Raintree Community Church: Recent Episodes
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This is the podcast for Raintree Community Church in Lee's Summit, MO. It features Raintree's most recent sermons.
Text: Genesis 46
- God's Promise is Reaffirmed (Genesis 46:1-4)
· Jacob journeys to Beersheba to worship God
· God renews His covenant promise with Jacob and promises to be with him.
· We must trust God to be with us and keep His promises in the midst of fear and uncertainty.
- Jacob's Faith is Renewed (Genesis 46:5-27)
· Jacob obeyed the Lord and journeyed to Egypt with his entire family.
· The list of 70 names highlights the faithfulness of God to keep His covenant promise.
· We need to regularly rehearse the faithfulness of God.
- God's People are Reunited (Genesis 46:28-34)
· God was faithful to reunite Jacob and Joseph after decades of hardship and loss.
God was faithful to provide for and protect His people in Egypt.
Text: Genesis 45
Providential Forgiveness (Gen. 45:1-15)
- As Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, he traces God's providence through the evil his brothers had done to him.
- We must choose to forgive one another and seek to overcome evil with good, not vengeance. (Romans 12:14-21)
Providential Provision (Gen. 45:16-24)
- God sovereignly provides for His people through Pharaoh's decree and Joseph's generosity.
- God's grace is put on display as He sovereignly and abundantly provides for all our needs.
Providential Renewal (Gen. 45:25-28)
- Jacob not only discovers that Joseph is alive, but also that he is both ruler and provider.
- This news brings new life to Jacob as he journeys to see his son one last time.
- Christ is the ultimate Provider of salvation and reconciliation to all who believe in Him (Romans 5:8-11).
Main Idea: God providentially accomplishes His saving purpose by extending forgiveness to those who deserve judgment.
Text: Genesis 44
A Revealing Test of Character (Gen. 44:1-13)
- Joseph applies a final test to see if his brothers have truly changed.
- God tests our faith to reveal our character and produce steadfastness
A Real Confession of Guilt (Gen. 44:14-17) * Joseph's confrontational question leads to Judah's genuine confession. * God was at work to expose the brothers' sin against Joseph (Gen. 37:18; 42:21-22). * God graciously exposes our sin to lead us out of our sin.
A Repentant Heart of Self-Sacrifice (Gen. 44:18-34) * Judah proves his repentance in pleading for Benjamin and his father and offering up himself. * Our repentance is proven in our submission to God and denial of self. * Judah's substitution points forward to Christ's greater substitutionary atonement for our sins.
Main Idea: True repentance is proven by a transformed heart that submits to God and sacrifices for others.
The Promise Given (Genesis 12:1-3)
1- The Sovereign Plan of God is Revealed
2- God calls one man to bless the nations
3- He establishes a covenant that will echo for eternity
The Promise Clarified (Psalm 67)
1- This blessing leads to a knowledge of God and global joy
2- The goal is for the nations to rejoice in God's Saving Power
The Servant Declared--- The Light for the Nations (Isaiah 49:6)
3- The promise becomes clearer and more focused
4- A promised light
5- Each servant carries the covenant outward and forward
The Promise Fulfilled (Matthew 28:18-20)
1- The promised Messiah comes to obey, die, and rise!
2- All authority is His: He gives/repeats the command of His Father
3- The blessing of Abraham is secured
The Promise Proclaimed (Acts 1:8)
1- The risen King sends out witnesses/servants to proclaim - to be light
2- The Holy Spirit empowers the proclamation
3- The Gospel advances to all nations through faithful servants
The Promise Completed (Revelation 7:9-10)
1- A multitude washed in the blood of the Lamb
2- Every nation, tribe, people, and language
3- All worshiping with knowledge
"Our weaknesses cannot interupt the sovereign Will of God!"
Text: Genesis 43
God's Providential Mercy Moves His People to Complete Surrender (Gen. 43:1-14)
- Jacob is forced to reckon with his fears and put his trust in God.
- Judah demonstrates sacrificial love for his family.
- We must respond to God's mercy with a surrendered trust in His providence.
God's Providential Mercy Places His People Under Abundant Grace (Gen. 43:15-34)
- Joseph's brothers are invited to Joseph's home and receive undeserved generosity at his table.
- As recipients of God's mercy, we can forgive those who sin against us (Eph. 4:31-32).
- Jesus invites sinners to repent and be reconciled at His table of grace (Luke 15:11-24).
Main Idea: God prepares the way for reconciliation through His providential mercy.
Text: Genesis 42
Facing Perilous Circumstances (Gen. 42:1-5)
- Jacob and his sons face starvation due to a worldwide famine.
- Jacob's response proves his lack of trust in God's promises and in his sons' integrity.
- God's providence can be misunderstood through affliction: God is at work within us, as He uses affliction to draw us into dependance upon Him.
Facing Past Sins (Gen. 42:6-28)
- As Joseph's brothers come to Egypt to buy food, Joseph tests them in multiple ways to see if they have changed their ways.
- Joseph's testing awakens and convicts the brothers' consciences.
- God's providence in bringing conviction of our sin can be misunderstood: God is working in us, not against us.
Facing Profound Sorrow (Gen. 42:29-38)
- Joseph's brothers return to Canaan, but have difficult news for their father.
- Jacob is overwhelmed with sorrow at the prospect of losing another son.
- God's providence can be misunderstood through adversity: God is at work in us - not against us - through the adversity.
Main Idea: God's providence is often misunderstood during adversity, but it is always working according to His wise and gracious purposes for our good.
Text: Genesis 41
Providential Preparation (Gen. 41:1-13)
- In God's providence, Joseph continues to stay in prison for two more years.
- In God's providence, Pharaoh has two troubling dreams that cause him great distress.
- God remains at work to prepare and position Joseph for His purpose.
Providential Interpretation (Gen. 41:14-36)
- In God's providence, Joseph is summoned to appear before Pharaoh and interpret his troubling dreams.
- In God's providence, Joseph predicts a coming famine and produces a plan to save people from death.
- God is at work to provide Joseph with the right interpretation and rescue plan for His purpose.
Providential Promotion (Gen. 41:37-52)
- In God's providence, Joseph is promoted from a slave to second in command in all of Egypt.
- In God's providence, God blesses Joseph and causes him to be fruitful in the midst of his affliction.
- God is at work to bring His promises to pass and is faithful to bring us through affliction.
Providential Salvation (Gen. 41:53-57)
- In God's providence, Joseph was used by God to save people from dying in the famine.
- In God's providence, Jesus was sent by God to save people from dying in their sins.
Main Idea: In His providence, God will enable us to remain faithful to Him as He sovereignly prepares and positions us to accomplish His purpose for our lives.
Text: Genesis 40
God's Providence at Work in Difficult Circumstances (Gen. 40:1-8)
- In God's providence, Joseph encounters two prisoners in difficult circumstances who have dreams they don't understand.
- In God's providence, Joseph offers to help the prisoners, listen to their dreams, and point them to God's wisdom.
God's Providence at Work in Determining Destinies (Gen. 40:9-19)
- In God's providence, the prisoners share dreams of their future with Joseph.
- In God's providence, Joseph is able to interpret the dreams of the prisoners.
- In God's providence, Joseph pleads with hope for the cupbearer to plead his case of innocence before Pharaoh.
God's Providence at Work in Demonstrated Results (Gen. 40:20-23)
- In God's providence, the prisoners' dreams of the future take place just as Joseph interpreted them.
- In God's providence, Joseph is forgotten by man, but not forsaken by God.
Main Idea: Because God rules over every circumstance, we can trust Him with hope while we wait for His providence to unfold.
Text: Genesis 39
God's Presence in Our Success (Gen. 39:1-6a)
- God was with Joseph through uncertainty and hardship as he is taken as a slave to Egypt.
- God was with Joseph as the source of his success in Potiphar's household.
- We must look to God through every season knowing that anything we receive is from His good hand of providence.
God's Presence in Our Temptation (Gen. 39:6b-18)
- God was with Joseph in the midst of sexual temptation.
- Joseph resisted temptation out of integrity to his authority and his commitment to God's ways.
- We must look to God as we are tempted, knowing that He is more satisfying than anything sin can offer us.
God's Presence in Our Adversity (Gen. 39:19-23)
- God was with Joseph as he was falsely accused and forced into prison.
- God displayed His steadfast love and favor to Joseph.
- We must look to God in our hardships as our hope and help in all circumstances.
- In Christ our Savior we have "God with us" who is in us and will never forsake us (Matt. 1:21-23; Heb. 13:5-6).
Main Idea: God is with us and at work within us through all circumstances to empower us to live faithfully and trust in His providence.
Text: Genesis 38
A Disastrous Rejection of God's Ways (Gen. 38:1-11)
- Judah disobeyed God by marrying outside His covenant family.
- Judah's sons died by God's hand for their wickedness.
- Judah sinned against Tamar by cutting her off from the family.
A Deceitful Plot to Seek Justice (Gen. 38:12-23)
- Tamar acted in a sinful way to address the injustice Judah has caused her
- Judah's sinful heart is revealed in his immorality.
- Tamar secures the evidence that will protect her and expose Judah.
A Dramatic Revelation and Repentance of Sin (Gen. 38:24-26)
- Judah's hypocrisy is revealed as he condemns Tamar's immorality before examining his own sin.
- Judah's sin is exposed as Tamar reveals the identity of the father of her child.
- Judah repents of his sin and recognizes Tamar's case for justice.
God's Design to Preserve and Provide Salvation (Gen. 38:27-30)
- The line of Christ will extend through Judah, Tamar, and other broken sinners (Gen. 49:9-10; Matt. 1:3).
- God sovereignly protected and provided salvation according to His plan of redemption (Rev. 5:1-10).
Main Idea: God's grace is displayed in saving and using broken sinners for His plan of redemption.
Text: Genesis 37
Favoritism Leads to Jealous Resentment (Gen. 37:1-11)
- Jacob's favoritism paved the way for sibling rivalry.
- Joseph's dream caused division among his brothers.
Resentment Leads to Hateful Betrayal (Gen. 37:12-36)
- Joseph's brothers plot to betray him by selling him into slavery.
- Joseph's brothers deceive their father by telling him that Joseph was killed.
- Jacob is crushed with inconsolable grief over the loss of his son.
TRACING GOD'S HAND OF PROVIDENCE
- The story of Joseph points us to God's providence over all circumstances (Gen. 39:2-3, 21, 23: "The Lord was with Joseph)"
- The story of Joseph proves that God is at work for His glory and our good (Gen. 50:20: "God meant it for good").
- The story of Joseph points us to Jesus, who suffered and died under the predetermined, redemptive plan of God (Acts 2:22-24)
Main Idea: God is sovereignly at work through our sinful actions and family conflict to accomplish His redemptive purposes.
Text: Genesis 36:1-43
A Persistent Rejection of God's Ways (Gen. 36:1-8)
- Esau was driven by his own desires (Gen. 25:29-34; Heb. 12:16-17).
- Esau was driven to disobeying God (Gen. 26:34-35; 28:6-9).
A Perilous Pursuit of the World's Values (Gen. 36:9-43)
- Esau prized wealth and prominence over faith in God.
- Edom eventually faced God's judgment for their wickedness (Obadiah 1:10; Malachi 1:4-5).
LIFE APPLICATION: WHAT WILL BE YOUR LEGACY?
- A Legacy of Unbelief: Gaining the world and losing your soul (Mark 8:34-37)
- A Legacy of Faith: Believing in Christ and Treasuring Christ above all things (Phil. 3:7-11)
Main Idea: Your greatest legacy is not what you build in this life, but who you are trusting in for eternity.
Text: Genesis 35
Repentance and Renewal (Gen. 35:1-8)
- God calls Jacob to return to Bethel and renew his faith.
- Jacob proves his repentance by purifying himself and forsaking the foreign idols of the culture.
- God's call to return is matched with His protection.
Promise and Purpose (Gen. 35:9-15)
- God reminds Jacob of his true identity and His unchanging character.
- God reaffirms His covenant promises to Jacob.
- Jacob responds by offering a sacrifice of worship to the Lord.
Funerals, Failure, and Fulfillment (Gen. 35:16-29)
- Jacob is faced with the deaths of his wife Rachel and his father Isaac.
- Jacob is confronted with the sinful failure of his son Reuben.
- Jacob's family is a result of God's fulfilled promises.
Main Idea: God is able to bring His people back from failure to a life of renewed faith in His never-failing promises.
Texts: Genesis 34:1-31; Psalm 94:1-23; Revelation 19:1-3; Romans 12:17-13:4
Shameful Acts of Injustice (Gen. 34:1-4)
- Dinah makes an unwise decision to "see the women of the land."
- Dinah suffers through violation and humiliation.
Sinful Responses to Injustice (Gen. 34:5-31)
- Jacob's disgraceful indifference
- The brothers' deceptive plot and deadly vengeance
- Jacob's damaging pursuit of self-preservation
The Right Response to Injustice
- God will execute perfect justice against the wicked (Psalm 94:1-23; Revelation 19:1-3).
- We must overcome evil with good and leave vengeance to God and government (Romans 12:17-21, 13:1-4).
Main Idea: Human sin produces escalating destruction when it is answered with more sin. We must look to God for justice and deliverance.
Texts: Genesis 33:1-20; Ephesians 2:12-19
From Separation to Reconciliation (Gen. 33:1-11)
- Jacob's posture of humility toward Esau
- God's faithfulness in bringing about Esau and Jacob's reconciliation
- Jacob's gratitude for God's provision, acceptance, and protection
From Reconciliation to Redirection (Gen. 33:12-20)
- Esau's sincere offer to Jacob to join him at his home
- Jacob's cryptic refusal and redirection toward the Promised Land
- Jacob's altar of worship to the God of Israel
Gospel Connection: Because of Christ, we can go from being separated from God to being reconciled to God (Eph. 2:12-19).
Main Idea: Reconciliation is made possible by the transforming work of God.
Text: Genesis 32:1-32
Grappling with Fear Leads to Self-Reliance (Gen. 32:1-21)
- God reassures Jacob of His abiding presence and protection.
- Jacob grapples with his greatest fear and resorts to self-reliance instead of depending on God.
- When we are struggling with fear, our only hope is found in trusting in God (Ps. 27:1-3; 56:3-4).
Wrestling with God Leads to Total Transformation (Gen. 32:22-32)
- God wrestles with Jacob in order to wrestle him out of self-reliance to submission and surrender to Him.
- Transformation happens when God brings you to the end of yourself and you turn to Him as your only hope.
MAIN IDEA: God transforms us by taking us from self-reliance to total surrender and dependence upon Him.
Text: Philippians 3:7-11
Main Idea: Enjoying fellowship with Christ is worth any hardship for Christ
- Jesus is worth suffering the loss of all things
- Hardship for Christ produces deep fellowship with Christ
- Deeper fellowship with Christ is the supreme reward for faithfulness
Text: Matthew 28:1-20
The Resurrection of the Risen King (Matt. 28:1-10)
- The Witnesses of Christ's Resurrection
- The Proof of Christ's Resurrection
The Rejection of the Risen King (Matt. 28:11-15)
- The False Report of Christ's Resurrection
- The Settled Unbelief of the Religious Leaders
The Reign of the Risen King (Matt. 28:16-20)
- The Authority of Christ Over All Things
- The Commission to Make Disciples of All Nations
The Risen King gives us new life in Him and compels us to proclaim this message to the world.
Text: Genesis 30:25-31:55
God's Gracious Prosperity (Genesis 30:25-43)
- Jacob receives God's blessing of prosperity in spite of his track record and Laban's schemes.
- God's blessing is not dependent upon our plans and performance, but on His character and ability.
God's Guiding Presence (Genesis 31:1-21)
- God speaks to Jacob to call him back to the land of promise and reassure him of His abiding presence.
- Where God calls us to go, He will be there to lead us.
God's Governing Protection (Genesis 31:22-55)
- God protected Jacob and prevented Laban from thwarting His plan for Jacob.
- We can trust God to be faithful to us; therefore, we must guard against trusting in our backup plans or savior substitutes.
LIFE APPLICATION
- We can trust in God to be faithful to His promises.
- We can trust God to faithfully care for us.
- We can trust in God's faithful providence to shape us (Job 23:8-10).
Texts: Genesis 30:1-24; Psalm 73:23-26; Galatians 5:13-15; Romans 12:15-18
Envy Leads to Idolatry (Gen. 30:1-13)
- Above everything else, Leah desired to be loved by her husband.
- Above everything else, Rachel desired to bear children.
- Above everything else, we must not "turn a good thing into an ultimate thing" and therefore displace God as our chief consideration in life.
Rivalry Leads to Division (Gen. 30:14-24)
- Leah and Rachel's rivalry would sow seeds of division and strife within the family.
- We must be careful to guard and nurture our family relationships.
- Despite the rivalry and division, God's grace is displayed as He keeps His promises and advances His purpose.
LIFE APPLICATION:
- We must desire God supremely (Ps. 73:23-26)
- We must love one another sacrificially (Gal. 5:13-15)
- We must live with one another harmoniously (Rom. 12:15-18)
Text: Genesis 29:1-35
God's Purposeful Hand of Providence (Gen. 29:1-14)
- God's hand of providence was leading Jacob through every step and circumstance.
- We need to acknowledge God's hand of providence and thank Him for His blessings to us.
God's Merciful Hand of Correction (Gen. 29:15-30)
- In His mercy, God allowed Jacob to reap the consequences of the sins he has sown.
- In His mercy, God seeks to humble and correct us in order that we might come to the end of ourselves and turn to Him in faith.
God's Faithful Hand of Promise (Gen. 29:31-35)
- Leah was unloved by Jacob, but God's promise of a Redeemer would come through one of her children.
- We need to rejoice in God's steady faithfulness despite our difficult circumstances.
Text: Genesis 28:1-22
God's Covenant Blessing is Confirmed (Gen. 28:1-9)
- Isaac pronounces God's covenant blessing on Jacob, proving his trust in God's Word has been restored.
- Esau attempts to gain God's covenant blessing in the wrong way.
God's Gracious Presence is Revealed (Gen. 28:10-15)
- God reveals Himself to Jacob in a dream of a stairway to heaven, where He condescends in grace.
- God is laying the foundation for Jacob's faith in the future.
Jacob's Response to God is Expressed (Gen. 28:16-22)
- Jacob responds in fear and awe before God's presence.
- Jacob names the place Bethel, or "house of God."
- Jacob makes a conditional vow before God and asks Him to be faithful to him.
Texts: Genesis 27:1-46; Galatians 3:13-14
Brokenness Displayed in Disregarding God (Gen. 27:1-4)
- Despite knowing God's plan to bless his younger son Jacob, Isaac disregards God's Word to give the blessing to Esau.
- Isaac was motivated by his heart's desire instead of obeying God's Word.
- We must beware of living according to our desires for the things of earth.
Brokenness Displayed in Deceiving Others (Gen. 27:5-29)
- Through her deception, Rebekah sought to deceive Isaac into giving the blessing to Jacob.
- Through his deception, Jacob repeatedly lies to his father to receive the blessing.
- We must beware of the following the path of deception to get what we want.
Brokenness Displayed in Devastating Consequences (Gen. 27:30-46)
- Esau does not receive the blessing and vows to kill his brother out of revenge.
- God's covenant family has been fractured by lies and deception.
- We must beware of the consequences of sin – it promises gain, but leads to ruin.
Grace Displayed in the Death of Christ (Gal. 3:13-14)
- Christ's death made it possible for us to be redeemed from the curse of the law.
- Christ became a curse for us so that the blessing of God's covenant could be ours in faith.
- Our salvation rests upon God's grace, not in our ability.
Text: Genesis 26:1-35
The Presence of God in Our Suffering (Gen. 26:1-5)
- A famine threatens Isaac and his family.
- God reaffirms His covenant to Isaac and promises His presence.
The Presence of God in Our Sin (Gen. 26:6-11)
- Isaac deceives Abimelech about his wife being his sister.
- Isaac is confronted in his sin, and God protects him.
The Presence of God in our Successes and Struggles (Gen. 26:12-35)
- God prospers Isaac in wealth and harvest in the land of the Philistines despite opposition from others.
- Isaac builds an altar of worship to God as God rehearses His promise to Isaac and reminds him of His presence.
- Abimelech recognizes that Isaac is blessed by God and establishes a treaty with him.
- Esau's life serves as a warning as he becomes a source of bitterness for his family.
Life Application
- We are not doomed to repeat our parent's sins.
- We will be tempted to repeat our parent's sins.
- We must walk by faith in Christ, knowing that He will be with us.
Texts: Genesis 25:19-34; Romans 9:6-16; Hebrews 12:15-17
God's Miraculous Grace (Gen. 25:19-21)
- God's promise of continues as He answers Isaac's prayer for children.
- God's miraculous grace is displayed in giving Isaac and Rebekah children in the midst of years of barrenness.
God's Electing Grace (Gen. 25:22-28; Rom. 9:6-16)
- In this passage, there are two sons with two predetermined destinies.
- God chooses who will be His own – not based on human merit, but solely by His grace.
- The doctrine of election eliminates pride, encourages gratitude, and propels evangelism.
God's Warning Grace (Gen. 25:29-34; Heb. 12:15-17)
- Esau sells his birthright for a meal in the backdrop of Jacob's deception.
- This serves to warn us against trusting our own deceitful desires for the instant gratification of our flesh.
Text: Genesis 25:1-18
God Ordains Our Habitations (Gen. 25:1-11)
- God's providence extends over all peoples and all locations.
- God sovereignly places us in history and in our surroundings for His purposes (Acts 17:24-28).
God Ordains Our Generations (Gen. 25:12-18)
- God ordains the generations of all peoples, and His providence extends to the hardships we endure.
- The generations in Genesis all point to Christ, the final fulfillment and Abraham's promised seed who would bring salvation.
Text: Genesis 24:1-67
Faith in God's Promise Renewed (Gen. 24:1-9)
- Abraham rehearses God's promise and blessing to his family.
- Abraham sends his trusted servant on a mission to find a wife for his son Isaac so that his family will multiply.
Faith in God's Promise Represented (Gen. 24:10-27)
- Abraham's servant displays great faith in the providence of God to enable him to find a wife for Isaac.
- God displays His steadfast love and faithfulness by answering the servant's prayer of faith.
