Luke_1_1-5.docx

of the Sermon**

This sermon, "Luke: The Indiana Jones of the Bible," opens with a heartfelt tribute to veterans, connecting their sacrifice and service to the themes of remembrance and testimony. The message then transitions to the opening verses of Luke’s Gospel, drawing a parallel between a grandfather’s legacy letter and Luke’s careful, investigative account of Jesus’ life. The pastor emphasizes that Luke’s Gospel is a Spirit-inspired, historically grounded letter written so that one person—Theophilus—could know for certain that Jesus is real and the Gospel is true. The sermon explores Luke’s methodical approach, his use of written documents, eyewitness accounts, and oral tradition, and applies these principles to modern discipleship: real transformation happens up close, one life at a time. The message also highlights God’s sovereignty, showing how even in dark times—like the days of Herod—God is faithfully working out His redemptive plan, often using unlikely people and circumstances. The congregation is challenged to approach the Gospel of Luke as a personal treasure hunt and to consider who their own "Theophilus" might be—someone they can invest in, disciple, and walk alongside as God’s story continues to unfold.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Legacy and Testimony Matter Deeply Just as the veteran grandfather wrote letters to grandchildren he’d never meet, our faith is meant to be passed on intentionally and personally. The Gospel of Luke is God’s letter to us, reaching across centuries to say, “This is real.” Our stories, struggles, and experiences with Jesus are not just for us—they are meant to be shared, so the next generation can know what truly matters.
• 2. Discipleship Is Up Close and Personal Luke’s investigative approach—seeking out eyewitnesses, asking hard questions, and listening to real stories—reminds us that discipleship cannot be done from a distance. Transformation happens when we walk with people, listen to their doubts, and open the Word together. The call is not just to invite people to church, but to invite them into our lives, meeting them where they are and helping them encounter Jesus personally.
• 3. God’s Mission Moves Through Ordinary People Luke was not an apostle or a preacher; he was a doctor who used his skills to serve God’s mission. The Gospel advances not just through the gifted or the famous, but through everyday believers who say “yes” to God’s call. Every talent, every story, and every relationship can be leveraged for the sake of the Gospel—one life at a time.
• 4. God’s Sovereignty Shines Brightest in Dark Times The story of Jesus unfolds “in the days of Herod”—a time marked by corruption, fear, and evil at the highest levels. Yet, God was quietly and faithfully keeping His promises, even using the ambitions of wicked men to fulfill prophecy. When our world feels dark or chaotic, we can trust that God is still at work, weaving even the most unlikely circumstances into His redemptive plan.
• 5. The Window of Opportunity Is Closing—The Mission Is Now Luke wrote with urgency because the eyewitnesses were aging and their stories could be lost. Likewise, our opportunity to reach people is not unlimited. Souls are eternal, and the time to invest in others, to share our faith, and to disciple is now—not “someday.” The challenge is to ask God, “Who is my Theophilus?” and to step into the mission with intentionality and courage.

1. According to Luke 1:1-4, what sources did Luke use to write his Gospel, and why did he write it?
2. In Malachi 3:1 and 4:5-6, what promises does God make about the future, and how do these connect to the opening of Luke’s Gospel?
3. The sermon described the days of Herod as a time of darkness and corruption. What details from Luke 1:5 and the sermon help us understand what life was like during that period?
4. The sermon compared Luke’s Gospel to a grandfather’s legacy letter. What are some similarities between the two, based on the sermon?

1. Why does Luke emphasize eyewitness accounts, written documents, and oral tradition in his introduction? What does this tell us about the reliability and purpose of his Gospel?
2. The sermon says that God often works through “ordinary people” and “unlikely circumstances.” How does the setting of “the days of Herod” highlight God’s sovereignty and faithfulness?
3. The pastor challenged the church to see Luke’s Gospel as a “personal treasure hunt.” What does it mean to approach the Bible this way, and how might it change someone’s experience of reading Scripture?
4. The sermon draws a parallel between the urgency Luke felt to record eyewitness stories and our own urgency to share faith. Why is this urgency important, and what might be lost if we delay?

1. The sermon talked about passing on a legacy of faith, like the veteran grandfather’s letter. Who in your life needs to hear your story of faith, and what is one step you could take to share it with them?
2. Luke’s method was up close and personal—he listened, asked questions, and met people where they were. Think of someone in your life who has questions or doubts about Jesus. How could you walk alongside them in a more intentional way this month?
3. The sermon asked, “Who is your Theophilus?”—the one person God might be calling you to invest in. Who comes to mind for you, and what would it look like to disciple or encourage them?
4. God used Luke’s unique skills as a doctor and writer for His mission. What gifts, skills, or experiences do you have that God could use to reach someone else? Are there ways you could offer these in service to others this season?
5. The sermon highlighted that God’s mission moves forward even in dark or difficult times. Are there areas in your life or in the world right now that feel especially dark? How can you trust God’s sovereignty and look for ways He might be working, even when it’s hard to see?
6. Luke wrote with urgency because the window of opportunity was closing. Is there someone you’ve been meaning to reach out to, encourage, or share your faith with, but have been putting it off? What’s holding you back, and what could you do this week to take a step forward?
7. The sermon described discipleship as more than just inviting someone to church—it’s inviting them into your life. What is one practical way you could open your life to someone else for the sake of the Gospel this month?