Primary Text: Luke 10:1-11:13
Memory Verse: “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:19-20
Introduction:
Proverbs 20:6 says, “Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man?” God desires that we have faithfulness in our service towards Him. A faithful person is one who is trustworthy and reliable. If we are full of faith and believe God’s Word, we commit ourselves to do His work. When we make that commitment, He is faithful to give us the strength and tools necessary to serve Him. When we show that commitment, we prove ourselves to be faithful servants. But without the faithfulness of God, it is impossible for us to be faithful to Him. It is truly His faithfulness towards us that makes it possible for us to live a committed life of service to Him.
Paul defined faithfulness as one of the characteristics of the Holy Spirit. It is a God-like trait. It is produced out of our gratitude for the grace He has bestowed on us, despite our lack of worthiness. What was unrighteous in us becomes righteous, through our repentance, God’s gift of grace, and our continuing to walk in Him towards maturity in Christ. As we practice a righteous lifestyle, we increase in our commitment and grow in our faithfulness. As we see His faithfulness towards us, we become more faithful to serving Him. It is this growth process that transforms us into the “image” and character of Jesus.
Being faithful stewards is a requirement of God. He has given us the grace and tools necessary to serve Him, and He expects our faithful service in return (1 Corinthians 4:2). Faithfulness is one of the qualities by which He judges His servants (Matthew 25:21). Yet, it is a sobering fact that when trials and tests come our way, many of us aren’t faithful. We fail Him utterly and completely. God is seeking men and women who will live as faithful servants to Him. He is looking for people who want to make their mind, His mind; their heart, His heart; and their will, His will.
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- What steps did Jesus take to prepare His disciples for the Great Commission (Mark 16:15)? Luke 10:1-16; John 8:31.
- What are the conditions of being a disciple who witnesses to others? Matthew 16:24; Luke 14:33; John 8:31; 15:8.
- What blessings are given to those who spiritually receive the Word of God? Luke 10:6; Acts 2:41; John 1:12.
- What were the sins of Tyre and Sidon that Jesus warns the other cities about? Luke 10:13-16; Proverbs 29:1; Psalms 95:8; Romans 2:5; Hebrews 3:13.
- What are the A.C.T.S. elements in the model prayer? Luke 11:1-5.
- Why does God want us to be persistent in prayer? Luke 11:5-9; 18:1; Ephesians 6:18; Jeremiah 29:13; Romans 8:27.
- What is God’s response to our prayers? Luke 11:8-13; 18:5; James 5:16-17; 1 John 5:14.
- How do we gain faithfulness? Galatians 5:22-23.
- Discuss who in your life has been a model of faithful service to God without visible reward.