QBC Weekly Sermons: Recent Episodes

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A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth.

2 O Lord, I have heard the report of you,and your work, O Lord, do I fear.In the midst of the years revive it;in the midst of the years make it known;in wrath remember mercy.3 God came from Teman,and the Holy One from Mount Paran. SelahHis splendor covered the heavens,and the earth was full of his praise.4 His brightness was like the light;rays flashed from his hand;and there he veiled his power.5 Before him went pestilence,and plague followed at his heels.6 He stood and measured the earth;he looked and shook the nations;then the eternal mountains were scattered;the everlasting hills sank low.His were the everlasting ways.7 I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction;the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.8 Was your wrath against the rivers, O Lord?Was your anger against the rivers,or your indignation against the sea,when you rode on your horses,on your chariot of salvation?9 You stripped the sheath from your bow,calling for many arrows. SelahYou split the earth with rivers.10 The mountains saw you and writhed;the raging waters swept on;the deep gave forth its voice;it lifted its hands on high.11 The sun and moon stood still in their placeat the light of your arrows as they sped,at the flash of your glittering spear.12 You marched through the earth in fury;you threshed the nations in anger.13 You went out for the salvation of your people,for the salvation of your anointed.You crushed the head of the house of the wicked,laying him bare from thigh to neck. Selah14 You pierced with his own arrows the heads of his warriors,who came like a whirlwind to scatter me,rejoicing as if to devour the poor in secret.15 You trampled the sea with your horses,the surging of mighty waters.

16 I hear, and my body trembles;my lips quiver at the sound;rottenness enters into my bones;my legs tremble beneath me.Yet I will quietly wait for the day of troubleto come upon people who invade us.Habakkuk Rejoices in the Lord

17 Though the fig tree should not blossom,nor fruit be on the vines,the produce of the olive failand the fields yield no food,the flock be cut off from the foldand there be no herd in the stalls,18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord;I will take joy in the God of my salvation.19 God, the Lord, is my strength;he makes my feet like the deer’s;he makes me tread on my high places.

God Is Our Deliverer (verses 1-7)God Is Our Warrior (verses 8-15)God Is Our Provider (verses 16-19)

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38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. Matthew 5:38-42

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6 Shall not all these take up their taunt against him, with scoffing and riddles for him, and say,

“Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own—for how long?—and loads himself with pledges!”7 Will not your debtors suddenly arise,and those awake who will make you tremble?Then you will be spoil for them.8 Because you have plundered many nations,all the remnant of the peoples shall plunder you,for the blood of man and violence to the earth,to cities and all who dwell in them.

9 “Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house,to set his nest on high,to be safe from the reach of harm!10 You have devised shame for your houseby cutting off many peoples;you have forfeited your life.11 For the stone will cry out from the wall,and the beam from the woodwork respond.

12 “Woe to him who builds a town with bloodand founds a city on iniquity!13 Behold, is it not from the Lord of hoststhat peoples labor merely for fire,and nations weary themselves for nothing?14 For the earth will be filledwith the knowledge of the glory of the Lordas the waters cover the sea.

15 “Woe to him who makes his neighbors drink—you pour out your wrath and make them drunk,in order to gaze at their nakedness!16 You will have your fill of shame instead of glory.Drink, yourself, and show your uncircumcision!The cup in the Lord’s right handwill come around to you,and utter shame will come upon your glory!17 The violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you,as will the destruction of the beasts that terrified them,for the blood of man and violence to the earth,to cities and all who dwell in them.

18 “What profit is an idolwhen its maker has shaped it,a metal image, a teacher of lies?For its maker trusts in his own creationwhen he makes speechless idols!19 Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake;to a silent stone, Arise!Can this teach?Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver,and there is no breath at all in it.20 But the Lord is in his holy temple;let all the earth keep silence before him.” Habakkuk 2:6-20

God Sees Exploitation (verses 6-8)God Sees Arrogant Self-Security (verses 9-11)God Sees Violent Ambition (verses 12-14)God Sees Abuse and Shame (verses 15-17)God Sees Idolatry (verses 18-20)

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The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near 4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” 9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 1:1-9

A. Introduction (Revelation 1:1-8)

1. Prologue: Revelation 1:1-3a) The preeminence of Christ: John 1:1-4, 14; 1 John 1:1-3b) The beatitudes: Revelation 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 142. The Trinitarian Greeting: Revelation 1:5-6a; Eph. 1:14-17; Eph. 3:14-17; 1 Peter 1:1-23. The Centrality of Christ: Revelation 1:5b, 6-8; Colossians 1:15-19; Hebrews 1:1-44. The Doxology: Revelation 1:5b-6; Romans 11:36B. Vision of the Lord Jesus (Revelation 1:9-20)

2. John’s encounter by location: Revelation 1:9-112. John’s vision of Jesus: His appearance: Revelation 1:12-163. John’s vision of Jesus: His message: Revelation 1:17-20

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1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw.2 O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,and you will not hear?Or cry to you “Violence!”and you will not save?3 Why do you make me see iniquity,and why do you idly look at wrong?Destruction and violence are before me;strife and contention arise.4 So the law is paralyzed,and justice never goes forth.For the wicked surround the righteous;so justice goes forth perverted.

5 “Look among the nations, and see;wonder and be astounded.For I am doing a work in your daysthat you would not believe if told.6 For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans,that bitter and hasty nation,who march through the breadth of the earth,to seize dwellings not their own.7 They are dreaded and fearsome;their justice and dignity go forth from themselves.8 Their horses are swifter than leopards,more fierce than the evening wolves;their horsemen press proudly on.Their horsemen come from afar;they fly like an eagle swift to devour.9 They all come for violence,all their faces forward.They gather captives like sand.10 At kings they scoff,and at rulers they laugh.They laugh at every fortress,for they pile up earth and take it.11 Then they sweep by like the wind and go on,guilty men, whose own might is their god!” Habakkuk 1:1-11

When God’s Presence Seems Absent (Hab. 1:1-4)When God’s Plan Seems Unbelievable (Hab. 1:5-11)When God’s Actions Seem Inconsistent (Hab. 1:12-2:4)

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19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[b] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

A. The Beginning of a witness of Jesus Christ

1. Personal encounter with the living ChristActs 26:12-202. A life of fellowship/communion with GodActs 9:10-11; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 John 1:1-4; Luke 11:1; Luke 22:39-413. Willingness to live a life of sufferingActs 9:12-16; 2 Timothy 3:12; Philippians 1:29-30B. The Development of life as a witness of Jesus Christ

2. Surrender of one’s will to Christ’s willActs 26:19; Matthew 11:28-302. Living under the control of Christ’s love2 Corinthians 5:11-21C. The Conclusion of life as a Witness of Jesus Christ

3. Finish well2 Timothy 4:6-7; 2 Timothy 4:9-102. Leave a legacy2 Timothy 1:4-5; Revelation 14:13

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33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:33-39

A. The Love of God in Christ’s Work: Objectively

1. Question OneRom. 8:31; Rom. 8:18-23; Rom. 8:28-30; Col. 3:1-3; Isa. 43:1-2; Job 13:15; Job 19:252. Question TwoRom. 8:31-32; Rev. 12:10; 1 John 2:15-17; Gal. 5:16-173. Question ThreeRom. 8:32; Rom. 5:6-11; Rom. 8:1-3; Rom. 8:16-17; Phil. 1:29; John 3:16; Mark 14:364. Question FourRomans 8:33; Rev. 12:10; Zechariah 3:1-2; Isaiah 50:8-9; 2 Corinthians 2:10-11; Ephesians 6:115. Question FiveRomans 8:34; Romans 4:22-25; Hebrews 9:11-15B. The Love of God in Christ: Subjectively

2. Question SixRomans 8:35a7. Question SevenRomans 8:35b

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31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Romans 8:31-33

A. The Love of God in Christ’s Work: Objectively

1. Question OneRom. 8:31; Rom. 8:18-23; Rom. 8:28-30; Col. 3:1-3; Isaiah 43:1-2; Job 13:15; Job 19:252. Question TwoRom. 8:31-32; Rev. 12:10; 1 John 2:15-17; Gal. 5:16-173. Question ThreeRom. 8:32; Rom. 5:6-11; Rom. 8:1-3; Rom. 8:16-17; Phil. 1:29; John 3:16; Mark 14:364. Question FourRom. 8:33; Rev. 12:10; Zech. 3:1-2; Isaiah 50:8-95. Question FiveRom. 8:34; Rom. 4:22-25B. The Love of God and Love of Christ: Subjectively

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14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

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21 And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” 23 But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26 And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. Matthew 15:21-28

Introduction: What does great faith look like? How does it act? How does it behave?1. Great faith _________________________________________2. Great faith _________________________________________3. Great faith _________________________________________4. Great faith ________________________________________Conclusion

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27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell. Matthew 5:27-30

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A. The Purpose for God’s People Leading to Assurance

Romans 8:29

1. Conformity to the image of His Son, the Lord Jesus

a) His character – Galatians 5:22-23

b) His submission – Matthew 26:36-42

c) His obedience – John 17:4; John 8:29

d) His suffering – Matthew 27:27-31

1. Exaltation of His Son, the Lord Jesus – Romans 8:29

B. The Process of God’s Actions Leading to Assurance

Romans 8:29-30, Jonah 2:9

1. Foreknew: Rom. 8:29, Jeremiah 1:5, Amos 3:2, John 10:14, 1 Peter 1:1-2, Matt. 7:21-23, Acts 2:23

2. Predestined: Romans 8:29-30, Ephesians 1:3-5, 11

3. Called: Romans 8:30, 2 Corinthians 4:6, Romans 9:26, 1 Peter 2:5, John 6:44, John 6:37, Psalm 110:3, John 8:12

4. Justified : Romans 8:30

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10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12

Reality 2. Reason

1. Response

2. Reward

3. Application

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For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:29-30

A. The Purpose for God’s People Leading to Assurance

Romans 8:29

1. Conformity to the image of His Son, the Lord Jesus

a) His character – Galatians 5:22-23

b) His submission – Matthew 26:36-42

c) His obedience – John 17:4; John 8:29

d) His suffering – Matthew 27:27-31

1. Exaltation of His Son, the Lord Jesus – Romans 8:29

B. The Process of God’s Actions Leading to Assurance

Romans 8:29-30, Jonah 2:9

1. Foreknew: Rom. 8:29, Jeremiah 1:5, Amos 3:2, John 10:14, 1 Peter 1:1-2, Matt. 7:21-23, Acts 2:23

2. Predestined: Romans 8:29, Ephesians 1:3-5, 1 Peter 2:9

3. Called: Romans 8:30, 2 Corinthians 4:6, Romans 9:26, 1 Peter 2:5, John 6:44, John 6:37, Psalm 110:3, John 8:12

4. Justified – Romans 8:30

5. Glorified – Romans 8:30

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This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9

YHWH Prepares Joshua 2. YHWH Provides for Joshua

1. YHWH Promises Joshua

2. Application:

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Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20

The Lord’s Workers (verses 16-17)

The Lord’s Work (verses 18-20)

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Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

The Lord’s Pleasure (verses 1-2)

The Lord’s Purpose (verses 3-6)

The Lord’s Passion (verses 7-8)

Application

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When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Mark 16:1-8

Devoted Disciples (verses 1-3)

Empty Tomb Eyewitnesses (verses 4-6)

Missional Messengers (verses 7-8)

Application

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Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. 45 And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. 46 And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid. Mark 15:43-47

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For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:29-30

A. The Purpose of God’s Foreknowledge and Predestination

Romans 8:28

1. Conformity to the image of His Son, the Lord Jesus

Romans 8:29; Ephesians 4:11-24

a) His character

Galatians 5:22-23; Luke 4:22; Matthew 7:28-29

b) His submission

Matthew 26:36-42

c) His obedience

John 17:4; John 8:29

d) His suffering

Matthew 27:27-31

1. Exaltation of His Son, the Lord Jesus

Romans 8:29; Col. 1:15-18; Hebrews 1:1-6; Rev. 1:4-6;

Heb. 2:10-12; John 20:17; Philippians 2:5-11

B. The Assurance from God’s actions in His people

1. Foreknew – Romans 8:29

2. Predestined – Romans 8:29

3. Called – Romans 8:30

4. Justified – Romans 8:30

5. Glorified – Romans 8:30

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And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. 54 And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. 55 Now the chief priests and the whole council[f] were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. 56 For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. 57 And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” 59 Yet even about this their testimony did not agree. 60 And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?”[g] 61 But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” 63 And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? 64 You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. 65 And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows. Mark 14:53-65

1. Innocence Confirmed (verses 55-61)

2. Guilty as Charged (verses 61b-62)

3. Unjustly Condemned (verses 63-65)

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Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. John 17:24

A. The Foundations for Fellowship with God

1. The Gospel of the Lord Jesus

2. The Calling of God the Father: 1 Cor. 1:9

B. The Practice of Fellowship with God

1. Word-centered: 1 John 1:1-4

2. Trinitarian: Eph. 1:15-20, Eph. 3:14-19

3. Prayer-driven: Luke 5:16, Luke 22:39, Acts 6:1-5

4. Spirit-dependent: Romans 8:26

C. The Blessings of Fellowship with God

1. Family relationship with God as our Father: John 17:11, 25

2. Peace of God in a world of turmoil: John 16:33; Phil. 4:4-7

3. Enjoyment of God now and forever: Psalm 16:11

4. Fulfillment of our created and redemptive purposes: Gen. 1:26-27; Eph. 4:20-24

D. The Hindrances to Fellowship with God

1. The neglect of prayer: John 17:1

2. The debilitating power of the flesh: Matt. 26:36-41

3. The hindering power of Satan: John 17:15b; Eph. 6:10-18; Eph. 6:17

4. The alluring power of the world: John 17:15a; 1 John 2:15-17

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And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

A. The Ministries of the Holy Spirit: Romans 8:1-27

B. The Promise of Assurance: Romans 8:28

1. The personal assurance in the promise

2. The giver of the promise: Our Sovereign God

3. The recipients of the promise: those who love God, called

Romans 8:28

a) The promise is for those who love God by obedience to His Word John 14:15, 21, 23

b) The promise is for those who are called by God

1) The general (external) call of God

Matt. 9:10-13; Matt. 11:28-30; Matt. 22:14; Mark 16:15; Acts 17:30; John 3:15-16, 18, 36; John 5:24; John 6:47; John 12:46

2) The effectual (internal) call of God

Acts 26:12-20; Acts 2:37-41; Rom. 9:11-13, 22-24; 1 Cor 1:2, 23-24; Eph. 1:3; Eph. 4:1, 4; Jude 1; Deut. 7:6-8; Deut.14:1-2

c) Affirming our effectual calling by God: 2 Peter 1:10

1) Have I come to Jesus Christ as He is presented in the Gospel?

Matt. 11:28-30; John 6:37; John 1:12-13

2) Am I believing on Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of my sins?: Eph. 1:7

3) Does my life give evidence of new birth?

