Happy Valentine’s Day! You know what that means: We have a brand new season of Love Is Blind to devour. Courtney Revolution (The Circle) joins host Chris Burns to delight in all of the pod romances and love triangles. Plus, Meg joins the podcast to debrief the Madison-Mason-Meg love triangle. Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/WeHaveTheReceipts Text us at (929) 487-3621 DM Chris @FatCarrieBradshaw on Instagram Follow We Have The Receipts wherever you listen, so you never miss an episode. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.…
We all grieve, but Christians grieve differently. “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:13 1. Grief is good. Grief and faith are friends. 2. Our grief should be accompanied by hope. “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:14 How to Grieve - Don’t bury it. - Do it with others. - Turn to Jesus. How to Minister to the Grieving - Pray - Be present. -Join in their grief. We grieve differently because we live expectantly. “For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'" — Revelation 21:3–4…
God’s will for you is to become more like Christ each day. God’s Secret Will God’s plan that always happens. God’s Revealed Will Something God has already made known in the Bible. “Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:1–2 We never stop growing as children of God. “The Christian life is marked by either growth or decay.” — W.E. Vine “For this is the will of God, your sanctification…” — 1 Thessalonians 4:3 God’s will for us in our personal holiness. 1. Our personal holiness includes a strong sexual ethic. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 2. Our personal holiness includes love and good works. “Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 Commit to following God’s will. Genuine followers of Jesus hunger for the things of God.…
“By this they will know you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”— John 13:35 The people of God are marked by a growing love for one another. 1. Biblical community is marked by deep desire. “But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:17–20 Benefits to Biblical Community: - Friends and family. - To encourage and be encouraged. - Personal holiness and accountability. - Prayer and care. - To build your faith and the faith of others. - Use of gifts and service. - Missions and mobilization. “Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.” — 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3 “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.” — Psalm 119:67 “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” — Psalm 119:71 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” — Psalm 34:19 2. Biblical community is marked by deep joy. “But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you—for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, [10] as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?” — 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 What will hurt you spiritually when you are walking through struggles (affliction)? - You isolate from God’s people. - You insulate from God’s people. If you isolate and/or insulate, you limit how people who love you can pray for you. 3. Biblical community is marked by growing love. “Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.”— 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 Real life change happens best in meaningful relationships. We will not love one another like this until we understand God’s love for us.…
“I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.” — Psalm 119:162 We wait with purpose when we get in the Word and the Word gets in us. The Bible is our final authority. The goal of the Bible is to transform the heart. “And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:13 1. The gospel is a message that must be heard and accepted. “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” — Romans 10:14-15 Are we actively sharing the gospel with others? Are we actively sharing the gospel with self? What are some ways we can prepare ourselves to hear and receive the Word? - Prepare for church the night before. - Bring your Bible with you. - Take notes. - Reflect on sermon privately and with family and friends. 2. The gospel is a message that must be valued “For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews…” — 1 Thessalonians 2:14 “But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.” — Acts 17:5–9 Get in the Word and let the Word get in you. A daily acceptance of the gospel results in life transformation.…
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” — John 3:16 “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” — John 11:40 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” — Hebrews 11:6 “For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:9–12 We wait with purpose when we walk in a manner worthy of God. “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.” — Philippians 1:27 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” — Ephesians 4:1 “I pray that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” — Colossians 1:9-10 1. An example of Godly conduct. The Christian life is marked by sacrifice. “You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:10 Christians, the way you live will push people toward Jesus or pull them away from Him. 2. An exhortation to behave like a child of God. “For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 Live in submission to the King. Walking in a manner worthy of God is a heart issue. When our hearts are aligned with God, our behaviors naturally follow.…
A true disciple of Jesus finds great delight in making more disciples. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” — 3 John 4 “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.” — 1 Thessalonians 1:1 “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers…” — 1 Thessalonians 1:2 1. A disciple has been transformed by Jesus. “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you…” — 1 Thessalonians 1:4 “…because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.” — 1 Thessalonians 1:5 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” — Romans 1:16 True salvation produces obvious results. 2. A disciple imitates the life of Jesus. “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit…” — 1 Thessalonians 1:6 “…so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.” — 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8 3. A disciple proclaims the story of Jesus. “…so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” — 1 Thessalonians 1:7-10…
As sent people, we carry out the mission of King Jesus. 1. Sent people worship King Jesus (vs. 16–17). Matthew 28:16–17 “Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.” 2. Sent people submit to King Jesus’s authority (vs. 18). Matthew 28:18 “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’” 3. Sent people obey King Jesus’s command (vs. 19–20a). Matthew 28:19-20a “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…” - Make Disciples - Go - Baptize - Teach 4. Sent people rest in King Jesus’s presence (vs. 20b). Matthew 28:20b “…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”…
Healthy Marriages are the Foundation of Healthy Homes “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”— Genesis 2:24 1. Leave “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother… — Genesis 2:24 We must leave our parents. Your spouse is your new priority. We must leave our past. 2. Cleave “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife — Genesis 2:24 Marriage is not contractual; it’s covenantal. “‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.” — Ephesians 5:31–32 3. Become “One-flesh.” “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” — Genesis 2:24 Marriage Belongs to God “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” — Genesis 3:5 When leaving becomes an issue, stress becomes the norm. If we don’t cleave to each other, we will cleave to something (or someone). If you want a healthy marriage, you must have healthy hearts. “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” — Ezekiel 36:26 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…” — 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God…” — John 3:3…
Healthy Homes Protect Themselves From The Attacks of the Enemy by Shielding Themselves with the Love of God “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” — 1 John 2:15–17 1. Protect your home from loving the wrong things. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. — 1 John 2:15 Worldliness is a matter of the heart. We cannot love God and the world simultaneously. “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” — Matthew 6:24 2. Protect your home from empty promises. “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” — 1 John 2:16 “Then the woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom.” — Genesis 3:6 “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” — James 1:14–15 A Passion for Pleasures “Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.” — Ecclesiastes 2:11 Our passion for pleasure hinders our contentment in God. A Passion for Possessions and Praise “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing upon earth that I desire besides you.” — Psalm 73:25 3. Protect your house from the things that don’t last. “And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” — 1 John 2:17 This is a Call to Consider - Our Investments - Our Worship…
Healthy Homes Have Healthy Rhythms. “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. — Deuteronomy 6:4-9 1. The Bible: Our Curriculum. “You shall teach them diligently to your children…” — Deuteronomy 6:7 “Now this is the commandment—the statutes and the rules—that the LORD your God commanded me to teach you…” — Deuteronomy 6:1 “Hear, O Israel The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” — Deuteronomy 6:4 2. The Student: Our Children. “You shall teach them diligently to your children…” — Deuteronomy 6:7 Parents are the primary disciple-makers of their children. “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children…” — Deuteronomy 4:9 “You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” — Deuteronomy 11:19 “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” — Ephesians 6:4 3. The Strategy: Everyone, Everywhere. “You shall teach them diligently to your children…” — Deuteronomy 6:7 “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” — Deuteronomy 6:7-9 The home is the first mission field. “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.” — Proverbs 22:15 Essential Rhythms for a Healthy Home 1. Center your home daily on the Word of God. 2. Pray together daily. 3. Create a rhythm of solitude. 4. Eliminate distractions. 5. Make church a priority.…
Healthy Homes are shaped by prayer. How Should We Pray? 1. We should pray like a child. (vs. 9) “Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven…”— Matthew 6:9 - Our Father has a family - Our Father knows what we need. - Our Father is over all. 2. We should pray with a heavenly hunger. (vs. 9a–10) “Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”— Matthew 6:10 - For Our Father’s Name to be Honored - For Our Father’s Kingdom to Come - For Our Father’s Will to be Done 3. We should pray for our earthly needs. (vs. 11–13) “Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” — Matthew 6:11-13 - Provision - Forgiveness - Preservation…
“Those who come into our homes should sense the presence of God.” — Billy Graham Healthy homes are built on healthy disciples. 1. Healthy disciples set their hearts and minds on Jesus. “If then you have been raised with Christ seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” — Colossians 3:1-4 When We Are In Christ… Following Jesus shifts our seeking. Following Jesus transforms our thinking. 2. Healthy disciples take off the old. “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.” — Colossians 3:5-7 Sexual sins crumble the home. “Can a man carry fire next to his chest without his clothes being burned?” — Proverbs 6:27 Social sins crumble the home. “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices…” — Colossians 3:8-9 “…and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” — Colossians 3:10 Prideful sins crumble the home. “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.” — Colossians 3:11 3. Healthy disciples put on the new. Build the home by reflecting Jesus. “…compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…” — Colossians 3:12 “…so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” — Ephesians 2:7 “…bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” — Colossians 3:13 “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” — Colossians 3:14 Build the home by resting in Jesus. “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” — Colossians 3:15 Build the home by rejoicing in Jesus. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” — Colossians 3:16 True joy transcends circumstances. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” — Colossians 3:17…
“It’s not that I’m afraid of dying, I just don’t want to be there when it happens.” — Woody Allen, Actor Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” — John 11:25-26 1. The Problem: Sickness and death. 2. The Tension: The delay. “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.” — John 11:5–6 “So the sisters sent to him, saying, ‘Lord, he whom you love is ill.’ But when Jesus heard it he said, ‘This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.’” — John 11:3–4 3. The Solution: Jesus’ response to the problem. “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.’” — John 11:25-26 Jesus brings a future event to the present. Jesus makes a doctrine personal. 4. The Question: Do you believe? “As no one has power over the wind to contain it, so no one has power over the time of their death.” — Ecclesiastes 8:8 (NIV)…
Healthy churches never quit fighting for the faith. 1. Flee. “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things.” — 1 Timothy 6:11a 2. Pursue “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” — 1 Timothy 6:11b Separation without consecration leads to isolation. 3. Fight “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” — 1 Timothy 6:12 “The laborers held a tool in one hand and their spear in the other.” — Nehemiah 4:17 4. Be Faithful. “I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” — 1 Timothy 6:13-16 “Those who endure to the end will be saved.” — Matthew 24:13 “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you eternal life.” — Revelation 2:10 “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” — James 1:12 “If we endure, we will also reign with Him.” — 2 Timothy 2:12 Persevering to the end is evidence of salvation. “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.” — 1 John 2:19 The faithful live in awe and wonder of God’s greatness. “…which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” — 1 Timothy 6:15-16…
Healthy churches find true contentment in their pursuit of godliness. 1. Pursue godliness. “If anyone teaches a different doctrine…” — 1 Timothy 6:3 “...he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.” — 1 Timothy 6:4-5 Godliness is directed reverence. 2. Pursue godliness with contentment. “But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” — 1 Timothy 6:6-8 Godly contentment is not a change in circumstance, it’s union with Christ. “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:11-13 Godly contentment is not detachment from stuff, it’s devotion with the Savior. “But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” — 1 Timothy 6:8-10 “The love of worldly possessions entangles the soul and keeps it from flying to God.” — Augustine Godliness with contentment is great gain.…
In a healthy church, the members are committed to honoring one another. 1. We must honor our older and younger members as family (5:1-2) “Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.” — 1 Timothy 5:1–2 a) Older Men as Fathers b) Older Women as Mothers c) Younger Men as Brothers d) Younger Women as Sister 2. We must honor our widows with care (5:3–8) “Honor widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” — 1 Timothy 5:3–8 a) How the Family Cares for Widows with godliness b) How the Church Cares for Widows with Wisdom 3. We must honor our pastors with provision and protection (5:17–25) “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer deserves his wages.’ Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.” — 1 Timothy 5:17–25 a) By Providing for Pastors (vs. 17–18) b) By Handling Sin Properly (vs. 19–21) c) By Selecting Pastors Carefully (vs. 22–25) 4. We must honor our authorities with respect and good works (6:1–2) “Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled. Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved.” — 1 Timothy 6:1–2…
