1. Context
• Jesus Instructed the disciples to rejoice in their eternal inheritance
• Jesus reminded the disciples how special and blessed they were to have personally witnessed the revelation of God's Kingdom
• Jewish lawyer testing Jesus' theology in order to trap him
2. The Priest/Levite: Examples of Shallow Religiosity Luke 10:25-28
• Wrong motives
• Self-Justification
• Wrong theology
• Setting boundary markers
3. The Samaritan: An Example of a Sincere Relationship Luke 10:29-37
• Right motives
• Concerned for others
• Right theology
• Breaking boundary markers
4. The Ironic Reality: Whoever actually loves God and loves others will inherit eternal life
• Salvation is not based on externaltemporal religion but on an internalexternal relationship
• God doesn't look at the outward appearance of man but on the heart of man

Application Questions

1. Have you ever been too busy to help someone in need because of a religious activity? What does shallow religiousity look like in today's world?
2. Have you ever justified yourself (too busy, too risky, too inconveient) for not helping someone in need? What things cause a Christian to become hard-hearted and insensitive?
3. Do you set "boundary markers" when it comes to your definition of "neighbor"? How far does your love reach?
4. When's the last time you felt a deep, gut-wrenching compassion for someone? What was it about the situation that stirred your soul?
5. Describe a time when someone unexpectedly helped you. Did the experience have an impact on your love for others?
6. Loving and being kind to others are fruits of the Spirit. What does your fruit bearing reveal about you? What can you do today to become a better neighbor tomorro?

But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perserveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. -- James 1:25