– The Fear of God governing my life: Jer. 32:38-40

– Growing in spiritual virtues: 2 Peter 1:3-9

– Bearing family traits: Gal. 5:22-23

4) Do I enjoy fellowship with God?: 1 Cor. 1:9

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And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

A. The Ministries of the Holy Spirit: Romans 8:1-27

B. The Promise of Assurance: Romans 8:28

1. The personal assurance in the promise

2. The giver of the promise: Our Sovereign God

3. The recipients of the promise: those who love God, called

Romans 8:28

a) The types of obedience in those who love God

1) Dependent obedience – John 15:5

2) Delightful obedience – 1 John 5:2-3

3) Consistent obedience – Philippians 2:12-13

4) Submissive obedience – Acts 26:19

5) Simple obedience – 1 John 3:23

6) Familial obedience – 1 Peter 1:14

b) The qualities in the love of those who love God

1) Sincere love – Ephesians 6:24

2) Christlike love – 1 Cor. 13:4-8, Gal. 5:22-23

c) The objects of the love of God in those who love Him

1) Love for God’s people: John 13:34,35; 1 John 3:11-18; Philemon 4-7

2) Love for God’s Word: Psalm 119:97, 113, 140, 163, 167

3) Love for God’s name: Psalm 5:11; Psalm 119:132

4) Love for Christ’s Exaltation: John 14:28

5) Love for Christ’s Presence: Psalm 26:8; John 14:21

6) Love for Christ’s appearing: 2 Timothy 4:7-8

7) Love for sinners: Romans 9:1-3; Matthew 9:35-38

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Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. John 17:24

A. The Foundations for Fellowship with God

1. The Gospel of the Lord Jesus

a) It is the heart of God the Father: John 17:1-4, Gen. 3:15, Isaiah 53:10, John 3:16

b) It is the work of God the Father, Son, Spirit: Eph. 2:11-22

1. The Calling of God the Father: 1 Cor. 1:9

a) A people given to His Son: John 6:37, John 17:2, 6, 9, 24

b) A people He is not ashamed to own: 1 Peter 2:9-10, Rev. 21:1-4

B. The Practice of Fellowship with God

1. Word-centered: 1 John 1:1-4

2. Trinitarian: Eph. 1:15-20, Eph. 3:14-19

3. Prayer-driven: Luke 5:16, Luke 22:39, Acts 6:1-5

4. Spirit-dependent: Romans 8:26

C. The Blessings of Fellowship with God

D. The Hindrances to Fellowship with God

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Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. John 17:24

A. The Foundations for Fellowship with God

1. The Gospel of the Lord Jesus

a) It is the heart of God the Father: John 17:1-4, Gen. 3:15, Isaiah 53:10, John 3:16

b) It is the work of God the Father, Son, Spirit: Eph. 2:11-22

1. The Calling of God the Father: 1 Cor. 1:9

a) A people given to His Son: John 6:37, John 17:2, 6, 9, 24

b) A people He is not ashamed to own: 1 Peter 2:9-10, Rev. 21:1-4

B. The Practice of Fellowship with God

1. Word-centered: 1 John 1:1-4

2. Trinitarian: Eph. 1:15-20, Eph. 3:14-19

3. Prayer-driven: Luke 5:16, Luke 22:39, Acts 6:1-5

4. Spirit-dependent: Romans 8:26

C. The Blessings of Fellowship with God

D. The Hindrances to Fellowship with God

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And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” 45 And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 46 And they laid hands on him and seized him. 47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant[e] of the high priest and cut off his ear. 48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.” 50 And they all left him and fled. 51 And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, 52 but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked. Mark 14:43-52

I. Jesus Is Betrayed (vs. 43-46)

II. Jesus Is Misunderstood (vs. 47-49)

III. Jesus Is Abandoned (vs. 50-52)

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And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. 41 And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” Mark 14:32-42

I. Jesus’ agony in prayer (vs. 32-36)

II. Jesus’ agony in instruction (vs. 37-39)

III. Jesus’ agony in victory (vs. 40-42)

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Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9

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And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 29 Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” 30 And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31 But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same.

66 And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, 67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you mean.” And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. 69 And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 70 But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 71 But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept. Mark 14:27-31, 66-72

I. The Fall of Peter and the Disciples Foretold

II. The Fall of Peter and the Disciples Fulfilled

III. The Rise of Peter and the Disciples Finished

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Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!2 O Lord, hear my voice!Let your ears be attentiveto the voice of my pleas for mercy!

3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,O Lord, who could stand?4 But with you there is forgiveness,that you may be feared.

5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,and in his word I hope;6 my soul waits for the Lordmore than watchmen for the morning,more than watchmen for the morning.

Psalm 130

1. We learn relational prayer that shapes our lives: Psalm 130: 1-2

Hezekiah’s Prayer from the depths of fear: – 2 Kings 19:1-7, 14-19David’s Prayer from the depths of helplessness: – Psalm 25:1-2, 16-20Jonah’s Prayer from the depths of loneliness: – Jonah 2:1-9 Jesus’ Prayer from the depths of spiritual agony: – Luke 22:41-44 2. We learn the chief virtue necessary for spiritual growth: Psalm 130:3

1. We learn the end goal of forgiveness: Psalm 130:4

2. We learn the spiritual discipline of waiting: Psalm 13:5-6

3. We learn to rest on God’s Word: Psalm 130:5

4. We learn to encourage others: Psalm 130:7-8

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And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

A. The Ministries of the Holy Spirit: Romans 8:1-26

B. The Promise of Assurance

1. The Personal Assurance in the Promise – “we know”

2. The Giver of the Promise: Our Sovereign God

TODAY3. The recipients of the promise: those who love God, called: Romans 8:28

a. The types of obedience in those who love God

– Dependent obedience: John 15:5, 1 Corinthians 15:10

– Delightful obedience: 1 John 5:2-3

– Consistent obedience: Philippians 2:12-14

– Submissive obedience: Acts 26:19

– Simple obedience: Matthew 28:19-20, 1 John 3:23

– Familial obedience: 1 Peter 1:13-15

b. The qualities in the love of those who love God

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And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

A. The Ministries of the Holy Spirit

1. He has set us free Romans 8:1

2. He indwells the believer Romans 8:9

3. He assures us of future resurrection Romans 8:11

4. He equips us to fight sin Romans 8:13

5. He leads the children of God Romans 8:14

6. He affirms our adoption in God’s family Romans 8:15-16

7. He creates longing and the hope for final salvation Rom. 8:23

8. He helps believers pray while interceding for them Rom. 8:26

B. The Promise of Assurance

1. The Personal Assurance in the Promise: Rom. 8:28

TODAY2. The Giver of the Promise: Our Sovereign God: Romans 8:28

a. He can work all things for good: He is powerful in all His works: Rom. 8:28a

– The requirement of God having the ability: Matt. 8:23-27, Jeremiah 32:17, 27

b. He can work all things for good: He is sovereign in all His works: Rom. 8:28b

– The requirement of God being in complete control: Daniel 4:35, Ps. 115:3, Ps. 103:19, 1 Tim. 6:13-15

c. He can work all things for good: He is good in all His works: Rom. 8:28c

– The requirement of God being good: 2 Chronicles 30:18, Ps. 25:8, Matt. 19:17, Ps. 145:9, Ps. 33:5, Ps. 119:68, Ps. 86:4-5, Num. 10:29, Gal. 5:22-23, Acts 10:38, Ps. 23:6

d. He can work all things for good: He is purposeful in all His works: Rom. 8:28

– The requirement of God doing all tings according to His will. Rom. 8:28, Eph 1:11, Ps. 57:2, Ps. 138:8, Phil. 2:12-14

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12 And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, “Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 13 And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, 14 and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us.” 16 And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. 17 And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. 18 And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” 19 They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, “Is it I?” 20 He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. 21 For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 22 And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” 26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Mark 14:12-26

PASSOVER PREPARED (vs. 12-16)

CONSPIRACY PREDICTED (vs. 17-21)

COMMUNION PRACTICED (vs. 22-26)

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And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

A. The Ministries of the Holy Spirit

1. He has set us free Romans 8:1

2. He indwells the believer Romans 8:9

3. He assures us of future resurrection Romans 8:11

4. He equips us to fight sin Romans 8:13

5. He leads the children of God Romans 8:14

6. He affirms our adoption in God’s family Romans 8:15-16

7. He creates longing and the hope for final salvation Rom. 8:23

8. He helps believers pray while interceding for them Rom. 8:26

B. The Promise of Assurance

1. The Personal Assurance in the Promise

Rom. 8:28; Rom. 6:6,9; Rom. 8:22,28; 1 Thess. 1:4; 2 Cor. 5:1,6; 1 John 2:3; 1 John 3:2, 14; John 10:1-5,14-15; 2 Peter 1:14; Psalm 56:9; Psalm 41:11; Job 19:25

Application: Obtaining Assurance– Strive for obedience to holy living

– Saturate our lives with scripture

– Seek a consistency in fervent prayer

1. The Giver of the Promise: Our Sovereign God

Romans 8:28

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It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, 2 for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.” 3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. 4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” 10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. 11 And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him. Mark 14:1-11

EXTREME ENVY (vs 1-2)

LAVISH LOVE (vs 3-9)

BITTER BETRAYAL (vs 10-11)

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When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. 2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” Mathew 11:1-6

A. Doubts are not Uncommon in God’s People

1. John the Baptist

Matthew 11:1-3

1. Disciples post-resurrection of Jesus

Matthew 28:17, Luke 24:36-43, Ephesians 3:14-19

1. Early church at prayer

Acts 12:5, 12-17

B. Doubts expelled by the Lord Jesus Christ

1. By the Word of the Lord

a) The character of Him who said it

b) The saints who proved it

Psalm 119:140

1. By the Works of the Lord

Matthew 11:4b

a) Our old life contrasting with our new life

2 Corinthians 5:17

b) Our conformity from the world to Christ

1 Peter 1:13-16

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“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” Mark 13:28-27

I. Jerusalem’s Destruction (verses 24-25)

II. Jesus’ Return Illustrated (verses 26-27)

III. Application

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“In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ 19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. Acts 26:12-20

A. The Making of a witness of Jesus Christ begins with:

1. Personal encounter with the living Christ: Acts 26:12-20

2. Beginning a life of fellowship/communion with God: Acts 9:12-16, 2 Tim. 3:12, Phil. 1:29-30

B. The Development of life as a witness of Jesus Christ

1. Surrender of one’s will to Christ’s will: Acts 26:19, Matthew 11:28-30

2. Living under the control of Christ’s love: 2 Cor. 5:11-21

C. The Conclusion of life as a witness of Jesus Christ

1. Finish well: 2 Tim. 4:6-7, 2 Tim. 4:9-10

2. Leave a legacy: 2 Tim. 1:4-5, Rev. 14:13

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“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. Mark 13:24-27

1. The Day of the Lord (24-25)

2. The Coming of the Lord (26-27)

Application

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Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

A. The Ministries of the Holy Spirit

1. He has set us free: Romans 8:2

2. He indwells the believer: Romans 8:9-10

3. He assures us of future resurrection: Romans 8:11

4. He equips us to fight sin: Romans 8:12-13

5. He leads the children of God: Romans 8:14

6. He affirms our adoption in God’s family: Romans 8:15-16

7. He creates a longing and the hope of final salvation: Romans 8:22-24

8. He helps believers pray while interceding for them: Romans 8:26-27

B. The Ministry of Prayer by the Holy Spirit

1. Our need and His help: Romans 8:26b-27

a. Our weakness – Matthew 26:36-41, 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, Job 7:19-21

b. His help – Psalm 57:13, Ephesians 3:14-19, John 17:20-21

1. His intercession for us: Romans 8:26c-27

a. Trinitarian communication on our behalf; Hebrews 7:23-25, Romans 8:26

b. Unfolding of God’s will in our lives 1 John 3:23, 1 Peter 1:15-16

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For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:24-25

A. The Children of God: Suffering Now, Glory Then

B. The Children of God and Creation: Certain Hope of Deliverance

1. The Definition of our hope

a. A spiritual grace: Romans 8:24-25

Psalms – 25 Times with four main objects of our hope

– God’s love – Psalm 33:18

– God’s Person – Psalm 71:5

– God’s Salvation – Psalm 119:166

– God’s Word – Psalm 119: 43, 49, 74, 147

In the New Testament – Hope appears 84 times

– Resurrection of the Lord Jesus – Acts 23:6, 1 Peter 1:3

– 2nd Coming of the Lord Jesus – Titus 2:11-13

– Eternal life – Titus 1:2

b. A spiritual grace to be exercised: Romans 8:24-25

1. The Applications of our hope: Romans 6:17

a. Daily renewing of our mind: 1 Peter 1:13

b. Daily transformation of our lives

1 John 4:1-3, Romans 8:25, Romans 15:13

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Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. 12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. 14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful. 15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Titus 3

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“But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18 Pray that it may not happen in winter. 19 For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. 20 And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. 21 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand. Mark 13:14-23

I. A Great Danger (vs. 14-18)

II. A Great Destruction (vs. 19-20)

III. A Great Deception (vs. 19-20)

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1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!2 O Lord, hear my voice!Let your ears be attentiveto the voice of my pleas for mercy!3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,O Lord, who could stand?4 But with you there is forgiveness,that you may be feared.5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,and in his word I hope;6 my soul waits for the Lordmore than watchmen for the morning,more than watchmen for the morning.7 O Israel, hope in the Lord!For with the Lord there is steadfast love,and with him is plentiful redemption.8 And he will redeem Israelfrom all his iniquities. Psalm 130

1. True Prayer is learned

Psalm 130:1, Jonah 2:1-4

1. Knowledge of our sinfulness and God’s holiness deepens

Psalm 130:2-3, Luke 5:8

1. Knowledge of God’s grace and mercy experienced

Psalm 130:4, Psalm 86:5, Jeremiah 33:8

1. Desire for the Person of the Lord intensifies

Psalm 130:5-6, Psalm 25:3-5, Psalm 63:1

1. Trust in God’s Word matures

Psalm 130:5, Psalm 56:4, Psalm 56:10-11, Psalm 119:25, Psalm 119:28, 2 Corinthians 1:18-20

1. Discipline and submission to God develops

Psalm 130:6, James 1:2-4, Matthew 24:36-42, 1 Thess. 1:6-10, Psalm 130:7-8, Titus 2:11-13

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And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains. 9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Mark 13:1-13

I. Jesus’ Prediction (vs. 1-4)

II. Jesus’ Preparation (vs. 5-8)

III. Jesus’ Provision (vs. 9-11)

IV. Jesus’ Protection (vs. 12-13)

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And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” Matthew 8:23-27

A. Fear and God’s People

1. Unhealthy fear is not removed at conversion: Matthew 8:25-26, 2 Timothy 1:7

2. Unhealthy fear is driven by circumstances & false perceptions – Matthew 8:24-25

3. Unhealthy fear overcomes spiritual reasoning : Matthew 8:24-25, Numbers 13:1-2, Numbers 13:30-33

4. Unhealthy fear does not indicate being faithless: Matthew 8:26, Matthew 8:31

B. Jesus’ Compassion to us in our fears

1. He accompanies us in our fears: Matthew 8:23, Matthew 28:18-20

2. He allows fearful circumstances to teach faith: Matthew 8:24, Psalm 46:1-4

3. He challenges us to confront our fears: Matthew 8:26, John 21:17

4. He displays His power over our fears: Matthew 8:26, 1 John 4:18, Zephaniah 3:17

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For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:18-25

A. The Children of God: Suffering Now, Glory Then: Rom. 8:16-17

1. Suffering before Glory

– Suffering for Christ’s truth: Acts 5:27-29

– Suffering for Christ’s name: Acts 5:40-42

– Suffering for Christ’s gospel: 2 Tim. 1:8

– Suffering for Christ’s work in us: Phil. 2:12-14

1. The Glory to be revealed: Rom. 8:18, Eph. 1:11-12, 2 Cor. 3:18, Eph 1:13-14, Ps. 63:1-2

a. The glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ: 2 Cor. 4:5-6, Rev. 1:12-18

Todayb. The Glory of Heaven

– A prepared place: John 14:1-3, Hebrews 11:13-16

– A perfect place of no blemish, decay or defilement: 1 Peter 1:3-5, Rev. 21:22-27

– A perfect place of love and fellowship: Rev. 21:1-4

c. The Glory of the Children of God

– Transformation begun: Conversion: John 3:3-8, Titus 2:4-7, 1 Peter 1:22-23

– Transformation continued: Sanctification: 2 Cor. 3:18, 2 Peter 3:18, Rom. 12:1-2, 2 Cor. 5:14, Eph. 4:20-24

– Transformation completed: Glorification: Phil. 3:20-21, Isa. 25:9, Isa. 26:19, 1 Cor. 15:47-57