Faithfulness of God's Promise Revealed (Gen. 24:28-60)
- God proves faithful to His promise to provide a wife for Isaac.
- Rebekah displays her trust in the Lord by leaving everything behind to follow God's will.
Faith in God's Promise is Rewarded (Gen. 24:61-67)
- God rewards the faith of his people and advances His covenant.
- Isaac rejoices in God's promise being fulfilled and takes Rebekah to be his wife.
Texts: Genesis 23:1-20; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Facing the Sorrow of Sarah's Death (Gen. 23:1-2)
- Abraham mourns for the death of his wife.
- When death comes, we sorrow, but with hope in Christ's resurrection.
Hoping in God's Future Fulfillment (Gen. 23:3-20; 2 Cor. 4:16-18)
- Abraham purchased a burial plot in view of God's promise.
- We have the hope of our future inheritance in Christ that will be revealed in God's eternal glory.
Text: Revelation 4-5
The Enthroned Creator Who is Holy (Revelation 4)
- This scene is marked by awesome displays of God's power and glory.
- This scene displays God sitting on His throne and receiving the praise that is due His Name.
The Enthroned Lamb Who is Worthy (Revelation 5)
- Jesus is the worthy Redeemer who alone can open the title deed to the earth, which seals represent God's plan for judgment and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
- Jesus is the Lamb of God who was slain for our redemption.
- Therefore, Jesus is worthy of all praise, honor, glory, and blessing.
Application: Because Jesus is the Lamb on the throne, we must give Him our unswerving devotion and unending worship.
Christmas Eve Service
Texts: Isaiah 53:1-6; 1 Peter 2:24-25
Jesus Suffered as the Rejected Servant (Is. 53:1-3)
- Jesus came to earth in humility to a people that did not recognize or accept Him.
- Jesus' experience on earth was marked by grief and rejection.
Jesus Suffered as our Sin-Bearing Servant (Is. 53:4-6)
- Jesus entered into our sorrows and griefs by bearing the weight of our sin.
- Jesus' death led to our spiritual healing and our sins being forgiven.
Jesus Succeeded as our Victorious Savior (1 Peter 2:24-25)
- Jesus' death was effective to save us, empower us to die to sin, and live righteously.
- In Jesus, we have a Shepherd who loves and pursues us.
Texts: Matthew 1:18-25; John 3:11-15; Matthew 9:1-8, 20:17-28; Daniel 7:9-14; Matthew 25:31-34, 41; Revelation 1:12-18
The Son of Man Condescended to Us as the God-Man (Matt. 1:18-25; John 3:11-15)
- Jesus came to earth as both fully God and fully man.
- Jesus came to earth as the prophesied Messiah to save His people from their sins.
The Son of Man Came to Sacrifice His Life to Forgive Sinners (Matt. 9:1-8; 20:17-28)
- Jesus came with the authority to forgive our sins.
- Jesus came with the mission to give His life as a ransom for sinners.
The Son of Man Will Come as the Eternal King and Exalted Judge (Dan. 7:9-14; Matt. 25:31-34, 41; Rev. 1:12-18)
- Jesus is the eternal King who will judge the wicked and bring His people into His glory.
- Jesus is the glorious King whose kingdom will never end.
Application: Because Jesus is the Son of Man, we have a God who became like us, a Savior who forgave us, and a King who welcomes us. O come let us adore Him!
Texts: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 9:6-7; Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:1-11; Colossians 2:11-15; Revelation 19:11-16
Jesus is the Promised King (Gen. 49:10; 2 Sam. 7:12-16; Is. 9:6-7)
- Jesus is the promised ruler that would come from the tribe of Judah to fulfill the Davidic covenant as the One who would reign forever with justice and righteousness.
Jesus is the Savior King (Zech. 9:9; Matt. 21:1-11)
- Jesus is the Savior who triumphantly rode into Jerusalem in fulfillment of prophecy to eventually die on the cross for our sins.
- Jesus is the Savior whose reign results in our salvation.
Jesus is the Victorious King (Col. 2:11-15; Rev. 19:11-16)
- Jesus is the King who triumphed over sin and Satan so that we may be alive in Him.
- Jesus is the undisputed King of kings and Lord of lords who reigns victoriously over all.
Application: Because Jesus is our conquering King, we are more than conquerors through Him and will never be separated from His love! (Romans 8:37-39)
Texts: Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:1-28; 10:19-25
Jesus is the Sympathetic Priest Who We Can Approach Confidently (Heb. 4:14-16)
- In Jesus we have a compassionate priest who perfectly understands our condition.
- In Jesus we have an effective priest who has given us complete access to God.
- Through Jesus, we can hold fast to our confession of faith.
Jesus is the Eternal Priest Who Saves Us Completely (Heb. 7:1-28)
- In Genesis, Melchizedek foreshadows Jesus' character, ministry, and supremacy.
- Jesus is the greater and eternal Priest-King who intercedes for and saves sinners to the uttermost by His once-for-all death on the cross.
Jesus is the Great High Priest Who Calls Us to Live Righteously (Heb. 10:19-25)
- Because of what Jesus accomplished as our Great High Priest, we are live holy lives with unwavering confidence in His faithfulness.
- Because of what Jesus accomplished as our Great High Priest, we are to motivate one another to love and good works.
Texts: Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Luke 4:16-21, 24:44-48; Hebrews 1:1-4
Jesus is the Foreshadowed Prophet of Promise (Deuteronomy 18:15-19)
- The Lord promised that a prophet like Moses would come to His people to speak His Word to their hearts.
Jesus is the Fulfillment of Prophecy (Luke 4:16-21, 24:44-48)
- Jesus announces that the prophecy of Isaiah 61 has been fulfilled in His arrival and forthcoming ministry.
- Jesus is the fulfillment and focal point of all Scripture.
Jesus is the Final Word of God (Hebrews 1:1-4)
- All other prophets of God were pointing us to the final Prophet who would be God's final Word to us.
- Jesus is supreme in His divine power to create the world, sustain all life, and save sinners.
Text: Genesis 22:1-24
An Ultimate Test of Faith (Gen. 22:1-2)
- God tested Abraham's faith by commanding him to offer up his son Isaac as a sacrifice.
- God tests us to prove the genuineness of our faith and produce steadfastness (James 1:2-4).
An Undaunted Act of Obedience (Gen. 22:3-10)
- Abraham responds to God in faith, acting in obedience to God's command.
- Abraham believed that God would provide a lamb for the sacrifice and take care of his son. (Heb. 11:17-19)
An Unfailing Provision of Grace (Gen. 22:11-14)
- Abraham proved that his faith in God was genuine.
- God stays Abraham's hand and provides the sacrifice that was required.
- Jesus, the true and better Isaac, is the sacrificial lamb of God who would be slain for our redemption.
An Unwavering Promise of Blessing (Gen. 22:15-24)
- God rewards Abraham for his obedience and reassures Abraham of His promise to bless him and his offspring.
Text: Genesis 21:1-34
God's Promise is Fulfilled (Gen. 21:1-7)
- God proves to be true to His Word as Isaac is born to Abraham and Sarah.
- Isaac's name (laughter) is proof of God's grace to Abraham and Sarah.
God's Promise is Preserved (Gen. 21:8-21)
- God sets apart Isaac as the one in whom the promise would be fulfilled.
- God's electing grace and common grace are on display with Isaac and Ishmael.
- Galatians 4:21-31 portrays this event as an allegory and how it applies to the Gospel and our identity in Christ.
God's Promise is Progressing (Gen. 21:22-34)
- Abimelech's treaty with Abraham proves that God's promise of land to Abraham's offspring continues to advance.
- As Abraham plants a tree in Beersheba, he is planting his faith in an everlasting God who keeps His promises.
Text: Romans 12:1-2
The Mercies of God is the Basis For the Challenge of Total Commitment
- GRACE, is when we get what we don't deserve.
- MERCY, is when we don't get what we DO deserve.
Total Commitment Means Being Totally Transformed.
- The word we get transformed is where we get the word metamorphosis.
- It's continual and gradual.
- We should allow the Holy Spirit to help. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
In order to know the will of God, we must surrender to that will.
Text: Genesis 20:1-18
Abraham's Besetting Sin (Gen. 20:1-2)
- At the crossroads of faith and unbelief, Abram responds in unbelief, just as he did before in Genesis 12:10-20.
God's Sovereign Intervention (Gen. 20:3-7)
- Abraham's sin seemingly put God's covenant in jeopardy.
- God shows Himself to be sovereign over all things as He restrains Abimelech and protects Sarah.
Abimelech's Strong Confrontation (Gen. 20:8-13)
- Abimelech confronts Abraham's lying and deceptive behavior.
- Abraham is caught in his sin, proving that he had misjudged Abimelech and did not trust in the Lord.
God's Gracious Providence (Gen. 20:14-18)
- God displays His grace and providence by bringing healing to Abimelech and blessing to Abraham.
Text: Genesis 19:1-38
Sodom's Violent Wickedness (Gen. 19:1-11)
- The angels come to Lot's home, and he treats them with hospitality.
- The angels are met with hostility from the men of Sodom.
God's Merciful Deliverance (Gen. 19:12-22)
- The angels reveal God's plan of judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah.
- The angels promise to deliver Lot and his family from the impending destruction.
- Lot and his family are mercifully removed of the city and told to escape without looking back.
God's Righteous Judgment (Gen. 19:23-29)
- God sends fiery judgment upon the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness.
- Lot's wife dies as she disobeys the Lord and looks back at the city.
- God is mindful of His covenant to Abraham and rescues Lot and his daughters from destruction.
Lot's Final Act and God's Rescuing Grace (Gen. 19:30-38; 2 Peter 2:6-9)
- Lot and his daughters are responsible for creating two of Israel's greatest enemies.
- In the end, God's grace is displayed through Lot's rescue and in calling him righteous (2 Peter 2:6-9).
Text: Genesis 18:16-33
God Reveals His Plan to Judge the Wicked (Gen. 18:16-21)
- God decided to reveal His plan to judge Sodom and Gomorrah to Abraham in light of their covenant relationship.
- God planned to judge Sodom and Gomorrah because of their grave wickedness and the cries of the oppressed (Ezekiel 16:49-50).
Abraham Intercedes in Prayer for the Wicked (Gen. 18:22-33)
- Abraham approached God in humble submission.
- Abraham appealed to God with persistent boldness.
- God responded to Abraham with benevolent mercy.
Text: Genesis 18:1-15
The Lord Provides His Presence (Gen. 18:1-8)
- The Lord personally comes to visit and eat with Abraham along with two other visitors (this is Christ in pre-incarnate form with His angels).
- Abraham bows in worship, places himself under their authority, and shows them hospitality.
The Lord Guarantees His Promise (Gen. 18:9-15)
- God personally ensures that His promise to Abraham will take place regardless of the circumstances.
- Sarah laughs in disbelief to herself in response God's promise.
- God deepens Sarah's faith in Him by assuring her of His matchless power.
Text: Psalm 145:1-13
God’s Greatness is Limitless (Ps. 145:1-6)
• Because God is great, we must declare His mighty works to one another in praise.
God’s Goodness is Abundant (Ps. 145:7-10)
• Because God is good, we must declare His acts of grace and mercy to one another in praise.
God’s Kingdom is Everlasting (Ps. 145:11-13)
• Because God’s kingdom is everlasting, we will declare His faithfulness and mighty deeds to one another forever.
Text: Ephesians 4:11-16
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We are Equipped in Christ through Gifted Shepherds (11-12)
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We are Equipped in Christ to Grow into Maturity (13)
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We are Equipped in Christ to Stand Firm in the Truth (14)
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We are Equipped in Christ to Disciple One Another into Growth (15-16)
For our Mission Focus Sunday, we had the privilege of hearing the Word preached from Philip Van Steenburgh. He serves as the Lead Pastor of Wornall Road Baptist Church in Kansas City. He preached from Matthew 5:13-16 on how we are called to be salt and light in this world. Truly, Jesus makes us different in order to make a difference in the lives of others around us.
Text: Genesis 17
God Declares a Covenant Identity (Gen. 17:1-8)
- God declares Himself to be “El Shaddai” (God Almighty), signifying His power and sovereignty.
- God changes Abram’s name to “Abraham” (father of a multitude), proving that He would fulfill His promise.
- God declares that Abraham must walk in blamelessness before Him.
God Demands a Covenant Sign (Gen. 17:9-14)
- God commands Abraham and all his household and future descendants to become circumcised.
- This act of obedience to God would set apart all who have embraced God’s covenant.
Abraham Demonstrates a Covenant Obedience (Gen. 17:15-27)
- God reinforces His covenant to Abraham and changes Sarai’s name to “Sarah” (princess).
- Abraham believes and obeys the Lord despite the seemingly impossible circumstances.
- This mark of physical circumcision would point to the spiritual “circumcision of Christ,” which leads to new life in Him. (Colossians 2:11-14)
Text: Genesis 16
The Faithless Acts of Abram and Sarai (Gen. 16:1-6)
- They questioned God’s ability to fulfill His promises.
- They chose to circumvent God’s plan by acting in unbelief.
- Their faithless acts led to family chaos and generational conflict.
The Faithful Presence of the God Who Sees (Gen. 16:7-16)
- The pre-incarnate Christ sees Hagar in her affliction.
- The pre-incarnate Christ brings comfort and blessing to Hagar.
- Christ sees us, knows our need, and can satisfy our hearts (John 4).
Text: Genesis 15
Abram Believes the Truth of God’s Promise (Gen. 15:1-6)
- God comes to Abram through His revealed Word.
- God reveals Himself as both deliverer and provider to dispel Abram’s doubts and fears.
- Abram believes in God’s Word and is justified by faith, giving us the Gospel pattern for belief.
God Guarantees the Fulfillment of His Covenant (Gen. 15:7-21)
- God’s covenant guarantees land and blessing for God’s people by His eternal character.
- God’s people will be afflicted sojourners, but He will remain faithful to them as their deliverer and provider.
- Abram’s offspring extends to all who are in Christ (Galatians 3:27-29).
Texts: Genesis 14:17-24; Hebrews 7
Abram Receives the Blessing of the Priest-King (Gen. 14:17-20)
- Melchizedek is identified as the king of Salem and the priest of the Most High God.
- Melchizedek blesses Abram and praises God as Creator and Deliverer
- Abram responds to Melchizedek by giving him a tenth of everything.
Abram Refuses the Offering of the Wicked King (Gen. 14:21-24)
- The king of Sodom offers Abram all the spoils of war to form an alliance.
- Since Abram sees God as His provider, he rejects the offering and gives it to those who were in need.
Jesus Represents the Eternal Priest-King (Hebrews 7)
- Melchizedek foreshadows Jesus’ character, ministry, and preeminence.
- Jesus is the greater and eternal Priest-King who intercedes for and saves sinners to the uttermost by His once-for-all death on the cross.
Text: Genesis 13:14-14:16
God Reaffirms His Promise to Abram (Gen. 13:14-18)
- God unfolds His grand promise to Abram to multiply his offspring and expand his people’s dwelling place.
- Abram responds with a heart of worship before God.
Abram Rescues Lot and His Family from Captivity (Gen. 14:1-16)
- Lot’s decision to walk by sight proves costly to him and his family.
- Lot and his family are taken captive by wicked, warring kings.
- Abram walks by faith in God, rescues Lot’s family, and defeats the wicked kings in battle.
Genesis 13:1-13
Abram Renews His Faith in God (Gen. 13:1-4)
- Abram returned to Bethel and prepared an altar of worship before God.
- Abram surrendered himself to God and renewed his walk of faith before Him.
Lot Reveals His Pursuit of Worldliness (Gen. 13:5-13)
- Abram and Lot’s material wealth led to familial conflict.
- Abram walks by faith in God’s promises and chooses a path of faithfulness to God.
- Lot walks by sight and chooses a path of worldliness and self-advancement.
Text: Genesis 12:10-20
Abram’s Unfavorable Circumstances (Gen. 12:10)
- Abram faced a severe famine in Canaan that threatened the life of his family.
- This circumstance would prove to be a test of faith for Abram.
Abram’s Unbelieving Response (Gen. 12:11-16)
- Abram responds with fear and unbelief to the crisis at hand.
- Abram failed to trust in God and take Him at His Word.
God’s Unwavering Faithfulness (Gen. 12:17-20)
- Even though Abram’s faith faltered, God rescued him from his failures and remained faithful to His promises.
- We must not trust in ourselves, but look to Christ and His faithful example of obedience.
Travis Thompson preaches from Philippians 4:10-13 on how we must depend exclusively upon Christ and find our contentment in Him alone.
Dennis Williamson preaches on how we can find hope in the midst of a hopeless world. In this sermon, he arms us with multiple passages of Scripture to ground our hope in the Lord.
Text: Genesis 12:1-9
God’s Sovereign Call to Abram (Gen. 12:1-3)
- God called Abram to turn away from idol worship and leave his homeland, never to return.
- God called Abram to trust in His Word and believe His promises.
Abram’s Obedient Faith in God (Gen. 12:4-6)
- Abram obeyed God in faith, taking God at His Word to guide and protect him.
Abram’s Dedicated Worship to God (Gen. 12:7-9)
- God appeared to Abram, reaffirming His promise to give him the land of Canaan.
- Abram responded in worship as he built an altar and called upon the name of the Lord.
Text: Romans 8:1-11
Freedom From Slavery (v.2)
- Former law, Mosaic law, was never meant to save us.
- Former law was meant to point to our need for a savior.
Freedom From Condemnation (v.3)
- God knew the former law was unable to save us.
- In response, He sent His Son to us to do what the law could not do.
Freedom From Being Controlled (v.4)
- Because Christ is in us and we are in Christ, all of God’s requirements are fulfilled in us.
- We must live out who we are in Christ, not by doing good works in itself, but, by focusing on what God has done.
Freedom From Defeat (v.5-8)
- Paul is comparing the saved and the unsaved.
- One lives for the flesh and the other The Spirit.
- Living a life for the flesh IS death.
- If you are unsaved, you are not battling sin.
- If you are fleshly, then you are trying to please yourself, not God.
Texts: Genesis 11; Acts 2:1-11, 37-39
Man’s Arrogant Defiance to God’s Reign (Gen. 11:1-4)
- In Babel, there was unity without obedience to God and ambition without submission to God.
- In Babel, man’s goal was self-exaltation, not God's glory.
God’s Authoritative Response to Man’s Pride (Gen. 11:5-9)
- God condescended to earth to see the “big” tower that man had constructed.
- God confused their language and scattered them throughout the earth.
God’s All-Encompassing Blessing to the Nations (Gen. 11:10-32; Acts 2:1-11, 37-39)
- In this list of Shem’s descendants, we see God’s unfolding promise to bless the nations through Abraham’s lineage.
- Despite Sarai’s barrenness, God’s plan to bless the nations would not be thwarted.
- In Acts 2, we see God’s plan to bless the nations in the proclamation of the Gospel in everyone’s language.
Text: Genesis 10
Introduction: The Table of Nations
- It is a testament to the accuracy of the Bible as true revelation from God.
- It connects us to the story of redemption.
- It underscores the sovereignty of God over all nations.
- It sets the stage for the holy war between the seed of the serpent vs. the seed of the woman.
God is Sovereign Over the Gentile Nations (Gen. 10:1-5)
- God established the line of Japheth, which included the Gentile Indo-European nations who settled in Europe, Asia, and North and South America.
- The Gentiles would be scattered throughout the earth, but God ensured that the Gospel would spread to the ends of the earth.
God is Sovereign Over the Warrior Nations (Gen. 10:6-20)
- The line of Ham reveals all of Israel’s enemies who would seek to revolt against God and destroy His people.
- Despite the challenges to His sovereignty and His people, God remains undaunted in fulfilling His plan.
God is Sovereign Over the Hebrew Nation (Gen. 10:21-31)
- The line of Shem includes several people groups, but specifically the nation of Israel – God’s chosen people.
- In Genesis 12, God makes a covenant with Abraham, which declares that through him all the nations of the earth will be blessed.
God’s Sovereign Plan For All Nations (Gen. 10:32; Rev. 7:9-12)
- From the Table of Nations, we see the oneness of the human race; we are all descendants from Adam and Noah.
- From the Table of Nations, the stage is set for God redeem sinners from every nation for His glory.
Text: Genesis 9
God’s Commission Declared (Gen. 9:1-7)
- God commands Noah be fruitful and multiply His image on the earth.
- God grants permission to eat meat, but not the blood.
- God declares that life must be protected and preserved.
God’s Covenant of Grace Displayed (Gen. 9:8-17)
- God’s covenant explained in terms of His unconditional commitment to His creation.
- God’s covenant portrayed in the sky as His unconditional sign of grace.
Man’s Sinfulness Demonstrated (Gen. 9:18-25)
- Noah’s sin of drunkenness serves as a warning.
- Ham’s sin of mockery and scorn led to a far-reaching curse upon his family.
God’s Blessing Determined (Gen. 9:26-29)
- God’s blessing rests on the line of Shem, from whom would come Christ, the Messiah who would redeem us from our sin.
Text: Genesis 7-8
God’s Global Judgment (Genesis 7)
- Noah believed God’s Word and obeyed His command.
- God uncreated what He created through a worldwide flood due to man’s sin
God’s Gracious Deliverance (Genesis 8)
- God mercifully protected and delivered Noah and his family from judgment.
- God covenants with Noah to never destroy the world in the same way again.
Text: Genesis 6:1-22
Man’s Continual Wickedness (Gen. 6:1-5)
- Marriage has become demonized by fallen angels.
- God shortens man’s life span due his wickedness.
- The restless evil of man’s heart has been revealed in his pursuit of violence.
God’s Comprehensive Judgment (Gen. 6:6-7)
- God was grieved to His heart over the wickedness of man.
- God resolved to judge man for his wickedness under penalty of death.
God’s Compassionate Grace (Gen. 6:8-22)
- In His grace, God shows His favor to Noah and his family
- In his life, Noah walked with God, proving that he had a close relationship to Him.
- In His grace, God makes a covenant with Noah and prepares him to be delivered from the coming flood.
Texts: Genesis 5:1-32; Romans 5:12-21
The Generations of Adam (Gen. 5:1-32)
- God made man and woman after His likeness for His glory.
- The refrain of each generation ends in universal death: “And he died.”
