Seven Steps to Getting Back on Track, David Hertel

The resurrection narrative on the road to Emmaus becomes a practical roadmap for anyone knocked off course by grief, confusion, or repeated setbacks. The account traces how disciples moved from perplexity to marvel by following several clear movements: remembering what Jesus had spoken, seeking confirmation, shedding offense, studying Scripture with a biblical worldview, and sharpening spiritual sensitivity. Memory anchors hope—recalling both the written Word and the personal Rhema restores perspective when circumstances scramble belief. Confirmation steadies faith; tangible signs like the empty tomb move doubt into marvel and invite further obedience. Offense operates like a spiritual cataract, blocking truth and ability to receive help; removing that offense opens a path to learning from unexpected sources.

The narrative emphasizes teaching—Jesus walks them through the Scriptures from Moses onward, showing that the Bible coheres around the person and work of Christ and that a biblical framework rewires how events make sense. Spiritual perception matters: hearts that “burn” and senses exercised by repeated use detect God’s fingerprints even before full comprehension arrives. The breaking of bread functions as a catalyst for recognition, and the combination of Word and Spirit prepares disciples to carry the resurrection forward. The story culminates in a call to wait for the promised Empowering Gift—an impartation that turns understanding into bold witness. Communion acts as a sacramental reiteration of these themes, inviting eyes to open to Christ’s presence, minds to understand Scripture, and the Spirit to be poured out afresh. The trajectory moves from confusion to clarity, from private doubt to corporate confirmation, and from theological knowledge to Spirit-empowered mission.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Remember God's spoken and written Word Recalling the Lord’s prior words reorients the heart when fresh events contradict expectations. Both personal rhema and Scripture function together: Scripture provides the scriptural framework, while rhema supplies the immediate application that dispels bewilderment. Regular retrieval of God’s promises builds a memory bank that faith can draw on during storms. This remembering converts disorientation into a platform for fresh revelation. [31:26]
• 2. Ask for tangible confirming evidence Confirmation moves a trembling faith into one that can marvel and act. God still provides concrete indicators—empty tombs, prophetic words, communal echoes—that validate what the heart suspects. Seeking confirmation is not a lack of faith but a biblically modeled means to strengthen resolve and discern direction. Repeated confirmations create stability for decisions that matter. [35:34]
• 3. Remove the offense mechanism Offense functions as a spiritual blinder that keeps valuable truth out of reach. When offense governs response, the messenger eclipses the message and growth stalls; curing that offense demands intentional humility and the willingness to separate truth from personality. Freedom from offense enables receiving correction, teaching, and even unexpected ministry from imperfect vessels. That freedom multiplies access to God’s purposes. [45:38]
• 4. Run both Word and Spirit Remaining faithful requires two tracks: Scripture’s clarity and the Spirit’s power. The Word shapes understanding; the Spirit empowers witness and confirms truth through experience and gifts. Relying on one without the other produces imbalance—dry orthodoxy or unanchored emotion—while their union births conviction and bold mission. Pursuing both readies a people for sustained revival and effective testimony. [68:10]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [26:49] - Road to Emmaus background
• [31:26] - Remember the Word
• [35:34] - Seek confirmation at the tomb
• [45:38] - Remove the offense mechanism
• [48:17] - Study Scripture; form worldview
• [57:14] - Recognize Christ in the breaking
• [61:07] - Sharpen spiritual sensitivity
• [68:10] - Word and Spirit together
• [72:47] - Communion: three requests

1. In Luke 24, what specific actions did Jesus take to help the disciples move from confusion to clarity? (Hint: See verses 25-27, 30-31.)
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of "remembering God’s Word" as a step to regain hope. What did the women at the tomb recall, and how did it change their perspective? (See Luke 24:6-8.) [31:26]
3. How did Peter respond to the news of the empty tomb, and what does this reveal about the role of seeking confirmation? (See Luke 24:12.) [35:34]
4. What does Hebrews 5:14 suggest about how spiritual sensitivity develops?

1. Why do you think Jesus chose to explain the Scriptures to the disciples before revealing His identity (Luke 24:27)? What does this teach about the relationship between Scripture and spiritual revelation?
2. The sermon described offense as a "spiritual cataract" that blocks truth. How might unresolved offense hinder someone from recognizing God’s work in their life? [45:38]
3. The disciples’ hearts "burned" as Jesus taught them (Luke 24:32). What does this imply about the connection between Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and personal transformation?

1. When was a time you felt "knocked off track" by disappointment or confusion? How could intentionally remembering God’s promises (written in Scripture or spoken to you) help in a similar situation? [31:26]
2. The sermon encouraged seeking "tangible confirmation" like Peter did. What practical step could you take this week to seek confirmation from God in a decision or struggle? [35:34]
3. Offense often blinds us to truth. Is there a person, situation, or teaching you’ve struggled to receive because of offense? How could humility or a renewed focus on truth help? [45:38]
4. The sermon stressed balancing "Word and Spirit." In your spiritual life, do you lean more toward intellectual study or experiential faith? How could you cultivate both this month? [01:08:10]
5. The disciples recognized Jesus in the breaking of bread (Luke 24:30-31). What daily habits or moments (e.g., prayer, serving, communion) could help you become more aware of Christ’s presence? [57:14]
6. Hebrews 5:14 says discernment grows through "constant practice." What is one area where you need to sharpen your spiritual sensitivity (e.g., prayer, hearing God, serving), and how will you start?