Sermon Series: The Gospel of Luke
True Expectations
Pastor George Stephens | April 6, 2025
“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20, ESV)
Divergent Worldview
““Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be “And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.” (Luke 6:20–23, ESV)
As Opposed to…
““But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. “Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry. “Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.” (Luke 6:24–26, ESV)
All I once held dear, built my life upon
All this world reveres, and wars to own
All I once thought gain I have counted loss
Spent and worthless now, compared to this
Knowing You, Jesus
Knowing You
There is no greater thing
You're my all, You're the best
You're my joy, my righteousness
And I love You, Lord
- Graham Kendrick
Authentic Love
““But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,” (Luke 6:27, ESV)
“Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36, ESV)
-God-like love
-Motivated by the Image of God in men
Exemplary Reconciliation
““Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”” (Luke 6:37–38, ESV)
““Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;” (Luke 6:37, ESV)
“He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?” (Luke 6:39, ESV)
“that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:19, ESV)
Consistent Expression
“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45, ESV)
Diligent Investment
““Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.” (Luke 6:46–48, ESV)
Questions:
1. Are you a disciple? How would you assess your relationship to Jesus considering these criteria?
2. If these are the expectations of disciples, where are you least strong? What are the parts of the plan to improve that?
3. Who needs to see your discipleship in action?