- Enoch walked with God by faith and did not face death due to God’s grace (Hebrews 11:5-6).
The Regeneration in Christ (Rom. 5:12-21)
- Through Adam’s sin, death came to all generations.
- Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we can be made alive and justified by His grace to live with Him forever.
Text: 1 Peter 4:7-11
The Apostolic Assertion Concerning the End (v. 7a)
The Urgent Duties in Light of the End (vv. 7b-11a)
- The duties concerning their personal life (v. 7b)
- The activities in their community relations (vv. 8-11a)
The duty of mutual love (vv. 8-9)
The duty of mutual service (vv. 10-11a)
The Goal in Christian Living (v. 11b)
Text: Genesis 4:1-26
The Righteous Attitude of Worshipping God (Genesis 4:1-4)
- God graciously provides Adam and Eve with two sons: Cain and Abel.
- Abel is portrayed as the one who brought an acceptable offering to the Lord with the right heart attitude.
- In the New Testament, Abel’s offering and his actions toward God are declared as righteous (Hebrews 11:4; 1 John 3:12b).
The Ruinous Outcome of Worshipping Self (Genesis 4:3, 5-24)
- Cain worshipped God on his terms with a selfish attitude of pride.
- Cain’s angry response to God’s correction and murder revealed his worship of self.
- God’s warning and condemnation was also mingled with grace.
- In the New Testament, “the way of Cain” is portrayed as a pursuit of personal gain marked by evil (Jude 11; 1 John 3:12a).
The Redemptive Plan of Our Sovereign God (Genesis 4:25-26)
- Even in the midst of murder and revenge, God’s plan to save His people cannot be thwarted.
- God appoints the line of Seth for the Messiah to come and call true worshippers to Himself.
- Consider Christ, “the mediator of the new covenant,” who atoned for our sin with His own blood (Hebrews 12:24).
Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-28
The Trustworthy Testimony of Christ’s Resurrection (1 Cor. 15:1-11)
- The reliability of the Scriptures
- The credibility of the eyewitnesses
- The experience of the Apostle Paul
The Devastating Consequences of No Resurrection (1 Cor. 15:12-19)
- If Christ has not been raised from the dead, then our faith is meaningless.
- If Christ has not been raised from the dead, then we remain sinners without redemption.
The Glorious Outcome of Christ’s Resurrection (1 Cor. 15:20-28)
- Since Christ has been raised from the dead, we have an unshakable hope and future.
- Since Christ has been raised from the dead, death has been conquered and Christ reigns over all things.
Texts: Galatians 3:27-28; Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Colossians 2:11-13; Romans 6:1-6
Baptism Portrayed in Following Jesus
- The significance of being baptized into the body of Christ (Galatians 3:27-28; Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13).
- The theology behind being baptized into the body of Christ (Colossians 2:11-14; Romans 6:1-6).
Baptism Practiced Within the Church
- The Biblical mode of baptism
- The appropriate age of baptism
- The central goal of baptism
Texts: Matthew 3:13-17, 28:16-20
Baptism Exemplified in Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17)
- In Jesus’ baptism, God the Father declared His approval of Jesus and the Gospel message He would proclaim.
- In Jesus’ baptism, He identified Himself as the One who would be our substitute and endure God’s judgment for us.
- When we are baptized, it symbolizes our repentance and cleansing from sin.
Baptism Commanded by Jesus (Matthew 28:16-20)
- Proclaiming the Gospel leads to making and maturing disciples of Jesus.
- Proclaiming the Gospel leads to baptizing believers in God’s name who follow the words of Jesus.
- Proclaiming the Gospel is empowered by God’s enabling presence.
Texts: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; Revelation 19:1-9
Communion Practiced by the Church (1 Corinthians 11:17-34)
- Communion is a time to look beyond ourselves to ensure that we are in a right relationship with one another.
- Communion is a time to look back in remembrance and thanksgiving of Christ’s sacrificial death.
- Communion is a time to look within through self-examination.
- Communion is a time to look forward to our Lord’s return and proclaim the Gospel to others.
Communion Anticipated in Heaven (Revelation 19:1-9)
- Our celebration of communion on earth by remembering and proclaiming Christ’s death will one day culminate in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in heaven.
- This celebration will mark the final death blow to sin and death, and we will rejoice in the salvation, glory, and power of our Savior as He clothes us in His righteousness.
Texts: Exodus 12:1-14; Matthew 26:26-29
Communion Foreshadowed in the Passover (Exodus 12:1-14)
- Communion’s roots can be traced back to Passover, where the Israelites were saved from death and delivered from slavery in Egypt.
- The Israelites marked their doorframes with the blood of the lamb and God “passed over” His people.
- The feast of Passover is a celebration of this event.
Communion Fulfilled in Jesus (Matthew 26:26-29)
- Communion is demonstrated in the bread (Christ’s body being broken) and the cup (Christ’s blood being poured out).
- These symbols portray the sacrifice of Christ on the cross for our sins.
Text: Genesis 3:7-24
The Destructive Outcome of Sin (Gen. 3:7-13)
- When we choose to sin, we experience guilt and shame.
- When we choose to sin, we hide from the consequences.
- When we choose to sin, we blame others.
- Gospel implication: Christ died in our place and took our punishment.
The Devastating Curse of Sin (Gen. 3:14-19)
- God pronounces a curse on the snake and the ground because of sin.
- God pronounces ongoing consequences of sin in child-bearing, relationships, and work.
- Gospel Implication: God promised that a Redeemer would come to crush our enemy and conquer sin.
The Divine Judgment For Sin (Gen. 3:20-24)
- Clinging to the hope of God’s promise, Adam gives his wife the name Eve (“life-giver”).
- God clothed Adam and Eve in garments of skin to cover their nakedness.
- God drove out Adam and Eve from the Garden, signifying the breach of fellowship that had taken place.
- Gospel Implication: In Christ we are given new life, eternally forgiven, clothed in His righteousness, and welcomed into His kingdom.
Text: Genesis 3:1-7
Satan’s Deceitful Devices (Genesis 3:1-5)
- Satan is the crafty serpent in the Garden of Eden (Revelation 12:9).
- Satan strategy involves attacking and distorting God’s Word.
- Satan’s goal is for us to doubt and disobey God’s Word
Man’s Defiant Disobedience (Genesis 3:6-7)
- Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s Word in unbelief, seeking their own moral autonomy.
- Adam and Eve’s sinful pattern in Genesis 3 is paralleled for us in James 1:13-16 and 1 John 2:15-17.
God’s Promised Savior (Romans 5:12-17)
- Through one man’s (Adam) sin, death has passed to all of us and reigns over us.
- Through the Gospel of Christ, we can be justified by grace and live eternally with Him.
Text: Genesis 2:18-25
God’s Providential Design in Creating Us for Relationships
- God did not create us to be isolated, but for community and relationship.
- God provided man with a helper that perfectly complemented him.
- God ordained marriage to be a covenant relationship that is freely enjoyed with one man and one woman for a lifetime of love without shame.
Text: Genesis 2:4-17
God’s Providential Design in Creating All Things (Genesis 2:4-7)
- The generations of the heaven and the earth refer to the God’s creation of man and woman.
- God’s name (Yahweh-Elohim) declares Him as both Creator and Covenant-Redeemer.
- God created a perfect setting for man to live and breathes His life into him.
God’s Providential Design in Creating Us to Work (Genesis 2:8-17)
- God placed man in the Garden of Eden with abundant provision and beauty.
- God created man with a responsibility to work and keep the Garden of Eden.
- God commanded Adam to abstain from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil to establish His good authority.
Text: Genesis 2:1-3
Divine Rest Inaugurated in God’s Finished Work of Creation
- God finished His work of creation.
- God rested from His work of creation.
- God blessed and sanctified the seventh day.
Our Eternal Rest Fulfilled in Christ’s Finished Work of Redemption
- The theme of God’s rest is seen in the future rest that awaits those who belong to God in salvation.
- Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, we can enter His eternal rest through faith in Christ and repentance (Hebrews 3:7-4:13).
- Christ calls us to find rest for our souls in Him alone (Matthew 11:27-30).
Text: Genesis 1:26-31
As God’s Image-Bearers, We Represent Him on the Earth (1:26-27)
- God made us after His image and likeness, distinct from the rest of creation.
- God made us male and female for His glory.
- Implication: Our value and identity are tied to bearing the image of God. Therefore, we should seek after Him and bear His image in a way that pleases Him.
As God’s Image-Bearers, We Fill and Rule Over the Earth (1:26b, 28-30)
- God has given us the responsibility of reproducing His image on the earth.
- God has provided us with sustenance from His creation and given us the responsibility of dominion over His creation.
- Implication: This blessing and commission God has given us should lead us to delight in Him and depend upon Him.
Conclusion: “God saw that it was very good.” (1:31)
- All that God made was good in His sight, with nothing incomplete or imperfect.
- All of creation worked in perfect harmony as God had designed.
Text: Genesis 1:1-25
The Creator of All Things (Genesis 1:1)
- The eternal triune God (“Elohim”) created everything.
- God’s glorious attributes are seen in everything He has made (Psalm 19:1-4a; Romans 1:18-20).
- We are made for His glory and are accountable and dependent upon Him (Romans 11:36; Acts 17:24-28).
The Creation of All Things (Genesis 1:2-25)
- God’s work of creation begins with Him filling the formless void with His glory.
- God created all things in six literal days by His powerful word, declaring it to be good by His glorious standard.
- We were made to worship the Creator, not worship the creation (Psalm 95:1-7a; Romans 1:21-23).
Text: Genesis 1:1
Introduction: Why Study Genesis?
- It sets the foundation for the rest of the Bible.
- It gives us the purpose of God for mankind.
- It describes the origin and effects of sin.
- It anticipates God’s answer to our problem of sin, a seed coming through the line of Abraham.
- It describes the origin of the nation of Israel and the Promised Land.
- It reveals the character of God to us.
The Historical Background of Genesis
- Genesis is a book of beginnings, and the first of the five books of the Pentateuch.
- Genesis was penned by Moses while the children of Israel were in the wilderness.
The Thematic Structure of Genesis
- Genesis 1-11 sets the foundation in broad terms of how the world was made and the fall of man. (wide angle lens)
- Genesis 12-50 focuses on the family of Abraham and how God’s promise will be fulfilled to send redemption to His people. (zoom lens)
The Creator God of Genesis (Genesis 1:1)
- Our God is the mighty and everlasting Creator and Sustainer of all things, and we are accountable to Him as His creation.
- Our response to God should be one of worship and submission, where He is exalted.
Text: James 1:19-25
Listen to the Word Openly (vs. 19-20)
- Be quick to hear – “I am eager to listen.”
- Be slow to speak – “I will not make excuses.”
- Be slow to anger: “I will not justify my disobedience.”
Receive the Word Humbly (vs. 21)
- Receiving the Word requires putting our sin away.
- Receiving the Word involves accepting it as salvation for our souls.
Obey the Word Persistently (vs. 22-25)
- A forgetful hearer has been informed by the Word, but not transformed by the Word.
- A faithful doer has been transformed by the Word to freely live out his identity in Christ.
- Josiah & Jehoiakim: A Lesson in Responding to God’s Word (2 Kings 22:8-12; Jeremiah 36:1-3, 20-24)
Christmas Eve Service
Text: Titus 3:3-7
Who We Were as Sinners (3:3)
- Because of our sin, we were entrenched in our rebellion against God and enslaved to our desires.
- Result: We had no hope to save ourselves from eternal death (Ephesians 2:12; Romans 6:20-23).
Who We Are in Christ (3:4-7)
- Because of Christ, we can be saved out of our sin by His mercy, given new life through the Spirit, and justified by His grace.
- Result: We become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Texts: Exodus 34:5-8; John 3:16-17; 1 John 4:7-12
The Steadfast Love of God Declared in His Name (Exodus 34:5-8)
- This is the first passage where God declares His character to us.
- He is full of mercy, grace, faithfulness, and love with forgiveness for sinners.
The Stunning Love of God Demonstrated in His Son (John 3:16-17)
- God’s love came down to us in the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.
- Because of Christ’s condescension in love to us, we can be saved unto eternal life through faith in Christ.
The Sacrificial Love of God Displayed in His People (1 John 4:7-12)
- God’s sacrificial love for us was clearly displayed in the incarnation and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ for our sins.
- Since God’s love abides in us as believers, we are now compelled and equipped to love others sacrificially.
Texts: Isaiah 55; Luke 2:8-12; 1 John 1:1-4
The Invitation of Satisfying Joy in Christ (Isaiah 55)
- God calls us to be satisfied in Him and seek Him alone.
- God reveals Himself to His people through His Word.
- God promises to lead His people into His joy and peace.
The Gospel of Great Joy in Christ (Luke 2:8-12)
- The Gospel is the good news of great joy for all people who believe it.
- The Gospel comes to all people through the Savior, Christ the Lord.
The Fullness of Shared Joy in Christ (1 John 1:1-4)
- The eternal Son of God came to this earth in the incarnation to bring us into fellowship with God.
- This shared fellowship with Christ and one another leads to fullness of joy.
Texts: Micah 5:1-5; Ephesians 2:11-22; Philippians 4:6-7
Christ Came to Be Our Peace (Micah 5:1-5)
- Peace is defined in Scripture as “shalom,” which means wholeness or completeness.
- Christ’s coming inaugurated a “shalom” that would bring strength to His people and culminate in His eternal reign.
Christ Came to Make Peace With God and Man (Ephesians 2:11-22)
- Christ broke down the wall of hostility between God and man through His atoning work on the cross.
- Christ’s atoning work brings wholeness and reconciliation to our relationships.
Christ Came to Bring Peace Within our Hearts (Philippians 4:6-7)
- Christ provides us with the peace of God that guards our hearts and minds.
- Christ is our refuge of peace for all the moments of our lives.
Texts: Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:21-23; Romans 15:8-13
Christ, the Promised Savior (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:21-23)
- Christ came as the prophesied Messiah who would bring salvation to sinners walking in despair and darkness.
- Christ came to be our Emmanuel, “God With Us.”
Christ, the Hope of the World (Romans 15:8-13)
- Christ became a servant for the sake of God’s truth and in fulfillment of God’s promises.
- Christ brings a certain and eternal hope to all who believe in His name, filling them with joy and peace.
Text: Colossians 4:7-18
Gospel Gratitude for Faithful Service (4:7-11)
- Paul was grateful for the Gospel’s transformation in the church that prepared them for faithful service.
- We can be grateful for how the Gospel has transformed us and placed us in ministry together.
Gospel Gain From Fruitful Service (4:12-16)
- Paul was encouraged to see the sacrificial service of others bearing fruit in the church.
- We can take heart in the power of the Gospel to grow us and empower us to serve Christ faithfully.
Gospel Grace For Future Service (4:17-18)
- Paul was looking forward to all that the God would accomplish through His church.
- We are called to fulfill the ministry God has called us to do by the power of His grace.
Text: Colossians 4:5-6
Gospel Urgency with Wisdom (4:5)
- We are called to conduct ourselves in biblical wisdom to those around us.
- We are called to use our time wisely for the Gospel’s sake.
Gospel Fluency with Grace (4:6)
- We are called to speak grace-filled words that are seasoned with the flavor of Christ.
- We are called to respond to others with grace-filled answers that point them to Christ and His Word.
Text: Colossians 4:2-4
Dependance Upon Christ in Prayer (4:2)
- Pray with steadfast consistency.
- Pray with persistent watchfulness.
- Pray with Godward gratitude.
Devotion to Christ’s Mission Through Prayer (4:3-4)
- Pray for opportunities to declare the Gospel.
- Pray for obedience to make the Gospel known.
Text: Acts 1:1-11
Jeff Fitzgerald preaches to us about how Christ's last command to His disciples as He ascended into heaven must be our first commitment as we live out our discipleship here on earth.
Text: Colossians 3:22-4:1
Christ-Centered Servanthood (3:22-25)
- We are called to obey our superiors as unto the Lord for His glory.
- We are called to serve wholeheartedly in all things for the Lord and His reward and reckoning.
Christ-Centered Supervision (4:1)
- We are called to treat those we lead with respect and equality, knowing that Jesus is Lord and supreme over all.
Text: Colossians 3:18-21
Christ-Centered Submission (3:18)
- Christ calls and empowers wives to submit to their husbands in a way that brings glory to Him.
Christ-Centered Love (3:19)
- Christ calls and empowers husbands to love their wives in a way that treasures them with gentleness.
Christ-Centered Obedience (3:20)
- Christ calls and empowers children to obey their parents in every way that pleases Him.
Christ-Centered Parenting (3:21)
- Christ calls and empowers parents to shepherd their children in a way that proves their love for them while not provoking them to become embittered or lose heart.
Texts: Philippians 1:3-11, 27-30; Romans 15:1-7; Romans 12:3-8
We Serve in a Gospel-centered Partnership (Philippians 1:3-11, 27-30)
- We are saved into a partnership with one another through the Gospel.
- This partnership manifests itself in a life worthy of the Gospel that strives side by side together.
We Serve in a Gospel-centered Culture (Romans 15:1-7)
- We are called to a unity and harmony by Christ.
- We are called to welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us.
We Serve through Gospel-centered Gifting (Romans 12:3-8)
- We are equipped to serve one another by the grace that saved us in Christ.
- Each gift is an opportunity to build up the body of Christ and bring glory to God.
Texts: Colossians 2:6-10; Ephesians 4:11-16
We are Rooted in Christ Together for Gospel Growth (Col. 2:6-10)
- We are established in Christ.
- We are steadfast in Christ.
- We are fulfilled in Christ
We are Equipped in Christ Together for Gospel Ministry (Eph. 4:11-16)
- We are equipped by the Word through gifted shepherds.
- We are matured by the Word through the Christ’s working.
- We are discipled by the Word through one another.
Texts: Psalm 95:1-7a; 2 Corinthians 3:18-4:7
Worship: The Attitude of the Heart (Psalm 95:1-7a)
- Worshipping God is about an internal attitude before it is an external activity.
- Worshipping God reframes our reality around God’s Word.
Worship: The Transformation of the Life (2 Corinthians 3:18)
- Worshipping God leads to a life that beholds the glory of Christ.
- Worshipping God leads to a life that is transformed by the glory of Christ.
Worship: The Proclamation of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 4:1-7)
- Worshipping God leads to faithful Gospel ministry that is fueled by God’s surpassing power.
- Worshipping God leads us to proclaim Christ, not ourselves.
Text: Ecclesiastes 12:9-14
Consider the Weighty Words of Wisdom (12:9-12)
- God’s wisdom is like a goad that spurs us onward.
- God’s wisdom is like well-driven nails that fix our hearts to truth.
- God’s wisdom comes to us from the Shepherd of our souls.
Consider the Whole Duty of Man (12:13-14)
- We are called to walk in the fear of God.
- We are called to obey the Word of God.
- We are energized and equipped by God to walk in His ways (1 Thess. 5:23-24).
Text: Ecclesiastes 11:1-12:8
Live Every Day With Faith in God’s Plan (11:1-6)
- We must live surrendered lives before the face of God, trusting in God’s sovereign plan.
- The future may seem uncertain to us, but we can trust in the certainty of God’s faithfulness.
Live Every Day With Gratitude for God’s Gifts (11:7-10)
- We must celebrate our days before the face of God, rejoicing in all He has given and done for us.
- We must live wisely before the face of God, knowing we are ultimately accountable to Him.
Live Every Day in Remembrance of God’s Name (12:1-8)
- We must live our days before the face of God, for the glory of God alone.
- We can face suffering and death before the face of God knowing that He will safely bring us into His presence to dwell with Him forever. (2 Cor. 4:13-18)
Text: Ecclesiastes 10
Foolishness Will Lead You Astray (10:1-4)
- A little bit of foolishness goes a long way to lead your heart astray from God’s wisdom.
- A little bit of foolishness leads to a life that lacks any sense.
Foolishness Will Lead You to Ruin (10:5-14)
- Foolishness will inevitably cause your downfall into destruction.
- Foolishness will inevitably consume you through your reckless words.
Foolishness Will Lead You to Indolence (10:15-20)
- Foolishness will cultivate a lifestyle of laziness and apathy.
- In the end, we must leave foolishness behind and look to Christ as our power and wisdom (1 Cor. 1:18-25)
Text: Ecclesiastes 9
The Unfailing Hand of God’s Providence (9:1)
- As we consider our lives, the future often seems uncertain and unpredictable.
- Therefore, we must rest our lives in God’s sovereignty and trust in His promises.
The Inescapable Reality of Our Death (9:2-6)
- Death is the great leveler and the inevitable event for all mankind.
- Therefore, we still have hope while we live if we will trust in the salvation of Christ.
The Meaningful Enjoyment of God’s Gifts (9:7-10)
- In this life, God has given us wonderful gifts to enjoy that we do not deserve.
- In view of our death, we learn to rightly assess and appreciate what God has given to us.
The Trustworthy Nature of God’s Wisdom (9:11-18)
- When we view life under the sun, it seems uncertain, unpredictable, and unrewarding.
- When we view life from God’s perspective, we see how His wisdom surpasses everything else.
Text: Ecclesiastes 8
Be Submissive to Earthly Authorities (8:1-9)
- We must wisely align ourselves under earthly authorities because they are set up by God.
- Our submission and obedience ultimately rests in God.
Fear God as the Ultimate Authority (8:10-13)
- We must walk in the fear of the Lord despite the evil we experience around us.
- We know that God is the final authority and judge of all.
Look to God’s Unfathomable Wisdom (8:14-17)
- Life can seem unfair and unjust when viewed from our limited perspective.
- We must submit to God and His unlimited wisdom to make sense of life’s challenges.
Text: Ecclesiastes 7
Consider God’s Lessons on Death (7:1-6)
- God presents death to us as a teacher who instructs us on what is most important in life.
Consider God’s Wisdom on Life (7:7-12)
- God calls us to be self-controlled, eternity-focused, and to prize wisdom over wealth.
Consider God’s Work of Providence (7:13-18)
- We must trust in the sovereignty of God and walk in the fear of God.
Consider God’s Provision of Wisdom (7:19-29)
- Wisdom is often sought after, but rarely found in the minds of mankind.
- Wisdom can only be found in God through Christ, the source of all wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3).
Text: Ecclesiastes 6
The Pointless Pursuit of All Earthly Things (6:1-6)
- Satisfaction cannot be found in wealth, possessions, and honor.