B. The Children of God and Creation: Certainty of Deliverance: Romans 8:24-25, 1 Thess. 1:3; 5-8, Gal. 5:5-6

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For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18

A. The Children of God: Suffering Now, Glory Then: Rom. 8:16-17

1. Suffering before Glory

– Suffering for Christ’s truth: Acts 5:27-29

– Suffering for Christ’s name: Acts 5:40-42

– Suffering for Christ’s gospel: 2 Tim. 1:8

– Suffering for Christ’s work in us: Phil. 2:12-14

1. The Glory to be revealed

Rom. 8:18, Eph. 1:11-12, 2 Cor. 3:18, Eph 1:13-14, Ps. 63:1-2

a. The glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ

2 Cor. 4:5-6, Rev. 1:12-18

– Christ as the Son of Man: His deity and humanity

Rev. 1:12-13, Dan. 7:13-14, Matt. 1:22-23, Mark 10:45

– Christ as the great high priest and ruling King

Rev. 1:13b, Heb. 7:24-27, Rev. 17:14; 19:16

– Christ as Almighty God

Rev. 1:14, Daniel 7:9; 13-14

– Christ as the righteous, authoritarian judge

Rev. 1:15, Daniel 10:6, Heb. 4:17

– Christ as the powerful protector of His church

Rev. 1:16, Psalm 20:6

– Christ in the glory of His brilliant beauty

Rev. 1:17, Matt. 17:1-2, Psalm 80

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After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:1-19

A. The Circumstances of Joshua

B. The Commands from God

1. Be Strong

Joshua 1:6a, Joshua 1:7a, Joshua 1:9b, Joshua 1:5, Acts 18:9-10

a. In the Lord: Eph. 6:10

b. In His Word: Joshua 1:7a, Eph. 6:17, Heb. 4:12

1. Be Courageous

Joshua 1:6b, Joshua 1:7b, Joshua 1:9c

a. Against the fear of man: Ps. 56:3-4, 10-11

b. Against the devil: 1 Peter 5:8-9

1. Be Obedient: Joshua 1:7c, 1:8, Ecc. 12:13-14, 2 Tim. 2:1-4, Eccl. 12:13-14, 2 Tim. 2:1-4

2. Don’t be Frightened: Joshua 1:9d

3. Don’t be Dismayed: Joshua 1:9e, John 14:1-4

C. The Character of God

1. God’s past faithfulness: Joshua 1:5a, Joshua 21:45, Ps. 119:140

2. God’s future faithfulness: Joshua 1:5b, 2 Cor. 1:9-11

3. God’s present faithfulness: Joshua 1:9, Matt. 28:18-20

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For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18

A. The Children of God: Suffering Now, Glory Then: Rom. 8:16-17

1. Suffering before Glory

– Suffering for Christ’s truth: Acts 5:27-29

– Suffering for Christ’s name: Acts 5:40-42

– Suffering for Christ’s gospel: 2 Tim. 1:8

– Suffering for Christ’s work in us: Phil. 2:12-14

1. The Glory to be revealed

Rom. 8:18, Eph. 1:11-12, 2 Cor. 3:18, Eph 1:13-14, Ps. 63:1-2

a. The glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ

2 Cor. 4:5-6, Rev. 1:12-18

b. The glory of the children of God

Philippians 3:20-21

c. The glory of heaven

– A prepared place

John 14:1-3

– A perfect place of no blemish, decay, or defilement

1 Peter 1:3-5, Revelation 21:22-27

– A perfect place of love and fellowship

Revelation 21:1-4

B. The Creation’s Future Deliverance

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“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:25-34

A. Causes of Anxiety: Proverbs 22:13

– Fear of dying– Fear of financial insecurity– Fear of children not turning out right– Fear of circumstances– Fear of spiders, snakes, elevators– Fear of speaking in public– Fear of people– Fear of failure

B. Consequences of anxiety: Matthew 6:25-34

1. It breaks fellowship with God:

Matt. 6:25, 31, 34, Psalm 66:18

1. It fuels unbelief of God’s faithful provision

Matt. 6:25, 30-31, Heb. 3:7-12

1. It intensifies fear of death

Matt. 6:27, Heb. 2:14-15

1. It draws our hearts and minds off eternity

Matt. 6:33, Matt. 14:28-33

C. Combating anxiety: John 14:1-6

1. Obey Jesus’ command not to give into anxiety

John 14:1a, 2 Cor. 12:8-9

1. Fight anxious feelings with confident faith

John 14:1b, Ps. 56:3-4, Ps. 42:5, Ps. 42:11

1. Focus on heaven not anxiety producing circumstances

John 14:2, 1 Peter 1:3-8

1. Live in light of Christ’s Second Coming

John 14:3, Col. 3:1-3

1. Remember our union with Christ

John 14:4-6, Ps. 23:1-3, 6, 2 Peter 1:3-4, 2 Cor. 1:20

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For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18

1. Our position in Christ – vs. 1-42. Empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit – vs. 1-133. Our adoption in God’s forever family – vs. 14-174. Holy Spirit produced thirst for glorification – vs. 18-255. Holy Spirit’s intercession – vs. 26-276. Golden chain of redemption – vs. 28-307. Sacrificial and keeping love of God – vs. 31-39

A. The Children of God: Suffering Now, Glory Then: Rom. 8:16-17

1. Suffering before Glory: Rom. 8:18, 2 Cor. 4:17-18

– Suffering for Christ’s truth:

Acts 5:27-29

– Suffering for Christ’s name (far more personal):

Acts 5:40-42, Phil. 1:29-30, John 17:6

– Suffering for Christ’s gospel:

2 Tim. 1:8, 2 Tim. 2:3-6

– Suffering for Christ’s work in us

Phil. 2:12-14, Heb. 12:6-11

(Next week)2. The Glory to be revealed

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And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:41-44

I. The Givers’ Action

II. The Givers’ Attitude

III. The Givers’ Application

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And as Jesus taught in the temple, he said, “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? 36 David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared, “‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.”’ 37 David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?” And the great throng heard him gladly. 38 And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces 39 and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 40 who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” Mark 12:35-40

I. Dangerous Belief Exposed (35-37)

II. Dangerous Behavior Exposed (38-40)

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The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Romans 8:16-17

A. The Spirit’s Leadership: Our Familial Identity with God

1. What family traits does the Spirit lead us to? Rom. 8:14

2. Family identity declared – 1 John 3:1-3

B. The Spirit’s Witness: Our Adoption, Access, His Witness

1. We receive the affirmation of our Adoption – Eph. 1:5

2. In our adoption we have access to God as Father – Gal 4:6

3. The independent witness of the Spirit – Rom. 8:16

4. The Independent Witness of the Spirit – Romans 8:17

a. We are heirs of God – Titus 3:4-7

TODAYb. We are fellow heirs with Christ – Matt. 25:31-34, Luke 12:37, Rev. 19:6-9

– Shared nature: 2 Peter 1:3-4

– Shared life: 1 John 4:9

– Shared Father: John 20:17

– Shared kingdom: Matt. 25:31-34

– Shared fellowship: 1 John 1:1-3

– Shared service: Luke 12:37, Rev. 7:15, Rev. 19:6-9

– Shared sufferings

1. The inevitability of our suffering: John 16:33, Acts 14:21-22, 1 Peter 2:21

2. The purpose of our suffering

Fruit-bearing – John 15:1-2

Learn obedience – Ps. 119:67, 119:71, Heb. 5:8

Conformity to Christ – Heb. 12:10-11

1. The proper responses in our suffering: Phil. 1:29, 1 Peter 4:13

– Shared glory: Col. 3:1-4, 1 John 3:1-3, Phil. 3:20-21

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Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9

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The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Romans 8:16-17

A. The Spirit’s Leadership: Our Familial Identity with God

1. What family traits does the Spirit lead us to? Rom. 8:14

– Holiness: like the Lord Jesus – 1 Thess. 4:3

– Love: like the Lord Jesus – 2 Cor. 5:14-15

1. Family identity declared – 1 John 3:1-3

B. The Spirit’s Witness: Our Adoption, Access, His Witness

Rom. 8:14, Rom. 8:15-16

1. We receive the affirmation of our Adoption – Eph. 1:5

2. In our adoption we have access to God as Father – Gal 4:6

3. The independent witness of the Spirit – Rom. 8:16

– Spiritual Fruit – Gal. 5:22-23

– Desire for communion with God – Acts 9:10-11, Phil. 1:21-23

Today4. The Independent Witness of the Spirit – Romans 8:17

a. We are heirs of God – Titus 3:4-7

– The promised inheritance – Eph. 1:11, 12, 15-19

– The person of our inheritance – Phil. 1:21-23

– The place of our inheritance – Rev. 21:1-4

b. We are fellow heirs with Christ – Matt. 25:31-34, Luke 12:37, Rev. 19:6-9

c. We are heirs of Christ’s Sufferings – Phil. 1:29, Phil. 3:10, 1 Thess. 3:1-5, 1 Peter 4:13

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See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. 1 John 3:1-3

A. The Reasons to Live with Second Coming Mentality

1. We are so loved by the Father: 1 John 3:1a, John 14:21,23, John 16:27

2. We are children of God far from our Father’s House: 1 John 3:1b-2, John 14:1-3, Rom. 8:22-23, Heb. 11:13-16

B. The Impact of Living with Second Coming Mentality

1. We live with anticipation of glorification: 1 John 3:2b, 1 Cor. 15:50-56, Phil. 3:20

2. We progress in the likeness of Him who is coming: 1 John 3:3, 1 Peter 1:13-19, 2 Peter 3:10-13, 2 Cor. 3:18

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And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. 33 And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions. Mark 12:28-34

I. The Greatest Commandment Defined

II. The Greatest Commandment Described

III. The Greatest Commandment Discovered

IV. The Greatest Commandment Displayed

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“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-20

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For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Romans 8:14-17

A. The Spirit’s Leadership: Our Familial Identity with God

1. What family traits does the Spirit lead us to? Rom. 8:14

– Holiness: like the Lord Jesus: 1 Thess. 4:3, 7; John 17:15-19

– Love: like the Lord Jesus: Rom. 5:5, 2 Cor. 5:14-15, Joh 13:34-35

1. Family identity declared

Rom. 8:14b, 8:15, 16, 17; 1 John 3:1-3, John 1:12, Gal. 3:24-26

TodayB. The Spirit’s Witness: Our Adoption, Access, His Witness : Rom. 8:14, Rom. 8:15-16

1. We receive the affirmation of our Adoption: Rom. 8:15a, Eph. 1:5, Gal. 4:4-5

2. In our adoption we have access to God as Father: Rom. 8:15, Gal. 4:6, John 20:17-18

3. The independent witness of the Spirit: Rom. 8:16

– Spiritual Fruit – Gal. 5:22-23

– Desire for communion with God – Acts 9:10-11, Phil. 1:21-23

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For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons[f] of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Romans 8:14-17

Seven Treasures in Romans 81. Our position in Christ (1-4)

1. The empowering presence of the Spirit (5-13)

2. Our adoption in God’s forever family (14-17)

3. Spirit-produced thirst for glorification (18-25)

4. Spirit’s intercession (26-27)

5. Golden chain of redemption (28-30)

6. Sacrificial and keeping love of God (31-39)

A. The Spirit’s Leadership: Our Familial Identity with God

1. What family traits does the Spirit lead us to? Rom. 8:14

– Holiness: like the Lord Jesus: 1 Thess. 4:3, 7; John 17:15-19

– Love: like the Lord Jesus: Rom. 5:5, 2 Cor. 5:14-15, Joh 13:34-35

1. Family identity declared: Rom. 8:14b, 8:15, 16, 17; 1 John 3:1-3, John 1:12, Gal. 3:24-26

B. The Spirit’s Witness: Our Adoption, Access, His Witness: Rom. 8:14, Rom. 8:15-16

1. We receive the affirmation of our Adoption: Rom. 8:15a, Eph. 1:5, Gal. 4:4-5

2. In our adoption we have access to God as Father: Rom. 8:15, Gal. 4:6, John 20:17-18

3. The independent witness of the Spirit: Rom. 8:16

– Spiritual Fruit – Gal. 5:22-23

– Desire for communion with God – Acts 9:10-11, Phil. 1:21-23

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That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. 1 John 1:1-4

A. The Definition of Fellowship

1 John 1:1-3

1. Participation – John 17:20-23

2. Partnership in Gospel labor – Phil. 1:3-5, Luke 5:10

3. Sharing – Acts 2:44-45, Rom. 12:13, Heb. 13:16

B. The Dimensions of Fellowship

1 John 1:2-3

1. Vertical: Fellowship with the Father and Son

1 John 1:3b, 2 Cor. 13:14

1. Horizontal: Fellowship within the body of Christ

1 John 1:1-3

C. The Delight in Fellowship

1 John 1:3-4

1. Fellowship of joy in the Living Word

John 14:21, John 14:27, John 15;11, John 16:22, John 16:33

1. Fellowship of joy through the Written Word

1 John 3:4, 1 Thess. 1:4-6, 1 Thess. 2:13

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And Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection. And they asked him a question, saying, 19 “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife, but leaves no child, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 20 There were seven brothers; the first took a wife, and when he died left no offspring. 21 And the second took her, and died, leaving no offspring. And the third likewise. 22 And the seven left no offspring. Last of all the woman also died. 23 In the resurrection, when they rise again, whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as wife.” 24 Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? 25 For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 26 And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? 27 He is not God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite wrong.” Mark 12:18-27

I. Theological Setup (vs. 18-23)

II. Theological Solution (vs. 24-26)

III. Theological Significance (vs. 27)

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Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. Revelation 21:1-6

A. Heaven: The Place of Holy Beauty: 1 PETER 1:1-4

1. Imperishable

2. Undefiled

3. Unfading

B. Heaven: The Place of Perfect Worship

1. The authority in heaven prompting worship: REVELATION 4:9-11

2. The song in heaven prompting worship: REVELATION 5:6-10

C. Heaven: The Place of Perfect Fellowship: REVELATION 21:1-5

1. With God: JOHN 14:1-3; JOHN 17:24

2. With His people: REVELATION 7:13-17

D. Heaven: The Place of Perfect Love

1. Absence of selfish love: 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-10

2. Unhindered experience of His love: ZEPHANIAH 3:17, HOSEA 2:19-20

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And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. 14 And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” 15 But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16 And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.” 17 Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him. Mark 12:13-17

I. Exposition

II. Render to Caesar

III. Render to God

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And he began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a pit for the winepress and built a tower, and leased it to tenants and went into another country. 2 When the season came, he sent a servant to the tenants to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. 3 And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 4 Again he sent to them another servant, and they struck him on the head and treated him shamefully. 5 And he sent another, and him they killed. And so with many others: some they beat, and some they killed. 6 He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 7 But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 8 And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. 9 What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you not read this Scripture: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; 11 this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?” 12 And they were seeking to arrest him but feared the people, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them. So they left him and went away. Mark 12:1-12

I. Parable of the Tenants Explained (vs. 1-8)

II. Parable of the Tenants Applied (vs. 9-12)

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For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13

A. Who Indwells the Believer? (The Holy Spirit – Rom. 8:9)

B. Do I have the Holy Spirit indwelling me? Rom. 8:9

C. Our position in Christ obligates us to a life lived by the Spirit

D. Our Position in Christ obligates us to a life of warfare by the Spirit Rom. 8:13

1. The desire to put these sinful deeds to death

TODAY2. The desperation to put these sinful deeds to death

Rom. 7:21-25, John 15:5, Eph. 4:30, 1 Thess. 5:19

1. The diligence to put these sinful deeds to death

Rom. 8:13, 1 Cor. 6:19-20, 1 Cor. 9:24-27, 2 Cor. 7:1, Eph 4:1, Phil. 2:12-13, Col. 3:1-3,

1 Thess. 4:9-11, 1 Tim. 6:11-13, 2 Tim. 2:19, Titus 2:11-14, Heb. 12:12, James 1:22, Luke 9:23

a. The Spirit’s help in putting on Christ: Rom. 13:14

b. The Spirit’s help in handling His Sword: Eph. 6:17

c. The Spirit’s help in watching our hearts: Prov. 4:23

d. The Spirit’s help in looking unto Jesus: Heb. 12:1-2

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So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:12-13

A. Who Indwells the Believer? (The Holy Spirit – Rom. 8:9)

B. Do I have the Holy Spirit indwelling me? Rom. 8:9

C. Our position in Christ obligates us to a life lived by the Spirit

TODAYD. Our Position in Christ obligates us to a life of warfare by the Spirit

Rom. 8:13

1. The desire to put these sinful deeds to death

Ps. 97:10, 2 Tim. 2:19, Ps. 17:15, Ps. 27:4, Luke 10:38-42, Phil. 3:12-14, Rom. 15:30

1. The desperation to put these sinful deeds to death

Rom. 7:21-25, John 15:5, Eph. 4:30, 1 Thess. 5:19

1. The diligence to put these sinful deeds to death

Rom. 8:13

a. The Spirit’s help in putting on Christ

b. The Spirit’s help in handling His Sword

c. The Spirit’s help in watching our hearts

d. The Spirit’s help in looking unto Jesus

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In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;the whole earth is full of his glory!”

