watch & listen to series messages
Sermon notes
Part 1
Sermon Notes: Acts 20
Practice What You Preach
Intro: “Do As I Say Not As I Do”
“Do as I say not as I do.” The main thought I have for you this Sunday is this: Practice what you preach.
Movement 1: The Mission Is Everywhere (v. 1-6)
In verses 1 through 6 Paul is doing quite a bit of traveling, and I want to show you this here in a moment. But we need to think about what’s happening here for a second. These last few years for Paul have been intense. He’s preaching and everything’s going well in Ephesus, and then God lets him do extraordinary miracles! People touch his skin with a handkerchief and bring it back and heal people. Right after that, the sons of Sceva think they learned the secret sauce and they try and fake it and they are beaten by a demon and stripped naked in the streets. Then there’s this huge revival in Ephesus caused by fear and people burn their books and the word of God prevails mightily. After that a riot breaks out and he could’ve potentially lost his life in it.
And now, after the uproar ceases, he gathers the disciples, encourages them, and leaves. Everywhere he is going he is encouraging people. He realizes before he hops on a boat that a group of people want to kill him, so he takes a walk back the other way from where he came. No sense in losing your life over this. And then we learn he has dear friends, from all over the world he has preached to, and they decide they are going to go with Paul on this journey. I love it! You know who else joins him? Our author of the book of Acts, Luke is back on the scene! How do I know that? Because of our pronouns, church. In verse 6 it says but “WE” sailed away from Philippi and we came to Troas. Luke is back with Paul on this leg of the journey. We get serious details here also that seem to only be possible from an eyewitness account. 5 days we came to them at Troas, we stayed for 7 days and on and on. Very powerful details to prove more of the validity of your Bible as historical truth.
But what’s the point? It’s that Paul takes every opportunity, in every area of his life, to do the work of the ministry. We learn that in every way, on a boat, at port, in houses, in the streets, wherever Paul is, he is living on mission. Practicing what you preach means living out the gospel wherever you go.
I think many people live in the mindset of “I’m going to do my Christian duty, drop a few bucks in the plate at church, wear the right clothes, say the right thing in front of the right people.” And I’m not even knocking that. Hear me clearly in all love and sincerity, church: What I am coming against is the idea that you can live 2 very different lives at one time and say that you represent Christ. It is not okay to say you are a Christian and Jesus Christ is the Lord of your life on Sunday and live like hell Monday through Saturday.
Here’s how you can do that and I’m just calling out the areas where I see it most: I praise Jesus with hands lifted high Sunday morning, and then I don’t work hard with those hands in my place of employment because that doesn’t matter, that’s just my day job, it’s not gospel work. I listen to a sermon Sunday morning, but I don’t listen to my spouse, or my kids. I give to my Amazon cart like it’s a starving kid in Africa but man I don’t tithe because, “We don’t have money for that.” Last one, I use these eyes to watch hours worth of my phone and these lips to speak all sorts of things when it serves me, but I don’t spend any time reading the word or encouraging others.
Look, I’m not here to knock you into the dirt. I’m just speaking from my own experience. Can I remind you that today, if you want to change and make healthy habits and rhythms, Jesus will meet you with such grace for your life? Scriptures are quite radical in how God’s understanding of grace works. Yes! You are free! And you are allowed to fail! Welcome to being a human! I fail all the time, just call my family and ask! But to apologize, ask for forgiveness, and to move forward imitating Christ more, and taking advantage of grace are two separate things. Paul will answer this for us in the book of Romans:
Romans 6:1-4
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
What’s he saying? You are new! Walk in the newness of life! Let those old things die, walk away from stupid habits and walk in the newness of life. Practice what you preach wherever you go and in all circumstances. You are one human being, don’t live different lives around different people and in different circumstances. Live out the gospel wherever you go.
Movement 2: Faith and the Miraculous (v. 7-12)
Let’s keep going in chapter 20. In verses 7 through 12, this is a preacher’s nightmare! Paul preaches such a great sermon that this young guy named Eutychus falls asleep sitting in a window sill, and falls out of a 3-story window to his death. Man, I’ve had some real bang-up days, don’t get me wrong but I’ve never preached such a boring message that some dude falls asleep and literally falls to his death. I cannot wait to corner this dude and Paul in heaven and figure out what the heck happened here.
In all honesty, I do take great comfort when people fall asleep in church. It’s like when you fall asleep when someone else is driving, you have really got to trust the person driving to be able to sleep while they drive. I feel the same way when someone’s had a hard weekend and I can put them to sleep in a pew. Or at least that’s what I tell myself to stop from crying.
So what happens next, is Paul goes down, embraces him in his arms, and I believe that God miraculously heals this Eutychus. To really sink this Bible story in your mind, you’ve got to realize something: Eutychus is the Greek word for lucky. Can you imagine the church telling this story, drenched in irony, about Paul’s luckiest sermon, to the luckiest guy? It’s just too good. They pick him up, he seems to be fine, so they share a meal and they take communion together as they remind themselves of the Lord and how our great God, the Father Almighty sent His son Jesus Christ, who is God the Son, the second person of the Godhead, to take on flesh and dwell among us and to ultimately die on a cross for my sins and for yours that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. Communion is us coming together and proclaiming His death until He comes. So now that he has everyone’s attention and people are not wanting to fall asleep and die in church like the lucky fella, he continues to preach. Then, after they are comforted, Paul continues his journey.
Our main point today is clear from this text: DON’T FALL ASLEEP IN CHURCH OR YOU’LL DIE!!! No, I’m kidding, that’s obviously not our main point. Our main point actually is: It takes great faith to practice what we preach. Do you believe that your God can do the miraculous? Do you believe that God has put men and women in your life who love you and are willing to share God’s word and ways with you? Do you believe that God will give you what you need to live out the gospel? I believe all of that, and that, my friends, is faith. Because I don’t think I can do any of these things. I don’t believe any given week I have what it takes to open up this Bible and preach to you. But I do have faith in an amazing God. I have faith that Jesus is who He said He is and did what He said He would do. And I believe that God gives us the strength by faith to practice what we preach.
Movement 3: The Big Break is Now (v. 13-16)
In verses 13 through 16 Paul continues on his journey and we learn he is trying his best to get to Jerusalem for Pentecost. You remember Pentecost? That was when the Holy Spirit came upon the believers in Acts 2. Super powerful time. Had to be there. Well, Paul felt the same way!
I think a quick point here, is that it’d be easy for Paul to dodge all of the work of the ministry and for him to put it on his calendar and just say, “When I get to Jerusalem like the Holy Spirit told me to, that’s when I’m going to really start doing ministry.” He could’ve done that! I think the point is this: Practicing what you preach is the mission! Paul isn’t waiting for Pentecost in Jerusalem as his big break to do ministry. The big break, and get this today, the big break is the life that God gave you. Your relationship with Jesus is your big break! Your spouse is your big break! Your family is your big break! Your church is your big break! The place God has called you to live is your big break! Your job is your big break! This life, whatever it amounts to on whatever platform you have been given, this is it! Give it all for the kingdom of God! This is the gospel work!