A healthy church is committed to making and maturing disciples. 1. Cling to Jesus and reject false teaching. “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons…” — 1 Timothy 4:1 “…through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.” — 1 Timothy 4:2–3 “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God.” — Genesis 3:4-5 “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.” — 1 Timothy 4:4-5 2. Train yourself for godliness. “If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.” — 1 Timothy 4:6 “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness…” — 1 Timothy 4:7 “…for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.” — 1 Timothy 4:8-9 Growing as a disciple is not always easy, but it is simple. 3. Aim for making and maturing disciples of Jesus. “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” — 1 Timothy 4:10 “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…” — Ephesians 4:11-13 Ministry is not easy, but it’s worth it. And Jesus said, “If any man follow me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me…” — Luke 9:23 “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” — Galatians 2:20…
Healthy churches must have humble servants. “Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.’ And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose seven men…These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” — Acts 6:1-7 Deacons are servants. You can be a servant and not a deacon, but you can’t be a deacon and not a servant. Deacons are leaders in the church who serve. “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons…” — Philippians 1:1 Elders serve by leading, deacons lead by serving. Deacons humbly serve the elders and congregation by meeting practical needs. “And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.’” — Acts 6:2-4 Deacons preserve the unity of the church. “Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.” — Acts 6:1 Deacons are problem solvers, not problem starters. 1. Deacons must have a healthy personal life. “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.” — 1 Timothy 3:8–10 2. Deacons must have a healthy home life. “Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.” — 1 Timothy 3:11-12 Being a deacon is richly rewarding. “For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves.” — 1 Timothy 3:13 When deacons fulfill their responsibility, great things happen. “So the word of God spread, the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly in number, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.” — Acts 6:7…
“I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.” — 1 Timothy 3:14-15 Healthy churches must have healthy pastors. “Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.” — 1 Timothy 2:11–15 1. Healthy pastors must have a healthy personal life. “The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.” — 1 Timothy 3:1 We can’t let the demons of hell be more passionate about the souls of men than we are. “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.” — 1 Timothy 3:2-3 2. Healthy pastors must have a healthy home life. “He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” — 1 Timothy 3:4-5 Healthy pastors must live out the gospel at home. 3. Healthy pastors must have a healthy spiritual life. “He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.” — 1 Timothy 3:6 4. Healthy pastors must have a healthy public life. “Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” — 1 Timothy 3:7 Pray for the personal life, home life, spiritual life, and public life of our pastors.…
A healthy church prays fervently for gospel advancement. “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’" — Matthew 9:37–38 1. We must prioritize praying for our neighbors and the nations. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people…” — 1 Timothy 2:1 Our prayers are a weapon to unleash God’s power. We need to pray for everyone, everywhere to know and follow Jesus. “…for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” — 1 Timothy 2:2 2. We please God when we pray for and engage in gospel advancement. “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” — 1 Timothy 2:3-4 The heart of God is always gospel advancement. “For there is one God and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.” — 1 Timothy 2:5-6 “Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice…” — Psalm 49:7–8 “But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me.” — Psalm 49:15 3. We must guard against anything that hinders gospel advancement. “For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.” — 1 Timothy 2:7-10 How Do We Respond? 1. Surrender to Jesus and find new life in Him. 2. Pray fervently for your neighbors and the nations in your LifeGroup. 3. Pray together, today, for the gospel to advance.…
A healthy church is overwhelmed by the grace of God. 1. The grace of God for the present: Service “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service…” — 1 Timothy 1:12 Serving God is a great privilege. “…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10 2. The grace of God for the past: Salvation “…though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Timothy 1:13-14 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22-23 3. The grace of God for purpose: Mission “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” — 1 Timothy 1:15 “But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” — 1 Timothy 1:16-17…
A healthy church guards against false teachers. “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” — 1 Timothy 1:1–2 1. The threat of false teachers. “As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine…” — 1 Timothy 1:3 The gospel of Jesus must be our highest priority. How Do We Identify False Teachers? a) False teachers typically target spiritual babes. “…until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” — Ephesians 4:13-14 b) False teachers twist the truth. “…There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.” — 2 Peter 3:16–17 c) False teachers have an unhealthy craving for controversy. “If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.” — 1 Timothy 6:3–5 “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” — Romans 16:17 d) False teachers chase fleeting pleasures. “And in their greed they will exploit you with false words.” — 2 Peter 2:3 “For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites.” — Romans 16:18 “And many will follow their sensuality…” — 2 Peter 2:2 e) False teachers don’t look like false teachers. “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.” — 2 Corinthians 11:13–15 2. The fruit of false teachers. “…nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.” — 1 Timothy 1:4 False teaching leads to false living. 3. The motive of false teachers. “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” — 1 Timothy 1:5 The motive of false teachers is self-promotion. “Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions." — 1 Timothy 1:6-7 “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.” — Acts 20:29-30 “…desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.” — 1 Timothy 1:7 4. The false gospel of false teachers. “Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine…” — 1 Timothy 1:8-10 The purpose of the law is to show us our need for a Savior. “Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” — Romans 5:20–21 “…in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.” — 1 Timothy 1:11 How do we, as a church, avoid false teaching and remain a healthy church? 1. Prioritize the gospel daily. 2. Commit ourselves to Gospel preaching. 3. Be a student of God’s Word.…
We exist to invite everyone, everywhere to know and follow Jesus. We Put JESUS FIRST We Do LIFE TOGETHER We PRAY FERVENTLY We GIVE GENEROUSLY We LIVE SENT What does it mean to LIVE SENT? “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” — John 17:18 “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:45 “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” — Galatians 4:4–5 “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’” — John 20:21 The King’s command is to LIVE SENT. How are we to LIVE SENT? 1. We are sent to invite. 2. We are sent to serve. 3. We are sent to give. 4. We are sent to proclaim. “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” — Romans 10:13–15 Where are we to LIVE SENT? EVERYWHERE LIVE SENT…
We exist to invite everyone, everywhere to know and follow Jesus. Are we willing to do whatever it takes to reach the lost for Jesus? On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. — Luke 5:17 And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. — Luke 5:18-19 And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” — Luke 5:20 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” — Luke 5:21 When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts?” — Luke 5:22 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? — Luke 5:23 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.” — Luke 5:24-26 1. Our Greatest Need. The greatest need of our church is Jesus. The greatest need of our city is Jesus. 2. Our Gritty Faith. And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. — Luke 5:18-19 And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” — Luke 5:20 “When a man can do nothing about his current condition, it’s the active faith of his friend that make a difference.” — JD Greear Do you have relentless faith? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to reach the lost? Who is your “friend” that’s in need of Jesus?…
If you want to see God, look at Jesus Gospel of John - His Name - His Works - His Witnesses “I AM” - The Bread of Life (6:35) - The Light of the World (8:12) - The Door or Gate (10:9) - The Good Shepherd (10:11) - The Resurrection and the Life (11:25) - The Way, the Truth, and the Life (14:6) - The Vine (15:1) ABUNDANT LIFE “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” — John 10:9-10 (NIV) Life (Galatians 5:22-23) - Love - Joy - Peace - Patience - Kindness - Goodness - Faithfulness - Gentleness - Self-control “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5 (NIV) “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” — John 15:8 (NIV) Abide/Remain 1. Individually 2. In Community How Do I Bring God Glory? BY BEARING FRUIT. (John 15:8) How Do I Bear Fruit? BY ABIDING IN HIM. (John 15:5) How Do I Abide or Remain in Him? BY SEEKING HIM INDIVIDUALLY BUT ALSO IN COMMUNITY.…
If the LORD is our Helper, we can be confident our life is kept in his care. “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” — Psalm 121 1. Because He is the Lord who created you. (vv. 1–2) “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” — Psalm 121:1–2 2. Because He is the Lord who steadies your feet. (vv. 3–4) “He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” — Psalm 121:3–4 3. Because He is the Lord who is close to your side. (vv. 5–6) “The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.” — Psalm 121:5–6 4. Because He is the Lord who protects your life. (vv. 7–8) “The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” — Psalm 121:7–8…
“I have said these things to you, that you might have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33 “He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” — Romans 4:19-21 How Do I Trust in God? 1. Find rest in the character of God. “O LORD God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O LORD, with your faithfulness all around you?” — Psalm 89:8 God’s promises always carry greater weight than human logic. The character of God is always reliable. “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” — Numbers 23:19 2. Remember God’s faithfulness is for His glory and your good. “No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God…” — Romans 4:20 Our trust and God’s glory go together. Anxiety is rooted in trying to avoid suffering. 3. Replace your fears with faith. Faith and fear cannot coexist. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” — Isaiah 26:3 4. Take one step at a time. In the Christian life, understanding does not proceed obedience, obedience proceeds understanding. 5. Focus on God’s work in you, not the result. “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” — James 4:8 Your current circumstance is not intended to push you out, but to draw you closer to the King. Abraham was confident that if God had called him to it, God would bring him through it. “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” — Genesis 22:12…
“Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, ‘See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.’ But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.” — Hebrews 8:1–7 1. We can trust in Jesus, our great high priest. “Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer.” — Hebrews 8:1–3 2. We have unlimited access to God through Jesus. “Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, ‘See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.’ But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.” — Hebrews 8:4–6 3. We enjoy the reunion of God and man in the new covenant. “For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second. For he finds fault with them when he says:‘Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my covenant, and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.’In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” — Hebrews 8:7–13 The New Covenant is for you The New Covenant is for us The New Covenant is for the nations…
To stand strong through spiritual warfare, we must have the right strategy. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” — Ephesians 6:10–20 How can we stand strong through spiritual warfare? 1. Plan for the Right Battle (vs. 10–12) “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” — Ephesians 6:10–12 2. Put on the Right Armor (vs. 13–17) “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…” — Ephesians 6:13–17 3. Persevere in the Right Posture (vs. 18–20) “…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel…” — Ephesians 6:18–19…
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” — Romans 12:10 “We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” — 1 John 4:19-21 1. Love is a Battle of Motivation. “We love because he first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19 The love of God for us awakens our love for one another. “God…because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ.” — Ephesians 2:4-5 “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” — Romans 8:1-2 2. Love is a Battle of Hypocrisy. “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” — 1 John 4:20 To love God and not love your brother is to live a lie. “The reason we do not love others in the way that we should is because we do not love God in the way that we claim.” — Paul Tripp 3. Love is a Battle of Deception. “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” — 1 John 4:20 The truest measure of the quality of your love for God is seen in the way you love others. 4. Love is a Battle of Submission. “And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” — 1 John 4:21…
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” — Romans 12:10 “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” — 1 John 4:10-12 1. Love Defined. “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” — 1 John 4:10 “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23 “For God so loved the world that He sent His One and Only Son…” — John 3:16 “…the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 6:23 Love is defined by the cross of Christ. 2. Love’s Design. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” — 1 John 4:11 What does the love of Jesus look like? (*Adopted from a list by Paul Tripp.) 1. The love of Jesus is a committed love. 2. The love of Jesus comes from a willing heart. 3. The love of Jesus is deeply forgiving. “We don’t love the way Jesus called us to love because we aren’t willing to forgive the way Jesus has forgiven. And so, we carry thoughts of condemnation; we rehearse people’s failures in our heads; we keep record of wrongs. In moments of gossip, we share the sin and failure of someone with somebody else. Listen! It’s very hard to move lovingly towards someone you are, at that moment, condemning.” – Paul Tripp 4. The love of Jesus is unrelenting. 5. The love of Jesus is incarnational. “No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” — 1 John 4:12…
