The Certainty of the Christian’s Faith Luke 1:1-4

The Purpose of Luke’s Gospel Luke, a physician and traveling companion of Paul (Col.4:14; Philemon 24; 2 Tim.4:11), wrote two books: Luke and Acts The purpose of his gospel is set forth in Luke 1:4: “so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught” (NASV)

The Purpose of Luke’s Gospel The recipient of Luke-Acts was the "most excellent" Theophilus (1:3; Ac.1:1). We do not know whether or not he was a Christian. We do know that Luke wanted him to have "the exact truth.”

The Purpose of Luke’s Gospel There are three lessons concerning the “exact truth” that are important: 1) the Christian’s faith is not founded on speculation 2) we cannot live spiritually on uncertainties 3) we have responsibilities regarding the “exact truth”

No Speculation The NT writers did not record what they thought, or supposed might have happened. They recorded the facts of history. Consider the following: Jn.19:35; 20:30- 31; 21:24; 1 Jn.1:1-3; 2 Pet.1:16-18

No Speculation Note some of the words in Luke's preface that point to the certainty of the Christian's faith: "fulfilled" (Gr. plerophoreo, to bring in full measure); "having been fully carried out" (Nestle); see Rom.4:21; 14:5; 2 Tim.4:5,17.

No Speculation "eyewitnesses" (Gr. autoptes, to see with one's own eyes); used only here  "traced" (Gr. parakoloutheo, to follow up, is used of investigating or tracing a course of events); see 1 Tim. 4:6; 2 Tim. 2:10  "accurately" (Gr. akribos, accurate, pointed); see Mt. 2:8; Ac. 18:25; Eph. 5:15; 1 Thess. 5:2

No Speculation "know" (Gr. epiginosko, to observe, fully perceive, notice attentively, discern, recognize)  "certainty" (Gr. asphaleia, not liable to fall, firm; hence, denoting safety); see Ac.5:23; 1 Thess.5:3

No Speculation Luke writes with accuracy. His record of history, geography, and first-century practices are all accurate.  The Christian's faith, then, is based upon the historical Jesus. The historical record is based upon eyewitness testimony, facts. The eyewitnesses anticipated no personal gain from what they said; only death.

No Speculation The historical Jesus has a personal bearing on each of us. The book of Acts demonstrates how the historical Jesus influenced the world; some believed, others disbelieved. What about Theophilus? What about you?  Faith is not a “leap into the dark.” Faith is based upon reliable evidence.

No Uncertainties There is no doubt at all concerning the truthfulness of anything related to the life of Jesus from beginning to end.  Note the phrase: "to write it out for you in consecutive order" (Lk.1:3; NASV). In Luke's gospel, we have a logical and chronological arrangement of the life of Jesus from His birth to ascension (Ac.1:1f).

No Uncertainties We must know what we believe. Some are saying that we cannot know for certain concerning spiritual truths. We need to be “open-minded” they say. Their teaching becomes “open-ended.” God, however, wants men to know the truth (1 Tim.2:4).

No Uncertainties Men can know the truth (Jn.8:32; Phil.1:9; Col.1:6,9,10; 2:2; 3:10; Philemon 6; 1 Tim.4:3; Heb.10:26; 2 Pet.1:2,3,8; 2:20- 21).  Knowledge, or truth comes from the word of God (Rom.3:20; 1 Cor.14:37; Eph.4:13).

No Uncertainties  Acting without knowledge, or truth is dangerous to the soul (Rom.10:2; 2 Tim.2:25; 3:7)

Responsibility Toward Truth  Luke wrote his gospel because he did not want Theophilus to accept something blindly, or accept something that was not true.  Don't accept something as truth without investigating it thoroughly (2 Tim. 3:10). This includes denominational teaching and teaching within the church.

Responsibility Toward Truth  We must verify our faith. Know what we believe and why! We are to be accurate in our living (Eph.5:15).  We must defend the truth from attack (Jude 3; 2 Pet.3:15)  We must share the truth with others. Follow the example of Paul (Eph.3:1-9).

The Certainty of the Christian’s Faith  We must have a faith built on a firm foundation in this modern world of change.  We must be certain about what we believe. The devil will take advantage of our doubts.  We must fulfill our responsibilities toward the truth.