I have a dear friend named Kora who’s 100 years old and she famously says, “There is one life to live, it soon will pass. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” I believe that so much. You know what she told me last time I saw her? She has done amazing mission work throughout her life and in the world, and she’s still living for Jesus in a nursing home now as her body isn’t what it once was. You know what she asked me? She said, “Pastor Aaron, I want to use every last breath and moment for the kingdom of God. Is there anything I can do to serve Jesus here?” Man, what I’d give to clone that woman. She has got it! At 100 years old she is still wanting to give it all for the kingdom of God. That is practicing what you preach. This is the mission. Live every day like it is the mission of God, there is no other way.
Movement 4: Paul’s Farewell and Charge (v. 17-38)
His Example and Mission (v. 17-24)
Now in verses 17 through 35 Paul makes it to Miletus, he asks the Elders of the church to come visit him there. And then he drops a bit of a bomb on them. Here’s, in a nutshell, what he says:
- His Example of Ministry (vv. 18–21)
- His Present Mission (vv. 22–24)
- His Final Goodbye (vv. 25–27)
- His Charge to the Elders (vv. 28–31)
- His Commendation and Example (vv. 32–35)
This is just such a hard thing to read and hear. You know, many times I look at the Apostle Paul’s life and forget that he’s just a man, and he’s a pastor. This is one of those times where I read this and thought, Lord I’m just so thankful for the work you’ve called me to do and I’m so thankful for this church family. It is my greatest privilege to be your pastor. And I can see how Paul got so emotional with these people at this moment. He only spent 3 years with them, and that doesn’t sound like a lot of time to me. I’ve been here a year and a half and I believe that God has woven my heart into the fabric of this church.
So let’s walk it through. In verses 18-21 He gives his life as an example. Not an example instead of Jesus, but an example as he followed Jesus. Paul didn’t act like a religious celebrity and expect people to serve and honor him; he just wanted to be serving the Lord with all humility. Is that not our goal? His teaching, his trials, his tears, all of it! He’s practicing what he preaches.
And then in verses 22 through 24 he tells them his current mission. The Spirit is leading me to Jerusalem, and it’s going to be painful. All he knows is there are some really intense things waiting for him. He values life only insofar as it allows him to finish his course and ministry, testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.
Not all of us get to see what God has for us ahead. And I think that’s actually the grace of God for many of us because who knows if we’d have the same response Paul does to what’s waiting for him. See here’s the thing about grace I learned: God doesn’t give us grace for made up scenarios in our head. He gives us real grace for our real life. Have you met a Christian that’s just been going through hell? A loss of a family member, a cancer diagnosis, financial hardships, and have you had the thought, man I don’t know what I would do. You’re probably right! You don’t know what you would do. I don’t have the grace to live in that situation because it’s not mine. God gives us real grace in our real lives because he really cares for us. Can you hear the words of Jesus over you today?
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Whatever it is you are facing, know that there is a God that loves you, cares for you, and has grace to offer you as you practice what you preach.
Final Goodbye and Charge (v. 25-31)
Next is his final goodbye to them in verses 25 through 27. He knows he won’t see them again and then shares with them that he declared to them the whole counsel of God. I love this. If you were in the position to not see someone again, the greatest thing you can do is give them Jesus with everything you’ve got and teach them to follow after Jesus. It is my goal to teach you the whole counsel of God, the entirety of the Bible. And you know what we are going to do when we finish? Do it again, and practice more of what we preach until Christ calls us home or until He returns. Which didn’t happen this week by the way. If any of that was shocking to you, I’d love an opportunity to sit and chat with you all about it.
Here’s the big deal in his charge in verses 28-31: Pay careful attention to yourselves and the flock. Shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood. Fierce wolves will come in, not sparing the flock. Even from among them, men will arise speaking twisted things. People are going to try and persuade you of the next best thing in Christianity. And if you pray hard enough, and have enough faith, and name it and claim it’s all yours! No, absolutely not! The best thing that happened in Christianity is that the Father sent the Son, Jesus, to live and then to die in your place and lavish you with the free gift of eternal life! That’s already happened! Now we live it out and practice what we preach. Do not allow anyone to persuade you away from Jesus. If it sounds too good to be true outside of the free gift of grace, it IS too good to be true! Therefore, stay alert, remembering Paul’s years of admonition with tears.
His Commendation and Example (v. 32-35)
His last piece is to commend them and share his final example in verses 32-35: let’s read this together as a church:
Acts 20:32
I commend you to God and the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
This is a beautiful verse. God’s word will build you up and teach you of your inheritance. How powerful is that? If you are going to practice what you preach, well, you’re going to need to know what you preach. The Word of God teaches us this. There is no other way than to get into the word. Paul shows how he labored for this church with his own hands so he could be a blessing to that church, notice how he quotes Jesus words, it’s more blessed to give than to receive. That is a thought that only comes from Christ, the world did not reveal that to Him, Jesus did through the word of God. Practicing what you preach means your life becomes the sermon people remember.
The Emotional Farewell (v. 36-38)
Let’s look at verses 36-38 together for a moment. When Paul finished speaking, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And they cried together, they embraced each other, they kissed each other. I don’t think for a moment that Paul was this sort of super emotional guy, but I do see something very clear happen here when they realize they won’t see his face again and they walk him to the ship to sail away: Practicing what you preach is real life. There is no other way to live the gospel without giving your heart, soul, and mind to the work God has called you to. This is just as much your life’s work as it is my life’s work as it was Paul’s life work. We have got to get this right. Now more than ever people are seeing how the church, people of faith are responding to real life. Think about Erika Kirk who told millions of people that she forgives the young man who killed her husband. You know why that’s shocking? Because that is what Christ did! And it is what He calls us to do. Don’t look at me or Erika or anyone else and think man, they’ve got this whole thing figured out. No we don’t! But Jesus does. He’s got this figured out and He calls us to do what we can with what we have.
Conclusion
Your life, my life, is preaching something at all times. Don’t forget that today. Your kids are listening. Your community is listening. This world is listening. My prayer for you today is that your lips, your actions, in your coming and in your going, you would have the aroma of Christ exuding from you. Jesus made it very clear, they will know that you are my disciples by your love for one another. Let’s practice what we preach today.
Let’s worship our King!
Part 2
Text: Acts 21:1-26
Intro:
This journey of the Apostle Paul—destined for Jerusalem—began while he was still in Ephesus.
- (Acts 19:21-22 ESV) Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”
- After going through Macedonia, he continued to Jerusalem:
- (Acts 20:16 ESV) For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.
Remember that Jerusalem was a hostile environment for the Apostle Paul. Among the Jewish leaders, he was known as a traitor. Before his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, plots were already underway to kill him there.
- (Acts 9:29 ESV) And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him.
Outline:
- The Journey to Jerusalem (21:1-7)
- The Danger in Jerusalem (21:7-14)
III. Becoming All Things to All Men (21:15-26)
Movement 1: The Journey to Jerusalem (V1-7)
- Missionary Journeys: Not Tourism, but Obedience
- The missionary team of the Apostle Paul made extensive travels through what is now Türkiye and Greece, carrying the gospel across cultures and continents. Their journeys were not for sightseeing, but they were on mission with God.
- When I set out in 2019 to serve at a Bible college in Italy, I received an anonymous text accusing me of using God’s money to travel the world. The words stung. Yes, I was enriched through that journey—but not as a tourist. I went in obedience to Christ’s call, pouring out and receiving in return, often at great personal cost. The enrichment I gained from two decades of missionary service was never the goal, but the byproduct of obedience. The Apostle Paul understood this:
a. (Rom. 1:11-12 ESV) 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. - Mission is not about chasing experiences. It is about obedience to the call of Christ, for His glory, and for the good of His people.
