Forerunner's Of The Return Series

Luke 10:1-16

INTRODUCTION:

Jesus was an organizational genius. Our study today will deal with Jesus training “The Seventy” on how to be His advance team for future ministry locations. From this passage we get a good look at how to organize and evangelistic meeting in a new place and we are also reminded that we are God’s advance team for the coming of the Lord.

I. ORGANIZATIONAL GENIUS

A. V1 - Jesus sent out the seventy into cities where He would go

1. The advance team

B. Their mandate was:

1. V2 - To establish prayer

2. V3 - Discern the area (lambs among wolves)

a) V4;V7 - Stay focused

3. V5-7 - Find peaceful lodgings

4. V8 - Don’t be a diva (eat whatever is set before you and receive whatever they give)

5. V9 - Heal the sick and preach the Kingdom

6. V10,11,12 - Stand up for Jesus (Quit trying to be politically correct)

a) The US is the only place in the world where I have ministered where the focus is on people emotions more than the truth of the Word|)

II. RELATING TO UNREPENTANT PEOPLE

A. V13 - Not everyone will accept your message

1. Love them anyway

2. Not everyone will appreciate being challenged, they would rather be emotionally comfortable for a season but the end their journey will lead to death. (This is not acceptable to me)

a) I want you to make it to heaven!

B. V15 - Outward Success doesn’t always equate to Spiritual Success

1. Your talents may take you to the top but its your character and integrity that will keep you there.

Illustration: This week I heard the true story of a young “successful” preacher who got into a tiff with an older minister that was trying to help him with advice. He held up his hand that had many rings of gold upon it and sad to the old preacher, “I could beat you in court with the gold that I have on one hand.” The old preacher patted him on the shoulder and walked away. Five years later the young preacher had lost everything and today lives on disability and even his children don’t want anything to do with him.

a) Pride cometh before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.

III. V16 - REMEMBER YOUR CALLING AND KEEP YOUR HEART RIGHT

A. The battle is against God not against us…

1. Let God fight your battles

B. Some will despise you… don’t take it personal.

1. Whatsoever things are true…

CLOSING: THE CHURCH IS THE FORERUNNER OF CHRIST’S COMING!

• Let us organize to reach the world - Point 1

• Let us relate correctly to unrepentant people - Point 2

• Let us remember our calling and keep our hearts right - Point 3