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” — Romans 12:10 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.” — 1 John 4:7–9 1. The Call to Love “Beloved, let us love one another….” — 1 John 4:7a The call to love is central to the life of a child of God. “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers…” — 1 John 3:14 2. The Source of Love “…for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” — 1 John 4:7b-8 Follow what John is saying: - God is love. - Those who know God are His children. - God’s children take on His nature. - Therefore, God’s children will love like God loves. “…for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” — 1 John 4:7b “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” — Galatians 2:20 “Love is from God the way heat is from fire, or the way light is from the sun. Love belongs to God’s nature. It’s woven into what he is. It’s part of what it means to be God. The sun gives light because it is light. And fire gives heat because it is heat. So John’s point is that in the new birth, this aspect of the divine nature becomes part of who you are. The new birth is the imparting to you of divine life, and an indispensable part of that life is love. God’s nature is love, and in the new birth that nature becomes part of who you are.…” — John Piper, “The New Birth Produces Love” 3. The Manifestation of Love “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.” — 1 John 4:9 “God demonstrated His love in this, while we were sinners Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 This text is about being so deeply transformed by the love of God within that we live the supernatural love of God without. “By this all men will know you are my disciples because of your love for one another.” — John 13:35…
“…submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” — Ephesians 5:21–33 “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” — Genesis 1:27 (NET) “You will want to control your husband, but he will dominate you.” — Genesis 3:16b (NET)…
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits…” — Psalm 103:1-2 “This people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” — Matthew 15:8 1. Praising God Begins in the Heart. (vs. 1-2) “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits…” — Psalm 103:1-2 2. Praising God means Reflecting on His Goodness. (vs. 2b-5) “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” — Psalm 103:2-5 He is a God Who Forgives “…who forgives all your iniquity…” — Psalm 103:3a He is a God Who Heals “…who heals all your diseases…” — Psalm 103:3b “Take heart, take courage, take joy in the fact that you, though formerly red like crimson, are now white as snow.” — Isaiah 1:18 He is a God Who Redeems “…who redeems your life from the pit…” — Psalm 103:4a He is a God Who Crowns “…who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy….” — Psalm 103:4b He is a God Who Satisfies “…who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” — Psalm 103:5…
What scares you to death? God does not call us to raise perfect children. He teaches us how to parent on purpose. “My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you.” — Proverbs 2:1–11 If you will… - Be Attentive & Receive - Call Out & Pray - Seek & Search Then you will… - Find & Understand Parenting on Purpose is about preparing the kid for the road/journey, not preparing the road/journey for the kid. “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.” — Proverbs 21:31 Respect Obey Love Excel Share/Serve What about life and parenting scares you to death? “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” — Romans 8:31 If God is for us, then who can be against us!…
“And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon.” — Matthew 15:21 Our primary responsibility as children of God is to take the gospel to everyone, everywhere. “And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.’ But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she is crying out after us.’” — Matthew 15:22-23 “He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’” — Matthew 15:24-25 “And he answered, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.’” — Matthew 15:26-28 1. The Mother’s Request “And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.’” — Matthew 15:22 2. The Master’s Response “But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ And he answered, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’” — Matthew 15:25-27 “Then Jesus answered her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.’” — Matthew 15:28…
We glorify God together, when we live in unity with each other. “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called…” — Ephesians 4:1 “…eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” — Ephesians 4:3 “Unity is kept not created.” — Dr. Daniel Akin “…with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love…” — Ephesians 4:2 Humility “Clothe yourselves…with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” — 1 Peter 5:5 Gentleness Let’s put our own egos to death so the Spirit of God can live through us. Patience Forbearance God did not call us to flee one another, he called us to forgive one another. “…to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” — Ephesians 4:12-14 “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” — Ephesians 4:15-16 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” — John 17:20-23 1. Pray for unity in your own life. “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” — 2 Corinthians 13:11 2. Pray for unity in our church. 3. Pray for our church to glorify God, together. “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Romans 15:5–6…
By his death, Jesus brought us into a new life together. What did Jesus do to bring us together? What does that mean for our life together? 1. Jesus brought us close (vs. 11–13) “Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”— Ephesians 2:11-13 What does this mean for our life together? - We should remember that our unity is grounded in grace. - We should be welcoming to those far from God. 2. Jesus brought us peace (vs. 14–17) “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.”— Ephesians 2:14-18 What does this mean for our life together? - We should be an inhospitable environment for hostility. - We should remember there are no second-class Christians. 3. Jesus brought us home (vs. 19–22) “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”— Ephesians 2:19-22 What does this mean for our life together? - We share in the same rights and responsibilities as God’s people. - We share in the goal of making Jesus known to the world.…
Unity is not easy for the church, but it’s a necessity for the blessings of God. We bring great delight to the domain of hell when we allow discord to exist between us and our brothers in Christ. Psalm 133:1-3 “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.” 1. The call to unity. Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” We are family. John 1:12–13 “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” 1 John 3:1 “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are….” 2. The source of unity. Psalm 133:2-3a “It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion!” a) It’s like the oil on Aaron. b) It’s like the dew of Hermon. 3. The purpose of unity. Psalm 133:3b “For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.” - Unity is a gift of God to us. - Unity is a witness to a watching world.…
No matter what is behind you or what is before you, Jesus is still reigning over you. 1. Jesus’ presence should comfort you (vs. 9–13) “I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest.” — Revelation 1:9–13 2. Jesus’ power should revitalize you (vs. 14–15) “The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.” — Revelation 1:14–15 3. Jesus’ glory should humble you (v. 17) “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.” — Revelation 1:17 4. Jesus’ authority should strengthen you (vs. 17-18) “But he laid his right hand on me, saying, ‘Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.’ ” — Revelation 1:18…
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” — John 1:1–2 The Word was with God. The Word was God. Why does the deity of Jesus matter? “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” — Genesis 3:15 1. Because Jesus is God, He fully knows you. 2. Because Jesus is God, He fully loves you. “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:6-8 God is not waiting for you to “fix your life” before He starts to love you. Jesus’ Deity Should Lead Us To: - Recenter our lives on the person of Jesus. - Remove any fear of the penalty of death. - Reassures us of Jesus’ deep love for us.…
Why does the humanity of Jesus matter? Matthew 1:18–25 “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.” The conception of this child is a miracle: - Because Mary and Joseph had not “come together.” - Because the eternal God assumed human flesh. Why does the humanity of Jesus matter? 1. Jesus’ humanity makes him relatable. Hebrews 2:14 “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things…” Hebrews 2:17 “Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect…” 2. Jesus’ humanity is a necessity for our salvation Hebrews 2:14–16 “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham.” “Jesus could only represent humans if he became a human – a real human. And if he cannot represent us, then he cannot redeem us.” – Michael Kruger 1 Corinthians 15:54–58 “When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Hebrews 2:17 “Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” Jesus’ Humanity Should Lead Us to: - Recenter our lives on the person of Jesus. - Remove any fear of the penalty of death. - Reassures us of Jesus’ deep love for us.…
In the story of David we see… 1. We see the brokenness of the world. 2. We see the brokenness in us. 3. We see Jesus. Matthew 1:1 “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” 1. Our Sovereign God is in absolute control. 2. Our Sovereign God is faithful. 2 Samuel 7:16 “And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.” 3. Our Sovereign God is gracious.…
We will not always understand what God is doing. Don’t chase a God you can explain; chase a God you can exalt. “When David’s time to die drew near he commanded Solomon his son, saying, ‘I am about to go the way of all the earth.’” — 1 Kings 2:1-2 1. Be a man. You must have thick skin and a soft heart. 2. Be obedient. “…and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn…” — 1 Kings 2:3 There is nothing more manly than obedience to God. “If you love me, you’ll obey my commands.” — John 14:15 1. Obedience leads to living for God. “and keep the charge of the LORD your God…” — 1 Kings 2:3a 2. Obedience leads to loving God’s Word. “…walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses…” — 1 Kings 2:3b “…that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn…” — 1 Kings 2:3c “…that the LORD may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’” — 1 Kings 2:4 Real courage/strength, regardless of gender, comes from being rightly related to Jesus.…
“In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.” — 2 Samuel 11:1 1. David is blessed. 2. David is bored. Why is sexual sin enticing in moments of blessing? “… let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” — 1 Corinthians 10:12 Why is sexual sin enticing in moments of boredom? The key to resisting any temptation is to be busy with a higher purpose. “It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king's house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful.” — 2 Samuel 11:2 “And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, ‘Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?’” — 2 Samuel 11:3 “So David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. (Now she had been purifying herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned to her house.” — 2 Samuel 11:4 “And the woman conceived, and she sent and told David, ‘I am pregnant.’” — 2 Samuel 11:5 “So David sent word to Joab, ‘Send me Uriah the Hittite.’ And Joab sent Uriah to David. When Uriah came to him, David asked how Joab was doing and how the people were doing and how the war was going.” — 2 Samuel 11:6-7 “Then David said to Uriah, ‘Go down to your house and wash your feet.’ And Uriah went out of the king's house, and there followed him a present from the king. But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house.” — 2 Samuel 11:8-9 “When they told David, ‘Uriah did not go down to his house,’ David said to Uriah, ‘Have you not come from a journey? Why did you not go down to your house?’” — 2 Samuel 11:10 “The ark and Israel and Judah dwell in booths, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field. Shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.” — 2 Samuel 11:11 “And David invited him, and he ate in his presence and drank, so that he made him drunk. And in the evening he went out to lie on his couch with the servants of his lord, but he did not go down to his house.” — 2 Samuel 11:13 “When the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she lamented over her husband. And when the mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son…” — 2 Samuel 11:26-27 One key to overcoming sexual sin: It’s not about sinning less, it’s about loving God more. UNCONFESSED SIN WILL DESTROY YOU It’s better to avoid what you don’t have the strength to resist. If I committed adultery… 1. I would grieve the heart of God who gave so much to save me. 2. I would bring unspeakable embarrassment, shame, and grief on my wife, Cayla. 3. I would forfeit her respect and trust, and most likely lose my entire relationship with her. 4. I would seriously sabotage the confidence of my children Rilynne, Raegan, Reece, and River and they would never understand why I chose a cheap thrill over them. 5. I would shame my own mother and father, my in-laws, and my friends. 6. I would disgrace you, my church family. 7. I would provide ammunition for the skeptics in our area who already mock God and don’t trust pastors. 8. I would have to stand before God, the true judge, and give account for why I chose to do this after all the blessings He has put in my life. 9. I would follow in the footsteps of men I know who have defamed the glory of God and forfeited their ministries. 10. I would forever have to live with the reality of knowing what I did. GOD'S GRACE SAVES YOU…
“And it was told King David, “The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-edom & all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went & brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing. And when those who bore the ark of the LORD had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox & a fattened animal. And David danced before the LORD with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. So David & all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting & with the sound of the horn. As the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window & saw King David leaping & dancing before the LORD, & she despised him in her heart. And they brought in the ark of the LORD & set it in its place, inside the tent that David had pitched for it. And David offered burnt offerings & peace offerings before the LORD. And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings & the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts & distributed among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both men & women, a cake of bread, a portion of meat, & a cake of raisins to each one. Then all the people departed, each to his house. And David returned to bless his household. But Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David & said, “How the king of Israel honored himself today, uncovering himself today before the eyes of his servants’ female servants, as one of the vulgar fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!” And David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me above your father & above all his house, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the LORD—and I will celebrate before the LORD. I will make myself yet more contemptible than this, & I will be abased in your eyes. But by the female servants of whom you have spoken, by them I shall be held in honor.” And Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death. 2 Samuel 6:12-23 A good king walks amongst his people. (v. 12-16) A good king sacrificially serves his people. (v. 17-19) A good king remains allegiant to God above all else. (v. 20-23)…
“There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker.” — 2 Samuel 3:1 1. Abner: A picture of the sin of selfishness. “While there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul.” — 2 Samuel 3:6 We cannot live for the Kingdom of Jesus and the Kingdom of Self simultaneously. “For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ." — Philippians 2:21 There is nothing more miserable than living for self. “Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. And Ish-bosheth said to Abner, ‘Why have you gone in to my father's concubine?’ ” — 2 Samuel 3:7 “Am I a dog's head of Judah? To this day I keep showing steadfast love to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not given you into the hand of David. And yet you charge me today with a fault concerning a woman.” — 2 Samuel 3:8 “God do so to Abner and more also, if I do not accomplish for David what the LORD has sworn to him, to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.” And Ish-bosheth could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.” — 2 Samuel 3:9-11 Selfish people make selfish decisions. 2. David: A picture of the sin of carelessness. “And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, ‘To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring over all Israel to you.’ And he said, ‘Good; I will make a covenant with you…’ ” — 2 Samuel 3:12-13a Even the godly fall. 3. Joab: A picture of the sin of bitterness. “When Joab and all the army that was with him came, it was told Joab, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has let him go, and he has gone in peace.” Then Joab went to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you. Why is it that you have sent him away, so that he is gone?" — 2 Samuel 3:23-24 “You know that Abner the son of Ner came to deceive you and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you are doing.” — 2 Samuel 3:25 “Let all bitterness…be put away from you…Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:31-32 4. Jesus: A picture of the forgiveness of sin. “And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them, as everything that the king did pleased all the people.” — 2 Samuel 3:36 Sometimes the worst things to ever happen are the best things ever done.…
