Introduction to the Gospel of Luke

             

Sermon: Introduction to the Gospel of Luke 

Luke 1:1-4; 2:41 -3:1-20.  

By Pastor Joel McElreath

INTRODUCTION: Each of the four gospels is uniquely different from the others.  From Revelation 4:7, historically, these four symbolize the 4 gospels. 

Matthew is the regal lion. Mark is the ox representing Jesus’ work. Luke is the face of a man representing Jesus’ humanity. John is the eagle representing Jesus’ divinity from above. We begin today in our study of the Gospel of Luke.

 

I.  THE AUTHOR AND STYLE OF THE GOSPEL  1:1-4.

A.     The author. A physician from Antioch where the first church was planted.  He was a Greek of high education.

B.     The style of writing.  This gospel is the most literary book in the New Testament.  The Prologue is written in Classical Greek.

C.      The historical accuracy.  The writer Luke is a historian of the first rank and listed among the best in the ancient world.

D.     The aim of the gospel was to demonstrate especially to Gentile believers the historical facts upon which their faith was based.

II.  THE EARLY LIFE OF JESUS.  2:41-52

A.  Only Luke records the early years of Christ’s life.  Curiosity of later generations resulted in fabricated stoies like in the Apocrypha writings.

B.  The Eternal Son visits His Father’s house in Jerusalem.  The eternal and unique relationship that Jesus had with His Father begins to be revealed.                                                                                                   

                                              

III.  THE MINISTRY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST.  3:1-20.

       A.  The precise dating of the ministry is established by listing contemporary leaders and is probably set at

26-27 A.D.  John fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy in 40:3-5.

       B.   The five descriptions of John’s ministry:

       1.  The road builder – 3:1-6.  John was both a prophet and the subject of prophecy

       2.  The farmer – 3:7-9.  John is chopping down fruitless trees and watching snakes fleeing burning fields.

       3.  The counselor – 3:10-14.  John took personal time to counsel people and prepare them for baptism and their new faith.

       4.  The witness – 3:15-18, 21-23.  John did not come to talk about himself but to bear witness and point to the “Lamb of God.”

       5.   The martyr – 3:19-20.  Luke does not give the full account of John’s arrest and martyrdom, but Matthew and Mark do.  (Matt. 14:1-12; Mk. 6:14-29).

APPLICATION:

1.  The Gospel of Luke is a Book of unique facts that complement the other three gospels.  It gives us doctrines for our faith and ethics to guide our actions.   The theme of joy sings its way through this book as Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

2.   John the Baptist’s life is a wonderful example for us in both attitude and action.  He was truly great in God’s sight because he was truly small in his own sight. 

3.   John was an effective preacher because it is written, “The word of the Lord came to ..John.” 

He proclaimed God’s message, denounced sin and hypocrisy and stressed repentance and faith.

This sermon was preached at Jerusalem Baptist Church, Jerusalem, on August 6, 2017

The audio file will be published on the JBC website: www.jerusalembaptistchurch.com 

The Spiritual Mind, Part 2 Philippians 3:12-21 By Pastor Joel McElreath

This Sermon outline corresponds with the audio link of the sermon on the JBC website. 

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Philippians 3:12-21 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. 17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. 18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.       

Sermon: The Spiritual Mind, Part 2 Philippians 3:12-21   By Pastor Joel McElreath

INTRODUCTION: Today in our study of chapter three we will look at two key themes:  sanctification and glorification.  This third chapter may be the most beloved chapter of the letter.  It contains some cardinal doctrines which are a cause for great joy.  Remember, the term joy or joyous is found 16 times in four chapters.

I.  SANCIFICATION: THE BELIEVER’S PRESENT STATE.  3:12-16

A.  Perfection has not yet been achieved. Verse 12.  Sanctification is both a process and a position.

B.  The process is defined as a track race.  Cf. 1 Cor. 9:25-27; 2 Tim. 2:5.

1.  Awareness of the need to pursue a better condition.  In verse 12.

2.  Must exert ourselves to pursue a better condition. It is a “reaching forth.”   

3.  Focused concentration on the goal. Verse 13. Cf. Hebrews 12:1,2.

4. The daily discipline for the athlete: daily death and daily resurrection. .

5.  Paul would soon finish the race.  Cf. 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

C.  God’s aim for each of His children: a God pleasing character.

D.  The goal and the prize are the same.  Verse 14. Cf. 2 Corinthians 3:18.

E.   The process to reach the goal is two fold: objective and subjective. (vs. 15,16)

ILLUSTRATION:  True story of a translator in VietNam.

II.  GLORIFICATION: THE BELIEVER’S FUTURE STATE.  3:17-21.

A. Practical steps:

  1. Follow Paul’s example stated in verse 17.  Cf. 1Thess. 1:6

  2. Avoid the enemies of the cross.

B. Note the “pattern you have in us.” Verse 17.

1.  Paul sets the pace.

2.  Observe others who are faithful and obedient and follow them also.

3.  Forget past negative memories and failures.

C.   Focusing on our expectations.  Verses 20-21.

1.  Heaven bound home of our citizenship.

2.  Eagerly awaiting the return of Christ . Cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20.

3.  Transformation of our lowly bodies into one like Christ’s. Romans 8:29    

 

D.  Subjection of all things to Christ. Cf. 1 Cor. 15:24-28.

CONCLUSION: True maturity in the faith will produce a strength and a hope that will not fear the future but embrace it.  Your character will also demonstrate love.

Story of Phocas, a fourth century Christian who lived in Asia Minor.