Opening: What was the hardest job you ever had to do, one that seemed too big to
accomplish when you were first charged with it? A huge assignment at work? An
overwhelming project at school or home? Eliminating a monster debt? Going
through a difficult disease, ailment, injury, or rehabilitation?
Scripture: Sunday’s message is our text today. Read Luke 10:1-17 and Galatians 5:6,13-14.
Insights:
- Jesus sends out the Seventy-Two (Seventy in some manuscripts) with specific instructions:
1.
Go
out with a partner. No “Lone Rangers” in ministry.
2.
Don’t
take any extra money, clothes, even shoes (imagine that ladies!).
3.
Bring
peace and blessings to those who welcome you.
4.
Accept
the hospitality of those you stay with.
5.
Heal
the sick.
6.
Proclaim
the coming of the Kingdom of God.
7.
Don’t
stew over rejection – shake it off.
8.
The
message – accepted or rejected – is always focused on Jesus.
- The Seventy-Two returned from their mission with incredible news: even demons obeyed.
- In Galatians, Paul is clear: what is important is faith and service in love. In our First Sunday – Spiritual Gifts class, we teach that a visible act of service, done in love, makes a Kingdom impact. Otherwise, what we have done is worthless (see 1 Corinthians 13:1-3)!
Life
Questions:
- What if your name was on the list of Seventy-Two? Which of the eight duties Jesus gave the Seventy-Two would be frightening? What would your reaction be? Would it be based on your own ability or based on the knowledge that you go in the name of Jesus?
- What is your “Love-Level” in your service? Are you doing something in the church or representing the church that comes out of our love for God and love for people? If you are burned out, could it be your “Love-Level” is low? What could you do to increase your “Love-Level?”
Prayer
Focus: For tomorrow’s worship celebration, that we would
truly and meaningfully worship the Christ who calls us and sends us out in
love.
Message
Series: “Send Me.”
Tomorrow’s
Message Title: “…To Make a Difference”