- The Hospitality of God’s People (21:4)
And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days.
- Everywhere I have traveled in the world, I have found hospitable Christians. Even in places of deep economic hardship, believers have been eager for fellowship and willing to share whatever they have. Their open doors and generous hearts testify to the love of Christ that transcends culture, language, and circumstance.
- I remember a time in Serbia when we visited a family who were materially poor but spiritually rich…
- When I look back on these experiences, I realize that Christian fellowship is one of the greatest gifts God gives us when we are on mission with Him. We may cross oceans to serve, but along the way we discover that God has His people everywhere—marked not by abundance of possessions, but by abundance of love.
Movement 2: The Danger in Jerusalem (V7-14)
- The Love for the Apostle Paul (Acts 21:4)
(Acts 21:4 ESV) And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.
- The Difficulty. This passage presents a difficulty we must address: Was the Apostle Paul being disobedient to the will of God? Some argue that he should not have continued his journey to Jerusalem. Looking ahead, we see that upon his arrival, he was beaten, faced assassination attempts, was arrested, and ultimately spent four years in Roman custody.
- The Principle of Context. Just as in real estate, the mantra is “location, location, location,” in interpreting Scripture, the rule is “context, context, context.” You can take verses out of context to make them mean anything you want them to. To interpret Acts 21:4 correctly, we must view it in context.
a. Previous Prophecies
i. In his farewell address to the Ephesian elders, he declared:
ii. (Acts 20:22-24 ESV) 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God (emphasis added).
iii. The Apostle Paul was convinced by the Holy Spirit that he should go to Jerusalem. He understood that the Spirit was warning him of suffering ahead, yet he willingly accepted it.
b. The prophecy of Agabus
i. (Acts 21:10-11 ESV) 10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’”
ii. When you stop and examine this verse closely, the Spirit doesn’t say not to go, but only that the Apostle Paul would be bound or imprisoned (Acts 20:23).
c. The Apostle Paul was walking into a political firestorm, and he knew it!
i. It makes me think of Charlie Kirk, who became a martyr for his faith…
d. The People’s Interpretation.
i. Because of their love for the Apostle Paul, the people concluded, “Don’t go!” They were afraid of what was going to happen to him…
e. Paul’s Tenacity
i. (Acts 21:13 ESV) Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart?
ii. The Apostle Paul is saying, “You’re breaking my heart. You’re weakening the resolve of my spirit and discouraging me from finishing my course…
f. Apostle Paul’s Decision.
i. (Acts 21:13 ESV) I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
ii. God revealed to the Apostle Paul what awaited him in Jerusalem, yet the choice to go remained his. Compelled by the Spirit and confident in God’s call, Paul pressed forward—not shrinking back from suffering, but embracing whatever lay ahead…
iii.
… I stayed because I wanted to be faithful to finish the course and the ministry I had received from the Lord Jesus (Acts 20:24).
iv. That season taught me this: true authority doesn’t come from position or title—it comes from faithfulness and obedience, even when it costs us something.
g. The Conclusion
i. (Acts 21:14 ESV) And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”
ii. After a deeply emotional discussion, the believers came to see that Paul’s path to Jerusalem was not merely his own determination, but the very will of God—and they surrendered him into God’s hands…
iii. The lesson for us is clear: our concern for others can sometimes lead us to urge them away from costly obedience. Faithful obedience may look reckless to people who care for us, but we must resolve to follow God’s plan for our lives. Just as Paul pressed forward despite the warnings, we too must be willing to follow God into difficulty, confident that His call is worth the cost.
Movement 3: Becoming All Things to All Men (V15-26)
- The Jewishness of this Text
The Jewishness of this text can be confusing to us Gentiles. The question arises, why would the Apostle Paul get entangled in all this Jewish ritual? We’ve seen him ministering to Gentiles and making it clear that people can’t be saved by the works of the Mosaic Law. It’s only through the gospel of grace. But now the Apostle is entering an entirely different culture…
- Paul’s Ministry Principle
(1 Cor. 9:19-23 ESV) 19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews…
- This passage reveals the driving force of the Apostle Paul’s ministry: to present the gospel across cultures so people might be saved. As has been said, “If you haven’t preached the gospel so the hearer can understand, you haven’t truly preached the gospel.”
- In our context, the Apostle Paul not only longed to reach the unbelieving Jews, but he also wanted the Jewish Christians to be able to receive his ministry.
a. (1 Cor. 9:20 ESV) 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. - There were aspects of Jewish practice Paul could still participate in without compromising his faith in Christ. For example, we see him take a vow:
a. (Acts 18:18 ESV) At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow. - The Nazirite Vow
a. This vow, like the one taken by the four men in Jerusalem, was most likely a Nazirite vow (Numbers 6). It was essentially a vow of separation… At the conclusion of a Nazirite vow, certain offerings were required:
i. Grain Offering – thanksgiving.
ii. Peace Offering – fellowship with God.
iii. Drink Offering – dedication.
b. Of course, Paul would not have offered a Sin Offering, since Christ had already been sacrificed once for all. Yet he could still participate in the offerings of thanksgiving, dedication, and fellowship—expressions of worship that allowed him to identify with his fellow Jews without compromising the gospel. - In Acts 21, Paul even took on the expenses for the four men completing their vows, a tangible act of support that showed his love for his Jewish brothers and his desire to remove obstacles to the gospel.
- We Are All in a Cross-Cultural Ministry
- Cross-cultural ministry isn’t just about traveling overseas—it happens from one generation to another…
- Later, when I became a parent, I had an epiphany…
- That principle carried into how I relate to younger generations… And without conversation, there is no way to influence others with the truth of the gospel.
- Through these interactions, I’ve been enriched and humbled…
Ministry can lead us to difficult situations far from home and even to dangerous places. It can also be challenging to be willing to humble yourself to reach other cultures. But when we surrender to the will of God, it’s the most fruitful and fulfilling experience.
Part 3
Introduction to Luke
Bible Project-
I really love the way the bible project shows us a visual commentary/overview of different books of the bible. I want to share this wonderful video with you and then tear into it a bit together by way of introduction.
My teaching style
Here is the way I’m going to walk you through this book. I want to teach you the bible. That’s my heart. I want you to know your bible so well. One of my most cherished verses in the bible is what Pastor Rusty shared with us and over me last week. It’s found in
Joshua 1:8
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Sometimes in sermon writing, us pastors can get excited about a word or a point and it’s not the main word or point. So I’d like to teach you the bible first and foremost. And then I’d like to, by way of application, preach the word. I’d like to show you a few words and points that we can take with us afterwards into our everyday life. This will be my most common approach to this book. It’s the only way that I feel that we can do it justice. So you may find me saying write this down, or highlight this in your bible, etc. I’m not certain of what tools you bring with you to church. I, most times, will bring my iPad and a paper bible. I don’t hand write my notes anymore because my writing looks like Egyptian hieroglyphics. But I take notes on my iPad and sometimes I even just read my bible from my iPad because I’ve got 3 kids and don’t have enough hands to carry all the things I want to carry. I’m old school in the sense that I still prefer a paper bible, but man does crossway’s ESV and Youversion ever have a good bible app, amen? I’m not concerned with which bible you have, digital or hard copy, just that you have one and a way to take notes in some way. Not because I think I’m anything special that you need to take notes, but I believe in the work of the Holy Spirit in my life and in your life and that we should take note of where the Spirit leads us in understanding His word together; Are you with me?
Paul on Trial:
I’m going to take you on a journey with me to understand why our beloved Luke writes both Luke and Acts. See, Luke, as we have learned, is a gentile doctor. Luke is a brilliant man who loves Jesus and I believe that this happens to every Christian at some point: You stop, and look at your life, and you say, “God, how do I use all that I am for your glory?” So Luke uses his writing skills, his research skills, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, He writes some of the greatest literature known to human history. But Why? Here is the greatest theory, and I believe in it wholeheartedly and will show you from the scriptures why I believe in it.
Put your mind in the bible with me for a second; at the very end of the book of Acts. Paul is awaiting trial, not just for his life but for the sake of the gospel. The gospel is on trial, Jesus is on trial. Are you with me? Paul is in need of a document that can comprehensively share what it is that he believes and what has happened, accurately, from the moment Jesus is born, to the very moment he is awaiting trial. I believe, for such a time as this, that Doctor Luke is given a God ordained opportunity to use all that he is for the kingdom of God and writes a profound account of the life, teachings, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus who is the Christ and the birthing of the Church in all of her glory. Therefore, the Gospel of Luke, and Acts, becomes a 2 part Testimony and court document that will display Jesus and His good news for the world to see, amen? Now with that Lengthy introduction, Let’s partake of the Gospel of Luke together.
The first four verses of Luke’s gospel are one sentence in the original Greek. They are written in refined, academic, classical style. But then, for the rest of the gospel, Luke didn’t use the language of scholars but of the common man. Through this, Luke says to us, “This account has all the proper academic and scholarly credentials, use it. But it is written for common people like you and me to understand.” Luke wrote so that people would understand Jesus, not so they would admire his brain and literary skill. This is a key concept for you and I when we evangelize or share the good news, isn’t it? Would you give them Jesus? That’s what they need. Don’t share how great your brain and skills are, they don’t need that, it won’t get them into right relationship with Jesus. Give them Jesus and let his Spirit do the work, amen?
Verse by Verse teaching:
Many have taken in hand: Luke wrote his gospel knowing that many had already written histories of the life of Jesus. This may be a reference to the works of Mark and Matthew (most people think John was written after Luke), and it may also refer to other biographies of Jesus not directly inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Those things which have been fulfilled among us: The previously mentioned writings contain things already commonly known and believed among Christians of Luke’s day. When Luke wrote, most Christians already knew all about the life of Jesus, both from the oral accounts passed on by the original disciples, and by the biographies that had already been written.
With the word us, Luke put himself in the community of Christians who believed and received the accounts of Jesus’ life. Luke was a companion of Paul (Acts 16:10-11; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 1:24) and Paul called him the beloved physician (Colossians 4:14). Luke was a doctor and therefore a man of science and research, and this is reflected in his history of the life of Jesus.
ii. By every indication, Luke was a Gentile. Colossians 4:10-11 and 4:14 show that he wasn’t Jewish, because he was not included in the group who are of the circumcision. This makes Luke unique in that he is the only New Testament writer who was a Gentile.
iii. God gave this lone Gentile writer a great privilege. Because he also wrote the book of Acts (which makes up the second volume of this Gospel), Luke wrote more of the New Testament than any other human writer did (assuming that Paul did not author the letter to the Hebrews).
Main Point 1: “US”
Do you know how powerful this word is to the church? We, us. Hey, in a world fixated on pronouns right now friends, I want you to know Church pronouns. We/us. These are our pronouns. Are you hurting? Are you sick? Do you need a people to rally with you and for you? Someone to share the load, someone to do life with. A people who love fiercely, who rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Well, that is who WE are. This is a loose translation of Jesus’ words but it’s written in a way that really ministers to my heart. If you need Jesus right now, would you hear the words of the lover of your soul right now:
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.
This is why our pronouns matter. There’s no I or me in church. We are people that’s others focused. If you want to get technical about your letters, like when they say there’s no I in team, well there’s no I in Church. But there is a U in church. You belong in this church. And if you haven’t felt that in awhile or you never knew that, and you are here today or online, know that this church is here for you. Arms open wide like the arms of your heavenly father saying come. Be with us. You are a part of our we and us. You’re probably thinking how could you possibly know that? You are so brand new to this church. Yeah, that’s true. But I know this church to be a tangible source of the love of Jesus in my life. Through every meal, every jar of honey, every sip of elderberry syrup, every prayer, every present under our christmas tree that I didn’t deserve, the way you’ve loved and accepted my boys and my wife, the way you’ve accepted me. Yet I know the love of God. and I know the love of God because of Friends Church.
Those who from the beginning were undoubtedly the apostles, who were with Jesus from the very start. But those who from the beginning would also include people such as Mary herself, whom Luke probably interviewed in his research for this history of the life of Jesus.
It seemed good to me also: Luke was not one of those who was an eyewitness of events from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Yet he put himself in the same line as others who wrote their accounts of Jesus’ life from first-hand experience (such as Matthew and Mark), because his account was based on diligent research and a perfect understanding of events.
To write to you an orderly account: Having already read Matthew and Mark’s account, Luke wanted to give a third account with an emphasis on comprehensiveness and order. Therefore, Luke is the most comprehensive gospel. He documents the story of Jesus’ all the way from the annunciation of John the Baptist to Jesus’ ascension.
- Luke is the most universal gospel. In Luke, Gentiles are often put in a favorable light- I think this might also be a form of flattery as a trial document for a gentile court who’s reading it.
- Luke’s gospel is the one most interested in the roles of women, children, and social outcasts. We’ll dig into these things as the book leads us there.
- The gospel of Luke is the one most interested in prayer. He has seven different references to Jesus praying that are found in this gospel alone.
- Luke’s gospel is the one with the most emphasis on the Holy Spirit and on joy.
- Luke’s gospel is the one with the most emphasis on preaching the good news (the gospel). This term is used ten times in this Gospel (and only once in any other Gospel) as well as fifteen additional times in Acts.
Most excellent Theophilus: Luke addressed his gospel to a man named Theophilus, but it was also written with a wider audience in mind. By his title (most excellent), we gather that Theophilus was probably a Roman government official. The fact is that we really do not know who Theophilus was, which is why there are several different theories as to who he might be. No matter how much evidence there may or may not be for each theory, the simple fact is we do not know who Theophilus was because the Bible does not identify who he was. And this leads me to a point of concern as we approach our bible as a whole, please write this one down for our learning together: Where the bible speaks, I am to speak. Amen? In its reciprocal form, which is just as trustworthy and true for us today: Where the bible is silent, we must remain silent.
The name “Theophilus” literally means “loved by God,” but carries the idea of “friend of God.”
Main Point 2: Theophilus- This Gospel is for you
This leads us to our second main point. You are theophilus. Yes, of course I believe that Luke was writing this to a man named Theophilus who was probably a Roman official for Paul’s trial, but I don’t believe God makes mistakes or that “coincidentally” the guy’s name means loved by God or friend of God. God chose and elected that very man to be on that trial. And God chose that name Theophilus for a dual purpose: the man’s name, and so that when it would be read for all of eternity as the word of God, we would be reminded that the gospel is for us! It’s for me. It’s for you. It’s for those who are loved by God, those who are the friends of God. If you are here today, friend, the gospel is for you. God wanted you to be here, and it has a dual purpose as well: You are here to hear the gospel, and you are here to respond to the gospel. We hear God’s word, and by faith, we respond to God’s word amen? This has been specifically and corporately addressed to each and every one of us and I take great joy in that.
