TODAY'S BARGAINOMICS BIBLE PASSAGE

I’m sure you’re “reviewed out” by now, so let me just hit the highlights: Jesus has taught the Parable of the Sower and followed the explanation with three statements:

(1) “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light” (Luke 8:16).

(2) “There is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open” (Luke 8:17).

(3) “Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.” (Luke 8:18b)

In this third statement, we see words of Jesus very similar to what’s been recorded in Matthew 13:12 and 25:29; Mark 4:25; and Luke 19:26. But look at what the Lord says at the beginning of Verse 18: “Therefore consider carefully how you listen.” See that word “therefore?” It’s a preposition. Meaning what? That it connects the current statement with the previous one. When you see the word “therefore,” remember it’s THERE FOR a purpose: to connect the previous passage.

So Jesus says to “consider carefully how you listen.” What has He just said? Look back at Verses 16 and 17: (1) If you have the Light, you’ll shine the Light; and (2) nothing you do wrong can be hidden from God; and (3) nothing you do in obedience to Him will go unrewarded.

I believe Jesus says to “consider carefully” because He wants the disciples then and the believers now to understand that there’s no “if” to it – a true believer reaches others for the Kingdom. Some people will wear out a church pew and still never see the Kingdom of Heaven.

“Whoever has will be given more.” The Lord has given His Holy Spirit to every person who puts his faith in Him. And those who, in gratitude and obedience, use their lives to bring God glory are filled to overflowing. Can you get more of the Holy Spirit than what you received at the moment of your salvation? I’ll let Jesus Himself answer that question: “how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13b).

“Whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.” Please don’t play church. Be real. Be real at home. Be real in your workplace. Be real everywhere you go. You don’t have to wonder or doubt whether or not you’re a believer in Jesus Christ – He tells you in word that believers will be recognized “by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16 and 20).

A pine tree can call itself a pear tree all day long, but the resulting fruit – or lack thereof – will be proof of what it really is. You can call yourself a Christian all life long, but it’s your resulting fruit that will prove what you really are. Examine your life. What kind of fruit are you producing?

“There is no justification without sanctification, no forgiveness without renewal of life, no real faith from which the fruits of new obedience do not grow.” (Martin Luther)

Unless otherwise stated, Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (NIV).