Take Thine Ease

I. THE DEFINITION OF EASE

A. Historically

1. At rest
2. At peace
3. In comfort

B. Scripturally

1. Full strength and quiet (Job 21:23)
2. Careless (Isaiah 32:9, 11)
3. In rest and void of fear (Jeremiah 46:27)
4. Settled (Jeremiah 48:11)
5. Free from burden (2 Corinthians 8:13)

II. THE DESIRE FOR EASE (Luke 12:16-19)

A. The Presence of Blessing (Luke 12:16)

1. He already had possessions—“a certain rich man”
2. His blessings increased—“the ground…brought forth plentifully”

B. The Initial Push (Luke 12:17-18)

1. He sought a plan (Luke 12:17).
2. He came up with a plan (Luke 12:18).
a. I will pull down my barns.
b. I will build greater barns.
c. There he would bestow all his fruits and goods.

C. The Plan for Ease (Luke 12:19)

1. The thought of plenty—“thou hast much goods”
2. The thought of provisions—“laid up for many years”

III. THE DESTRUCTION OF EASE (Luke 12:19-21)

A. The Neglect (Luke 12:19)

1. Why did the ground bring forth plentifully?
2. Was it ever God’s will for him to build bigger barns?
3. Did God allow the increase so that he could feed others less fortunate?

B. The Distraction (Luke 12:19)

1. Instead of labouring
2. He is eating, drinking, and being merry

C. The Frustration (Luke 12:20-21)

1. In name—“Thou fool” (Luke 12:20)
2. In deed—“this night thy soul shall be required of thee” (Luke 12:20)
3. In suggestion—“then whose shall those things be” (Luke 12:20)
4. In principle
a. “Rise up, ye women that are at ease; hear my voice” (Isaiah 32:9)
b. “Tremble, ye women that are at ease; be troubled” (Isaiah 32:11)
c. “Woe to them that are at ease in Zion” (Amos 6:1)
d. “I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease” (Zechariah 1:15)