What do you value most in life? “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up.”— Matthew 13:44 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”— Matthew 13:45-46 1. Is Jesus our greatest treasure? If Jesus is our greatest treasure, that will be evident in how hard we chase after Him. If you need something in addition to Jesus to make you happy, that’s your true King. “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.”— Philippians 3:7–8 2. Are we willing to do whatever it takes to advance the gospel? Real growth is not about what you can do for Jesus, it’s about standing in awe of what Jesus has already done for you.…
1. David’s Request (vs. 1–8) “Now Samuel died. And all Israel assembled and mourned for him, and they buried him in his house at Ramah. Then David rose and went down to the wilderness of Paran. And there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel. The man was very rich; he had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. He was shearing his sheep in Carmel. Now the name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. The woman was discerning and beautiful, but the man was harsh and badly behaved; he was a Calebite. David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep. So David sent ten young men. And David said to the young men, “Go up to Carmel, and go to Nabal and greet him in my name. And thus you shall greet him: ‘Peace be to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have. I hear that you have shearers. Now your shepherds have been with us, and we did them no harm, and they missed nothing all the time they were in Carmel. Ask your young men, and they will tell you. Therefore let my young men find favor in your eyes, for we come on a feast day. Please give whatever you have at hand to your servants and to your son David.’” — 1 Samuel 25:1–8 2. Nabal’s Response and David’s Reaction (vs. 9–13) “When David’s young men came, they said all this to Nabal in the name of David, and then they waited. And Nabal answered David’s servants, “Who is David? Who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants these days who are breaking away from their masters. Shall I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers and give it to men who come from I do not know where?” So David’s young men turned away and came back and told him all this. And David said to his men, “Every man strap on his sword!” And every man of them strapped on his sword. David also strapped on his sword. And about four hundred men went up after David, while two hundred remained with the baggage.” — 1 Samuel 25:9–13 “A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.” — Proverbs 18:6 “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.” — Proverbs 26:4 “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”— James 1:20 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:43–45 “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth, like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.” — Isaiah 53:7 3. Abigail Intercedes for Nabal (vs. 14–31) “But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, “Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to greet our master, and he railed at them. Yet the men were very good to us, and we suffered no harm, and we did not miss anything when we were in the fields, as long as we went with them. They were a wall to us both by night and by day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep. Now therefore know this and consider what you should do, for harm is determined against our master and against all his house, and he is such a worthless man that one cannot speak to him.” Then Abigail made haste and took two hundred loaves and two skins of wine and five sheep already prepared and five seahs of parched grain and a hundred clusters of raisins and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on donkeys. And she said to her young men, “Go on before me; behold, I come after you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal. And as she rode on the donkey and came down under cover of the mountain, behold, David and his men came down toward her, and she met them. Now David had said, “Surely in vain have I guarded all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belonged to him, and he has returned me evil for good. God do so to the enemies of David and more also, if by morning I leave so much as one male of all who belong to him.” When Abigail saw David, she hurried and got down from the donkey and fell before David on her face and bowed to the ground. She fell at his feet and said, “On me alone, my lord, be the guilt. Please let your servant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your servant. Let not my lord regard this worthless fellow, Nabal, for as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name, and folly is with him. But I your servant did not see the young men of my lord, whom you sent. Now then, my lord, as the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, because the LORD has restrained you from bloodguilt and from saving with your own hand, now then let your enemies and those who seek to do evil to my lord be as Nabal. And now let this present that your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow my lord. Please forgive the trespass of your servant. For the LORD will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my lord is fighting the battles of the LORD, and evil shall not be found in you so long as you live. If men rise up to pursue you and to seek your life, the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living in the care of the LORD your God. And the lives of your enemies he shall sling out as from the hollow of a sling. And when the LORD has done to my lord according to all the good that he has spoken concerning you and has appointed you prince over Israel, my lord shall have no cause of grief or pangs of conscience for having shed blood without cause or for my lord working salvation himself. And when the LORD has dealt well with my lord, then remember your servant.” — 1 Samuel 25:14–31 5 Truths to Consider Before Responding to Difficult People: The Lord’s Position The Lord’s Presence The Lord’s Protection The Lord’s Power The Lord’s Promise 4. David’s Response and the Nabal’s Destruction (vs. 32–42) “And David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! Blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from working salvation with my own hand! For as surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, who has restrained me from hurting you, unless you had hurried and come to meet me, truly by morning there had not been left to Nabal so much as one male.” Then David received from her hand what she had brought him. And he said to her, “Go up in peace to your house. See, I have obeyed your voice, and I have granted your petition.” And Abigail came to Nabal, and behold, he was holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. And Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk. So she told him nothing at all until the morning light. In the morning, when the wine had gone out of Nabal, his wife told him these things, and his heart died within him, and he became as a stone. And about ten days later the LORD struck Nabal, and he died. When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed be the LORD who has avenged the insult I received at the hand of Nabal, and has kept back his servant from wrongdoing. The LORD has returned the evil of Nabal on his own head.” Then David sent and spoke to Abigail, to take her as his wife. When the servants of David came to Abigail at Carmel, they said to her, “David has sent us to you to take you to him as his wife.” And she rose and bowed with her face to the ground and said, “Behold, your handmaid is a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.” And Abigail hurried and rose and mounted a donkey, and her five young women attended her. She followed the messengers of David and became his wife.” — 1 Samuel 25:32–42 Through Jesus, we are saved from ourselves and safe from our enemies.…
Sin originates in the heart. “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” — Matthew 12:34 “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” — Matthew 15:19 What rules your heart? 1. A heart not ruled by God. - Saul (NOT ON SCREEN) “Now the Philistines were fighting against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa. And the Philistines overtook Saul and his sons, and the Philistines struck down Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul. The battle pressed hard against Saul, and the archers found him, and he was badly wounded by the archers. Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and mistreat me.” But his armor-bearer would not, for he feared greatly. Therefore Saul took his own sword and fell upon it.” — 1 Samuel 31:1-4 - The Amalekite (NOT ON SCREEN) “And he (Saul) said to me, ‘Who are you?’ I answered him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ And he said to me, ‘Stand beside me and kill me, for anguish has seized me, and yet my life still lingers.’ So I stood beside him and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after he had fallen. And I took the crown that was on his head and the armlet that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.” — 2 Samuel 1:8–10 2. A heart ruled by God. - The example of a heart ruled by God is the heart of David. “Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them, and so did all the men who were with him. And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son and for the people of the LORD and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. And David said to the young man who told him, “Where do you come from?” And he answered, “I am the son of a sojourner, an Amalekite.” David said to him, “How is it you were not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?” — 2 Samuel 1:11–14 “…who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” — Philippians 2:6–8…
“Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Wildgoats' Rocks. And he came to the sheepfolds by the way, where there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave.” — 1 Samuel 24:2-3 “…the men of David said to him, ‘Here is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’” — 1 Samuel 24:4 It’s easy to confuse what we want with what God wills. The only dependable guide to God’s will is God’s Word. “…stealthily cuts off a corner of Saul's robe. And afterward David's heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul's robe.” — 1 Samuel 24:4b-5 “He said to his men, ‘The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD's anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD's anointed.’” — 1 Samuel 24:6 Don’t sacrifice faithfulness on the altar of convenience. “So David persuaded his men with these words and did not permit them to attack Saul. And Saul rose up and left the cave and went on his way.” — 1 Samuel 24:7 “…My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth and paid homage. And David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Behold, David seeks your harm’? Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the LORD gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, ‘I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD's anointed.’ See, my father, see the corner of your robe in my hand. For by the fact that I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you, you may know and see that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it. May the LORD judge between me and you, may the LORD avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you. As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Out of the wicked comes wickedness.’” — 1 Samuel 24:8-13 “After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog! After a flea! May the LORD therefore be judge and give sentence between me and you and see to it and plead my cause and deliver me from your hand.” — 1 Samuel 24:14-15 When We Are In Control We Seek Revenge We Seek False Pleasure We Compromise We Get Ahead of God “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me. God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!” — Psalm 57:1-3 When You Have A Waiting Heart 1. You trust the sovereignty of God. “I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.” — Psalm 57:2 2. You have confidence in the steadfast love of God. “He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me. God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!” — Psalm 57:3 “My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down amid fiery beasts— the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.” — Psalm 57:4 3. You are selfless in your relationship with God. “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!” — Psalm 57:5 4. You are Satisfied in God Alone. “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody!” — Psalm 57:7…
What does real, biblical friendship look like? “As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” — 1 Samuel 18:1 “And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt. And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him, so that Saul set him over the men of war. And this was good in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.” — 1 Samuel 18:2-5 “As they were coming home when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments. And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, ‘Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.’” — 1 Samuel 18:6-7 “And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, ‘They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?’ And Saul eyed David from that day on.” — 1 Samuel 18:8-9 “Then Jonathan said to David, ‘Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, “The LORD shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.” And he rose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city.” — 1 Samuel 20:42 1. Biblical friendship requires humility. Humility is the willingness to decrease so that others can increase. 2. Biblical friendship requires commitment. A real friend thinks about your safety and flourishing more than they think about their comfort. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” — Proverbs 27:6 3. Biblical friendship requires intentionality. Intentionality includes vulnerability. 4. Biblical friendship is inspired by Jesus. “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” — 1 Peter 2:23–24…
