Putting it into Practice
Title: Sermon 4 Putting it into Practice
Main Verse: Luke 10:25-37
Key Thought
Any expression of Love requires action. Likewise, loving God and others requires us to shift ourselves into motion toward others. One of the clearest illustrations of this kind of active love is seen in the Good Samaritan. Here, Jesus demonstrates what loving others is like. And here we will learn this will cost us two things: our money and our time.
Our best expression of Loving God, is by loving His Church and loving other people toward the church.
Review Sermon Series thus far
- The Gospel is only power that saves humans
- We are to love all humans in the hopes that they may receive the Gospel
- We are to keep loving even when things are difficult
Background on the “Good” Samaritan:
Historical Markers of the Samaritan Culture:
- The King of Assyria invades the region (2 Kings 15:5)
- The Assyrian people settle in the region (2 Kings 17:24)
- The people from this region were antagonistic toward God’s work (Ezra 4:1-24; Nehemiah 4:2)
- They also rewrote the 10 Commandments to include that God must be worshipped at Mt. Gerizim
Consider:
- Are the Samaritans off base theologically?
- Was there cultural and political tension between these two groups?
- Did their religious customs depart from Jewish customs?
- Did Jesus know all of this?
This immense distance and tension between these groups (the Jews and the Samaritans) does not negate God’s command for these groups.
Key Passage, Luke 10:25-37
- We cannot exegete our way out of loving our neighbor (vs. 25-29)
- Jesus illustrates what love (mercy) actually looks like (merciful care, kindness).
- Jesus has the right to not only set the command, but define the terms of our obedience
- Loving people with whom you differ is what set apart Christian hospitality.
- “Radically ordinary hospitality characterizes those who don’t fuss over different worldviews represented at the dinner table. The truly hospitable aren’t embarrassed to keep friendships with people who are different.”
- “Knowing your personality and your sensitivities does not excuse you from ministry. It means that you need to prepare for it differently than others might.”
- “Let God use your home, apartment, dorm room, front yard, community gymnasium, or garden for the purpose of making strangers into neighbors and neighbors into family. Because that is the point—building the church and living like a family, the family of God.”
- “Radically ordinary and daily hospitality is the basic building block for vital Christian living. Start anywhere. But do start.”
Application:
Take a risk by inviting someone into your personal space.
- Listen to their story
- Learn about their pain
- Share about the hope you have
TALK IT OUT:
- In the story of the Good Samaritan Jesus demonstrates what loving others is like. Pastor Rusty observes, “Our best expression of Loving God, is by loving His church and loving other people toward the church.” How are you currently doing this?
- The Samaritans were off base theologically, culturally and politically. They were at odds with God and did not conform to the spiritual guidelines given in the law. Jesus knew all of this, but in the story of the Good Samaritan demonstrated that the differences and tension between the Jews and Samaritans did not negate God’s command to love them. Who do you find it difficult to love? If you do what Jesus teaches here, how should you change your attitudes toward those you find difficult to love?
- Pastor Rusty applies the lessons of this parable by reminding us we need to listen to other’s stories; learn about their pain and share God’s hope with them. Among those you know, who do you need to: listen to, learn about, and share with this week?