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Sermon Notes & Slides 05.03.2015

5.3.2015

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Sermon Notes

Neighborly Love
Luke 10:25-37
God & Sex [The Divine Purpose Behind Human Sexuality] – Pastor John Sloan

Introduction: People like us are easy to love. Though we would never say it, that’s often our mindset. And it’s subtle. We have no problem showing compassion and care toward people who look, think, and believe just like we do. But what about those who look different? What about those who live in ways that are in stark contrast to our way of living? How do we show love to people who are not interested in (or are even hostile toward) our advice, ideals, and convictions?

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Questions for Discussion & Discovery

1. In what sense is the lawyer in this story “seeking to justify himself” (v. 29)?

2. Are there sinful thought patterns or prejudices in your life that you try to justify before the Lord? How will you address these tendencies?

3. What is the significance of both the priest and Levite ignoring the injured man and passing by on the other side (vv. 31 & 32)?

4. How do we allow our “religious sensibilities” to preclude us from loving and engaging others?

5. Are there people that you avoid because of their sin? How does an understanding of our own sinful hearts mobilize us to care indiscriminately for others?

6. Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-21. How does the work of God in salvation compel us to share God’s message of hope with others?

Sermon Notes

1. “I can empathize with everyone I cover except the anti-gay marriage bigots.”
– David Weigel

2. The story of the Good Samaritan is a lesson in mercy without prejudice, and a reminder that salvation cannot be earned: the standard is perfect love.

3. 01. Religious piety will not allow for the neglect of those we deem “dirty.”

4. “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” – Titus 3:3-5 ESV

5. “You Samaritan devil! Didn’t we say all along that you were possessed by a demon?”
– John 8:48 NLT

6. “Culturally, it would have been unthinkable for a Samaritan to help a Jew. Thus Jesus makes the point that to love one’s neighbor involves showing care and compassion even to those with whom one would not normally have any relationship.”

7. 02. The starting point for the Christian’s response to a hurting world is: a posture of compassion.

8. 03. Neighborly love demands being proactively present, in a way that promotes healing and restoration.

9. “The lawyer has seen the point but has yet to break through his prejudice.”
– Darrell Bock