Dear Theophilus

April 30, 2023

Luke wasn’t one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. Nor was he among the larger multitude who witnessed Jesus’ life and ministry. He wasn’t even Jewish. Luke was a gentile and therefore considered an outsider. Yet this outsider came to believe in Jesus and contributed more pages to the New Testament than anyone else. Luke’s two volumes, the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts, comprise 26% of the New Testament. While Luke’s writings have impacted millions, they were initially written as letters to one man. Join us for the conclusion of our journey through the Gospel of Luke as we consider how reaching the world begins when we reach the one.

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Passage

Luke 1:1-4 & Acts 1:1-3

Principle

Share with one what you hope will be shared with all.

It begins when every “__” points to “______.”

It continues as every “I” embraces a “________.”

It _____________________ as the Spirit fans the flames beyond every “__.”

Practice

_________________ your Theophilus.

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.

HANGOUT

Do you feel like anyone has ever taken a personal interest in your spiritual development? If so, who and what did they do to invest in you?

Luke wrote two entire books to a man named Theophilus to encourage his faith in Jesus. That is 26% of the whole New Testament written to one person. What does this tell you about Luke and his faith? What does this tell you about the New Testament and its purpose?

Today we are going to review the Gospel in 30 Words. This is a great way to understand the Gospel and offers a simple way to communicate it to others.

The Gospel in 30 words: “Jesus is God with us; come to show us God’s love, save us from sin, set up God’s Kingdom, and shut down religion so that we can share God’s life.”

HEAR

The Ground of the Gospel: Jesus is God with us…

Read John 1:14 & Colossians 1:15-20.
What do these verses reveal about Jesus? What do they tell you about God?

The Gifts of the Gospel: Jesus is God with us come to…

Show us God’s love. Read John 3:16 and Romans 5:8. Why is it essential to begin a Gospel conversation with God’s love rather than our sin?
Save us from sin. Read Romans 3:23-24. How many sentences make up these two verses? Which of these verses is more familiar and why? Do you believe that verse 23 can stand alone? Why or why not?
Set up God’s Kingdom. Read Matthew 6:10 and Mark 1:15. What is the Kingdom of God? What is the connection between the Kingdom of God and heaven?
And shut down religion. Read John 4:21-26. Do you agree that one of the gifts of the Gospel is that Jesus came to shut down religion? Why or why not? What evidence can you find in the Gospels to support your opinion?

The Goal of the Gospel: So that we can share God’s life.

Read John 10:10. According to this verse, what did Jesus come to offer? What is the difference between “Heaven when you die” and sharing in God’s life?
What are some practical ways you can use the Gospel in 30 words?
Is God impressing anyone on your heart who might benefit from these 30 words?

HUDDLE

When did you last have a direct Gospel conversation with a non-believer? How did that conversation go? What did you learn from that encounter? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.

Daily Readings

This week we will read passages that clearly and directly communicate the Gospel. As you read, invite the Holy Spirit to embed these truths in your heart and mind so that you will always be prepared to share the hope of Jesus in every situation.

Day 1: John 1
Day 2: Colossians 1
Day 3: John 3
Day 4: Romans 5
Day 5: Romans 3
Day 6: Romans 10
Day 7: John 14

Think Deeper

Who has invested effort in helping you know Jesus and understand His Gospel?
Is the Gospel best communicated in mass communication or person-to-person? Why?
Who is your Theophilus? What are you doing to ensure that he or she has certainty concerning the Gospel?

Suggested Resources

Reunion, by Peter Scazzero

30 Words: A sermon series for sinners, saints, and seekers. sermon.aspirejax.org/sermon-series/30-words

Check out these and other suggested books at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB