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Christian Network
Luke 14:15-24
The Parable of the Dinner Party (Luke 14:15-24)
1. THE WORK OF THE LORD IN SALVATION 15-17
a. God has made great Provision for the salvation of souls.
He was giving a big dinner party. "Happy the man who shall sit at the feast in
the Kingdom of God!"
b. God makes a great Invitation for the salvation of souls.
He had already sent out many invitations; again he urges "Please come,
everything is now ready".
2. THE WORK OF THE BELIEVER IN SALVATION 21-23
a. We have to Report to our Master.
If we have success, we must return thanks to God. If we have difficulty, we
must bring it to the Lord in prayer. He will encourage us with fresh
instructions. The Master was angry, but not with the servant!
b. We have to Exhort for our Master.
It is our responsibility as God's servants to deliver His urgent invitation to
those in the streets and alleys of the town, and along the highways and the
hedgerows in the countryside. Those who have not yet heard are said to be
poor, crippled, blind and lame. Such were we spiritually till we responded to
the Gospel. We are to "make them come in" -- not by force of arms, but by
force of argument.
3. THE RESPONSE OF THE RECIPIENT TO SALVATION 18-20; 24
a. Many who have received invitations Neglect them.
Every invitation bears an RSVP. Many boorish people fail even to bother to
reply. God graciously sends them a reminder (17).
b. Many who have received invitations Reject them.
Much is made of the excuses offered. They are all legitimate activities; but
if we put them before Christ we make idols of them, and dethrone Him. Such
rejection, if persisted in, is terminal (24).
c. Many who have received invitations Accept them.
Those who recognised their poor, crippled, blind, lame condition were quick to
come in; and yet there was room. Even the spiritual hoboes, down-and-outs and
drop-outs were persuaded to come too. God wants His house to be full, and it
will be, but only with volunteers!
______________________________________________________________________________
Ben
--
Revd Ben Crick, BA CF
232 Canterbury Road, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9TD (UK)
http://www.cnetwork.co.uk/crick.htm
