Notes: #5 No Need to Beg (Series: Gospel of Nobodies)

Our Humble God who likes Humble People (theme throughout Gospel of Luke):

- From Nazareth (poor, rural) to Jesus' Inner Circle (commoners) to Prostitutes

to Homeless Beggars

- LifePoint has a significant homeless ministry (see Bob Hegeman or Samuel Moultrie to get involved). Why would we do this? Why should you do this?

1. Luke 18:35-43 - The Homeless Beggar

2. Luke 5:12-13 - The Man with the Skin Disease

3. Luke 17:11-19 - The 10 Lepers - Jesus is helping them, knowing full well many of them would not appreciate it, they don't "deserve" it, and won't repay it.

- Have you ever struggled helping people who don't appreciate it?

B. The Nature of God - A God who loves those who don't appreciate His love, don't deserve His love, and won't "repay" the gifts inherent to His sacrificial love.

1. We are 7 days before Passion Week - Luke 19:41-44, "Jesus looked out over the city and wept. If only you had recognized the visit of your gracious God." Soon thereafter, we would crucify Him. He knew this, yet went anyway???

- Interesting Irony - Mt 7:6, "Don't throw your pearls before swine"

a) Acts 13:51, "Paul shook the dust off. his feet, and left..."

b) learn the lesson of healthy boundaries, but remember:

- VS. Jesus (the greatest "pearl") who was thrown, trampled, and killed

C. Grace = by nature, unappreciated, undeserved, and unrepaid.

- VIDEO, "The Little Things" - Is it, God doesn't give abundantly to us? Or,

Is it, we don't appreciate what God does do?

D. So what Exactly does God do? for you? for your family? for anyone?

1. Try to answer that question on your own before moving forward...

2. Provides (from life itself to everything else. Does anything exist that's not ultimately from God?); Changes Thoughts (You're a product of your thoughts); Changes Hearts (strangely warmed); He strengthens; He gives purpose; He gives direction/wisdom; He forgives; He delivers/saves; He comforts; He resurrects, etc.

- all of this, costs you "what" exactly? should you be more grateful?

E. The World (begs, pleads, charges, owes) VS. Jesus (freely, graciously gives)

- John 14:27, "I give not as the world gives." How does the world give?

- James 4:4-8, "... and God will draw near to you" - no begging required

a) Luke 5, "I want to. Be healed." .... Luke 17, "Where are the other 9?"

Application: Point of Discipleship - Have you truly been thankful to God for your life? If not, Turn Around (Repent), Go Back to the Feet of Jesus, and be Grateful.

Apr 8 Mon - Luke 8

Apr 9 Tues - Luke 9

Apr 10 Wed - Luke 10

Apr 11 Thr – Luke 11

Apr 12 Fri - Luke 12 Apr 13 Sat – Luke 13

PRAYER:

A - Adoration (prayer of centering; focus on God's goodness);

C - Confession (prayer of repentance and asking for God's forgiveness);

T - Thanksgiving (prayer of gratefulness, content, joy, avoiding pessimism);

S - Supplication (prayer for others; then pray for yourself)

S - STOP and listen... give God some time to speak to you --- end with the LORD'S PRAYER

Where to begin: What's the state of your soul today? Who is going to heaven because of you?