30th Mar 26 | 13:54
Studies by Book
Luke 15 1-7 To seek and to save the lost - part I The lost sheep 03 Not to be partial or a hypocrite
📖 Luke 15:1-7
25Jan2020 - *Not to be partial or a hypocrite* - _Luke 15:1-7_ - Bible reading: _James 2:1-13_
_Luke 15:1-3 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. (2) And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them." (3) So He spoke this parable to them, saying:_
We have begun with the study of the 15th chapter of Luke and we have titled this chapter as *To seek and to save the lost*. This is the heart of God and this is how our heart needs to be too. The Lord desires that we always remain in a state of surrender and dependence on Him, for it is only in our submission to God that we can experience His concern for the lost.
The three parables in this chapter are addressed to the Pharisees. The Lord is speaking to them so that they will display the heart of God for the lost and go and find them rather than remain in their self-righteousness.
Very easily we can become hypocrites in this matter for we seek goodwill from people as well as from God. The apostle Peter had this problem. He was burdened for the Gentiles but in front of the Jews, he behaved as though he was a Jew, who does not mingle with the Gentiles.
_Galatians 2:11-12 Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; (12) for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision._
God hates our dual standards. We need to be genuinely burdened for the lost amongst us. _James 2:1-13 My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. (2) For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, (3) and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, "You sit here in a good place," and say to the poor man, "You stand there," or, "Sit here at my footstool," (4) have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? (5) Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? … (12) So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. (13) For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment._
*Thought to ponder*
```Lord, please give me an undivided heart that is full of Your love for the lost.```