Immanuel Louisville: Recent Episodes
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Immanuel, in Louisville, KY, exists to build a community from all cultures where Christ is King. Get to know us more at www.immanuelky.org.
09/22/2024 // Pastor Ryan Fullerton // Matthew 12:3850Immanuel, in Louisville, KY, exists to build a community from all cultures where Christ is King. Get to know us more at www.immanuelky.org.
(Due to technical difficulties, there is audio distortion until 5:59. We apologize for this distraction).
// Sermon Application //
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Can you give an example of a time when another brother or sister "harmonized" towards you and entered in well to your sorrow or rejoicing Describe it. What effect did it have on you?
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Which is harder/easier for you personally to do (a) "rejoice with those rejoicing" or (b) weep with those weeping"? Why is that the case? How might you grow in the area where you are weaker? Describe.
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Is being "self-focussed" a struggle for you? How/where do you see it? How does it manifest itself? How could you bear fruit in keeping with repentance of being too "self-focussed"?
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Read together Luke 14:12-13. Do you personally spend time with those who are "lowly?" Why/not? What could your GCG do together to welcome in the "lowly?"
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Also, consider using Pastor Ryan's sermon outline to ask discussion questions:
- Are you more attuned to the feelings in you or the feelings of others? Describe.
- Are you more inclined to fellowship with the high or the low? Describe.
- Are you more enamored with your own wisdom or the wisdom of others? Describe.
// Sermon Application //
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The whole aim of the Christian life is summarized by one word - love. God's love for us and our love for Him and others in response. People often make this a challenge -- especially our selves. We are a trial to our own Christian life. In what ways are you presently struggling to love the Lord and love others in your life (be specific). Are there currently any relationships in your life where your love for another person is not reciprocal? Modestly describe. What is the Lord calling you towards in those relationships?
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Persecution is a universal reality for all Christians. Describe the various forms of persecution that Christians face in this life:
- Simple mockery
- Being maligned
- Ostracism
- Threats
- Plundering of property
- Exile & imprisonment
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Death • Have you faced any of these? Describe. • Are you presently facing any of these? Describe. • How are you doing in light of these pressures (how are they affecting you)?
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Many people stop pursuing and living for the Lord on account of persecution (eg. parable of the soils). Are there ways presently that you are not doing well as you encounter "peer-pressure" (exclusion from the "cool group")? Since persecution is not primarily a "problem," but an "opportunity" -- what opportunities is the Lord giving you as you face this form of persecution? How is the Lord calling you to "bless and not curse" those who are persecuting/excluding you? What might this look like in the coming days/weeks? How might you "go the extra mile" towards your current enemies?
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When we suffer persecution and respond in love, it often "heaps burning coals onto the heads" of those who persecute you. Describe your understanding of this truth. How is this a comfort and help to you?
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When you display Christ in the midst of persecution, it often leads to others salvation (eg. centurion at the cross). In what ways can you display Christ in the midst of persecution and who are you presently burdened for, who might see your love and glorify your Father in heaven? Spend some time praying for them together!
// Sermon Application //
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In your recent evangelistic encounters, what are some specific ways that you have seen the world (unbelievers) consider the word of cross to be folly to them? How have you responded to this sentiment? What can you and should you do when you encounter an unbeliever who considers the word of the cross to be folly to them? How would God have us respond in such situations? Is this how you are responding? Why/not?
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Churches and individuals alike can be tempted to use means other than the cross of Christ to seek to win a hearing with unbelievers. Churches can be tempted with "putting on a show" to attract unbelievers. Individuals too can be tempted to use means other than the gospel (eg. coolness, friendship, movies, etc.). What are some specific things that you have been tempted to use other than the gospel to win a hearing with unbelievers? How do you know when you've gone too far in using things other than the word of the cross spoken plainly to win the lost?
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Are you prone to have pride in thinking that your eloquence, your example, your love, your persuasion, your (fill in the blank) will be what holds the power to convert the lost? How can you grow to trust more in the word of the cross alone to hold the power to convert the lost and build up other believers?
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For Christians, the word of the cross is constantly being attacked and undermined by opposing worldview(s) that build on different foundations. Are there any current ways of thinking that are grabbing hold in your mind and threatening to take too prominent of a place, thus undermining the word of the cross? Describe.
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Pastor Brian Powell used homosexuality and gender issues to illustrate how many people today are prone to define their identity according to their desires, which are in conflict with the word of the cross. Are there any ways that you are prone to define yourself wrongly by paying too much attention to your desires? How does the word of the cross speak into those personal challenges?
// Sermon Application //
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Pastor Ryan began this sermon stating two truths about Jesus that fuel our obedience (1) He meets our needs, and (2) He brings us home. Have group members fill out the details of these truths together, answering, "How does Jesus meet our needs? Be specific. And, "What does it mean that Jesus brings us home? In what ways does this encourage you?
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"Contributing to the needs of the saints" | Christians strive to meet the real needs of others generously with discernment and wisdom that does does inadvertently enable laziness or a "freeloading" attitude. What are ways that you have sought to balance these things personally? What are some ways to balance this better moving forward? Be specific.
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How are you doing in showing hospitality to one another? Is this enjoyable, difficult, infrequent? Be specific. What do you enjoy most about hospitality? Regarding showing hospitality—what is most difficult for you in this season of life? How do you currently plan to improve your personal showing of hospitality as a single or family at Immanuel? Spend some time repenting of ways you have failed to show this kind of hospitality in the past months/years.
// Sermon Application //
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Rom 12:12)
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Are you presently "rejoicing in hope"? What hinders or challenges you from currently rejoicing in hope? What might it sound like for you to rejoice in light of the present distress you are facing? What makes it hard to rejoice right now? What makes it hard to have hope?
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"be patient in tribulation." What tribulations are you encountering presently? Are you being "patient?" What makes this hard?
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"be constant in prayer." Are you actively praying daily? What do your prayers consist of? What hinders you from living a prayerful life? How might you grow to be more prayerful?
