February 23rd, Sermon & Ministry Resources

"Christ's Call to Radical Relationships" Text: Luke 6:27-38

Lectionary Readings — Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany — February 23, 2025

Genesis 45:3-11, 15; Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40; 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50; Luke 6:27-38

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Call to Worship (based on Luke 6:27-38)

Leader: Come, let us worship the One who calls us to love our enemies

People: We gather to learn the ways of radical grace

Leader: Jesus teaches us to bless those who curse us, to pray for those who abuse us

People: Though it is difficult, we open our hearts to Christ's challenging way

Leader: Our Lord says "Give, and it will be given to you"

People: We come to receive God's abundant mercy that we might share it with others

Leader: As God is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked

People: May we learn to be merciful, just as our Father is merciful

Leader: Let us worship together in spirit and in truth

All: We gather to be transformed by God's boundless love

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Opening Prayer (based on Genesis 45:3-11, 15)

Let us pray:

Gracious and loving God, we come before you today reminded of your faithful presence through every season of our lives. Like Joseph, who revealed himself to his brothers in Egypt, we see how you work to bring reconciliation and healing even through our deepest wounds. We thank you for your providence - how you take what seems broken and transform it into blessing, not just for us, but for many others.

Lord, give us the courage of Joseph to extend forgiveness when we have been wronged. Help us to see your larger purpose, even in our moments of pain and confusion. When we struggle to understand your plan, remind us that you are working to preserve life and bring about good, just as you did through Joseph's journey from prisoner to provider.

We pray for those among us who feel estranged from family or friends. May your Spirit move to rebuild what has been broken. Grant us the wisdom to recognize your hand at work in our lives, and the faith to trust that you go before us, behind us, and beside us in all things.

We offer this prayer in deep gratitude for your unfailing love and mercy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

[Note: All Scripture is taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.]

Sermon Outline: "Christ's Call to Radical Relationships" (Luke 6:27-38)

Introduction:

• Context: This passage follows the Beatitudes in Luke's "Sermon on the Plain"

• Setting up the radical nature of Jesus' teaching compared to conventional wisdom

• Key theme: Moving beyond transactional relationships to transformational love

I. Listen to Love's Challenge (vv. 27-28)

A. The command to love enemies - Defining "enemy" in personal context - Active nature of this love (not passive tolerance)

B. Three specific actions required:

1. Do good to those who hate you

2. Bless those who curse you

3. Pray for those who abuse you

C. Application: Practical ways to show love to difficult people

II. Respond with Resilience (vv. 29-31)

A. The principle of non-retaliation - Turn the other cheek - Give up your coat

B. The Golden Rule in context - More than reciprocity - Proactive rather than reactive

C. Breaking the cycle of violence and revenge

III. Model Mature Mercy (vv. 32-36)

A. Moving beyond natural inclinations - Loving those who love us is ordinary - God's call to extraordinary love

B. The example of the Father's mercy - "Kind to the ungrateful and wicked" - Mercy as a divine attribute

C. The challenge to be perfect in mercy

IV. Transform Through Training (vv. 37-38)

A. The practice of non-judgment - Understanding vs. condemning - The boomerang effect of criticism

B. The power of forgiveness - Releasing others - Being released ourselves

C. The principle of generous giving - "Good measure, pressed down" - God's economy of abundance

Conclusion:

1. Summary of the radical nature of Jesus' teaching

2. Call to practical application in daily relationships

3. Recognition that this is only possible through God's grace

4. Final challenge to choose one area for immediate implementation

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers