Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
Welcome
Good morning, church family! It’s such a joy to see each of you here today, whether you’re joining us in person or online. Isn’t it wonderful that we can come together as one body, united in Christ, to worship our loving God? Today, we’ll explore the powerful truth of Jesus’ mission as revealed in Luke 4:14-21—a reminder of the hope and freedom He offers to every one of us.
You’re in the right place this morning. God has a word for you. Let’s open our hearts and prepare to receive it.
Announcements
1. New Believers Class: If you’ve recently accepted Jesus or want to deepen your faith, join our 6-week class starting this Wednesday at 7:00 PM in Room 203.
2. Women’s Bible Study: Ladies, join us this Saturday for our Bible study on the Book of Psalms, starting at 9:30 AM in the fellowship hall.
3. Serve Day 2025: Mark your calendars for our annual Serve Day, happening February 10th! Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community. You can sign up at the Welcome Desk or online.
4. Prayer Night: Come for a time of corporate prayer next Sunday at 6:00 PM. Let’s lift our needs and praises to God together as a church family.
Thank you for being here today! Let’s continue to walk together in faith, hope, and love as we seek God’s will for our lives.
Section 2. Call to Worship
Scripture Passage: Psalm 95:6-7 (NIV)
“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.”
This morning, we gather to honor our Savior. Let’s quiet our hearts, lay down our distractions, and fix our eyes on Jesus. As we sing, pray, and reflect on God’s Word, may we be reminded of His goodness and faithfulness.
Section 3. Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for this beautiful day and the privilege of worshiping You. We come before You with grateful hearts, eager to hear Your Word and experience Your presence. Lord, we ask that You would fill this place with Your Spirit. Open our eyes to see You, our ears to hear You, and our hearts to receive all that You have for us. We surrender this time to You, knowing You have something special to say to each of us. May everything we do bring glory to Your name.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Introduction
Church, let’s enter into a time of worship through singing! This is our chance to lift our voices, proclaim God’s greatness, and declare our trust in Him. Whether you prefer hymns or contemporary songs, let’s sing with all our hearts as one family, united in adoration. Let’s stand together and worship the King of kings!
Section 5. Scripture Reading
Introduction to the Scripture
Today’s scripture reading comes from John 2:1-11, the story of Jesus’ first miracle—turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. This passage reminds us that Jesus cares about every detail of our lives and is always ready to meet our needs in His perfect timing.
Summary of Events
In this story, Jesus attends a wedding where the wine runs out. At His mother’s request, He performs His first miracle, turning water into wine. This act not only saved the celebration but also revealed His divine power, pointing to the abundant joy He brings to all who trust in Him.
Scripture Passage: John 2:1-11 (NIV)
“On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘They have no more wine.’
‘Woman, why do you involve me?’ Jesus replied. ‘My hour has not yet come.’
His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’
Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.
Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water’; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.’
They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, ‘Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.’
What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.”
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Intercessory Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank You for the truth revealed in Luke 4:14-21, that You have come to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for the oppressed, and healing for the brokenhearted. We pray for those in our church and community who are in need of Your touch today. Bring comfort to those who mourn, healing to the sick, and hope to the weary. May Your light shine through us, so that we can be Your hands and feet in a world that desperately needs You.
Congregational Prayer Response
Lord, we believe that You are the fulfillment of God’s promises. Help us to walk in Your truth, proclaiming Your good news with boldness and love. Amen.
Section 7. Offering
Importance of Tithes and Offerings
Church family, giving is not just an obligation; it’s an act of worship. When we give, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from God. It’s a way of expressing our trust in Him and partnering with His mission to transform lives.
Prayer of Thanks
Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessings You have poured into our lives. As we give back to You, we do so with joyful hearts, trusting that You will use these gifts to further Your kingdom. Bless every giver and every gift. May they bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Section 8. Special Music
Introduction to Special Music
Now, let’s prepare our hearts for a special song that will help us reflect on today’s message. As we listen, may we be reminded of God’s great love and faithfulness.
Section 9. Sermon
Sermon Title: The Spirit-Filled Life: Discipleship and Growth in Jesus’ Mission
Scripture Reference: Luke 4:14-21 (NIV)
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
I. Walking in the Power of the Spirit (Luke 4:14-15)
“Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.”
Explanation
When Jesus returned to Galilee, His ministry began with the power of the Holy Spirit. He had just come from a season of testing and fasting in the wilderness, where He depended entirely on God. This wasn’t just a casual return home—Jesus came with a mission and the authority of heaven to proclaim the Good News. His connection to the Spirit of God equipped Him to change lives and fulfill His calling.
Personal Thoughts
I love how this passage shows the importance of starting everything with the Holy Spirit. Jesus didn’t rely on His own strength or wisdom; He relied on the Spirit to guide Him. That encourages me because it reminds me that we don’t have to carry the weight of life’s challenges on our own. The same Spirit that empowered Jesus is available to us!
