December 6, 2015
Morning Service

Luke 13:1-9

 

This morning we will look at three parables in this chapter 13 of Luke.  The barren tree; the mustard seed; and the leaven. 

Let’s begin:

 

We always need to look at what’s happening before the parable is given in order to see why Jesus gave the parable.

 

Luk 13:1-21  There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.  (2)  And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?  (3)  I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.  (4)  Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?  (5)  I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 

·         These people were thinking that God had punished these people with these disasters because they were great sinners.  Jesus says, this is not the case, and except you repent you also will suffer death.  We don’t know what, when, or where, or how, we will die, but if Jesus tarries, we will all experience the first death.  We know by Scripture that all will not be dead when Jesus returns for the church.  ( I Thess. 4;13-18;  I Cor. 15. )

(6)  He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.  (7)  Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?  (8)  And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:  (9)  And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. 

·         A good Scripture for this parable is this one; 2Pe 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard;

·         The certain Man is God, the fig tree, is an Israelite, and the vineyard is nation of Israel.

and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. 

·         God came and examined the life of this Israelite, and found he was not producing any good fruit in his life.

(7)  Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard,

·         Dresser = the one who prunes, and fertilizes the vineyard.  The dresser is Christ, the preacher, the teacher, a Christian brother, anyone who is trying to cultivate fruits in a person.

Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down;

·         I have been patient with this person, and yet he, or she, still does not produce fruit.   Cut him down, and cast him into the fire. 

why cumbereth it the ground? 

·         Why do you allow this tree to ruin the soil around it?  Kill it, so the ground will get better.

(8)  And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:  (9)  And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

·         Lord, give me another year to work with this person.  The dresser is not wanting to give up on the tree.  He is wanting to continue working with it, hoping that it will eventually give forth fruit.

 

Now let’s look at this parable a little closer.

 

Last Sunday morning we had the parable of the Sower.  We found out that only 25% of the seed that was sown fell on good ground, and brought forth fruit.  What about the 75%?  Should we not try and cultivate the Word in them, so they can be saved, and bring forth good fruit?

We look at some of these people, and see the way they pollute the world around them, but should we just give up on them?  No, I think we should continue to work with them, hoping that they will turn around, and they will become good fruit bearers, willing to minister, or help cultivate others. 

All things that pertain to life and Godliness have been given unto us.  God has given us all the tools we need to be faithful to Him.  You can have just as much of God as you want to pay the price for. 

·         You can choose to be faithful to the assembly in any one, or all of our three services a week.

·         You can choose to make yourself available to work with the children, to serve in whatever capacity is needed.  Your decision.

·         You can choose to give of your financial means to the work of the Lord.  Your decision.

·         You choose how much you will read your Bible, and to hear from the Lord.  Your decision.

When you choose not to do these things, you are choosing not to be turned around, and get closer to your God.  Your choice, and decision.

 

How many times have you said to yourself, “I am going to get closer to my God”?  Which means doing the things above.  You will not be able to do it until you completely give yourself over to God, and ask Him to help you complete this desire.  Only God has the power, to give to you, the ability to overcome the desires of the flesh, and the things of the world.  You can’t do it without Him.

The good thing, He wants to help you. 

·         You must see yourself in the shoes of the rich young ruler, who ask Jesus, “what must I do to attain eternal life?”  Jesus told him, “go and sell all you have, give it to the poor, and come, and follow me.”  Total surrender.

·         Or, you find yourself in the pig pin eating with the pigs as did the Prodigal son.  His thoughts, “my Father’s servants have it better than I do, I will arise and return to my Father’s house.”

 

Recognize where you are in your relationship with God, then make the decisions to place yourself on the road to victory.  God stands with arms wide open, wanting you to come home.  He wants a closer walk with you.

 

 

ALMIGHTY GOD, HELP US TO ACKNOWLEDGE WHAT PAUL SAID TO THE CORINTHIANS,  “BE YE STEADFAST, UNMOVABLE, ALWAYS ABOUNDING IN THE WORK OF THE WORK OF THE LORD, FOR YOU KNOW YOUR LABOR IN THE LORD IS NOT IN VAIN.”  AMEN.