- Satisfaction cannot be achieved in a full bank account, a thriving family, and a long life.
- Satisfaction can only be found in an eternal God who put eternity in our hearts.
The Limitless Longing in All People (6:7-9)
- We all have an insatiable desire that cannot be satisfied apart from God.
- We can either find our satisfaction in God, or we can chase after the wind.
The Certain Cycle of All Events (6:10-12)
- Human words and effort cannot change the inevitable end of all things.
- There is no meaning to life apart from God.
- Consider Christ, the Bread of Life as your ultimate satisfaction (John 6:35).
Text: Ecclesiastes 5
The Posture of Intentional Worship (5:1-7)
- As we worship God, we are called to guard our steps carefully, take our vows seriously, and approach God humbly in awe.
The Poverty of Loving Money (5:8-17)
- We must recognize the fleeting and unsatisfying nature of pursuing wealth.
The Pleasure of God-Centered Contentment (5:18-20)
- We must learn to be content in the Lord and find joy in His sufficient provision for us.
Text: Ecclesiastes 4
Oppression Without Comfort (4:1-3)
- Oppression without comfort leads to misery and despair.
Envy With Anxiety (4:4-6)
- Envy with anxiety leads to a dissatisfied restlessness.
Wealth Without Contentment and Community (4:7-8)
- Wealth without contentment and community leads to loneliness and emptiness.
Life With Companionship (4:9-12)
- Life with companionship leads to community and wholeness.
Isolation Without Wisdom (4:13-16)
- Isolation without wisdom leads to foolishness and emptiness.
Text: Ecclesiastes 3
God’s Rule Over Time is Eternally Comprehensive (3:1-8)
- The statements in these verses give the full range of the human experience after the Fall in Genesis 3.
- From birth to death and everything in between, there are no gaps in God’s sovereignty and His plan of redemption.
God’s Rule Over Time is Eternally Providential (3:9-15)
- God has created everything for His glorious purpose; therefore, He will make all things beautiful according to His time.
- God has put eternity in our finite hearts; therefore, our toil only makes sense and brings joy when it is God-centered.
God’s Rule Over Time is Eternally Just (3:16-22)
- God stands as the eternal Judge over all; therefore, He will execute justice according to His will.
- In the end, death comes to us all; instead of living in denial, we must be prepared for it.
Our Youth Director, Drew Erickson preaches on Revelation 1:
- Christ the Son of Man is the ruler over the kings of the earth and will build His Church and save His people from every tribe, tongue, nation, people and language.
- Christ, the Son of Man will return in glory, and all those who have rejected Him will be judged.
Text: Ecclesiastes 2
The Emptiness of Worldly Pleasure (2:1-3)
- The pursuit of pleasure apart from God may lead to momentary happiness, but ends in permanent emptiness.
The Futility of Worldly Achievement (2:4-11)
- The pursuit of finding life’s meaning in worldly achievement may take you to the top, but it will ultimately end in gaining nothing.
The Limitations of Worldly Wisdom (2:12-17)
- The pursuit of intellectualism may lead to acquiring knowledge, but the wise and fool all come to the same end in death.
The Satisfaction of God-centered Living (2:18-26)
- All accomplishments and achievements without God at the center lead to emptiness and frustration
- Satisfaction in life is found in the hand of God, who gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy.
Text: Ecclesiastes 1
Life is Short in Light of Eternity (1:1-7)
- Our lives are the equivalent of a vapor that appears for a brief time.
- When our lives are centered on God, then our focus is not on the brevity and emptiness of this life, but on eternal life.
Life is Wearisome Under the Sun (1:8-11)
- Our lives can feel exhausting, monotonous, and futile.
- When our lives are centered on God, then our satisfaction is found in Him and His Word.
Life is Meaningless Apart from God (1:12-18)
- Our lives are wrapped up in striving and searching for meaning.
- When are lives are centered on God, then our life is not meaningless striving after the wind, but pursuing God and His wisdom.
“Ecclesiastes: Living in Light of the End” (Book Overview)
The Author of Ecclesiastes
- The human author is announced in 1:1 as the “Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.” This is most likely referring to Solomon, who also wrote the Book of Proverbs and the Song of Solomon.
- When Solomon became king, he asked God for wisdom instead of wealth and honor, which God granted to him in abundance. (1 Kings 3:5-15). However, Solomon went astray from God’s wisdom to following His own heart.
- Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes in his old age as he seeks to make sense of his life.
The Arrangement of Ecclesiastes
- Ecclesiastes is bookended with these phrases: “All is vanity” and “Fear God and keep His commandments.”
- The word vanity is a key word in the book that refers to life being a “breath” or “vapor.”
- Ecclesiastes is arranged for the reader to see what life looks like when it is lived backwards.
The Aim of Ecclesiastes
- The purpose of Ecclesiastes is to help us to live our lives backwards – in light of the end.
- This book helps us to loosen our grip on the temporal and live for the eternal.
The Priority of Obedience - Psalm 119:1-8
The perspective of all the faithful on the priority of obedience (vv. 1-3)
- They experience the happiness of obedience (vv. 1-2)
- They experience the practicality of obedience (v. 3)
The perspective of God on the priority of obedience (v. 4)
- His standard concerning obedience (v. 4a)
- His burden concerning obedience (v. 4b)
The perspective of the psalmist on the priority of obedience (vv. 5-8)
- His positively phrased plea for enablement points to the priority of obedience (vv. 5-8a)
- His negatively phrased plea for communion points to the priority of obedience (v. 8b)
Text: Colossians 3:15-17
Our Hearts Must be Gratefully Governed by the Peace of Christ. (3:15)
- The peace of Christ comes to us through the blood of Christ which reconciled us to God.
- We are called to rest in the peace of Christ to rule every moment of our lives and build unity within the church.
Our Hearts Must be Gratefully Filled by the Word of Christ. (3:16)
- We must let the Gospel of Christ occupy the residence in our hearts in abundance
- We are called to express our belief in Christ and unity in Christ through corporate worship.
Our Hearts Must be Gratefully Devoted to the Name of Christ. (3:17)
- All we do and say must be for the glory of Christ
- All we do and say must be carried out with thankfulness to Christ.
Text: Colossians 3:12-14
The New Life Begins in Christ (3:12a)
- As believers, we are chosen, sanctified, and loved by God.
- This new life does not rest on our merits, but on Christ and His work in us.
The New Life Looks Like Christ (3:12b-14)
- As believers, our life should reflect the grace we have received in Christ.
- This new life is characterized by Christlike love which gives way to Christlike harmony.
Text: Colossians 3:7-11
We Must Cast Off the Sins of the Old Life (3:7-9)
- Christ calls us to turn from our former life of sin and never look back.
- Christ equips us to comprehensively target all forms of ungodly behavior and put them to death.
We Must Put On the Identity of the New Life in Christ (3:10-11)
- The new life in Christ has replaced the old life of sin.
- The new life in Christ is created in us through Christ.
- The new life in Christ gives us a new identity.
Missions Focus Sunday
Dr. Joshua Paxton preached to us from 3 John 5-8, which called us to send missionaries out in a manner worthy of God so that we may be fellow workers in the Truth. He taught us how we can “hold the rope” with missionaries through meaningful involvement in training, sending, and supporting.
(Dr. Paxton is the Director of the Burnham Center for Global Engagement and Professor of Intercultural Studies at Calvary University)
Text: Colossians 3:5-6
God’s Grace Empowers Us to Make War on Sin (3:5)
- Because we are raised with Christ, we are empowered to put our sin to death.
- Because we are raised with Christ, we must no longer worship our desires.
God’s Wrath Sobers Us to Think Rightly About Our Sin (3:6)
- For sinners outside of Christ, the wrath of God will be coming upon them; therefore, we need to take sin seriously.
- For sinners saved by Christ, the wrath of God has been satisfied in Christ; therefore, we can rest in His sufficient work (1 John 2:1-2).
Text: Colossians 3:1-4
We Must Earnestly Prioritize Christ and His Kingdom (3:1-2)
- Because we have been raised to life in Christ, He is our chief consideration in all things.
- We value Christ and His eternal kingdom over the things of earth.
We Must Purposefully Embrace Our Identity in Christ and His Kingdom (3:3-4)
- In Christ, we have died to ourselves and have been raised to a new identity in Him.
- In Christ, our life is complete and secure for all eternity in His Kingdom.
Text: Colossians 2:16-23
Consider the Insufficiency of Legalism (2:16-17)
- Following religious rules does not produce godliness; it can lead to self-righteousness and judgmentalism.
- Look to Christ as the substance of your faith!
Consider the Insufficiency of Mysticism (2:18-19)
- Worshipping angels and searching for visions will lead us away from the truth of the Gospel.
- Hold fast to Christ, the fountain head of all wisdom and fulfillment!
Consider the Insufficiency of Asceticism (2:20-23)
- Self-made religion and discipline for the sake of the flesh leads to enslavement by the flesh.
- Depend on Christ to deliver you from your sin and equip you in the battle against temptation!
Text: Colossians 2:11-15
In Christ We Are Given a New Heart (2:11-12)
- Because of Christ, we are given a new life with a transformed heart.
- Life Application: Because Christ has given us new hearts, we are now empowered by Christ to follow Him.
In Christ We Receive Complete Forgiveness (2:13-14)
- Because of Christ, we experience total forgiveness of all our sins as we are made alive in Him.
- Life Application: As Christians, we are no longer under condemnation, but under grace!
In Christ We are Granted Victory Over the Enemy (2:15)
- Because of Christ, we share in the victory of Christ’s triumphant defeat of Satan and his demons.
- Life Application: As Christians, we do not live in light of who we were in our sins; we live in light of who Christ is as our victorious Savior.
Text: Colossians 2:6-10
We are Established in Christ (2:6-7)
- We look to Christ as our Lord and Savior in salvation.
- We are given new life in Christ through His work.
- We rest on Christ as our foundation with thanksgiving.
We are Steadfast in Christ (2:8)
- We must resist the lies of false teaching and cling to the Truth.
- These lies are deceptive, man-centered, and enslaving.
We are Fulfilled in Christ (2:9-10)
- We have a new life in Christ that is complete and lacks nothing, for it flows from Christ and His infinite fullness.
Text: Colossians 2:1-5
Treasuring Christ Leads to True Community (2:1-2a)
- We have mutual encouragement in Christ because our hearts have been united in love by Christ.
Treasuring Christ Leads to Understanding the Wisdom of Christ (2:2b-3)
- In Christ, we have access to the abundance of His sufficient wisdom and knowledge.
Treasuring Christ Leads to Steady Resistance to Error (2:4)
- Because we possess Christ’s wisdom, we are empowered to stand firm against persuasive, unbiblical teaching.
Treasuring Christ Leads to Enduring Faith in Christ (2:5)
- We possess a lasting faith that rests on the solid foundation of Christ.
Text: Colossians 1:28-29
Proclaim Christ’s Message Exclusively (1:28)
- The content and substance of our message is Christ alone.
- When Christ is proclaimed, the church will be warned of error and taught in wisdom.
- When Christ is proclaimed, the church will grow to maturity in Christ.
Depend on Christ’s Strength Fully (1:29)
- We work for the sake of Christ through the power of Christ.
- The power of Christ works mightily in us as we suffer for Christ, steward the Gospel, and proclaim His message.
Text: Colossians 1:24-27
Suffer For Christ’s Name Joyfully (1:24)
- We have been called to endure suffering with joy for the advancement of Christ’s church.
- It is an honor to share in Christ’s suffering for His Name.
Steward Christ’s Word Faithfully (1:25-27)
- We have been entrusted with the Gospel of Christ and called to make it fully known to the world.
- The mystery of God’s plan has been revealed: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Text: Colossians 1:21-23
What We Were Before Christ (1:21)
- The need for reconciliation: We were alienated, hostile in mind, doing evil deeds against God.
What We Become in Christ (1:22)
- The means of reconciliation: We become holy, blameless, and above reproach before God.
How We Live Because of Christ (1:23)
- The outcome of reconciliation: We continue by grace with steadfastness, holding onto the hope of the Gospel.
Text: Colossians 1:19-20
He is Preeminent in Completeness (1:19)
- Jesus possesses all the fullness of God Himself.
- Jesus lacks nothing as sovereign and supreme over all things.
He is Preeminent in the New Creation (1:20)
- Jesus brings complete and comprehensive reconciliation to His creation and His people.
- Jesus is the ultimate Restorer, making all things new in His eternal Kingdom.
Text: Colossians 1:15-18
He is Preeminent in Creation (1:15-17)
- Jesus is the eternal Son of God who is the exact image of God Himself.
- Jesus is the supreme and sovereign Creator, Sustainer, and focal point of all things.
He is Preeminent in the Church (1:18)
- Jesus is the Founder and Leader of the church.
- Jesus’ death and resurrection secured our entrance into the church.
- Nothing can compare to Jesus’ preeminence in all things.
Text: Colossians 1:13-14
The Work of Redemption Accomplished (1:13)
- God the Father accomplished His saving work through Christ.
- This saving work delivered us from darkness and brought us into the kingdom of Christ.
The Work of Redemption Applied (1:14)
- Through Christ’s sacrificial death, we have been set free from the power of sin.
- Though Christ’s sacrificial death, we have been forgiven of the penalty of sin.
Text: Colossians 1:9-12
Gospel-Centered Prayer Prioritizes God’s Will (1:9)
- We must seek to be filled with the knowledge of God’s revealed will so that we will live according to His wisdom.
Gospel-Centered Prayer Produces Godly Fruit (1:10)
- Knowing God’s revealed will leads to a life that is pleasing to God and bears godly fruit.
Gospel-Centered Prayer is Powered by God’s Strength (1:11)
- We must pray in total dependance upon God, for it is His power that brings us spiritual life and give us the strength to grow in grace and endure with joy.
Gospel-Centered Prayer Promotes Gratitude to God (1:12)
- We must pray with thanksgiving to God, praising Him for all that He has done for us in the Gospel to make us His own and bring us safely home.
Text: Colossians 1:3-8
The Foundation of Gospel Work (1:3-5a)
- The foundation of the Gospel is God Himself as He saves us by His grace.
- The evidence of God’s saving grace is true faith in Christ and genuine love for the saints that is grounded on eternal hope in Christ.
The Fruitfulness of Gospel Work (1:5b-6)
- The Gospel has a global impact as the truth is preached and heard.
- The Gospel has a fruitful impact as it is believed and practiced.
The Faithfulness of Gospel Work (1:7-8)
- We must devote ourselves to faithful ministry of the Gospel as servants and representatives of Christ.
Text: Colossians 1:1-2
The Author of Colossians
- The human author of this book is the Apostle Paul, who also penned 13 letters of the New Testament.
- Paul was redeemed by God’s grace and became a missionary for the Gospel’s sake.
The Audience of Colossians
- Paul wrote this letter to the church at Colossae from prison in Rome between A.D. 60-62, before his eventual martyrdom in A.D. 64.
- Paul was confronting false teaching by pointing the Colossian church to hope in the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ.
The Aim of Colossians
- The theology of Colossians centers on Christ’s supremacy and sufficiency as it is worked out within the believer’s life.
- Paul set out to proclaim Christ so that we may become mature in Christ (Colossians 1:18, 28).
Text: Philippians 2:5-11
Jesus, Our Suffering Servant (2:5-8)
- These verses center on the humiliation of Jesus as He came in the flesh and died on the cross.
Jesus, Our Exalted Lord (2:9-11)
- These verses center on the exaltation of Jesus where every earthly and heavenly being will bow at His feet and give Him the worship He deserves.
Text: Isaiah 9:6-7 and other selected passages
Jesus Makes Peace With God and Man
- Jesus broke down the wall of hostility between God and man through His atoning work on the cross.
- Jesus brings wholeness and reconciliation to our relationships.
- Consider these verses: Psalm 85:8-10; Isaiah 55:10-11; Ephesians 2:12-18; Colossians 1:19-22; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Jesus Brings Peace Within our Hearts
- Jesus gives us the peace of God that guards our hearts and minds.
- Jesus is our refuge of peace for all the moments of our lives.
- Consider these passages: Psalm 4:6-8; Isaiah 26:3-4,12; John 14:27, 16:31-33; Romans 16:20; Philippians 4:6-7
Jesus Reigns With Peace Forever as Our King
- Jesus will put an end to all war and strife to reign forever in justice and righteousness in a kingdom of peace.
- Consider these passages: Isaiah 9:7; Daniel 7:14; Luke 1:30-33; Hebrews 1:8; Revelation 11:15
Text: Isaiah 9:6 and Selected Passages
Jesus is the Father of Eternity
- Jesus is the self-existent Son of God who is the unchanging author of eternity.
- Consider these passages: Psalm 90:1-2; Isaiah 40:28-31; 1 Timothy 1:14-17; Hebrews 1:10-12, 13:8.
Jesus’ Fatherly Care is Everlasting
- Jesus’ fatherly care toward us is never-ending and overflowing.
- Jesus calls us to come to Him as weak, burdened sinners to find rest in the everlasting dimensions of His steadfast love and forgiveness.
- Consider these passages: Psalm 103:10-18, 136:1-4, 138:8; Lamentations 3:22-24; Matthew 11:25-30.
Text: Isaiah 9:6 & Other Selected Passages
Jesus is Mighty in Creation
- Jesus is our mighty fortress, present help, and comfort.
- Consider these passages: Genesis 1:1; Psalm 33:6-9; Psalm 95:1-6; John 1:1-4
Jesus is Mighty in Salvation
- Jesus is mighty to rescue us from our bondage to sin and give us new life in Him.
- Consider these passages: Psalm 40:1-4; Zephaniah 3:17; Luke 1:46-55; Galatians 4:4-7; Ephesians 1:3-10; Hebrews 2:14-18, 7:25; Revelation 5:9-13
Jesus is Mighty in Tribulation
- Jesus is our mighty fortress, present help, and eternal comfort.
- Consider these passages: Psalm 46:1-11; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Text: Isaiah 9:1-6
The Light That Shines into Spiritual Darkness (9:1-5)
- Jesus is the promised Light that brings deliverance and hope to those living under sin’s tyranny.
The Child Who is Born with a God-given Destiny (9:6)
- Jesus is the promised Son who was born as our Savior, but also as our King.
The Counselor Who Comes with Divine Wisdom (9:7)
- Jesus is the promised Counselor in whom all wisdom and knowledge dwells.
Text: Titus 3:12-15
We must intentionally provide for the needs of our Gospel ambassadors (3:12-13).
- The Gospel points us outward to encourage and support fellow laborers in the ministry.
We must lovingly support the needs of our Gospel community (3:14-15a).
- The Gospel points us inward in addressing the urgent needs of the church by devoting ourselves to good works.
We must willingly rely upon God’s grace for our Gospel work (3:15b).
- The Gospel points us upward to the all-sufficient grace of God to energize Gospel ministry.
Text: Titus 3:9-11
Pursue Gospel Unity by Avoiding Divisive Behavior (3:9)
- We are called to keep the Gospel central, not give ourselves to unprofitable disputes that oppose the Gospel.
Preserve Gospel Unity By Confronting Divisive People (3:10-11)
- We must guard our Gospel unity by not tolerating those who stir up division within the church.
The Application of Gospel Unity
- Preserving Gospel unity will promote a healthy Gospel culture within the church. If we don’t divisiveness will spread.
- Practicing Gospel unity will proclaim the Gospel message to the world. If we don’t our mission will be hindered.
Text: Titus 3:3-8
Before Christ: Our Sinfulness (3:3)
- Before Christ, we were entrenched in our rebellion against God and enslaved to our desires.
After Christ: Our Salvation (3:4-7)
- After Christ, we are saved by His mercy, given new life through the Spirit, and justified by His grace.
Through Christ: Our Service (3:8)
- Through Christ, we are equipped and compelled to do good works for the sake of the Gospel.
Text: Titus 3:1-2
Grace-Filled Submission (3:1a)
- Our life must be characterized by a submission to God and His ordained authority in this world.
Grace-Filled Service (3:1b)
- Our life must be characterized by an eagerness to serve the Lord and carry out His will.
Grace-Filled Speech (3:2)
- Our relationships must be characterized by speaking evil to no one and giving courtesy to everyone with gentleness.
Text: Titus 2:11-15
Grace Appeared to Us in Christ (2:11)
- God’s grace is personified to us in Christ’s coming to us.
- God’s grace is dispensed to us through Christ’s work of salvation.
Grace Trains Us to Live For Christ (2:12)
- God’s grace trains us to say no to self-centered living.
- God’s grace trains us to say yes to Christ-centered living.
Grace Motivates Us to Serve Christ and Look For His Return (2:13-15)
- God’s grace is the empowerment of all our service to Christ.
- God’s grace focuses our attention on the return of Christ.
- God’s grace compels us to proclaim the Gospel with boldness and authority.
Text: Titus 2:9-10
Our Work Should Reflect the Gospel (2:9-10a)
- We should be submissive in every way that is God-honoring.
- We should excel in working well without argument or opposition.
- We should excel in being trustworthy and faithful as opposed to dishonest and deceptive.
Our Work Should Adorn the Gospel (2:10b)
- We need to view our work as a platform for Gospel proclamation.
- The way we work should make Gospel doctrine attractive to the world around us.
Text: Titus 2:6-8
Sound Doctrine Produces Sound Men Who are Self-Controlled (2:6).
- God calls older men to life-on-life discipleship that culminates in the sanctification of younger men.
- God calls younger men to a life of self-mastery in thought and deed.
Sound Doctrine Produces Sound Men Who Lead and Teach By Example (2:7-8)
- God calls the leaders of the church to lead by example in good works in doctrinal purity, personal dignity, and edifying speech.
- The Gospel will be put on display and the enemies of the Gospel will be put to shame.
Text: Titus 2:4-5
Sound Doctrine Leads to Sound Training in Christlikeness (2:3-4a)
- God calls older women to life-on-life discipleship that culminates in the sanctification of younger women.
Sound Doctrine Produces Sound Women With Christlike Character (2:4-5).
- God calls younger women to cultivate a love for their family.
- God calls younger women to guard their minds and desires.
- God calls younger women to pursue moral purity.
- God calls younger women to a labor of love within the home.
- God calls younger women to be virtuous living.
