Living Faithfully: Care, Forgiveness, and Service
Summary
In our journey through the Gospel of Luke, we have arrived at a pivotal moment in chapter 17, where Jesus imparts crucial teachings to His disciples. These teachings are not just for them but for us as well, as we navigate our lives as His followers. The essence of Jesus' message can be distilled into three profound reminders: to be careful, to be forgiving, and to serve faithfully.
Firstly, we are called to be careful. Jesus warns us that temptations are an inevitable part of life. However, we must ensure that we do not become the source of temptation for others. Our lives should not be stumbling blocks that lead others into sin. Instead, we should live in such a way that our actions and words are worth imitating, reflecting the character of Christ Himself.
Secondly, we are instructed to be forgiving. Jesus teaches us that if a brother or sister in Christ sins against us and repents, we must forgive them. This forgiveness is not conditional on the frequency of their transgressions but on the sincerity of their repentance. Our forgiveness mirrors the grace that God extends to us, and it is a testament to the transformative power of faith in our lives.
Lastly, we are reminded to serve faithfully. Jesus uses the example of a servant who does not expect thanks for fulfilling his duties to illustrate our role as His disciples. We are unworthy servants, chosen by grace to serve our Lord. Our service is not for our own glory but for His, and one day, we will lay our crowns before Him, acknowledging that any good we have done was simply our duty through His power.
Now, let us delve into the key takeaways from these teachings:
- Living as a Stumbling Block or a Stepping Stone: We must be vigilant in our conduct, ensuring that our lives serve as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks for others. Our actions and decisions have the potential to either lead others towards Christ or away from Him. It is a sobering responsibility to live in such a way that our lives testify to the truth of the Gospel and encourage others in their faith journey. [01:37]
- The Cycle of Repentance and Forgiveness: True forgiveness is a divine cycle initiated by genuine repentance. When someone wrongs us and seeks forgiveness with a contrite heart, we are called to extend forgiveness as freely as Christ forgave us. This cycle is not just about interpersonal relationships but is a reflection of the Gospel itself, where repentance and forgiveness lead to restoration and fellowship with God. [03:47]
- Forgiveness Without Limits: Our capacity to forgive should know no bounds, just as God's forgiveness towards us is limitless. The command to forgive 'seven times' symbolizes an infinite number of times, reflecting the boundless nature of God's grace. This teaching challenges us to look beyond our human limitations and to forgive as an act of faith, trusting that God will heal and restore what has been broken. [03:04]
- Serving with Humility: As followers of Christ, we are called to serve with humility, recognizing that we are unworthy servants who have been given the privilege to work for the Kingdom. Our service is not about seeking recognition or reward but about fulfilling the duties God has entrusted to us. This perspective keeps us grounded in the reality of God's grace and motivates us to serve with joy and dedication. [08:27]
- The Ultimate Reward: While we serve without expectation of earthly rewards, we hold onto the promise that God will honor our faithful service. The crowns and jewels we receive at the Judgment Seat of Christ are not for our glory but are tokens of God's grace that we will joyfully lay at His feet, proclaiming His worthiness. This future hope inspires us to serve Him diligently and faithfully in the present. [09:54]
May these reminders guide us as we strive to live out our faith with care, forgiveness, and faithful service, looking forward to the day when we will stand before our Lord and offer back to Him the fruits of a life lived in His service. Amen.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 17:1-10 - "And he said to his disciples, 'Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.' The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith!' And the Lord said, 'If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus warn about in Luke 17:1-2 regarding temptations and their sources? ([00:57])
2. According to Luke 17:3-4, what are the steps Jesus outlines for dealing with a brother or sister who sins against you? ([03:04])
3. How does Jesus describe the attitude of a servant in Luke 17:7-10, and what lesson does He draw from it? ([07:49])
4. What is the significance of the disciples asking Jesus to "increase our faith" in response to His teachings on forgiveness? ([07:08])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus place such a strong emphasis on not being a source of temptation for others? How does this reflect on our daily conduct? ([01:37])
2. What does the cycle of repentance and forgiveness reveal about the nature of our relationships within the Christian community? ([03:47])
3. How does the concept of forgiving "seven times" challenge our natural inclinations towards forgiveness? What does this teach us about the nature of God's grace? ([03:04])
4. In what ways does the parable of the unworthy servant (Luke 17:7-10) shape our understanding of service and humility in the Christian life? ([08:27])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily interactions: Are there ways in which your actions or words might be a stumbling block to others? How can you ensure that your life serves as a stepping stone instead? ([01:37])
2. Think of a time when someone wronged you and later sought your forgiveness. How did you respond? How can you cultivate a heart that is ready to forgive, even when it is difficult? ([03:04])
3. Jesus teaches that we should forgive without limits. Is there someone in your life whom you find difficult to forgive? What steps can you take to extend forgiveness to them, trusting in God's grace? ([03:04])
4. Consider the ways you serve in your church or community. Are you seeking recognition or reward for your service? How can you shift your focus to serving humbly and faithfully, as an unworthy servant? ([08:27])
5. The ultimate reward for our service is to lay our crowns before Jesus. How does this future hope inspire you to serve diligently and faithfully in the present? ([09:54])
6. How can you develop a forgiving spirit, especially towards those who have not repented or sought your forgiveness? What practical steps can you take to hand over your resentment to the Lord? ([05:46])
7. Reflect on the statement, "We don't get to choose our crosses, but we get to choose our responses." How can you choose a response of forgiveness and trust in God's will, even in difficult circumstances? ([07:08])
Devotional
Day 1: Conduct That Uplifts Others
In the walk of faith, believers are called to be vigilant in their conduct, ensuring that their lives serve as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks for others. This means that every action and decision should be weighed against its potential impact on those around them. It is a sobering responsibility to live in such a way that one's life testifies to the truth of the Gospel and encourages others in their faith journey. The way one lives should inspire others to seek Christ, and this requires a constant self-awareness and a commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus in everyday life. It is not enough to avoid sin; one must actively pursue a life that guides others towards righteousness. [01:37]
"Do not be a hindrance to the weak; if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died." - Romans 14:15 ESV
Reflection: Consider how your actions might be perceived by those who are new to the faith. Are there habits or behaviors you need to change to avoid being a stumbling block to others?
Day 2: Embracing the Cycle of Forgiveness
True forgiveness is a divine cycle that begins with genuine repentance and leads to restoration. When someone wrongs us and seeks forgiveness with a contrite heart, it is our Christian duty to extend forgiveness as freely as Christ forgave us. This is not merely about interpersonal relationships but is a reflection of the Gospel itself. The act of forgiving others is a powerful testimony to the grace of God at work within us. It is through this cycle of repentance and forgiveness that broken relationships are healed, and fellowship with God is strengthened. Believers are called to be agents of this divine grace, showcasing the transformative power of faith in their lives. [03:47]
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." - Colossians 3:13 ESV
Reflection: Is there someone who has sought your forgiveness that you have not yet fully forgiven? What steps can you take today to release any lingering bitterness and extend grace?
Day 3: Infinite Grace, Infinite Forgiveness
The capacity to forgive should know no bounds, mirroring the limitless forgiveness that God extends to us. The command to forgive 'seven times' is symbolic of an infinite number of times, reflecting the boundless nature of God's grace. This teaching challenges believers to look beyond their human limitations and to forgive as an act of faith, trusting that God will heal and restore what has been broken. It is a call to embody the very essence of the Gospel in everyday interactions, to be a living example of the grace that has been bestowed upon us. [03:04]
"Should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?" - Matthew 18:33 ESV
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you found it difficult to forgive someone. How can you apply the principle of limitless forgiveness in that situation today?
Day 4: Humble Service in the Kingdom
As followers of Christ, believers are called to serve with humility, recognizing that they are unworthy servants who have been given the privilege to work for the Kingdom. This service is not about seeking recognition or reward but about fulfilling the duties God has entrusted to them. This perspective keeps them grounded in the reality of God's grace and motivates them to serve with joy and dedication. Serving with humility means putting the needs of others before one's own, doing so not out of obligation but out of love for Christ and His people. [08:27]
"For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves." - Luke 22:27 ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you serve others in your community this week without seeking recognition or repayment?
Day 5: Anticipating the Eternal Reward
While believers serve without expectation of earthly rewards, they hold onto the promise that God will honor their faithful service. The crowns and jewels received at the Judgment Seat of Christ are not for personal glory but are tokens of God's grace that will be joyfully laid at His feet, proclaiming His worthiness. This future hope inspires believers to serve Him diligently and faithfully in the present, knowing that their labor in the Lord is not in vain. The ultimate reward is not the accolades or the crowns but the opportunity to glorify God for eternity. [09:54]
"Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing." - 2 Timothy 4:8 ESV
Reflection: How does the hope of laying your crowns before the Lord shape the way you approach your service to Him today?
Quotes
- "Temptation and sin are inevitable every day you get out of bed you're going to face a test of integrity and none of us are going to be free from sin and Temptation until we see Jesus." [01:37] (Download | )
- "Our first duty to sinning Believers is to rebuke them or warn them with the goal of repentance and restoration and restoration to fellowship if they repent it's our duty to forgive them." [03:04] (Download | )
- "Forgiveness is a two-way street that ultimately leads to reconciliation Fellowship you can't have fellowship with somebody who refuses to repent of their sin against you." [04:26] (Download | )
- "You can talk to the Lord about them you can imitate Jesus on the cross who said father forgive them for they know not what they do." [05:46] (Download | )
- "I'm going to trust your will I'm going to give you my resentment against their actions I'm putting it in your hands Lord." [06:30] (Download | )
- "The Lord will honor us one day he'll reward us for every little Act of faithful service and beloved I believe we're going to be surprised at how joyfully and eagerly the Lord rewards us." [09:54] (Download | )
- "We will cast them place them at his feet as if to admit Lord whatever good we did we just did our duty we did what we were commanded we followed you we obeyed you and we did it through your power." [09:54] (Download | )
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