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As you become more familiar with the detailed struggles, trials, burdens, difficulties, and tribulations of one another, how are you affected by others' trials? How are you affected as you see believers obeying these commands to rejoice, endure, and pray through the various trials being encountered?
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How do you desire to have the group encourage you, pray for you, and support you as you strive to grow in these directions?
// Sermon Application //
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"Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord." Have you ever felt discouraged, burn out, weary in well doing? Describe what that is like for you. How frequently have you felt that way? Are you feeling those ways presently? What's causing it, best you can tell?
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"Sloth" can take a variety of shapes, forms, and sizes. Describe ways that you can be slothful in your zeal.
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"...be fervent in spirit..." Describe times you have been fervent in spirit. What did you do with fervency (hot, boiling)?
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Pastor Ryan mentioned several common contributing factors that make a person slothful in zeal and lacking fervency in spirit. What were they?
a. Not getting enough sleep/rest. Is this an area that needs attention/adjustment for you? Describe.
b. Prolonged suffering. Describe the suffering and what it's like to "stand in your shoes."
c. Sin. Are there sins that you are currently not repenting of that are piling up and stealing your joy? (See Psalm 32:1-3). What keeps you from repenting?
d. Shallow notions of your own sinfulness. Pastor Ryan described this commonly manifesting itself as lacking categories of thinking that allow for very slow, incremental growth in the Christian life. Are you prone to experience this kind of discouragement? Describe.
e. Taking our eyes off of Jesus/gospel. Not recognizing everything in life, every situation, trial, burden, etc. as a gift from God's hand. Are you prone to take your eyes off of Jesus? What's this like for you? How can you plan this week to keep the gospel at the forefront of your thinking?
- Which of these 5 categories are the biggest challenge(s) for you? How can you "go after" growth in these area(s)?
// Sermon Application //
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Pastor Ryan mentioned through the sermon that the most extended application in the book of Romans is on showing warm hospitality to one another (welcoming one another in). Does this surprise you? How important have you viewed showing hospitality? Is this something you are currently doing or need to grow in? Describe.
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The Scriptures provide a lens through which we ought to view everything. Many times, the lens of Scripture is opposed to the lens of the world. In addition to racial reconciliation, what other areas have you (or are you currently) facing challenges to view others and overcoming trouble spots differently than the Scriptures? How might you grow to trust the Scriptures more around these topics/categories?
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Pastor Ryan described his GCG experience for the last decade as a home marked by Gospel love and warmth, allowing hard conversations to take place and relationships to flourish. Does this describe your experience in your GCG? Describe. In what ways are you burdened to see your GCG grow in a good direction? What specific things might help?
// Sermon Application //
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How does the book of Romans aim to categorize ALL people? Can you show that category from the Scriptures? How does this one category (sinners) inform how we treat all people?
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What competing worldview(s) have you encountered in evangelistic interactions with others? How have you sought to lovingly inform them of the Bible's worldview that "all are sinners and in need of the grace of Jesus?"
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Can you define (in your own words) "critical (race) theory?" What two categories does this aim to put all people into? (oppressed & oppressor) How do these categories undermine the one primary category that the Bible gives for understanding our primary identity?
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Critical race theory aims to liberate oppressed people from hegemonic powers, whether that individual has exercised those abuses or not. What is "hegemonic power?" How does God, through the gospel treat these categories? How ought Christians to resist the cultural trend to understand people according to hegemonic powers and categories rather than the Bible's category of God being the King ruling over all people -- lifting up all who are sinners?
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In what ways does "critical race theory" and "hegemonic powers" lead to an abandonment of all being sinners and in need of Christ's salvation? In what specific ways is the Biblical worldview of "all being sinners & wrongs being reconciled through Christ" more helpful and needed to truly reconcile racial, gender, and cultural differences and hurts for the oppressor and the oppressed?
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Have you experienced the gospel bringing about "unlikely" reconciliation between you and another brother/sister that is uncommon and unlikely in our day? Can you describe the ways in which this has been hard? In what ways are you growing in this? How would yo like to see the gospel more deeply shaping your current personal relationships?
// Sermon Application //
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We looked together at two commands from this passage. They were (a) "love one another with brotherly affection," and (b) "outdo one another in showing honor." In what way(s) do these commands work together?
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What blessings have you experienced from the church (Christian community) living these things towards you? Give examples of being loved and honored well by other Christians.
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What challenges have you faced in obeying these commands? Describe.
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Within family life—there are many blessings and challenges to obeying these commands. What specifically challenges you to live this way towards the members of your household? • Husbands towards wives • Wives towards husbands • Fathers and mothers towards children • Children towards parents
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Are there ways that you are expecting others in your family to love and honor the members of your family, but you yourself are struggling to show the same love and honor that you are expecting of them? Describe.
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How have you experienced God using your obedience to these commands to make the gospel known to unbelievers?
// Sermon Application //
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Pastor Ryan began this sermon saying "These commands (from Rom 12:9-21) are a pathway to personal revival." Are you currently in need of personal revival? If so, describe that. What would/could that consist of? What do you believe is currently hindering you from revival?
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How do you view God's commands? (example: Are they burdensome to you? Are they bad news to you? Are they difficult to walk in?) Why are they that to you? How (in what specific way) might God's commandments be "relaxing" to you?
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Regarding the command to "Abhor what is evil," do you currently abhor evil? What specific evils do you abhor/hate? How do you express you abhorrence?
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Regarding the command to "hold fast to what is good" are you currently doing that? How? In what way? What does "holding fast to that which is good" manifest itself in your life currently?
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Are you "lukewarm" in hating evil and loving that which is good, how might you grow in warmth/heat to have greater affect to hate evil and love good? Be specific!
May the Lord truly increase our hatred of evil and expressions of that hatred! May He also deepen our resolves to love (cling to) that which is good! As you observe these marks of grace in one another, take some time to thank the Lord for these evidences of grace in one another and pray for one another. Praying that your gatherings are filled with great grace!
