Luke: That You May Have Certainty Concerning the Faith (Ivill)

“. . .it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.”—Luke 2:3-4

The book of Luke gives us an orderly account of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ so that we might have certainty of our faith. In this twelve-lesson Bible study, Sarah Ivill provides vital encouragement from this gospel account, giving us a firm foundation we can cling to as we navigate seasons of doubt. 

Useful for either individual or group studies, Luke includes suggestions for small group leaders, an overview of the history of redemption and revelation, and an overview of what it means to study Christ in all of Scripture. 

Series Description: 

Many women go through life clinging to things or relationships that have no power to provide lasting peace. Head, Heart, Hands Bible Studies equip women to move beyond these fleeting things to find rest in the everlasting Word of God.  

Each lesson includes: 

• Introduction— an overview of the chapters with applications for your mind, heart, and hands
• Personal study— a series of questions that helps you dig deeper into God’s Word
• Pulling it all together— a brief commentary that answers any lingering questions you may have after your personal study 
• Processing it Together— a section of questions to facilitate studying in community

Contents: 

A Note from Sarah 

Acknowledgments 

Introduction to This Study 

Introduction to Luke 

Lesson 1: Good News of Great Joy (Luke 1–2) 

Lesson 2: The Forerunner and the Fulfillment (Luke 3–4) 

Lesson 3: The Master Fisherman and Teacher (Luke 5–6) 

Lesson 4: Jesus Displays His Authority (Luke 7–8) 

Lesson 5: The Kingdom of God Has Come Near (Luke 9–10) 

Lesson 6: Something Greater Is Here (Luke 11–12) 

Lesson 7: Glorious Things Done by Him (Luke 13–14) 

Lesson 8: Joy over Repentant Sinners (Luke 15–16) 

Lesson 9: All the People Gave Praise to God (Luke 17–18) 

Lesson 10: The King Who Comes (Luke 19:1–21:4) 

Lesson 11: The New Covenant in My Blood (Luke 21:5–22:62) 

Lesson 12: The Lord Is Risen Indeed (Luke 22:63–24:53) 

About the Author: 

Sarah Ivill (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) is a Reformed author, wife, homeschooling mom, Bible study teacher, and conference speaker who lives in Matthews, North Carolina, and is a member of Christ Covenant Church (PCA). 

Endorsements: 

“Weaving together the books of Luke and Acts, Luke has invited generations of Christians to a deeper understanding of Christ's fulfillment of Old Testament promises, His earthly work, and the subsequent mission of His church. Combining thorough questions and in-depth commentary, Sarah Ivill will lead you to discover the rich, transformational truth of Christ's love found in the book of Luke.”    

—Becky Kiern, teacher and author of Our Light and Life: Identity in the Claims of Christ and Let Earth Receive Her King   

“What an excellent resource for individual or group study! Sarah has done a wonderful job digging deep into this beloved gospel to put on full display the heart of our Savior. Through her in-depth questions, the reader will be challenged to think through each passage and see Jesus not only within His historical context but also in light of the great story of redemption. Her attention to detail and the intricacies of Scripture help readers enter into the story themselves. Not only will you walk away with a greater knowledge of the text but you will be equipped with excellent application for your heart. Sarah’s tender insights invite the participant to encounter Jesus Christ not only as the Savior of the world but as the friend of the outcast, hurting, and sinner. He is a Savior offered to us all. This study will increase your understanding, encourage your heart, and bolster your faith.”  

—Abby Ross Hutto, director of spiritual formation at Story Presbyterian Church, Westerville, Ohio, and author of God for Us: Discovering the Heart of the Father through the Life of the Son 

“‘If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day.  If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.’ So says the old proverb. The church is too often like the first part of this adage. Meals are offered on Sunday morning, and sometimes a Sunday evening meal is served. And though they may be delicious, we are driven to ask the question, What about the rest of the week? Sarah Ivill’s book sets out to answer that question. Here we find lessons in how to fish for our own food Monday through Saturday. I am currently preaching through Luke’s Gospel, and I wish that this book was already in print so that my congregation could feed (and learn to fish!) throughout the week. Highly recommended!”

—Jeffrey A. Stivason, pastor of Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church, Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, and professor of New Testament studies, Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh 

“Many Bible Studies are quick to rush to application, thereby lacking a keen focus on what exactly was the author’s intent. Other studies have thoughtful explanation and yet do not provide space to apply God’s word in this time and place. This study on Luke is not only comprehensive but down to earth. It is very rare to find such a balance. An added blessing is the tenor of community as you read through the study. You want to do it with someone, which is a blessing highlighting that God has created us with community in mind. Luke being my favorite gospel has only been reaffirmed as I have come away with greater trust and conviction that Christ is worth my life. Thank you, Sarah, for this gift.” 

 —Eric Russ, pastor of evangelism and mobilization, Christ Covenant Church, Matthews, North Carolina