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Faith, Forgiveness, and the Kingdom: A Study of Luke 17

A study of Luke 17:1-37, focusing on forgiveness, faith, duty, and the coming Kingdom.

1. Forgiveness and Accountability

1.1 The Seriousness of Causing Offense

Verses: Luke 17:1
  • Stumbling blocks are inevitable, but woe to those who cause them.
  • We must be mindful of our actions and their potential impact on others' faith.

1.2 The Importance of Forgiveness

Verses: Luke 17:3-4
  • Forgiveness should be limitless, even when offenses are repeated.
  • A forgiving spirit reflects the nature of God, who is merciful and compassionate.

2. The Nature of Faith

2.1 The Power of Faith

Verses: Luke 17:5-6
  • Faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can accomplish great things through the power of God.
  • Faith is not about the size of our belief, but the object of our belief: God Himself.

3. Humility and Service

3.1 The Attitude of a Servant

Verses: Luke 17:7-10
  • We are servants who are simply doing our duty when we obey God's commands.
  • Humility is essential in our service to God; we should not expect special recognition.

4. Gratitude and Healing

4.1 The Importance of Gratitude

Verses: Luke 17:11-19
  • Only one leper, a Samaritan, returned to give thanks to Jesus, demonstrating true gratitude.
  • Gratitude is a vital expression of faith and recognition of God's blessings.

5. The Coming Kingdom

5.1 The Nature of the Kingdom

Verses: Luke 17:20-21
  • The Kingdom of God is not a visible, earthly kingdom, but a spiritual reality within believers.
  • The Kingdom is manifested in the presence and power of God in our lives.

5.2 The Sudden Return

Verses: Luke 17:22-30
  • The coming of the Son of Man will be sudden and unexpected, like lightning.
  • We must be prepared and not caught up in the affairs of this world.

5.3 The Danger of Looking Back

Verses: Luke 17:31-33
  • Lot's wife serves as a warning against looking back with longing at our former lives.
  • We must be willing to leave everything behind to follow Jesus.

5.4 The Separation at His Coming

Verses: Luke 17:34-37
  • In the day of His coming, there will be a separation between those who are ready and those who are not.
  • We must strive to be found faithful and ready for His return.