- God calls younger women to align themselves under their husband’s loving leadership.
- God’s Word will be honored as we pursue and practice sound doctrine.
Title: “God’s Instructions for Older Men & Women”
Text: Titus 2:1-3
Sound Doctrine Must Be Taught Faithfully by Christlike Elders (2:1)
- Sound Gospel doctrine feeds the church.
- Sound Gospel doctrine counsels the church.
- Sound Gospel doctrine protects the church.
Sound Doctrine Must Be Modeled Faithfully By Older Men (2:2).
- God calls older men to be Christ-focused.
- God calls older men to be worthy of respect.
- God calls older men to be disciplined in thought and deed.
- God calls older men to be strong in faith, love, and perseverance.
Sound Doctrine Must Be Modeled Faithfully By Older Women (2:3).
- God calls older women to be reverent in behavior.
- God calls older women to guard their speech.
- God calls older women to guard their appetites.
- God call older women to life-on-life discipleship.
God’s Love Defined
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“God’s love is an exercise of His goodness towards individual sinners whereby, having identified Himself with their welfare, He has given us His Son to be their Savior, and now brings them to know and enjoy Him in a covenant relation.” (J.I. Packer, Knowing God)
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God declares Himself as the One who abounds in love (Exodus 34:6-7).
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God is declared as the very essence and definition of Love (1 John 4:8,16).
God’s Love Displayed
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God’s love displayed in creation (Genesis 1-2; Psalm 104; 136:3-9).
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God’s love displayed within the Trinity (Matthew 3:16-17; John 5:19-21, 10:14-18, 14:8-11, 17:24-26).
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God’s love displayed to Israel (Deuteronomy 7:7-8, Psalm 136; Jeremiah 31:1-3; Hosea 11:1-4, 13:4-6).
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God’s love displayed to the world and sinners (John 3:16; Romans 5:1-11; 1 John 2:2).
God's Love Demonstrated (1 John 4:7-12)
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Our love for others stems from our new birth in the Gospel work of Christ (7-9)
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Our love for others grows out of God's love for us (10-11)
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God's love is made complete in us as we love others sacrificially (12)
God’s Love Defined
- “God’s love is an exercise of His goodness towards individual sinners whereby, having identified Himself with their welfare, He has given us His Son to be their Savior, and now brings them to know and enjoy Him in a covenant relation.” (J.I. Packer, Knowing God)
- God declares Himself as the One who abounds in love (Exodus 34:6-7).
- God is declared as the very essence and definition of Love (1 John 4:8,16).
God’s Love Displayed
- God’s love displayed in creation (Genesis 1-2; Psalm 104; 136:3-9).
- God’s love displayed within the Trinity (Matthew 3:16-17; John 5:19-21, 10:14-18, 14:8-11, 17:24-26).
- God’s love displayed to Israel (Deuteronomy 7:7-8, Psalm 136; Jeremiah 31:1-3; Hosea 11:1-4, 13:4-6).
- God’s love displayed to the world and sinners (John 3:16; Romans 5:1-11; 1 John 2:2).
Title: "The Providence of God, Part 3"
Text Matthew 6:25-34
God's Providence Defined
God's Providence Displayed
God's Providence Demonstrated (Matthew 6:25-34)
- Submit to God as the Provider and Sustainer of your life (verses 25-30)
- Surrender your life to God's care and His Kingdom purposes (verses 31-34)
God’s Providence Defined
- “The providence of God is seen in His purposeful and pervasive sovereignty” (Piper)
- “The providence of God is the almighty, everywhere-present power of God, whereby, as it were by His hand, He still upholds heaven and earth with all creature, and so governs them that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, indeed all things come not by chance, but by His fatherly hand.” (Heidelberg Catechism, 1563)
- “God the great Creator of all things doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, from the greatest even to the least, by his most wise and holy providence, according to his infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his own will, to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy.” (Westminster Confession of Faith, 1646)
God’s Providence Displayed
- God’s providence in His Name (Genesis 22:14)
- God’s providence over creation (Psalm 104, 139:13-16; Colossians 1:14; Hebrews 1:3)
- God’s providence over history, including kings and nations (Isaiah 46:8-10, 40:15-24; Proverbs 21:1; Daniel 2:20-23)
- God’s providence over Satan and demons (Job 1-2; Romans 16:20; Revelation 20:7-10)
- God’s providence over good and evil (Genesis 50:15-21; Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13)
- God’s providence over life and death (Psalm 100:3; Colossians 1:16; Job 1:21; James 4:13-16; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Revelation 1:17-18, 21:1-5)
- God’s providence over salvation (Ephesians 1:3-14; 2:1-10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
God’s Providence Defined
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“The providence of God is seen in His purposeful and pervasive sovereignty” (Piper).
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“The providence of God is the almighty, everywhere-present power of God, whereby, as it were by His hand, He still upholds heaven and earth with all creature, and so governs them that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, indeed all things come not by chance, but by His fatherly hand.” (Heidelberg Catechism, 1563)
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“God the great Creator of all things doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, from the greatest even to the least, by his most wise and holy providence, according to his infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his own will, to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy.” (Westminster Confession of Faith, 1646)
God’s Providence Displayed
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God’s providence in His Name (Genesis 22:14)
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God’s providence over creation (Psalm 104; Psalm 139:13-16; Colossians 1:14; Hebrews 1:3)
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God’s providence over history, including kings and nations (Isaiah 46:8-10; Isaiah 40:15-24; Proverbs 21:1; Daniel 2:20-23)
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God’s providence over Satan and demons (Job 1-2; Romans 16:20; Revelation 20:7-10)
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God’s providence over evil (Genesis 50:15-21; Isaiah 46:8-10; Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13)
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God’s providence over salvation (Ephesians 1:3-14; 2:1-10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
Text: 1 Peter 1:13-21
God’s Holiness Demonstrated (1 Peter 1:13-21)
* Our mindset is driven by the Gospel (v. 13a).
* Our hope is fueled by grace with an eternal perspective (v. 13b).
* Our holiness is produced by the One who is holy (vv. 14-16).
* Our conduct is empowered by Christ and His atoning work (vv. 17-21).
The Cross and the Constraint: Living In Light of Christ's Sacrifice | Gebriell Sierra
Text: 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
Outline: • The Cross - Ruin - Redemption - Regeneration • The Constraint - No Longer Live Yourself - Forsake Sin - Do Not Waste Your Life - Discipline Yourself For the Purpose of Godliness - Be Motivated By Love
Isaiah 6:1-9
God’s Holiness Defined
- “The primary meaning of holy is separate. It comes from an ancient word that means to cut or to separate.” (Sproul)
- God’s holiness carries the idea of transcendence, moral perfection, and majestic splendor.
God’s Holiness Displayed (Isaiah 6:1-5)
- God’s holiness governs all His attributes and points to all His works.
- God’s holiness is seen in the superlative: He is supreme in His perfection and greatness.
- God’s holiness exposes our unworthiness.
Drew Erickson preaches from Romans 1:13-3:27. He walks through the power, righteousness, and wisdom of God revealed in the Gospel to guilty sinners. We receive the righteousness of God through faith as we are justified through Christ’s redemption.
Text: Titus 1:10-16
The Exposure of Gospel Opponents (Titus 1:10-13a)
- We must detect their expanding infiltration within the church.
- We must recognize their ungodly character.
- We must silence them by removing their platform, overpowering them with truth, and giving ourselves to holy living. (MacArthur)
The Response to Gospel Opponents (Titus 1:13b-14)
- Their teaching must be reproved, so they can repent.
- Their teaching must be rejected, so it will not damage the church.
The Verdict on Gospel Opponents (Titus 1:15-16)
- The internal evaluation of their hearts: Defiled minds and consciences
- The external evaluation of their actions: Profession without practice
Text: Titus 1:10-16
The Exposure of Gospel Opponents (Titus 1:10-13a)
- We must detect their expanding infiltration within the church.
- We must recognize their ungodly character.
- We must silence them by removing their platform, overpowering them with truth, and giving ourselves to holy living. (MacArthur)
Text: Titus 1:5-9
The Charge to Appoint Christlike Elders (Titus 1:5)
- The New Testament uses three words to refer to the same leadership office: Elder, Overseer, and Pastor.
- Titus was charged with identifying, appointing, and equipping elders to lead the church.
The Character to Aspire to in Christlike Elders (Titus 1:6)
- An elder is above reproach.
- An elder is faithfully devoted to his wife.
The Conduct to Aim for in Christlike Elders (Titus 1:6-9)
- An elder shepherds his children in godliness.
- An elder is not driven to serve self or substances.
- An elder is driven to serve others and seek after holiness.
- An elder demonstrates a steadfast commitment to God’s Word.
Text: Titus 1:5-7
The Charge to Appoint Christlike Elders (Titus 1:5)
- The New Testament uses three words to refer to the same leadership office: Elder, Overseer, and Pastor.
- Titus was charged with identifying, appointing, and equipping elders to lead the church.
The Character to Aspire to in Christlike Elders (Titus 1:6)
- An elder is above reproach.
- An elder is faithfully devoted to his wife.
The Conduct to Aim for in Christlike Elders (Titus 1:6-9)
- An elder shepherds his children in godliness.
- An elder is not driven to serve self or substances.
Text: Titus 1:5-6
The Charge to Appoint Christlike Elders (Titus 1:5)
- The New Testament uses three words to refer to the same leadership office: Elder, Overseer, and Pastor.
- Titus was charged with identifying, appointing, and equipping elders to lead the church.
The Character to Aspire in Christlike Elders (Titus 1:6)
- An elder is a man who is above reproach.
- An elder is a man who is faithfully devoted to his wife.
- An elder is a man who shepherds his children in godliness.
One of our elders, Jeff Fitzgerald preached to us today from James 5:7-12. He exhorted us to consider five ways to let patience have its perfect work in our life.
First, we must wait with long patience with eternity in view, enduring affliction with a centered trust in God.
Second, we must establish and strengthen our hearts to be steadfast in light of Christ’s return.
Third, we must not become bitter or complain in the midst of difficult suffering. As we consider the example of the prophets, we see that in and through suffering God does His greatest work! God uses our trials to bring us into spiritual maturity and beauty.
Fourth, we must keep pressing on and not quit, considering the steadfastness of Job. If we want the blessing, we need to be willing to carry the burden. The path to glory is through suffering. God gives great grace and honor to those who endure.
Fifth, we must not swear oaths and make bargains with God under trial. This is the flippant use of God’s name to escape hardship. Instead we should pursue a life of character and integrity, patiently trusting in the Lord.
Text: Titus 1:1-4
A Purposeful Identity (Titus 1:1)
- Paul identifies himself as a servant of God who was sent by God.
- Paul’s mission was to connect truth and godliness for Christ-followers in Crete.
- By God’s grace, we are servants who have been called and sent out for the Gospel’s sake.
An Eternal Hope (Titus 1:2-3)
- Paul grounds our eternal security in the eternal promises of God that are inscribed in God’s unfailing Word.
- Paul’s preaching of the Gospel is directed by the Word and centered on Christ.
A Gospel Partnership (Titus 1:4)
- Paul writes to his son in the faith with whom he shares a spiritual partnership through God’s grace and peace.
- Our partnership as believers is fundamentally grounded in Christ, through His grace and peace in the Gospel.
Dr. Thor Madsen preaches to us from John 10:1-42. He is the Dean of Doctoral Studies and Academic Initiatives as well as a Professor of New Testament, Ethics & Philosophy at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
The Author of Titus
- The human author of this book is the Apostle Paul, who also penned 13 letters of the New Testament.
- Paul was redeemed by God’s grace and became a missionary for the Gospel’s sake.
The Audience of Titus
- Paul wrote the book to a pastor named Titus, whom he left to establish churches on the island of Crete.
- It was most likely written between A.D. 62-64, just before his eventual martyrdom.
- While it is written to a pastor, it is written for the church.
The Aim of Titus
- Titus can be divided up into two components: Doctrine and Devotion
- This book demonstrates the seamless connection between healthy doctrine and holy behavior.
- This works itself out in a healthy church with Godly leadership.
Text: Mark 16
The Trustworthy Foundation of God’s Word (2 Peter 1:16-21; 2 Tim. 3:16-17)
- The Bible is inspired by God and authoritative for our faith and practice.
- The Bible has been preserved by God through the centuries with over 25,000 copies of the original manuscripts in existence.
The Purposeful Conclusion to Mark’s Gospel (Mark 16:8)
- The end of Mark’s Gospel corresponds to the arrangement of the book.
- The end of Mark’s Gospel corresponds to the aim of the book.
Missionary Jim Shoberg preaches to us from Acts 13:1-4. He challenged us to see the ministry of the Holy Spirit sets us apart by working through the local church to equip, enlist, and send out Gospel proclaimers. We need to move from being resigned to this calling to accepting and embracing it fully.
Text: Mark 16:1-8
An Amazing Devotion (Mark 16:1-4)
- These women displayed a courageous love for Christ as they went to the tomb.
- These women were the primary witnesses in Scripture to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
An Astounding Message (Mark 16:5-7)
- The angel proclaimed the glorious news of Christ’s triumph over death.
- The angel compelled the women to proclaim the good news of the resurrection to the disciples.
An Astonishing Response (Mark 16:8)
- The women responded to the resurrection trembling with amazement and fear.
- The women’s response would later be accompanied by Jesus’ presence; He would dispel their fears and assure their hearts (Matt. 28:8-10; John 20:11-18)
Text: Mark 15:33-47
Wrath Absorbed (Mark 15:33-37)
- Jesus drank the cup of God’s wrath on our behalf, fully satisfying divine justice.
- After suffering in our place, Jesus died in our place.
- Gospel Implication: Jesus absorbed the fury of God’s wrath and entered God-forsaken darkness so that sinners would be accepted by God through faith and repentance.
Access Granted (Mark 15:38)
- The temple curtain signified the veil that stood between God and man.
- As Jesus died on the cross, He tore the temple curtain from top to bottom.
- Gospel Implication: Because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross, we have access to God.
Identity Declared (Mark 15:39)
- The centurion declares Jesus as the Son of God in the wake of His death.
- This confession echoes the identity statements of Mark 1:1 and 8:29.
- Gospel Implication: Jesus’ title as the Son of God declares who He is and what He came to accomplish.
Witnesses Described (Mark 15:40-41)
- The women who followed Jesus were devoted to Him and His ministry.
- Gospel Implication: Jesus calls both men and women to Himself who He equips for His kingdom purposes.
Death Confirmed (Mark 15:42-47)
- The death of Christ was confirmed, but it would be short-lived.
- Joseph of Arimathea courageously and unashamedly identifies with Jesus and requests to bury Jesus.
- Gospel Implication: Jesus entered death in order to conquer death for us.
Text: Mark 15:16-32
The Shame He Endured for Sinners (Mark 15:16-20)
- Jesus endured the mockery of the soldiers, the crowd, and the religious leaders.
- Jesus’ prediction in Mark 10:33-34 came to pass and fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 50:6.
- Gospel Implication: Jesus bore the shame that we deserved as sinners (Hebrews 13:12-13).
The Suffering He Experienced for Sinners (Mark 15:21-27)
- Jesus suffered the horrific pain and humiliation of being crucified.
- Jesus suffered under the weight of God’s wrath, bearing our sin on His shoulders.
- Gospel Implication: Jesus became a curse for sinners who deserved judgment (Isaiah 53:12; Galatians 3:13-14).
The Salvation He Extends to Sinners (Mark 15:29-32)
- Jesus was accused of not being able to save others because He chose not to save Himself.
- Gospel Implication: Because Jesus did not save Himself, He was able to bring salvation to all who repent and believe in His name (Romans 8:32; 1 Peter 2:22-25).
Text: Mark 15:1-15
The Question of Authority and Kingdom (Mark 15:1-5)
- Jesus affirms His kingship.
- Jesus explains His otherworldly Kingdom (John 18:33-38).
- Gospel Implication: Pilate is amazed by Jesus’ presence, but will not give allegiance to Jesus’ authority.
The Exchange of Jesus and Barabbas (Mark 15:6-11)
- During the Feast of Passover, it was typical for the Romans to grant a prisoner pardon.
- The Jewish crowd chooses to release Barabbas over Jesus.
- Gospel Implication: How Jesus stands in the place of condemned sinners.
The Verdict of Scourging and Death (Mark 15:12-15)
- The Sanhedrin influences the crowd to cry out for the crucifixion of Jesus.
- Pilate scourges Jesus and delivers Him to be crucified.
- Gospel Implication: “What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” (Matthew 27:22)
Text: Mark 14:66-72
A Scene of Distant Following (Mark 14:54,66)
- Peter cautiously follows Jesus at a distance, trying to make sense of what was unfolding.
- Peter’s previous statements of loyalty would soon be tested.
A Sequence of Defensive Denials (Mark 14:67-71)
- Peter’s loyalty is placed on trial with three different encounters.
- At each encounter, Peter chose self-preservation over being identified with Christ.
A Sight of Deep Despair (Mark 14:72)
- Peter remembered Jesus’ prediction of failure.
- Peter responded by weeping bitterly over his failure.
A Scene of Dramatic Compassion and Restoration (Luke 22:61; John 21:15-19)
- Jesus predicted Peter’s failure, but prayed for his faith to be strengthened
- Jesus lovingly looked at Peter in the midst of his failure.
- Jesus powerfully restored Peter to usefulness.
Heart Application
- When your life is put on trial, self-sufficiency is your enemy.
- When your life is put on trial, repentance is the way forward.
- When your life is put on trial, Christ will be faithful.
Text: Mark 14:53-65
A Secret Trial of Conspiracy (Mark 14:53-60)
- The trial was shrouded in deception and injustice at every level.
- The religious leaders assembled the evidence from false witnesses to get their intended verdict.
- Jesus’ intentional silence during the trial fulfills prophecy (Isaiah 53:7)
A Startling Revelation of Lordship (Mark 14:61-62)
- Jesus breaks His silence to answer the question about His identity.
- Jesus declares Himself to be the Son of God and Lord of all.
A Scornful Condemnation of Death (Mark 14:63-65)
- Jesus’ declaration of Lordship is met with accusations of blasphemy.
- Jesus’ death sentence is followed by merciless mocking, spitting, and beatings.
Text: Mark 14:43-52
The Covert Corruption of the Crowd (Mark 14:43)
- Jesus is met by a crowd of over 600 under the cover of secrecy and darkness to take Him by force illegally.
- The crowd consisted of Judas, chief priests, scribes, elders, and soldiers.
The Unmasked Treachery of Judas (Mark 14:44-46)
- Jesus unmasks Judas for the hypocrite and betrayer that he was in his heart.
- Judas betrays Jesus as He predicted at the Passover meal.
- “Judas stands as a warning about the evil potential of spiritual carelessness, squandered opportunity, sinful lusts, and hardness of the heart.” (MacArthur)
The Reckless Desertion of the Disciples (Mark 14:47,50)
- Peter makes a bold and reckless move to prove his worth.
- The disciples abandon Jesus just as He predicted.
The Majestic Composure of Jesus (Mark 14:48-52)
- Jesus triumphantly stays calm and stands firm under pressure.
- Jesus is in complete control as He accomplishes His mission and fulfills the Scriptures.
Text: Mark 14:32-42
The Sorrowing Savior (Mark 14:32-34)
- Jesus entered Gethsemane with His disciples in watchful prayer.
- Jesus continued in Gethsemane under pressing anguish and distress.
- Jesus enters our sorrow as our ultimate High priest (Hebrews 4:15; 5:7-10)
The Submissive Savior (Mark 14:35-36)
- Jesus displays His perfect humanity in Gethsemane.
- Jesus prays for the cup of God’s wrath to be removed.
- Jesus submitted Himself to the will of His Father as our substitute and example.
The Slumbering Disciples (Mark 14:37-42)
- Jesus exhorts His disciples to watchful prayer amid temptation’s warfare.
- Jesus finds His disciples sleeping instead of praying.
- Jesus passes the test of Gethsemane with undaunted courage and unparalleled love.
Text: Mark 14:26-31
The Prophetic Words of Jesus (Mark 14:26-28)
- Jesus predicts the failure of each disciple.
- Jesus promises to be faithful to His mission and to His disciples.
The Protesting Words of Peter (Mark 14:29-31)
- Peter challenged Jesus’ words and pledged his undying devotion.
- Peter underestimated his enemy and refused to admit his own weakness.
Heart Application
- Know that your heart will lead you astray (Prov. 16:18; Jer. 17:5-10)
- Submit yourself to God and His Word (Ps. 119:9-11; James 1:19-25; 4:6-10)
- Under the grace of Christ, failure does not mean final. (1 Thess. 5:23-24; 1 Tim. 1:12-17)
Text: Haggai 1:1-15
Haggai’s Proclamation (1:1-11)
- Date (1:1)
- Introduction to God’s Condemnation (1:2-4)
- Consider Your Ways (1:5-11)
The People’s Response (1:12-15) * Obedience (1:12) * Encouragement (1:13) * Divine Motivation (1:14) * Date (1:15)
Mark 14:12-25
Jesus’ Sovereign Preparation (Mark 14:12-16)
- Jesus meticulously arranged every detail of this event for His disciples.
- Jesus is portraying Himself to be the final Passover lamb for our sins.
Jesus’ Serious Revelation (Mark 14:17-21)
- Jesus announces His betrayal will come from within.
- The disciples anxiously question one another.
- Jesus confirms His betrayer will come to ruin.
Jesus’ Sacrificial Salvation (Mark 14:22-25)
- The Lord’s Supper is demonstrated in the bread and the cup.
- These symbols portray Jesus’ body and blood being sacrificed for our sins.
Text: Mark 14:1-11
A Radical Devotion to Destroying Jesus (Mark 14:1-2)
- The covert conspiracy against Jesus
- The connection between the Passover and Jesus
A Radical Devotion to Worshipping Jesus (Mark 14:3)
- An extravagant gift of Christ-centered worship
- This gift corresponded to the infinite worth of Jesus
A Radical Devotion to Loving Money (Mark 14:4-11)
- A critical assessment of worth
- A criminal pursuit of greed
- A contrasting picture of the Gospel
- A costly act of betrayal
Text: Mark 13:24-37
The Sign of Christ’s Return (Mark 13:24-27)
- Jesus describes His coming for the elect with scenes of unprecedented tribulation but also unparalleled power and glory.
