The Promise That Anchors Our Faith, Part 1 - Oct. 22nd, 2023

Deductive Sermon Brief: "Living in Light of Promise" Series

Formal Elements / Descriptive Data

Text: Luke 1:1-4 (KJV) "Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed."

Central Idea of the Text (CIT): Luke seeks to provide a detailed and ordered account of the Gospel for Theophilus to affirm the certainty of the Christian faith.

Proposition: We too can have certainty in our faith because of the detailed and eyewitness accounts of the Gospel as presented by Luke.

Statement of Purpose:

(1) Major Objective (MO): Doctrinal

(2) Specific Objective (SO): I want my hearer to grasp the reliability of the Gospel account and, as a result, hold firm to the promises of their faith.

Title (Topic/Name): The Promise That Anchors Our Faith

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Informal Elements / Rhetorical Data

Introduction:

Opening: In our age of skepticism, where can we find a solid anchor for our faith?

Personal bridge: I've personally searched for concrete evidence of our beliefs.

Social bridge: Many in our society challenge the authenticity of scripture.

Textual material (CIT): Luke offers a detailed, organized account for Theophilus.

Focus of the sermon's intent (Proposition): The Gospel of Luke serves as a steadfast anchor for our faith.

Transition: Let’s dive into the depth and certainty Luke offers.

Body - Development - Outline:

I. Luke's meticulous approach reinforces the Gospel's authenticity. (Verses 1-2)

EXPLANATION: Many have written accounts, but Luke emphasizes the eyewitness nature and the handed down tradition of the Gospel.

ILLUSTRATION: Imagine a courtroom where multiple witnesses share a consistent story; the case becomes stronger.

APPLICATION: Trust in the concrete foundation of our faith, as the Gospel isn't based on hearsay but on eyewitness testimonies.

TRANSITIONAL SENTENCE: While many offer accounts, Luke's dedication to precision is evident.

II. Luke writes to assure Theophilus and us of the Gospel's certainty. (Verses 3-4)

EXPLANATION: Luke's goal is to ensure Theophilus knows the certainty of his instruction.

ILLUSTRATION: Think of a builder who carefully lays a foundation stone by stone; Luke's words are those stones for our faith.

APPLICATION: Whenever doubt arises, remember the diligent work of Gospel writers like Luke, ensuring our teachings' accuracy and reliability.

TRANSITIONAL SENTENCE: Not only is Luke's account reliable, but it's also written with a heart of assurance for every believer.

Conclusion: 

- The world challenges the authenticity of our faith daily.

- Luke's Gospel is a testament to the rigorous foundation of our beliefs.

- As we face doubts or challenges, may Luke's dedication remind us of the certainty of our faith.

- Be encouraged and hold firm to the promise that anchors our faith.

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“Does It Seem Good to You? . . . to Tell Somebody About Jesus.”

These four verses represent some of the finest Greek in the New Testament. The author is obviously an educated and skilled writer, a worthy candidate to compose the longest and most comprehensive account of the words and deeds of the central figure in human history. (ZIBBC)

I. If So, You Are in Good Company with “Many” (v. 1)

A. Many have done more than merely “think”

B. Many have “taken in hand” to communicate Jesus to someone else.

1. Why should I, when so many others already have?

2. God has a “Theophilus” He wants you to reach

3. Luke is the only Gospel writer to address Theophilus directly

C. Many have made “an orderly account”; you should too.

It is as if Luke said to himself, ‘I am writing the greatest story in the world and nothing but the best is good enough for it.’ Some of the ancient manuscripts are very beautiful productions, written in silver ink on purple vellum; and often the scribe, when he came to the name of God or of Jesus, wrote it in gold. The story is told of an old workman who, every Friday night, took the newest and shiniest coins out of his pay packet for Sunday’s offering in church. The historian, the scribe and the workman were all filled with the same idea—only the best is good enough for Jesus. They always gave their utmost for the highest. (NDSB)

D. Many have made a “declaration” of who Jesus is; you should too.

The declaration is of “those things . . . most surely believed”

The thought is of events brought to completion, namely the events leading to salvation; the passive form suggests that these are divine acts which God himself promised and has now fully brought to pass, and the use of the perfect indicates that they are seen as a finished series in past time (NIGTC)

These things are believed, “among us” i.e., the Brethren

Are you part of the “us?” If not, why not?

Trans: Does it seem good to you to tell somebody about Jesus? If so, then you are in good company. Now consider . . .

