The RIGHT Question to Influence a Culture Luke 10:25-37 Faith In Action 2009

The Lawyer’s Questions #1. “And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ Luke 10:25 Jesus is graciously showing him God’s requirements #2. “But he desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” Luke 10:26 How can we effectively influence people for Christ? a)Assimilate the grace offered b)Imitate the grace given

Luke 10:33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.” Luke 10:33 “But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.” What was the Samaritans first choice? He acquired a social conscience “He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well. Is not this to know me? declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 22:16

Luke 10:34 “He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.” “ D o not align yourself as though you are in either of these camps (LEFT or RIGHT). You are an ally of neither. The church of Jesus Christ is different from either – TOTALLY DIFFERENT.” Francis Schaeffer The second choice the Samaritan made was to adjust his schedule and priorities. Do you? “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ” ~The Apostle Paul I Cor 11:1

Luke 10:35 And the next day he took out two denari and gave to the innkeeper, saying, “Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.” Luke 10:35 “And the next day he took out two denari and gave to the innkeeper, saying, “Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.” The third choice the good Samaritan made was that he assumed the posture of a steward. “Preach the gospel at all times – and if necessary, use words!” ~St. Francis of Assisi “What we believe is entangled with what we do. We can believe more fully as we act more boldly. And we can act more boldly as we believe more fully.” ~ Theolgian Bass

Wrap up The Samaritan (operating from GRACE) Acquired a social conscience Acquired a social conscience Adjusted his schedule and priorities Adjusted his schedule and priorities Adopted a stewardship mentality Adopted a stewardship mentality The lawyer asked the wrong question, “Who’s my neighbor” Jesus gives him and us the right one – it’s not who’s my neighbor, but whose neighbor will I be?