INVESTIGATING THE CLAIMS OF JESUS--PART IV

SERMON TITLE: DEFINING THE TERMS OF A NEED

SERMON THEME: GO AND DO LIKEWISE

SERMON TEXT: LUKE 10:25-37

 

INTRODUCTION: HOW OFTEN DO YOU LOOK FOR EXCUSES TO ESCAPE

RESPONSIBILTIY?

LUKE 1:1-4

Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled[a] among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

 

·         THE CREDIBILITY OF CHRISTIANITY RISES AND FALLS ON THE IDENTITY OF JESUS OF NAZARETH.

 

LUKE 10:25-29

25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

 

·         WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU SEE PEOPLE IN TROUBLE?

 

THERE ARE THREE APPROACHES TO LIFE

 

I) WHAT IS YOURS IS MINE, AND I WILL TAKE IT.

 

LUKE 10:30

30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.

 

·         THERE ARE THOSE WHO WILL BEAT YOU UP.

 

PHILIPPIANS 2:4

4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

 

·         WE ARE CALLED TO HELP ONE ANOTHER, NOT STEAL FROM ONE ANOTHER.

 

II) WHAT IS MINE IS MINE, AND I WILL KEEP IT.

 

LUKE 10:32-32

32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.

 

·         THERE ARE THOSE WHO WILL PASS YOU UP.

 

 

GALATIANS 6:2

2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

 

·         TO LOVE GOD IS TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR.

 

III) WHAT IS MINE IS YOURS, AND YOU CAN HAVE IT.

 

LUKE 10:33-35

33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

 

·         THERE ARE THOSE WHO WILL HELP YOU UP.

 

EPHESIANS 4:32-5:2

32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 5 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

 

·         WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR? THE PERSON WE SEE IN NEED.

 

LUKE 10:36-37

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

 

CONCLUSION: WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE TO THOSE YOU SEE IN NEED?

 

JAMES 2:13

13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.