stations. It does not bid us retire into hermitages, or live the life of a monk or a nun. But it does bid us to live like men who expect their Lord to return."

"Let us leave the whole passage with a hearty determination, by God's help, to action what we have been reading. If we believe that Christ is coming again, let us get ready to meet Him."

Questions:

1. Ryle points out that this warning about watching out for drunkenness and the cares of this life were made to none less than Peter, James, and John who had given up everything to follow Christ! He also warns that it is not just excess eating and drinking that can ruin the soul, but excess anxiety about the things on earth. Are we largely concerned about great sins in our lives, or do we also watch out for lawful things as well?

2. Ryle rightly points out that, if we believe in the imminent return of Christ, no, we should not stop doing everything and put on a sandwich board, but we are to live and speak as if Christ could return at any moment. In what ways would this belief change how we are living today? What are ways we can have the second coming more clearly before our eyes day-by-day?

3. Ryle exhorts us, from this passage, to watch our habits of devotion with godly jealousy. Are we quick to run over times of prayer? Do we watch our souls and bring our cares to God? May God help us by His grace!