GateWay Church of Visalia
Philosopher Jesus
Luke 1:1-4 Pastor Lance Ainsworth
Locations & Times
GateWay Church
1100 S Sowell St, Visalia, CA 93277, USA
Thursday 6:45 PM
Sunday 8:30 AM
Sunday 10:30 AM
Introduction
The book of Luke and Luke the man.
V1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,
The story of Jesus was riveting.
Jesus came to fulfill a purpose.
Fulfill - to entirely accomplish.
The story of Jesus was riveting.
Jesus came to fulfill a purpose.
Fulfill - to entirely accomplish.
V2just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.
Luke the Doctor. Colossians 4:14
Eyewitnesses; autoptai(g)
Servants; hypēretai(g)
Luke the Doctor. Colossians 4:14
Eyewitnesses; autoptai(g)
Servants; hypēretai(g)
V3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
Luke was a historian.
“Not only was Luke a great historian, but that Luke is among the historians of the first rank.” - Sir William Ramsay
“The Case for Christ” - Lee Strobel
Luke was a historian.
“Not only was Luke a great historian, but that Luke is among the historians of the first rank.” - Sir William Ramsay
“The Case for Christ” - Lee Strobel
Scripture was inspired by the Holy Spirit through the methods and personalities of the authors. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
3 ways Luke Gathers information
Oral Tradition
Written Documents
Eyewitness Accounts
He starts at the beginning.
Theophilus - beloved friend of God.
Financed Lukes investigation.
Oral Tradition
Written Documents
Eyewitness Accounts
He starts at the beginning.
Theophilus - beloved friend of God.
Financed Lukes investigation.
V4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
Know - ginōskō - to experience, grow in knowledge
Doubt is common.
Know - ginōskō - to experience, grow in knowledge
Doubt is common.
This Christmas let’s:
Investigate truth with our minds.
John 14:6 NKJV
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Investigate truth with our minds.
John 14:6 NKJV
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Experience joy in our hearts.
Luke 2:10 NKJV
Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
Luke 2:10 NKJV
Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
Remember all that has been fulfilled.
1 Corinthians 15:45-49 NKJV
45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.
1 Corinthians 15:45-49 NKJV
45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.
“The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.” - C.S. Lewis
Discussion Questions:
Read Luke 1:1-4
1. As we start the book of Luke from the beginning, we see that Luke was a doctor, historian, friend to the disciples and faithful employee to Theophilus. We can relate to look because we have not experienced a first-hand relationship with Jesus in the flesh. Do you think faith was easier for the disciples who walked with Jesus or those like Luke and Theophilus who just heard about Christ? Do you ever imagine what it was like to walk with Jesus? If you were Luke, what questions would you ask the eyewitnesses?
2. Luke takes on the tasks of documenting Christ’s life in an orderly way. Why is that important? Paul was a gifted evangelist and Luke was a gifted historian. Do you think one made more impact than the other? Paul and Luke were close friends, and were theologically astute. Do you have a friend in your life that challenges you in your pursuit of Christ?
3. Theophilus is most likely a wealthy and important Greek. Most scholars believed he financed Luke’s investigation. Do you see your wealth as a means to share truth around the world? What missionaries do you know that are currently sharing the gospel around the world? How can you pray for them?
4. Luke says his intent is so we may know the certainty of things taught. Do you ever struggle with doubt and certainty? When is a time in your life you were able to overcome doubt? Do you have any doubts about the validity of the Christmas story?
Family Time:
Ask your kids who their favorite celebrity is and do some research about them on Google. Ask them what things they would ask that person if they were to meet them? Share with them Luke 1 and how Luke was able to interview Jesus disciples, his family and others so we have an accurate account of His birth. Ask your family what is one question they would ask Mary the mother of Jesus if they could.
Read Luke 1:1-4
1. As we start the book of Luke from the beginning, we see that Luke was a doctor, historian, friend to the disciples and faithful employee to Theophilus. We can relate to look because we have not experienced a first-hand relationship with Jesus in the flesh. Do you think faith was easier for the disciples who walked with Jesus or those like Luke and Theophilus who just heard about Christ? Do you ever imagine what it was like to walk with Jesus? If you were Luke, what questions would you ask the eyewitnesses?
2. Luke takes on the tasks of documenting Christ’s life in an orderly way. Why is that important? Paul was a gifted evangelist and Luke was a gifted historian. Do you think one made more impact than the other? Paul and Luke were close friends, and were theologically astute. Do you have a friend in your life that challenges you in your pursuit of Christ?
3. Theophilus is most likely a wealthy and important Greek. Most scholars believed he financed Luke’s investigation. Do you see your wealth as a means to share truth around the world? What missionaries do you know that are currently sharing the gospel around the world? How can you pray for them?
4. Luke says his intent is so we may know the certainty of things taught. Do you ever struggle with doubt and certainty? When is a time in your life you were able to overcome doubt? Do you have any doubts about the validity of the Christmas story?
Family Time:
Ask your kids who their favorite celebrity is and do some research about them on Google. Ask them what things they would ask that person if they were to meet them? Share with them Luke 1 and how Luke was able to interview Jesus disciples, his family and others so we have an accurate account of His birth. Ask your family what is one question they would ask Mary the mother of Jesus if they could.