An Account of Jesus Christ For You
Notes
Transcript
An Account of Jesus Christ For You
Open your bibles and turn with me to the book of Luke
1:1-4
We are beginning a new sermon series through the gospel of Luke.
And I want to say this sermon series is, in one sense, NOT for the faith of the heart.
It is going to be lengthy, gonna be like taking
a road trip…
We will no doubt encounter a lot of twists
and turns…
We’ll hit some difficult terrain and we will also
encounter some breathtaking scenery.
Luke provides us with a unique perspective.
In
that much of his writing, he is the only one who mentions it….
For example - He provides a much fuller story of what
happened after the resurrection
And he includes the story of Jesus’s ascension into Heaven…
And several others that is unique to Luke
And much of that is because
of his style and purposes for writing…..
So, while I recognize this journey will take some time.
I want to provide some on/off ramps along the way,
And I’ll do that, likely by jumping to the Psalter
from time to time.
I’ve also attempted to structure
this sermon series in a sequence of parts.
Luke’s Gospel can be categorized – he’s written, as we will see, in an orderly account.
That doesn’t necessarily mean chronological, as much as
it means with purpose!
Luke wrote with a clear purpose, and
because of that,
we can use that to our advantage to look and break
up this gospel in a helpful way,
to hopefully wrap our arms around it a little easier.
Chapters 1–3 describe Jesus’ birth and childhood, baptism, and genealogical
descent.
Chapters 4–9 tell about
Jesus’ ministry of teaching and healing in Galilee.
Also, contains The book’s key turning point occurs in
Luke 9:51
51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.
Chapters 10–19 then follow Jesus’ course toward Jerusalem.
And also see what Jesus taught about being
a disciple
and about what he was going to do in Jerusalem.
Chapters 19–21 recount Jesus’ teachings in Jerusalem.
Chapter 22-23 records Jesus’ arrest,
and goes on to describes his trial, crucifixion, and burial.
Chapter 24 then reports his resurrection, his
post-resurrection appearances, and his ascension.
And order to get into this narrative, it is helpful
to understand Luke’s purposes for writing!
And right here in the opening verses….Luke tells us what he’s doing and why he’s doing it.
Sermon Summary: Our Faith rests on reliable testimonies that we might be firm in our conviction of God’s truth and remain confident in God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
So let’s dive into this great book of scripture –
would you stand with me as we read together from Luke’s
Gospel, Luke 1:1-4
1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
In the early 20th century, a man named Piltdown
Man became a sensation in the field of paleoanthropology.
In 1912, scientists (CHARLES DAWSON AND ARTHUR WOODWARD) in England
discovered what seemed to be the missing link between humans and apes—
a fossilized skull with a combination of human-like and ape-like features.
This discovery, known as Piltdown Man, was hailed as one of the most important finds in the history of evolution.
Scholars and researchers worldwide embraced it as proof of the evolutionary theory.
However, as the years passed, doubts began to emerge.
Eventually, in the 1950s,
after further examination
and more advanced dating methods, scientists discovered the shocking truth:
Piltdown Man was a deliberate fabrication.
The skull was a clever combination of a human skull and an orangutan jaw, aged to appear ancient.
And YET - For over 40 years, this "discovery" had deceived the scientific community and the public alike.
What was touted as groundbreaking evidence for the theory of evolution was nothing more than an elaborate hoax. FALSE
And it was based on intentional deception and fabrications
of what was true!
And I begin with that story as a way to highlight that Luke…. further God’s word
is not interested in the deception orin the fabrication of the fact….
But RATHER,
what we realize, right in the opening verses here, is that…..
I. Luke Writes In Light of Historical Realities (v.1)
I. Luke Writes In Light of Historical Realities (v.1)
Luke 1:1
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to
compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us,
Luke says, first of, I’m not the first person to that has done this!
There have been many who have undertaken this task!
I’m not the first and I’m not the only one –
But I am one that, as he’ll say in v.3 – I’ve followed this closely!
There was much writing
circulating about Jesus!
Other gospels have likely
been written that communicated true things about Jesus!
But, were not inspired by the Holy
Spirit!
or
given through His Apostles and the New Testament writers
If you recall in the book of Acts the Apostle Paul
quotes Jesus as saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
There is little doubt that Jesus actually said these words,
nor would the Apostle have spoken it if it weren’t true.
but no gospel records the Lord Jesus speaking these
words!
The authority and reliability of not just the facts,
but the inspiration of the truth of these words,
is given to us in Acts 20:35,
when Paul notes them, and Luke records them!
And Luke is concerned here, with factual realities that can be verified.