How do you respond when life troubles you? “Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul.” — 1 Samuel 18:12 “But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he went out and came in before them.” — 1 Samuel 18:16 “Then Saul said to David, ‘Here is my elder daughter Merab. I will give her to you for a wife. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD's battles.’” — 1 Samuel 18:17a “For Saul thought, ‘Let not my hand be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him.’” — 1 Samuel 18:17b “And David said to Saul, ‘Who am I, and who are my relatives, my father's clan in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?’” — 1 Samuel 18:18 “But at the time when Merab, Saul's daughter, should have been given to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite for a wife.” — 1 Samuel 18:19 “Now Saul's daughter Michal loved David. And they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. Saul thought, ‘Let me give her to him, that she may be a snare for him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.’” — 1 Samuel 18:20-21 “The king desires no bride-price except a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, that he may be avenged of the king's enemies.” — 1 Samuel 18:25 “David arose and went, along with his men, and killed two hundred of the Philistines. And David brought their foreskins…” — 1 Samuel 18:27 “Saul was even more afraid of David. So Saul was David's enemy continually.” — 1 Samuel 18:29 1. In times of trouble, we can run to God. “The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is a refuge for the persecuted, a refuge in times of trouble.” — Psalm 9:9 “He redeems your life from the Pit; He crowns you with faithful love and compassion.” — Psalm 103:4 “For Yahweh takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the humble with salvation.” — Psalm 149:4 “Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” — Psalm 116:7 “All eyes look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.” — Psalm 145:14 “Our Lord is great, vast in power; his understanding is infinite.” — Psalm 147:5 “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” — Psalm 37:4 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart. My portion forever.” — Psalm 73:26 “He rescued me from my powerful enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too strong for me. He brought me out to a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me.” — Psalm 33:17, 19 “Then I confessed my sins to you; I did not conceal my wrongdoings. I decided to confess them to you, and you forgave all my sins.” — Psalm 32:5 2. In times of trouble, we can trust in God’s sovereignty. 3. In times of trouble, remember God has zeal for His own glory. “For my name's sake I defer my anger; for the sake of my praise I restrain it for you, that I may not cut you off. Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another.” — Isaiah 48:9-11 4. In times of trouble, know that rest is found not in your own understanding; rest is found in trusting the Lord. You will not find rest turning inward. You’ll only find rest when you turn to Him. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” — Proverbs 3:5–8…
“Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle.” — 1 Samuel 17:1 “And the Philistines stood on the mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with a valley between them.” — 1 Samuel 17:3 “And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.” — 1 Samuel 17:4 “He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. And he had bronze armor on his legs, and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders.” — 1 Samuel 17:5-6 “The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron. And his shield-bearer went before him.” — 1 Samuel 17:7 “He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.” — 1 Samuel 17:8-9 “Give me a man, that we may fight together.” — 1 Samuel 17:10 “When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.” — 1 Samuel 17:11 “And David rose early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper and took the provisions and went, as Jesse had commanded him.” — 1 Samuel 17:20a “And he came to the encampment as the host was going out to the battle line, shouting the war cry.” — 1 Samuel 17:20b “As he talked with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines and spoke the same words as before. And David heard him. All the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were much afraid.” — 1 Samuel 17:23-24 “And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” — 1 Samuel 17:26 “Now Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men. And Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your presumption and the evil of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” — 1 Samuel 17:28 “And David said, “What have I done now? Was it not but a word? And he turned away from him toward another, and spoke in the same way, and the people answered him again as before.” — 1 Samuel 17:29-30 “When the words that David spoke were heard, they repeated them before Saul, and he sent for him. And David said to Saul, “Let no man's heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” — 1 Samuel 17:31-32 “And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.” — 1 Samuel 17:33 “But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” — 1 Samuel 17:34-36 “And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you!” — 1 Samuel 17:37 “Then Saul clothed David with his armor. He put a helmet of bronze on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail, and David strapped his sword over his armor. And he tried in vain to go, for he had not tested them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.” So David put them off.” — 1 Samuel 17:38-39 “Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd's pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine. And the Philistine moved forward and came near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him.” — 1 Samuel 17:40-41 “And when the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” — 1 Samuel 17:42-43 “The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.” — 1 Samuel 17:44 “Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hand.” — 1 Samuel 17:45-47 “When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground.” — 1 Samuel 17:48-49 “So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David. Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. And the men of Israel and Judah rose with a shout and pursued the Philistines as far as Gath and the gates of Ekron, so that the wounded Philistines fell on the way from Shaaraim as far as Gath and Ekron. And the people of Israel came back from chasing the Philistines, and they plundered their camp. And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his armor in his tent.” — 1 Samuel 17:50-54 COURAGE 1. Saul and Israel (Absent Courage) “When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.” — 1 Samuel 17:11 2. Goliath (False Courage) 3. David (True Courage) “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD…” — 1 Samuel 17:45 A giant is anything that hinders the progression (forward movement) of the kingdom of God in the lives of his children.…
“The eyes of the LORD are searching the whole earth, looking for those whose heart is fully committed to him…” — 2 Chronicles 16:9 God does improbable things through improbable people so His purposes are achieved. The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel?” — 1 Samuel 16:1a 1. It’s the natural response to pain and loss. 2. It serves a purpose. 3. It has its limits. “Weeping may remain/tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” — Psalm 30:5 Grieving has its purpose, but it also has its limits. We need to express our grief to God. We need to share our grief with others. “Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.” — 1 Samuel 16:1b-2a And the LORD said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ And invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do. And you shall anoint for me him whom I declare to you.” — 1 Samuel 16:2b-3 “Samuel did what the LORD commanded and came to Bethlehem.” — 1 Samuel 16:4a The elders of the city came to meet him trembling and said, “Do you come peaceably?” — 1 Samuel 16:4b “And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.” — 1 Samuel 16:5 “Surely the LORD's anointed is before him.” — 1 Samuel 16:6 “But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7 “Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” — 1 Samuel 16:8 “Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” — 1 Samuel 16:9 “And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen these.” — 1 Samuel 16:10 “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” — 1 Samuel 16:11a And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” — 1 Samuel 16:11b “And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome.” — 1 Samuel 16:12a And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” — 1 Samuel 16:12b “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward.” — 1 Samuel 16:13 “When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD's anointed is before him.” But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:6-7 1. You are Ordinary. 2. God does Extraordinary Things through Ordinary People. God’s not looking for a special somebody; he’s searching for those whose hearts are fully His. 3. God can do Extraordinary Things in Ordinary People in Unordinary Places.…
1. He is a God of Amazing Grace “Now when the king lived in his house and the LORD had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.” — 2 Samuel 7:1-2 “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you.” — 2 Samuel 7:3 “But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan, ‘Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: Would you build me a house to dwell in?’” — 2 Samuel 7:4-5 Chasing after the heart of God is not about what you do for God, it’s about standing in awe of what God has already done for you. 2. He is a God of Unbelievable Compassion “I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling.” — 2 Samuel 7:6 “Our God is full of compassion.” — Psalm 116:5 Compassion is always costly. “David, you have never heard me complain about my current situation. I’ve never asked you to build be a house of cedar. Cedar is for rabbits and hamsters, not me!” — Samuel 7:7 “Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house.” — 2 Samuel 7:8-11 3. He is a God who Keeps His Promises “When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” — 2 Samuel 7:12-13 “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him…And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’” — 2 Samuel 7:14-16 “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” — Isaiah 53:4–6 4. He is a God of Miraculous Greatness “Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have brought about all this greatness, to make your servant know it.” — 2 Samuel 7:21 “Therefore you are great, O LORD God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.” — 2 Samuel 7:22 “And who is like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom God went to redeem to be his people, making himself a name and doing for them great and awesome things by driving out before your people, whom you redeemed for yourself from Egypt, a nation and its gods?...And your name will be magnified forever…” — 2 Samuel 7:23, 26…
We have been blessed in Christ for the benefit of the world. 1. We have been blessed so the world may know God. (vs. 1–2) “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.” — Psalm 67:1–2 What’s keeping us from making God known among the world? We forget our own need for grace. We hijack God’s blessing. We lose sight of the source of blessing—Jesus Christ. 2. We have been blessed so the world may rejoice in God. (vs. 3–6 “Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, shall bless us.” — Psalm 67:3–6 What’s keeping us from pursuing the joy of the world? We desire our comfort over God’s glory and the world’s gladness. 3. We have been blessed so the world may worship God. (vs. 6–7) “The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; let all the ends of the earth fear him!” — Psalm 67:6–7 What’s keeping us from pursing the worship of God among the world? We don’t think the mission is for us. We don’t believe God will do what he says. How can we develop a heart for the nations? - Pray for the world - Go to the world - Send others to the world.…
You can live for God in a city that has turned against Him. “These are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders of the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. This was after King Jeconiah and the queen mother, the eunuchs, the officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and the metal workers had departed from Jerusalem.” — Jeremiah 29:1–2 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” — Jeremiah 29:4-7 God simply wants His children to love and obey Him. What’s Keeping Us From Loving The City? 1. We don’t have a God-sized vision. “Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease.” — Jeremiah 29:5-6 “No doubt when the captives discussed their sojourn in Babylon they used words like “abandoned” or “banished” or “condemned” to describe what God has done to them. But that is not how God saw things. He viewed the Exile as a mission. Literally, what he said was, “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have sent you.” Nebuchadnezzar did not take them to Babylon. God sent them there. The exiles were not captives – they were missionaries.” — Philip Ryken A God-sized vision loves those who are far from God. “For God so loved the world he sent his only Son…” — John 3:16 This is our Divine Assignment: To love the city that God loves and to live on mission where God has planted us. 2. We don’t have an accurate understanding of the gospel. The gospel is not about what we get (from the city), but what we give (to the city). “God does not tell his people to seek peace in the city; he tells them to seek the peace of the city.” — Philip Ryken The gospel does not move away from people, it moves towards the people.…
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word…” — Ephesians 5:25–26 What’s Keeping Us From Loving The Church? 1. We’re disappointed. Our spiritual letdowns lead to our spiritual meltdowns. If you’ve been hurt by the church: - “Let it go!” - Re-envision how valuable the church is to God. The church is called the people of God. “What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” — 2 Corinthians 6:16 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession…Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people…” — 1 Peter 2:9–10 The church is called the body of Christ. “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” — 1 Corinthians 12:27 “For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.” — Ephesians 5:23 “And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’” — Acts 9:4 The church is called the bride of Christ. “Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.” — Revelation 19:7 The church is called the temple of the Holy Spirit. “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” — 1 Corinthians 3:16 “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” — Acts 20:28 2. We’re distracted. 3. We’re disconnected. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” — Hebrews 10:23-25 4. We’re discouraged. “And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you…And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it…” — Matthew 16:17-18 The biggest threat to hell is a church that wakes up. “…so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.” — Ephesians 3:10 “Nothing grows a Christian like a serious commitment to a single church week in and week out for years and years. Not conferences. Not social media. Not even personal devotions. The local church is where mature Christians are slowly forged in the fires of mundane faithfulness.” – H.B. Charles Jr.…
“That you…may have the strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” — Ephesians 3:18–19 Love is not merely what God does, it’s who God is. “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person – though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die – but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:6-8 “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” — Deuteronomy 6:5 “And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul…” — Deuteronomy 10:12 “You shall therefore love the LORD your God…” — Deuteronomy 11:1 “…to love the LORD your God and serve Him…” — Deuteronomy 11:13 “…love the LORD your God and walk in obedience to Him…” — Deuteronomy 11:22 “If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you today, by loving the LORD your God, by walking in his ways…” — Deuteronomy 30:16 “Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways…” — Joshua 22:5 “Be very careful, therefore, to love the LORD your God.” — Joshua 23:11 “Love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.” — Psalm 31:23 “Jesus answered him, ‘If anyone loves me, he will keep my word…’” — John 14:23 “Though you have not seen him, you love him…” — 1 Peter 1:8 “Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.” — Ephesians 6:24 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” — Mark 12:30 “Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” — Ephesians 5:1-2 What’s keeping us from loving God? 1. We reject God’s authority. “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, ‘You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’” — Genesis 2:16–17 God doesn’t establish his authority to keep us from what is good, He establishes his authority to protect us from what is bad. “I’m amazed that so many Christians want the benefits of the Kingdom of God, with the caveat that they themselves will be the King.” — John Cooper 2. We love ourselves too much. “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’” — Matthew 22:37 “This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” — Matthew 22:38-39 3. We find our identity in self. Five Evidences of Loving God 1. An increasing desire to spend time with God. 2. An increasing desire to depend on God. 3. An increasing desire to flee from sin. 4. An increasing desire to gather with God’s people. 5. An increasing desire to tell others about God.…
David Pollack, a former University of Georgia football player and football analyst on ESPN's College Gameday for 12 years, shares his faith story and journey.