4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” 8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” 9 And he said, “Go, and say to this people:

“‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand;keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’10 Make the heart of this people dull,and their ears heavy,and blind their eyes;lest they see with their eyes,and hear with their ears,and understand with their hearts,and turn and be healed.”

11 Then I said, “How long, O Lord?”And he said:“Until cities lie wastewithout inhabitant,and houses without people,and the land is a desolate waste,12 and the Lord removes people far away,and the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land.13 And though a tenth remain in it,it will be burned again,like a terebinth or an oak,whose stump remainswhen it is felled.”The holy seed is its stump. Isaiah 6:1-13

1. Isaiah’s Position (Isa. 6:1)

a. Isaiah in fractured Israel: Isa. 1:1, 1:7-8

b. Isaiah under the Law: Isa. 1:11-20, Deut. 30:16-20, Isa. 1:10-15

c. Isaiah the highborn: Isa. 1:1, 7:3-4, 2 Kings 19-20

1. Isaiah’s Vision (Isa 6:1-7)

a. The Sovereign King: Isa. 6:1, Isa. 45:5-7, Ps. 2

b. The Holy King: Isa. 6:2-4, Deut. 32:4, Ps. 110:6, Hab. 1:13, Job 15:15, Matt. 10:58

c. The Merciful King: Isa. 6:6-7, Exo. 33:19, Hos. 6:6

1. Isaiah’s Commission (Isa. 6:7-13)

a. The Call: Isa. 6:8-9, Exo. 3:10, Matt. 4:19, Matt. 16:24

b. The Command: Isa. 6:9-13

c. The Cost: Isa. 53:3, Jer. 15:18, Heb. 11:35-38

d. God’s Courage: Isa. 6:11, Isa. 42:5-7, Matt. 17:1-2, Heb. 12:1-2, Matt. 28:18-20

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12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:12-13

A. Who Indwells the Believer? (The Holy Spirit – Rom. 8:9)

B. Do I have the Holy Spirit indwelling me? Rom. 8:9

Five Signs (the evidence) God’s Spirit dwells in us by His work in us1. Evidenced by fellowship with God and Christians: 1 John 1:1-7, Acts 2:42, 1 Cor. 1:9

1. Evidenced by individual spiritual growth: 1 John 2:12-17, 2 Peter 3:18, John 17:17-19

2. Evidenced by living with Second Coming thinking: 1 John 3:1-4, Col. 3:1-4, 1 Peter 1:13

3. Evidenced by sacrificial acts of love for God’s people: 1 John 4:7-12, Acts 2:44-45, 2 Cor. 8:1-5

4. Evidenced by a life of obeying God’s commands: 1 John 5:1-3, John 14:15, 21, 23-24

TODAYC. Our position in Christ obligates us to a life lived by the Spirit

1. Our obligation to live by the flesh is broken: Rom. 8:12, Rom. 8:3

2. Our obligation to the New Commandment is established: Matt. 22:37, Rom 6:17

3. Our life lived in the flesh or Spirit affirms our identity: Rom. 8:13, Rom. 8:9, 1 John 1:6, 1 John 3:4-10

D. Our Position in Christ obligates us to a life of warfare by the Spirit

1. Our primary foe is the flesh: Gal. 5:16-17, Gal. 5:19-21

2. Our primary weaponry comes from the Spirit of God

a. The putting on of Christ – Rom. 13:13-14

b. The putting to death the deeds of the body – Rom. 8:13

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25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:25-30

A. The Invitation

Matt. 11:28, Isa. 55:1 & 6, John 7:37

B. The Person Extending the Invitation

Matt. 11:28b, Ps. 27:8, Eph. 4:17-22

1. His authority – John 17:12, Rev. 2:26-27

2. His ability

– To fulfill His promises – 2 Cor. 1:20

– To teach His followers – John 13:12-13

1. His approachability – Matt. 11:29-30, Matt. 12:15-21

C. The Promise in the Invitation

Matt. 11:28-29, Zech. 3:17, John 16:33, Phil. 4:4-7

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27 And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, 28 and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?” 29 Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.” 31 And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 32 But shall we say, ‘From man’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. 33 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” Mark 11:27-33

I. A Contentious Question (27-38)

II. A Challenging Question (29-30)

III. A Cowardly Response (31-33a)

IV. A Controlled Response (33b)

Lesson/Application

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Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes. 11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. John 20:1-18

1. Christ’s resurrection provides personal relationship

John 20:16, Is. 43:1, Psalm 138:2, John 10:3

1. Christ’s resurrection provides family relationship

– Family ties with our Elder Brother

John 20:17, Heb. 2:10-13

– Family ties with God being our Heavenly Father

John 20:17, 1 John 3:1

– Family ties with each other in the family of God

John 20:17, Eph. 2:18-20, 1 Tim. 3:14-15

1. Christ’s resurrection provides powerful relationship

John 20:17, Rom. 6:1-11, Phil. 3:10

1. Christ’s resurrection provides obedient relationship

John 20:17-18

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On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. 13 And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it. 15 And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 16 And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” 18 And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching. 19 And when evening came they went out of the city. 20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 21 And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” 22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:12-25

I. A Phony Appearance (12-14)

II. A Phony Activity (15-19)

III. A Follower’s Attitude (20-23)

IV. A Follower’s Action (24-25)

Lesson/Application

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Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus[a] sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. 3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” 4 And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. 5 And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6 And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go. 7 And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. 8 And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. 9 And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” 11 And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. Mark 11:1-11

I. Jesus is presented as the Messiah (1-7)

II. Jesus is proclaimed as the Messiah (8-9)

III. Jesus is praised as the Messiah (10-11)

Lesson/Application

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You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[b] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16

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And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way. Mark 10:46-52

I. The Beggar’s Conviction (46-48)

II. The King’s Invitation (49-51b)

III. The Beggar’s Restoration (51b-52)

LESSON/APPLICATION

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Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.  Matthew 5:8

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This Lord’s Day morning, Pastor Jonathan continues our journey through the Gospel of Mark with the most important question Jesus asks every person – Who Do You Sa that I am? Our answer determines our eternal state and the quality of our lives in this world.

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And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.  Mark 12:30

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  Philippians 4:8

A. Our Thoughts of God

1. The Father

Matt. 6:9, John 20:17, John 16:26-27, 1 Cor. 1:30

1. The Lord Jesus

Ps. 23:1, John 10:14, Rev. 3:13-17, Heb. 7:23-25

1. The Holy Spirit

John 14:25-26, John 15:26-27, Rom. 8:26, 2 Pet. 1:20-21

B. God’s Thoughts of Us

1. Prized Inheritance

Ephesians 1:15-20, Micah 7:18

1. Apple of His Eye

Psalm 17:8; 18:19; 147:10-11, Zeph. 3:17

1. Forever Family

John 14:1-4, John 17:24, 1 John 3:1-4

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This Lord’s Day morning, Pastor Jim continues our journey through the New Testament book of Romans. In this section, the Apostle Paul begins teaching the inseparable union of justification (position before God) and sanctification (practice in life). He mentions we are to walk in newness of life. Lord willing, we hope to identify five principles present in this walk of newness we have in the Lord Jesus

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This Lord’s Day evening, Pastor Jonathan continues our journey through the Gospel of Mark showing how Jesus teaches us through a physical healing how we progress in the Christian life.

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This Lord’s Day morning, Pastor Jim continues our journey through the New Testament book of Romans. In this section, the Apostle Paul begins teaching the inseparable union of justification (position before God) and sanctification (practice in life).

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This Lord’s Day morning, Pastor Jim continues our journey in the New Testament book of Romans. Closing out the fifth chapter, the Apostle Paul shows us the reigning power of sin in Adam and how the Gospel and free justification in Christ overpowers sin. We will also see the holiness of God in His unwavering standard of perfection to His law and Person.

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This Lord’s Day evening, Pastor Jonathan continues our journey through the Gospel of Mark with Jesus addressing an issue we all face at times in our Christian lives – doubt.

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This Lord’s Day morning, Pastor Jim continues our journey through the New Testament book of Romans. In this section, the Apostle Paul expounds the free gift of God’s grace in and through the Lord Jesus – justification and righteousness.

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This Lord’s Day morning, Pastor Jonathan continues through the New Testament Gospel of Mark. In this section, we observe Jesus’ care, provision, and satisfaction to all showing His impartial love to all – Jew and Gentle alike

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This Lord’s Day morning, Pastor Jonathan continues through the New Testament Gospel of Mark. In this section, we encounter the Lord Jesus healing a deaf man.

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This Lord’s Day evening, Glenn Moore will continue the sermon series from the Beatitudes showing us the characteristics found in God’s true children.

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This Lord’s Day morning, Pastor Jim continues through the New Testament letter of Romans. In this portion, we are given the contrast of what a person was in Adam and now is in Christ with the difference maker being the grace of God.

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This Lord’s Day morning, Pastor Jim continues our journey in the New Testament book of Romans. In this fifth chapter, the Apostle Paul shows us there are only two identities that define the human race: those in Adam under condemnation and those in Christ under grace leading to no condemnation. By showing us what we were in Adam and now in Christ, the Apostle Paul establishes the wonder and awe of the Gospel leading to a rejoicing life for the Christian.

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And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. 25 But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. 26 Now the woman was a…

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For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been…

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This Lord’s Day evening, Pastor Jim will take us into Psalm 56 and a look at what David faced which is what every child of God shall as well – being afraid or the battle against fear.

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This Lord’s Day morning, Pastor Jonathan continues our studies in the New Testament book of Mark. In this text, our Lord reveals to us where the true defilement of a person comes from – within, not without.

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This Lord’s Day evening, Pastor Jim will take us into Psalm 130 and the place God takes all His children to mature them in the faith – His school of waiting. There are lessons about ourselves and Him that are only learned when God calls us to wait on Him.

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This Lord’s Day morning, Pastor Jim continues our studies in the New Testament book of Romans. We are landing in the opening verses of chapter five with the Apostle Paul providing much encouragement through five assurances God gives to His justified people.

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This Lord’s Day morning, Pastor Jim continues our journey in the New Testament book of Romans. In this fourth chapter, the Apostle Paul shows us the promise of justification by faith is illustrated and modeled by Abraham and is extended to all who will believe the Gospel of God.

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This Lord’s Day evening, Pastor Jonathan continues the series in the Gospel of Mark looking at the damage traditionalism does to true Christianity. Jesus would warn us of such man-made religion and its adverse impact on Biblical spirituality.

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This Lord’s Day morning, Pastor Jim continues our studies in the New Testament book of Romans; the book known as the “Mount Everest” of Pauline theology. Lord willing, we will see God’s great provision from His grace of justifying the believer sinner through faith in His promises.

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O Lord, you have searched me and known me!2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;you discern my thoughts from afar.3 You search out my path and my lying downand are acquainted with all my ways.4 Even before a word is on my tongue,behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.5 You hem me in, behind and before,and lay your hand upon me.6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;it is high; I cannot attain it. Psalm 139:1-6

A. Knowing God: Foundational Truths of Himself

1. The Omniscience of God: He is All-Knowing: Ps. 139: 1-6, Ps. 139:15-16

– Our location: Ps. 139:1-2a

– Our thoughts: Ps. 139:2b

– Our actions: Ps. 139:3

– Our yet to be born existence: Ps. 139:15-16, Rev. 2:23, Rev. 1:14

1. The Omnipresence of God: He is everywhere present. Ps. 139:7-12, Heb. 4:13, Rev. 2:1, Matt. 28:18-20, Isaiah 43:1-2

2. The Omnipotence of God: He is All-powerful: Ps. 139:13-14

– His creative power: Ps. 139:13-14

– His sovereign power: Isaiah 46:8-11

– His unhindered power: Jer. 32:27, Job 42:1-3, Matt. 28:18-20

B. Knowing God: Our Responses

1. Humble amazement (posture of worship): Ps. 139: 6, Ps. 139:17-18, Rom. 11:33

2. Righteous anger for His honor: Ps. 139:19-22, Ps. 119:136

3. Humble self-examination: Ps. 119:23-24, Ps. 19:14, Ps. 26:2, Job 31:6, 1 Thess. 2:3-5

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This Lord’s Day morning, Pastor Jonathan will be preaching from Mark. Jesus confronts a major issue that has contributed to the demise of true religion, legalism. As a result, Christians are not to command beyond what the Scripture commands but rather stay gospel centered.

