Download Sermon: 02-14-2010 Sermon
Sermon: The Good Samaritan
Text: Luke 10:25-37
Theological Summary: Jesus, following the Old Testament, agreed that the Great Commandment (love God/love neighbor) is reflective of eternal life.
Biblical Summary: This famous parable illustrates the importance of love for God and neighbor. It also forces us to reflect on the relationship between faith and good works. Can we love enough to inherit eternal life? I conclude that in order to have eternal life we must be saved by God’s grace through faith alone. A genuine faith, however, will result in a changed life that is always growing in love to God and neighbor. This kind of love is especially reflected in one’s willingness to overcome racial and ethnic taboos in order to provide sacrificial service to others.
Discussion Questions:
1. Jesus was committed to the Old Testament as Holy Scripture. What are some ways can grow in our commitment to the Bible as Holy Scipture? (Read it once a day until the next small group meeting; read it with our family at least three times each week until the next small group meeting; etc).
2. Jesus taught the necessity of holy love as an essential reflection of salvation. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate holy love to our neighbors until our next small group meeting? (Volunteer with our Youth Group and/or Bob Canida at the Salvation Army; volunteer at our food pantry; take a visitor at church out for lunch; etc, etc).
3. The Good Samaritan used his financial resources to care for the hurting Jew. What are some ways we can use our resources to help the needy? (support Haiti through Harvest Field Ministries; help with the needs of some church member; etc, etc).
4. Do you see evidence in your life of growth beyond previously held prejudices?
