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I came to send fire on the earth

Text: Luke 12:49-53
18 January 2009

(I) THE PURPOSES OF THE LORD

1. The more apparent purposes

a) The purpose of soul winning

“The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.” Luke 4:18, 19

b) The purpose of preaching the kingdom of God

“But He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” Luke 4:43

2. The hidden purpose concerning the Lord’s coming

a) The purpose of bringing fire to this earth

“I came to send fire on the earth…” Luke 12:49

b) The earth is headed for destruction

(II) The reasons for hiding this purpose of sending fire

1. Priority of purpose is to emphasize soul winning work

a) The Lord sought to emphasize the purpose of soul winning first

b) This was a clear and gentle approach to reaching out

2. Progression of reaching out

a) His soul winning work will be rejected by some

b) The revealing of the sending of fire adds intensity to His outreach

3. Part of God’s plan to send fire

(III) A puzzling wish of the Lord concerning this purpose of sending of fire

“…and how I wish it were already kindled!” Luke 12:49

1. Making reference to the lighting of the judgment fire.

2. The fire kindled would make people aware of the impending judgment

(IV) Forewarnings of the sufferings to come on this earth

1. A forewarning concerning Himself on this earth

a) The Lord Jesus Himself had to face the baptism of suffering

“But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!” Luke 12:50

b) He would have to face great distress

2. The disciples’ misunderstanding of the hidden purpose of Jesus

a) They presume that Jesus only came to bring peace on earth

“ Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth?…” Luke 12:51

b) Division will come.

“…I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” Luke 12:51-53

(V) Respond to these challenges

1. Faith to understand the Lord’s purpose of sending fire to the earth

2. Fear the Lord as the Lord kindles this fire of judgment

a) Concern for yourselves

b) Concern for others

3. Forewarned is forearmed… of the sufferings to come