We are helped in seeing the connection
to the book of Acts 1 - , of what exactly Luke is doing…
Notice in Acts 1:1-2
1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.
The writings of Luke/Acts is a compilation of Luke’s writing to a
man, THEOPHILUS!
In which, Acts, LUKE – tells of God’s work by His Spirit, through the church of the Lord Jesus!
In the first account, Luke makes it clear – his concern is with all that Jesus began to do and teach!
He is concerned with a real, historical Jesus! ,
Who lived, suffered, and died on earth.
And Luke is careful, just like others have done do
already,
to give an accurate, historical presentation of
the facts about Jesus Christ!!
He says, I’m compiling the narrative – story after story of the things (NOTICE ) that have been accomplished!
That phrase here – means something that has been fulfilled!!
And it would be easy to glance over this
statement – as inconsequential….but Luke means FULFILLED!
Not just things that merely happened!
By using this language of fulfillment –
Luke is clueing us into a grander reality of the story of God –
specifically of how Jesus is the fulfillment of what God
was doing, through the OLD TESTAMENT!
AND HOW the life and events of Jesus are not just activities in a vacuum
BUT is RATHER a culmination and fulfillment of what God is doing in the world!
In fact, if you turn to end of Luke’s gospel….
you realize that fulfillment language is the bookend of
his gospel!
Notice what Luke says in Luke 24:44-49
44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
And on the one hand, there are just a few extensive quotations from the OT in Luke-
But on the OTHER
– Luke’s consideration of what is happening in light
of the OLD TESTAMENT
is critical to his objective!
Specifically connecting Jesus to the servant of the Lord from Isaiah.
And of the events that took place in
the life of Jesus,
from interactions and statements to the crucifixion and the resurrection –
were all intentional and specific fulfillment of OT
expectations!
And Luke is undertaking the task to demonstrate
–
based on the facts of what has happened!
what has been accomplished!!
Through Jesus!!
This is NO small task – LUKE SAYS –
I’m compiling the work and record, page after
page, putting it together!
I’m undertaking in this work – in the same
way that others have done this,
I too, want you too see
all that God has done….
all that he has accomplished AMONG US! Through Jesus!!
---------------------------------------------------
Luke Writes In Light Of Historical Realities
II. Luke’s Sources Come From Eyewitness Testimonies (v.2)
II. Luke’s Sources Come From Eyewitness Testimonies (v.2)
Notice with me what Luke says in verse 2.
2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us,
It’s here we begin to learn something about Luke himself –
By appealing to original source documentation!
Luke is inviting the reader – THEOPHILUS….and also us!
To understand a little bit about himself!
Luke – first of all, was not a Jew….He was Greek!
In fact, his Greek writing is some of the most polished and
sophisticated Greek
in the entire NEW TESTAMENT!!
He’s very eloquent in his style and writing!
Secondly, we know from other writings in the New Testament that Luke was a Doctor
The Apostle Paul refers to him in Colossians 4:14 as the
beloved physician
He was the frequent traveling companion to Paul
alongside him through many missionary Journeys.
And specifically – Luke would have interacted frequently with JOHN MARK – or MARK, the writer of the GOSPEL!
In FACT - it is likely that when Lukes mentions of the many who have undertaken to compile a narrative of Jesus!
Luke is even there referencing Mark’s writing - of whom He would have most certainly borrowed from!
But more than borrowed from Him! Luke would have spoken with Him!!
Luke– was NOT a disciple of Jesus….But he was highly curious about Jesus!
And a believer in Jesus!!
And would have been intentional to speak with the disciples of Jesus – such as Mark!!
who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us,
When Paul appeals to the historical proof of the resurrection –
Paul also appeals to eyewitness testimony!
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.
Paul says, look, I’m telling you the truth about Jesus…
and of the truth of the resurrection!
And says, you don’t have to take my word for it…. though you should and you can
But listen, if you want, you can go ask others….they can attest
to this as well!
They say it just as I did…..
Go talk with Peter!!
Go talk with the 12….Go talk with James!
Go talk with the 500 other witnesses who saw this and can verify – this Jesus who was crucified has been raised
to life by the power of God!
HE IS ALIVE!! And there is eyewitness Proof!
And that’s what Luke has done!
He’s gone and asked
He’s gone and examined and listened to the stories!!
I’ve heard the account!
I’ve read the research
I’ve listened to those with first hand knowledge and
experience!
And as you read through
Luke – what you see is that Luke records some fascinating insights and stories about Jesus!
And it is likely that this is because – Luke would have gone and interviewed and spoken with those who had first-hand knowledge of these things!
In Luke 2 – you’ll hear of a story of Jesus‘ childhood – when he was just 12 years old!
Of this interaction with Jesus and His mother!
And Luke knows this story and can speak to it, with confidence,
because he likely sat down with Mary!
And said, tell me the story of the time you traveled to Jerusalem and found Him in the Temple!
Mary– Let’s back up a bit….
what was happening at the time of Jesus’ birth?
I mean, what were you thinking– when the Angels
came and said you?
– “Mary you have found FAVOR with
GOD, and you will bear a son and call His name JESUS!”
I understand –you sang a song – What was that song?
Can we go see Elizabeth, I’d love to chat with her?
And Luke is aware of deeply personal insight
and information –
Of conversations…and the thoughts of individuals!
Think about it
He records not only the conversations of the women who arrive at the TOMB…
but the details of their actions – preparing spices and ointments
He’s aware of the conversation of Jesus with two disciples on the Road to Emmaus,
What was said, and how they felt…
You are seeing their personal interaction with Jesus after the resurrection!
Cause Luke has likely spoken with them!
Peter – I understand, when the Lord Jesus was betrayed, you also denied HIM….
Can you tell me about that?
And in Luke 22 – the detail is just fascinating!
He tells of a fire burning….Peter attempts to warm himself.
He gives references to time – it was about an hour of time that passed
between one denial and the next!
The language is raw and real!
60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.
And Luke wouldn’t have had first-hand
knowledge of that information on HIS OWN!
He had to go searching for it and ask about it….
And that’s exactly what He did!
I’ve talked to the EYEWITNESSES!
To the present parties who witnessed this first hand!
I went straight to sources!
I talked with the ministers of the Word!
I spoke with the 12…I spoke with the Apostles!
I talked with Paul and James, MARK….
And they have delivered them to us!
I recorded them….In my compilation of the FACTS!!
From the EYEWITNESS TESTIMONIES of those who can attest
of these things!!
Man, I hope you are excited about the truths that we find
Here in the Gospel of Luke!
I hope your appetite is wet enough to be prepared to dive into the richness and perspective of Luke’s writing.
And what confidence we can have in
not only Luke’s factual presentation, but also in Luke’s Source work – eyewitness testimonies.
------------------------------------
III. Luke’s Method Includes Careful and Attentive Research (v.3)
III. Luke’s Method Includes Careful and Attentive Research (v.3)
One of my favorite sources of News and
Perspective is from a source called “THE BRIEFING”
It is a daily analysis of News and
Events from a Christian world view –
In Which Al Mohler who is the president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Discerns and discusses current events and news ….
and gives, more often than not, a very thorough and thoughtful, biblical perspective.
Mohler – is, first of all, a brilliant mind and a sharp theologian!
But what is so fascinating is how quickly
Mohler responds to issues.
Things that take place one evening, are front and center on the briefing the next morning by 5-6 am
But the way Mohler delivers this information is that He receives the information by reading new sources, in printed form!
He uses print rather than digital because MOST journalist knows there is a particular style and formatting to find the most relevant information quickly.
There are subtle but important stylistic cues
to alert observant readers of important information
and important placement within articles to highlight important information!
So Mohler reads this information – scanning and reading with a RED pen, marking and annotating information,
and then he discusses the research with various interns and staff.
Then sits down, with only a microphone and recording equipment,
No manuscript – and speaks only from the abbreviated notes and lines from his reading.
And usually, he sends the finalized recording to an assistant to post, and it’s waiting for listeners each morning.
Now, it’s quite impressive the work, candor, and clarity that Al Mohler does on the briefing!
It requires high skill, concentration and quick delivery…
To read, summarize, annotate, deliver….day in and day out!
And Mohler is aware, and often speaks of the limitations of his task…. often noting – this will be something we must continue to watch!
We will have to wait and see of the results!
In other words, he can’t speak of the final end of the matter,
because he cannot calibrate it in real time….
And I highlight that because that’s the opposite of what Luke is doing here in His gospel!
3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
You know, Luke, not only being a medical doctor,
maybe even because of his practice in medicine.
Must have had a high sensitivity to attention to detail.
And he says here –
It seemed good to me also –
That is (v.1) just as many others have undertaken to compile an account….
You know- it seemed good for me also!
Notice what he says!
having followed all things closely for some time past,
Now Luke uses a word here that means – I have investigated this thoroughly!
He says, I’ve been very diligent to consider this information!
And not just some of the information – I’ve taken ALL THINGS into consideration
I’ve been paying high regard to all the details!
Luke is an incredible historian as well!
In fact, that’s what you see him doing
through the book of Acts!
Telling the story of the Lord’s work in His Church!
Telling narrative, and there, sometimes first-hand
experience!