II. The Manner in which you should tell somebody about Jesus (Lk. 1:2)

A. Stay on the Subject: “Jesus Christ”

1. The Authority of the Word - Apostles & faithful disciples

This brings up an important point about the nature of the New Testament Gospels. None of the writers wrote from purely biographical or historical interest. All were convinced that God had acted in history to bring salvation to the world through his Son Jesus Christ. All had a burning desire to convince others of the truth of this message. The Gospel writers are called “Evangelists” (from euangelion, the Greek word for “Gospel”) because their works are written versions of the oral proclamation of the good news about the salvation that has been achieved in Jesus Christ. The Gospels were written to be preached, and they were written to be believed. (ZIBBC)

2. The Authenticity of the Word - “eyewitnesses”

Eyewitness: Faith and Sight. Mt. 13:16 seems to commend eyewitness, but the reference to eyes and ears (cf. Lk. 11:27) does not necessarily stress sense perception. The point is rather that those who have the privilege of seeing and hearing should not fail to attain to true seeing and hearing (cf. Mt. 13:14–15). Underlying the saying is the conviction that the age of salvation has come with Jesus, and that a right decision must be made in the light of it. Lk. 1:2 bases the truth of the gospel on a tradition that goes back to eyewitnesses. Eyewitness here includes ministry of the word and thus comprises both seeing what took place and understanding its significance as revelation (cf. Jn. 20:31). It is authentic, then, only when the imperative of faith is present as well as the privilege of sight. The stress on eyewitness in 2 Pet. 1:18 is unusual, and the statements in Jn. 1:14 and 1 Jn. 1:1 include more than eyewitness, for what follows is no mere report but proclamation. The Gospels omit many details (the appearance of Jesus, scenery, etc.), for their focus is on the words (hearing) and acts (seeing) of Jesus. Word and work (hearing and seeing) constitute the full historicity and totality of the event of revelation. Hearing is primary, but seeing is a kind of hearing, for if dependence on a certain kind of seeing is unbelief (Mk. 15:32), seeing, too, can and should lead to faith (Jn. 11:40). In Jn. 20:24ff., while the reference is to seeing the risen Lord, the statement in v. 29 has more general validity (cf. 1 Pet. 1:8). As the first eyewitness is oriented to proclamation, so proclamation rests on the first eyewitness as a safeguard of historicity. Thus the seeing of the disciples becomes the hearing of later believers (1 Cor. 15:3; Rom. 10:16ff.). It is no longer essential that those who preach the gospel should be themselves witnesses. A contrast arises between what is seen and what is not seen (2 Cor. 4:18). What is seen is perishing, but what is not seen—and this includes not merely what is yet to come but inner renewal by the operation of the Spirit and the powers of the coming age—is eternal. Similarly the object of faith and hope in Rom. 8:24–25 is not yet seen, for otherwise faith and hope would be unnecessary. Believers have a present sonship in faith, but they are still hoping for eschatological sonship as a visible entity. In Heb. 11:1 the things not seen, qualifying the things hoped for, are future things. In incidental contrast is the visible world of v. 3, which is created, as faith perceives, by the nonvisible word of God. (TDNTA)

3. The Ministry of the Word - “ministers”

B. Drive Towards Discipleship

1. “they delivered them unto us” - 2 Tim. 2:2

2 Timothy 2:2 KJV 1900

2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

2. “most excellent Theophilus” - he was ready to receive the word

Trans: You are in good company when you think it is good to tell somebody about Jesus Christ. Don’t stop short at merely “thinking” about it, Do it. When you do tell somebody else about Jesus Christ, stay on Subject, and drive that somebody towards being a disciple themselves.

III. The Message We Must Communicate to Somebody (v. 3)

DECIDE FOR YOURSELF

At the time that Luke wrote this letter to Theophilus, there was a lot of interest in Jesus and in this movement called Christianity. Many people had written firsthand accounts about Jesus. Luke used these and all other available resources as material for an accurate and complete account of Jesus’ life, teachings, and ministry. Because truth was important to Luke, he relied heavily on eyewitnesses. Christianity doesn’t say, “Close your eyes and believe,” but rather, “Check it out for yourself” (John 1:46; 21:24; Acts 17:11–12). No halfhearted investigation will do, however. Approach the life and impact of Jesus with expectation and intensity. Thoroughly investigate the Bible’s claims about Jesus because your conclusion about him is a life-and-death matter.

A. Based on the Scriptures - “to write” = graphei; “in order” - an orderly account

Know what you believe, and know why you believe what you believe

Theophilus was a Roman acquaintance of Luke’s with a strong interest in the new Christian religion. Luke wanted to assure Theophilus of the truth concerning the things about which [he] had been instructed. Theophilus had learned some of the facts about the gospel via oral teaching, but he desired further clarification in writing. Luke set out to explain the entire gospel story to Theophilus, from the story of the birth of John the Baptist until the ascension of Christ. In Acts, Luke continued the story of the spread of the gospel until Paul brought it to Rome. We can thank Theophilus for his concerns. Without his questions, we would not today have this Gospel, with its story of Jesus’ birth and childhood and its record of many of Jesus’ parables (most of 9:51–18:35 is not in any other Gospel).

B. Built Up By Careful, Personal Investigation of the Scriptures for One’s Self - “having had perfect understanding”

“Well, that’s why I just let my pastor do that, because I don’t have “perfect” understanding yet . . .”

Wrong: You do not have “perfect” understanding yet if you have not been willing to do the hard work of 2 Tim. 2:15 for yourself yet.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV 1900

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Remember, your pastor may never get to even talk to many of the people God has placed within your own sphere of influence.