We apologize for the quality of the audio for roughly the first 1 minute and 43 seconds. The audio recording was for that time was lost.
// Sermon Review Questions // Read Romans 12:3-8. Perhaps review the context leading up to Romans 12.
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What were the 4 ways, mentioned by Pastor Ryan, that the church is described in the New Testament? • The church is a kingdom where Christ reigns. (What is the significance of this?) • The church is a building, where we are brought close to the Holy One. (What is the significance of this?) • The church is a marriage, where Jesus pursues a wayward Bride. (What is the significance of this?) • The church is the very body of Christ, connected to Christ as our head. (What is the significance of this?)
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The body is a perfect illustration of Christ's church. What were the 3 ways that this was described? • We are one body in Christ. • We each have different functions. • We belong to one another.
// Application/Discussion //
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Christ reigns over all rulers and authorities on earth. He is infinitely above all other rulers! Where are you struggling to see/believe that Christ is reigning sovereignly right now over the details in your life?
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The body of Christ has functions that vary from one another. Not all are hands. Not all are the mouth. Not all are feet. How are you currently functioning in the body? What role are you presently filling?
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We belong to one another. We are "members, one of another..." When we withhold our service from the church, we are robbing the church of our gifts. Are there any roles you believe you ought to be filling with your gifts that you currently aren't? What keeps you from serving the body with your gifts?
May the Lord help these discussions to unleash every single gift (large and small) in service towards one another and ultimately in service to King Jesus, for His great glory.
// Sermon Review Questions //
Spend a little time (5-10 minutes) putting the sermon back into the minds of your group members. Before meaningful applications of the text can be made, it is always helpful to remind one another of the text itself. Read together Romans 12:3-8.
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What was the theme (big-picture idea) of this text? ("Having gifts, let us use them.")
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What were the 3 truths that Pastor Ryan shared with us regarding the giving of Spiritual gifts? • Every Christian has at least one gift. • Each individual Christian receives gifts that differ from one another. • Every gift is meant to be used for mutual upbuilding. • Where do we see these things from the text/context?
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What were the 3 questions that Pastor Ryan led us to consider together? • What gifts have you been given? • How are you using those gifts to serve the church? • How are you improving your gifts?
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What is the great enemy/principle that keeps Christians from properly using their gifts to serve the church? --> Pride. Where do we see that in the text? (see verse 3)
// Application/Discussion Questions //
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Have each member of the group (young, older, married, single) list out their specific gifts that have been given to them by God at their conversion. • Why do you believe that God has given you that specific gift? • Are there different gifts that you wish you had been given? Describe.
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How are you presently using your gift(s) to serve the church? • Where and how are you using them? • Anywhere you believe the Lord wants you to be using them that you currently aren't? Describe.
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What are you doing currently to improve your gifts (fan them into flame)?
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What are the two primary ways that our pride can manifest itself and keep us from being fruitful in using our gifts? --> Inflation and deflation. Describe. • Which of these (inflation or deflation) are you more prone towards? Describe. • How does an inflated view of your gifts and/or a deflated view of your self reveal that you are thinking too highly of yourself? • What can you do to put pride to death in the coming week(s)?
May the Lord use these discussions to fan into flame every member to use every gift that the Lord has given His people to build one another up in love.
// Sermon Application //
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The Christian life is not complicated, but is is hard. What aspects of living the Christian life are you presently finding "hard" to put into practice? Describe those areas.
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Living the Christian life involves resisting/shunning the world. What aspects of the world are difficult presently for you to resist/shun? What about them makes them hard to resist?
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Describe some of the worldly influences that you are presently shunning. What's it like for you to resist those temptations (hard/difficult)? Why? Describe.
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Can you see any areas of your life that are presently not being governed by God's Word? Describe.
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Can you see any areas of your life presently where you are not content with Christ's justifying work on the cross for you? Describe.
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Is the highest treasure/aim of your life "to see God"? What competes?
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Describe how you are being transformed through the renewal of your mind/thinking. What "thinking" is leading to your actual transformation? What "wrong thoughts" hinder your transformation?
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Are you filling your mind with Biblical truth throughout the week? How? What are you presently doing to fill your mind with Biblical truth?
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How are you doing with private reading of the Word and memorization?
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Who are you spending time with throughout the week? Mostly Christian friends or mostly unbelievers? What effect is this having on your living?
(Sermon Review) It's always good to remind the group of the passage and the main points of the sermon before jumping immediately into applications. Spend about 5 minutes reading Romans 12:1-2 and reviewing the sermon together. Here were the main points:
As we look at God's mercies together & in response, offer our bodies as living sacrifices, we are: • Spiritually alive to God. (Describe this aliveness.) • Holy. (Describe this "holiness.") • Acceptable to God. (Describe how you are acceptable).
Application Questions: (Remember, these questions are intended to be "discussion starters;" therefore, ask second, third, and fourth questions to help lead these discussions! Here are a few ways to consider leading discussions:
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How do you tend to think about you? Do you think about yourself as being spiritually alive, holy, and acceptable? Why/not? What specifically hinders you from thinking of yourself this way? How might thinking of yourself this way change your behaviors?
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How (speficially) do you tend to think about being holy? Do you tend to think more of a list of do's and don'ts? Or, do you think about the splendor and majesty of all the God is applied to you? What difference might this make in how we think about being holy?
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Do you struggle to believe that God delights in you through His Son? Describe.
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Are you content living a peaceful and quiet life of "normal holiness" and "everyday obedience?" Why/not?
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Spend some time paying attention to the "normal service" that various members of your GCG do to serve. Think in terms of meals delivered, Bible studies, care for children, paying bills, working a job, serving the church, etc. Reframe that these ways of serving are in fact holy, pleasing, and acceptable acts of worship to God. They are a pleasing aroma to Him.
Hope these discussions are a blessing to you and to the members of your group.
// Sermon Application Questions //
(Sermon Outline) "A Brief Introduction to Christian Worship" 1. Christian worship is physical (you worship in an actual body) 2. Christian worship is sacrificial. 3. Christian worship is logical (it is "reasonable service.")