And
Luke lets us know – I haven’t just shot from the hip here!
I wasn’t under the gun to just get something in writing!
No – He says, I’ve followed this closely
for quite some time –
I’ve thought about this….I’ve collected and compiled this.
I’ve been very intentional – Luke says! To write you – an orderly account!
Now – it’s worth noting that Luke
doesn’t necessarily mean a chronological account!
We are much more concerned with Chronology than the historians in the 1st Century!
Luke says – I want to write in a very orderly way!
And yes, mostly chronological….but more than that, ORDERLY
That is – in turn…in a proper sequence!
Luke has a purpose, not just in what He writes but in how he arranges the information!
Of how Jesus came to seek and save the Lost – Luke 19:10 (which is probably one of the most critical verse in Luke’s Gospel)
In that, you see the opening chapters
of Christ's birth,
and then Christ's work and ministry of Christ….of
how JESUS CAME….
OF HOW HE CAME TO SEEK
And then in the final chapters of the passion narrative – oh, how JESUS CAME TO SAVE!
Luke has not only written his gospel
with purpose – but also structured it with purpose!
And written an orderly account – I’ve been strategic in this, Luke says!
I’ve been very careful with the content and presentation of this material….
I paid very close attention to detail in substance and delivery.
And then he lets you in on TO who HE’s writing
3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
Now, there are a lot of speculation about who Theophilus was or might have been!
So, I believe it was a PSDEUO name for
KING Agrippa – who Paul stood before in Rome
Others wonder it was some DEFENSE attorney for the Apostle Paul –
Others believe it was the financial donor backing Luke’s research and writing.
But what we know is that the name Theophilus
was also a Greek name -
Luke holds him in high regard – he is called HIM most excellent THEOPHILUS.
Nowhere near the same thing – but Lord
willing, I will submit my final defense draft this week
for my Doctoral Studies in preparation for graduating
this May.
But part of the design of this program
is that I was writing not just for myself
but for the benefit
of others, those who might study after me….
but was also writing for my project supervisor, Dr. Oren Martin.
And because of that, the process was quite meticulous,
I wanted to present the material in a clear,
understandable way.
My logic and order mattered; the building of my argument was intentional.
It wasn’t just for me….I am presenting material….so clarity and presentation counts
And in many ways, the same is happening in Luke, -
He has a very clear motivation and purpose to his writing
to THEOPHILUS. –that we will see in just a moment
But, I would also add that the fact that Luke’s writing isn’t scrabbled, but is purposeful and orderly.
And I would submit to you, that this is true
not only of Luke’s gospel
But of all the scripture!
It’s not happenstance or consequential but orderly.
Because God is a God of ORDER!
A bit tangential – but This is part of the problem of the CHARASMETIC movement –
That is so often categorized by spontaneity and is often described as charismatic chaos!
It leads to more confusion about the Lord than clarity!
God is not a God of confusion, but of peace (1 Co 14:33)
And here you see, even in Luke Gospel,
NOTICE WHAT HE’s COMMUNICATING!
a carefully compiled presentation of the FACTS
And communication of the narrative of the story of
Christ….
A very logical, orderly account presented to the most
excellent THEOPHILUS
-------------------------------------
IV. Luke Hopes to Instill Confident Assurance About God’s Son (v.4)
IV. Luke Hopes to Instill Confident Assurance About God’s Son (v.4)
Luke 1:3-4
3 it seemed good to me also, having
followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for
you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that
you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
I trust you see that clearly in this passage – of Luke’s Purpose for Theophilus
THAT – or SO THAT….you may have certainty!
The phrasing here is interesting in the original
language.
But there are two words used to emphasize the importance of CERTAINITY of the facts that Luke intends!
To know beyond doubt!
To remain in the confidence of the truths of Jesus!!
Apparently, THEOPHILUS had been taught these things,
Whether or not he is a believer, we don’t know….
but we can say with certainty that HE is a LEARNER!
And we can say that he is ALSO, like LUKE A GREEK!
And such is the significance of Luke, who is also a Gentile,
writing concerning the facts of the Jewish Messiah to another Gentile, THEOPHILUS!
THAT HE might know with CERTAINTY,
WITHOUT ANY DOUBT – of the TRUTHS HE HAS BEEN TAUGHT!
It’s difficult to know if this word means informed
or TAUGHT –
If we knew for certain that THEOPHILUS is a believer, then it would help us know for certain.
It’s a word κατηχέω (ka-tē-cheō) that means INSTRUCT OR
TEACH
It’s where we get the word “catechism”
That was used for baptism, candidates to train and disciple new believers!
