[Practical Application Review – Week 12]

Greetings,

I truly hope you are enjoying time in the Bible every week.  There is wisdom inside of every single chapter of God’s Word.

This week, we continue in the book of Luke.  Have you learned something new from the Bible recently?  I truly hope you are enjoying this program (with us).

Schedule – Week 12:

Please read and/or listen to Luke 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

Even though reading and listening to the Bible being read is valuable, our primary goal is learning to live the Bible (to the best of our ability).

For “every” chapter:

Step 1: Select a passage of interest

Step 2: Identify area of teaching

Step 3: Consider a practical application

Now let us explore an example (of our three-step process) for each of these five chapters…

Text #1: Luke 12

   Passage: (vv. 16-21)

   Teaching: A rich man gathered in many crops and decided to expand his storage area (building bigger barns).  He contemplated resting, eating, drinking and being happy for many years to come (unaware that death may come any moment).  He forgot to store away treasure in Heaven also.

   Application: I am grateful for Heaven’s blessings in this life.  Honestly, I must also invest into the lives of other people, which promises a far greater reward than merely hoarding for myself.

Text #2: Luke 13

   Passage: (vv. 6-9)

   Teaching: This fig tree had not produced any fruit for three years.  The property owner decided the land should not be wasted and the tree must be cut down.  A laborer petitioned to allow him this season to work and fertilize the soil (as final attempt).

   Application: I prefer not to be considered by God as one not producing any fruit and in need of replacing or removal.  My life (God’s investment in me) must always grow and give to others in need.

Text #3: Luke 14

   Passage: (vv. 15-24)

   Teaching: Many were invited to a great supper.  Unfortunately, the excuses for not being able to attend included a land purchase, livestock and getting married.  The Master and Lord continued to look for anybody who was willing.  Those who said no missed out entirely.

   Application: I have no interest in missing out on what my Lord Jesus has prepared for His followers.  Everything else in this life must be of lesser interest to me.

Text #4: Luke 15

   Passage: (vv. 11-24)

   Teaching: The younger son requested and took his inheritance and went away.  Once the money was gone, he returned to his father in desperation.  This prodigal son was welcomed back into the arms of his loving dad.

   Application: Honestly, I feel so fortunate to have such a loving Heavenly Father.  One who desires each and all of His distracted and misguided children to return home to Him.

Text #5: Luke 16

   Passage: (vv. 19-31)

   Teaching: A rich man used to live lavishly while poor Lazarus was starving and in poor health.  Both men died and experienced very different treatment in the afterlife.  The rich man now was being tormented and Lazarus was now being comforted.

   Application: May we never see any selfish opportunities in this life on Earth as being more important than our eternal rewards.  My life and resources are supposed to be shared with others around me, especially those who are most needful.

“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),

Shawn Episcopo

ThruTheNewTestament.com