Perhaps the genius of Luke’s Gospel is that it is written to one person, to Theophilus. I am convinced that Luke is the most universal of the four Gospels because he is the most personal. The personal is universal; the general is vague. Some time ago I was in downtown Seattle shopping and I observed a man standing in front of one of our large department stores talking about Jesus. He was shouting at all those passing by. He was ranting about salvation to the world and nobody was listening. Though he was shouting loudly about the Good News, no one stopped and no one heeded. His message was so general it was meaningless.

In contrast, the secret of genuinely effective communication is caught by one of the television commercials advertising a brokerage firm. When somebody whispers the firm’s name in a crowd, all conversation stops. When someone says, “Listen, this is not for the world, this is just for you,” the whole world—waiters, cab drivers, passersby—stops. We all want to eavesdrop on intimate conversation.

Luke’s Gospel, written just for Theophilus, had this quality. He is saying, “This is good news just for you, Theophilus.” And the whole world has been reading ever since Luke’s words to Theophilus. Whenever I am asked about speaking or writing effectively, I say, “Try to imagine one person sitting across the desk from you, and write your book or sermon to that one person. If your writing is for groups of people or for the world, it’s going to be vague. The more personally aimed your speaking or writing is, the more universal it is.”

C. Leave nothing of the Message out - “all things”

Give them the whole counsel of God

Teaching them to observe “all things whatsoever” Jesus has commanded

Give them the “whole gospel” (Acts 10:34-43)

Acts 10:34–43 KJV 1900

34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Essence: 1) God’s offer of salvation; 2) the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus; 3) the Call to Faith in light of the Coming Judgment (Elwell, ENT)

D. Remain Dependent Upon the Holy Spirit - “from the very first”

or, “from above” (see John 3), anothen - Nicodemus - Born from above. BE BORN AGAIN YOURSELF!

Be filled (controlled by, yielded to) the Holy Spirit (see Rom. 6:11ff)

Read what I have written, he says, and you will see the facts on which Christianity is based; and you will find there something firm and solid and absolutely trustworthy, a sure foundation for faith.

And ‘know’ also is a special word. It means a deep, thorough knowledge. Luke wants his reader to know the certainty of the gospel not only in his mind but in his heart, so that it becomes part of the fibre of his being. Such knowledge may be yours, says Luke. How? By some mystical experience? By a deep study of philosophy? No: by reading and meditating on the plain facts of the story of Jesus, set out here in my Gospel. That is where you may come to know the basic certainties of life.

This, then, is what we look for as we embark on our reading of the Gospel according to Luke. Like many another book of the same kind, most of them now lost, it recounts ‘the tradition’, the facts about Jesus: though they are not merely facts, but truth which when proclaimed changes the lives of men. This book, moreover, sets them out with a remarkable fullness, accuracy, and meaningful order, and demands our closest attention. Granted this, we may expect it to lay deep in our hearts the infallible basis of spiritual certainty in a world where all else is changing and inconstant. Let us then go to our study of it with a will.

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,

Is laid for your faith in his excellent word;

What more can he say than to you he hath said,

You who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?22

Trans: Does it seem good to you to be:

Banded together for the work of the Gospel ministry with these “many”?

To Be actively engaging somebody else to tell them about Jesus Christ and discipling them to follow Him and His Word?

To be a Born-Again, Spirit-Filled, Scripture-Searching Believer walking closely to God?

It seemed good to Luke. Last, also consider . . .

IV. The Motivation Behind Our Ministry of the Word (v. 4).

A. Somebody (your Theophilus) Needs to Be Assured of the Certainty of Your Christianity

Not - a political “apology”

Theophilus’s question would seem to be, “Is Christianity what I believed it to be, a religion sent from God?”

Clearly, however, the clause as a whole goes beyond abstract accuracy and focuses on Theophilus’s personal assurance.

It is a different question, and one difficult to answer, why Luke thought that his reader (or those he represents) needed this assurance. Was Theophilus merely an inquirer who was not yet persuaded of the truth of the gospel? Was he a Christian of long standing whose faith had however been shaken by opponents? Perhaps most likely, Theophilus was a relatively recent convert who, along with many others, had received only basic teaching and who thus needed his faith established more securely

B. Those Who Have Already Been “Instructed” Still Need to Be “Watered”

Concordance:

Acts 18:25 KJV 1900

25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

Acts 21:21 KJV 1900

21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

Acts 21:24 KJV 1900

24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

Romans 2:18 KJV 1900

18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;

1 Corinthians 14:19 KJV 1900

19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

Galatians 6:6 KJV 1900

6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

The one who plants is nothing

The one who waters is nothing

God is everything

Conclusion:

Does it seem good to you today? It seemed good to Luke. If it does to you to join together with us:

Many - you are in good company in the faith

Manner - You are in a church that seeks to stay on the great Subject of Our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Word of God, while Driving Others Towards Discipleship in Him

Message - Based on the Bible, Built on a Careful Personal Investigation of the Scriptures, Covering the Whole Counsel of God, from Born Again Believers Depending on the Holy Spirit

Motivation - To help somebody else understand the certainty of our Christianity, building them up in their most holy faith