Luke 10

LUKE 10 - Jesus sends 72; Samaritan

NOTES BY VERSE

Note: each ** comment in this document is listed in numerical order according to the verse(s) from this chapter

** Will you make yourself available to God? Will you say, "Lord, I will labor in Your field"? No matter how much money you make, what career you follow, or whether you’re married or single, will you commit to never stop being available to God as a laborer in His field?

Who knows whether God has not put you where you are, at this moment, for such a time as this? This world is getting darker. The only hope for our world is a spiritual awakening. We have to get the gospel out. We have to redouble our efforts as never before because time is short. The devil knows this and, certainly, he is redoubling his efforts. He’s trying to drag as many people down as he possibly can. We need to go out and make a difference while we can! <L120> (Jul 2024)

Luke 10:2 NIV

[2] He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

Mark 16:15-16 NIV

[15] He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. [16] Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

** If we are to serve Jesus, we must have a sense of mission as well as a message <R1795>

• There are people who are ready to come to the Lord and need to hear the gospel message

• As the 72 ministered, they were to pray not simply that those who heard would believe but they would become workers; the goal is multiplication

• We are to provide the message despite the inconvenience, potential dangers and no assurance our efforts will have a positive result

• While fulfilling this command, trust in the Lord and He will protect and guide as needed!

Luke 10:2-3 NIV

[2] He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. [3] Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.

Luke 10:9 NIV

[9] Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’

Luke 10:16 NIV

[16] “Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”

Proverbs 3:21-23,25-26 NIV

[21] My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; [22] they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. [23] Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. [25] Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, [26] for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.

** Jesus repeated instructions to the 72 He sent out, as He did with the 12 disciples

• Members of this larger group were to depend on God and resources provided by others

• This event reminds us how IMPORTANT it is to be hospitable and sensitive to God's call and to provide for others!

Luke 10:4,7-8 NIV

[4] Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. [7] Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. [8] “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you.

Luke 10:10-12 NIV

[10] But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, [11] ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’ [12] I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.

Luke 10:33-35 NIV

[33] But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. [34] He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. [35] The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

Luke 10:38 NIV

[38] As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.

** What does the Bible have to say about socialism? You find a man-made anti-God system going against the main tenets found in Scripture <M1491>

• Scripture affirms the dignity of WORK

Ephesians 4:28 NIV

[28] Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

• Scripture affirms PRIVATE PROPERTY (Ex 22)

Exodus 22:9 NIV

[9] In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any other lost property about which somebody says, 'This is mine,' both parties are to bring their cases before the judges. The one whom the judges declare guilty must pay back double to the other.

• Scripture condemns THEFT

Exodus 20:15 NIV

[15] “You shall not steal.

• Scripture condemns COVETOUSNESS

Exodus 20:17 NIV

[17] “You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

• Scripture promotes SAVING

Proverbs 13:22 NIV

[22] A good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.

• Scripture promotes THRIFT

Proverbs 21:20 NIV

[20] The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.

• Scripture promotes LAND ownership (Acts 4)

Acts 4:33-37 NIV

[33] With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all [34] that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales [35] and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. [36] Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), [37] sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.

• Scripture promotes INVESTMENT (Matt 25)

Matthew 25:20-21 NIV

[20] The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.' [21] “His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

• The laborer is worthy of his WAGES

Luke 10:7 NIV

[7] Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

• FOLLOW GOD, not man

• In a Marxist state, the laws of man always override the laws of God
• Leaders in socialist countries always suppress Christianity because Biblical truth empowers citizen-hostages to break free of Marxist control <M1508>

• In this light, beware of blending Christianity with politics (as postmillennialists and ‘Christian Nationalists’ advocate) because, as history tells us, it leads to a state-run church where authority is then given to the state instead of God

• Don’t confuse getting involved in politics with joining a political party – it means sharing the gospel and advocating for God’s truth in the world He has placed us <K122>

• Consider ‘politics as applied morality’ <A14>

• Followers of Christ are to keep their focus on what truly matters: that Christ came to die for our sins and resurrected for our salvation; if we don’t get this right, we lose everything! <G77>

Acts 5:29 NIV

[29] Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!

