Luke 19:1-10

What a short story about a short man teaches me about serving God today

Jesus loves the small guy

Luke 3:12-13 - Many tax collectors of that day abused their power and collected more taxes than necessary.

James 2:2-4 - warning about being prejudiced for or against those with wealth

Romans 12:16 - Do not be wise in your own estimation.

The grumblers missed the point

Luke 15:1-2 - More grumbling about Jesus associating with tax collectors.

Luke 7:36-39 - the Pharisee grumbling about the woman anointing Jesus

We need to be careful not to miss the point. Religion is not about pomp or entertainment or elevating your status - it’s about serving God and saving souls.

Zaccheus was ready to repent, not brag.

Luke 18:18-23 - The rich young ruler.

We must not rest on our laurels!

I Timothy 6:11-12 - How is Timothy told to pursue gentleness but then told to “fight the good fight of faith” in the very next verse?

He was to fight with a spirit of gentleness, not to be overbearing and tear people down in his preaching.

Jesus is the perfect example of meekness (Matthew 11:29. Being meek does not mean that someone cannot help himself and has no authority, power, or ability to be asserted.

We should be gentle when giving spiritual help to someone. (Galatians 6:1

Ephesians 4:2 - What other qualities or actions go along with gentleness?

Humility, patience, tolerance, compassion, kindness, being peacable, being considerate

What are the practical benefits of a Christian being truly meek?

We are pleasing to God.

We make is easier for others to see God’s influence in our lives.

Earthly relationships become more peaceful and harmonious.

Meekness is not weakness. It is the controlled and appropriate use of the authority that comes from God.

How useless the earthly body is

John 19:38-42 - Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus tend to the body of Jesus

I Corinthians 15:35-50

What really mattered in a person’s life

Acts 9:36-39 - the people showing all the things that Tabitha had done and made

You have to do things you’re not ready to do

Luke 12:19-21 - The rich man was not prepared to die.

The value of hope through Christ

II Samuel 12:16-23 - David’s grief and hope for seeing his son in heaven.

I Thessalonians 4:13

I Timothy 4:13 - Read the word of God!

II Timothy 1:5

I Corinthians 15:20-26