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Bless the Lord, O my soul,and all that is within me,bless his holy name!2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,and forget not all his benefits,3 who forgives all your iniquity,who heals all your diseases,4 who redeems your life from the pit,who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,5 who satisfies you with goodso that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.6 The Lord works righteousnessand justice for all who are oppressed.7 He made known his ways to Moses,his acts to the people of Israel.8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.9 He will not always chide,nor will he keep his anger forever.10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,nor repay us according to our iniquities.11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;12 as far as the east is from the west,so far does he remove our transgressions from us.13 As a father shows compassion to his children,so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.14 For he knows our frame;he remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:1-14

A. What the Lord has done for us – Ps. 103:1-5

1. Meet our greatest need,: Ps. 103:1-3a, Luke 5:17-20

2. Cure our greatest diseases, Ps. 103:1-3b, Ps. 107:20, Luke 4:18-19

3. Saves us from sin’s temporal and eternal consequences: Ps. 103:1-4a, Heb. 2:14-15, Rev. 20:6

4. Exalts over us with love and mercy: Ps. 103:1-4b, Zep. 3:17

5. Brings us contentment: Ps. 103:1-5

B. How the Lord treats us – Ps. 103:6-14

1. With kindness and patience: Ps. 103:6-14, Ex. 34:6

2. With mercy not giving us what we deserve: Ps. 103:6-14, John 8:1-11, Micah 7:18-19

3. With steadfast love: Ps. 103:6-14, Jer. 31:3

4. With parental compassion: Ps. 103:6-14, 1 John 3:1-3, Luke 15:11-32

5. With awareness of our weaknesses: Ps. 103:6-14, Ps. 78:39, Gen. 2:7

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What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:  7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”Romans 4:1-8

A. Counted Righteous: Our Position Declared by God

1. A Position Not Earned by Works

Rom. 4:1-2, Eph. 2:8-10, 1 Cor. 1:30-31

1. A Position Freely Given as a Gift

Rom. 4:4, Rom. 3:23-24, Rom. 5:15-18, 2 Cor. 9:15, John 3:16

B. Counted Righteous: Our Response to God

1. Believe God for who He is

Rom. 4:3, Heb. 11:6, James 2:19, Rom. 4:20-22

1. Believe God for what He promises

Rom. 4:5-8, Rom. 3:23-25, 2 Peter 1:3-4, Heb.11:13, Heb. 11:39-40

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Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law. Romans 3:27-31

A. The Gospel removes any ground for human boasting

1. Justification is not a work of human effort

Rom. 3:27, Rom. 2:23, Luke 18:9-14

1. Justification is through grace as a free gift

Rom. 3:28, Rom. 3:24, Rom. 5:18

B. The Gospel is exclusive and inclusive

1. Exclusive: The Gospel is the only way to be justified

Rom. 3:29-30, Deut. 6:4, Isa. 45:21-22, John 14:6, Acts 4:12, John 8:24

1. Inclusive: The Gospel is open to all

Rom. 3:29-30, Matt. 11:28-30, John 6:37

C. The Gospel harmonizes with the Law

1. The Law establishes the need for the Gospel

Rom. 3:30-31, Gal. 3:24, Rom. 3:20, Rom. 7:7

1. The Gospel honors the law by fulfilling its demands

Rom. 3:31, Matt. 5:17-18

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When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. 54 And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him 55 and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.  Mark 6:53-56

I. Jesus is Recognizable (verses 53-54)II. Jesus is Approachable (verse 55)III. Jesus is Capable (verse 56)

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But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:21-26

A. The Nature of Gospel Righteousness

1. Initiated by God: Rom. 3:21, Rom. 1:4, Rom. 1:17, Rom. 3:25-26, Heb. 1:1-2, John 1:18

2. Witnessed through all of scripture: Rom. 3:21, 1 Cor. 1:31, John 5:39, Luke 24:25-27

B. The Ground of Gospel Righteousness

1. God’s provision in Christ as a propitiation: Rom. 3:22-25a, Heb. 2:17, 1 John 2:2, 1 John 4:10, 2 Cor. 5:21

2. God’s provision in Christ received by faith: Rom. 3:22-25a, Rom. 1:16-17, Heb. 11:8

3. God’s provision in Christ as a gift of grace: Rom. 3:24, Rom. 5:16-17, 2 Cor. 1:29-31

C. The Display of Gospel Righteousness

1. God’s judicial action against sin on display: Rom. 3:25b-26, Gal. 3:13, Matt. 27:45-46

2. God’s wisdom in the plan of salvation on display: Rom. 3:26, Ps. 85:10, Eph. 3:7-10

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The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.2     He makes me lie down in green pastures.He leads me beside still waters.3     He restores my soul.He leads me in paths of righteousnessfor his name’s sake.4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil,for you are with me;your rod and your staff,they comfort me.5 You prepare a table before mein the presence of my enemies;you anoint my head with oil;my cup overflows.6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow meall the days of my life,and I shall dwell in the house of the Lordforever.  Psalm 23

1. The Personal Relationship with the Shepherd: Psalm 23:1, John 10:3a, John 10:14, John 17:1-3, Gal. 2:20, 1 John 1:1-3

2. The Pastoral Care of the Shepherd

a. Spiritual nourishment of His sheep: Psalm 23:2, John 10:10, Psalm 107:9, Psalm 103:2-5, Psalm 119:50, Matt. 4:4, John 7:38-39

b. Spiritual restoration of His sheep: Psalm 23:3, Psalm 42:5

c. Spiritual correction of His sheep: Psalm 23:3, Psalm 23:4, Rev. 7:17

1. The Pastoral Protection from the Shepherd

a. His protective leadership: Psalm 23:2-4, John 10:3-4

b. His protective provision: Psalm 23:5, Job 23:12

1. The Pastoral Presence in the Shepherd: Psalm 23:6, John 10:12-13

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Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night[g] he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.  Mark 6:45-52

1. The Savior’s Focus

Mark 6:45-48

1. The Disciples’ Failure

Mark 6:49-52

Application

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The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. 35 And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. 36 Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men. Mark 6:30-44

1. Jesus cares for the few

Mark 6:30-32

1. Jesus cares for the many

Mark 6:33-38

1. Jesus cares for them all

Mark 6:39-44

Application

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Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.  Matthew 5:7

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Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. 8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers,[b] of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 11 You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.  2 Corinthians 1:3-11

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A. Suffering: Its Inevitability

1. All humanity suffers due to sin

Gen. 3:16-19, Rom. 8:20-23, Rev. 21:1-4, Job 5:6-7, Job 14:1-2, Eccl. 2:23

1. All Christians are called to a life of suffering

John 16:33, Luke 9:23, Acts 14:19-22, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 4:12-13

B. Suffering: The Sovereignty of God

1 Chron. 29:10-13, Dan. 4:34-35, Acts 2:22-24

1. God does not just allow suffering but sends suffering

Job 42:1-2, Eccl. 7:13, 1 Thess. 3:1-4, Phil. 1:29-30, Ps. 88:6-8, Ps. 88:16-18, 2 Cor. 1:8-9

1. God uses suffering as a primary teaching tool

Isa. 30:20-21, Ps. 119:67, Ps. 119:71, Ps. 119:75

1. God controls the length of the suffering

1 Peter 5:10

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SUNDAY –The King is Welcomed (21:1-11)

MONDAY –The King is Outraged (21:12-17)

TUESDAY –The King is Challenged (21:18-25:46)

WEDNESDAY –The King Rested (26:1-16)

THURSDAY –The King is Betrayed (26:17-26:75)

FRIDAY –The King is Killed (27:1-27:61)

SATURDAY –The King is Sealed (27:62-66)

SUNDAY –The King is Raised (28:1-10)

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So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.   1 Peter 5

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King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” 17 For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly. 21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Herodias’s daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” 23 And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison 28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. Mark 6:14-29

I. A Tale of Wickedness

II. A Testimony of Worthiness

III. A Task of Willingness

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“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.  Matthew 5:7

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And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.  Mark 6:7-13

Master’s Mode of Ministry (verse 7)

Minimal Provisions (verses 8-9)

Mixed Receptions (verses 10-11)

Mission Accomplished (verses 12-13)

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He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” 5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And he marveled because of their unbelief.  Mark 6:1-6

INTRODUCTION:The People’s Rejection (verses 1-3)

The Proverbial Reality (verse 4)

The Painful Result (verses 5-6)

LESSON/APPLICATION:

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And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. 22 Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet 23 and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” 24 And he went with him. And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. 25 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, 26 and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. 27 She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. 28 For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” 29 And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” 31 And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 And he looked around to see who had done it. 33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. 34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” 35 While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” 36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” 37 And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. 38 They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” 40 And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. 41 Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. 43 And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat. Mark 5:21-43

A Faithful Request (21-24)

A Faithful Reach (25-29)

A Fearful Reply (30-33)

A Blessed Reply (34)

A Fearful Result (35-40)

A Blessed Result (41-43)

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They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. 2 And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. 3 He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, 4 for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. 6 And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. 7 And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” 8 For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” 9 And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” 10 And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. 11 Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, 12 and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” 13 So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea. 14 The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. 15 And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. 16 And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. 17 And they began to beg Jesus[d] to depart from their region. 18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. 19 And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.

I. Description (1-5)II. Confrontation (6-10)III. Transformation (11-15)IV. Rejection (16-17)V. Commission (18-20)VI. Application

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“There is no fear of God before their eyes.” 19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:18-20

A. Human Condition Defined: Romans 3:9-12

1. All under sin’s dominion

2. All under sin’s consequences: Total depravity

B. Human Condition Described: Romans 3:13-17

1. Ungodliness in our speech

2. Ungodliness in our actions

TODAY3. Ungodliness in our attitude: Rom. 3:18, Psalm 36:1

a. The Definition of Godly fear: Gen. 39:6-10, Job 1:1, 20-22, Acts 5:5,11, Acts 9:31

Al Martin in his book, “The Forgotten Fear: Where have all the God-fearers Gone?” defined the proper fear of God as “The fear of veneration, honor, and awe with which we regard God. It is a fear that leads us not to run from Him but to draw near to Him, through Jesus Christ and gladly submit to Him in faith, love and obedience.”

b. The Elements in Godly fear

– Awe of the Person of God revealed in His name and Word

Ps. 5:7, Ps. 138:1-2, Neh. 1:11, Ps. 25:14, Ps. 147:11

– Willful recognition & submission to God’s sovereign authority

Acts 4:23-31, Ps. 2, Luke 19:11-14

– Desire for God’s Kingdom to come

Matt. 6:9-10a, Heb. 11:13-16

– Desire for God’s will to be done

Matt. 6:10b, 1 Thess. 4:3-5, Rom. 1:28-32

– Exaltation of God’s Only Begotten Son, the Lord Jesus

Rev. 15:1-4, Phil. 2:9-11, Rev. 6:12-17

c. The Final Word on the Human Condition

1. God’s Law and human accountability: Rom. 3:19

2. God’s Law and knowledge of guilt: Rom. 3:20, Rom. 7:7-8, Gal. 3:24

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On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”  Mark 4:35-41

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“Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 in their paths are ruin and misery, 17 and the way of peace they have not known.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” 19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:15-20

A. Human Condition Defined

1. All under sin’s dominion

Rom. 3:9, Rom. 6:14, Gal. 3:21-22

1. All under sin’s consequences: Total depravity

Ps. 14:1-3, Ps. 53:1-3, Ps. 51:1-2

– Morally destitute heart: Rom. 3:10, Matt. 15:16-20

– Corrupt mind: Rom. 3:11, Gen. 6:5,

– Captive will: Rom. 3:11b-12, Eph. 2:1-3

B. Human Condition Described

1. Ungodliness in our speech

Rom. 3:13-14, Ps. 5:9, Ps. 140:3, Ps. 10:7

a. Destructive power in ungodly speech

– The open grave: Rom. 3:13-14

– The poisonous viper: Rom. 3:13b

b. Deceptive power in ungodly speech: Rom.3:13

Today2. Ungodliness in our actions

Rom. 3:15-17, Isaiah 59:7-8

a. The direction the wicked travel

Gen. 4:8-20, Prov. 1:10-11, 15-16

b. The carnage the wicked leave

Gal. 5:15

c. The ignorance the wicked have

Isa. 57:21

1. Ungodliness in our attitude

Rom. 3:18

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13 “Their throat is an open grave;they use their tongues to deceive.”“The venom of asps is under their lips.”14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” Romans 3:13-14

A. Human Condition Defined

1. All under sin’s dominion

Rom. 3:9, Rom. 6:14, Gal. 3:21-22

1. All under sin’s consequences: Total depravity

Ps. 14:1-3, Ps. 53:1-3, Ps. 51:1-2

– Morally destitute heart: Rom. 3:10, Matt. 15:16-20

– Corrupt mind: Rom. 3:11, Gen. 6:5,

– Captive will: Rom. 3:11b-12, Eph. 2:1-3

TODAYB. Human Condition Described

1. Ungodliness in our speech

Rom. 3:13-14, Ps. 5:9, Ps. 140:3, Ps. 10:7

a. Destructive power in ungodly speech

– The open grave

Rom. 3:13-14, John 11:38-40, Eph. 4:29

– The poisonous viper

Rom. 3:13b, Matt. 3:7-10, Matt. 13:33-34, Prov. 18:21, Prov. 12:18, James 3:1-12

b. Deceptive power in ungodly speech

Rom.3:13, Ps. 10:7, Eph. 4:14

1. Ungodliness in our actions

Rom. 3:15-17, Isaiah 59:7-8

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26 And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. 28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” 30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” 33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 34 He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.  Mark 4:26-34

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What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11  no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”13 “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.”14     “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16     in their paths are ruin and misery, 17 and the way of peace they have not known.” 18     “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being[c] will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.  Romans 3:9-20

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And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? 22 For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” 24 And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. 25 For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”  Mark 4:21-25

I. Revealing of Jesus Christ

Mark 4:21-23

II. Responding to Jesus Christ

Mark 4:24-25

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What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? 4 By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.” 5 But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) 6 By no means! For then how could God judge the world? 7 But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? 8 And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just. Romans 3:3-8

1. The unfaithfulness of man – The faithfulness of God

Rom. 3:3-4, Ps. 51:4

a. God is faithful to those believing His Gospel

Phil. 1:6, 1 Tim. 1:15, 2 Tim. 2:11-13, Ps. 25:10

b. Our Obedience affirming we believe the Gospel

Rom. 2:13, James 1:22-25, 1 Peter 1:3-5

1. The unrighteousness of man – The righteousness of God

a. Gospel righteousness not to be presumed upon

Rom. 3:5-6, 8, Rom. 3:21-23, Rom. 2:2-4

b. The unchanging nature of God’s righteous character

Rom. 3:7-8, Gen. 18:22-23, Gen. 18:25, Habakkuk 1:13

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Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? 2 Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God.  Romans 3:1-2

A. Jewish Privileges Matter

1. Privileges recognized

Rom. 3:1-2a, Rom. 2:25, Rom. 9:3-5

1. Chief privilege distinguished

Rom. 3:2

a. The priority of the privilege

Rom. 3:2, Rom. 1:8, 1 Cor. 15:3-5

b. The privilege itself

Rom. 3:2

c. The responsibility for the privilege

Rom. 3:2

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“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:20-26

1. Our Oneness Prayed for

– With the Trinity: John 17:20-21a, 23

– With one another: John 17:22, Eph. 4:1-5

1. Our Oneness Illustrated

– Vine and branches: Our source of Power: John 15:1-5

– Husband and wife: Our example of intimacy: John 17:23, 26, Eph. 5:25-33

– Head and Body: Our direction for mission: Eph. 1:22, Eph. 4:15-16, Eph. 5:22

1. Our Oneness and Its Results

– Fellowship with one another: 1 John 1:1-3, Acts. 2:42-45, Malachi 3:16

– Fellowship with God: Acts 2:42

– Cultural impact for Christ: John 17:21, 23, Acts 2:47

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But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God 18 and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; 19 and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. 24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” 25 For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. 26 So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code[d] and circumcision but break the law. 28 For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29 But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. Romans 2:17-29

1. Spiritual and Religious Privileges Do Not Justify Before God: Romans 2:13

a. Four spiritual privileges

– In a special relationship with God: Rom. 2:17a

– Receivers of God’s special revelation in His law; Rom. 2:17b

– Know God’s revealed will: Rom. 2:18

– Taught God’s moral standards: Rom. 2:18b, 1 Cor. 13:1-3

b. Four Religious Privileges

– Leader of those who lack understanding: Rom. 2:19, Matt. 15:10-14

– Source of spiritual illumination: Rom. 2:19b

– Advisor who corrects those lacking good judgment: Rom. 2:20

– Instructor imparting knowledge and skills to infants: Rom. 2:20b, Phil. 3:3-11, Rom. 2:21-22, James 1:22

– Privileges without obedience slanders His Name: Rom. 2:23-24, Matt. 5:14-16, James 1:26-27

1. Favored external position does not justify before God: Rom. 2:25-29, 1 Samuel 16:7

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For God shows no partiality. 12 For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. Romans 2:11-16

1. What is the law?

Romans 2:21-22, Romans 13:8-10

1. What does the law do?

a. It judges every human being – Gentile and Jew alike: Romans 2:12

b. It brings us to Christ and the Gospel: Galatians 3:32

c. It enables the conscience to convict or affirm conduct: Rom. 2:15

1. The Conscience

a. The conscience defined

b. The conscience described

– Good conscience: Acts 23:1, 1 Tim. 1:5

– Clear conscience: Acts 24:16

– Weak conscience: 1 Cor. 8:7

– Seared conscience: 1 Tim. 4:2

– Defiled conscience: Titus 1:5

– Evil conscience: Heb. 10:22

– Clean conscience: Heb. 10:22

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When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.  John 17:1-5

