Working in the Word Worksheet 1

Working the Word

Name: H. Ed Reed Passage: Luke 9:18-27 Preaching Audience:

1. How has the author organized this passage? a) Show the structure in sections with verse references.

b) Explain the strategies you used to discover the structure. c) What emphasis did you discern from the structure?

A) Sections

1)Two Questions - vv 18-20

i.Who to the Crowds say that I am - v 18

ii.Who do you say that I am - v 20

2)Two Costs - vv 21-27

iii.Costs the Life of Jesus - vv 21-22

iv.Costs the Life of the Disciple - vv 23-27

1.This is the Way of Salvation - vs 24

2.This is the Gain of Salvation - vs 25

3.This is Cost of Salvation - vs 26

B)Strategies

a)Noted the introductory words Now followed by And

b)Also noted the use of speaking and listening

i.Who do people SAY - then Jesus said (vs 35 calls to listen)

c)Noted the repetition of the word “for”

C)Emphasis

a)The emphasis of the passage is on the cost of salvation through bearing the cross

2. How does the context inform the meaning of this passage? Consider: a) literary context, b) historical context, c) cultural context, and d) biblical context. Include only what is relevant to the meaning of the passage.

A)Literary Context

a)In the events before Jesus has - Calmed the Storm (8:22-25) - cast out a demon (8:26-39) - Healed a women by the hem of his clothes (8:40-48) - raised the dead (8:49-56) - Caused Herod to be perplexed (9:7-9) - fed the 5000 (9:10-17)

b)In the passage after Jesus is Transfigured (9:28-36) - There is a conversation there between Jesus and Moses and Elijah about the departure of Jesus

c)These events before were what the people expected from the Messiah - they were to be identifying markers but not the center of his ministry - the events after show the reality that Jesus is the Christ - out passage points to the real work of the Christ

B)Historical Context - World timeline of events (not as important for our understanding of the text

C)Cultural context - perhaps some of the understanding of Jewish philosophy regarding who they thought the Christ would be might be helpful - or the expectation of the Christ to come

D)Biblical Context - Other passages from the OT that would be germane to the events happening - perhaps the main accounts from Moses and Elijah (particularly their departures or exodus) - perhaps Romans 1:16; 2 Tim. 1:8, 12, 16 on ashamed

3. What is the main point the author is arguing to his audience (in one short sentence)?

Salvation comes through the cost of the Cross.

4. How does this passage connect to the gospel of Jesus Christ? How does this gospel connection function in relation to the author’s main point? Why does this gospel connection matter for your audience?

The cost of salvation and the means through which it will come are mentioned in 21-22

5. What is the main point you will argue to your audience (in one short sentence)?

Salvation is free to receive and cost everything to keep.

6. What sermon title and preaching outline will you use to argue your main point?

The Cost is the Cross

- Two Questions

- Two Costs

7. How will you apply your main point for the good of your audience? Consider both Christians and non-Christians. Indicate where the applications will be made in the sermon.

Unbeliever:

The cost of Salvation has been paid by Christ on the Cross. Why hold on to a life that you cannot keep.

Believer:

The Cost of Salvation was paid by Jesus on the Cross. Follow Him through the cross daily.