Worship Preparation - July 19, 2026

Jul 16

Read the sermon text: Luke 10:25-37

Read the sermon summary: In our passage for this Sunday, a man stands up in the midst of Jesus' disciples and asks Jesus, "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus' answer might surprise us. After all, we are saved by grace alone through faith alone, right? Why then does Jesus affirm the man's interpretation of the law and tell him to "go, and do likewise"? Note first, the questioner's motives; he wanted to "test" Jesus and to "justify himself." Note also the characters in Jesus' parable; the priest and the Levite. Why did they pass by the man in the ditch? Could Jesus be setting up a trap for the lawyer? After all, for them wouldn't keeping the law mean not becoming unclean by such an encounter? By Jesus' parable and the command to "go and do likewise," he lifts up a mirror to the lawyer. He hasn't loved his neighbor as himself. In fact, he cannot. He's stuck. Until he rids himself of the idea that the law is what justifies him, he cannot adhere to the true meaning of the law and will not inherit eternal life. The wise and understanding lawyer has seen Jesus, but he hasn't. He can't see that the only path to eternal life is standing right in front of him. What if the mirror is turned to us? How might we read the Bible in such a way to justify ourselves and excuse ourselves from being a good neighbor to others?

Read the following song lyrics in relation to the sermon:

Abide

Verse 1

For my waking breath

For my daily bread

I depend on You

For the sun to rise

For my sleep at night

I depend on You

Chorus 1

You’re the way the truth and the life

You’re the well that never runs dry

I’m the branch and You are the vine

Draw me close and teach me to abide

Verse 2

Where the Spirit leads

As I’m following

I depend on You

For the victories

Still in front of me

I depend on You

Chorus 2

You’re the way the truth and the life

You’re the well that never runs dry

I’m the branch and You are the vine

Draw me close and teach me to abide

Be my strength my song in the night

Be my all my treasure my prize

I am Yours forever You're mine

Draw me close and teach me to abide

Verse 3

When I pass through death

As I enter rest

I depend on You

For eternal life

To be raised with Christ

I depend on You

Tag 1

Oh would you teach me

Would You teach me to abide

Tag 2

I depend on You

CCLI Song #7168160

Aaron Keyes | Aaron Williams | Jake Fauber

CCLI License #11078052

Nick Nail

Worship Preparation - July 19, 2026

Worship Preparation - July 12, 2026