A. The Giving Heart of the Father in Salvation

1. Giving of His Son – John 3:16

2. Giving of His Son: Authority – John 17:2

3. Giving of His Son: A People – John 17:2

4. Giving of His Son: A Mission – John 17:4

B. The Glorifying Life of the Son in Salvation

1. The willing Son sent – John 17:3

2. The willing Son’s Obedience – John 17:1, 4

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He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality. Romans 2:6-11

1. The inescapable nature of God’s judgment: Romans 2:6

– God’s certain act of judgment: Eccl. 12:14, Isa. 3:10

– God’s certain act of rendering what is deserved as individuals: Ps. 62:12, Matt. 16:27, 2 Cor. 5:10, Rev. 20:12, Rev. 22:12

1. The standard for God’s judgment: Rom. 2:6-8

– According to acceptable works before God – the believer: Rom. 2:7

a. Faithful works: Matt. 25:21, 23, Matt. 25:31-40, Eph. 2:8-10, Titus 2:11-14

b. Heavenly-motivated works: Rom. 2:7, John 17:24

– According to unacceptable works – the unbeliever: Rom. 2:8-9

a. Self-seeking: A life of selfishness: 2 Tim. 3:1-5

b. Disobedience: A life of disobedience to God’s Word: 1 John 3:10, 2 Thess. 1:8

1. The outcomes from God’s judgment

– Conscious and relational knowledge of God with joy: Rom. 2:7, John 17:13, Rev. 21:3

– Conscious and horrific separation from God with pain: Rom. 2:8-9, Matt. 25:41-46, Luke 19-30

1. The fairness in God’s judgment: Rom. 2:11, Acts 10:34, Gal. 2:6, Eph. 6:9

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When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.  John 17:1-5

Theme # 1 – The Intimacy of Knowing God as Father: John 17:1, John 17:11, John 17:25, John 20:17

Theme # 2 – The Love of God the Father: John 17:2, John 17:6, John 17:9, John 17:11-12, John 17:24

Theme # 3 – The Love of God the Son

1. He gives saving knowledge of God to believers: John 17:2-3

2. He reveals God to believers: John 17:6

3. He gives the Word of God to believers: John 17:8, John 17:14

4. He prays for believers: John 17:9, Hebrews 7:25

5. He sustains and protects believers: John 17:12, Nahum 1:7

6. He commissions believers to do the work of the Gospel: John 17:18

7. He sacrifices Himself to make believers: John 17:19

8. He gives unifying glory to believers: John 17:22

9. He desires the presence of believers: John 17:24, Luke 22:14-15

10. He provides for continual spiritual growth of believers: John 17:26

Theme # 4 – The Union of the Believer with Christ: John 17:11, John 17:21-23, John 17:26

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Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.  Romans 2:1-5

A. Judgment of Hypocrites: Romans 2:1-5

1. The hypocrite’s judgment is self-condemning: Romans 2:1

– The selective judgment of certain sins by the hypocrite: Rom. 1:29-30

– The blindness of personal judgment by objective truth: Rom. 2:2

1. The hypocrite’s judgment is self-deceiving: Rom. 2:3, Rom. 2:16, 2 Cor. 5:10

2. The hypocrite’s judgment is presuming on God’s kindness: Rom. 2:4, Rom. 1:16, 2 Peter 3:9

4. The hypocrite’s judgment is self-destructive: Rom. 2:5

Today’s Application:Matt. 7:24-28, James 1:22-25

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Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” 14 The Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. 15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:1-15

1. The Deception of Sin (vs. 1-7)

2. The Consequences of Sin (vs. 8-13)

3. The Judgment of Sin (vs. 14-15)

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And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. Romans 1:28-32

A. The Wrath of God Defined

B. The Wrath of God Proved

C. Who Deserves God’s Wrath?

D. Why do they deserve God’s Wrath?

E. How They Suppress God’s Truth Leading to His Wrath

F. God’s Wrath Unfolding

1. What action God takes displaying His wrath: Abandonment

2. What God abandons those under His wrath to

a. Self-indulgent immorality

b. Shameful desecration of Image Bearers

c. Unnatural, shameful practices by image bearers

TODAYd. A debased mind: Rom. 1:28-32

– What is a debased mind?: Gen. 6:5

– What are the consequences from a debased mind?

1. No restraint on immoral conduct: Rom. 1:28-31, 2 Tim. 3:1-5

2. No ability to rationally reason: Rom. 1:32, Eph, 2:1-4

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And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,and holy is his name.50 And his mercy is for those who fear himfrom generation to generation.51 He has shown strength with his arm;he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;52 he has brought down the mighty from their thronesand exalted those of humble estate;53 he has filled the hungry with good things,and the rich he has sent away empty.54 He has helped his servant Israel,in remembrance of his mercy,55 as he spoke to our fathers,to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” Luke 1:46-55

A. Elements in True Worship

1. Worship consumes her whole being: Psalm 103:1

2. Worship is the fruit of salvation: Luke 1:46-47, Rev. 4:9-11, Rev. 5:9-14

3. Worship is rooted in humility: Luke 1:48-49, Matt. 5:1-6

4. Worship is Word-based: Luke 1:50-55, Psalm 34:1-3, 1 Sam. 2:1

5. Worship is costly: Luke 1:26-28

B. Modeled by Mary

1. The Condescending Love of God to His People: Luke 1:46-48, Psalm 8:3-4

2. The Conquering Power of God for His People

a. In providing salvation: Luke 1:46-47, Ps. 3:8, Ps. 98:1, Ps 74:12

b. In providing protection: Luke 1:51-54, Ps. 27:1, Jude 24-25

c. In providing inward contentment: Luke 1:53, Matt. 5:6, Ps. 107:8-9

1. The Comforting Character of God to His People

a. His holiness: Luke 1:49, Ps. 96:9

b. His mercy: Luke 1:50-54, Eph. 2:4

c. His fear: Luke 1:50, Ps. 19:9, Jer. 32:38-40

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Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. Romans 1:24-27

A. The Wrath of God Defined

B. The Wrath of God Proved

C. Who Deserves God’s Wrath?

D. Why do they deserve God’s Wrath?

E. How They Suppress God’s Truth Leading to His Wrath

TODAYF. God’s Wrath Unfolding

1. What action God takes displaying His wrath: Abandonment

Rom. 1:24, Rom. 1:26-27, Rom. 1:28, Ps. 81:11-14, 1 Sam. 8:10-22

1. What God abandons those under His wrath to

a. Self-indulgent immorality

Rom. 1:24, Matt. 15:18-20, 2 Peter 2:9-10

b. Shameful desecration of Image Bearers

Rom. 1:24, Rom. 1:32

c. Unnatural, shameful practices by image bearers

Rom. 1:26-27, Lev. 18:22 & 20:13, Judges 19:22-23, 1 Cor. 6:9-11

d. A worthless mind

Rom. 1:28, Rom. 1:29-32

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And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Luke 2:8-20

Modeling the Christmas Shepherds1. Christmas Shepherds exercised faith: Luke 2:15

1. Christmas Shepherds didn’t delay obeying the Word: Luke 2:16

2. Christmas Shepherds were bold to talk about Jesus: Luke 2:17-18

3. Christmas Shepherds remembered their responsibilities: Luke 2:20

4. Christmas Shepherds centered on the Giver of the Gift and not just the gift: Luke 2:20, John 3:16

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For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Romans 1:18-23

A. The Wrath of God Defined

B. The Wrath of God Proved

TODAYC. Who Deserves God’s Wrath?

1. The ungodliness in humanity deserves God’s wrath: Rom. 1:18; Jude 14-15

2. The unrighteousness in humanity deserves God’s wrath

– The desire for self-rule not God’s rule: Luke 19:14

– The desire to fulfill fleshly passions not God’s will of holiness: Eph. 2:1-3a, 1 Thess. 4:3

D. Why do they deserve God’s Wrath?: Romans 1:18

E. How They Suppress God’s Truth Leading to His Wrath: Romans 1:19-23

1. Denying His eternal power and Divine Person in Creation: Rom. 1:19-20, Psalm 19:1-6

2. Refusing submission to His Divine Authority: Romans 1:21

3. Self-imposed Consequences

– Worthless minds: Rom. 1:21, Eph. 2:1-3a, Phil. 4:8, Judges 21:25

– Incapable hearts: Rom. 1:21, Eph. 4:17-19

– Idolatry: Rom. 1:23

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James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.…

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This Lord’s Day morning, the Apostle Paul is transitioning from his greeting to the Romans and the theme of the letter, to a topic greatly needed in the contemporary church, its evangelism, and discipleship – the wrath of God. We hope to define it, illustrate it from scripture, and then show the people God’s wrath are directed towards.

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This Lord’s Day morning we conclude the Apostle Paul’s introduction of his letter to the Romans. In it, he summarizes the Gospel setting the stage for the unfolding of its riches and applications for us in the remainder of the his letter.

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This Lord’s Day evening Pastor Jonathan continues our study through the Gospel of Mark. Tonight we will look at Jesus’ Parables beginning in Mark 4.

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This Lord’s Day morning we continue in the opening chapter of the Epistle to the Romans. The Apostle Paul is bringing his greeting to the believers in Rome to a close, and in doing so, reveals the theme of his letter and its purpose. As he does, he makes a statement “I am not ashamed of the Gospel” which is an important truth to understand and embrace.

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This Lord’s Day evening Pastor Jonathan continues his series in the Gospel of Mark. Tonight we will look at the “True Family” from Mark 3:31-35.

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This Lord’s Day morning we continue in the opening chapter of the Epistle to the Romans. The Apostle Paul is bringing his greeting to the believers in Rome to a close, and in doing so, reveals his passion in life and the theme of his letter to theme; the Gospel of the Lord Jesus. From the Apostle Paul, we find a continual model to follow in being Gospel-centered in all of life.

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This Lord’s Day morning we continue in the opening chapter of the Epistle to the Romans. From the Apostle Paul’s greeting establish his credibility, message, and mission, he shares his heart of affection for the Romans; a model for us in our relationships with other believers in the bonds of Christ’s love.

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This Lord’s Day evening, Pastor Jonathan continues his series in the Gospel of Mark landing in chapter three and the unpardonable sin against the Holy Spirit.

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This Lord’s Day morning we return to our journey through the Epistle to the Romans. The Apostle Paul’s introduction to his letter to the Romans is the most lengthy of them all. Its purpose is to establish spiritual credibility with a group of Christians he has yet to meet as well as expressing his affection in Christ for them.

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This Lord’s Day before we return to our journey through the Epistle to the Romans, we want to look into the heart of the Apostle Paul. In his letter to the Philippians, we see a true servant of the Lord Jesus showing us the difference between serving the Lord and being a servant of the Lord.

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This Lord’s Day evening Pastor Jonathan will continued his message from Mark 3: 13-21. Come back as we continue to fellowship around the Word and with each other.

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This Lord’s Day, Pastor Jonathan will be preaching through the Gospel of Mark. The Apostle Mark writes with a powerful and energetic literary style. By studying this passage we get another view of who Jesus is and what he came to accomplish.

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This Lord’s Day, Pastor Jonathan will be preaching through the Gospel of Mark. The Apostle Mark writes with a powerful and energetic literary style. By studying this passage we get another view of who Jesus is and what he came to accomplish.

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This Lord’s Day, Pastor Jonathan will be preaching through the Gospel of Mark. The Apostle Mark writes with a powerful and energetic literary style. By studying this passage we get another view of who Jesus is and what he came to accomplish.

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This Lord’s Day, Pastor Jonathan will be preaching through the Gospel of Mark. The Apostle Mark writes with a powerful and energetic literary style. By studying this passage we get another view of who Jesus is and what he came to accomplish.

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This Lord’s Day, Pastor Jonathan will be preaching through the Gospel of Mark. The Apostle Mark writes with a powerful and energetic literary style. By studying this passage we get another view of who Jesus is and what he came to accomplish.

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This Lord’s Day evening, Pastor Jonathan continues his series in the Gospel of Mark with a message entitled, “Who Does He Think He Is?” from the second chapter of Mark.

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This Lord’s Day, we continue in the introduction to the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Roman. Who is Paul? What is his message? His life? We see a Gospel-centered man establishing his credibility to Christians in Rome he has not yet met while providing for us a model of the Christian life – a set apart life for the Gospel of God.

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This Lord’s Day evening, Pastor Jim will bring part two of a two-part series Seeing the Beauty of Christ. In the familiar Upper Room Discourse, it begins with a look into the heart of the Lord Jesus and see the fullness of His love for His own. We hope to look at five qualities in His love and its implications in our lives.

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This Lord’s Day, we open up the letter to the Romans in verse one meeting its author, the Apostle Paul. Who was he? How did he see himself? Why are these questions important to the Christians in Rome? We hope to meet the Apostle by answering these question and learn what a Christian is to be living for the Lord Jesus.

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This Lord’s Day evening, Pastor Jim will begin a two-week series “Seeing the Beauty of Christ” taken from two passages of scripture in the Gospel of John. Here is the life of the Christian; learning to behold the beauty of the Lord and being transformed by such a gaze.

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This Lord’s Day, we begin a journey through the New Testament letter to the Romans. Romans has been labeled “The Himalayas of the Bible” and is the key book for establishing firm foundations in the Christian life. Throughout church history, Romans has been instrumental in the conversions of giants of the faith such as Augustine of Hippo, Martin Luther, John Wesley, and many others. In addition great revival movements have come from the preaching of Romans. Lord willing, this will be a life-changing study.

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This Lord’s Day evening, Pastor Jonathan continues the series in the Gospel of Mark showing from the Lord Jesus what matters in life; caring for people, living with the right priorities, and complete purity.

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This Lord’s Day, we conclude our journey in the Old Testament book of Job. We will observe the deeper work of humility in Job, his restoration, and the end of his life. The lessons abound as we see the goodness and grace of God manifested in this suffering man of God.

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This Lord’s Day evening, Pastor Jonathan continues the series in the Gospel of Mark bringing us face-to-face with the authority of the Lord Jesus and our responses.

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This Lord’s Day, we listen to Job’s respond to the Lord’s first address of correction to him. The lessons Job learned about himself and the Lord are for us as well proving to be of great benefit in our walks with the Lord.

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The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, 3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’” 4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a…

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This Lord’s Day, we continue with the Lord confronting Job face-to-face teaching him who his God truly is and who he truly is..

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This Lord’s Day evening, Glenn Moore continues his series on the Beatitudes with the fourth one. This one is a mark of a healthy Christian who truly hungers and thirsts after Him who is our righteousness.

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This Lord’s Day, we continue with the Lord confronting Job face-to-face teaching him who his God truly is and who he truly is.

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This Lord’s Day evening, Glenn Moore continues his series on the Beatitudes with part four of the third one – “Blessed are the meek.” Meekness or being meek is a vital virtue necessary for any and all spiritual growth.

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This Lord’s Day, we come to the place in our journey through Job where all human dialogue has ended. The Lord now confronts Job and brings him face-to-face with Himself and teaches Job a true assessment of himself.

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This Lord’s Day, we listen to the final part of Elihu’s fourth speech to Job. He draws his attention away from himself to behold the greatness of God displayed in the power of His Word both in creation and dealing with humanity.

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This Lord’s Day evening, Glenn Moore continues his series on the Beatitudes with part three of the third one – “Blessed are the meek.” Meekness or being meek is a vital virtue necessary for any and all spiritual growth.

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This Lord’s Day, we continue listening to the man Elihu and his place in the book of Job. He is in his fourth and final speech bringing Job face-to-face with the greatness of God, the power of God, and the incomprehensible nature of God.

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This Lord’s Day evening, Glenn Moore is going to continue his series on the Beatitudes with part two of “Blessed are the Meek.” Meekness or being meek is a vital virtue necessary for any and all spiritual growth.

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This Lord’s Day, we continue listening to the man Elihu and his place in the book of Job. He now enters his fourth and final speech. He is going to correct Job’s small view of God and bring him face-to-face with the beholding the greatness of God, the power of God, and the incomprehensible nature of God.