The Time of Christ’s Return (Mark 13:28-32)
- Jesus refers to the fig tree lesson to illustrate the season of His coming.
- Jesus emphasizes the credibility and eternality of His Words.
The Preparation for Christ’s Return (Mark 13:33-37)
- Jesus calls His disciples to a continual state of watchfulness as they wait for His coming.
Text: Mark 13:14-23
The Warning of Future Desolation (Mark 13:14-20)
- Believers: Be watchful, urgent, and hopeful in God’s sovereign plan over all things.
- Unbelievers: Look to God for salvation from your sin before it’s too late!
The Warning of False Messiahs (Mark 13:21-23)
- Be on guard against false messiahs who will seek to deceive and delude with their teaching.
Text: John 1:10-18
The Salvation of Jesus Proclaimed (John 1:10-13)
- The purpose of Jesus’ coming was to bring salvation and form a new family. Christ came to open the eyes of the spiritually blind.
The Glory of Jesus Revealed (John 1:14-18)
- Jesus came to dwell among us in order to reveal the glory of God’s grace and truth to us.
Text: John 1:1-9
The Identity of Jesus Unveiled (John 1:1-5)
- Jesus is God's living, active, and final Word in demonstrating who He is in both creating us and saving us.
- Jesus is the true Light coming into the world, piercing the darkness.
The Witness of Jesus Portrayed (John 1:6-9) * Like hundreds of links in a chain, John the Baptist was one of many whose purpose was to point people to Jesus and the promise to rescue His people.
Text: Matthew 2:1-12
The Wise Men Desired to Seek and Worship the Messiah
- While we do not know much about the wise men’s identity, we do know about their intention to know and adore Christ.
- The journey and gifts of the wise men convey theological and prophetic significance (Psalm 72:10-11; Isaiah 60:3-6).
Herod the King Desired to Seek and Destroy the Messiah
- Herod’s response to Christ’s appearance was anxiety and anger. (See also Matthew 2:13-18).
- Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem was confirmed by prophecy in Micah 5:2-5.
APPLICATION: Lessons From the Wise Men (from J.C. Ryle)
- There may be true worshippers of God in places where we should not expect to find them.
- There may be knowledge of Scripture in the head, while there is no grace in the heart.
- The conduct of the wise men is a splendid example of spiritual diligence.
- The conduct of the wise men is a striking example of faith.
Text: Matthew 1:18-25
The Miracle of Jesus’ Birth (Matthew 1:18)
- The nature of the incarnation: Jesus is fully God and fully man.
- This is central to the Christian faith!
The Crisis of Jesus’ Birth (Matthew 1:19-20) * Mary’s pregnancy proved to be a test of Joseph’s faith.
The Purpose of Jesus’ Birth (Matthew 1:21-23) * Jesus’ name declared His mission: “For He will save His people from their sins.” * Jesus’ birth was prophecy fulfilled (Isaiah 7:14).
The Response to Jesus’ Birth (Matthew 1:24-25) * Joseph obeyed the Lord and followed His plan despite what it would cost him.
Text: Matthew 1:1-17
Jesus’ Lineage Covers God’s Promises to Abraham and David (Matthew 1:1)
- God’s promise to Abraham: “In you, all the families of the earth will be blessed.” (Gen. 12:1-3)
- God’s promise to David: “Your throne will be established forever.” (2 Sam 7:8-16)
- This genealogy underscores the faithfulness of God to keep His promise to send a Savior.
Jesus’ Lineage Contains a Cast of Unlikely Characters (Matthew 1:2-16)
- Each name is a sinner that God chose to use for His glory.
- When we take time to consider this list, we come away in awe of God’s grace toward sinners.
Jesus’ Lineage Confirms His Messiahship (Matthew 1:17)
- Jesus is the prophesied Son of God who would come to redeem His people.
Text: Mark 13:1-13
Be Prepared for the Certainty of God’s Judgment (Mark 13:1-2)
- Jesus predicts the fall of Jerusalem, which would take place in 70 A.D.
- Jesus specifically mentions the destruction of the temple as the judgment of God.
Be Discerning and Hopeful During Difficult Circumstances (Mark 13:3-8)
- Jesus calls us to take note of the false messiahs and their claims
- Jesus calls us to take heart in God’s sovereign rule over a fallen world.
Be Faithful to Follow and Proclaim Christ During Persecution (Mark 13:9-13)
- Jesus calls us to be watchful and faithful as we endure to the end.
One of our Midwestern Seminary students, Gebriell Sierra, preaches from Genesis 22:1-19 and unfolds the story of Abraham and Isaac. This is a story about sacrifice as well as salvation.
Text: Mark 12:38-44
The Critical Warning Against False Worship (Mark 12:38-40)
- Jesus warns His disciples about the scribes who were full of pride, greed, and hypocrisy.
- Jesus pronounces condemnation on the scribes for their false worship.
The Contrasting Example of True Worship (Mark 12:41-44)
- Jesus points out that the poor widow gave significantly more than those who were rich.
- The widow demonstrated her true worship of God and dependence upon God by surrendering all she had to Him.
Text: Mark 12:35-37
Jesus is the Expected Son of David
- Jesus’ question points us back to the Old Testament (Psalm 110).
- Jesus’ question reminds us that all of Scripture points to Him.
Jesus is the Enthroned Lord of All
- Jesus’ identity is revealed as the Son of David who is the Son of God.
- Jesus’ question is one of eternal significance that all must answer.
Text: Mark 12:28-34
A Most Crucial Question (Mark 12:28)
- The scribe questioned Jesus on the most fundamental of levels.
- This question gets at the heart of how we are to glorify God.
A Most Comprehensive Answer (Mark 12:29-31)
- Jesus summarized the Law and the Prophets by pointing us to love God supremely (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) and love others sacrificially (Leviticus 19:18).
A Most Convicting Conclusion (Mark 12:32-34)
- True love to God expressed in genuine obedience to God is better than all the external forms of worship.
- We cannot enter the kingdom on our own merits, but only through faith in Christ the King.
Text: Mark 12:18-27
Ignorance Personified in the Sadducees (Mark 12:18)
- The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection.
- The Sadducees' authority was sourced in Moses and the Pentateuch.
Ignorance Portrayed by the Sadducees (Mark 12:19-23)
- The Sadducees’ absurd question about Levirite marriage in heaven came out of a heart of unbelief and deception.
- This scenario is played out vividly in the book of Ruth with Boaz and Ruth.
Truth Declared in the Scriptures (Mark 12:24-27)
- Jesus points us to a true understanding of God and the Scriptures.
- Jesus displays marriage as both meaningful and momentary.
- Earthly marriage displays the Gospel and is a foreshadowing of our union with Christ in heaven forever.
- Jesus declares that God never ceases to be God – He is the God of life!
The Question of Earthly Allegiance (Mark 12:13-17a)
- The Pharisees sought to bait Jesus into a trap of choosing between Caesar and God. In the end, the Pharisees’ goal was to discredit Him in the eyes of the people and put an end to His influence.
- Our earthly allegiance to the government includes paying taxes as citizens; however, we must remember that our true citizenship is in heaven.
The Priority of Heavenly Allegiance (Mark 12:17b)
- God alone deserves our allegiance and trust above all earthly powers.
- We must render unto God with our lives what is ultimately due Him.
We Serve in a Gospel-centered Partnership (Philippians 1:3-11, 27-30)
- We are saved into a partnership with one another through the Gospel.
- This partnership manifests itself in a life worthy of the Gospel that strives side by side together.
We Serve in a Gospel-centered Culture (Romans 15:1-7)
- We are called to unity and harmony by Christ.
- We are called to welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us.
We Serve through Gospel-centered Gifting (Romans 12:3-8)
- We are equipped to serve one another by the grace that saved us in Christ.
- Each gift is an opportunity to build up the body of Christ and give glory to God.
Texts: Colossians 2:6-10; Ephesians 4:11-16
We are Rooted in Christ Together for Gospel Growth
- We look to Christ as our Lord and Savior.
- We are given new life in Christ.
- We rest on Christ as our foundation and fulfillment.
We are Equipped in Christ Together for Gospel Ministry
- We are equipped by the Word through gifted shepherds.
- We are matured by the Word through Christ’s working.
- We are discipled by the Word through one another.
Texts: Psalm 95; 2 Corinthians 3-4
Worship: The Attitude of the Heart (Psalm 95:1-7)
- Worshipping God is about an internal attitude before it is an external activity.
- Worshipping God reframes our reality around God’s Word.
Worship: The Transformation of the Heart (2 Corinthians 3:18)
- Worshipping God leads to hearts being transformed by God.
- “Corporate worship must be God-centered, Christ-centered, and Spirit-enabled that encompasses our entire lives as we delight in the beauty of God and Christ.” (D.A. Carson)
Worship: The Proclamation of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 4:1-7)
- Worshipping God leads to faithful Gospel proclamation.
- As we worship God, we will want to see others worship Him.
Text: Romans 12:1-2
The Mercies of God are the Basis For the Challenge of Total Commitment
- GRACE, is when we get what we don't deserve.
- MERCY, is when we don't get what we DO deserve.
Total Commitment Means Being Totally Transformed
- The word we get transformed is where we get the word metamorphosis.
- It’s continual and gradual.
- We should allow the Holy Spirit to help.
In order to know the will of God, we must surrender to that will.
Text: Romans 12:1-2
The Mercies of God are the Basis For the Challenge of Total Commitment
- GRACE, is when we get what we don't deserve.
- MERCY, is when we don't get what we DO deserve.
Total Commitment Means Being Totally Transformed
- The word we get transformed is where we get the word metamorphosis.
- It’s continual and gradual.
- We should allow the Holy Spirit to help.
In order to know the will of God, we must surrender to that will.
Text: Psalm 100
Praising the One Who is Truly God (100:1-3)
- We must praise God with our lips and with our lives.
- We must praise God with the knowledge that He alone is God.
- We must praise God by remembering who we are and whose we are.
Praising the One Who is Truly Good (100:4-5)
- We must come before God with a thankful heart.
- We must cling to God’s unchanging goodness and unfailing love.
Text: Psalm 63
Our Single-minded Pursuit of God (63:1-4)
- We must earnestly desire God above everything else.
- We will discover God’s love to be better than everything else.
Our Superior Pleasure in God (63:5-8)
- We must find our delight and satisfaction in God alone.
- We will discover that God is the One who helps us and holds us.
Our Sovereign Protection in God (63:9-11)
- We can trust that God’s kingdom will not fail.
- We can rejoice in Christ as our coming and reigning King.
Text: Psalm 56
Trusting God Through Fear (56:1-4)
- We can only overcome our fears through faith in God and His Word.
Trusting God Through Affliction (56:5-11)
- We must trust God alone to do what is good and right for His glory and our good.
- We must remember how deeply God cares for us and how He will carry us through our trials.
Thanking God For Deliverance (56:12-13)
- We can thank God in all things for His rescuing grace and empowering presence.
Text: Psalm 46
Our Omnipresent God is Strong Through it All (46:1-3)
- Because God is our strength, we do not need to be given over to fear.
- Because God is our salvation, we will be kept through eternity.
Our Omnipresent God is Sovereign Over All (46:4-7)
- God’s eternal plan cannot be changed.
- God’s continual presence is our fortress.
Our Omnipresent God is Supreme Above All (46:8-11)
- God is supreme above all other powers.
- God must be worshipped as the one true God.
- God’s continual presence is our fortress.
Text: Psalm 40
The Savior’s Work Demonstrated (40:1-4)
- The testimony of God’s deliverance is seen in His rescuing grace
- The outcome of God’s deliverance is seen in heart transformation
The Savior’s Character Proclaimed (40:5-11)
- God’s unparalleled faithfulness and unfaltering love deserves unending worship and unswerving devotion to Him.
The Savior’s Work Completed (40:12-17)
- God’s saving work is sufficient for our sin.
- God’s enemies will be put to shame.
- God’s saving work garners praise from and gives hope to needy sinners.
Text: Psalm 32
From Sinner to Forgiven (32:1-2)
- The blessing of forgiveness is extended to sinners who have their sins covered by the Lord.
- The blessing of imputation is extended to sinners who have their sins covered by the Lord.
From Conviction to Confession (32:3-5)
- In His grace, God convicts us of our sin to lead us to our confession and His forgiveness.
From Judgment to Deliverance (32:6-7)
- Once we belong to God, we no longer need to fear God’s judgment, but find our refuge in the One who delivered us from our sins (see also Romans 8:1).
From Sorrow to Joy (32:8-11)
- The Lord promises to intentionally instruct and counsel us despite our rebellious hearts.
- The way of the wicked leads to sorrow while the way of the righteous leads to confidence and joy in the Lord.
Text: Psalm 27
A Steady Trust in God Alone (27:1-3)
- We can have confidence in God’s presence as our Light - We can have confidence in God’s ability to save.
- Therefore, we can be confident in the face of fear and doubt.
A Single-minded Worship of God Alone (27:4-10)
- We must desire God above all things (attitude).
- We must seek God above all things (action).
- When we belong to God, we find in Him all we ever need.
A Settled Waiting for God Alone (27:11-14)
- We need to look to God’s instruction as we trust in His promises.
- We can expect God to give us courage and strength as we wait upon Him.
Text: Psalm 13
God’s Apparent Absence (13:1-2)
- David’s perspective is that God has abandoned him as he cries out, “How long?”
- We need to filter our feelings of God’s absence through the truth of God’s omnipresence.
God’s Apparent Indifference (13:3-4)
- David’s perspective is that God is not at work for His good.
- We need to filter our feelings of God’s indifference through the truth of God’s omniscience.
God’s Bountiful Love and Goodness (13:5-6)
- David’s perspective changes as he trusts in God, rejoices in God, and sings to God.
- We need to allow God’s unfailing love and unchanging goodness to shape our perspective.
Text: Psalm 8
God’s Universal Praise Displayed (8:1)
- The majesty and glory of God’s name fills all that He has made.
- This universal praise is the purpose for which we were created.
God’s Strength Declared through Man’s Weakness (8:2-4)
- God has chosen to display His strength toward His enemy through the weakness of man.
- God, the Preeminent One has chosen to condescend to us and care for us.
Man’s Dominion Granted by God (8:5-8)
- God has entrusted man with stewardship and dominion over what He has made in creation.
- This refers to the vice-regency God gave Adam at creation (Genesis 1:28)
God’s Universal Praise Reprised (8:9)
- God’s praise resounds at the end of this psalm just like it began.
- God’s glory will be displayed as Jesus, the Son of God defeats Satan, sin, and death on the cross and the resurrection. He is worthy of all praise!
Text: Mark 12:1-12
The Parable Describes Israel’s Recorded History in Scripture (12:1-9)
- The vineyard in this passage refers to Israel.
- The vineyard owner refers to God.
- The servants of the vineyard owner refer to the prophets who were sent by God to the people.
- The vineyard tenants refer to the Israelites who rejected the prophets
- Consider these passages: Is. 5:1-7; Jer. 7:21-26; Matt. 23:29-39
The Parable Depicts Christ’s Rejection and Redemption on the Cross (12:10-12)
- Jesus is the Son who was prophesied and sent to save His people.
- Jesus would be rejected and suffer death on the cross for our redemption (Jews and Gentiles alike).
- Consider these passages: Ps. 118:22; Is. 53:3-5; Mark 8:31, Mark 10:33-34; John 1:11-12; 1 Peter 2:4-10
Text: Mark 11:27-33
The Serious Challenge to Christ’s Authority (11:27-28)
- The religious leaders questioned Jesus on His authority over the Temple and His teaching.
- The religious leaders’ aim was to discredit and destroy Jesus.
The Stunning Consequence of Christ’s Question (11:29-32)
- Jesus confounds the religious leaders with a question regarding John’s baptism.
- The religious leaders are no match for Christ’s authoritative response.
The Startling Conclusion to Christ’s Statement (11:33)
- The religious leaders respond with lies to protect themselves.
- Jesus had definitively proven His divine authority by His words and deeds.
Text: Mark 11:20-25
Faith in God Demonstrated (11:20-25)
- Jesus commands us to put our faith in God alone
- Jesus portrays the powerful results of praying with bold faith.
- Jesus points to the necessity of forgiving others as we pray in faith.
Text: Matthew 6:5-15
What should our attitude be in prayer?
- As God's children, prayer begins with a focus on God’s name, kingdom, and will.
- As God’s children, we recognize God’s holiness and desire that He would receive the glory He deserves.
- As God’s children, we desire to see God’s kingdom expand and come in its fullness.
- As God’s children, we agree with God’s commands and pray that they would be followed on earth as they are in heaven.
- As God's children, we pray for our needs, forgiveness for sin, and grace to overcome sin.
- As God’s children, we pray for the needs of believers around us and our needs, recognizing we are completely dependent on God to provide and that our Father loves to take care of His children.
- As God’s children, we confess our sins and forgive others who sin against us.
Text: Mark 11:12-19
Fruitlessness Judged (11:12-14)
- Jesus curses the fig tree for not producing any fruit.
- The barren fig tree is an illustration of Israel, as they did not show any fruits of repentance and faith.
Faithlessness Exposed (11:15-19)
- Instead of attacking the Romans, Jesus attacks and exposes the faithless worship of the temple (see Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11).
- The fig tree illustration comes to fruition in Jesus replacing the temple as the One who gives access to God and His kingdom.
Text: Mark 11:1-11
The Savior-King’s Providential Plan (11:1-7)
- The divine fulfillment of Scripture
- The divine authority of the Messiah
The Savior-King’s Dramatic Entrance (11:8-10; Luke 19:39-40)
- Jesus receives the praise of the people who do not fully grasp His identity.
- Jesus receives criticism from the Pharisees who are bent on destroying Him (Luke 19:39-40).
The Savior-King’s Temple Visit and Tears For the People (11:11; Luke 19:41-44)
- A silent survey of the temple
- A present cry of compassion
- A future scene of judgment
The Sinner’s Desperate Plea for Mercy (10:46-48)
- The blind man is undaunted in his pursuit of Jesus and His mercy.
- The blind man did not need to see Jesus and His miracles of healing to believe that He was the Messiah.
- The blind man serves as an illustration to us as sinners in need of God’s mercy to save us.
The Savior’s Deep Display of Mercy (10:49-52)
- Jesus condescends to the blind man’s need and displays His mercy to him.
- Jesus restores the blind man’s sight in response to his faith in Him as Savior.
- This is a picture of the Gospel in how Jesus saves us by His mercy and grace.
Text: Mark 10:32-45
The Cross and the Suffering Savior (10:32-34)
- Jesus foretells His suffering and death for the third time.
- Jesus proves that He is the Suffering Servant in Isaiah’s prophecy.
The Cross and Self-Centered Ambition (10:35-41)
- The disciples pursued self-promotion from Jesus.
- The disciples would eventually suffer for Jesus.
- Jesus would drain the cup of God’s wrath and be baptized in suffering for sinners.
The Cross and Sacrificial Service (10:42-45)
- Jesus is calling His disciples to a life of self-denial.
- Jesus redefines greatness in light of the cross: Greatness = Service.
Text: Mark 10:23-31
The Astonishing Difficulty of Entering the Kingdom (10:23-25)
- Jesus declares that the kingdom of God is not about human achievement.
- Jesus proves that it is hard to enter the kingdom of God.
The Amazing Grace of Entering the Kingdom (10:26-27)
- Jesus declares that entering the kingdom of God comes only through divine access.
- Jesus proves that salvation is a work of God’s grace.
The Abundant Blessings of Entering the Kingdom (10:28-31)
- Following Jesus leads to giving yourself unreservedly and wholeheartedly to Him.
- Following Jesus leads to receiving a new life and family that will last forever.
Text: 1 Peter 1:3-9
In Christ, We Possess an Eternal Salvation (1:3)
- We have been shown great mercy in Christ.
- We have been born again to a living hope in Christ.
- We have been given salvation through the work of Christ.
In Christ, We Possess an Eternal Inheritance (1:4-5)
- Our inheritance in Christ is imperishable.
- Our inheritance in Christ is undefiled.
- Our inheritance in Christ is unfading.
In Christ, We Possess an Eternal Joy (1:6-9)
- In this world, we will experience trials of all kinds that will prove the genuineness of our faith.
- Because of Christ, we possess an unshakable joy that will culminate in Christ’s presence when our faith will be sight.
Text: Mark 10:17-22
The Question of Eternal Life (10:17-20)
- Jesus counters the rich young ruler’s question by pointing him to a true understanding of God.
- Jesus proves that the law is not a ladder by which we reach up to God; it is a mirror that shows us our need for God to reach down to save us.
The Place of Eternal Trust (10:21-22)
- The rich young ruler trusted in his perceived goodness and was tethered to his possessions.
- Jesus compassionately calls the rich young ruler to abandon his heart idols and follow Him exclusively.
Matthew 6:25-34
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The Value of that Lifestyle (Matthew 6:25-30)
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The View of that Lifestyle (Matthew 6:31-33)
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The Joy of that Lifestyle (Matthew 6:34)
Text: Mark 10:13-16
The Disciples’ Hindrance Displayed (10:13)
- The crowd brought their children for Jesus to bless.
- The disciples rebuked the crowd and hindered them from coming to Jesus.
The Kingdom’s Entrance Unveiled (10:14-16)
- Jesus rebukes the disciples for hindering the children from coming to Him.
- The entrance to God’s kingdom is reserved for the weak, helpless, and lowly who come to Him in dependent faith and repentance.**
Mark 10:10-12 & Selected Passages
Jesus’ Counter-Cultural Statement on Divorce and Remarriage (Mark 10:10-12; Matthew 19:3-12)
- The disciples’ clarifying questions from their minds
- Jesus’ counter-cultural answer for their hearts
God’s Comprehensive Record on Divorce & Remarriage
- God laid out His plan for His people regarding marriage, divorce, and remarriage (Deuteronomy 24:1-4)
- God divorced His people for their idolatry and adultery against Him (Jeremiah 2:1-6, 13, 26-29; 3:6-15)
- God would pursue and redeem His people, despite their sinful behavior (Hosea 1:2-10, 2:14-20; 1 Peter 2:9-10)
Jesus’ Compelling Words to Sinners and Sufferers (John 4:7-29)
- In Jesus, we find the Living Water for our souls
- In Jesus, we are fully known, fully loved, and fully satisfied
Mark 10:1-9 The Challenging Question on Divorce (10:1-4) * The Pharisees came to trap Jesus in order to discredit His authority and destroy His popularity.
