Historical Posts
Luke 10:30-35 – Samaritan Sense
Text: Luke 10:30-35
Introduction
In our text, Jesus tells a certain lawyer of a certain Samaritan that did a good deed for a man that went from Jerusalem to Jericho. This lawyer asked who his neighbor was (Luke 10:29), and Jesus showed how to be a neighbor (Luke 10:36-37). Perhaps there was something else Jesus was teaching the lawyer. One can only wonder if the lawyer needed to realize that Samaritans can be good neighbors, and he needed to be a good neighbor to Samaritans…
Body
I. Some Samaritans did not receive Jesus.
A. There was not a good relationship between Jews and Samaritans.
1) The king of Assyria placed many foreigners in Samaria who did not fear the LORD, and often served idols (2 Kings 17:24ff.).
2) As time went on, Jews had no dealings with Samaritans (John 4:9,27; 8:48).
B. As Jesus sent out the twelve apostles, He commanded them not to enter a city of the Samaritans (Matthew 10:5).
C. One village of the Samaritans did not receive Jesus, as He was ready to go to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51-56).
II. Some Samaritans believed Jesus.
A. A woman of Samaria was wary of Jesus when she came to draw water at Jacob’s well, but later leads many Samaritans to Him (John 4:9ff.).
B. Peter and John preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans (Acts 8:25).
III. One Samaritan was thankful to Jesus.
A. Jesus healed ten lepers (Luke 17:11-14).
B. Only one leper, a Samaritan, returned to say thank you (Luke 17:15-19).
Conclusion
A. We can learn a lot from the Samaritans.
1) They are people, just like all of us.
2) They have the same opportunity to hear, believe, and obey the gospel.
a) Some believed themselves and led many others to Christ.
b) Some went to Christ and were thankful, as we all should (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
c) Some were good examples of how to love their neighbor.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Introduction
1. As Christians, we are but pilgrims and sojourners in this world…
a. We have duties regarding our spiritual growth and development – 1 Peter 2:11
b. Yet we also have a duty toward those who are still of this world – 1 Peter 2:12
2. One arena where we fulfill our duty to those in the world is “the community”…
a. The cities and neighborhoods in which we live
b. Relationships we maintain with our neighbors and fellow citizens
3. What impact should our faith have as members of the community…?
a. What effect should it have on us as neighbors and citizens?
b. How can our communities become a place to evangelize the lost?
4. Paul gave general instructions concerning Christians living in this world – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
a. To lead a quiet life
b. To mind our own business
c. To work with our own hands
d. To walk properly toward those who are outside
Body
I. THE CHRISTIAN AS NEIGHBOR
A. TO ASSOCIATE WITH OTHERS…
1. True, we are to be separate – cf. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
2. But we must not confuse separation with isolation – 1 Corinthians 5:9-13
3. Jesus provides the example – cf. Mark 2:14-17
B. TO LIVE IN PEACE…
1. As much as it depends on us – cf. Romans 12:17-21
2. Careful to give no offense if possible – cf. 1 Corinthians 10:32-33
C. TO WALK IN LOVE AND WISDOM…
1. We owe it to our neighbors to love them – cf. Romans 13:8-10
2. Showing kindness through hospitality – Romans 12:13; 1 Timothy 3:2; 5:10
3. Making good use of our time – cf. Colossians 4:5
4. Speaking with truth and grace – cf. Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 4:25, 29
D. TO DO GOOD…
1. Diligent in doing good works – cf. Matthew 5:16; Luke 6:35; Galatians 6:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 1 Timothy 6:17-18; Titus 3:8 1 Peter 2:12
2. Displaying honorable conduct – cf. 1 Peter 2:12; 2 Corinthians 8:21
3. Earning a good testimony from those outside – 1 Timothy 3:7; Acts 22:12
II. THE CHRISTIAN AS CITIZEN
A. OBEY THOSE IN AUTHORITY…
1. To be subject to rulers authorities – cf. Titus 3:1; Romans 13:1-5
2. To obey their laws, unless they conflict with God’s law – 1 Peter 2:13-16; Ac 5:27-29
B. GIVE HONOR AND PAY TAXES…
1. Honor all, including those in government – cf. 1 Peter 2:17
2. Pay taxes and customs, rendering fear (respect) and honor – Romans 13:6-7
C. PRAY FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY…
1. For kings and all who are in authority – cf. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
2. That we might lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and reverence – cf. 1 Timothy 2:2-3
D. Christians are a valuable asset for any country in which they live. Not only by their lawful obedience and prayers for those in authority, but by sharing the good news of God’s love – 1 Timothy 2:4-6
III. THE CHRISTIAN AS EVANGELIST
A. HOLDING FAST THE WORD OF LIFE…
1. We are to shine as lights in the world – cf. Philippians 2:14-15
2. Holding fast the Word of life – cf. Philippians 2:16
a. Some translations say “holding forth” (KJV, ASV) or “hold out” (NIV)
b. Certainly a duty expressed elsewhere – Mark 16:15; 1 Peter 2:9
3. In our communities, we have a duty to spread the Word!
B. INFLUENCING PEOPLE BY EXAMPLE…
1. Sometimes people won’t listen to our message
2. But we can still influence them for good by our example – 1 Peter 3:1-2
3. In our communities, we have a duty to confirm the Word by our lives!
Conclusion
1. Living in our community is a wonderful opportunity…
a. To be a positive influence on our friends and neighbors
b. To be a blessing for whatever country in which we find ourselves
2. Let your faith in the community be an opportunity…
a. To demonstrate the value of a vibrant faith in Christ!
b. To reach others for Jesus Christ through the gospel!
3. What kind of neighbors and citizens are we? Do we encourage others to glorify God…?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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