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This Lord’s Day evening, Pastor Jim continues with part two of a three week series from the Gospel of Matthew showing us key elements of discipleship taught by Jesus. In part two, we encounter a woman in a desperate physical situation. From her interaction with Jesus, we will learn of His loving heart and lessons about true faith from the woman.

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This Lord’s Day, we continue listening to the man Elihu and his place in the book of Job. In his second speech, he corrects Job’s complaints of the unfairness of God in dealing with people. Elihu will reveal God is good, fair, and just in His judgment of all people.

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This Lord’s Day evening, Pastor Jim continues with part two of a three week series from the Gospel of Matthew showing us key elements of discipleship taught by Jesus. In part two, we encounter a woman in a desperate physical situation. From her interaction with Jesus, we will learn of His loving heart and lessons about true faith from the woman.

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This Lord’s Day, we continue listening to the man Elihu and his place in the book of Job. In his second speech, he corrects Job’s complaints of the unfairness of God in dealing with people. Elihu will reveal God is good, fair, and just in His judgment of all people.

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This Lord’s Day evening, Pastor Jim will begin a three week series from the Gospel of Matthew showing us key elements of discipleship taught by Jesus to His disciples. In part one, we will go to sea and learn lessons about the Lord and ourselves when life is like a raging sea tempting us to fear and doubt.

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This Lord’s Day, we begin looking at the man Elihu and his place in the book of Job. He will unfold four speeches in the form of rebukes to correct Job in his faulty view of God. His speech addresses Job’s lament that God does not speak to him. Elihu will reveal God does speak to His children and that loudly through at least two means.

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This Lord’s Day, we continue our journey through the Old Testament book of Job observing the last of the human participants in Job’s story – Elihu. We will discern his character and the spiritual qualities in his rebukes of correction to Job and his friends. From these speeches of Elihu, we learn much about the character and ways of the Lord.

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This Lord’s Day evening, Pastor Jim will take us through portions of the Apostle Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, chapters 3, 4, and 5. Within these chapters, are such encouraging words describing the radical applications of the Gospel in the life of the believer.

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This Lord’s Day, we continue our journey through the Old Testament book of Job meeting the last of the human participants in Job’s story – Elihu. He offers four extensive speeches that are both correctional to Job and his friends as well as beautiful descriptions defending God’s character by proclaiming God’s truth of Himself.

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Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the…

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Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the…

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This Lord’s Day evening, Pastor Jonathan picks up his sermon series through the New Testament book of Ephesians concentrating on the spiritual warfare facing each Christian. The emphasis will be on God’s people trust Him, take action, know their enemy and refuse to back down.

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This Lord’s Day, we continue our journey through the Old Testament book of Job finding ourselves listing to his summary statement of his life and final words. He will model for us a believer who is transparent in sharing his life while emphasizing his commitment to a life of blameless and holy conduct before his watching God and the world.

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This Lord’s Day evening, Pastor Jim continues the two week series from the two little epistles from the Apostle John – 2 and 3 John. In 3 John, we encounter four individuals who show us both positive and negative responses to truth.

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This Lord’s Day, we continue our journey through the Old Testament book of Job finding ourselves in a significant transition period. Job’s friends have finished their speeches, and now Job speaks to all of them. In this section, we find a model of perseverance in Job as well as the wise teacher pointing us to the true and only source of wisdom and understanding.

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This Lord’s Day evening, Pastor Jim will begin a two week series from the two little epistles from the Apostle John – 2 and 3 John. In 2 John, the theme is a life rooted in truth and lived by truth as it is found in Jesus.

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This Lord’s Day, we return to our journey through the Old Testament book of Job finding ourselves in the last cycle of speeches between Job’s friends and himself. In this speech, we hear the shortest of all the speeches from Job’s friend offering no hope and Job’s response which is a wonderful proclamation of the majestic sovereignty of our God.

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This Lord’s Day evening, Pastor Jonathan continues his series in the New Testament book of Ephesians landing in chapter six, verses five through nine. The emphasis will be on employees and employers, the proper relationships of obedience and model leadership.

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This Lord’s Day, we return to our journey through the Old Testament book of Job finding ourselves in the last cycle of speeches between Job’s friends and himself. In this speech, we hear the cruelty of a self-righteous person and the marks from Job of a healthy believer in relationship with God.

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This Lord’s Day evening, Pastor Jim continues on the theme of the day, the resurrection of our Lord, and its glorious power to open the door that we may enjoy intimate spiritual relationships with God and His people, now and forever.

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This Lord’s Day, we celebrate our Lord’s resurrection looking at its practical truths for Christians and the implications on both the believer and unbeliever.

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This Lord’s Day evening, Pastor Jonathan continues his series in the New Testament book of Ephesians addressing family roles; children, fathers and parents. This is timely and important for as goes the family so goes the church and so goes a nation.

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This Lord’s Day, we depart from our studies in the Old Testament book of Job to celebrate Palm Sunday, our Lord’s Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem beginning the last week of His life on earth in fulfillment of His mission, our salvation.

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21…submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Ephesians 5:21-33

1. The Wife

Eph. 5:22-24

1. The Husband

Eph. 5:25-30

1. The Home

Eph. 5:31-33

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Job 20-21

A. The Flawed Interpretive Lens of Human Understanding

1. Zophar: Interpreting God’s activity by subjective reasoning: Job 20:1-3, Job 42:3

2. Job: Interpreting God’s activity by emotional observation: Job 21:1-6

B. The Incompleteness of Flawed Human Understanding

1. Zophar’s understanding of the wicked’s fate

What Is True

– The pleasures and life of the wicked are fleeting: Job 20:1-11

– The actions of the wicked are deceptively poisonous and selfish: Job 20:12-19, Genesis 3:1-7

– The pursuits of the wicked never lead to contentment: Job 20:20-22, Eccl. 2:1-11

– The end of the wicked is the wrath of God poured on them: Job 20:23-28

What Zophar Is Missing

– The wicked are not always punished in this life by God

1. Job’s understanding of the wicked’s fate

What Is True

– The wicked are often happy in this life: Job 21:7-16, Psalm 73:1-12

– The wicked are not always punished and impoverished in this life: Job 21:17-26

– The wicked don’t always die violent, terrifying death: Job 21:27-33

What Job Is Missing

– Understanding why the righteous suffer

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Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.  Ephesians 5:15-20

1. Fruitful in Wisdom

Eph. 5:15-18

1. Faithful in Worship

Eph. 5:19-20

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Then Job answered and said:

2 “How long will you torment me and break me in pieces with words? 3 These ten times you have cast reproach upon me; are you not ashamed to wrong me? 4 And even if it be true that I have erred, my error remains with myself. 5 If indeed you magnify yourselves against me and make my disgrace an argument against me, 6 know then that God has put me in the wrong and closed his net about me. 7 Behold, I cry out, ‘Violence!’ but I am not answered; I call for help, but there is no justice. 8 He has walled up my way, so that I cannot pass, and he has set darkness upon my paths. 9 He has stripped from me my glory and taken the crown from my head. 10 He breaks me down on every side, and I am gone, and my hope has he pulled up like a tree. 11 He has kindled his wrath against me and counts me as his adversary. 12 His troops come on together; they have cast up their siege ramp against me and encamp around my tent. 13 “He has put my brothers far from me, and those who knew me are wholly estranged from me. 14 My relatives have failed me, my close friends have forgotten me. 15 The guests in my house and my maidservants count me as a stranger; I have become a foreigner in their eyes. 16 I call to my servant, but he gives me no answer; I must plead with him with my mouth for mercy. 17 My breath is strange to my wife, and I am a stench to the children of my own mother. 18 Even young children despise me; when I rise they talk against me. 19 All my intimate friends abhor me, and those whom I loved have turned against me. 20 My bones stick to my skin and to my flesh, and I have escaped by the skin of my teeth. 21 Have mercy on me, have mercy on me, O you my friends, for the hand of God has touched me! 22 Why do you, like God, pursue me? Why are you not satisfied with my flesh? 23 “Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book! 24 Oh that with an iron pen and lead they were engraved in the rock forever! 25 For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. 26 And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, 27 whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me! 28 If you say, ‘How we will pursue him!’ and, ‘The root of the matter is found in him,’ 29 be afraid of the sword, for wrath brings the punishment of the sword, that you may know there is a judgment.” Job 19

A. Job’s Suffering the Pain of Rejection

1. By His friends: Job 19:1-5, Psalm 6:2

2. By His God: Job 19:6-12, Micah 7:8-10

3. By His Closest Relationships: Job 19:13-22, Psalm 142:4

B. Job’s Faith Validated Despite the Pain of Rejection

1. The certainty of his relationship with God: Job 19:23-25, Romans 3:21-25, 1 Cor. 1:30

2. The certainty of his faith giving way to sight: Job 19:26-27, 1 Cor. 15:12-20

C. Job’s Warning to His Friends

1. What you have sown you will reap: Job 19:28

2. Judgment looms for what you have sown: Job 19:29

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But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:3-14

1. Refuse the Way of the World

Eph. 5:3-5

1. Resist the Way of the World

Eph. 5:6-10

1. Reveal the Way of the World

Eph. 5:11-14

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Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said:

2 “How long will you hunt for words? Consider, and then we will speak. 3 Why are we counted as cattle? Why are we stupid in your sight? 4 You who tear yourself in your anger, shall the earth be forsaken for you, or the rock be removed out of its place? 5 “Indeed, the light of the wicked is put out, and the flame of his fire does not shine. 6 The light is dark in his tent, and his lamp above him is put out. 7 His strong steps are shortened, and his own schemes throw him down. 8 For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walks on its mesh. 9 A trap seizes him by the heel; a snare lays hold of him. 10 A rope is hidden for him in the ground, a trap for him in the path. 11 Terrors frighten him on every side, and chase him at his heels. 12 His strength is famished, and calamity is ready for his stumbling. 13 It consumes the parts of his skin; the firstborn of death consumes his limbs. 14 He is torn from the tent in which he trusted and is brought to the king of terrors. 15 In his tent dwells that which is none of his; sulfur is scattered over his habitation. 16 His roots dry up beneath, and his branches wither above. 17 His memory perishes from the earth, and he has no name in the street. 18 He is thrust from light into darkness, and driven out of the world. 19 He has no posterity or progeny among his people, and no survivor where he used to live. 20 They of the west are appalled at his day, and horror seizes them of the east. 21 Surely such are the dwellings of the unrighteous, such is the place of him who knows not God.” Job 18

A. Eliphaz, Bildad, and the Company We Keep

Negative

1. Divisive people: Romans 16:17-18

2. Obstructionists: Romans 16:17-18

3. Worldly religionists: 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Proverbs 6:16-19

Positive

1. Those who fear God: Psalm 119:63

2. Those who love God: Ephesians 6:23-24

3. Those who love the church: Psalm 133, Acts 2:42-47

B. Bildad: The Conditions of the Wicked (part 2)

Eliphaz

– They endure purposeless pain

– They experience gripping uncertainties

– They feel paralyzing fear of death

– They drift in aimless emptiness

– They produce barren lives.

Bildad

1. The wicked live in spiritual darkness: Job 18:5-6

2. The wicked spiritually ensnarl themselves: Job 18:7-10

3. The wicked suffer all-consuming fears: Job 18:11-14

4. The wicked leave no lasting spiritual legacy: Job 18:16-19, Job 15:33-34

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Then Job answered and said:

2 “I have heard many such things; miserable comforters are you all. 3 Shall windy words have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer? 4 I also could speak as you do, if you were in my place; I could join words together against you and shake my head at you. 5 I could strengthen you with my mouth, and the solace of my lips would assuage your pain. Job 16:1-5

A. Our Ministry to One Another Through Our Suffering: Job 16:1-5

1. Suffering moves us away from self-pity: Job 16:5a, 1 Cor. 1:3-4

2. Suffering creates desire to help fellow sufferers: Job 16:5b, Acts 14:19-22

B. The Suffering Believer: Observing Job, David, Christ

1. Pain of loneliness and sense of abandonment: Job – Job 16:6-7, Job 16:10-11

Christ – Mark 14:43-50, Luke 22:60-61, Matt. 27:45-46

1. Extreme weariness of physical, emotional, spiritual pain: Job – Job 16:8-9; 12-14, Job 17:1-2

Christ – Luke 22:39-44, Matt. 27:27-31

1. Emotional pain producing a flood of sorrowing tears: Job – Job 16:16-17; 20

Christ – Hebrews 5:7-10

1. Pain of betrayal

Job – Job 16:20

Christ – Luke 22:19-21

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He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. 13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:6-18

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The wicked man writhes in pain all his days, through all the years that are laid up for the ruthless. 21 Dreadful sounds are in his ears; in prosperity the destroyer will come upon him. 22 He does not believe that he will return out of darkness, and he is marked for the sword. 23 He wanders abroad for bread, saying, ‘Where is it?’ He knows that a day of darkness is ready at his hand; 24 distress and anguish terrify him; they prevail against him, like a king ready for battle. 25 Because he has stretched out his hand against God and defies the Almighty, 26 running stubbornly against him with a thickly bossed shield; 27 because he has covered his face with his fat and gathered fat upon his waist 28 and has lived in desolate cities, in houses that none should inhabit, which were ready to become heaps of ruins; 29 he will not be rich, and his wealth will not endure, nor will his possessions spread over the earth;[c] 30 he will not depart from darkness; the flame will dry up his shoots, and by the breath of his mouth he will depart. 31 Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself, for emptiness will be his payment. 32 It will be paid in full before his time, and his branch will not be green. 33 He will shake off his unripe grape like the vine, and cast off his blossom like the olive tree. 34 For the company of the godless is barren, and fire consumes the tents of bribery. 35 They conceive trouble and give birth to evil, and their womb prepares deceit.” Job 15:20-35

1. They endure purposeless pain: Job 15:20

But in Christ and His Gospel: Purposeful Pain: 2 Cor. 12:7-10

1. They experience gripping uncertainties: Job 15:21

But in Christ and His Gospel: Sure future: Phil. 4:4-7, Job 19:25-26

1. They feel paralyzing fear of death: Job 15:22-24

But in Christ and His Gospel: Conquering resurrection: Heb. 2:14-15, 1 John 3:8, 1 Cor. 15:54-57

1. They drift in aimless emptiness: Job 15:23, 31

But in Christ and His Gospel: Soul Satisfaction: Ps. 107:9, Matt. 5:6, John 4:13-14, John 6:48-51

1. They produce barren lives: Job 15:33-34

But in Christ and His Gospel: Faithful Legacy: John 15:4-5, Ps. 1:1-3

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The Beatitudes 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.  Matthew 5:1-5

Blessed are those who mourn (Mourning for others)

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth

1. What is this meekness?

2. What this meekness looks like

a. Toward man

b. Toward God

1. Promised possession

2. Application

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Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said:

