Luke 6:6-11

Luke 6:6-11

1. We are taught the lawfulness of doing works of mercy on the Sabbath day.
2. We are taught the perfect knowledge that our Lord Jesus Christ possesses of men's thoughts.
3. We are taught the nature of the first act of faith, when a soul is converted to God.

"We must take heed that we do not abuse the liberty which Christ has given us."

"Let the remembrance of our Lord's perfect knowledge always exercise a humbling influence upon our souls. How many vain thoughts, and worldly imaginations, pass through our minds every hour, which man's eye never see! What are our own thoughts at this moment? What have they been this very day, while we have been reading, or listening to this passage of Scripture? Would they bear public examination? Would we want others to know all that passes in our mind?"

"But we may boldly make the assertion, that in the act of striving to draw near to God, they shall find God drawing near to them, but that if they deliberately sit still, they must never expect to be saved."

Questions:

1. With an eye to the Sabbath again, what is our view on this doctrine and are we seeking to be faithful to it?

2. Ryle mentions that the same God who read the thoughts of the Pharisees, knows all our thoughts today as well. Would our thoughts this past hour be pleasing to Him? How useful would this doctrine be in fighting sin if we really believed it?

3. I don’t know about you, but this last point is very helpful! True faith acts! The man with the withered hand was only able to be healed because he obeyed the command of Christ to move. Do we draw near to God believing He will draw near to us?