Luke 4:14-21

1. We should observe what marked honor our Lord Jesus Christ gave to public means of grace.
2. We should observe what a striking account our Lord gave to the congregation at Nazareth, of His own office and ministry.
3. We should observe what an instructive example we have in these verses of the manner in which religious teaching is often heard.

"He would have us know that we are not lightly to forsake any assembly of worshipers, which professes to respect the name, the day, and the book of God."

"We must know Jesus as the Friend of the poor in spirit, the Physician of the diseased heart, the deliverer of the soul in bondage. These are the principal offices He came on earth to fulfill."

"Let us see what practical effect is produced on our hearts and lives by the preaching which we profess to like. Does it lead us to true repentance towards God, and lively faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ? Does it excite us to weekly efforts to cease from sin, and to resist the devil? These are the fruits which sermons ought to produce, if they are really doing us good."

Questions:

1. In a day in which many are led stray by wanting a new spiritual experience, do we think lightly of God’s means of grace in the regular meeting of God’s people under God’s Word? Do we treasure the gathering on Sunday mornings or despise it?

2. How do we know Christ? As King only? As Prophet? Or do we know Him, along with those things, as the friend of the poor in spirit and Savior from our sin?

3. Do we listen to sermons week-after-week with a heart to grow in faith and repentance? Does it cause us to turn away from sin and resist the devil? Does it produce love in us for God and one another?