Introduction

• Written to Theophilus, who here is referred to as a specific person.

• Luke was the writer. The Holy Spirit was the author.

Filled with the Spirit (Luke 1:15-17; 41-42)

• “Filled with” speaks, not of quantity, but of motivation. It speaks of cause and effect.

• Luke 6:11

• Acts 5:17-18

• Acts 13:45

• Acts 5:3

• Acts 9:17-18

• Ephesians 5:18-20

• Luke 1:41-42

Luke 1:38 – This was a great demonstration of faith on Mary’s part, knowing that what she had just been told would be a miraculous feat.

Luke 1:50 – God will be merciful to the faithful in the judgment. Compare II Timothy 1:18.

Philippians 3:20

The dilemma

• All of us are guilty of sin, and sin will keep us out of Heaven.

• Romans 3:23

• Isaiah 59:2

• I John 2:1-6

The danger

• We may grow discouraged or unfruitful.

  • Mark 10:22

  • Matthew 27:5

• We may be drawn to a false doctrine to find assurance.

  • Miraculous experience.

  • Martin Luther

The resolution

• Our confidence comes from obedience to a God who is patient and forgiving!

  • Psalms 130:3-4

  • Acts 2:41; 16:32-43

  • I Corinthians 1:1-9, 18, 30; 11:1-2; 15:1-2 – Salvation is conditional. Keep improving!

  • Colossians 1:9-10; 2:20-22; 1:5, 13-14, 21-23; 2:13-14; 3:4, 13 – The Colossians could have hope of salvation even though they had room to grow.

  • I Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:8

  • I John 1:6-10; 2:25-29; 4:15-17; 5:4-5, 10-13 – We can know God and have confidence in the day of Judgment.

  • Revelation 2:4-5, 19-23

• The apostle Paul

  • I Corinthians 9:27; II Timothy 4:8