Luke_Intro.docx

Devotional

Day 1: Discipleship Grows Through Personal, Intentional Relationships

Discipleship is not a checklist or a program to complete, but a journey of transformation that happens through real, everyday connections. Jesus modeled this by investing deeply in individuals—sharing meals, asking questions, and walking alongside people in their ordinary lives. The Gospel of Luke shows us that the kingdom of God advances not through grand events or impressive crowds, but through one life touching another in authentic ways.

You are invited to see discipleship as a process of becoming someone who invests in others, just as Jesus did. It’s about noticing the people God places in your path and being willing to walk with them, listen to their stories, and share your own. The impact of the kingdom often begins with a single conversation or a simple act of kindness. Who is the “one” God is calling you to reach today?

Luke 19:5-7 (ESV):
“And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.’ So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled, ‘He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.’”

Reflection: Who is one person in your life you can intentionally reach out to this week—perhaps with a meal, a conversation, or a simple act of care—to begin or deepen a relationship that points them toward Jesus?

Day 2: God Uses Your Everyday Skills for His Extraordinary Purposes

God delights in using ordinary people with ordinary tools to accomplish His extraordinary mission. Luke was not one of the original disciples, nor was he a preacher or a church planter. He was a doctor—someone who used his training, intellect, and careful attention to detail to serve God’s purposes. Luke’s willingness to say “yes” to God’s call, using the skills and background he already had, made him a vital part of the story of Jesus.

Your career, talents, and life experiences are not separate from your calling; they are the very things God wants to use. You don’t need a platform or a title to make a difference. God is looking for faithfulness and availability, not fame or credentials. When you offer your everyday gifts to God, He weaves them into His bigger story in ways you may never fully see.

Exodus 31:2-5 (ESV):
“See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft.”

Reflection: What is one skill, talent, or part of your story that you often overlook or underestimate? How might God be inviting you to use it for His kingdom this week?

Day 3: Lasting Impact Comes from Humble, Hidden Faithfulness

True discipleship is often marked by quiet, behind-the-scenes faithfulness rather than public recognition. Luke wrote more of the New Testament than anyone else, yet he never sought the spotlight or demanded applause. He supported leaders like Paul, served faithfully in the background, and always pointed others to Jesus instead of himself.

Faithfulness means sticking around when things get hard, serving when no one notices, and investing in others without expecting anything in return. The foundation of lasting impact is not charisma or visibility, but a willingness to serve humbly and consistently. God sees what is done in secret and multiplies it for His kingdom.

Colossians 4:12-13 (ESV):
“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.”

Reflection: Where in your life are you called to serve faithfully, even if no one else notices? How can you embrace hidden service as a way to honor Jesus today?

Day 4: Generosity Opens Doors for the Gospel to Spread

The story of Theophilus reminds us that generosity is a powerful force in God’s mission. Theophilus, a wealthy outsider, used his resources to support Luke’s investigation and writing, making it possible for the Gospel to reach countless lives. Generosity is not just about money—it’s about offering whatever you have so that others can encounter Jesus.

You may never see the full impact of your giving, but God multiplies every act of generosity for His kingdom. Sometimes, the greatest stories of faith begin with one person’s willingness to give. Whether it’s your time, resources, encouragement, or hospitality, your generosity can open doors for others to experience the love and truth of Jesus.

2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (ESV):
“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can be generous this week—whether with your resources, your time, or your encouragement—to help someone else experience God’s love?

Day 5: God Welcomes Outsiders and Honors Honest Questions

Both Luke and Theophilus were outsiders—Gentiles brought into God’s story by grace. Their curiosity and willingness to ask questions became the starting point for a Gospel that has changed the world. God is not threatened by your doubts, your background, or your questions. In fact, He welcomes your curiosity and uses it to draw you closer to Himself.

The journey of faith often begins with honest questions and a desire to seek the truth about Jesus. God honors those who come to Him with open hearts, even if they feel like outsiders. Your questions can become the doorway to deeper faith and understanding, both for you and for others who are watching your journey.

Acts 17:11-12 (ESV):
“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.”

Reflection: What is one honest question or doubt you have about God or faith? How can you bring it to God in prayer or explore it with a trusted friend this week, trusting that God welcomes your search for truth?

Sermon Summary

of the Sermon**

Today’s sermon launched our journey through the Gospel of Luke, inviting us to see Luke as the “Indiana Jones of the Bible”—a relentless seeker, digging for the treasures of Jesus’ life and ministry. We explored how discipleship is not a program but a process, and how the kingdom of God grows not through crowds or campaigns, but through one life touching another. Luke, a Gentile doctor and outsider, became a key author of the New Testament simply by saying “yes” to God’s mission, using his unique skills and background to serve faithfully behind the scenes. We also met Theophilus, the wealthy and curious recipient of Luke’s Gospel, whose generosity made the spread of the Gospel possible. The message challenged us to consider how God can use our own gifts, resources, and faithfulness—no matter how ordinary—to make an eternal impact, one life at a time.