/ Questions / 1. Is it common / rare / easy / difficult - for you personally to think about your worship of God through Christ as "all of life?" Do you tend to categorize your worship as Sunday morning, personal devotionals, etc. or do you tend to think about worshipping the Lord in all that you say and do throughout the week? What "tasks / duties / responsibilities" throughout the week are difficult for you to see / experience as worship? Why?
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Which aspect of Christian worship that was described in Romans 12:1 is most difficult for you to live out -- physical worship, sacrificial worship, or logical worship? -- Why?
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How are you presently doing worshipping the Lord with what you eat and drink? Any challenges here?
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How are you doing worshipping the Lord through exercise? Which "way" are you most prone to sin (over or under exercise)? Why? How might you grow in this area?
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How is your worship of God doing through your vocation/work? What challenges do you face worshipping in this sphere of your life? Are you more prone towards over working or under working? Why? How might you grow here?
Hope these questions spur you on towards asking the best questions to lead your group in the most profitable directions.
Due to a technical difficulty, there is no video for the first few minutes.
// Sermon Application & Discussion //
Even before you get into a sermon discussion -- many in our body are processing and grieving the loss of sweet baby Alia and are sorrowing for the Bryant family (Andy, Sarah, Levi and Lilly). Spend some time allowing the group to process this loss together, ask questions if they have them, and spend some time praying together for the Bryants, Also, please pray for our IK volunteers and parents of kiddos, many of whom are grieving and processing very weighty and difficult life and death matters.
Quickly (like in 5 min or less) review the sermon and set if fresh in your mind. Here was the outline:
Being a Christian means counting the cost of following Christ. There are 4 "basics" to living the Christian life. They are:
• A true Christian life is a life lived under authority. • A true Christian life is a life lived by faith • A true Christian life is a life lived in family • A true Christian life is a life lived in response to mercy.
Consider going through each of these basics, asking these questions: 1. What is challenging to you personally to live a life under authority? 2. What has blessed you and helped you (specifically) living your life under authority? 3. What challenges/struggles are you facing currently in your faith? 4. What ways are you blessed through living out your faith as a part of a family? 5. What things hinder you from living your life more deeply intertwined in God's family (the church)? 6. Describe personally God's mercy to save you. What hinders you from regarding yourself on a daily basis as one who has received mercy and is under God's mercy? 7. What aspects of Christian obedience are you finding to be a challenge presently? How does God's mercy to you help motivate greater obedience?
Hope these questions help you lead discussions and share life together with one another in Christ this week. May the Lord use your gathering to build one another up in our glorious faith!
Sermon Application
I encourage you to read Luke 12:22-24 together and try to walk through the main points of the sermon. The mental arguments that Jesus gives us to fight against being anxious are:
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Argument from greater to lesser (God created your body. He can sustain and nourish the body which He has created).
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Argument from lesser to greater (He cares for birds and flowers and you are of more value than they are. Won't God care for you).
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Argument from the personal Fatherhood of God towards you. He is YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER. Have members fill this one out in some detail!
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Argument from the futility of anxiety. We can't solve the problem of our worry-anxiety through being worried and anxious.
Here are a few questions to consider asking from here:
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Which of these "arguments" helps you the most? Why that argument?
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What are the specific troubles, anxieties, worries that are currently plaguing you? Describe what it's like to stand in your shoes in the midst of those troubles. How might these mental arguments help in those real areas?
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What places/ways are you prone to have small/weak faith? What about those situations make it difficult in the moment to trust in the care of your Heavenly Father? What would it look like (consist of) to entrust those things to God's care? What is keeping you from entrusting them to God?
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How will you seek this week to enlarge your faith? What is your plan for growing your faith?
Hope these spark many helpful conversations together!
Sermon Discussion
// General Questions //
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"Worship" is to ascribing worth/worthiness to God, which He deserves. The Bible describes that all of life is to be "worship." Are you living a life that acribes praise/worth to God? How? In what ways? Any parts of your life that are difficult to know how you are ascribing praise to God? Discuss.
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How many of you listen to music throughout the week? What kind of music do you prefer? What specific music helps you to ascribe praise to God? How often/frequently do you listen to this kind of music?
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What do you love most about Immanuel's singing worship? Why? How would you like to see Immanuel's singing worship change or grow? Describe.
// Immanuel's Worship Value - Specific Questions //
Value 1: We value glorifying God in our corporate worship. --> As we sing together, does our musical worship help you to glorify God and express praise to Him? Why/not? Be specific.
Value 2: We value personal holiness in all of God's people in/through our corporate worship. --> Is personal holiness on your radar as you sing out to God corporately? Are there areas of sin exposed in you that need attention and growth for you to be able to express through singing holy worship for God? Describe (generally). How can this GCG help you grow in those areas?
Value 3: We value mutual edification in our worship. --> How do you see the members of your GCG using their specific gifts to mutually encourage one another? How is this being expressed through our singing worship?
Value 4: We value the Bible's full range of musical expressions in corporate worship. This range includes: singing, instruments, shouting, skillful playing, silence, clapping, lifting hands, kneeling or bowing down. Which of these are easiest and most enjoyable to you? Which are uncomfortable and uncommon for you? Why? Describe. How might growth in areas that are uncommon for you help you acribe more worth and praise to God?
Value 5: We value preferring others as more important than ourselves in corporate worship. --> In what areas of your life do you seek to prefer others as more important than yourself? Do you find personal enjoyment in singing other people's favorite songs? Why/not? Is preferential treatment of others on your radar in our singing and in your living? Describe the places where you could grow here.
Hope these questions help you lead profitable and worshipful conversations together.
Sermon Application
Please remember -- these are meant to be a helpful guide and should lead you to ask your own questions (not simply regurgitate our questions supplied to you). If you like the aim of these questions, please use them. Most of the fruit of these are in the discussions that the questions help you to begin. Make sure to be conversational in these discussions and avoid merely working through the questions in a robotic way.
