The RIGHT Question to The RIGHT Question to Influence a CultureInfluence a Culture

Luke 10:25-37Luke 10:25-37Faith In Action 2009Faith In Action 2009

The Lawyer’s QuestionsThe Lawyer’s Questions#1. “And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the

test, saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ Luke 10:25

• Jesus is graciously showing him God’s requirements

#2. “But he desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” Luke 10:26

How can we effectively influence people for Christ?

a)a) AssimilateAssimilate the grace offered the grace offered

b)b) ImitateImitate the grace given the grace given

Luke 10:33Luke 10:33“But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to

where he was, and when he saw him, he had where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.”compassion.”

What was the Samaritans first choice?• He acquired a social conscience

“He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well. Is not this to know me?

declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 22:16

Luke 10:34Luke 10:34“He went to him and bound up his wounds, “He went to him and bound up his wounds,

pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took own animal and brought him to an inn and took

care of him.”care of him.”

“Do not align yourself as though you are in either of these camps (LEFT or RIGHT). You are an ally of neither. The church of Jesus Christ is different from either – TOTALLY DIFFERENT.” Francis Schaeffer

The second choice the Samaritan made was to adjust his schedule and priorities.

• Do you?• “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ” ~The

Apostle Paul I Cor 11:1

Luke 10:35Luke 10:35“And the next day he took out two denari and And the next day he took out two denari and

gave to the innkeeper, saying, “Take care of him, gave to the innkeeper, saying, “Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you and whatever more you spend, I will repay you

when I come back.” when I come back.”

The third choice the good Samaritan made was that he assumed the posture of a steward.

“Preach the gospel at all times – and if necessary, use words!” ~St. Francis of Assisi

“What we believe is entangled with what we do. We can believe more fully as we act more boldly. And we can act more boldly as we believe more

fully.” ~Theolgian Bass

Wrap upWrap up

The Samaritan The Samaritan (operating from GRACE)(operating from GRACE)• Acquired a social conscienceAcquired a social conscience• Adjusted his schedule and prioritiesAdjusted his schedule and priorities• Adopted a stewardship mentalityAdopted a stewardship mentality

The lawyer The lawyer asked the wrong question, asked the wrong question, ““Who’s my neighbor”Who’s my neighbor”

JesusJesus gives him and us the right one – gives him and us the right one – it’s not who’s my neighbor, it’s not who’s my neighbor,

but whose neighbor will I be?but whose neighbor will I be?