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Key Takeaways

1. Discipleship Is a Personal Process, Not a Program The Gospel of Luke shows us that Jesus changed the world one conversation, one meal, and one relationship at a time. Discipleship isn’t about attending events or following a curriculum; it’s about becoming someone who invests in others as Jesus did. The kingdom grows through genuine connections, not through mass movements. Ask yourself: Who is the “one” God is calling you to reach?
2. God Uses Ordinary People with Ordinary Tools Luke wasn’t one of the original disciples, nor was he a preacher or a church planter. He was a doctor who used his skills, intellect, and pen to serve God’s mission. God doesn’t require fame or impressive credentials—He looks for faithfulness and availability. Your career, talents, and story are not separate from your calling; they are the very tools God wants to use for His purposes.
3. Faithfulness Often Looks Like Humble, Hidden Service Luke wrote more of the New Testament than anyone else, yet he never put his name in lights or sought recognition. He served quietly, supporting leaders like Paul and shining the spotlight on Jesus, not himself. True discipleship is marked by a willingness to serve in the background, to stick around when things get hard, and to invest in others without seeking applause. Faithfulness is caught, not taught, and it’s the foundation of lasting impact.
4. Generosity Fuels the Mission of God Theophilus, a wealthy outsider, used his resources to fund Luke’s investigation and writing, making it possible for the Gospel to reach countless lives. Generosity isn’t just about money—it’s about investing what you have so others can know Jesus. You may never know the full impact of your giving, but God multiplies every act of generosity for His kingdom. Sometimes, the greatest stories of faith begin with one person’s willingness to give.
5. God Welcomes Outsiders and Works Through Their Questions Both Luke and Theophilus were Gentiles—outsiders brought in by grace. Luke’s curiosity and Theophilus’s questions became the starting point for a Gospel that has changed the world. God isn’t threatened by your doubts or your background; He welcomes your curiosity and uses it to draw you closer. The journey of faith often begins with honest questions and a willingness to seek the truth about Jesus.

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Gospel of Luke—One Life at a Time**

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### Bible Reading

- **Luke 1:1-4**
*Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.*

- **2 Timothy 4:11**
*Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.*

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### Observation Questions

According to Luke 1:1-4, what was Luke’s purpose in writing his Gospel, and who was his intended audience?
What do we learn about Luke’s background and approach to telling the story of Jesus from the introduction to his Gospel?
In 2 Timothy 4:11, what does Paul say about Luke, and what does this reveal about Luke’s character and role?
From the sermon, what are some unique stories or parables that only appear in the Gospel of Luke?

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### Interpretation Questions

Why might God have chosen someone like Luke—a Gentile doctor and outsider—to write such a significant portion of the New Testament? What does this suggest about how God views our backgrounds and skills?
The sermon described discipleship as a process, not a program. How does Luke’s relationship with Theophilus illustrate this idea?
Theophilus used his resources to support Luke’s investigation and writing. What does this teach about the role of generosity in God’s mission?
Luke is described as someone who served faithfully behind the scenes, often without recognition. Why is humble, hidden service so important in the kingdom of God?

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### Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to consider: “Who is the ‘one’ God is calling you to reach?” Is there someone in your life right now who needs encouragement, prayer, or a spiritual conversation? What is one step you can take this week to invest in that person?
Luke used his skills as a doctor and a writer for God’s purposes. What are some ordinary skills, experiences, or resources you have that God might want to use for His mission? How can you offer them to Him?
Faithfulness often means serving without recognition or applause. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to seek credit or attention? How can you practice serving quietly and faithfully this month?
Theophilus’s generosity made a lasting impact, even though he may never have seen the results in his lifetime. Is there a way you can be generous—with your time, money, or abilities—so that others can know Jesus? What might that look like for you this week?
Both Luke and Theophilus started as outsiders with questions. Are there doubts or questions about faith that you’ve been afraid to bring to God or others? How can you take a step toward honest curiosity and seeking answers?
The sermon said, “Your career, talents, and story are not separate from your calling.” How does this challenge the way you view your daily work or routines? Is there a specific way you can turn your work or a hobby into an opportunity for ministry?
Think about a time when someone invested in you spiritually—maybe through a conversation, a meal, or a simple act of kindness. How did that impact your faith? How can you “pay it forward” to someone else this month?

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Sermon Quotes

Discipleship isn’t a program—it’s a process. It’s not something you attend; it’s something you become. The kingdom of God grows not by crowds or campaigns, but by connection—one life touched by Jesus, touching another life for Jesus.

You may not be able to reach everyone, but you can reach someone. You may not be able to change the whole world, but you can change one person’s world. That’s how Jesus changes lives—one conversation, one touch, one meal, one person at a time.

God doesn’t need everyone to be a Paul. Not everybody’s going to preach to thousands or plant churches. But every single one of us can be a Luke—using what we have to help someone else know Jesus.

God isn’t asking you to be famous. He’s asking you to be faithful. He’s not looking for the impressive; He’s looking for the available. Faithfulness can’t be taught—it’s caught by knowing what you’re doing matters to God.

Your background doesn’t determine your future. Maybe you didn’t grow up in church or have all the answers. God took an outsider like Luke and made him an insider in the greatest story ever told. That’s what grace does.

There are really only two kinds of people God uses in ministry: those He calls to lead, and those He calls to help those who lead. Paul was the preacher; Luke was the helper. God used both to change the world.

Far too many people think their job is just what they do to make a living. No, it’s the place where God wants you to make a difference. Your skills, your work, your education—they’re part of how God wants to use you to reach others.

God inspired an entire Gospel for one man’s discipleship journey. He’s not just after the masses; He’s after the individual. He knows your name, sees your story, and calls you personally.

When you give to the mission of God, you’re not just writing a check—you’re potentially writing someone’s eternity. Theophilus probably had no idea that 2,000 years later, people would still be getting saved because of his one investment.

Christianity is not class warfare. It’s not “rich vs. poor.” It’s “rich and poor—together—for the glory of God.” Sometimes God blesses the rich so they can bless the poor, and that’s not exploitation, that’s evangelism.

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