Sermon Recap: LUKE 6

SERMON RECAP
LUKE 6:12-49

What drives everything we say or do?

Working backwards from verses 46-49, Pastor Steve took us through Luke 6 beginning with the HOW. How do we put Jesus' words into practice? Over the weekend, an arsonist caught fire to a local church and our whole community has banded together in mourning and support. Deb Martinelli (who was on the blog last week) and I were talking about moments from her early foundational Christian years being tied to that church and how the devastation carries such a burden. It's not that the foundation of Jesus is stirred, but rather as the symbols of our faith are shaken or destroyed, it does something in us. Doesn't it?

"Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great" (Luke 6:48-49).

When the foundation is strong and secure, built upon sturdy ground, we can live in the confidence of anything placed on that foundation. When a church burns down or tragedy strikes, our foundation is strong. What do you put into practice when you know the foundation can't and won't fail? What do we put our security in that will easily fail and how do we know the difference, which leads us to ...

WHERE? We recognize the firm foundation from the false foundation by the fruit.

For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks (Luke 6:43-45).

We see the parallel drawn early in Genesis 1, as God creates the world and yields seeds according to their own type of fruit. The fruit of each tree is a direct result of the seed planted. You wouldn't plant tomatoes and expect blueberries. Adam and Eve sinned and from their sin, they were ashamed. Being ashamed they hid in the lowliness of self. The goodness of God stepped in there in Genesis, and steps in now, inviting us to open ourselves to Him. He showed this when He sought out Adam and Eve in the garden, asking why they were hiding. God shows up with an invitation to vulnerability in the midst of our propensity to shelter. In the current state of the world, it is quite possible that the fruit growing is that of anger, which leads us to ...

WHAT? You asked me to do what? Love my enemies? Excuse me Pastor Steve, but can I show you my list of why I don't actually need to love them? Have you turned on the news lately? Ok, ok. I don't actually have a written list, but I have given myself justification after justification as to why I do not need to choose love in certain circumstances. It's a good thing God steps in when He does and wrecks my justifications. 

But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful (Luke 6: 27-36). 

Truth is not swayed by how we feel about the truth itself. Loving our enemies and praying for them is a direct response in obedience because Jesus invites us to be the ...

WHO? Many cultural and historical leaders, including Biblical leaders, have had disciples. John the Baptist was one of them. Disciples are trained for the purpose of learning instruction from their leader. So what is the difference between being the disciple of a leader and being the disciple of Jesus? When we consider what we've heard, who is the strong foundation without failure? Jesus. Where do we see the good fruit? With Jesus. Who invites us to love and be loved? Jesus. When we have established our relationship with the one true King, our discipleship is secured because of the security we have in who God is.

Deep Dive Bulletin Questions:

1. Would you consider yourself a disciple of Jesus? If you answered "yes", what makes you a disciple?

2. How would you be described as a disciple?

3. Luke 6:27 says, "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you". When we consider love being a demand, rather than a fleeting emotions, what does that invoke?

4. Who would you say are your enemies? What fruit have you seen in your life as you love your enemies?

5. At the end of Luke 6, Jesus is talking about building our foundation. He offers two foundations- one seemingly strong and the other enduring. What if your foundation built upon? How are you so sure of this? 

If you missed the announcements on Sunday, your giving helped Jeremiah's Hope purchase a bus for families in Ukraine as they seek refuge. If you would like to continue to give, please visit the Giving tab on the app or website (here), select the MISSIONS fund and UKRAINE sub-fund. Thank you so much for your generosity as you faithfully give and pray over these families.

If you would like to speak to a pastor, please call the church office at 209-532-1381. We'll see you next week!