July 6th, Sermon & Ministry Resources

"SENT WITH PURPOSE" (Luke 10:11-20)

Lectionary Readings — Fourth Sunday after Pentecost — July 6, 2025

2 Kings 5:1-14; Psalm 30; Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16; Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

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Call to Worship (based on Luke 10:1-11, 16-20)

Leader: The Lord of the harvest calls us to gather in his name.

People: We come, ready to be sent as workers in God's field.

Leader: Christ sends us out to proclaim good news: the kingdom of God has come near!

People: We carry his peace to a world in need of hope.

Leader: Though we go as lambs among wolves, we do not go alone.

People: The Lord goes before us and walks beside us.

Leader: We have been given authority to heal and to bless.

People: In Christ's name, we offer wholeness to the broken.

Leader: The harvest is plentiful, and God has called us to the work.

People: We rejoice that our names are written in heaven!

Leader: Come, let us worship the One who sends us forth.

People: Come, let us praise the God who brings us home. Amen!

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Opening Prayer (based on 2 Kings 5:1-14)

Let us pray:

Gracious and loving God,

We come before you this morning with grateful hearts, knowing that you are present with us in this sacred time and space.

Like Naaman, we acknowledge that we come to you carrying both joys and burdens—some visible to others, some known only to you. We bring our hopes and our fears, our certainties and our questions. Help us to lay these honestly before you, trusting in your goodness and grace.

We thank you that you work in ways that often surprise us, using ordinary people and simple means to accomplish extraordinary things. Open our hearts to hear your voice, whether it comes through grand gestures or quiet whispers. Help us to remain humble and teachable, ready to receive wisdom from unexpected sources.

Lord, we confess that we sometimes resist your invitations because they don't match our expectations. We prefer complicated solutions when you offer simple ones, dramatic displays when you work through gentle means. Grant us the humility to trust in your ways, even when they challenge our assumptions.

Cleanse us, renew us, and make us whole. Remove from us everything that separates us from you and from one another. Transform our hearts that we might live as faithful witnesses to your love and grace.

As we gather for worship, prepare us to receive your word with open minds and willing hearts. May this time together be a place of encounter with you—a moment of grace and transformation.

In the name of Christ, who makes all things new,

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: "SENT WITH PURPOSE"

Based on Luke 10:1-20

INTRODUCTION:

The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. In this passage, Jesus commissions seventy-two disciples for mission, giving us a blueprint for faithful engagement with our world. We see four essential movements in the life of faith.

I. Called to the Commission (vv. 1-2)

The Lord's Appointment

A. The Urgency of the Harvest

• Jesus sees the spiritual need around him

• The metaphor of harvest implies both opportunity and timing

• God's heart for the lost and broken

B. The Multiplication of Workers

• From twelve to seventy - expanding the mission

• Every believer called to participate in God's work

• Prayer as the starting point: "Ask the Lord of the harvest..."

C. The Authority of the Sender

• Jesus appoints and sends with divine authority

• We don't send ourselves - we are sent by Christ

• Mission flows from relationship with the sender

II. Commissioned with Clarity (vv. 3-11)

The Lord's Instructions

A. Realistic About Opposition (v. 3)

• "Lambs among wolves" - honest about hostility

• Mission involves risk and vulnerability

• Dependence on God rather than human strength

B. Radical in Simplicity (vv. 4-6)

• Travel light - don't be encumbered by possessions

• Focus on the message, not material comfort

• Offer peace as the primary gift

C. Relational in Approach (vv. 7-9)

• Stay in one place - build relationships

• Accept hospitality - enter their world

• Heal the sick - demonstrate God's compassion

D. Resolved About Rejection (vv. 10-11)

• Clear response when rejected

• Shake off the dust - don't carry bitterness

• The message still stands: "The kingdom of God has come near"

III. Confident in God's Authority (vv. 12-16)

The Lord's Backing

A. Serious Consequences for Rejection

• Judgment for cities that reject the gospel

• God takes the mission seriously

• The weight of the message we carry

B. Surprising Privileges for Receivers

• Greater revelation than Tyre and Sidon received

• The opportunity of hearing God's messengers

• Divine privilege comes with responsibility

C. Solid Connection to Christ

• "Whoever listens to you listens to me" (v. 16)

• We represent Christ in our going

• The authority behind our message

IV. Celebrating the Right Things (vv. 17-20)

The Lord's Joy

A. The Disciples' Excitement (v. 17)

• They return with joy and amazement

• Even demons submit to Jesus' name

• Success in spiritual warfare

B. Jesus' Explanation (vv. 18-19)

• Satan's defeat is certain

• Authority over all enemy power

• Protection in dangerous ministry

C. The Proper Perspective (v. 20)

• Don't rejoice primarily in power over demons

• Rejoice that your names are written in heaven

• Identity matters more than ability

• Relationship trumps results

Conclusion

Jesus sends us out just as he sent the seventy-two - with purpose, power, and the promise of his presence. The harvest is still plentiful, the workers are still few, and the Lord of the harvest is still calling. The question is not whether we'll have success, but whether we'll be faithful to go. And when we do, we can rejoice not just in what God does through us, but in who we are to him - beloved children whose names are written in heaven.

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers