Bible Themes/Stories/Big Ideas

1 Samuel

David and the heart God wants

Israel wants a king who looks impressive. But God rejects Saul and chooses David because of his inner posture toward God.

God prioritizes character over appearance, repentance over perfection

For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outwards appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

-1 Samuel 16:7

Psalm 51

David’s repentance

David has committed adultery and murder and is confronted. He does not justify himself - he repents fully

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in me

-Psalm 51:10

Matthew

Parable of the Sower

Jesus describes four soils that receive the same seed (God’s word), but only one produces fruit.

The problem is not the message - it’s the condition of the heart.

As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it.

-Matthew 13:23

Luke

Parable of the Prodigal Son

A rebellious and reckless son returns home expecting punishment. Instead - the father runs to him. The obedient older brother resents the grace shown.

Lesson: God’s grace offends both rebellion AND self-righteousness

This my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.

-Luke 15:24

Luke

Parable of the Good Samaritan

Lawyer (expert in Mosaic Law) asks Jesus: “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus turns the question back to him, and he correctly answers love God and your neighbor.

Then…”but who is my neighbor?”v29

Story tells of a man traveling Jerusalem to Jericho who was on injured - encountered by a priest, a Levite, and a Samaritan. The Samaritan is the one who helped and showed mercy.

Love is costly, practical, and boundary-breaking

Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor?

The one who showed him mercy.

You go, and do likewise.

-Luke 10:36-37

Luke

Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Two men pray - one boasts, the other begs for mercy. Only one leaves justified.

God responds to humility, not religious performance.

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted

-Luke 18:14 In this parable, Jesus contrasts the self-righteousness of the Pharisee with the humility of the tax collector, highlighting that genuine repentance leads to justification before God.

Matthew

Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Unforgiving Slave)

Peter asks Jesus: “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?”

Jesus replies: I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times

The story: A king settles accounts with his servants - one owes 10,000 talents (billions in modern debt) and begs for patience. The king has compassion and forgives the entire debt.

Right after that same servant finds a fellow servant who owes him 100 denaril (about 100 days wages). He seizes him, chokes him, and demands payment. The fellow begs but he refuses and has him thrown in prison.

The king then responds calling out the wicked servant and his hypocrisy. Jesus ends with this warning: So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.

Romans 13

Role of Government

1) Government is established by God

“There is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (v.1)

Does not mean that every government is good or Godly - but that it has a God-given purpose

2)Government exists to restrain evil and promote good

“For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but bad.” (v.3)

3) Government has legitimate authority to use force

"He does not bear the sword in vain” (v.4)

“God’s servant, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.”

4) Submit out of conscience, not just fear

5) Paying taxes is part of this submission

6) Honor and respect are owed to rulers

“Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” (v.7)

Every human government is some form of a theocracy. The question is who is “Theo”? Which God? Even if it is secular - then the people and the will of the masses fill the role of God…if you remove God from the government, then the government becomes God because there is no higher authority.