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In Romans 11, the Jews are described as hardened and rebellious towards God and now jealous towards Gentiles who are being softened towards God and saved. Are there ways that you can empathize with the Jews who are jealous towards saved Gentiles? Where (or in what ways) can you empathize with Jews experiencing this sentiment? Are there any categories of people who you struggle in being jealous towards? Describe.
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Are there any groups (or types) of people that you struggle to love and struggle to want to see converted? Describe.
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Romans 11 is largely about exposing pride and cultivating humility regarding our salvation from both Jews and Gentiles. How is God presently working in your life to uproot pride in your heart? In what areas/ways are you presently tempted to be proud, arrogant, and braggadocious? ---> Rather than brag, we are to fear (v20). What does this mean and how are we doing "fearing" instead of "boasting?"
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(v24 exposes that we ought to be expectant and hope-filled. What hinders your hope? What deflates your hope? Describe.
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Discuss together whether you believe Romans 11 teaches that there will be a large ingathering of all Jews one day or whether Paul means to teach something different. Can you prove your position Biblically? How much does this matter to you? (be honest). Do you enjoy or disdain these kinds of hard/rigorous/tedious/complicated/technical theological discussions? Why/not do you enjoy them? Is it hard for you to engage deeply in theologically technical conversations? Why (what about them makes it difficult or unenjoyable)? --> What do you believe God has for you (specifically) in giving you passages in His Word like Romans 11?
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Regarding our salvation, at the end of the day, Jews and Gentiles alike (all) have only MERCY (the mercy of God) to cling to. Read together Romans 11:33-36. Does this sentiment ("Oh, the riches and wisdom of God...") resonate with you? Is this where your own heart is presently in regard to your great salvation from God? What stops you from possessing this kind of gratitude?
Sermon Application
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Spend some time recollecting personally the great things God has done to bring you from darkness into His marvelous light. Have a few individuals share conversion stories with specific details of the mighty things God has done to bring you into His salvation.
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How "God-centered" are you in considering your own salvation? What difference does it make when you consider your own salvation in a "God-centered way" and when you consider your salvation from a "man-centered way?" How (specifically) have you struggled to regard your salvation in a God-centered way? (Remember v48 together - "As many as were appointed to eternal life believed...")
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There is no God like our God. He is sovereign over every event in human history. He raises one leader and puts another leader down. He was sovereign over the cross, using even the most evil act in human history to accomplish our salvation. Are there any things presently happening in your life that cause you to question or disbelieve God's sovereignty? Describe.
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God has appointed many people to salvation. Nothing in the world can thwart God's plan from being accomplished. How "ought" we to respond to this reality? How "are" we presently responding to this reality? Does this reveal any specific ways that we ought to repent?
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There is NO TROUBLE in life that can thwart God's purposes. This should engender boldness and confidence. As you evaluate your own life, are you growing in boldness and confidence in the Lord or is your boldness and confidence waning? Describe. As your members describe these things, let the sharing lead you to pray for one another giving thanks for the ways that confidence/boldness is growing and praying for one another to walk in repentance where our confidence and boldness has come under attack.
Sermon Application
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We sang this morning, a song that asked, "Is He (Christ) worthy to receive blessing and honor and glory? He is!" Recount the reasons that Christ is worthy to receive our praise together!
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We are to imitate Paul not by becoming apostles like he was, but by following the example of his character. His character made him cross-cultural (He was a jew reaching those who were not Jewish). How are you doing crossing cultures with the gospel? What specific "cultural divides" in your life are hard to cross? What makes them so difficult?
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Paul's ministry was both practical and doctrinal (not one at the exclusion of the other). Do you tend in one of these directions at the exclusion of the other? Which is harder for you (doctrinal/truth or love/applied theology)? If you err, which side are you more prone to err on? Why? How might you grow in areas of weakness?
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What ways are you currently orienting your life to reach the lost? Do you see yourself presently more on the front-lines of evangelism or more a part of the redeemed community living a life that makes the lost jealous? Are you content with your specific role/places of ministry, or do you wish your plate was filled with something different? Describe.
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In what areas of Christian obedience are you presently finding it difficult to obey? Counsel and pray for one another in these areas, knowing that our growth in obedience has kingdom-advancing potential.
Sermon Application
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When you consider "the riches of Christ" towards you, what specifically comes to mind?
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Which aspects of gospel riches encourage you most? Why (what is it about those aspects that encourage you)?
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Which aspects of gospel riches do you desire to think about, learn about, and study down more?
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As you consider the historical reality of the Jewish people rejecting salvation in order that Gentiles would be reached, how does this fact affect you?
In Romans 11:33-36 Paul concludes his comprehensive teaching on the gospel of Christ with exuberant praise! As we heard this morning the Christian is in constant need of seeing the glory of God again and again as the means by which we persevere and stay on our course to heaven. As you consider these things together spend some time reviewing the sermon and answering the following questions.
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Read Romans 11:33-36, brother/sister can you say that this is the temperature of your soul? Why/why not? Are there particular ways you're striving to be taken up with God's perfection, beauty, glory in the gospel? Explain.
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One of the points Pastor Ryan made this morning was that "Paul believes that overwhelming worship comes from careful contemplation as opposed to emotional manipulation." Thinking about the 'temperature' of your own heart towards the Lord, how much would you say you're depending on having to be moved emotionally in order to give the Lord thanks and praise? Is careful contemplation of who God is and what he has done for us in the gospel difficult for you? Explain.
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In Romans 11:1-5 Paul is concerned that the church would not misunderstand God's plan for his people, which ultimately effects how they would see God. Brother/sister do you see that one of your primary ministries to the body is to help one another see God rightly?
May we all together be taken up with the glory of God in the gospel and proclaim his wonder and majesty!
Sermon Application Questions
We heard a good word from Matthew 13 about how having a realistic expectation of what's coming fuels endurance for the Christian life and ministry. Following are a couple of questions to consider for those of you who discuss the sermon in your GCG.
