Luke 4:22-32

Luke 4:22-32

1. We learn how apt men are to despise the highest privileges, when they are familiar with them.
2. We learn how bitterly human nature dislikes the doctrine of the sovereignty of God.
3. We learn how diligently we ought to persevere in well doing, notwithstanding discouragements.

"It is an evil day with our souls, when Christ is in the midst of us, and yet, because of our familiarity with His name, is lightly esteemed."

"Let us settle it in our minds that, whether we like it or not, the sovereignty of God is a doctrine clearly revealed in the Bible, and a fact clearly to be seen in the world...Let us pray for humility in respect of this deep teaching.

"Whether preachers, or teachers, or visitors, or missionaries, they must labor on and not faint. There is often more stirring in the hearts and consciences of people than those who teach and preach to them are at all aware of."

Questions:

1. Do we approach the Bible, the preaching of the Word, the Lord’s Table, and the gathering of God’s people lightly? Do we take seriously that the one to whom God looks is the one who is humble, and contrite, and trembles at God’s Word?

2. What does the Sovereignty of God do in our hearts as we hear those words? Does it produce in us humility or anger? Disbelief or thankfulness? Why?

3. How do we count success in whatever service God has called us into? Do we press on faithfully if we don’t see worldly success in faith that God is working?