Luke 20:41-47 (NIV)
41 Then Jesus said to them, “Why is it said that the Messiah is the son of David? 42 David himself declares in the Book of Psalms: “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand
43 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’
44 David calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”
45 While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples,
46 “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.
47 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”
Predators live by taking
from others.
There are different kinds of predators in the
kingdom.
sometimes behave like predators.
Jesus warned his disciples about
predators.
Spiritual predators don’t care enough about spiritual
(vv. 37-44).
“Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the Lord, the God of Israel, had given…. For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” —Ezra 7:6, 10
Spiritual predators feed on the
of others in three ways (vv. 46b-47a).
- They dress to
(v. 46b). - They expect
in public (v. 46c). - They try to get the
seats in the house—not to see better but to be seen. Spiritual predators will use spiritual position to
themselves (v. 47a).
Spiritual predators
impressively at religious activities (v. 47b).
Spiritual predators will be held
by God (v. 47c).
“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” —James 3:1
Big Idea: Don’t let spiritual predators consume your spiritual life.
People become
and spiritually by spiritual predators.
“Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.” —1 John 3:7
So do these four things to
yourself and protect yourself spiritually from spiritual predators:
“24 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you ahead of time.” —Matthew 24:24-25
- Be an active part of a biblically functioning
.
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings…. 17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”—Hebrews 13:7-9, 17
- Learn the truth of God’s word
.
“12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” —Hebrews 5:12-14- Evaluate all teaching against against the
of God’s word.
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” —John 8:31:32
“11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” —Acts 17:11the lives of those who influence you spiritually.
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” —Matthew 7:15-20
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” —Hebrews 13:7