Lesson 2 – Results of the Major Moves of God in Luke

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Posted on June 16, 2011 by in Jesus Christ Evangelism, Part 1

Results of the Major Moves of God in Luke

I.  The significant cast.

  1. John, the Baptist, the forerunner of the Messiah. Luke 7:27.
    “To make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 1:17.
  2. The Holy Spirit.
    • To Mary: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you … so the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.” 1:35.
    • The Holy Spirit gave Jesus His full cooperation: Identification, 3:22. Indwelled 4:1. Power, 4:14. Anointed to preach, 4:18.
    • Endowed others, for instance, Simeon. 2:25-27.
    • Jesus told His disciples the Father would give the Holy Spirit to those who ask. 11:13. (In order to understand when this could happen see John 7:37-39 and Acts 2:38; 5:32).
    • Special help for the apostles. 12:12.
  3. Jesus Christ.
    • “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” 2:11.
    • “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to Him.” 9:35.
    • Power: “All things have been committed to me by My Father.” 10:22.
    • The capstone. 20:17.
    • The king. 19:38.
    • Jesus offered himself as the sacrifice for sins in the new covenant. God offered this covenant after Jesus became High Priest. 18:31-33; 22:20.
    • Jesus Christ is now seated at the right hand of the Mighty God. 22:69.
  4. Angels, God’s messengers.
    • Gabriel. 1:19, 26.
    • Heavenly host of angels appeared to the shepherds. 2:9-15.
  5. Satan, the devil.
    • Jesus said, “I saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven.” 10:18.
    • Satan’s kingdom. 11:18.
    • The tempter. 4:2; 22:31. (transcendent – Satan functioning externally).
    • Satan entered Judas Iscariot. 22:3. (immanent – Satan functioning internally).
  6. Demons came out of many.  4:41.
  7. God commissioned Jesus to evangelize the Jews in Israel. 19:10, 41, 42.
    • Jesus taught the common people. 4:31.
    • The Pharisees and experts in law rejected God’s purpose for themselves. 6:7; 7:30.
    • The Sadducees, chief priests and elders. 20:27; 22:66.
    • The Twelve. 6:12-16; 9:1; 24:45.
  8. Gentiles’ welcome (This became a full reality in Acts 10). 2:32; 13:29; 14:23; 20:16.
  9. The Romans. Caesar Augustus, 2:1; Tiberius Caesar, 3:1, 2; Pilate, 23:1, 24.

II.  God’s graces for spiritual growth.

  1. The forgiveness of sins.
    • “The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” 5:24.
    • “Her sins have been forgiven.” 7:47.
    • “Repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations.” 24:47.
  2. The family of Jesus Christ (In Acts, the church).
    • “Those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” 8:21. See 11:28.
    • “Sons of the Most High.” 6:35.
    • “Your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” 12:32.
    • “But rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” 10:20.
    • Note this condition: “And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” 14:27.
  3. Worship.
    • Prayer: Praising God, as well as asking for help and His presence. 11:1-4, 13; 18:1, 10-14.
    • Giving: 21:1-4.
    • The Lord’s Supper. 22:19, 20.
  4. Promises for stewards of God who discipline themselves and serve others:
    • The resurrection of the righteous. The time for rewards. 14:14.
    • Eternal dwellings. 16:9.
    • Whoever loses his life will preserve it.  17:33
    • A better life now “and, in the age to come, eternal life.” 18:29, 30.

III.  God’s expectation for those who accept the foregoing graces “in Christ.”

  1. “The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” 3:9.
  2. God’s children are fruit producers. 8:15; 13:6-9.
  3. They are salt and light for other people. 8:16-18; 11:33-36; 14:34.
  4. Stewards over God’s things. 16:10-12.
  5. Preach the kingdom of God. 8:39; 9:60.

IV.  Eschatology. (A study of physical death and things beyond). Luke 12:20; 21:27, 28

  1. The Hadean realm. 16:19-31.
    • By Abraham’s side, comfort. V. 22, 25.
    • The other side, “In hell, (Hades) where he was in torment.” V. 23.
    • Great chasm fixed. V. 26
  2. The Judgment scene. Note the important aspects of judgment. 9:26; 10:14; 18:8; 21:36. Two groups:
    • A word for all: “Fear him who has power to throw you into hell (gehenna).” 12:5, 47, 48. For those religious leaders who use their position for corrupt gain and glory – severe punishment. 20:47.
    • b. For those who have been judged as faithful fruit producing stewards for Jesus Christ: A home in heaven with our inheritance. 10:25-28.

The foregoing are some important teachings and deeds of Jesus Christ Luke wrote down in his gospel for the “most excellent Theophilus.” Since Jesus always did the will of God, this is a narrative about a major move God made by sending His Son into this world (Luke 22:42).  Acts is the second part of Luke’s story. The foregoing cast of characters, the teachings and the promises should be kept intact and active in our minds as Luke unveils other major moves of God with Jesus as “Prince and Savior.” Acts 5:31.

See Part VI, Questions and Issues for Discussion.

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