The Confrontational Answer to Hardened Hearts (10:5)
- Jesus confronts the Pharisees on their hardness of heart toward God and His Word.
The Creation-Based Teaching on Marriage (10:6-9)
- Jesus takes us back to creation to teach on the sanctity and exclusivity of marriage.
- Jesus’ words on marriage are echoed in Ephesians 5:31-32 as a picture of the Gospel.
Text: Mark 9:42-50
The Corporate Demand of Devotion (9:42)
- Jesus gives a stern warning about causing others to stumble.
- Jesus connects loving others to leading others toward righteousness.
The Costly Demand of Holiness (9:43-48)
- Jesus calls us to deal seriously with our sin through radical amputation.
- Jesus warns us to deal seriously with our sin in light of the reality of hell.
The Critical Demand of Sacrificial Service (9:49-50)
- Jesus calls us to all-consuming life of devotion to Him that will include suffering for His name.
Text: James 4:7-10
James provides for us six steps to cure worldliness:
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Submit Yourselves – 4:7
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Resist the Devil – 4:7
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Draw Near to God – 4:8
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Cleanse Hands and Heart – 4:8
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Repent of Your Sins – 4:9
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Humble Yourselves – 4:10
You end where you began (v. 7). The paradoxes of the Christian life: last/first; slave/free; die/live; humbled/exalted; the way down is the way up!
Text: Mark 9:30-41
The Standard of True Humility Modeled and Misunderstood (9:30-32)
- Jesus predicts His death and resurrection a second time.
- The disciples misunderstand and reject Jesus’ statement.
- Jesus displays the ultimate model of humility as He carries out His mission (see also Philippians 2:5-11).
The Scale of True Greatness Measured and Illustrated (9:33-37)
- The disciples measure greatness by being first and ruler of all
- Jesus measures greatness by being last and servant of all
- Jesus illustrates greatness through child-like weakness and dependence
The Scope of True Ministry Miscalculated and Undervalued (9:38-41)
- The disciples thought that the scope of Gospel ministry was limited to their location and experience.
- Jesus taught that the scope of Gospel ministry extends to all who do mighty works in His name.
- Jesus clarified that these “mighty works” include the smallest acts of service.
Text: Mark 9:14-29
The Boy’s Dreadful Predicament (9:14-18)
- The crowd’s argument over the boy’s condition
- The apparent hopelessness of the boy’s condition
- The vain attempts of the disciples to heal the boy’s condition
The Messiah’s Decisive Response (9:19-20)
- The disciples are rebuked for their faithlessness
- Jesus receives the boy with compassion
- The demon revolts at the presence of Jesus
The Father’s Desperate Plea (9:21-24)
- The father cries out for Jesus to heal his son and strengthen his faith
- We are called to look to Jesus’ ability and sufficiency amid our inability and insufficiency.
The Messiah’s Display of Faith-Building Power (9:23-29)
- Jesus rebukes the demon and resurrects the boy
- Jesus calls His disciples to a life of dependence upon God through prayer
- Jesus proves that He is the author and finisher of our faith
Text: Mark 9:9-13
The Importance of the Resurrection (9:9-10)
- Jesus commands His disciples to silence until after the resurrection.
- True Gospel proclamation depends upon complete Gospel understanding.
- The resurrection is essential to the Christian faith and the Gospel.
The Necessity of the Cross (9:11-13)
- Jesus underscores the necessity of fulfilling prophecy as the suffering servant who would die for the sins of His people
- Jesus is pointing to John the Baptist as the Elijah who would come first.
- John the Baptist was not only the forerunner to Jesus in preparation, but also in suffering and death.
The Implications of the Transfiguration
- The glory of God was unveiled to the disciples to infuse them with hope.
- The path of Christ’s suffering was unveiled to the disciples to give them a complete picture of the Gospel and their own discipleship path.
- We can embrace Christ’s complete picture of the Gospel and His call of discipleship, knowing that glory awaits us (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
Text: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
The Church Defined as a Unified Body
- The church is the body of Christ. It is a unified body with many members.
- The church puts God’s Truth on display. It is the Gospel made visible for the world around us as “the pillar and ground of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15)
The Church Defined as an Essentially Diverse Body
- Within the Body of Christ, there is harmonious unity within the diversity of its parts.
- Within the Body of Christ, each member is essential to the other.
The Church Defined as a Caring Body
- We come together to share our lives with one another and give our lives up in sacrificial love for one another.
Application:
- How we care for another
- How we serve together
- How the elders are equipping the saints for the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:11-16)
Text: Mark 9:1-8
A Glorious Transformation (Mark 9:1-3; Matthew 17:1-2)
- Christ’s promise to see the kingdom come in power
- Christ’s radiant glory revealed to the disciples
A Prophetic Conversation (Mark 9:4; Luke 9:30-31)
- The appearance of Moses and Elijah: The Law and the Prophets
- The conversation concerning the Christ and His mission
A Hasty Suggestion (Mark 9:5-6)
- The plan to build tabernacles for Christ, Moses, and Elijah.
- The revelation that Christ is the new tabernacle and new temple come down from heaven.
A Heavenly Confirmation (Mark 9:7-8)
- The voice of God declares Christ’s sonship in deity and authority.
- The voice of God is seen in Christ, the Word of God’s revelation to us (2 Peter 1:16-21).
Text: Mark 8:34-38
Self-Denial vs. Self-Worship
- We are called to leave ourselves behind and worship Christ alone.
- We don’t merely add Jesus to our life. He becomes our life!
Cross-Bearing vs. Comfort-Seeking
- We are called to join Christ on the way to the cross.
- We are not called to life a comfort and ease in this life.
Seeking Eternal Gain vs. Suffering Eternal Loss
- We must turn our eyes away from gaining this world and being ashamed of Christ and His Words. This is eternal loss!
- We must seek the surpassing worth of knowing Christ and believing His Word. This is eternal gain!
Text: Mark 8:27-33
The Great Confession (8:27-30)
- Question #1: “Who do people say that I am?
- Question #2: “Who do you say that I am?”
- Conclusion: “You are the Christ.”
The Gospel Mission (8:31-33)
- The Savior’s Mission: Suffering, Rejection, Death, Resurrection
- The Satanic Opposition: Circumvent the Cross for the Crown
Text: Luke 2:25-38
The Savior’s Arrival Anticipated (2:25-26, 36-37)
- Simeon, a godly man in Jerusalem, watched and waited with anticipation and hope for the Messiah to come in his lifetime. He took God at His Word!
- Anna, an aged widow and prophetess, looked daily for the redemption God had promised. She fasted and prayed with confidence in God’s ability to deliver His people!
The Savior’s Work Articulated (2:27-35, 38)
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In Simeon’s song, salvation is articulated in the person of Jesus Christ.
- He is the Savior who is the light and revelation to the Gentiles and the glory to the Jews.
- He will cause many to rise and fall as He reveals people’s hearts.
- He will bring salvation that comes with a cost.
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In Anna’s song, heart-felt gratitude overflows to God for keeping His promise to redeem His people.
Text: Luke 2:8-14
The Scope of the Gospel Story (2:8-10)
- God kept His promise to His people in condescending to the lowest of towns and to the lowest of people for the purpose of redemption (Isaiah 61:1; Micah 5:2-5).
- The Gospel is the good news of great joy for all people who believe it (John 15:1-11; Romans 15:8-13).
The Savior of the Gospel Story (2:11-12)
- The Gospel comes to all people through the Savior, Christ the Lord
- “Savior” refers to Jesus, the One who will save us and forgive us from our sins.
- “Christ” refers to the One who is the Anointed King and promised Messiah.
- “Lord” refers to the One who is Yahweh or Jehovah.
The Summit of the Gospel Story (2:13-14)
- The culmination of the Gospel is the glory of God and peace with God in Christ.
- True peace comes from God and from His good pleasure to reconcile Himself to sinful man through the Gospel.
Text: Luke 1:67-80 God’s Promised Redeemer (1:67-75)
- God promised to personally come to visit and redeem His people
- God promised to fulfill His covenant and display His mercy to His people.
- God promised to save His people unto sanctified service to Him.
God’s Promised Forerunner (1:76-80)
- The Messiah would be preceded by a forerunner who would prepare the way by preaching salvation through repentance and forgiveness (see Isaiah 40:3-5).
- The Messiah would come to give light and life to those in darkness and death (see Malachi 4:2).
"Songs of Advent in Scripture"
Text: Luke 1:46-56
True Worship Magnifies the Lord’s Saving Might (1:46-49, 51-52)
- Mary praises God for being a Mighty Warrior who brings about deliverance.
- Mary praises God for being a Mighty Warrior who condescends to the humble.
- Mary praises God for being a Mighty Warrior who brings down the proud.
True Worship Looks to the Lord’s Sustaining Mercy (1:50, 52-56)
- The Lord gives His mercy to those who fear Him.
- The Lord exalts the humble in His mercy.
- The Lord sustains and helps His people by His mercy.
Text: Mark 8:11-26
The Prevalent Unbelief of the Pharisees (8:11-15)
- The Pharisees came in their arrogance before Jesus to make their arguments to Jesus. They had no intention to listen and believe.
- Jesus sees their unbelief and rejects their request for a sign.
- The Pharisees’ unbelief serves as a warning to us, proving that even a small amount of unbelief can contaminate our hearts.
The Persistent Lack of Understanding in the Disciples (8:16-21)
- The disciples are unaware of their spiritual blindness and are in danger of becoming hard-hearted.
- Jesus addresses the disciples’ hearts by calling them to remember who He is and what He has done.
The Perfect Illustration of True Faith in the Blind Man (8:22-26)
- The blind man is brought to Jesus by his friends and healed in progressive stages.
- The healing of the blind man serves as an illustration of how faith is progressively developed in the heart by the Lord.
Text: Mark 8:1-10
The Deep Compassion of Jesus (8:1-3)
- Jesus was deeply moved with love toward the Gentiles
- What moves Jesus’ heart should also move us to share Christ’s love with others!
The Satisfying Provision From Jesus (8:4-10)
- Jesus’ feeding the Gentile multitude proves that He is the Bread come down from Heaven for all people.
- Jesus is the True Bread that will satisfy the hungry soul and save them from judgment.
Text: Mark 7:31-37
Renewed Hope in the Healer to the Uttermost (31-37)
- Jesus heals a man who is both deaf and mute, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 35:5-6. This reveals Jesus as the Christ!
- The people were “astonished beyond measure” and proclaimed Jesus as the One who does all things well. This reveals Jesus as the Creator!
Text: Mark 7:24-30
Saving Faith in the Savior to the Uttermost
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Jesus draws out the sincere faith of the Syrophoenician Woman.
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Jesus reaches down to bring Gentiles into the family of God, leading them out of darkness.
In this sermon, Jeff Fitzgerald walks us through Romans 8:18-30. We will consider the good that God is accomplishing in His children as we groan for His return.
Text: Mark 7:14-23
Defiled Hands vs. Defiled Hearts (Mark 7:14-23)
- The Pharisees pursued an outward cleansing through their own merits.
- Jesus points out the evil actions and attitudes that come from our hearts.
- Jesus provides an inward cleansing of the heart through His mercy and grace.
Text: Mark 7:1-13
Man’s Tradition vs. God’s Word (1-13)
- The Pharisees twisted Scripture to fit within their sinful desires.
- The Pharisees nullified the Scriptures by exalting their traditions.
- Jesus calls us to exalt the Scriptures above man’s tradition.
Text: Mark 6:45-56
The Great I Am Intercedes (Mark 6:45-46)
- Jesus dismisses His disciples and the crowd.
- Jesus departs to the mountain to be alone with His Father and pray.
The Great I Am Intervenes (Mark 6:47-52)
- Jesus walks on the water toward His disciples by displaying His deity (see Job 9:1-8; Isaiah 43:1-3).
- Jesus dispels the disciples’ fears, proclaiming by His identity.
- Jesus confronts disciples’ hardened hearts, by proving His Lordship over all things.
The Great I Am Interacts (Mark 6:53-56)
- Jesus personally gives Himself to those in desperate need, knowing that He alone is what they need most of all.
Text: Mark 6:30-44
The Shepherd’s Care for Souls (Mark 6:30-32)
- Jesus debriefs the disciples after their mission.
- Jesus invites the disciples to rest after their mission.
The Shepherd’s Compassion for Souls (Mark 6:33-34)
- Jesus saw the crowd as sheep without a shepherd (see Numbers 27:17; Isaiah 40:11)
- Jesus gave the crowd the Gospel teaching they needed to direct their hearts to God.
The Shepherd’s Provision for Souls (Mark 6:35-44)
- Jesus provided the crowd with food for their stomachs; in Him, they would find satisfaction for their souls.
- Jesus provided the disciples with a lesson of dependance upon and trust in His sufficiency.
Text: Mark 6:14-29
The Christ-Exalting Integrity of John the Baptist (John 1:19-29; 3:25-30)
- He was marked by self-denial and humility.
- He found contentment and joy in the role God gave him.
- He lived to see Christ and His ministry increase and see himself decrease.
The Christ-Denying Corruption of Herod the King (Mark 6:14-29)
- He was a slave to his own lusts (his wife was a slave to her own hate).
- He was a captive of his own fears.
- He had a conscience that was defiled by his own sinful choices.
- He was intrigued by Jesus, but never submitted to Him and His message (see Luke 23:6-11).
Text: Mark 6:1-13
The Amazing Rejection of Jesus (6:1-6)
- The people were amazed at Jesus' claims and message.
- Jesus was amazed at the people‘s lack of faith.
- The people took offense at Jesus and his message.
- In the backdrop of unbelief, Jesus did not carry on His mighty work of signs and wonders.
The Simple Deployment of the Disciples (6:7-13)
- The Disciples are sent with a Christ-derived authority
- The Disciples are sent under a Christ-centered dependency
- The Disciples face a Christ-opposed hostility
- The Disciples went with a Christ-focused urgency
In this sermon, you will encounter how to live according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh. This is the way of true spiritual life that leads us to become fellow heirs with Christ as God's beloved children!
Text: Psalm 127
The Fruitless Toil of Life Apart From Trusting God (127:1-2)
- It is vain to build, watch, and work apart from a central trust in God.
- When we trust in God and His promises, we will find true rest for our souls.
The Fruitful Blessing of Trusting God (127:3-5)
- We must trust in the Lord to build and bless His people.
- Children are a heritage and blessing from the Lord whose purpose is to glorify God.
- Children are like arrows in the hand of a warrior who find their target in Christ.
Text: Psalm 103
A Personal Call to Praise God for His Redemptive Work (103:1-5)
- We are called to praise the Lord for His forgiveness, redemption, and healing.
A Corporate Call to Consider God’s Merciful and Gracious Character (103:6-18)
- We are called to consider how God removes our sin and displays His steadfast love.
A Universal Call to Give God the Glory Due His Name (103:19-22)
- We are called to join in the all-encompassing praise of God’s Name.
Text: Psalm 90
The Eternal Existence of God (90:1-2)
- God will never cease to be a refuge for His people.
- God will never cease to be God.
The Fleeting Existence of Man (90:3-11)
- Man’s existence on earth is marked by brevity and fragility.
- Man’s existence on earth is summed up in toil and trouble.
The Illuminating Wisdom and Satisfying Love of God (90:12-17)
- We will gain a heart of wisdom when we number our days according to God’s eternal perspective and weigh them on God’s eternal scales.
- In the end, our greatest need is not more time on earth, but to be satisfied alone with God’s unfailing love.
Text: Psalm 51
Heart Confession (51:1-6)
- David cries out to God for mercy, looking to His steadfast love.
- David cries out to God for a thorough restoration and forgiveness.
- Only God can forgive us from our sins and wash us clean from guilt.
Heart Cleansing (51:7-12)
- David pleads with God to purify his heart from sin and guilt.
- Only God can create a clean heart within us, renew us, and restore our joy.
Heart Consecration (51:13-19)
- David turns from confession of sin to praising the Lord for His salvation.
- When our hearts are consecrated to God, we will walk in humility and repentance.
Text: Psalm 42
God Satisfies the Thirsty Soul (42:1-4)
- We should long for God like a deer pants for flowing streams of water.
- We need to see God as our living hope and help amid our tears and doubts.
God Comforts the Distressed Soul (42:5-9)
- We can become distressed when we believe that God has abandoned us.
- We can easily become weighed down by constant trials.
- We can rest in God’s faithful love to meet us in our trials.
God Transforms Our Troubled Souls (42:5, 9-11)
- We must anchor our hope to God’s faithful character by rehearsing God’s promises.
- Instead of listening to our hearts, we must speak truth to direct our hearts to God.
Text: Psalm 23
The All-Satisfying Shepherd King Who Leads Us (23:1-3)
- The Lord is our personal provider of all that we need
- The Lord is our personal soul renewal
- The Lord is our personal leader toward righteousness
The Ever-Present Shepherd King Who Protects Us (23:4-5)
- The Lord personally walks with us through all seasons of life and through death itself.
- The Lord personally protects us and provides a victory meal in the presence of our enemies.
The All-Loving Shepherd King Who Dwells With Us (23:6)
- We can be assured of God’s sovereign goodness and mercy in our lives.
- We can be assured of being in God’s presence for all eternity because of what our Shepherd-King accomplished in the Gospel.
Text: Psalm 19
God Reveals Himself Through What He Has Made (19:1-6)
- God’s creation teaches us about the reality of His existence
- God’s creation teaches us about the reality of His attributes
- God’s creation teaches us about the reality of His purpose
God Reveals Himself Through What He Has Said (19:7-10)
- God reveals His mind to us
- God reveals His expectations to us
The Right Response to God’s Revelation (19:11-14)
- We must look to God in prayer to keep us from following our own sinful hearts.
- We must look to God as our Rock and Redeemer to transform our sinful hearts.
Text: Psalm 2
The Ungodly Kings of Earth Rage Against God (2:1-3)
- The Vain Plotting Against God and His Anointed One (Messiah)
- The Decisive Departure From God’s ways
- The Wrongly Assumed Autonomy From God’s Control
The Undisputed King of Heaven Reigns Over All (2:4-12)
- The Terrifying Wrath of the Almighty One
- The Certain Coronation of the Anointed One
- The Unmatched Power of the Anointed One
- The Warning From the Anointed One
- The Refuge in the Anointed One
Text: Psalm 1
The Fruitful Way of Life (1:1-3)
- The Characteristics of the Godly:
- The Godly are satisfied in God and find nothing of value in partnering with the ungodly.
- The Godly delight in God’s Word and enjoy a fruitful life of spiritual prosperity
- The Blessed Man in Psalm 1 finds its fulfillment in Jesus.
The Disastrous Way of Death (1:4-6)
- The Characteristics of the Ungodly
- The ungodly live fleeting lives based on the vanity of their approach to life.
- The ungodly are condemned by God and will face an inescapable doom apart from Christ.
Text: Titus 2:11-14
How do you develop and keep a loving relationship with Jesus Christ?
Realize that this battle with sin has already been won by Christ on the cross.
“Fill your affections with the cross of Christ and you will find no room for sin” - John Owen
Text: Mark 5:21-43
A Father’s Desperate Plea in the Face of Death (5:21-24)
- Jairus bows with desperation before Jesus and begs Him to save his daughter’s life.
- Jesus bends with compassion toward Jairus and walks with him.
A Woman’s Persistent Faith in the Wake of Disease (5:25-34)
- The unclean woman seeks after Jesus, believing that He can heal her.
- The unclean woman is healed by trusting in Jesus, not in touching Jesus’ garment.
- Gospel Glimpse: Jesus took all our uncleanness on Himself when He died on the cross for our sins. He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us from all righteousness as we repent and believe.
The Messiah’s Faith-Building Power Over Disease and Death (5:35-43)
- Jairus is brought to the end of his hopes for his daughter’s healing.
- Jesus calls Jairus to believe in His ability, despite his fears and the circumstances.
- Jesus proves that He is Lord and our only hope in life and death.
Text: Mark 5:1-20
1. The Destructive Work of Satan Described (5:1-7)
- The demoniac is described as a man in pursuit of ruthless and restless evil that destroys others and himself.
2. The Authoritative Work of Jesus Demonstrated (5:8-15)
- The demoniac is subdued and saved by the powerful authority of Jesus.
3. The Transforming Work of Jesus Rejected (5:16-17)
- The townspeople respond to Jesus’ authority and power with fear and dismissal.
4. The Kingdom Work of Jesus Declared (5:18-20)
- The demoniac becomes a proclaimer of the Gospel work that Jesus had done for him.
Text: Mark 4:35-41
Jesus Leads With Purpose Into the Storm (4:35-36)
- Jesus takes His disciples with Him on the mission to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom (Mark 1:38).
Jesus Speaks With Power Over the Storm (4:37-39)
- The disciples accuse Jesus of not being aware of their need
- Jesus meets His disciples’ need and subdues the storm with His Word
Jesus Proves Without a Doubt that He is Lord of All Creation (4:40-41)
- Jesus confirms that He not only created all things but that He also cares for His people.
- The disciples were filled with amazement and fear before Jesus
- The disciples were exposed for their lack of faith in Jesus.
Text: Mark 4:26-34
The Seemingly Insignificant Planting of the Word (4:26-29)
- Jesus demonstrates how the kingdom of God grows in slow, incremental stages.
- Jesus displays how the kingdom of God is empowered by the Word of God as it is sown into our hearts.
The Incomprehensible Growth of the Word (4:30-34)
- Jesus presents a contrast of small beginnings of planted seeds to the harvest of incredible growth
- Jesus’ parable points to a future day where people from every tribe, tongue, and nation will be redeemed to take shelter in the branches provided by Jesus, the Savior of sinners.
Text: Mark 4:21-25
The Gospel Light That is Revealed in Jesus (4:21-22)
- Jesus is the Lamp of God who has come to bring light and revelation of God’s Kingdom.
- We must be about shining the light of the Gospel to those around us.
The Weighty Response That Must Be Given to Jesus (4:23-25)
- The Present Reality: We must be careful listeners who hear with the intention to believe and obey.
- The Future Reality: We must realize that eternity is at stake as we hear the Word of God.
