Discussion Guide | Sept. 21, 2025

September 22nd, 2025

Introduction

"A Step Beyond Good Intentions" - Sermon Summary

In this sermon, Pastor Bill explores the Parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25-37, emphasizing our call to love beyond our comfort zones. The message highlights how Jesus purposely made the Samaritan—a despised outsider—the hero of the story to challenge our understanding of who our neighbor truly is. Pastor Bill contrasts three attitudes displayed in the parable: the robbers' attitude of taking what belongs to others, the religious leaders' attitude of keeping what's theirs, and the Samaritan's attitude of sharing what he had.

The sermon calls believers to move beyond mere religious attendance to active service and genuine love for others. It emphasizes that we carry God's authority wherever we go and should be intentional about guiding conversations and relationships toward life and encouragement. Dr. Shuler challenges us to be salt and light in a divided world by focusing on the individual—just as Jesus did—and turning concern into action rather than merely having good intentions.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word today, we ask that You open our hearts to truly understand what it means to be a neighbor in this divided world. Help us to see beyond our comfort zones and recognize the authority You've given us to bring Your love to others. May this discussion challenge us to move from good intentions to meaningful action. Guide our conversation and reveal to each of us the specific ways You're calling us to love our neighbors. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

When was the last time a stranger did something unexpectedly kind for you? How did it make you feel?

Main Study

Key Verses

Luke 10:27
Luke 10:33-34
Luke 10:37
Hebrews 13:2
Romans 12:9-13

Questions

Pastor Bill mentioned that we live in an increasingly divided world. What are some divisions you see in our society today, and how might Jesus' teaching about loving our neighbor address these divisions?
In the parable, the priest and Levite had just come from worshiping God, yet they failed to help the injured man. Why do you think religious people sometimes struggle to connect their worship with practical service?
The Samaritan was from a group despised by Jews, yet Jesus made him the hero of the story. Can you think of a modern equivalent that would be as shocking to us today?
Pastor Bill mentioned three attitudes in the parable: 'What's yours is mine' (robbers), 'What's mine is mine' (priest/Levite), and 'What's mine is yours' (Samaritan). Which of these attitudes do you find yourself defaulting to most often?
Dr. Shuler said, 'A small deed always exceeds the grandest of intentions.' Share a time when someone's small deed made a significant impact on you.
How does the concept of being 'hosts' rather than 'guests' in conversations change how we might approach relationships and sharing our faith?
Jesus focused on individuals even in the midst of crowds. How might this approach change the way we think about serving others and sharing God's love?
The sermon emphasized that we carry God's authority wherever we go. What would it look like for you to walk in that authority this week in your workplace, home, or community?

Life Application

This week, identify one person in your life who might be considered your 'Samaritan'—someone from a different background, belief system, or social circle that you might normally avoid or overlook. Pray for them daily and look for a specific opportunity to show them kindness, whether through a conversation, an act of service, or simply acknowledging their value. Then, find a practical way to serve someone in need, investing your time and resources as the Good Samaritan did. Be prepared to share with the group next time how this experience affected both you and the person you served.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

Jesus calls us to love beyond our comfort zones and to see everyone as our neighbor, regardless of differences.
Our authority as believers isn't about waiting for God to act, but about moving confidently in the authority He has given us.
Time is our most valuable resource, and how we invest it reveals what we truly prioritize.
The power of the Gospel is found in combining the life-changing message of Jesus with the selfless service of His followers.
Jesus focused on individuals even in crowds, showing us that ministry happens one person at a time.

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for challenging us through Your parable of the Good Samaritan. We confess that too often we've been like the priest or Levite, passing by on the other side when You've called us to stop and serve. Forgive us for the times we've allowed divisions, busyness, or fear to keep us from loving our neighbors as ourselves. As we leave this discussion, empower us by Your Spirit to walk in the authority You've given us. Help us to be intentional hosts in our conversations, to invest our time wisely, and to turn our good intentions into meaningful actions. Make us salt and light in our divided world, focusing on the individuals You place in our path. May we be known not just for our church attendance, but for our Christlike love in action. In Your name we pray, amen.

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