Stewardship of the Gospel: “Rebuilding Broken Lives”
Scripture Lesson of the Day: Luke 4:14-22
Cornerstone Text: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed” (Luke 4:18, NIV).
What has the Gospel done for you lately?
Being a good steward of the Gospel involves…
Recognizing God’s Plan: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to…” (v. 18).
1. Preach the good news to the poor. Mark 12:37
2. Bind up the brokenhearted. Isaiah 61:1
Do you know anyone who seems to have run out of hope?
- Proclaim freedom for the prisoners. John 8:36
4. Proclaim release from darkness. Isaiah 61; 1
5. Proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. 2 Corinthians 6:1-2
Reject the Pitfalls: “to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (v.19)
1. Trying to do God’s work in our own strength. Luke 4:14
2. Thinking we will always have people’s approval. Luke 4:28-29
Are you guilty of being a people pleaser no matter what the consequences?
3. thinking our habits are unimportant. Luke 4:16
Respond to the Possibilities: “All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips…” (v. 22a)
There are two ways that I can respond:
1. I can reject His attempts to move me out of my comfort zone. Matthew 5:13
2. I can gladly sign up for duty. Acts 6:5-7
“…Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives area Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are the dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?”(2 Corinthians 2:14b-16, NLT).
Closing Challenge: Determine that by God’s grace you will be the fragrance of Christ wherever you are by living out and sharing the good news with others. In so doing you are opening the door of opportunity for Jesus to rebuild the broken lives around you!
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