There is nothing more dangerous to our spiritual vitality than spiritual apathy. Spiritual apathy is growing numb towards Jesus and His church. “But when they had gazed, they became full, they were filled, and their heart was lifted up; therefore they forgot me.” — Hosea 13:6 “So whoever knows what to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” — James 4:17 7 Warning Signs of Apathy 1. Decline in church and/or group attendance. 2. Lack of concern for souls in your community. 3. Lack of enthusiastic participation in singing, serving, and worship. 4. Indifference to the needs of others. 5. No pastoral encouragement. 6. Declining concern for missions. 7. Failure to invest in the next generation. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” — 1 John 1:8–10 How Do We Avoid Apathy? 1. We develop an honest assessment of self. We never merely leave God because we value him so little; we leave God by exchanging Him for what we value more. “Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images…” — Romans 1:22–23 Pay attention to your affections. 2. We develop a steady habit of confessing sin and resting in His faithfulness to forgive. - IF we confess our sins… - (Then) he is faithful to forgive… 9 Signs of Genuine Repentance that lead to avoiding apathy: 1. You name your sin as sin. 2. You confess your sin before you are caught in your sin. 3. Your confession is accompanied by transparency. 4. You are eager to make amends both with God and others. 5. You don’t consider the consequences of confession. 6. You will do whatever it takes to have victory over your sin. 7. You will not resent accountability. 8. You seek comfort in the grace of God in Jesus. 9. You are humble and teachable. “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.” — Psalm 51:1–4 “I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” — Psalm 32:5…
“I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” — 2 Corinthians 10:1–5 There is a battle raging for your mind. There is a war being waged for your thoughts. There is a conflict that is taking place for your opinions. The front line is in your head. “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” — John 8:44 “…and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” — 2 Corinthians 10:5b 1. Don’t Believe Everything You Think or Feel “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” — Jeremiah 17:9–10 The only way we can destroy the enemy’s false arguments is with true ones. 2. Guard Your Mind “The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.” — Proverbs 15:14 Connect The Dots: Everything you see and hear is programing that ultimately determines what you think, believe, and do. “…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” — Philippians 4:6–8 3. Seek The Truth 4. Ask the Holy Spirit to Work…
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth….” — Acts 1:8 In light of what Jesus died for, what will you give your life for? “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” — Acts 20:17-24 Surrendering to Jesus means nothing else than seeing that your all is in Jesus. “The Spirit changes us by making Christ look wonderful to us.” — Dane Ortlund “And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.” — Acts 20:25-27 1. We commit to point others to Jesus, not ourselves. We mistake visibility for value. We do this is by letting the immediate distract us from the ultimate. “If sinners be damned, at least make them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay.” — Charles Spurgeon “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.” — Acts 20:28-31 2. We commit deeply to the gospel and to one another. “And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” — Acts 20:32-35 3. We commit to give ourselves away for the good of others. Nothing you give is too small, and nothing can be too much, because the king is so great. “And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.” — Acts 20:36-38 4. We choose to live as if this season is the season. The story God is writing for you is fundamentally more wonderful than any story you could write for yourself.…
“Asa had an army of three hundred thousand men from Judah, equipped with large shields and with spears, and two hundred and eighty thousand from Benjamin, armed with small shields and with bows. All these were brave fighting men. Zerah the Cushite marched out against them with an army of thousands upon thousands and three hundred chariots, and came as far as Mareshah. Asa went out to meet him, and they took up battle positions in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah.” — 2 Chronicles 14:8-10 (NIV) “Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, ‘Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. Lord, you are our God; do not let mere mortals prevail against you.’ ” — 2 Chronicles 14:11 (NIV) “The Lord struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah. The Cushites fled, and Asa and his army pursued them as far as Gerar. Such a great number of Cushites fell that they could not recover; they were crushed before the Lord and his forces. The men of Judah carried off a large amount of plunder. They destroyed all the villages around Gerar, for the terror of the Lord had fallen on them. They looted all these villages, since there was much plunder there. They also attacked the camps of the herders and carried off droves of sheep and goats and camels. Then they returned to Jerusalem.” — 2 Chronicles 14:12-15 (NIV) 1. The prayer of faith focuses on the heart of God. “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty.” — 2 Chronicles 14:11a (NIV) 2. The prayer of faith remembers the faithfulness of God. “Help us, Lord our God, for we rely on you…” — 2 Chronicles 14:11b (NIV) 3. The prayer of faith appeals to the authority of God. “…and in your name we have come against this vast army.” — 2 Chronicles 14:11c (NIV) 4. The prayer of faith rests on the promises of God. “Lord, you are our God; do not let mere mortals prevail against you.” — 2 Chronicles 14:11d (NIV)…
Best Summer Yet: Freedom Freedom begins when we respond to God’s call to love and obey. If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. -- John 8:36 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. -- Galatians 5:1 We are free to love. For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. -- Galatians 5:1 The pharisees asked, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. -- Matthew 22:36-38 Freedom from sin begins with a daily remembrance of the gospel. For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. -- Galatians 5:5-6 2. We are free to obey. If you love me, you will obey my commands. -- John 14:15 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. -- Galatians 5:7-9 "If you’re going to dab your toe in the water of disobedience then you will eventually jump into the pool." - Joyful obedience is the only faithful response to the gospel. A. Develop a rhythm of loving God. B. Develop of rhythm of obeying God. 3. We are free to be a slave. For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. -- Galatians 5:13-15 "The measure of a man is not how many servants he has but how many people he serves." -- D.L. Moody…
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” — Matthew 5:6 “For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.” — Ecclesiastes 1:18 “…much study is a weariness of the flesh.” — Ecclesiastes 12:12 “And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.” — Ecclesiastes 2:10–11 “So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me, for all is vanity and a striving after wind. I hated all my toil in which I toil under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the man who will come after me…” — Ecclesiastes 2:17–18 “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes?” — Ecclesiastes 5:10–11 “…one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches…” — Ecclesiastes 4:8 “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” — Ecclesiastes 12:13 “For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” — Ecclesiastes 12:14 The reason we don’t hunger for the things of God is because we fill up on all the wrong things. Sin will always taste good, but it will never satisfy. “…(Moses) choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” — Hebrews 11:25 “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!” — Psalm 34:8 “…may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” — Ephesians 3:18–19 What is Righteousness? 1. Righteousness is right standing with God. “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” — Romans 5:6–11 2. Righteousness is right living on earth. The natural man hungers for the things of God, whereas the true disciple hungers for God, himself. “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” — Psalm 63:1 “Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.” — Proverbs 21:21 “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” — Romans 1:17 “…whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith…” — Romans 3:25…
Week 1 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (v. 3) Week 2 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (v. 4) Today “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (v. 5) “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” — Matthew 11:28–29 Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is strength under control. Meekness is power and control under the reigns of the Master. “(Jesus), who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” — Philippians 2:6-11 1. Meekness is about God. 2. Meekness is for others. “…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” — 1 Peter 3:15 “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” — James 1:21 How can we walk in meekness? 1. It begins with repentance. 2. It requires a receptive spirit. 3. It leads to a responsive life. Ministry requires thick skin and a soft heart. “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.” — Matthew 5:5 (The Message)…
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. — Matthew 5:3 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. — Matthew 5:4 1. We should mourn the sins of others. My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law. — Psalm 119:136 2. We should mourn the sins of self. We make much of grace, yet we make little of sin. Misconceptions About Pain and Suffering that Lead to Mourning: 1. We believe good people shouldn’t suffer/mourn. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. — Hebrews 11:35–40 2. We believe mourning means something is wrong. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds… — James 1:2 …for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. — James 1:3 God is more interested in your character than he is your comfort. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. — James 1:4 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. — 1 Peter 1:6–7 (NLT) God doesn’t waste your pain. 3. We believe we know what’s best for our lives. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. — Isaiah 55:8–9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death…But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. — 2 Corinthians 1:3–11 What am I to do when facing a tough season of life? 1. Shift your focus from what God is doing to you, to what God wants to do in you. 2. Trust the same God who delivered then, is the same God who delivers now. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. — Revelation 21:3–4 3. Surround yourself with solid relationships. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. — Psalm 34:18-19…
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. — Matthew 5:1–12 Each verse reveals where true blessedness can be found. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. — Matthew 5:3 To be “poor in spirit” is a consciousness of my emptiness. Most of us don’t realize how spiritually poor we are. It’s not our wickedness that’s destroying us, it’s our own perceived goodness. 1. Spiritual poverty is a necessity for salvation. …for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… — Romans 3:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Romans 6:23 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved… — Ephesians 2:1-5 2. Spiritual poverty is a necessity for spiritual growth. 3. Spiritual poverty is a necessity for being used by God. Some of our greatest ministry will come from our weakest moments. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. — 2 Corinthians 15:19-20…
What does it look like to live life on mission? 1. A life on mission is aware of divine appointments. “Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. And he had to pass through Samaria.” — John 4:1-4 Jesus’ primary ministry isn’t baptism; it’s gospel-advancement through gospel-proclamation. We miss out on divine appointments when… - We are too busy. - We are not prepared. “Be prepared in season and out of season.” — 2 Timothy 4:2 “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you…” — 1 Peter 3:15 - We avoid strategic opportunities. 2. A life on mission eliminates all excuses. “So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.” — John 4:5-6 “Nowhere in the Bible are we told to slow down and take it easy…We are told to “press on,” “not grow weary,” “run with endurance,” etc. Our greatest rest and recreation will be ours in Heaven. Most souls are won by tired people. The best sermons are preached by tired people. The best camps are run by exhausted youth pastors. The Third World is being evangelized by tired missionaries. Christian organizations are being run by tired men (and women). You show me a VBS and I will show you some tired people. We will never do great things for God until we have learned to minister when we are tired.” – Anne Ortlund 3. A life on mission is committed to gospel intentionality. “A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)” — John 4:7-9 Two Things We See in Jesus’ Intentionality: - Jesus crossed barriers to deliver the gospel. - Hearts are won to Jesus when barriers are crossed. Our hearts must be so full of love that we are willing to do whatever it takes to see all people come to know Jesus.…
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” — Philippians 2:1-2 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…” — Philippians 2:3-5 “…who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” — Philippians 2:6-11 1. A servant is sacrificial. “…who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped…” — Philippians 2:6 All that Jesus has in His divinity became a channel of giving rather than a conduit for getting. 2. A servant becomes less so others can become more. “…but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” — Philippians 2:7 3. A servant is obedient no matter the cost. “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” — Philippians 2:8 Being an obedient servant is more about being than it is about doing. 4. A servant who seeks the glory of his Master will be rewarded. “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” — Philippians 2:9-11 Deacons help with the practical work of ministry as delegated by the elders of the church. “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Timothy 3:8–13 Not all of us are called to become Deacons (the office), but all are called to deacon (serve).…
Life change happens best in meaningful relationships. “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” — Luke 12:32-34 1. Generosity begins with trusting God. “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” — Luke 12:32 We amplify Christ when we fully trust Him with our “little.” When Trusting God, We Are Revealing: 1. Our greatest treasure is God; the good Shepherd. “The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalm 23 When Trusting God, We Are Revealing: 2. Our greatest treasure is God, the good Father. “For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.” — Luke 12:30 Beware of prescribing to God what you think you “need”. Instead, trust that He knows what you really need. When Trusting God, We Are Revealing: 3. Our greatest treasure is God; the good King. 4. Our greatest treasure is God, the most generous Giver. 5. Our greatest treasure is God, the source of our joy. “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” — Matthew 7:11 Generosity is trusting that God can do more with your 90% than you can do with your 100%. 2. Generosity leads to heavenly vision. “Sell your possessions and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.” — Luke 12:33 3. Generosity transforms the heart. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” — Luke 12:34 “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” — Luke 16:13 The greatest example of generosity is the life of Christ.…