Personal Commentary
Too often, we try to navigate life by our own understanding. But Jesus shows us another way—one of reliance on God’s Spirit. When we walk with Him, people take notice. Just like the people in Galilee were drawn to Jesus, others will see the work of God in our lives when we live Spirit-filled.
Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship
Christian discipleship begins with surrendering to the Spirit. It’s not just about knowing the right things or doing good works—it’s about living in partnership with God, allowing His Spirit to lead us. True discipleship means walking in step with the Spirit, just as Jesus did.
Personal Reflection Commentary on Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth happens when we intentionally connect with the Holy Spirit. It’s not something that happens overnight, but a daily process of seeking God through prayer, worship, and Scripture. Every step we take with the Spirit strengthens our faith and prepares us for the work God has called us to do.
Ask Yourself This Question
Am I walking in the power of the Holy Spirit, or am I trying to live out my faith on my own?
II. Living the Mission of Jesus (Luke 4:16-19)
“He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me…’”
Explanation
Here, Jesus boldly declares His mission. He reads from Isaiah, revealing that He was sent to bring good news to the poor, freedom to the prisoners, sight to the blind, and liberation for the oppressed. Jesus’ mission wasn’t just about words—it was about action, healing, and restoration. He came to bring hope and transformation to a broken world.
Personal Thoughts
I find this passage deeply challenging and inspiring. Jesus didn’t hesitate to step into His purpose, even knowing it would lead to rejection and suffering. It makes me reflect on whether I’m fully embracing the mission God has for my life. Am I willing to step out in faith and follow Jesus’ example?
Personal Commentary
This mission of Jesus isn’t just for Him—it’s for us, too. As His followers, we’re called to be His hands and feet in the world. That means bringing hope to the hopeless, speaking life into broken situations, and serving others with love and humility.
Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship
Discipleship is about more than learning—it’s about living. It’s about aligning our lives with Jesus’ mission and stepping into the places where God’s love is needed most. When we say “yes” to following Jesus, we’re saying “yes” to His mission of transforming lives.
Personal Reflection Commentary on Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth happens when we take action. As we serve, share the Gospel, and care for others, we grow closer to God and become more like Jesus. Each step of obedience strengthens our faith and deepens our relationship with Him.
Ask Yourself This Question
Is my life reflecting the mission of Jesus, or am I holding back from fully committing to His call?
III. Trusting in God’s Promises (Luke 4:20-21)
“Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, ‘Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’”
Explanation
In this moment, Jesus declares that He is the fulfillment of God’s promises. The long-awaited Messiah had come, and the kingdom of God was at hand. Jesus wasn’t just making a statement—He was inviting the people to believe and take part in the work of God. His words remind us that God’s promises are always true and His timing is always perfect.
Personal Thoughts
This passage fills me with awe. Jesus was so bold in declaring the truth of who He was, even knowing that many would reject Him. It reminds me that we can trust in God’s promises, even when the journey feels uncertain. His Word never fails.
Personal Commentary
Jesus’ fulfillment of Scripture is proof that God’s promises are reliable. If He was faithful to send a Savior, we can trust that He will be faithful in every area of our lives. No matter what challenges we face, we can hold on to the hope that God is working all things for good.
Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship
Discipleship means living with confidence in God’s promises. It’s about trusting that He will guide us, provide for us, and equip us for every good work. When we place our faith in Him, we can step out in boldness, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.
Personal Reflection Commentary on Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth involves learning to trust God more deeply. As we reflect on His faithfulness, our faith grows stronger. Each promise He fulfills in our lives becomes a stepping stone to greater trust and obedience.
Ask Yourself This Question
Am I living with the boldness that comes from trusting in God’s promises, or am I letting fear hold me back?
Section 10. Final Thoughts
Final Reflections on Luke 4:14-21
This passage shows us that Jesus came with a clear mission—to bring hope, healing, and freedom to the world. As His disciples, we are called to live out that mission in our own lives. Walking in the power of the Spirit, aligning our hearts with Jesus’ purpose, and trusting in God’s promises are key to both discipleship and spiritual growth. Let’s commit to growing in faith and stepping boldly into the life God has called us to live.
Closing Prayer
Father God,
Thank You for sending Jesus to bring good news to the poor, freedom to the captives, and healing to the brokenhearted. Help us to follow in His footsteps, living out His mission with boldness and love. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we can grow in faith and become more like Jesus every day. Teach us to trust in Your promises and to serve others with humility and compassion. May our lives reflect Your glory and point others to the hope we have in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Section 11. Closing Hymn or Worship Song
Introduction
As we conclude our time together, let’s stand and sing a final song of worship. Let this be a declaration of our commitment to following Jesus and living out His mission. Lift your voices as we praise the One who gives us hope and strength!
Section 12. Benediction
Closing Blessing
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
Go in the peace and power of the Holy Spirit, walking in the mission of Jesus and growing daily in faith and love. Amen.