** God provides what we need to do His calling and will protect us while abiding by His will

Luke 10:17-19 NIV

[17] The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” [18] He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. [19] I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

** The enemy seeks to divide and conquer by instilling doubt in the minds of those following Christ <M1501>

• Today's society is quick to ignore God, thinking that solving problems with limited human intellect is going to accomplish desired solutions

• Satan loves to plant those who follow the world (Christian and non-Christian alike) among God's people to get them questioning their beliefs and denouncing God's ways

• The enemy's aim is to sow division among as many as possible and get believers to turn from God

Jude 1:19 NIV

[19] These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

• How are faithful followers of Christ to respond to those sowing and 'buying into' worldly doubt?

• Be merciful to those who follow the world, and bring them to a place where they recognize God's truth and show them the need to be led by the Holy Spirit

• Remember there are different stages of spiritual maturity and discernment within the Christian community

• Use opportunities to draw people's attention to God

Jude 1:22-23 NIV

[22] Be merciful to those who doubt; [23] save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear---hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

1 Peter 3:15-16 NIV

[15] But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, [16] keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Psalm 133:1 NIV

[1] How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!

• At the same time, recognize those who are double-minded Christians that know better yet still refuse to adhere to the Holy Spirit

• There comes a point when we move on (wipe the dust off our feet) from those who remain obstinate, to be able to focus our energies in other areas

• In time, any love that is constantly rejected must ultimately fail <R1795>

• It’s best to know when to ‘let go’ and use our energies toward more-successful ways

Luke 10:10-11,16 NIV

[10] But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, [11] 'Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.' [16] “Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”

** Satan is often referred to as the Prince of the Air

• Could this be why there is increased talk of UFOs today, to get people accustomed to supernatural events in the sky when the Rapture of the church occurs? <G70> (Dec 2023)

• The notion that believing and following UFOlogy is a salvation-related construct is the clearest 'tell' that we are dealing with demons

• Since our generation is so Biblically-illiterate, demons can get away with this show out in the open because we don't have the knowledge of the Word of God to recognize we are engaged in spiritual warfare <D40>

Luke 10:18 NIV

[18] He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

Ephesians 2:1-2 NIV

[1] As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, [2] in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

Revelation 12:9 NIV

[9] The great dragon was hurled down---that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

** We are God's messengers and He uses us to reveal Himself to the world; remember these three words when evangelizing

AUTHORITY

• All authority is given to Jesus who is absolutely sovereign

• The One who has all authority calls us and gives us authority to share His message because God wants all people to come to Him

• The message we carry is God's message which is true and the only way to salvation

• Recipients should be motivated to accept the changing power of God based on the message, not simply a feeling

Matthew 28:18-19 NIV

[18] Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Luke 10:19-20 NIV

[19] I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. [20] However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

ACTION

• We need to put into action what we know to be true and share it to the ends of the earth (all cultures)

• Let everyone know that God loves them!

• The Great Commission has two parts: evangelism and discipleship

1. Evangelism = sharing the gospel of Jesus' death and resurrection

• Our message needs to reveal God's way of dealing with sin so we can establish a relationship with Him; it isn’t just about doing good things but making a choice to believe and sacrificially follow Christ

• Our message must be honed to suit the listener, understanding from where they are coming

2. Discipleship = teaching and encouraging the young believer to learn and follow

• One’s decision to follow Christ should involve the necessity for sanctification and growth

• Being a disciple is more than following religious rules but having one’s life reflect a change and desire to grow in Christ

• Encourage and instruct people so they know how to continue to grow in Christ

ASSURANCE

• Sometimes there is a fear when sharing the gospel but remember the Holy Spirit provides us with wisdom, words, timing and power

• We are not guaranteed of positive results such as accepting the offer of salvation

• Understand God will sometimes use us to plant seeds, laying foundation for a future decision

• Whatever the result, we can be assured or confident that something will happen <C31>

Acts 1:8 NIV

[8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

** The “morning star" in Isaiah refers to a charismatic leader form of Lucifer who will fall during the End Times

• The fall if the Antichrist will be similar to Lucifer falling during the account of Eden; perhaps not before Eden as most believers assume

• Lucifer had a lot going for him but pride caused his fall, as will be the fall of the Antichrist

Isaiah 14:12 NIV

[12] How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!

Luke 10:18 NIV

[18] He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

Revelation 12:7-9 NIV

[7] Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. [8] But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. [9] The great dragon was hurled down---that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

Ezekiel 28:12-13 NIV

[12] “Son of man, take up a lament concerning the king of Tyre and say to him: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “ ‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. [13] You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: carnelian, chrysolite and emerald, topaz, onyx and jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared.

Ezekiel 28:16-17 NIV

[16] Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. [17] Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.

Ezekiel 28:4-7 NIV

[4] By your wisdom and understanding you have gained wealth for yourself and amassed gold and silver in your treasuries. [5] By your great skill in trading you have increased your wealth, and because of your wealth your heart has grown proud. [6] “ ‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “ ‘Because you think you are wise, as wise as a god, [7] I am going to bring foreigners against you, the most ruthless of nations; they will draw their swords against your beauty and wisdom and pierce your shining splendor.

** What does ‘falling away’ (KJV) or ‘rebellion’ (NIV) or ‘apostasia’ (Greek) refer to?

• Note: 2 Thess 2:3 is one of the most contested verses in Scripture

• Does the Greek word 'apostasia' refer to a spiritual falling away or a physical departure, the rapture of the Church?

2 Thessalonians 2:3 KJV

[3] Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition

2 Thessalonians 2:3 NIV

[3] Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.

What does ‘apostasia’ mean and who is doing it?

• Strong’s definition: defection from the truth, a falling away or to forsake

• Departure implying desertion, leaving from previous standing <B20>

• Two schools of thought in interpreting this word: a) spiritual or moral departure; b) physical departure

• Some believe apostasia refers to a spiritual defection, not physical standing, and the apostasia refers to the Holy Spirit removed from His role as the Restrainer <G71>

• We know the Holy Spirit dwells in the Church for a period of time while we dwell on earth; the Church is sealed with the Holy Spirit until the Day of Redemption (rapture)

• Analogy: the Hoover dam (acting as the Holy Spirit or Church) holding back water (evil); if it were to be removed, then 10 million acres would be flooded just as all Hell will break lose when the Church-Restrainer is taken away

2 Thessalonians 2:6-8 NIV

[6] And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. [7] For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. [8] And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.

1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV

[19] Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own

Romans 8:11 NIV

[11] And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV

[13] And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, [14] who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession---to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 4:30 NIV

[30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

What must come before ‘that day’ or the Tribulation?

• If the Church sealed with the Holy Spirit has the power and can prevail against the gates of Hell, then we KNOW the Church is not here for the Tribulation because the Antichrist will have dominion over the saints at that time

Matthew 16:18 NIV

[18] And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Luke 10:19-20 NIV

Revelation 13:5,7 NIV

[5] The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise its authority for forty-two months. [7] It was given power to wage war against God's holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation.

** Depend on the Holy Spirit to reveal the ways of God

• The ‘wisdom of this age’ relies on human senses and leaders to gather information and puts gathered data together

• But human senses and intellect cannot grasp what God is doing in the world <R1795>

• Man cannot understand God through human or scientific logic so pray that God opens our eyes and hearts to His wisdom

• “Mystery” refers to truth known to God before time, kept secret only for God to reveal to us in His perfect timing

• His truthful wisdom will eventually glorify and save sinners! <M130>

1 Corinthians 2:6-7 NIV

[6] We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. [7] No, we declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.

Luke 10:21 NIV

** Those who think they are wise do not understand spiritual matters as designed by God; we need to be open, flexible and trusting as little children

Luke 10:21 NIV

Luke 10:23-24 NIV

[23] Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. [24] For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

** The Church of England is ready to change or remove the actual words of Christ as witnessed by his disciples and remove pronoun references to God as “Father” (2023)

• Apparently it doesn't matter that Jesus actually said the words they want to change

• Jesus repeatedly referred to His Father as "Father" over 150 times in the New Testament <A14>

Luke 10:21-22 NIV

[21] At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. [22] “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

• Christ has a stern warning for anyone who alters His words, understanding the slippery slope of changing their meaning and creating Him in an image that suited a narrative

Revelation 22:18-19 NIV

[18] I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. [19] And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

** If Jesus quoted Scripture when confronting Satan's temptations -- continually referring to "what is written" -- then followers of Christ can assuredly obey and depend on the Word of God <N152>

A few examples...

