As our culture continues to look for political saviors and pragmatic solutions for the problems plaguing us, this week’s sermon series The Gospel of Luke, Part II: A Journey through Galilee reminds us of the spiritual war between darkness and light— and our one true savior Jesus Christ. Jesus not only miraculously and mercifully transfers souls from one kingdom to the other, but transforms lives to participate in His unstoppable rescue mission.

Steve’s Main Points

• Jesus is fulfilling one of the primary purposes for which He was sent, preaching the kingdom of God.

• Jesus calls men and women from all walks of life to follow Him into the kingdom of God.

• People who have their lives changed by Jesus finance the ministry of the kingdom.

Key Takeaways

• Jesus didn’t preach, “Take up arms!”  to His hearers, but, “Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.”

• Jesus came to set the captives of Satan, prisoners of the domain of darkness free.

• The kingdom of God is life under God’s rule.

• Only the Gospel can transfer us from one kingdom to the other— from darkness to light.

• God has enlisted women all throughout His plan of redemption, not as extras in a movie, but as examples of steadfast faith, bravery, repentance, worship, and ministry.

• God values men and women equally and invites them into the kingdom of God.

• The women in this passage are examples of full devotion to Christ. He not only transferred them from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of life, but completely transformed their lives.

• When Jesus changes people’s lives, they make His mission their mission.

• In God’s wisdom and for His glory, He uses forgiven sinners to freely fund His ministry, in order that others would likewise experience His goodness and kindness.

• If God has your heart, He’ll have your wallet.

• We have received God’s riches at Christ’s expense (GRACE). Therefore, we can give to others freely, joyfully, and without compulsion.

Discussion Questions/Application

Personal application:

• In light of you receiving God’s riches at Christ’s expense, how will you more fully participate in Christ’s mission to seek and save the lost?

• How will you more faithfully value and encourage the Christian women God has placed in your life?

Discuss with your community group:

• In what ways are you still prone to walk in darkness rather than the light? Is there are any unconfessed sin in your life? Confess your sins to one another and encourage each other with the love and truth of the Gospel.

• How would you describe the current state of your heart when it comes to stewarding the resources God has entrusted to you?

Passages Referenced

Luke 8:1-3; Luke 4:16-21, 4:43-44; 2 Samuel 7:16; Isaiah 61:1-2; Matthew 4:17; Ephesians 2:1-2; Acts 26:18; Psalms 16:11; Luke 1:1-2; John 4:27; Romans 16:1-7, 12-13, 15; Malachi 3:8; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7.

Worship Set List

There is a Savior, 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord), Firm Foundation (He Won’t), How Marvelous, Jesus is Better