Sermon: A Seat at the Table

This week's texts from Scripture are:

• Ps 112

• Heb 13:1-8

• Luke 14:1,7-14

Sermon Outline:  

The Kingdom of God is found...

1. In humility that confronts power

2. In selfless generosity that confronts prestige. 

We are welcomed in. 

Application Questions for Personal and Life Group Use... 

Theological Truth

1. How does Jesus’ teaching in Luke 14 challenge both the honor/shame culture of the first century and our modern culture of influence and power?

2. Philippians 2 describes Christ “emptying himself” and taking the form of a servant. How does this shape our understanding of true greatness in God’s kingdom?

3. What does the parable of the feast in Luke 14 reveal about God’s character and His heart for the marginalized?

4. Why is humility described as something God exalts, rather than something we can manufacture ourselves? (Consider James 4:6.)

5. How does the story of Mephibosheth eating at King David’s table illustrate the gospel and foreshadow our place at God’s table?

Personal Application

1. Where in your life do you find yourself most tempted to “sit in the seat of honor”—to seek recognition, influence, or approval?

2. Jesus calls us to “take the lowest place.” What might that look like in your workplace, home, or friendships this week?

3. When have you experienced being “invited up higher” by God or others? How did that affirm your identity in Christ?

4. What practical steps could help you grow in a lifestyle of generosity—beyond money, into time, hospitality, and relationships?

5. Have you ever felt like Mephibosheth—broken, unworthy, yet welcomed to the King’s table? How does remembering that shape your daily walk with Jesus?

Corporate / Community Application

1. How can our Life Group model a community that values humility over influence and generosity over reciprocity?

2. What would it look like for our church to “invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind” into our life together? Who might be missing from our table?

3. How does practicing hospitality (Isaiah 58:7–8) both reflect the gospel and serve as a witness to our neighbors?

4. The membership framework of Belong, Believe, Become flips the cultural script of “behave, believe, then belong.” How could our group practically live this out in welcoming others?

5. Communion is described as a meal we can only receive. How should that shape the way we approach both the Lord’s Table and our daily practice of humility and generosity?

Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email David Libbon at (David@GoodShepherdAnglican.org)