---

Sermon Notes

Date of Sermon:    March 8, 2026

Title: The Peacemaker (Part 1)

​Main Idea: To grow more in love with Christ, grow more in touch with how much He has forgiven you.
​  
Primary Passage:  Luke 7:36-50
 
Sermon Outline:

• Introduction
  • ​Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
• What motivates us to love Jesus more?
  • Luke 7:36 (ESV)
  • Luke 7:21 (ESV)
  • Luke 7:31-35 (ESV)
• A moving recognition of how much sin we have been forgiven by Him...
  • Luke 7:37 (ESV)
• Which compels us to want to express our gratitude toward Him.
  • Luke 7:38 (ESV)
  • Luke 7:39 (ESV)
  • Luke 7:40 (ESV)
  • Luke 7:41-43 (ESV)
  • Luke 7:44-46 (ESV)
  • Luke 7:47-50 (ESV)
• ​For next week’s message: Read and reflect on Ephesians 2:11–18.

Things to Consider: (Feel free to read Scripture passages that God brings to mind as you work through these questions)

1. What about the sermon challenged, encouraged, or confused you? What, if anything, would you like further clarification on?
2. During the sermon we discussed several motivations for serving Christ. When you consider your own service, which of these do you find yourself most often relying on?
3. Ephesians 2:10 says we were "created in Christ Jesus for good works." Do you feel you currently know what those works are for your life, or are you struggling more with motivation to do them? 
4. Self-righteousness is "misplaced confidence in one's own morality... rather than in God's grace." How can "good" religious habits sometimes lead us toward this state?
5. One core characteristic of self-righteousness is "contempt for others." Have you ever found yourself looking down on someone else’s "blatant" sins, only to have the Spirit convict you of your sin in judging them? How did you respond?
6. Jesus says, "he who is forgiven little, loves little." How does "blindness to how much we have been forgiven" stifle our devotion to Christ?
7. How do you keep your gratitude for God’s grace "fresh" rather than becoming like Simon the Pharisee?
8. Think of the "kidney donor vs. extra penny" analogy. Which more accurately describes your daily level of gratitude toward God?
9. The woman broke social boundaries and risked public disdain to honor Jesus. What social boundaries or "reputation" concerns might be holding you back from expressing your love for Him?
10. The woman’s love was the "proof" of her forgiveness, not the cause of it. How does this distinction change the way you view your acts of service?
11. She anointed Jesus’ feet because she perhaps didn’t feel "worthy" to anoint His head. When has a sense of your own unworthiness actually led you to a deeper act of humility?

As always, feel free to contact Charles if you have questions or concerns regarding the message; its content, meaning, or application to your life. The easiest way to do that is by submitting a Bridge Card at steamboatbiblechurch.com/bridgecard. 
​

Bridge card