Luke 4:8 NIV

[8] Jesus answered, “It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.' ”

Luke 10:26 NIV

[26] “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

John 6:45 NIV

[45] It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.

** Loving your neighbor involves having mercy on them

Luke 10:33-35 NIV

Luke 10:36-37 NIV

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” [37] The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

** The comparison between Mary and Martha is helpful for believers, to remember the need to prioritize Jesus in their Christian journey <F60>

MARTHA:

• Distracted from Jesus

• Chose to prepare for Jesus

• Stood on her feet for Jesus

• Prioritized the physical instead of Jesus

• Busied by many things

• Worried and upset about everything

• Attacked Mary for not doing anything

• Was upset at Jesus

• Needed to do what she wanted

• Wanted to take Mary away from Jesus

• Earthly minded in the temporal

MARY:

• Focused on Jesus

• Chose to listen to Jesus

• Sat at the feet of Jesus

• Prioritized the spiritual because of Jesus

• Blessed by the one and only best thing

• Calm and peaceful, worried about nothing

• Defended by Jesus for doing the right thing

• Blessed by Jesus

• Wanted to do what she needed

• Took herself away from Martha to be with Jesus

• Heavenly minded in the eternal

Luke 10:38-40 NIV

Luke 10:41-42 NIV

[41] “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, [42] but few things are needed---or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

John 12:25 NIV

[25] Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Colossians 3:2 NIV

[2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

** Life gets busy when people prioritize daily life tasks above their walk with God

• Life becoming overwhelmingly busy is exactly what the enemy of God wants

• Satan wants everyone to be distracted and keep their eyes off of what is most important, namely their relationship with God

• Focussing on God must be priority number one, above anything else

Questions every Christian should ask themselves:

• Do you use family 'busyness' as an excuse to spend less time with God?

• Have church tasks overshadowed the time needed to develop your relationship with God?

• How much time is spent reading books ABOUT God's Word than reading the actual Bible?

• Does work and/or personal entertainment take priority in your life?

• Do you worry that your bank balance may not suffice or do you ultimately rest in the fact that God will provide when needed?

• Is God's will in your life based on what YOU want or is it really what GOD desires? Have you even prayed about it?

• The Christian's life is to look dramatically different than the way the world operates; is that true of your life in Christ?

Luke 10:38-42 NIV

[38] As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. [39] She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. [40] But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” [41] “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, [42] but few things are needed---or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

** We are to prioritize the things of God over what we think is important – over that which is vying for our attention at any given moment

Luke 10:39-42 NIV

[39] She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. [40] But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” [41] “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, [42] but few things are needed---or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

** There are countless ways to serve Jesus, but our worship must come first <L120>

• Some believers make the mistake of allowing their work for God to overshadow their worship of God

• They convince themselves that what they say or do is indispensable to God’s kingdom

• Somehow what they do for Him is more important than spending time with Him

• They believe their ministry is vital to the success of the Christian faith -- that God needs them!

Luke 10:41-42 NIV

• Newsflash: God doesn’t need us

• Another newsflash: Everything that believers do must emanate from our worship of God

• Worship is the source of our power and effectiveness, so it must be our top priority

• Worshiping God is the source of our spiritual power and energy

• What we do WITH Christ is far more important than what we do FOR Christ

1 Peter 1:15-16 NIV

[15] But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; [16] for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV

[3] We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 6:33 NIV

[33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

** There are many Christians, however, who do not habitually choose the best things — but second-rate things. They labor for the food that perishes, when they might labor for the food that endures unto everlasting life. Even in their prayers, they ask for temporal blessings, when they might ask for spiritual treasures!

It is not worth our while, to toil and moil, and strive and struggle — to do things that will leave no lasting results when our life is done — while there are things we can do which have eternal significance! <M136>

Colossians 3:1-2 NIV

[1] Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Luke 10:42 NIV

[42] but few things are needed---or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10.

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