We are going to close with this final verse and our final point together where Luke writes his why: Here is his why, why is he writing this at all?
Luke 1:4 “So that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.”
Isn’t that powerful? I want to have certainty about the things of God, don’t you? I want to know that God is with me and I want to live my life with certainty that this God cares for me. Luke is going to lay out the life and ministry of Jesus to us and I want to know that this same Jesus said and meant those things to me also. I need that in my life. You need that in your life. So by way of introduction, welcome to the book of Luke.
Part 4
Introduction to Luke
Bible Project-
I really love the way the bible project shows us a visual commentary/overview of different books of the bible. I want to share this wonderful video with you and then tear into it a bit together by way of introduction.
My teaching style
Here is the way I’m going to walk you through this book. I want to teach you the bible. That’s my heart. I want you to know your bible so well. One of my most cherished verses in the bible is what Pastor Rusty shared with us and over me last week. It’s found in
Joshua 1:8
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Sometimes in sermon writing, us pastors can get excited about a word or a point and it’s not the main word or point. So I’d like to teach you the bible first and foremost. And then I’d like to, by way of application, preach the word. I’d like to show you a few words and points that we can take with us afterwards into our everyday life. This will be my most common approach to this book. It’s the only way that I feel that we can do it justice. So you may find me saying write this down, or highlight this in your bible, etc. I’m not certain of what tools you bring with you to church. I, most times, will bring my iPad and a paper bible. I don’t hand write my notes anymore because my writing looks like Egyptian hieroglyphics. But I take notes on my iPad and sometimes I even just read my bible from my iPad because I’ve got 3 kids and don’t have enough hands to carry all the things I want to carry. I’m old school in the sense that I still prefer a paper bible, but man does crossway’s ESV and Youversion ever have a good bible app, amen? I’m not concerned with which bible you have, digital or hard copy, just that you have one and a way to take notes in some way. Not because I think I’m anything special that you need to take notes, but I believe in the work of the Holy Spirit in my life and in your life and that we should take note of where the Spirit leads us in understanding His word together; Are you with me?
Paul on Trial:
I’m going to take you on a journey with me to understand why our beloved Luke writes both Luke and Acts. See, Luke, as we have learned, is a gentile doctor. Luke is a brilliant man who loves Jesus and I believe that this happens to every Christian at some point: You stop, and look at your life, and you say, “God, how do I use all that I am for your glory?” So Luke uses his writing skills, his research skills, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, He writes some of the greatest literature known to human history. But Why? Here is the greatest theory, and I believe in it wholeheartedly and will show you from the scriptures why I believe in it.
Put your mind in the bible with me for a second; at the very end of the book of Acts. Paul is awaiting trial, not just for his life but for the sake of the gospel. The gospel is on trial, Jesus is on trial. Are you with me? Paul is in need of a document that can comprehensively share what it is that he believes and what has happened, accurately, from the moment Jesus is born, to the very moment he is awaiting trial. I believe, for such a time as this, that Doctor Luke is given a God ordained opportunity to use all that he is for the kingdom of God and writes a profound account of the life, teachings, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus who is the Christ and the birthing of the Church in all of her glory. Therefore, the Gospel of Luke, and Acts, becomes a 2 part Testimony and court document that will display Jesus and His good news for the world to see, amen? Now with that Lengthy introduction, Let’s partake of the Gospel of Luke together.
The first four verses of Luke’s gospel are one sentence in the original Greek. They are written in refined, academic, classical style. But then, for the rest of the gospel, Luke didn’t use the language of scholars but of the common man. Through this, Luke says to us, “This account has all the proper academic and scholarly credentials, use it. But it is written for common people like you and me to understand.” Luke wrote so that people would understand Jesus, not so they would admire his brain and literary skill. This is a key concept for you and I when we evangelize or share the good news, isn’t it? Would you give them Jesus? That’s what they need. Don’t share how great your brain and skills are, they don’t need that, it won’t get them into right relationship with Jesus. Give them Jesus and let his Spirit do the work, amen?
Verse by Verse teaching:
Many have taken in hand: Luke wrote his gospel knowing that many had already written histories of the life of Jesus. This may be a reference to the works of Mark and Matthew (most people think John was written after Luke), and it may also refer to other biographies of Jesus not directly inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Those things which have been fulfilled among us: The previously mentioned writings contain things already commonly known and believed among Christians of Luke’s day. When Luke wrote, most Christians already knew all about the life of Jesus, both from the oral accounts passed on by the original disciples, and by the biographies that had already been written.
With the word us, Luke put himself in the community of Christians who believed and received the accounts of Jesus’ life. Luke was a companion of Paul (Acts 16:10-11; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 1:24) and Paul called him the beloved physician (Colossians 4:14). Luke was a doctor and therefore a man of science and research, and this is reflected in his history of the life of Jesus.
ii. By every indication, Luke was a Gentile. Colossians 4:10-11 and 4:14 show that he wasn’t Jewish, because he was not included in the group who are of the circumcision. This makes Luke unique in that he is the only New Testament writer who was a Gentile.
iii. God gave this lone Gentile writer a great privilege. Because he also wrote the book of Acts (which makes up the second volume of this Gospel), Luke wrote more of the New Testament than any other human writer did (assuming that Paul did not author the letter to the Hebrews).
Main Point 1: “US”
Do you know how powerful this word is to the church? We, us. Hey, in a world fixated on pronouns right now friends, I want you to know Church pronouns. We/us. These are our pronouns. Are you hurting? Are you sick? Do you need a people to rally with you and for you? Someone to share the load, someone to do life with. A people who love fiercely, who rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Well, that is who WE are. This is a loose translation of Jesus’ words but it’s written in a way that really ministers to my heart. If you need Jesus right now, would you hear the words of the lover of your soul right now:
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.
This is why our pronouns matter. There’s no I or me in church. We are people that’s others focused. If you want to get technical about your letters, like when they say there’s no I in team, well there’s no I in Church. But there is a U in church. You belong in this church. And if you haven’t felt that in awhile or you never knew that, and you are here today or online, know that this church is here for you. Arms open wide like the arms of your heavenly father saying come. Be with us. You are a part of our we and us. You’re probably thinking how could you possibly know that? You are so brand new to this church. Yeah, that’s true. But I know this church to be a tangible source of the love of Jesus in my life. Through every meal, every jar of honey, every sip of elderberry syrup, every prayer, every present under our christmas tree that I didn’t deserve, the way you’ve loved and accepted my boys and my wife, the way you’ve accepted me. Yet I know the love of God. and I know the love of God because of Friends Church.
Those who from the beginning were undoubtedly the apostles, who were with Jesus from the very start. But those who from the beginning would also include people such as Mary herself, whom Luke probably interviewed in his research for this history of the life of Jesus.
It seemed good to me also: Luke was not one of those who was an eyewitness of events from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Yet he put himself in the same line as others who wrote their accounts of Jesus’ life from first-hand experience (such as Matthew and Mark), because his account was based on diligent research and a perfect understanding of events.