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When sharing the gospel with unbelievers are you discouraged when you get a negative response to the gospel thinking that this is clear evidence that you are not bearing fruit? From Jesus' teaching on the parable of the sower what should be your expectation? And what does this mean for the question of fruit-bearing?
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From the passage and sermon, how are we to recognize a true work of God's grace in our lives and those of our brothers and sisters?
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How often do you compare your "fruit" to that of others? What is the typical result when you do this? What does Matt. 13:23 have to say about one Christian's fruit-bearing compared to another? Is there ever any spiritual profit in comparing your fruit-bearing to another Christian's?
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What did Pastor Ryan teach about where fruit-bearing comes from?
May the Lord be pleased to strengthen us by his Spirit to sow his word increasingly in our own hearts and those around us, that we might increasingly bear fruit for his glory!!!
Brothers,
As you resume your GCG gatherings this week, here are some questions from the sermon to discuss together:
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When we don't fix our eyes on the risen Lord Jesus, our lives are often filled with fear and doubt. In what practical ways are you seeking to keep your eyes fixed on the risen Lord Jesus? Are there specific ways you're struggling with doubt in the reality of Christ's resurrection?
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Is there anything in your life right now that you're believing Jesus can't handle? Is there anything you're going through that you're tempted to think is having the final say in your life? Are you being tossed about by your experiences or are you resting in God's word? As you share these things with one another, allow others in the group to encourage from God's word which truly does have the final say!
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In Luke 24:46-49 Jesus tells his disciples the message he is calling them to proclaim to the nations. In what ways are you fighting to keep this message precious to your soul?
May we continue fighting to keep our eyes fixed on the risen Lord Jesus and walk with joyful anticipation of being finally raised with him!
Sermon Application
Praise the Lord that He is a God who remains faithful to his covenant people. His steadfast love endures forever and was displayed most clearly in the cross of His Son. He is worthy of all of our thanksgiving and praise!!!
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What are some examples of God's steadfast love to you?
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How much does thankfulness mark your everyday life? Are you struggling to be thankful to the Lord in this season? Describe.
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Does the fact that God knows every aspect of your suffering/trials fuel your thanksgiving or do you find yourself discouraged by this? Do your circumstances have too much of an influence on how and when you praise God?
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From Psalm 138 (and from the sermon this morning) what is the basis for being thankful to God?
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Do you see that your thankfulness has a global goal? What is the end/goal of our thanks and praise to God? Would your neighbors say that you are distinguished from unbelievers in your community by your thankfulness or would they say you are more alike them than you are different?
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Is your life characterized by merely by a system of doctrines/beliefs or is it characterized by a personal relationship with the living God?
Sermon Application
Praise the Lord that He is a God who holds out his arms in love towards His people ready to extend mercy and grace. After briefly discussing the sermon spend some time talking through these questions:
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What is your typical response when you see someone being showered with God's grace? Is your impulse to rejoice with them, be jealous and envious, other?
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Think of a time when you felt angry that someone else was receiving the out-pouring of grace that you thought you deserved. How did that affect your relationship with that person? Do you still need to repent of that self-righteousness?
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From the text of Romans 10:18-21 (and from the sermon) what is God's response to you in your self-righteousness? Is this hard for you to believe? Why/why not?
May God grant that we would walk confident in the only righteousness available to us - the very righteousness of Jesus Christ, which has been gifted to us through faith in his finished work!
Sermon Application Questions
It is very easy in our day to adopt as our own values many of the things the larger culture values. But, as God's people we are to take our cues from His word alone. This morning we considered the question of who it is that God has established to preach and lead when his church gathers. Paul is clear that this role is limited to men. But we also considered the necessity and privilege of valuing, cherishing, and elevating women to do all that the Bible calls them to do in the body. As you discuss the sermon and the questions below begin by asking the Lord for grace and humility to abound in your meeting, that the word of God may be guarded at Immanuel.
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What are some ways you think you've been discipled by our culture?
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Do you personally find it difficult to read passage like 1 Tim. 2:11-12? What makes it difficult for you?
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To the brothers in the group: In this passage Paul says that he does not allow women to teach or exercise authority over a man. However, it is also clear from other parts of Scripture that sisters are called to encourage and/or correct their brothers in other contexts (see Acts 18:26). Brothers, does the idea of being corrected by a sister intimidate you or make you feel threatened? Why/why not? Do you see their counsel/wisdom as valuable and needed? Husbands, are you able to be corrected by your wife? Sisters, do you feel free to encourage and/or correct your brothers? Why/why not?
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To the whole group: Are these things (from question 3) a regular part of the community life in your GCG? What can you do to begin cultivating this?
May the Lord grant us great unity as we submit ourselves to his word for his glory!
Sermon Application
We heard how one of the goals of the Bible is to tear down man's penchant for excuse making. From Romans 10 we saw how Paul dealt with (one of) the Jews' excuse for not believing the gospel. They were seeking to establish a righteousness of their own.
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Excuse-making is not only a problem for unbelievers. We, as Christians, often make excuses for our sin which hinders our growth in grace. What area(s) of your life are in need of growth but are being hindered by excuse -making? Are there ways you need to grow in which you find yourself saying "I would but...", "I can't because...", "If only God would....then I'd..."?
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What have been some of the excuses you've heard when trying to share the gospel with people? When doing evangelism and sharing that Jesus is the only way to the Father people will often deflect the issue by asking about people who have never heard or never able to hear the gospel. What should you say in that situation?
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How, specifically, have you given in to the idea that people in your context are the hardest people to reach with the gospel? What are some specific excuses you make or have made regarding why you don't share the gospel with people? What are some Biblical passages you could read to help one another have Biblical vision for how he gospel has spread very quickly in a short amount of time?
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Spend some time praying as a GCG for the Spirit to cause the word of the Lord to speed ahead and be honored in all of your evangelistic efforts. Pray that He would enable us to fight against making excuses when it comes to sharing the gospel. Ask the Lord to cultivate in you the same vision for His kingdom that He has given in His word.
