Faith Over Favor
Notes
Transcript
Intro
The definition of the word “favor” is approval, support, or liking for someone. “Can you do me a favor?” Which means: Can you do something for me without me doing something for? Or IOU.
Need: God displays his favor to those he loves. We can hold a tab. I’ve done this, this, and that. Look at me. I’ve prayed, I’ve listened, I’ve applied sermons, and I’ve engaged in D-Group. Why is this happening to me? That’s looking for favor. God is not interested in favor. He’s interested in faith.
Main Idea: Jesus cares about faith over favor
After sermon, Jesus goes to Capernaum. Central hub of ministry.
Luke 7:1-10
Truth #1: Humility is key to approaching Jesus (1-5)
Exp. We are introduced to a Roman soldier who is in need. Verse 2-3. Centurion = in charge of 100 soldiers. Gentile, Roman. Roman culture viewed servants as less than. Jews had a higher view of servants. He cared deeply for his servant. Sent elders of the Jews. Elders, very likely officials. Why send them? They were considered “go-betweens.” Sent for inferiority or superiority. Context shows he felt inferior.
Ill. At first glance, it seems like a son wanting his friend to come over. He makes the friend ask his parents because they’re less likely to say no to him! That’s not what this is. Centurion believes he is unworthy.
Exp. Ironic given the elders’ statements: Verse 4-5. Worthy = deserving. Why? Two reasons:
He loves our nation. Israel. Not just nation, but people. Nation and people are combined.
Built the synagogue. Probably not built by hand, but financially supported. That was very common.
Arg. This centurion was admired by the Jews in Capernaum. His “worthiness” in the eyes of the Jews because of his actions and his humility. More of his humility is shown later in the text. He could say, “I love your people, I built your synagogue. Why wouldn’t you help me?” Instead, he acts as John the Baptist did: “I’m not worthy to tie his sandals.”
Christ - Like Jesus, this centurion is meek and humble. Jesus loves the lowly and the poor, and he seeks to bring close those who are abandoned, ostracized, and forgotten. He’s king, but not for fame, to exercise his authority for others.
42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
More than that, like the Jewish elders, Jesus is your “go-between.”
App. What do we do? Approach Jesus with humility.
Lay down your pride. Whatever you think you’ve earned, throw it out.
Model the humility of Jesus. Does your humility look like his? Or does your self-righteousness look different?
Truth #2: Faith is key to believe in Jesus (6-10)
Exp. We understand this situation is not about merit because of the second half of this passage. Verse 6-7. Jesus came. Now, centurion sends friends. His words: “I am not worthy.” Different from elders’ use of worthy. Proves he thinks he’s inferior. Jesus would also be ceremonially unclean. Presume = worthy. Say the word, and they will be healed. He is aware of the power of Jesus. Jesus could simply speak and this would happen.
Ill. Saw a video of dog and owner. Owner said multiple words, the dog didn’t move. When the owner said “walk,” the dog leaped off the couch and went crazy. Do you understand the power of the words of God.
Exp. God’s Word brought creation. ex nihilo. His breath brought life to Adam and Eve. His word judged Egypt, established his people, destroyed the enemies of Israel and false god worship. His word is made manifest in Jesus. And if Jesus wanted to, he could speak and the graveyards would come alive. The centurion knows Jesus can. He understands his authority. Verse 8. I, too, have things happen when I speak, but yours is greater. Verse 9. The only thing Jesus says is quite controversial. A Centurion? Has the most faith? Why? Most Jews looked at works. Merit. Elders bragged on his deeds. Jesus sees his humility and his confidence in the authority of Christ! Formula of faith = humility of self + confidence in Christ.
Christ - The Jewish elders acknowledge his actions, Jesus acknowledges his faith. Not his merit. Not his love for Israel. Not his building of the synagogue. His humility plus confidence. Faith is the key to believe in Jesus. Laying down our own works and deeds. Our positions. Resting on the sacrifice of Jesus. He can heal our souls. Gospel.
App. What do we do? Don’t rely on actions as much as faith.
Determine where your confidence is placed. Yourself, job, family.
Desperately place your confidence on Christ. The centurion was desperate. Act desperate because you’ve not been desperate.
Conclusion
Jesus cares about faith over favor. Don’t work to impress him. Live freely because of him.