Living together in gospel-centered community requires commitment. 1. We must be committed to Jesus and his people (vs. 1–2) “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 1:1-2 Building gospel-centered community that lasts takes time and commitment. 2. We must be committed partners in the gospel (vs. 3–8) “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 1:3–8 Gospel partnership produces gratitude (vs. 3–5) Gospel partnership produces confidence (v. 6) Gospel partnership produces affection (vs. 7-8) 3. We must be committed to growing in Christlikeness (vs. 9–11a) “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ…” — Philippians 1:9–11a Full of Christ’s Love (v. 9) Full of Christ’s Righteousness (v. 11a) 4. We must be committed to the glory of God (v. 11b) “…to the glory and praise of God.” — Philippians 1:11b The glory of self is the greatest opponent to the glory of God.…
Life change happens best in meaningful relationships. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.“ — 2 Corinthians 5:17 “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…” — 2 Corinthians 5:18 1. We belong to God. “You once were not a people, and now you are the people of God.” — 1 Peter 2:10 Our new identity is found in Christ. To grow stronger in your walk with God: - You must see God for who He is. - You must understand how God sees you. “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” — Ephesians 2:19 “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” — 1 John 3:1 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 2. We belong to each other. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” — Romans 12:10 We share the same assignment.…
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6 We See The Christmas Story in These Four Names of Jesus: 1. Wonderful Counselor 2. Mighty God 3. Everlasting Father 4. Prince of Peace…
Our greatest need is the gift of God’s grace! “The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. So the LORD said, ‘I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.’ But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.” — Genesis 6:5-8 1. We are created to love and adore God. Your love for God shapes your living for God. 2. We chase other lovers. “The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” — Genesis 6:5 “What’s the greatest commandment? To love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind and to love your neighbor as yourself.” — Matthew 22 “Christ died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” — 2 Corinthians 5:15 So the LORD said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” — Genesis 6:7 3. Our greatest need is the gift of God’s grace. “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.” — Genesis 6:8…
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and we have come to worship him.’” — Matthew 2:1-2 1. Who are the wise men? “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem…” — Matthew 2:1 “There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him and King Nebuchadnezzar, your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers…” — Daniel 5:11 2. What did the wise men do? “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” — Matthew 2:2 They ascribe majesty to Him. “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?” — Matthew 2:2 “When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled…” — Matthew 2:3 “…and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.”— Matthew 2:4 They worshiped Him. “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” — Matthew 2:2 “…and they fell down and worshiped him.”— Matthew 2:11 3. How did the wise men do it? “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” — Matthew 2:10-11 “they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” (v. 10) “they fell down and worshiped him.” (v. 11) “And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.” — Matthew 2:11 “they offered him gifts.” (v. 11) "…then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” — Matthew 2:11…
“Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.” — Acts 6:1 1. The church is experiencing growing pains. Growth brings a perceived lack of care. Complaints are the gateway to division. Growth leads to unrealistic expectations of leadership. 2. The church is experiencing a cultural conflict. “And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.’” — Acts 6:2 New challenges/problems call for new leadership. “Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” — Acts 6:3-4 “And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.” — Acts 6:5 “These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.” — Acts 6:6 “And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” — Acts 6:7 The appointment of deacons has missional impact. DEACON A servant of Christ who demonstrates the character of Christ, follows the wisdom of Christ, and serves the needs of the Body of Christ. “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Timothy 3:8-13 We need to support and appoint church leaders (deacons). We must do whatever it takes to reach the lost. Small Things Lead to Big Things. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” — Acts 1:8…
To develop a rhythm of proclaiming Jesus in your life, you must be convinced that it is God’s way of saving the lost. 1. You must be convinced of the promise of proclaiming Jesus. “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” — Romans 10:13 2. You must be convinced of necessity of proclaiming Jesus. “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?” — Romans 10:14–15a 3. You must be convinced of the goodness of the good news about Jesus. “As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’ ” — Romans 10:15b “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’ ” — Isaiah 52:7…
Having your best summer yet will depend on your willingness to worship God with an undivided heart. “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” — Matthew 15:8-9 1. Authentic worship requires a proper view of God. What Does Honoring God Look Like? Honoring God is ascribing glory to Him. “Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength! Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts! Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth!” — Psalm 96:6-9 Honoring God is enjoying Him. “It is not only permissible to enjoy God in worship, it is absolutely essential if I’m going to truly honor Him.” — C.S. Lewis “For although they knew God, they did not worship Him as God…” — Romans 1:21 2. Authentic worship requires a proper view of self. Authentic worship has less to do with the posture of your body and more to do with the posture of your heart. “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” — Matthew 15:8-9…
The key to having your best summer yet is to develop a healthy rhythm of prayer and praise in your life. “Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” — Psalm 95:1-2 “For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.” — Psalm 95:3-5 “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.” — Psalm 95:6-7 “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness, when your fathers put me to the test and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work. For forty years I loathed that generation and said, ‘They are a people who go astray in their heart, and they have not known my ways.’ ” — Psalm 95:8-10 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” — 1 Corinthians 15:55–58 What motivation do we have to sing joyfully to the Lord? 1. For He is a great God. “And one called to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!’ ” — Isaiah 6:3 “…day and night the angels never cease to say, ‘Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!’ ” — Revelation 4:8 “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.” — Psalm 8:1 “…that they may know that you alone, whose name is the LORD, are the Most High over all the earth.” — Psalm 83:18 “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.” — Psalm 96:1–6 “I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.” — Psalm 145:1–3 2. For He is our God. The same God who rescued you through Jesus will continue to provide for you, care for you, and lead you. He will not leave you or forsake you. The problem with our hearing is not our ears, it’s our heart.…
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” — Philippians 4:4-9 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. (Philippians 4:4) Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand. (Philippians 4:5) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8) What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9)…
Things on empty don’t work. “Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.” — Proverbs 2:11 (NLT) “The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.” — Mark 6:30–32 1. Rest is essential for your spiritual vitality. “ ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.” — Mark 6:31-32 2. Rest reveals our dependence on God. “[God] does not faint or grow weary…He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.” — Isaiah 40:28b-31a 3. Rest leads to effective ministry. - Rest empowers us to be more compassionate towards people. “When he went ashore he saw a great crowd and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.” — Mark 6:34 - Rest yields a growing discernment. “And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.’ But he answered them, ‘You give them something to eat.’ ” — Mark 6:35-37 How do we refill our tank? a. Prioritize Quiet Time. - We get alone with God. “Give us this day our daily bread.” — Matthew 6:11 - Read the Word. - Spend time in worship and prayer. - Plan your day. b. Prioritize Family. - Best Summer Yet book. - Take a vacation. c. Plan Purposefully. - Plan a doable schedule that includes service to your family, service to your church, your personal responsibilities, and proper rest. - Purge Screen Time. - Proper rest (sleep).…
“Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. “ — Proverbs 2:11 (NLT) “Decision making is easy when your values are clear.” – Roy Disney Decision #1 Submit to the plans of God. “After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, ‘Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel.’ ” — Joshua 1:1-2 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3 If you want to honor God with how you’ll spend the rest of your life, you will need to include Him in the planning process. “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s plans that prevail.” — Proverbs 19:21 Decision #2 Seize the promises of God. “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses.” — Joshua 1:3 “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.” — Joshua 1:5 Decision #3 Soak in the presence of God. “…just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.” — Joshua 1:5 “…never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” — Hebrews 13:5…
“Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.” — Proverbs 2:11 (NLT) “The driver on the highway is safe not when he knows how to read the signs, but when he obeys them.” — A.W. Tower “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” — 1 John 4:7-11 1. God is love. “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. — 1 John 4:8 2. God loves us. “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” — 1 John 4:10 God did not send Jesus as a reward to the obedient. He sent Jesus as a ransom for the defiant. “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.” — Ephesians 1:4–5 (NLT) 3. We love others. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” — 1 John 4:11 When God’s love hits you, God’s love changes you. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” — John 13:35 We release what we have received. And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. — Luke 15:11-20 How do we share God’s love? 1. See them. 2. Serve them. 3. Show them.…
“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” - Romans 12:3-8 We are created for life together Genesis 2:18 – “And the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.’ ” Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some….” Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” We are created to work together Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 – “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.” Galatians 6:10 – “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” We are created to protect each other Philippians 2:4 – “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Hebrews 13:1 – “Let brotherly love continue.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:12 – “Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” We are created to bear one another’s burdens 1 Peter 3:8-9 – “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Corinthians 12:26-27 – “And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.”…
Our generosity grows with our grasp of the gospel. 1. Think of others before yourself. “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.” — Philippians 4:10 2. Learn to be satisfied in Christ. “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.” — Philippians 4:11–14 Contentment is a gracious, inward condition of the heart by which we say in faith… - God has me where he has me - God has has given me what he has given me - According to God’s love and wisdom, this is what is best for me today, - And by God’s power in Christ, I can live faithfully in this season. The choice to be generous is first a choice to be satisfied in Christ. Philippians 4:13 is not a promise of grand achievement; it is a promise of guaranteed endurance. 3. Partner in giving to gospel mission and ministry. “And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.” — Philippians 4:15–16 One of the primary ways we live out partnership in the gospel is by regularly giving to the mission and ministry of the church. 4. Remember the blessings of giving. “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God." — Philippians 4:17–18 You will produce fruit (vs. 17) You will please God (vs. 18) Giving is not merely a financial decision; its a gospel decision. 5. Rest in God’s promise of provision. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” — Philippians 4:19–20…
Choose today, and every day, to stay connected to Jesus. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.” —John 15:1 “Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.” —John 15:2-3 What’s the Gardner Doing? He’s removing branches that aren’t fruitful. “If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.” —John 15:6 He’s pruning branches that are fruitful. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” —John 15:4 “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” —John 15:5 The Pattern of Abiding We Abide in His Word (v.7) Our ability to produce fruit is directly connected to our willingness to abide in His Word. We take the Word in so we can live the Word out. We abide in Prayer (v.7) “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” —John 15:7 The Condition: “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you…” The Result: “…ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” We Abide in His Love (v.9) “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.” —John 15:8-9 Abiding in His love is not about what you do for Him; it’s about what He has done for you in Christ. When we take His love in and we give His love out. Staying connected to Jesus is necessary for spiritual growth. It’s time to join in on the mission of God through His church! “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.” —John 15:7-17…
“Discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you….” — Proverbs 2:11 (ESV) “Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.” — Proverbs 2:11 (NLT) “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called…” — Ephesians 4:1 “So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith – that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God!” — Ephesians 3:17-19 When we embrace the love of Christ, we will also embrace the life of Christ. We don’t take next steps accidentally. “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…” — Ephesians 4:11-12 We are all ministers of the gospel. - A congregation is not an audience; it’s an army. - The entire church must be engaged in the mission. “…until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…” — Ephesians 4:13 Why Should We Take Next Steps? 1. Next Steps produce spiritual maturity. “…so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” — Ephesians 4:14 “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses…For when I am weak, then I am strong.” — 2 Corinthians 12:10 2. Next Steps cultivate Christlikeness. “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ…” — Ephesians 4:15 “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” — Galatians 2:20 “He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:30 3. Next Steps lead to a purpose-filled life. “…from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” — Ephesians 4:16 NEXT STEPS Text the words “Next Steps” to 770.504.4691 1. I want to follow Jesus. 2. I’m interested in baptism. 3. I want to join the church. 4. I’m interested in a Life Group. 5. I’d like to serve the church. 6. I am interested in local or global missions.…