Sermon Application
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We're reminded that those who dwell in God's kingdom are marked by the indwelling Spirit, by the gospel, and by freedom from the bondage of sin. Can you say that these are realities in your life? How do you know? Or are you in a season in which you struggle to believe these things are true about you? Explain.
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In Luke 5, Peter beheld the holiness of Christ and was brought to his knees. Many Christians don't live with a heathy sense of the fear of the Lord. Moreover, God's holiness is often not something we spend a lot of time thinking about. Is this something you give a lot of thought to? Ever think about?
Sermon Application
The logic of missions is that no one can call on the name of the Lord unless they hear the gospel and believe. But they can't hear the gospel unless it is preached to them by those who are sent. Praise the Lord that He has enabled us to have this glorious gospel proclaimed in our hearing and granted to us grace to repent and believe! Spend a few minutes reviewing this morning's sermon and then discuss the following questions:
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The transience that results from faithfully sending people to the field affects both those who are sent and those are are sending. We often find ourselves saying goodbye to some of our closest friends for the sake of advancing the kingdom. And this is based on God's design in using his people for the progress of his kingdom. Are you tempted to (or have you ever been tempted to) question God's goodness or be bitter towards his church for losing close relationships (or letting go of regular fellowship with them)? Describe.
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From the sermon explain how the beauty of missions affects our sanctification. Is the beauty of missions currently bringing you joy and more love for Christ's glory? Why or why not?
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We heard this morning that when someone truly calls on the name of the Lord this is a 'knee-jerk' response to having heard the gospel and truly believing it. Faith precedes out calling on his name. Do you have anyone in your life who claimed to have 'called on the Lord' but, by their lives, it's clear that haven't truly believed in the gospel? Have you had an opportunity to talk with them about this? As a group take a few minutes to pray for them, asking the Lord for an opportunity to speak the truth and to grant true belief and repentance.
Sermon Application
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In a world that is counter to the Scriptural teaching on motherhood in what ways are you extolling motherhood around you?
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Do you see the need for mother's in the church to be encouraged in their labors? In what ways do you try to do this?
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To the moms in the group, in what specific ways is your personal faith being challenged in your role of motherhood? According to 1 Tim. 2:15 what is at stake in you staying the course in your motherhood?
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How does the gospel empower and motivate motherhood? Parenting as a whole?
Sermon Application
Sunday we were encouraged to understand our identity and where it comes from. This week, spend some time reviewing the sermon and then discuss the following questions:
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Where does the Christian find his/her true identity?
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Christians can, at times, displace their true identity by trying to find it in the wrong things. These can even be good things like a career, a ministry, marriage, parenting, etc. In what things have you/are you place your identity? Or, put another way, are there things that you have tried to find your value you in other than Jesus himself?
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Are you currently bored with the Lord Jesus? Can you explain why? Is there something you're needing that you feel he has not provided? And is there something you're desiring that he is not giving? Is your lack of satisfaction in him rooted in what you perceive as the lack of his gifts? As a group help one another think about these things.
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Are there voices other than God's (his word) that you're currently giving most/all of your attention to? Or, are there things God is saying in his word that you're struggling to listen to and believe?
May the Lord be pleased to help us, by his Spirit, to locate our identity in the person and work of his glorious Son.
Sermon Application
Paul says, "Behold, I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, THEN SHALL COME TO PASS the saying this is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' 'O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But THANKS BE TO GOD, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
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How does the certain future of your final resurrection affect your actual life? Describe. How much do you think about it? We often talk about living in light of eternity, but do you? As a group consider texts of Scripture that can help one another think more deeply about our future.
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The Christian's current 'life of faith' is good (far better than unbelief) but not ultimate. It is fraught with difficulties. In the future we won't have to live by faith but we will see Jesus as he is! What are some of your current difficulties as you walk this life of faith? Sufferings you're enduring by faith? Sins you're fighting by faith? How does your final resurrection inform your fight?
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When that great hour comes when everyone will hear Jesus' voice, which will be a cry of command for ALL to rise, some will be raised to a resurrection of life and others to a resurrection of judgment. How does God's judgment affect the way you think about your own life now (how seriously you take your sin, how much you seek fellowship with the Lord, how much you seek the fame of Jesus' name, etc)? How does it affect the way you think about unbelievers in your life?
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One of the aspects of our final resurrection that Pastor Ryan shared was that it will be personal/relational. There will be no conflict, no bitterness, no disunity in the new heavens and new earth! At the same time, the Christian is called to strive to live in community in a manner that reflects the nature of our future relationships. Is there anyone in your life right now that you need to reconcile with? Anyone you need to forgive? Anyone you need to see rightly? What will you do this week to change this?
May the Lord grant us grace to look with sure and certain hope to our final resurrection as we fix our eyes on the risen Lord Jesus!
Sermon Application
This sermon, we were reminded that self-righteousness will keep you from faith in Jesus Christ. It is impossible to come to Christ while you continue trying to establish a righteousness of your own. Though they had a zeal for God, Israel foolishly continued trying to establish their own righteousness according to the law and, so, stumbled over the stumbling stone. Spend a few minutes reviewing the sermon and then discuss the following:
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Describe ways you're currently trying to establish a righteousness of your own. Are you walking through life trying to prove your righteousness to yourself, to others, and/or to God? How?
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Reflecting back on the sermon, what were some of the clues Pastor Ryan gave to indicate that you might be struggling with self-righteousness?
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Are you currently angry with God because you feel he should be blessing your life based on your perceived (self-)righteousness? Do you feel like God is being stingy in comparison to how much you've tried to obey Him? Describe.
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From Romans 10:1-4, what does it mean to submit to God's righteousness?
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In Romans 10:1 Paul says, "Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them (Israel) is that they may be saved." Specifically name unbelievers in your life who need to hear about the gift of Christ's righteousness. What plans do you have to share this with them this week? Spend a few minutes praying for them and for the Lord to open up opportunities to share this glorious truth with them.