Text: Mark 4:1-20 (Part 2)
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The Teaching of Parables and the Kingdom of God (1:15; 4:1-2)
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The kingdom of God has been prophesied and is now being fulfilled in Jesus (Mark 1:15).
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Jesus begins to teach through parables in order to describe the kingdom of God to His disciples.
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The Terrain of Two Different Hearts (4:3-9)
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The Unbelieving Heart is described as hard, shallow, and thorny ground that is unable to produce any lasting fruit.
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The Believing Heart is described as good ground that produces abundant fruit.
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The Target of the Parable (4:10-12)
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Jesus’ parables are accessible and relatable, but are not understandable apart from knowing Jesus; He must open our eyes to the Truth!
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Jesus’ parables expose those who are outside and reveal who is inside; it comes down to rejecting Christ’s Word versus hearing and obeying Christ’s Word.
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The Totality of the Parable (4:13-20)
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Jesus explains and applies the meaning of the parable:
- The Sower represents Jesus and His followers
- The Seed represents the Word of the Gospel
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The Soils represent four different types of heart-responses to the Gospel: Hard, Shallow, Thorny, and Fruitful ground
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This parable has massive implications on how we interpret Jesus’ parables and how we carry out Jesus’ mission.
Text: Mark 3:20-35
The Warfare of Two Kingdom Agendas (3:20-21, 31-35)
- The skewed perspective of Jesus’ family: The ministry of Jesus is akin to madness.
- The shocking response of Jesus to His family: The ministry of Jesus is about drawing people into His family by doing the will of God.
The Warfare of Two Kingdom Powers (3:22-30)
- The improbable accusation to Jesus: “Jesus is a liar who is empowered by Satan.”
- The inescapable conclusion: “Jesus is Lord and has the power over Satan.”
Text: Mark 3:7-19
The Clamoring Crowd that Wanted Something From Jesus (3:7-12)
- The crowd pressed Jesus to be released from their suffering, not their sins. They seemingly had no interest in the Gospel.
- The demons identified Jesus as the Son of God who had authority over the natural and spiritual realms.
The Common Men that Were Called to Follow Jesus (3:13-19)
- Jesus calls twelve men to be with Him and to be sent by Him with His message and power.
- These men would be the foundation for the church and would turn the world upside down for Christ.
Text: Mark 2:23-3:6
The Sabbath Explained and the Lord Revealed (2:23-28)
- Jesus explains that the Sabbath was instituted to serve people, not for people to serve the Sabbath.
- Jesus reveals Himself as equal to God as the Lord of the Sabbath.
A Hand Healed and Hardened Hearts Exposed (3:1-6)
- Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath, proving He is Lord of all.
- Jesus exposes the hardened hearts of the Pharisees.
- Jesus is our Sabbath Rest (Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 4:1-16).
Text: Mark 2:18-22
Jesus Must be Received and Believed (2:18-20)
- Feasting, not fasting, is appropriate when the bridegroom is near.
- Truth: Jesus is the Bridegroom and He must be believed as the Son of God.
Jesus’ Message Cannot Be Combined or Contained (2:21-22)
- New cloth is unsuitable for old garments.
- New wine is uncontainable in old wineskins.
- Truth: Jesus’ message cannot be added to a religious system.
The Powerful Witness of the Empty Tomb (20:1-10)
- The empty tomb confirmed all that Jesus had predicted concerning His death, burial, and resurrection.
The Personal Encounters with the Risen Lord (20:11-29)
- Jesus comforts Mary, the broken-hearted with His presence.
- Jesus dispels His disciples’ fears and deploys them on His mission
- Jesus draws out His disciples’ doubts and draws them to believe in His character
The Purposeful Aim of the Gospel Message (20:30-31)
- Everything about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection was recorded so that we would believe it in our hearts.
- Once we believe in Jesus, we possess eternal life in His name.
Christ Died For Us (Romans 5:6-8)
- We are morally weak and helpless.
- We are ungodly sinners.
- We are enemies of God.
Christ Died to Save Us (Romans 5:9-10)
- As sinners, God’s wrath abided on us.
- As Savior, Christ absorbed God’s wrath on Himself.
Christ Died to Reconcile Us (Romans 5:11)
- Because of Christ, we are no longer enemies of God.
- Because of Christ, we possess an unending and indestructible joy!
In this sermon, we will witness the suffering of Christ for our redemption through the last words of Jesus from the cross.
The Gospel of Christ is Salvation to the Sinner (2:13-14, 17)
- Jesus preached the Gospel to sinners.
- Jesus called the most unlikely of candidates to follow Him.
The Gospel of Christ is an Offense to the Self-Righteous (2:15-17)
- The self-righteous cannot receive a Gospel that is founded on grace.
- Jesus reaches down to sinners on the street level of their lives, while the scribes sought to protect themselves from any potential contamination with sinners.
- We need to follow Jesus’ example of being a friend of sinners and pointing them to the Gospel.
The Tough Crowd that Came to See Jesus (2:1-2)
- The crowd is made up of Pharisees, Rabbis, and Scribes (Luke 5:17).
- Jesus continues His preaching of the Word (Gospel of the Kingdom)
The Real Faith that is Seen by Jesus (2:3-5)
- Jesus saw the active faith of the men who brought their friend to Him
- These men were determined to see Jesus and believed that He could heal their friend.
The True Forgiveness that is Granted by Jesus (2:6-12)
- Jesus displayed His divine authority in forgiving the sin of the paralytic.
- Jesus demonstrated His omniscient authority in calling out the Scribes for their lack of faith
- Jesus proved His divine power over sin by displaying His power over sin’s effects.
The Healing Heart of Jesus (Mark 1:29-34)
- Jesus demonstrated His great power to heal and restore
- Jesus displayed His deep love for others
The Devoted Heart of Jesus (Mark 1:35-39)
- Jesus was devoted to private prayer with His Father
- Jesus was devoted to the Gospel mission He came to do
- Jesus was not seeking to make a name for Himself
The Compassionate Heart of Jesus (Mark 1:40-45)
- Jesus reached the unreachable
- Jesus cleansed the unclean
Jesus and His Authoritative Words (Mark 1:21-22)
- Jesus taught with absolute authority, providing a striking contrast with the religious community.
- As Jesus spoke, the people were lost for words in amazement.
Jesus and His Authoritative Control (Mark 1:23-28)
- Jesus is identified by the demons as the Messiah
- Jesus displays His power over the demons as the Messiah
- Jesus astonishes the crowd and leaves them questioning His identity
The Gospel Message of Jesus (Mark 1:14-15)
- The good news that Jesus proclaimed was the culmination of all history and prophetic Scripture.
- The good news that Jesus proclaimed was about repentance of sin and belief in Him as the Messiah and Son of God.
The Gospel Mission of Jesus (Mark 1:16-20)
- Jesus’ call to discipleship centers around allegiance, service, and surrender.
- Jesus’ call to discipleship will cost you everything
The Setting of Christ’s Temptation (Mark 1:12-13)
- Christ’s temptation is set in the wilderness without food or worldly comforts.
- Christ’s temptation was Satan’s strategic assault on His mission to the cross.
The Schemes of Satan’s Temptation (Matt. 4:1-11)
- The temptation of self-sufficiency
- The temptation of self-preservation
- The temptation of self-exaltation
The Strategy of Christ’s Triumph over Temptation (Matt. 4:1-11)
- In each encounter with Satan, Christ wielded the Word of God as His weapon against Satan’s schemes.
- Like Christ, we must trust in God’s sufficient Word for victory over temptation.
The Gospel Appeared in a Person (1:1)
- Jesus is the Gospel message in the flesh
- He is the promised Messiah and the Son of God
The Gospel was Announced by a Messenger (1:2-8)
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John the Baptist was the prophesied forerunner to Jesus the Messiah.
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John the Baptist’s role was to prepare the way for Messiah through repentance, pointing all to Him.
The Gospel was Approved by God (1:9-11)
- In Jesus’ baptism, God the Father declared His approval of Jesus and the Gospel message He would proclaim
- In Jesus’ baptism, He identified Himself as the One who would be our substitute and endure God’s judgment for us.
The Author of Mark’s Gospel
- The human author of this Gospel is John Mark. This was validated by several early church fathers, including Papias in 120 A.D.
- He served with the Apostle Paul and became a useful servant of Christ. He was also a protégé of the Apostle Peter and drew his Gospel account primarily from him.
The Audience of Mark’s Gospel
- The Gospel of Mark was most likely written between A.D. 60-70, during the reign of Roman Emperor Nero.
- The Gospel of Mark was written to Gentile Christians in Rome who were enduring persecution for their faith and identity in Christ.
The Arrangement of Mark’s Gospel
- The Gospel of Mark can be divided up into two parts: The Identity of Jesus and the Mission of Jesus.
- The Gospel of Mark points us to Christ’s authority and service
The Aim of Mark’s Gospel
- The ultimate purpose and theme of Mark is to present and defend Jesus’ call to discipleship.
- As disciples of Christ, we are called into a relationship with Christ that compels us to follow Him and be shaped by Him.
Love One Another Genuinely (verses 9-10a)
- We are called to love without hypocrisy
- We are called to love with affection
Honor One Another Faithfully (verse 10b)
- We are called to outdo one another in showing honor
Serve One Another Generously (verses 11-13)
- We are called to serve passionately with joy and patience
- We are called to serve in prayer
- We are called to serve in giving to others’ needs
- We are called to serve with hospitality
Understand One Another Appropriately (verses 14-15)
- We are called to bless those who persecute us
- We are called to empathize with one another in joy and sorrow
Dwell with One Another Peaceably and Humbly (verses 16-18)
- We are called to live in harmony with one another
- We are called to live in humility with one another
We Must Intentionally Continue in the Word (2 Tim. 3:14-15)
- We are called to continue learning and believing the Scriptures, which point us to Jesus.
- We believe that the primary tool that the Holy Spirit uses to change lives and hearts is the Word of God. We see God’s attributes in what He has made, but we come to know Him personally through what He has said (Rom. 10:17)! Because of this, we emphasize expository preaching, Christ-honoring worship, and Word-based small groups.
We Must be Completely Equipped by the Word (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
- We are called to submit ourselves to the Scriptures as our God-breathed authority.
- We are called to continue looking to the Scriptures as our sufficient equipment.
We Must Boldly Proclaim the Word (2 Tim. 4:1-5)
- We are called to preach the Word faithfully in all seasons.
- We are called to preach the Word fully with the end in view.
- We are called to preach Word persistently with sober compassion.
1. The Gospel Defines Us
- The Gospel is the glorious announcement of what God has done through the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christ’s work on the cross has satisfied God’s holy wrath, secured forgiveness of sins, and given eternal life to all who repent and trust in Christ alone for their salvation. Therefore, the Gospel is not what God requires. The Gospel is what God provides. The Gospel is not about human action, it’s about divine achievement. The gospel is not a moralistic “Do.” The Gospel is a merciful “Done.” The Gospel isn’t good advice – it’s good news. The Gospel is what we believe, and it is where we stand by God’s grace
2. The Gospel Drives Us
- We are compelled by the Gospel to no longer live for ourselves, but for Christ alone
3. The Gospel Deploys Us
- We are sent out as Christ’s ambassadors to proclaim how sinners can be reconciled to God through the power of the Gospel
Glorifying God: Our Purpose
- We were created for God and His glory
- We were created to know God and make Him known.
Being a Disciple of Jesus Christ: Our Identity
- Disciples of Jesus will follow Jesus
- Disciples of Jesus will imitate Jesus
Making Disciples of Jesus Christ: Our Mission
- Disciples of Jesus will live under the authority of Jesus
- Disciples of Jesus will seek to make disciples of Jesus
- Disciples of Jesus will help others follow Jesus
Christ, the Eternal Savior Came to Make Sinners into Saints (Rev. 1:4-8)
- Christ came in love as the One who is the foundation and culmination of all things.
- Christ came in love to bring freedom from sin by His blood.
- Christ came in love to bring those who trust in Him into His eternal kingdom.
Christ, the Eternal Savior Promises to Make All Things New (Rev. 21:1-8)
- Christ will dwell with His people forever in the New Heaven and New Earth.
- Christ will wipe away all the effects of the sin and provide everlasting satisfaction for His people.
- Those who do not believe in Christ will face eternal death.
- The Identity of Emmanuel Unveiled (John 1:1-5)
- The Witness of Emmanuel Portrayed (John 1:6-9)
- The Purpose of Emmanuel Proclaimed (John 1:10-13)
- The Role of Emmanuel Revealed (John 1:14-18)
"This Christ is not a reflection of the current mood or the projection of our own desires. He is our Lord and God. He is the Father’s Son, Savior of the world, and substitute for our sins—more loving, more holy, and more wonderful than we ever thought possible. He is Jesus, our Emmanuel!" (Kevin DeYoung)
The Setting of God’s Promised Comfort (Is. 40:1-2)
- God’s message of renewing comfort comes in the midst of man’s sin and failure
- God’s message of renewing comfort is reinforced with compassion, reminding His people that God always keeps His promises
The Substance of God’s Promised Comfort (Is. 40:3-5)
- The promise of God’s renewing comfort is fulfilled in the promised Messiah
- The Messiah will come to accomplish God’s purpose and His glory will be revealed
The Sureness of God’s Promised Comfort (Is. 40:6-8)
- All of humanity will fade and die, but God’s Word endures forever
- The certainty of God’s promises rests on His faithful and enduring Word
The Spreading of God’s Promised Comfort (Is. 40:9-11)
- The Gospel message must not only be received and enjoyed, but shared and spread to others for the glory of God.
- The Gospel message brings us to a mighty Shepherd who carries us in His arms.
The Darkness of Sin’s Captivity (Is. 1:2-4; 8:5-22)
- Israel had rebelled against the Lord and forsaken His ways (Is. 1:2-4)
- Israel would soon be taken into captivity by the Assyrians (Is. 8:5-10)
- God would not leave them or break His covenant!
The Light of the Messiah’s Eternal Kingdom (Is. 7:14; 9:1-7)
- Even amid the darkest of days, the light of the Messiah was already shining!
- God had a plan to rescue His people through the Messiah (Is. 7:14)
- The identity of the Messiah is declared as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. (Is. 9:6-7)
- Even amid the darkest of times, God’s rescue plan will not fail!
Omnipresence Defined and Described
- God is present everywhere at the same time, filling every part of existence with His whole being.
- Jeremiah 23:23-24: “Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him?”
Omnipresence Displayed and Applied
- God is always present in His universe (Psalm 139:7-12; Acts 17:22-28)
- God is always present in Heaven on His throne (Psalm 97:9; Psalm 123:1; Isaiah 6:1)
- God is always present with His people (Psalm 16:8-11; Psalm 34:18; Psalm 73:23-24; Hebrews 13:5-6). We can find joy, hope, strength, guidance, and reconciliation in His presence!
Omniscient Defined and Described
- God is “all-knowing.” God’s knowledge includes all things past, present, and future, all things immediately, simultaneously, exhaustively, and eternally. God never learns anything since His knowledge never comes through experience or imagination, nor is it acquired by a process of reasoning or observation. God’s knowledge is completely exhaustive.
Omniscience Displayed and Applied
- God’s Knowledge is Perfect (Job 37:5-6, 14-16)
- God’s Knowledge is Transcendent (Isaiah 40:28; Isaiah 55:6-11)
- God’s Knowledge is Exhaustive (Isaiah 46:8-10; Jeremiah 51:15; Hebrews 4:12-13)
- God’s Knowledge is Personal (Psalm 103:10-14; Psalm 139:1-6, 17-18; Psalm 147:1-5)
Omnipotence Defined
- God is omnipotent, or all-powerful. The Latin-based term omnipotence combines two words: omni, meaning all, and potens, meaning powerful. In other words, God can do all of His holy will.
- Psalm 115:1-3 - "Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! Why should the nations say, 'Where is their God?' Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases."
Omnipotence Displayed
- God’s Power is Unlimited (Isaiah 43:13; Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Matthew 19:26)
- God’s Power is Unconquerable (Job 42:2; Isaiah 46:10-11)
- God’s Power is Undiminished (Psalm 102:25-27; Isaiah 40:9-26)
- God’s Power is Unfathomable (Psalm 145:1-7; Ephesians 3:20-21)
Omnipotence Applied
- God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Philippians 4:13)
- God holds our times in His hand (Psalm 31:14-15; Ecclesiastes 3:10-11)
- God’s redemptive plan will be accomplished (Ephesians 1:3-14)
We are Called to Identify the Wanderers Among Us (vs. 19a)
- This individual is a professed Christ-follower who has begun to wander away from Christ.
- We must feel the burden of this calling, recognizing that we are all susceptible to wandering from Christ.
We are Called to Search and Rescue the Wanderers Among Us (vs. 19b; Galatians 6:1-2)
- This search and rescue operation is OUR responsibility to one another
- This must be done with meekness and love to one another for the purpose of restoration
- Christ is the ultimate Seeker and Rescuer of our souls
Prayer Works in All Circumstances (vs. 13-16a)
- Depend upon God in prayer during times of affliction.
- Give praise to God in singing during times of joy.
- Pray with the elders to God during significant weakness or sickness, expecting God to work His will.
- Confess your sin to God, knowing He will forgive.
- Be open to confessing your sin to fellow believers for the purpose of prayer and healing.
Prayer Works For All Christians (vs. 16b-18)
- Prayer is both powerful and effective.
- Prayer is for ordinary Christians who believe in God’s extraordinary ability.
Prayer Works in All Circumstances (vs. 13-16a)
- Depend upon God in prayer during times of affliction.
- Give praise to God in singing during times of joy.
- Pray with the elders to God during significant weakness or sickness, expecting God to work His will.
- Confess your sin to God, knowing He will forgive.
- Be open to confessing your sin to fellow believers for the purpose of pray and healing.
1. Avoid a Life of Self-Deceived Duplicity (v. 12a; Matthew 5:33-37)
- Be careful in the oaths you take and the promises you make
- Be mindful of tolerating duplicitous speech in your life
2. Pursue of Life of God-Honoring Integrity (v. 12b)
- Say what you mean and mean what you say to the glory of God.
- Your integrity in speech is a serious matter, not a secondary issue.
Perseverance Through Suffering Exemplified in the Prophets (vs. 10-11a)
- They obeyed God’s call to proclaim His Word
- They waited for God’s purposes to come to pass
- They persevered through suffering with a Godward focus
- Lesson Learned: Our suffering has a God-ordained purpose
Perseverance Through Suffering Illustrated in Job (vs. 11b)
- Job sought to worship and obey God
- Job endured the loss of everything he held dear
- Job’s man-centered perspective was changed to a Godward focus
- Lesson Learned: Our suffering invokes a merciful God to act in love
Perseverance Through Suffering Demonstrated through Jesus Christ
- Isaiah 53:3-6: Jesus suffered for us, carried our griefs and sorrows, and was put to death for our redemption.
- 1 Peter 2:21-25: Christ’s suffering left an example for us to follow. He died for our sins so that we could die to sin and live to righteousness.
- Hebrews 12:1-3: We are called to look to Jesus who begins and completes our faith. When we consider Christ’s perseverance through suffering, we will not lose heart.
- Lesson Learned: Our suffering must be seen through the lens of Christ’s suffering
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Freedom From Slavery (v.2)
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Former law, Mosaic law, was never meant to save us.
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Former law was meant to point to our need for a Savior.
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Freedom From Condemnation (v.3)
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God knew the former law was unable to save us.
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In response, He sent His Son to us to do what the law could not do.
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Freedom From Being Controlled (v.4)
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Because Christ is in us and we are in Christ, all of God’s requirements are fulfilled in us.
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We must live out who we are in Christ, not by doing good works in itself, but, by focusing on what God has done.
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Freedom From Defeat (v.5-11)
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Paul is comparing the saved and the unsaved.
- One lives for the flesh and the other The Spirit.
- Living a life for the flesh is death
- If you are unsaved, you are not battling sin.
- If you are fleshly, then you are trying to please yourself, not God.
- Planning is Important * Prov. 16:9, James 4:13-17
2. Who Will God Call? * John 1:43, Rom 5:10, Eph 4:22, 1 Cor 1:25
3. What Should You Be Doing? * John 6:1-13, John 12:20-22
1. Wait for the Lord’s Return with Steadfast Endurance (vs. 7-8)
- Waiting on the Lord produces the fruit of endurance
- Waiting on the Lord strengthens your heart to stand firm
2. Wait For the Lord’s Return Without Grumbling (vs. 9)
- Do not fret and grumble about this current age
- God is coming and He will set everything right
3. Wait For the Lord’s Return With Unshakable Hope (Isaiah 25:8-9; Romans 8:18-25)
- The hope we have in waiting for the Lord’s return is grounded in His eternal promises
- The glory we will experience with the Lord in heaven outweighs all suffering in this life.
Consider the Crumbling End of Amassing Wealth (vs. 1-3)
- We need to view our wealth with God’s perspective, knowing that it will soon pass away.
- Our temporal wealth will never satisfy the eternal longing in our hearts.
Consider the Condemning Indictment of Misusing Wealth (vs. 4-6)
- The Lord of Hosts will judge the self-indulgence and injustice of those who abused the poor
Consider the Incomparable Wealth of Knowing Christ
- Knowing Christ surpasses all wealth that can be gained in this world
- If Christ is not everything to you, then He is nothing to you.
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Consider the Planning of Your Days (vs. 13)
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Beware of the pride of planning your life apart from God
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Beware of placing your hope in your plans. Put your hope in an all-wise God who is able and good.
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Consider the Passing of Your Days (vs. 14)
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Be mindful that our time on this earth is fleeting
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Be careful to spend your time on this earth fulfilling God’s purpose
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Consider God’s Perspective on Your Days (vs. 15-16)
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Be careful to keep God at the center of all you plan and do
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Be mindful that boastful ambition and presumptuous planning is evil
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Consider Obeying God For All Your Days (vs. 17)
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Knowing God’s Truth should lead to obeying God’s Truth
The Path of Slander as Opposition to God and His Law (vs. 11)
- Beware of self-exalting speech that passes judgment on others
- When we pass judgment on others, we place ourselves in the place of God
The Prerogative of God’s Role as Lawgiver and Judge (vs. 12)
- God is in the position of Lawgiver and Judge
- God has the power to save and destroy