2 “Should a wise man answer with windy knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind? 3 Should he argue in unprofitable talk, or in words with which he can do no good? 4 But you are doing away with the fear of God and hindering meditation before God. 5 For your iniquity teaches your mouth, and you choose the tongue of the crafty. 6 Your own mouth condemns you, and not I; your own lips testify against you. 7 “Are you the first man who was born? Or were you brought forth before the hills? 8 Have you listened in the council of God? And do you limit wisdom to yourself? 9 What do you know that we do not know? What do you understand that is not clear to us? 10 Both the gray-haired and the aged are among us, older than your father. 11 Are the comforts of God too small for you, or the word that deals gently with you? 12 Why does your heart carry you away, and why do your eyes flash, 13 that you turn your spirit against God and bring such words out of your mouth? 14 What is man, that he can be pure? Or he who is born of a woman, that he can be righteous? 15 Behold, God puts no trust in his holy ones, and the heavens are not pure in his sight; 16 how much less one who is abominable and corrupt, a man who drinks injustice like water! 17 “I will show you; hear me, and what I have seen I will declare 18 (what wise men have told, without hiding it from their fathers, 19 to whom alone the land was given, and no stranger passed among them). 20 The wicked man writhes in pain all his days, through all the years that are laid up for the ruthless. 21 Dreadful sounds are in his ears; in prosperity the destroyer will come upon him. 22 He does not believe that he will return out of darkness, and he is marked for the sword. 23 He wanders abroad for bread, saying, ‘Where is it?’ He knows that a day of darkness is ready at his hand; 24 distress and anguish terrify him; they prevail against him, like a king ready for battle. 25 Because he has stretched out his hand against God and defies the Almighty, 26 running stubbornly against him with a thickly bossed shield; 27 because he has covered his face with his fat and gathered fat upon his waist 28 and has lived in desolate cities, in houses that none should inhabit, which were ready to become heaps of ruins; 29 he will not be rich, and his wealth will not endure, nor will his possessions spread over the earth;[c] 30 he will not depart from darkness; the flame will dry up his shoots, and by the breath of his mouth he will depart. 31 Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself, for emptiness will be his payment. 32 It will be paid in full before his time, and his branch will not be green. 33 He will shake off his unripe grape like the vine, and cast off his blossom like the olive tree. 34 For the company of the godless is barren, and fire consumes the tents of bribery. 35 They conceive trouble and give birth to evil, and their womb prepares deceit.” Job 15

A. Eliphaz: A Destructive Tongue (Job 15:1-16)

1. He mocks Job’s reputation and responses: Job 15:1-3, Job 15:7-9, Job 15:11-13, Prov. 10:19

2. He wounds Job in the most sacred area of his life: Job 15:4, Matt. 7:1-2

3. He places the false claim of deception on Job: Job 15:5-6, James 1:22-24

B. Eliphaz: An Unteachable Heart (Job 15:7-17)

1. A defensive spirit: Job 15:6, Job 15:9, Matt. 27:11-14

2. A reluctance to conduct self-examination: Job 15:17a, Prov. 12:15, Prov. 15:5

3. A resistance to change: Job 15:17b, Psalm 73:1-5

C. Characteristics in Unbelievers

1. They endure purposeless pain: Job 15:20

2. They experience gripping uncertainties: Job 15:21-22

3. They drift in aimless discontent: Job 15:23, 31

4. They feel paralyzing emotional turmoil: Job 15:24

5. They produce barren, desert-like lives: Job 15:33-35

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Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

The Beatitudes 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.  Matthew 5:1-4

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Job 12-14

A. Job to his friends: Confused & Comfortless You Are

B. Job to his God: Preparation, Confession, Clarity, Confidence

1. Preparation before addressing his God: Job 13:13-19, Heb. 13:28-29, Matt. 6:9, Heb. 10:31

2. Confession marked by sincerity: Ps. 15:1-3, Ps. 51:6, 1 Kings 9:4-6, Rom. 6:17, Eph. 6:5-6

a. His desire for fellowship with God: Job 13:20-21, Ps. 51:7-10

b. His acknowledgment of sin to God: Job 13:23, Job 13:23-27, Ps. 139:23-24

c. His weariness of heart: Job 13:24-28

1. Clarity about the nature of life

a. Its troublesome nature: Job 14:1, Eccl. 2:23

b. Its transitory nature: Job 14:1-2

c. Its determined nature: Job 14:3-5, Eccl. 3:1-2, Heb. 9:27

1. Confidence in the midst of spiritual darkness: Job 13:15, Isa. 50:10

a. Hopelessness without resurrection: Job 14:7-13

b. Hope because of resurrection: Job 14:14-17, Job 19:25, Phil. 1:6, Rom. 6:4-5

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Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Matt. 5:3

1. Setting
2. A Pronouncement
3. A Condition
4. A Reward

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Job 12-14

A. Job to his friends: Confused & Comfortless You Are

1. Job exposes their blindness

a. Their theology is flawed: Job 12:1-6

b. Their ability to discernment is absent: Job 12:7-10

c. Their knowledge of God is shallow: Job 12:13-25, John 17:3

1. Job exposes their hypocrisy

a. Their lack of truthfulness: Job 13:4, Ps. 51:6, Eph. 4:25, John 8:44

b. Their lack of love: Job 13:3, Ps. 142:3-4, Matt. 24:12, 1 Cor. 13:1-4, 4-8

1. Job exposes their arrogance

a. As spokesman for God: Job 13:7-10

b. In lacking reverence for God: Job 13:11-12, Hebrews 12:28-29

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Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” 3 Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” 5 And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 6 And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” 8 And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God. 9 There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 11 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 15 And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. 17 And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. 18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” 19 So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. 20 And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” 1 Kings 19:1-20

A. Examples of Spiritual Depression

1. David: Psalm 42:5, 11

2. Heman: Psalm 88:13-15

3. Elijah: 1 Kings 19:1-4

4. Job: Job 7:3-4

5. Paul: 2 Corinthians 1:8-10

6. Charles Spurgeon

B. Sources of Spiritual Depression

1. God: Isaiah 50:10

2. Satan: Revelation 12:10

3. Sin: Psalm 38:1-8

C. Characteristics of Spiritual Depression

1. Joyless heaviness and fatigue of spirit and body: Psalm 88:3-4

2. Inability to reason: 1 Kings 19:3

3. Hopelessness: 1 Kings 19:4

4. Reclusiveness: 1 Kings 19:9

5. Irrational thinking: 1 Kings 19:10

D. Battling Spiritual Depression

1. Replace unbiblical thinking patterns: Rom. 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

2. Patiently wait on the Lord: Is. 30:18, Ps. 27:14

3. Talk truth to yourself: Psalm 42: 5, 11

4. Stay in close fellowship with other believers: Eccles. 4:9-12

5. Praise Him in the midst of the darkness: Hab. 3:17-19

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Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:

2 “Should a multitude of words go unanswered, and a man full of talk be judged right? 3 Should your babble silence men, and when you mock, shall no one shame you? 4 For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in God’s[a] eyes.’ 5 But oh, that God would speak and open his lips to you, 6 and that he would tell you the secrets of wisdom! For he is manifold in understanding.[b] Know then that God exacts of you less than your guilt deserves. 7 “Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty? 8 It is higher than heaven[c]—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know? 9 Its measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea. 10 If he passes through and imprisons and summons the court, who can turn him back? 11 For he knows worthless men; when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it? 12 But a stupid man will get understanding when a wild donkey’s colt is born a man! 13 “If you prepare your heart, you will stretch out your hands toward him. 14 If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and let not injustice dwell in your tents. 15 Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be secure and will not fear. 16 You will forget your misery; you will remember it as waters that have passed away. 17 And your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. 18 And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security. 19 You will lie down, and none will make you afraid; many will court your favor. 20 But the eyes of the wicked will fail; all way of escape will be lost to them, and their hope is to breathe their last.” Job 11

A. Zophar: The Insensitive and Arrogant Counselor: Job 11:1-6

1. His insensitive verbal treatment of Job: Job 11:1-3, Prov. 12:18

2. His arrogant accusation against Job: Job 11:4, Job 33:9, Matt. 5:37

3. His arrogant self-confidence toward Job: Job 11:5-6, Rom. 12:3

B. Zophar: Truths of God Revealed: Job 11:7-11

1. The God who is incomprehensible: Job 11:7-9, Rom. 11:33-36

2. The God who is all-knowing (omniscient): Job 11:11a, Heb. 4:13

3. The God who is all-present (omnipresent): Job 11:11b

C. Zophar: The Irrelevant and Presuming Counselor: Job 11:13-20

1. His counsel to job does not apply: Job 11:13-14

– Pray for a heart and tongue of wisdom (what to speak): James 3:17

– Pray for a heart and tongue of discernment (when to speak): Eph. 4:29

1. His counsel to Job is presumptuous: Job 11:15-19

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Job Replies: There Is No Arbiter Job 9-10

A. Job’s Heart for God

1. Be reminded of Job’s Godly Reputation

a. Before people: Job 1:1

b, Declared by God

Before His Trial: Job 1:8

After His Trial: Job 42:7

1. Be reminded of what Job desires: Job 9:1-3, Job 9:13-16, Job 10:1-2, Job 10:8-12, Job 10:18-22

B. Job’s Right Understandings of God – His Sovereignty

1. God is unconquerable and unmatched: Job 9:2-4, Job 9:12, Job 9:22-24, Rom. 8:35-39

2. God is all-powerful: Job 9:5-9, Matt. 28:18-20

3. God is incomprehensible and unseen: Job 9:10-11, 1 Tim. 3:16, John 1:18, John 17:1-3

4. God is transcendent (not like us): Job 9:30-32, Numbers 28:19, Psalm 50:21

C. Job’s Wrong Perceptions of God – Person and Works

1. God punishes His children: Job 9:17-18, Heb. 12:5-6

2. God provides no arbiter for His children: Job 9:33, 1 Tim. 2:5

3. God condemns His children: Job 10:1-2, Rom. 8:1

4. God oppresses His children: Job 10:3, Luke 4:18-19

5. God destroys His children: Job 10:8-10, Job 13:15

6. God withholds forgiveness from His children: Job 10:14, Ps. 130:3-4

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Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.  Ephesians 4:25-32

1. Truthful Words: Eph. 4:25

2. Controlled Emotions: Eph. 4:26-27

3. Honest Living: Eph. 4:28

4. Wholesome Speech: Eph. 4:29.

5. Godly Sensitivity: Eph. 4:30

6. Christ-like Attitude: Eph. 4:31-32

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Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said:

2 “How long will you say these things, and the words of your mouth be a great wind? 3 Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert the right? 4 If your children have sinned against him, he has delivered them into the hand of their transgression. 5 If you will seek God and plead with the Almighty for mercy, 6 if you are pure and upright, surely then he will rouse himself for you and restore your rightful habitation. 7 And though your beginning was small, your latter days will be very great. 8 “For inquire, please, of bygone ages, and consider what the fathers have searched out. 9 For we are but of yesterday and know nothing, for our days on earth are a shadow. 10 Will they not teach you and tell you and utter words out of their understanding? 11 “Can papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Can reeds flourish where there is no water? 12 While yet in flower and not cut down, they wither before any other plant. 13 Such are the paths of all who forget God; the hope of the godless shall perish. 14 His confidence is severed, and his trust is a spider’s web.[a] 15 He leans against his house, but it does not stand; he lays hold of it, but it does not endure. 16 He is a lush plant before the sun, and his shoots spread over his garden. 17 His roots entwine the stone heap; he looks upon a house of stones. 18 If he is destroyed from his place, then it will deny him, saying, ‘I have never seen you.’ 19 Behold, this is the joy of his way, and out of the soil others will spring. 20 “Behold, God will not reject a blameless man, nor take the hand of evildoers. 21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting. 22 Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, and the tent of the wicked will be no more.” Job 8

A. Bildad: The Cold-Hearted Friend and Counselor: Job 8:1-7

1. The Insensitive Counselor: Job 8:1-3, James 1:19

2. The Cruel Counselor: Job 8:4, Prov. 17:17

3. The Presuming Counselor: Job 8:5-7, John 9:1-3

B. Bildad: His Flawed Source of Counsel: Job 8:8-10, Job 4:12-16, Mark 7:5-8, Col. 2:8, 2 Thess. 2:15

C. Bildad: His Counsel and Biblical Truth Illustrated: Job 8:11-19

1. The Exposure of the Hypocrite and his ending: Job 8:11-19, Matt. 13:18-23

2. The Perseverance of the righteous and his ending: Job 8:16-19, Matt. 13:18-23

D. Bildad: The Words of Encouragement: Job 8:20-22

1. The promise of reconciliation from God: Job 8:20

2. The promise of restoration from God: Job 8:21

3. The promise of protection from God: Job 8:22, Acts 3:17-20

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I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. 7 For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.  Philemon 4-7

A. The reputation held by the model Christian: Philemon 4-5, Rom. 1:8, Eph. 1:5, Col. 1:4

B. The virtues developed in the model Christian: Philemon 5, Gal. 5:6, 1 Thess. 1:3, 1 Cor. 13:13

– Love

– Faith

C. The active life of the model Christian: Philemon 6, 1 Thess. 1:8, Acts 8:4, Matt. 28:19-20

– Sharing of the Faith

D. The spiritual impact from the model Christian: Philemon 7, Rom. 1:11-12, 1 John 1:1-4, Heb. 10:23-25

– Much joy to others

– Much comfort to others

– Much refreshment to others

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Job 6-7

A. The Emotional Depths a Believer May Experience

1. Weighted heart of grief: Job 6:1-3

2. Irrationality of thoughts: Job 6:4

3. Exhaustion in spiritual depression: Job 6:11-13

4. Hurt from insensitive friends: Job 6:14-21

B. A Believer’s Perseverance in the Emotional Depths

1. Resolve to honor God in his death: Job 6:8-10, Phil. 1:20

2. Remembrance of the holiness of God: Job 6:10, Exodus 15:11

C. Transparency with God from the Emotional depths: Ps. 130:1-2, Jonah 2:1-2, Luke 22:39-46, Matt. 27:46, Job 7:12-17, 2 Tim. 3:1-4

1. Life is under God’s curse

– It is hard: Job 7:1-2

– It is stressful and anxiety-filled: Job 7:3-4

– It is physically painful: Job 7:5

– It is mercifully short: Job 7:6-9

1. God’s ways of dealing with His people are mysterious

– He may appear to be our tormentor not our comforter: Job 7:13-14

– He may appear to be our destroyer not our healer:  Job 7:20-21, Mark 4:37-38

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A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  John 13:34-35

A PERSON CHANGED BY THE GOSPEL

1. Has the ability to love all Christians: ROMANS 5:1-5

2. Earnestly prayers to know more of the source of love: EPHESIANS 3:14-19

3.Yearns to be controlled by the source of love: CORINTHIANS 5:14

1. Submits to being taught by God to love all Christians: 1 THESSALONIANS 3:11-12; 4:9-10

2. Strives to follow the Example: JOHN 13:34-35

3. Intentionally obeys the command toward Christians: 1 JOHN 3:16-18

a) Serving other Christians: 1 Thessalonians 2:8-9

b) Building up other Christians: Romans 15:1-2

c) Laboring with other Christians: Philippians 1:3-5

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Job 6-7

A. The Emotional Depths a Believer May Experience

1. Weighted heart of grief: Job 6:1-3, Matt. 26:37-38

2. Irrationality of thoughts: Job 6:4, Job 7:20, Job 16:11-14, Job 30:19-22, Ps. 88: 16, Jer. 15:18

3. Exhaustion in spiritual depression: Job 6:11-13, Ps. 88:4, Ps. 22:14-15, 2 Cor. 1:8

4. Hurt from insensitive friends: Job 6:14-21, 2 Tim. 4:10, Col. 4:14, Philemon 23-24

B. A Believer’s Perseverance in the Emotional Depths

1. Resolve to honor God in his death: Job 6:8-10, Phil. 1:20

2. Remembrance of the holiness of God: Job 6:10, Exodus 15:11

C. Transparency with God from the Emotional depths: Ps. 130:1-2, Jonah 2:1-2, Luke 22:39-46, Matt. 27:46, Job 7:12-17, 2 Tim. 3:1-4

1. Life is under God’s curse

– It is hard: Job 7:1-2

– It is stressful and anxiety-filled: Job 7:3-4

– It is physically painful: Job 7:5

– It is mercifully short: Job 7:6-9

1. God’s ways of dealing with His people are mysterious

– He may appear to be our tormentor not our comforter: Job 7:13-14

– He may appear to be our destroyer not our healer: Job 7:20-21, Mark 4:37-38

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Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.  Ephesians 4:17-24

1. Gentile Living: Eph. 4:17-19

2. Gospel Truth: Eph. 4:20-21

3. Godly Living: Eph. 4:22-24