"True theology is not theoretical, but practical. The end of it is living,

that is to live a godly life."

–Martin Bucer (1491-1551)

Shout out to the 90 people who attended the Membership Class (our biggest ever)!

Class attendees from all three campuses got an inside look at what makes Door Creek so special and why membership matters.

Missed this one? No worries, we're doing another one in February. Stay tuned!

LUKE: Cost of Discipleship

Luke 10:17-24

_____



We’re diving back into the Gospel of Luke. After nine chapters introducing us to Jesus and His call, Luke now takes us with Him on the road to Jerusalem (Luke 9-19). Along the way, we’ll hear some of Jesus’ most famous teachings and stories, as He shows us what it truly costs to follow Him and why following Him is worth everything.

WATCH: YouTube or Website


NOTE: To print discussion questions: Select "File" > "Print" > change the print range to the pages you want, or save as a PDF. There are other options, i.e. printing pictures, including backgrounds, to be helpful. OR you can highlight the text of the sections you would like to print > right click the highlighted text > "Print" to only print (or save as pdf) the sections you would like.

The Big Idea

(What is the author's point?)

The posture of God’s messenger must be that of gratitude, someone struck by the beauty of their relationship with the Triune God. 

Why It Matters

(Why is this relevant to us?)

Ask a room of fifteen different Christians to describe effective evangelism, and you will likely get fifteen different answers. Someone will advocate for a literal interpretation of Genesis 1-2. Another will try to organize a big revival service in a tent or at a stadium. Another will work to train up evangelists who defend the faith on social media. Someone else will work to influence in the highest social spheres (academia, politics, etc.). Likewise, someone from the majority world might argue for organizing a faith-healing event.

Many of these strategies and ideas are legitimate. Yet they all have something in common: they focus on the external actions of the evangelists rather than their internal motivation. Interestingly, when Jesus evaluated the kingdom proclamation of His seventy-two missionaries (Luke 10:17-24), He focused not as much on their strategies but on their internal motivation. Even though Satan and his minions were being defeated all around them (10:18-19), Jesus urged His evangelists to be excited about something else. Foremost, Jesus desired that His emissaries be moved by an inward, heartfelt gratitude (10:20b). He urged gratitude both for their standing and their personal relationship with the Triune God who revealed Himself to them (10:20-24).

Good to Know

(What are some helpful insights into this passage?)

“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:18) symbolized the advancement of the kingdom of God and the certain defeat of the “accuser” Satan (Job 1; Zech. 3:1-2).

“I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions” (Luke 10:19) is metaphorical and represents creation in hostility to God. The serpent and the scorpion both functioned this way in various Old Testament texts (Deut. 8:15; Ps 91:13).

“Rejoice that your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20) – The Old Testament speaks repeatedly of a scroll with the names of those personally known by God (Exod. 32:32-33; Dan 12:1; Mal. 3:16).

“You have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children" (Luke 10:21) – Throughout the book of Luke, God favors individuals such as “little children:” those who come from unimpressive or humble backgrounds (Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, tax collectors, sinners, widows).

“No one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him" (Luke 10:22) – This statement clearly communicates Jesus’ divinity. The Father and the Son are unified in their collaboration and authority in the bringing about of salvation to humanity.

Group Guide

Following the series with your group? 

• Start with some icebreaker questions.
• Read the passage together before you dive in. 
• Share any insights from the message. Use the questions below to get your conversation started:

Conversation Starters

1. When Jesus said, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (v. 18), what do you think He wanted His disciples to understand about spiritual victory and God’s power?

2. What are some “results” or “wins” in ministry or life that tend to steal your joy or attention from simply knowing God?

3. Jesus “rejoiced in the Holy Spirit” (v. 21). What do you think His joy was rooted in—and how might that shape how you define success?

4. What does it mean that God hides His truth from “the wise and understanding” but reveals it to “little children” (v. 21)? How do you see that dynamic at work in your own heart or community?

5. Verse 22 says, “No one knows who the Son is except the Father…” How does that deepen your sense of awe at being invited into a relationship with the Triune God?

6. When you think about your “name written in heaven,” what emotions or images surface for you? Gratitude? Relief? Humility? Security?

7. Jesus told His disciples they were “blessed” because of what they’d seen and heard (vv. 23-24). What do we get to see and know about God today that the prophets longed for?

8. What practices or habits help you keep your joy rooted in who God is rather than what you accomplish for Him?

9. How might your ministry or relationships look different if you lived each day more amazed that you know God than that you’re used by God?

Prayer

Father, what an unspeakable privilege it is to know who you are because of Jesus! Help us to cherish You in all that we do, think and say! Amen.

Looking for more prayer opportunities?

Click here to be notified about ongoing DCC prayer needs.

Click here to send in a prayer request.