To write to you an orderly account: Having already read Matthew and Mark’s account, Luke wanted to give a third account with an emphasis on comprehensiveness and order. Therefore, Luke is the most comprehensive gospel. He documents the story of Jesus’ all the way from the annunciation of John the Baptist to Jesus’ ascension.
- Luke is the most universal gospel. In Luke, Gentiles are often put in a favorable light- I think this might also be a form of flattery as a trial document for a gentile court who’s reading it.
- Luke’s gospel is the one most interested in the roles of women, children, and social outcasts. We’ll dig into these things as the book leads us there.
- The gospel of Luke is the one most interested in prayer. He has seven different references to Jesus praying that are found in this gospel alone.
- Luke’s gospel is the one with the most emphasis on the Holy Spirit and on joy.
- Luke’s gospel is the one with the most emphasis on preaching the good news (the gospel). This term is used ten times in this Gospel (and only once in any other Gospel) as well as fifteen additional times in Acts.
Most excellent Theophilus: Luke addressed his gospel to a man named Theophilus, but it was also written with a wider audience in mind. By his title (most excellent), we gather that Theophilus was probably a Roman government official. The fact is that we really do not know who Theophilus was, which is why there are several different theories as to who he might be. No matter how much evidence there may or may not be for each theory, the simple fact is we do not know who Theophilus was because the Bible does not identify who he was. And this leads me to a point of concern as we approach our bible as a whole, please write this one down for our learning together: Where the bible speaks, I am to speak. Amen? In its reciprocal form, which is just as trustworthy and true for us today: Where the bible is silent, we must remain silent.
The name “Theophilus” literally means “loved by God,” but carries the idea of “friend of God.”
Main Point 2: Theophilus- This Gospel is for you
This leads us to our second main point. You are theophilus. Yes, of course I believe that Luke was writing this to a man named Theophilus who was probably a Roman official for Paul’s trial, but I don’t believe God makes mistakes or that “coincidentally” the guy’s name means loved by God or friend of God. God chose and elected that very man to be on that trial. And God chose that name Theophilus for a dual purpose: the man’s name, and so that when it would be read for all of eternity as the word of God, we would be reminded that the gospel is for us! It’s for me. It’s for you. It’s for those who are loved by God, those who are the friends of God. If you are here today, friend, the gospel is for you. God wanted you to be here, and it has a dual purpose as well: You are here to hear the gospel, and you are here to respond to the gospel. We hear God’s word, and by faith, we respond to God’s word amen? This has been specifically and corporately addressed to each and every one of us and I take great joy in that.
We are going to close with this final verse and our final point together where Luke writes his why: Here is his why, why is he writing this at all?
Luke 1:4 “So that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.”
Isn’t that powerful? I want to have certainty about the things of God, don’t you? I want to know that God is with me and I want to live my life with certainty that this God cares for me. Luke is going to lay out the life and ministry of Jesus to us and I want to know that this same Jesus said and meant those things to me also. I need that in my life. You need that in your life. So by way of introduction, welcome to the book of Luke.
Part 5
Introduction to Luke
Bible Project-
I really love the way the bible project shows us a visual commentary/overview of different books of the bible. I want to share this wonderful video with you and then tear into it a bit together by way of introduction.
My teaching style
Here is the way I’m going to walk you through this book. I want to teach you the bible. That’s my heart. I want you to know your bible so well. One of my most cherished verses in the bible is what Pastor Rusty shared with us and over me last week. It’s found in
Joshua 1:8
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Sometimes in sermon writing, us pastors can get excited about a word or a point and it’s not the main word or point. So I’d like to teach you the bible first and foremost. And then I’d like to, by way of application, preach the word. I’d like to show you a few words and points that we can take with us afterwards into our everyday life. This will be my most common approach to this book. It’s the only way that I feel that we can do it justice. So you may find me saying write this down, or highlight this in your bible, etc. I’m not certain of what tools you bring with you to church. I, most times, will bring my iPad and a paper bible. I don’t hand write my notes anymore because my writing looks like Egyptian hieroglyphics. But I take notes on my iPad and sometimes I even just read my bible from my iPad because I’ve got 3 kids and don’t have enough hands to carry all the things I want to carry. I’m old school in the sense that I still prefer a paper bible, but man does crossway’s ESV and Youversion ever have a good bible app, amen? I’m not concerned with which bible you have, digital or hard copy, just that you have one and a way to take notes in some way. Not because I think I’m anything special that you need to take notes, but I believe in the work of the Holy Spirit in my life and in your life and that we should take note of where the Spirit leads us in understanding His word together; Are you with me?
Paul on Trial:
I’m going to take you on a journey with me to understand why our beloved Luke writes both Luke and Acts. See, Luke, as we have learned, is a gentile doctor. Luke is a brilliant man who loves Jesus and I believe that this happens to every Christian at some point: You stop, and look at your life, and you say, “God, how do I use all that I am for your glory?” So Luke uses his writing skills, his research skills, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, He writes some of the greatest literature known to human history. But Why? Here is the greatest theory, and I believe in it wholeheartedly and will show you from the scriptures why I believe in it.
Put your mind in the bible with me for a second; at the very end of the book of Acts. Paul is awaiting trial, not just for his life but for the sake of the gospel. The gospel is on trial, Jesus is on trial. Are you with me? Paul is in need of a document that can comprehensively share what it is that he believes and what has happened, accurately, from the moment Jesus is born, to the very moment he is awaiting trial. I believe, for such a time as this, that Doctor Luke is given a God ordained opportunity to use all that he is for the kingdom of God and writes a profound account of the life, teachings, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus who is the Christ and the birthing of the Church in all of her glory. Therefore, the Gospel of Luke, and Acts, becomes a 2 part Testimony and court document that will display Jesus and His good news for the world to see, amen? Now with that Lengthy introduction, Let’s partake of the Gospel of Luke together.
The first four verses of Luke’s gospel are one sentence in the original Greek. They are written in refined, academic, classical style. But then, for the rest of the gospel, Luke didn’t use the language of scholars but of the common man. Through this, Luke says to us, “This account has all the proper academic and scholarly credentials, use it. But it is written for common people like you and me to understand.” Luke wrote so that people would understand Jesus, not so they would admire his brain and literary skill. This is a key concept for you and I when we evangelize or share the good news, isn’t it? Would you give them Jesus? That’s what they need. Don’t share how great your brain and skills are, they don’t need that, it won’t get them into right relationship with Jesus. Give them Jesus and let his Spirit do the work, amen?
Verse by Verse teaching:
Many have taken in hand: Luke wrote his gospel knowing that many had already written histories of the life of Jesus. This may be a reference to the works of Mark and Matthew (most people think John was written after Luke), and it may also refer to other biographies of Jesus not directly inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Those things which have been fulfilled among us: The previously mentioned writings contain things already commonly known and believed among Christians of Luke’s day. When Luke wrote, most Christians already knew all about the life of Jesus, both from the oral accounts passed on by the original disciples, and by the biographies that had already been written.
