Luke 9:1-6

Luke 9:1-6

1. Let us observe that the commission to the apostles contained special reference to the devil and bodily sickness.
2. Let us observe that one of the principal works which the apostles were commissioned to take up was preaching.
3. Let us observe that our Lord charges His apostles, when He sends them forth, to study simplicity of habits, and contentment with such things as they have.
4. Let us observe that our Lord prepares His disciples to meet with unbelief and impenitence in those to whom they preached.

"The minister who neglects the sick members of his flock is no true pastor."

"A preaching ministry is absolutely essential to the health and prosperity of a visible church...The minister who exalts the sacraments, or forms of the Church, above preaching, may be a zealous, earnest, conscientious, and respectable minister; but his zeal is not according to knowledge. He is not a follower of the apostles."

"From no quarter has Christianity received such damage as it has from the hands of its own teachers. On no point have its teachers erred so much, and so often, as in the matter of personal worldliness and luxury of life. They have often destroyed, by their daily lives, the whole work of their lips."

"Let them work on patiently, and sow the good seed without fainting. Duties are theirs. Results are God's. Apostles may plant and water. The Holy Spirit alone can give spiritual life."

Questions:

This passage is particularly directed toward ministers, but, lest we forget, ministers are to set an example for the flock as well, and so there is much to glean for all here.

1. When we hear of a fellow brother or sister being sick, are we inclined to visit or avoid such situations? Also, are we known for opposing the works of the devil and using the grace of church discipline to win others?

2. Ryle says that the preaching ministry is essential to the health of the church. To what degree do we value this part of our worship? If the minister is to give primary effort and prayer to this labor, do we equally labor and pray to hear and be changed by what we hear?

3. The Bible tells us that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, and that we are to store up treasures in heaven, and not on earth. Would those who know us best be able to say that we live in light of these truths?

4. Are we discouraged when our labors bear no fruit? What will we do, even today, to ensure that this truth – namely that we labor and God brings the grow – is etched into our hearts?