In biblical times, life threw fastballs of difficulty at people. Beware of stumbling blocks, so let’s all be a bit more mindful and a little less trip-happy.
Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
Hey everyone! It’s so great to see each and every one of you here today. We’re one big family, and there’s nothing quite like coming together to share in God’s love and wisdom.
Here are a few things we want to let you know about:
Announcements
- Upcoming Bible Study: Join us next Wednesday at 7 PM in the Fellowship Hall for a deep dive into the Book of Romans. All are welcome!
- Community Outreach: This Saturday, we’ll be volunteering at the local food bank. Meet us at 9 AM at the church. Let’s make a difference together!
- Youth Group Retreat: Our youth group is heading to the mountains next month! Sign-up sheets are in the lobby. Don’t miss out on the fun and fellowship!
- New Members Class: If you’re new to our church family and want to learn more about our beliefs and values, sign up for our new members class starting next Sunday.
Section 2. Call to Worship
Let’s prepare our hearts and minds to focus on God. As we read these words from Luke, let them sink deep into our souls:
Call to Worship
“Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? … when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'” (Luke 17:7-10, NIV)
Let’s join together and praise the Lord with all our hearts!
Section 3. Opening Prayer
Dear Lord, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude. Thank you for bringing us together in this place, under the shelter of your love. Open our minds and hearts to receive your Word today. Help us to grow in faith and to be a shining light in the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Let’s lift our voices together in songs of praise! Our worship team has prepared a beautiful selection of music to help us connect with God and express our love for Him. Whether it’s through contemporary melodies or timeless hymns, let’s focus on adoring our Creator and lifting our hearts toward Him. Let the words we sing today be a true reflection of our devotion and gratitude.
Section 5. Scripture Reading
Today, we’ll be diving into a passage from the Gospel of Luke. This passage gives us insight into faith, forgiveness, and humility. It’s a reminder of our role as servants of God and the importance of gratitude in our lives.
Events in Luke 17:1-10
In Luke 17:1-10, Jesus addresses His disciples on topics of forgiveness, faith, and duty. He warns against causing others to stumble, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness. The apostles ask for increased faith, to which Jesus responds by illustrating the power of even a tiny mustard seed-sized faith. He concludes with a parable about a servant who, after completing his tasks, is not entitled to special thanks, teaching humility and the understanding that obedience to God is our duty.
Luke 17:1-10 (NIV)
1 Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. 2 It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 So watch yourselves.
“If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
6 He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.
7 “Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? 8 Will he not rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? 9 Will he thank the servant because the servant did what he was told to do? 10 So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Let us now come together in prayer, lifting up the needs of our community and our own hearts to God.
Intercessory Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the lessons you teach us through your Word. We pray for the strength to forgive others as you have forgiven us. Increase our faith, so that we may move mountains in your name. Help us to remember that we are your servants, and that it is our joy to serve you and others with humility and gratitude. We lift up those who are struggling, those who are hurting, and those who need your love and guidance. Surround them with your peace and comfort.
Congregational Prayer Response
Lord, hear our prayer. Help us to be faithful servants, doing our duty with joy and humility. Amen.
Section 7. Offering
Let’s take a moment to reflect on the blessings God has given us. Our tithes and offerings are an act of worship, a way of expressing our gratitude, and a means of supporting the important work of our church in our community and beyond.
Prayer of Thanks for Tithes and Offerings
Gracious God, we thank you for the opportunity to give back a portion of what you have so generously provided. Bless these gifts, and use them to further your kingdom. May our offerings be a true reflection of our love for you and our commitment to serving others. Amen.
Section 8. Special Music
Now, we’re blessed to have [Name of Performer/Group] share their musical gifts with us. Let’s open our hearts to receive their message and be uplifted by their talents.
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Section 9. Free Bible Study!
Hey there, friend! Isn’t it amazing how the Word of God can speak to us in so many different ways? I’m excited to share something special with you today that I think will really help you dig deeper into your faith journey.
Bible Study: Unworthy Servants, Unstoppable Faith: Mastering Gratitude in Everyday Life
Ever feel like you’re just going through the motions? Like you’re doing what you’re supposed to, but it’s just…routine? I get it. We all have those days. But what if I told you there’s a secret to finding joy and purpose in even the most mundane tasks?
It all starts with understanding what it means to be a servant. In Luke 17:1-10, Jesus shares a powerful lesson about humility and gratitude. He reminds us that when we’ve done everything we were told to do, we should say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.”
Now, some people might hear that and think, “Wow, that’s depressing!” But I want you to see it differently. This isn’t about belittling ourselves. It’s about recognizing that everything we have, everything we are, is a gift from God.
When we approach life with a spirit of gratitude, even the smallest acts of service become acts of worship. Suddenly, washing the dishes isn’t just a chore; it’s an opportunity to show love to our family. Mowing the lawn isn’t just a task; it’s a way to care for the earth God has given us.
And that, my friends, is where true joy is found. It’s in recognizing that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, and that every action, no matter how small, can make a difference in the world.
So, how do we cultivate this spirit of gratitude?
Here’s my offer:
I’ve put together a complete sermon guide based on Luke 17:1-10 that will help you:
- Uncover the hidden gems in this familiar passage.
- Discover practical ways to apply Jesus’ teachings to your daily life.
- Experience the joy of serving God with a grateful heart.
But that’s not all… When you try our Free 7-Day Membership, you’ll unlock our entire library of sermons – ready to download, print, and use to see prayers answered week after week.
May Jesus pour his Grace Upon you and your family during this beautiful time in our lives.
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