With the word us, Luke put himself in the community of Christians who believed and received the accounts of Jesus’ life. Luke was a companion of Paul (Acts 16:10-11; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 1:24) and Paul called him the beloved physician (Colossians 4:14). Luke was a doctor and therefore a man of science and research, and this is reflected in his history of the life of Jesus.
ii. By every indication, Luke was a Gentile. Colossians 4:10-11 and 4:14 show that he wasn’t Jewish, because he was not included in the group who are of the circumcision. This makes Luke unique in that he is the only New Testament writer who was a Gentile.
iii. God gave this lone Gentile writer a great privilege. Because he also wrote the book of Acts (which makes up the second volume of this Gospel), Luke wrote more of the New Testament than any other human writer did (assuming that Paul did not author the letter to the Hebrews).
Main Point 1: “US”
Do you know how powerful this word is to the church? We, us. Hey, in a world fixated on pronouns right now friends, I want you to know Church pronouns. We/us. These are our pronouns. Are you hurting? Are you sick? Do you need a people to rally with you and for you? Someone to share the load, someone to do life with. A people who love fiercely, who rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Well, that is who WE are. This is a loose translation of Jesus’ words but it’s written in a way that really ministers to my heart. If you need Jesus right now, would you hear the words of the lover of your soul right now:
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.
This is why our pronouns matter. There’s no I or me in church. We are people that’s others focused. If you want to get technical about your letters, like when they say there’s no I in team, well there’s no I in Church. But there is a U in church. You belong in this church. And if you haven’t felt that in awhile or you never knew that, and you are here today or online, know that this church is here for you. Arms open wide like the arms of your heavenly father saying come. Be with us. You are a part of our we and us. You’re probably thinking how could you possibly know that? You are so brand new to this church. Yeah, that’s true. But I know this church to be a tangible source of the love of Jesus in my life. Through every meal, every jar of honey, every sip of elderberry syrup, every prayer, every present under our christmas tree that I didn’t deserve, the way you’ve loved and accepted my boys and my wife, the way you’ve accepted me. Yet I know the love of God. and I know the love of God because of Friends Church.
Those who from the beginning were undoubtedly the apostles, who were with Jesus from the very start. But those who from the beginning would also include people such as Mary herself, whom Luke probably interviewed in his research for this history of the life of Jesus.
It seemed good to me also: Luke was not one of those who was an eyewitness of events from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Yet he put himself in the same line as others who wrote their accounts of Jesus’ life from first-hand experience (such as Matthew and Mark), because his account was based on diligent research and a perfect understanding of events.
To write to you an orderly account: Having already read Matthew and Mark’s account, Luke wanted to give a third account with an emphasis on comprehensiveness and order. Therefore, Luke is the most comprehensive gospel. He documents the story of Jesus’ all the way from the annunciation of John the Baptist to Jesus’ ascension.
- Luke is the most universal gospel. In Luke, Gentiles are often put in a favorable light- I think this might also be a form of flattery as a trial document for a gentile court who’s reading it.
- Luke’s gospel is the one most interested in the roles of women, children, and social outcasts. We’ll dig into these things as the book leads us there.
- The gospel of Luke is the one most interested in prayer. He has seven different references to Jesus praying that are found in this gospel alone.
- Luke’s gospel is the one with the most emphasis on the Holy Spirit and on joy.
- Luke’s gospel is the one with the most emphasis on preaching the good news (the gospel). This term is used ten times in this Gospel (and only once in any other Gospel) as well as fifteen additional times in Acts.
Most excellent Theophilus: Luke addressed his gospel to a man named Theophilus, but it was also written with a wider audience in mind. By his title (most excellent), we gather that Theophilus was probably a Roman government official. The fact is that we really do not know who Theophilus was, which is why there are several different theories as to who he might be. No matter how much evidence there may or may not be for each theory, the simple fact is we do not know who Theophilus was because the Bible does not identify who he was. And this leads me to a point of concern as we approach our bible as a whole, please write this one down for our learning together: Where the bible speaks, I am to speak. Amen? In its reciprocal form, which is just as trustworthy and true for us today: Where the bible is silent, we must remain silent.
The name “Theophilus” literally means “loved by God,” but carries the idea of “friend of God.”
Main Point 2: Theophilus- This Gospel is for you
This leads us to our second main point. You are theophilus. Yes, of course I believe that Luke was writing this to a man named Theophilus who was probably a Roman official for Paul’s trial, but I don’t believe God makes mistakes or that “coincidentally” the guy’s name means loved by God or friend of God. God chose and elected that very man to be on that trial. And God chose that name Theophilus for a dual purpose: the man’s name, and so that when it would be read for all of eternity as the word of God, we would be reminded that the gospel is for us! It’s for me. It’s for you. It’s for those who are loved by God, those who are the friends of God. If you are here today, friend, the gospel is for you. God wanted you to be here, and it has a dual purpose as well: You are here to hear the gospel, and you are here to respond to the gospel. We hear God’s word, and by faith, we respond to God’s word amen? This has been specifically and corporately addressed to each and every one of us and I take great joy in that.
We are going to close with this final verse and our final point together where Luke writes his why: Here is his why, why is he writing this at all?
Luke 1:4 “So that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.”
Isn’t that powerful? I want to have certainty about the things of God, don’t you? I want to know that God is with me and I want to live my life with certainty that this God cares for me. Luke is going to lay out the life and ministry of Jesus to us and I want to know that this same Jesus said and meant those things to me also. I need that in my life. You need that in your life. So by way of introduction, welcome to the book of Luke.
Part 6
Introduction to Luke
Bible Project-
I really love the way the bible project shows us a visual commentary/overview of different books of the bible. I want to share this wonderful video with you and then tear into it a bit together by way of introduction.
My teaching style
Here is the way I’m going to walk you through this book. I want to teach you the bible. That’s my heart. I want you to know your bible so well. One of my most cherished verses in the bible is what Pastor Rusty shared with us and over me last week. It’s found in
Joshua 1:8
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Sometimes in sermon writing, us pastors can get excited about a word or a point and it’s not the main word or point. So I’d like to teach you the bible first and foremost. And then I’d like to, by way of application, preach the word. I’d like to show you a few words and points that we can take with us afterwards into our everyday life. This will be my most common approach to this book. It’s the only way that I feel that we can do it justice. So you may find me saying write this down, or highlight this in your bible, etc. I’m not certain of what tools you bring with you to church. I, most times, will bring my iPad and a paper bible. I don’t hand write my notes anymore because my writing looks like Egyptian hieroglyphics. But I take notes on my iPad and sometimes I even just read my bible from my iPad because I’ve got 3 kids and don’t have enough hands to carry all the things I want to carry. I’m old school in the sense that I still prefer a paper bible, but man does crossway’s ESV and Youversion ever have a good bible app, amen? I’m not concerned with which bible you have, digital or hard copy, just that you have one and a way to take notes in some way. Not because I think I’m anything special that you need to take notes, but I believe in the work of the Holy Spirit in my life and in your life and that we should take note of where the Spirit leads us in understanding His word together; Are you with me?
Paul on Trial:
I’m going to take you on a journey with me to understand why our beloved Luke writes both Luke and Acts. See, Luke, as we have learned, is a gentile doctor. Luke is a brilliant man who loves Jesus and I believe that this happens to every Christian at some point: You stop, and look at your life, and you say, “God, how do I use all that I am for your glory?” So Luke uses his writing skills, his research skills, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, He writes some of the greatest literature known to human history. But Why? Here is the greatest theory, and I believe in it wholeheartedly and will show you from the scriptures why I believe in it.
Put your mind in the bible with me for a second; at the very end of the book of Acts. Paul is awaiting trial, not just for his life but for the sake of the gospel. The gospel is on trial, Jesus is on trial. Are you with me? Paul is in need of a document that can comprehensively share what it is that he believes and what has happened, accurately, from the moment Jesus is born, to the very moment he is awaiting trial. I believe, for such a time as this, that Doctor Luke is given a God ordained opportunity to use all that he is for the kingdom of God and writes a profound account of the life, teachings, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus who is the Christ and the birthing of the Church in all of her glory. Therefore, the Gospel of Luke, and Acts, becomes a 2 part Testimony and court document that will display Jesus and His good news for the world to see, amen? Now with that Lengthy introduction, Let’s partake of the Gospel of Luke together.
The first four verses of Luke’s gospel are one sentence in the original Greek. They are written in refined, academic, classical style. But then, for the rest of the gospel, Luke didn’t use the language of scholars but of the common man. Through this, Luke says to us, “This account has all the proper academic and scholarly credentials, use it. But it is written for common people like you and me to understand.” Luke wrote so that people would understand Jesus, not so they would admire his brain and literary skill. This is a key concept for you and I when we evangelize or share the good news, isn’t it? Would you give them Jesus? That’s what they need. Don’t share how great your brain and skills are, they don’t need that, it won’t get them into right relationship with Jesus. Give them Jesus and let his Spirit do the work, amen?
Verse by Verse teaching:
Many have taken in hand: Luke wrote his gospel knowing that many had already written histories of the life of Jesus. This may be a reference to the works of Mark and Matthew (most people think John was written after Luke), and it may also refer to other biographies of Jesus not directly inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Those things which have been fulfilled among us: The previously mentioned writings contain things already commonly known and believed among Christians of Luke’s day. When Luke wrote, most Christians already knew all about the life of Jesus, both from the oral accounts passed on by the original disciples, and by the biographies that had already been written.
With the word us, Luke put himself in the community of Christians who believed and received the accounts of Jesus’ life. Luke was a companion of Paul (Acts 16:10-11; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 1:24) and Paul called him the beloved physician (Colossians 4:14). Luke was a doctor and therefore a man of science and research, and this is reflected in his history of the life of Jesus.
ii. By every indication, Luke was a Gentile. Colossians 4:10-11 and 4:14 show that he wasn’t Jewish, because he was not included in the group who are of the circumcision. This makes Luke unique in that he is the only New Testament writer who was a Gentile.
iii. God gave this lone Gentile writer a great privilege. Because he also wrote the book of Acts (which makes up the second volume of this Gospel), Luke wrote more of the New Testament than any other human writer did (assuming that Paul did not author the letter to the Hebrews).
Main Point 1: “US”
Do you know how powerful this word is to the church? We, us. Hey, in a world fixated on pronouns right now friends, I want you to know Church pronouns. We/us. These are our pronouns. Are you hurting? Are you sick? Do you need a people to rally with you and for you? Someone to share the load, someone to do life with. A people who love fiercely, who rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Well, that is who WE are. This is a loose translation of Jesus’ words but it’s written in a way that really ministers to my heart. If you need Jesus right now, would you hear the words of the lover of your soul right now:
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.
This is why our pronouns matter. There’s no I or me in church. We are people that’s others focused. If you want to get technical about your letters, like when they say there’s no I in team, well there’s no I in Church. But there is a U in church. You belong in this church. And if you haven’t felt that in awhile or you never knew that, and you are here today or online, know that this church is here for you. Arms open wide like the arms of your heavenly father saying come. Be with us. You are a part of our we and us. You’re probably thinking how could you possibly know that? You are so brand new to this church. Yeah, that’s true. But I know this church to be a tangible source of the love of Jesus in my life. Through every meal, every jar of honey, every sip of elderberry syrup, every prayer, every present under our christmas tree that I didn’t deserve, the way you’ve loved and accepted my boys and my wife, the way you’ve accepted me. Yet I know the love of God. and I know the love of God because of Friends Church.
Those who from the beginning were undoubtedly the apostles, who were with Jesus from the very start. But those who from the beginning would also include people such as Mary herself, whom Luke probably interviewed in his research for this history of the life of Jesus.
It seemed good to me also: Luke was not one of those who was an eyewitness of events from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Yet he put himself in the same line as others who wrote their accounts of Jesus’ life from first-hand experience (such as Matthew and Mark), because his account was based on diligent research and a perfect understanding of events.
To write to you an orderly account: Having already read Matthew and Mark’s account, Luke wanted to give a third account with an emphasis on comprehensiveness and order. Therefore, Luke is the most comprehensive gospel. He documents the story of Jesus’ all the way from the annunciation of John the Baptist to Jesus’ ascension.
- Luke is the most universal gospel. In Luke, Gentiles are often put in a favorable light- I think this might also be a form of flattery as a trial document for a gentile court who’s reading it.
- Luke’s gospel is the one most interested in the roles of women, children, and social outcasts. We’ll dig into these things as the book leads us there.
- The gospel of Luke is the one most interested in prayer. He has seven different references to Jesus praying that are found in this gospel alone.
- Luke’s gospel is the one with the most emphasis on the Holy Spirit and on joy.
- Luke’s gospel is the one with the most emphasis on preaching the good news (the gospel). This term is used ten times in this Gospel (and only once in any other Gospel) as well as fifteen additional times in Acts.
Most excellent Theophilus: Luke addressed his gospel to a man named Theophilus, but it was also written with a wider audience in mind. By his title (most excellent), we gather that Theophilus was probably a Roman government official. The fact is that we really do not know who Theophilus was, which is why there are several different theories as to who he might be. No matter how much evidence there may or may not be for each theory, the simple fact is we do not know who Theophilus was because the Bible does not identify who he was. And this leads me to a point of concern as we approach our bible as a whole, please write this one down for our learning together: Where the bible speaks, I am to speak. Amen? In its reciprocal form, which is just as trustworthy and true for us today: Where the bible is silent, we must remain silent.
The name “Theophilus” literally means “loved by God,” but carries the idea of “friend of God.”
Main Point 2: Theophilus- This Gospel is for you
This leads us to our second main point. You are theophilus. Yes, of course I believe that Luke was writing this to a man named Theophilus who was probably a Roman official for Paul’s trial, but I don’t believe God makes mistakes or that “coincidentally” the guy’s name means loved by God or friend of God. God chose and elected that very man to be on that trial. And God chose that name Theophilus for a dual purpose: the man’s name, and so that when it would be read for all of eternity as the word of God, we would be reminded that the gospel is for us! It’s for me. It’s for you. It’s for those who are loved by God, those who are the friends of God. If you are here today, friend, the gospel is for you. God wanted you to be here, and it has a dual purpose as well: You are here to hear the gospel, and you are here to respond to the gospel. We hear God’s word, and by faith, we respond to God’s word amen? This has been specifically and corporately addressed to each and every one of us and I take great joy in that.
We are going to close with this final verse and our final point together where Luke writes his why: Here is his why, why is he writing this at all?
Luke 1:4 “So that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.”
Isn’t that powerful? I want to have certainty about the things of God, don’t you? I want to know that God is with me and I want to live my life with certainty that this God cares for me. Luke is going to lay out the life and ministry of Jesus to us and I want to know that this same Jesus said and meant those things to me also. I need that in my life. You need that in your life. So by way of introduction, welcome to the book of Luke.
