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DOUBLE EXPOSURE LUKE 13:14-30 The Lord exposes the hypocritical hearts of men . . . TWICE. Do you all ever get a touch of saintly hypocrisy going on? A bit of holy “do as I say, just not as I do” ? Followed by some lovely legalistic language ? 1. FIRST EXPOSURE: A RELIGIOUS FOOL Luke 13:14-16 Here is how Jesus responded to the ruler of the synagogue we met last Sunday. Do you ever get a tinge of the sanctimonious, pugnacious, pompous, pious, smugness going on? 2
BEDFELLOWS: LEGALISM AND HYPOCRISY The goodness of God was lost in his legalism! Jesus called the man “a hypocrite.” But He called the woman “a daughter of Abraham.” We wonder, did the petty ruler of the synagogue digest that sermon when he was left alone? Hypocrites are often confronted with their complete lack of love in that if they can’t enjoy a blessing, then nobody should! Does legalism and hypocrisy keep you from rejoicing at blessings in the lives of other people? 3
THE SECOND EXPOSURE 2. SECOND EXPOSURE: A FALSE FAITH Luke 13:17-30 Next, the Lord further exposes the hearts of men with TWO PARABLES—both windows of false faith. The parable of the MUSTARD SEED — Abnormality —fake prosperity and growth. The parable of the LEAVEN — Adulteration —the hidden horrors of sin. 4
THE PERIL OF FALSE PROSPERITY AND GROWTH A. First was the parable of the ABNORMAL mustard seed. Look how huge that plant is . . . it’s gigantic . . . it must be awesome! Actually, it was weird and abnormal growth. What the Lord is describing here is not the true church, BUT THE FALSE CHURCH —Satan’s counterfeit church; A BIG TREE with BAD THEOLOGY. 5
THE HORRORS OF HIDDEN DOCTRINAL SIN B. The parable of the ADULTERATED leaven also foretells of failure. Throughout Scripture, leaven is universally used as a type or symbol of inbred evil—or hidden sin. Christendom has been marked by phony development just as it has been marked by phony doctrine. The church today is riddled with it . . . it was then as well! 6
THREE DOCTRINAL DANGERS 1. The PHARISEES were religionists who promoted dead traditions and empty ritual and religious rules. They were Legalists. 2. The SADDUCEES were rationalists who denied the supernatural, the existence of spirits, angels, and the truth of resurrection. They were Libertines. 3. The HERODIANS were royalists. They were Politically Motivated and politically power hungry. 7
DON’T WATER DOWN THE TRUTH The church has had its share of those who would water down and distort its great truths—especially salvation. The real truth is there is only one gospel that saves. Not all roads lead to heaven, in fact only one road actually leads to heaven. Salvation is a free gift of grace through faith . . . but it is also exclusive to only those who believe. SO THE LORD SAYS THERE IS EXACTLY ONE NARROW GATE. In saying this, the Lord’s ministry became increasingly controversial and confrontational. 8
THE TIME FOR SALVATION IS NOW! There will not be an opportunity to be saved after you have taken your last breath; Purgatory is the fabrication of the Catholic Church and not found in Scripture. One day, “It will be too late,” Jesus warned. Once the door is shut, the opportunity to be saved is past; you will unfortunately hear: “Depart for I never knew you.” Jesus taught us HELL IS REAL and nobody should want or choose to go there. v. 27-28 The Jews got DOUBLE EXPOSURE —religious hypocrites/fools and filled with false faith; neither are “the Way” or “Truth” or Life.” NO NEED TO SUFFER DOUBLE EXPOSURE, SIMPLY GIVE YOUR LIFE TO JESUS TODAY! 9
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