Untitled Sermon (6)

MISSION OF THE SEVENTY

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The incidents in this lesson occurred about six months before Jesus went to the cross. He knew His time was short, so He wanted to send out as many workers as possible to reach the lost with the gospel. At first Christ called twelve disciples. They would be the leaders of the church. Then He called the seventy. These seventy workers went out two by two into the towns and villages. Christ still calls today for those who will do His work. Note the threefold call.

(1) Call from heaven (). Witness to all people.

(2) Call from hell (). Warn people about hell.

(3) Call from the heathen (). Care for people.

I. WEAK EXCUSES—

1. Divine—vv. 57–58

a) Surrender—v. 57. Is willing to follow the Lord anywhere.

b) Savior—v. 58. Christ has no place as His own home.

2. Delay—vv. 59–60. This man was postponing, making an excuse. When Christ calls—follow! Put Christ first (; notice also the words of Jesus in ).

3. Distraction—vv. 61–62. This man wanted to serve Christ—but not fully! We must be willing to “go all the way” (note v. 62—looking back; compare ).

Do you make excuses when it comes to following the Lord?

II. WISE ENCOURAGEMENT—

1. Pray—vv. 1–2. Before going, we must pray! Many think they can go without praying. This leads to failure and defeat.

2. Go—vv. 3–6. Notice the importance of depending on Christ.

a) Be meek—Sent as lambs among wolves.

b) Be dependent—Don’t think of money. Think of what you can do.

c) Be diligent—“Salute no man”—don’t talk—get to work!

d) Be ready—To give peace to those present.

3. Stay—vv. 7–9. If welcomed in the house, then speak. Don’t go from house to house—gossiping. Eat what is set before you. Heal the sick—preach the gospel.

4. Leave—vv. 10–16. If not welcomed, don’t force yourself upon them. Those who reject will be punished by the Lord.

III. WONDERFUL ENDUEMENT—

1. Divine power—vv. 17–19.

a) Power over the person of Satan—sly and tricky.

b) Power over the plan of Satan—His plan is to destroy us!

c) Power over the power of Satan—His power is greater than ours. (Notice these verses: ; .)

2. Divine Pleasure—vv. 20–24.

a) Salvation—v. 20. Rejoice because your names are written in the book.

b) Spirit—v. 21–24. God reveals His plan to us through His Spirit.

God has called all Christians to do His work (). All are called, but few answer this call. Following Christ means that we live like He lived. Talk like He talked. Pray like He prayed. Are you willing to follow the Lord all the way?

Pentz, C. M. (1976). Expository Outlines from Luke (pp. 28–29). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.