Kingdom Values (Woes)
Luke 6:24-26

1. The cursed pillar of prosperity
24  “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.” Luke 6:24 (ESV)

The Greek word for woe (ouai) is more a word of lamentation than of condemnation. Deuteronomy 8:18

Riches cause people to feel self-sufficient and to feel that they have found the happiness for which they were seeking.

20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20 (ESV); Hebrews 11:24-26

2. The cursed pillar of plenty
25  “Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry . . .” Luke 6:25 (ESV)

This is probably a reference to people who are sinfully or carnally full and spiritually empty. Colossians 3:1-2; John 15:11

3. The cursed pillar of the party mentality
25   . . . “Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.” Luke 6:25 (ESV)

The word for laughter is often tied to that which is boastful, self-satisfied, condescending, or rejoicing in harm that others experience. (Darrell Bock)

5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. James 5:5 (ESV)

(A) It Is Short
Ecclesiastes 7:6- For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity. Job 20:5

(B) It Is Shallow
Proverbs 14:13- Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.

(C) It Is to Be Switched to Sorrow Over Sin
James 4:8-10...Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

4. The cursed pillar of popularity
26  “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets. Luke 6:26 (ESV)

This is a warning not to fall into the trap of courting acceptance for one’s message at the expense of truthfulness. (Darrell Bock)

31  the prophets prophesy falsely . . . my people love to have it so . . . Jeremiah 5:31 (ESV): 2 Timothy 4:3

10  For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 (ESV)

*Outline by Rod Matoon