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:10 “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” — 2 Timothy 3:12 “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” — 2 Corinthians 12:10 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.” — Matthew 24:9 Often, Christians are persecuted not for their Christianity, but for their lack of it. To be righteous is to be like Christ. Reasons We Face Persecution 1. Persecution matures us. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” — James 1:2–4 2. Persecution is an opportunity to be a witness. 3. Persecution shapes us to be like Christ. “For to this you have been called because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” — 1 Peter 2:21–23 “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.” — Isaiah 53:7 “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” — 1 Peter 2:24-25 4. Persecution reaps heavenly reward. Primary Motivations A deeper love for God. A heavenly reward. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” — Matthew 5:11–12 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.” — Luke 6:22–23 “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” — Psalm 94:19 “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” — 2 Timothy 3:12…
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” — Matthew 5:9 Peace is not found in the absence of conflict; it’s found in the presence of Christ. “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” — Psalm 4:8 A peacemaker is a fighter who seeks to bring peace. “God demonstrated His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 “Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Romans 5:1 How Do We Become Peacemakers? 1. We get peace from God. Peace is a person. We experience peace with God. We experience peace with ourselves. “…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6-7 We experience peace in our lives. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33 2. We extend peace to others. “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” — Romans 12:16–18 We must see others the way God sees them. “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him…” — Genesis 1:27 We must live sent. “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” — James 3:18 “And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” — James 3:18 (NLT)…
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” — Matthew 5:8 “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” — Psalm 86:11 Being pure in heart is to be like Jesus. “There are none righteous, no, not one…” — Romans 10:10 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked/sick; who can understand it?” — Jeremiah 17:9 “Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place?” — Psalm 24:3 “He who has clean hands and a pure heart…” — Psalm 24:4a “There must be a work of grace in the core of the heart as well as in the palm of the hand, or our religion is a delusion.” — Charles Spurgeon “…who does not lift up his soul to what is false…” — Psalm 24:4b Divided worship destroys worshipers. The pure in heart regard God (alone) as their highest good. Let us not prioritize the kingdom of self over the Kingdom of God. 1. Jesus is concerned with your heart. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.” — Matthew 23:25–26 “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” — Ezekiel 36:26 2. Jesus is concerned with your holiness. “Pursue peace with all men, and be holy, for without holiness no one will see the Lord.” — Hebrews 12:14 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness…” — Matthew 6:22–23…
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” — Matthew 5:7 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” — Ephesians 2:8–9 Mercy is compassion in action. Mercy is compassion in action…but it’s directed toward the guilty. In the process of trying to hurt others, you are only hurting you. 1. We remember God’s mercy toward us. 2. We remember mercy is not the goal, Jesus is. “Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you…” — Matthew 6:9-15 “And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?” — Matthew 18:33 “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” — James 2:13 Where are we to direct mercy? 1. We are to give mercy to those who make mistakes. 2. We are to give mercy to those who have hurt us. 3. We are to give mercy to people far from God. “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” — Matthew 9:13 4. We are to give mercy to OURSELVES. “For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. My wounds stink and fester because of my foolishness, I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all the day I go about mourning. For my sides are filled with burning, and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and crushed; I groan because of the tumult of my heart.” — Psalm 38:4-8 “…though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” — 1 Timothy 1:13-15…
“But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property…” — Acts 5:1 “For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.” — Acts 4:34-35 As followers of Jesus, we ought to be the most generous people on earth. The more we fix our eyes on Jesus, the more generous we will become. “But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” — Acts 5:1-2 “But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” — Acts 5:3-4 When the people of God are filled with the enemy of God the movement of God is hindered. “When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.” — Acts 5:5-6 “After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter said to her, ‘Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.’” — Acts 5:7-8a “And she said, ‘Yes, for so much.’ But Peter said to her, ‘How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.’ Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.” — Acts 5:8b-11 1. Giving should not be done out of duty, but delight. “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 2. Beware of what rules your heart. 3. We can hide from people, but we cannot hide from God. 4. God takes sin seriously.…
When the people of God are filled with the Spirit of God it leads to a movement of God…but the movement will always have opposition. “By what power or by what name did you do this?” — Acts 4:7 “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them…” — Acts 4:8a The Holy Spirit empowers us to be bold. “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man…’” — Acts 4:8-9a When you live for God, you can expect criticism for doing good. “…by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well.” — Acts 4:9b-10 The greatest evidence of the power of God is a changed life. “This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” — Acts 4:11-12 “The stone which the builders have rejected has become the chief cornerstone.” — Psalm 118:22 “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” — Acts 4:13 “But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, saying, ‘What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.’ So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” — Acts 4:14-18 “But Peter and John answered them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot (help) but speak of what we have seen and heard.’” — Acts 4:19-20 Responses to Opposition: 1. Personal Testimony. 2. Prayer. “And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old. When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them.” — Acts 4:21-23 “And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, ‘Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit…’” — Acts 4:24-25a A right perspective elevates your faith. “Lord God, who made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm, there is nothing too hard for you…” — Jeremiah 32:17 “…Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’— for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” — Acts 4:25b-31 You have done great things. Do it again!…
Miracles display the power of God for the purpose of verifying and advancing the message of God. “Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, ‘Look at us.’ And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, ‘I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!’ And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s.” — Acts 3:1-11 1. God can move in a BIG way in routine situations. God wants to use the routines of your life as an arena for a great move of God! 2. Our job is not to give people what they want, but to give them what they need. “And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, ‘Look at us.’ And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, ‘I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!’ ” — Acts 3:4-6 “…he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.” — Acts 3:8 3. We can miss God work when we’re comfortable. Q1: Does God still do miracles today? Q2: Why does God do miracles? - Sometimes God heals as an act of compassion. - God heals as a sign of the coming Kingdom of God. - Sometimes God heals as a witness to non-Christians (both as warnings and invitation). - Sometimes God heals to motivate Christians to worship. Q3: Will everyone who prays in faith receive healing? - Some will be healed immediately. - Some will be healed eventually. - All will be healed ultimately.…
Characteristics of a Spirit-filled Church 1. They were obsessed with the presence of God. “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” — Acts 2:42 Are you obsessed with the presence of God? 2. They were filled with the power of God. “And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.” — Acts 2:43 The signs and wonders in Scripture are connected to the redemptive work of Christ. “To encounter the living, holy, and all-gracious God truly means that we cannot contain ourselves. He is not a truth to be known unaffectedly, or a good to be received listlessly. Seen clearly, the dazzling beauty and splendor of God must cause our hearts to quake.” — Michael Reeves, Rejoice and Tremble When the Spirit of God fills the people of God, the power of God is made visible. 3. They were sold out for God’s people. “And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts…” — Acts 2:44-46 “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” — Hebrews 3:13 “Do not neglect meeting together, as is the habit of some…” — Hebrews 10:25 God’s people are designed for community. If we want to become a Spirit-filled church, we must move from being guests to becoming a family. We GROW together as a family. “And all who believed were together and had all things in common.” — Acts 2:44 4. They were marked by the favor of God. “…praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” — Acts 2:47 The Spirit-filled church is one characterized by joy and gladness.…
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers… — Acts 2:42 “…praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” — Acts 2:47 Undeniable Characteristics of a Spirit-Filled Church: 1. They were intimate with God. They were intimate with God through the Word. “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” — Acts 2:42 The Holy Spirit’s presence leads to an obsession with the Holy Spirit’s book. They were intimate with God through prayer. “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” — Acts 2:42 “Pray without ceasing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Be constant in prayer, always…” — Romans 12:12 2. They were involved with one another. “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” — Acts 2:42 People are looking for a place to belong. We GROW together as a family. 3. They were imparting the gospel to the world. We must show and tell the world who Jesus is.…
God sent the Holy Spirit to send us to proclaim the Gospel of King Jesus. 1. God has fulfilled his promises [Acts 2:14–21] A Spirit-filled church will be a Word-filled church. When God’s word is preached, it demands our attention. Being Spirit-filled results in the gospel being on the tip of your tongue. 2. God’s Son, Jesus, is the reigning King who offers salvation [Acts 2:22–36] 3. God’s Spirit is the King’s generous gift to his people [Acts 2:33] 4. We must respond to the Gospel of King Jesus [Acts 2:37–41]…
The church is a movement of God. We can’t do God’s work apart from God’s Spirit. “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.” — Acts 2:1 “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.” — Acts 2:2 “And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.” — Acts 2:3 “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” — Acts 2:4 “Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound he multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.” — Acts 2:5-6 “And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?” — Acts 2:7-8 “Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” — Acts 2:9-11 “And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ But others mocking said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’” — Acts 2:12-13 1. The Holy Spirit is the gift given to all believers. Every believer is a missionary. 2. When we receive the Holy Spirit, we receive all of him. “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.” — Acts 2:2 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” — Acts 2:4 The Holy Spirit in you makes a difference, and the outsider can detect that difference.…
The church is a movement of God. “In the first book, O Theophilus…” — Acts 1:1a “…I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.” — Acts 1:1-2 “He [Jesus] presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” — Acts 1:3 “And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” — Acts 1:4-5 The most dangerous (and pointless) thing we can do is try to do God’s work without God’s Spirit. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” — Acts 1:8 “So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’” — Acts 1:6 “He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’” — Acts 1:7-8 Their hearts were gripped by the gospel. They were surrendered to the leading of the Holy Spirit. They were completely devoted to the mission. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” — Acts 1:8 The Kingdom of God moves through the witness of His people. The church is not a cruise ship; it’s an aircraft carrier. When my heart is full, my mouth will sing. We cannot minimize the necessary role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We Need to Know: - The Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin. - The Holy Spirit dwells in believers permanently. - The Holy Spirit illuminates Christ to his people. God wants to do a work IN and THROUGH His people.…
“But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. ‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?’” — Matthew 22:34–36 “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.’” — Matthew 22:37-40 1. What does it mean to love God? Loving God is about prioritizing Him above everything else. Love God with all your heart. JESUS FIRST Love God with all your soul. Love God with all your mind. The things you put in your mind will become the things that rule your heart. The process of loving God with our minds: Step 1: Bible Intake Step 2: Clear and Correct Thinking About God Step 3: An Emotional Embrace of God 2. What does it mean to love people? “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” — 1 John 4:11 The reason many of us don’t love like God is because many of us have not been affected by the love of God. - The love of God is undeserving. - The love of God is self-sacrificing. - The love of God is forgiving. - The love of God is incarnational. “No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” — 1 John 4:12…
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” — Matthew 28:18-20 1. The purpose of man. “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” — Matthew 28:18-20 What is the mission of God? The mission of God is to restore a fallen/broken people back to Himself. Our role is to love and obey the King. The Great Commission is not merely a suggestion from a friend; it’s a royal edict from the King. When we obey Jesus’ command: - Our obedience humbles us. - Our obedience is an expression of our love for Him. Going is not an option. 2. The power and presence of God. “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me…’” — Matthew 28:18 “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20 You are not alone in your going. Application 1. The God of the Bible is a God on mission. He calls us to His mission. The Kingdom of God is going to be built by our obedience in going. 2. As children of God, we are saved and sent to be messengers of God. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17–20 If we are only interested in loving people who are deserving, then the reality is that we are not motivated by a love for God, but a love for self.…
مرحبًا بك في مشغل أف ام!
يقوم برنامج مشغل أف أم بمسح الويب للحصول على بودكاست عالية الجودة لتستمتع بها الآن. إنه أفضل تطبيق بودكاست ويعمل على أجهزة اندرويد والأيفون والويب. قم بالتسجيل لمزامنة الاشتراكات عبر الأجهزة.