"Another Lesson Concerning Treasure"

Presented on December 7, 2025

Main text: Luke 12:22-34

Preached by Pastor Rich Chasse

Note: This sermon ended up not discussing the passage in Luke; instead the pastor used the opportunity of a recent event to discuss the importance of Bible study and proper interpretation.

Summary

This sermon focuses on Bible Study 101, providing seven essential questions for proper biblical interpretation. The pastor addresses challenges from a visitor who made unbiblical claims about foot washing and spiritual gifts, using these as teaching moments. He emphasizes the importance of approaching Scripture with prayer, understanding context, reading the text plainly, and distinguishing between description and prescription. The sermon covers topics like spiritual gifts, signs and wonders, baptism, and proper application of biblical principles, all while maintaining that Scripture must be interpreted consistently and literally where appropriate.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather together to study Your Word, we ask for Your Holy Spirit to guide our hearts and minds. Help us to approach Your truth with humility and openness, ready to receive what You want to teach us today. Give us wisdom to discern Your voice and the courage to apply Your principles to our lives. May our discussion draw us closer to You and to one another. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one study habit or learning technique that has helped you understand something difficult in the past?

Key Verses

1. 1 Corinthians 2:14
2. Luke 1:1-4
3. John 13:14-16; 1 Peter 4:10; Luke 22:18-19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-24
4. John 10:8-9
5. Acts 5:12-16; Hebrews 2:3-4
6. Acts 2:38; 10:43; John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9
7. Matthew 5:29

Questions

1. Why is prayer essential before and during Bible study, and how does the Holy Spirit's role in interpretation affect our understanding?
2. How can understanding the original audience and purpose of a biblical text help us avoid misinterpretation?
3. What's the difference between taking Scripture literally and understanding figures of speech or metaphors in the Bible?
4. How do we distinguish between biblical passages that describe historical events versus those that prescribe actions for us today?
5. Why don't we see the same signs and wonders today as described in the Book of Acts, and what was their original purpose?
6. How do we handle apparent contradictions in Scripture, and why is it important to let Scripture interpret Scripture?
7. What role does baptism play in salvation according to the consistent teaching of Scripture?
8. How do we properly apply biblical principles to our modern context without losing the intended meaning?

Life Application

This week, choose a passage of Scripture you've struggled to understand and apply the seven Bible study questions from this sermon. Begin with prayer, research the context, read it plainly, and ask whether it's describing an event or prescribing an action. Look for consistency with other Scripture and determine what timeless principles apply to your life today.

Key Takeaways

• Always approach Bible study with prayer, recognizing our need for the Holy Spirit's guidance to understand spiritual truths
• Context is crucial - understanding the original audience, purpose, and cultural setting prevents misinterpretation
• Scripture should be taken literally in its normal sense, while recognizing figures of speech that convey literal truths
• Signs and wonders in the early church served to authenticate the Gospel message before the New Testament was complete
• Salvation is by faith alone through grace alone, not by works including baptism, which is an act of obedience following salvation

Ending Prayer

Lord, thank You for giving us Your Word as our guide and authority. Help us to be faithful students of Scripture, always seeking Your truth with humble hearts. Give us wisdom to rightly divide Your Word and courage to live according to its teachings. May we grow in our understanding of You and become more like Christ through our study. Protect us from false teaching and help us to stand firm on the solid foundation of Your truth. In Your precious name, Amen.