Epistle for June 4, 2010
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E-pistle
Dr. Dan Hite, President FreeWay Foundation June 4, 2010
The Judge Who Deserved Impeachment
(Luke 18:1-43)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. Jesus told the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust
judge, vv. 1-8; His purpose was to 1) encourage disciples in
continual prayer, and 2) strengthen their hearts in faith, v. 1.
2. Jesus told a parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector who
went to the temple to pray, vv. 9-14.
3. Jesus blessed the little children, vv. 15-17.
4. Jesus counseled the rich young ruler about spiritual values,
vv. 18-23.
5. Jesus taught that all things are possible with God, vv. 24-30.
6. Jesus again predicted His death and resurrection, vv. 31-34.
7. Jesus healed a blind man near Jericho, vv. 35-43.
II. Meditation: on what were this judge's offenses (vv. 1-8)
1. He did not fear God, v. 2 . . . he was an unbeliever.
2. He did not regard men, v. 2 . . . he showed no respect for others,
no honor, no love, no compassion, no understanding.
3. He refused to consider the widow's case . . . she was merely "small
potatoes". . . he was unjust because he, no doubt, would have given
much more courteous consideration to a rich person, vv. 3-4.
4. He gave her justice only to "get her off his back" . . . to give himself
some peace and quiet, v. 5 . . . an unworthy motive, indeed!
III. Revelation: on the spiritual implications seen here
1. If the unjust judge eventually did what was right, how much more
quickly will God, the Righteous Judge, avenge His own elect, v. 7.
2. Although God "bears long" (is long-suffering), He certainly does reward
His people who pray without ceasing . . . night and day, v. 7.
3. God "speedily" (at the first, best possible moment) will move in behalf
of His people who pray.
4. When Christ returns, He expects to find some believers who still have
faith, v. 8.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. See God as my loving Father, my source of all good blessings.
2. Pray continually with a strong heart of faith in His mercy and grace.
3. Recognize that God has a divine plan and a perfect timetable for my life.
4. Expect and be prepared for the return of Christ, the Righteous Judge.
Up A Tree!
(Luke 19:1-48)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. Jesus dealt with a tax collector named Zaccheus, vv. 1-10.
2. Jesus told the parable of a man who gave ten minas (a mina was about
50 shekels or three months' salary) to his ten servants, vv. 11-27.
3. Jesus entered Jerusalem to the "Hallelujahs" of the people on Palm
Sunday, vv. 28-40.
4. Jesus wept over Jerusalem; He cleansed the temple, vv. 41-48.
II. Observations: on the characteristics of Zaccheus; He was . . .
1. Economically wealthy, v. 2
2. Physically short, v. 3.
3. Mentally seeking, v. 3.
4. Emotionally open, v. 6.
5. Socially outcast, v. 7.
6. Morally dishonest, v. 8.
7. Spiritually lost, v. 10.
III. Meditation: on the spiritual lessons in verses 1-10
1. Jesus came, looked, and saw Zaccheus as a person, v. 5 . . . not as
"shorty" or "moneybags" or "thief." Jesus knew him personally
by name.
2. Jesus took the initiative, offering him friendship based on his worth as
a human being, v. 5:
* Personal * Urgent
* Immediate * Straight-forward
3. Zaccheus responded quickly and joyfully, v. 6.
4. Both Jesus and Zaccheus ignored their critics, v. 7.
IV. Revelation: on the results of the salvation which Jesus gave to Zaccheus
1. This salvation resulted in restitution to those Zaccheus had wronged . . .
his deeds proved his change of heart, v. 8.
2. It resulted in charitable giving to those in need, v. 8.
3. It resulted in a new family relationship, v. 9.
4. It resulted in Jesus' fulfilling (in part) His priority mission: "To seek and
to save that which was lost," v. 10.
V. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Make a sincere effort to "see" Jesus.
2. Realize that no matter what my physical appearance or profession, Jesus
knows, loves, and accepts me.
3. Understand that Jesus knows all about me, yet He cares enough to seek
me out personally in "family-like" compassion.
4. Stay awhile every day in Jesus' presence . . . which makes me want to
change my life, to make amends, and follow Him in seeking the lost.
"Since there is nothing so well worth having as a friend,
never lose a chance to make them."
- Francesco Guicciardini
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