But Luke’s overarching point – is that you have received information of Jesus!
And desires he be confident of those truths!
And he is confident of Jesus’s work of salvation to save sinners!!
That He has come – to seek and save the LOST!!
As the fulfillment of God’s plan in the world!
OF – v. 1 of the THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN ACCOMPLISHED AMONG US!!
Part of Luke’s primary focus that we will see is HOW CHRIST and the Work of God through His Son is a message for the least likely within society!
Luke is often concerned with the poor, the destitute, the lowly
and broken….
And also not just the JEWISH PEOPLE>
but of HOW CHRIST has come for the NATIONS!
ACCOMPLISHED AMONG US!! - JEWS…..AND GENTILES Like me and you THEOPHILUS!!
Who’s name means – BELOVED OF GOD!!
And it’s as though Luke is writing – this message is for everyone!
It’s for you
And for you!
It’s for the broken, the outcast…for the poor and destitute!
It’s for those who will humble themselves and
consider themselves as BELOVED OF GOD!!
Who
are humbly come to CHRIST!
Consider the great work of God that He has done AMONG US!!
And that’s Luke’s Hope in WRITING –
THAT YOU!! – THEOPHILUS!
AND EVEN YOU!!!
And I began this sermon – of the story of PILTDOWN MAN
PILTDOWN MAN….is often considered to date –
the BIGGEST HOAX in the scientific community
Maybe even in the entireworld!!
It was established on faulty evidence.
Manipulated proof and fabricated findings!
Everything about it had been altered to fit a prescribed
narrative.
And I used
that story as an illustration –
Because LUKE wants you to know -the story HE is about to tell about JESUS CHRIST – IS NO HOAX!!
He’s not giving faulty evidence!
He’s NOT giving some elaborate tell or alternated presentation of the details!!
Luke says– I’m giving you the facts!
I went and talk with the EYEWITNESS!!
AND THIS IS ALL TRUE!!
And I’ve written it down for your benefit!
NOT MINE, BUT YOURS!!
THAT YOU MAY BE CONFIDENT!
CONCLUSION: --------
And I’d just
submit to you, that’s true NOT only for LUKE’s GOSPEL
But the entire Bible!!
That the bible tells the story of God’s work in the world!!
And is presented through the lens of those who can attest to its’ truth through eyewitness testimony!!
That’s it presented in such a way, thatis without confusion! And orderly!!
That’s it’s primary purpose is to reveal Christ!
To the degree that He is the fulfillment of the entire BIBLE!!
AND with the end – THAT YOU MAY KNOW!!
That God doesn’t want you confused!
But God wants you to be confident.
And so it is with Luke – That He is written His Gospel in such a way! Again, HE TELLS YOU WHAT HE’S DOING
AND WHY HE’s DOING IT – right off the bat!
That you might have Certainty of God’s Truth (about
the facts)
And in your Conviction of God’s will (believe in Jesus.)
And Confident in God’s Son– JESUS CHRIST!
THAT WE MIGHT KNOW FOR CERTAIN HIS GOSPEL!!
And that we might know –
THE GOSPEL TRUTH OF JESUS CHRIST is for you, oh BELOVED OF GOD!!
And Luke is going to make that CLEAR –
It’s for the broken, the poor, the lame, sick, the blind….
FOR THE JEW AND THE GENTILE!!
It’s for all people!
It’s for EVERYONE!
It’s for everyone who would humble themselves,
REPENT OF THEIR SIN, and TURN TO CHRIST IN FAITH!!
And that’s true for EACH OF US in this room as well!
That all of us, will one day stand before the Lord and give and account for our life!
And the reality is – that Luke’s gospel is not merely a historical reality
about JESUS!
Yes – he’s presenting facts!
But the facts of His case are an appeal for great urgency and eternal significance
HE doesn’t just present what has happened,
but how what has happened is the fulfillment
of what God has done through His son to save sinners like you and me!!
That Jesus has come to SEEK and SAVE THE LOST!!
And because we are the LOST one in need of salvation!!
And because Christ is the true savior of the
world!!
He calls all men to turn from their sins and trust Christ for salvation!!
To know that apart from Christ – we will perish!
We will remain lost and in need of redemption!!
But oh, that you might know for CERTAIN! …
and behold what God has done through
CHRIST!
You might consider His GOSPEL!!
AND BELIEVE!!
That you might have Certainty of God’s Truth (about
the facts)
And in your Conviction of God’s will (believe in Jesus.)
And Confident in God’s Son– JESUS CHRIST!
Sermon Summary: Our Faith rests on reliable testimonies that we might be firm in our conviction of God’s truth and remain confident in God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