Sermon Application
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We can never hear the gospel enough. And, as Christians, we are always in need of remembering the height from which we've all fallen. Take a few minutes to review the actual Christian gospel. What is it? What is it not?
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What is humanity's worse problem? Do you ever actually shout out praise to the Lord (privately and/or publicly) for taking care of your worse problem? What prevents you from doing this?
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Have you found yourself frustrated that unbelievers are not interested in the attaining a right standing with God? From this, have you ever concluded that it's just not worth sharing the gospel with unbelievers? Explain, giving real examples where possible. How does this morning's sermon help in this frustration? What should you do when unbelievers are not interested in the gospel?
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How can you, believer, plot to advance the kingdom of God? Spend some time helping one another think of ways you can plot, as individual Christians in the world, to advance the kingdom. Where do you "fit" into the advance of the kingdom of the Lord Jesus? Is there a Bible study in your neighborhood/workplace/friend group? Is there a ministry you can start? Perhaps 2-3 of you can plot together!
Matthew Delaughter of Immanuel Community Church in New Orleans, Louisiana preaches from Luke 12
**We apologize for the quality of the audio. We experienced technical difficulties during the recording, which affected the quality.
Sermon Application
This past Sunday we were blessed to hear from Pastor Evan Calvin as he walked us through what it means to live worthy of the Lord. Following are application questions to discuss as you review the sermon together.
1) We heard a call to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will (his glorious plan to set Jesus at the center of everything). Take some time to think about your lives. What motivates you to obey and seek to bear fruit? Are you motivated by a desire to glorify Jesus in all that you do?
2) As you think about what it means to seek Christ’s Glory in all that you do, take some time to talk about the difference between simply baptizing our lives with Christian principles vs actually seeking to live worthy of Jesus in all things. What are the dangers of the former? What are the benefits of the latter?
3) What are the areas in your life where you are bearing fruit in every good work? Take some time to point these things out to one another in your GCG.
4) As you seek to fight sin, does it flow from a place of faith? Do you believe God’s power is at work in your lives? What are the areas where you are prone to doubt or forget God’s power is at work in your life? Take some time to confess these things and pray for fresh faith and power in your life.
5) Thankfulness for God’s work of redemption is crucial to patiently enduring with Joy. How are you doing with being thankful? Does the knowledge of what God is doing lead you thankfulness? Do you rejoice in his work in others? What are the areas of life where you are fighting to be thankful to the Lord?
As the culture continues trying to silence the "stigma" of abortion we, as citizens of Christ's kingdom, are called to push against all "normalizing" efforts by striving to be salt and light in the world for the sake of God's glory. Spend some time reviewing this morning's sermon and then discussing the following:
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In calling us the salt of the earth and light of the word (we are these things), Jesus is reminding us that our lives are meant to have an affect on the world around us. In what specific ways are you seeking to be salt and light in the context(s) God has placed you? Are there specific things you know God is calling you to do/say/display yet are refusing to? Explain.
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The destruction of abortion has multiple effects. Most significantly it destroys a life made in the image of God. But it also does significant and lasting damage to those who have either had an abortion or assisted in abortion. Discuss how the gospel is able to redeem the damaging effects of abortion? Is there anyone you know personally who's been involved with abortion and needs to hear of the forgiveness that Jesus has earned in giving his life to save sinners?
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Has anyone in your GCG participated in the Speak For the Unborn ministry? Can you share your experience?
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Would you set aside 10-15 minutes of your group time to call on the Lord, asking Him to end the atrocity of abortion? Perhaps the Spirit may burden some of you to get involved with S4U.
May the Lord grant that our verbal and living witness to the glory of Christ increase as salt and light in Louisville and the world.
Sermon Application
Paul tells us that in Christ we are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. We have been equally united to Christ and are therefore mutual learners in living this unique life, mutually embattled against a common enemy, and are called to fight together to eagerly maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
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In our efforts to to build a community from all cultures where Christ is King, every member from every culture will need to first be enthralled with Christ. We can have no passions towards unity without having a passion towards God Himself. What does it mean to be enthralled with God? In what ways are you currently seeking to be enthralled with Him?
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We are truly striving to be a people praise Jesus alongside brothers and sisters from all walks of life and backgrounds. The chief obstacle has been removed - God has reconciled us to himself. However, there still remains in us deeply rooted perspectives about ourselves and our particular culture in which we view the world - some of which might be helpful while others might be hurtful. Would you be able to tell the difference? How do you make a distinction?
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Is there any cultural preference that you would not be willing/able to "lay down" in order to works towards unity?
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We often make judgment calls about other people's culture. Are you able to rightly judge/view your own culture? Where might you undervalue your own culture and/or undervalue another culture?
May the love Christ has displayed for us on the cross constrain us to greater love and unity for one another as well as a clearer demonstration to the world that the Father has indeed sent the Son.
Sermon Application
In your groups this week be sure to begin by reading 2 Samuel chapters 11 & 12, and spend just a few minutes reviewing Pastor Ryan's main points.
Then discuss the following: 1. Pray and ask the Lord for grace and mercy to help your group be willing to expose their sin to one another.
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Read Hebrews 10:26-31 together. Continuing to hide secret sin leads only to death. And while it is true that bringing out secret sin will be difficult, it will be far less painful than keeping it in. Brother/sister, is there ANY SECRET SIN that you have been hiding that you need to confess? This includes sin you've been committed as a means of hiding other secret sins (David never thought that he would be a murderer). Perhaps, there is sin you've been giving yourself to but trying to repent on your own not realizing the need to confess to those you've sinned against. Is there anyone you need to confess to?
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Is God exposing secret sins in your life right now? Are you seeing this as a great act of his love for you or are you seeing it as Him trying to ruin your life?
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Describe ways in your life that God has moved mountains to expose secret sins in your life.
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Are there ongoing consequences in your life that have come as a result of past sins? Describe.
"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." - Hebrews 12:14
Sermon Application
As your groups resume this week I'm praying the Lord blesses your gatherings with encouragement around his word and a sense of His presence. This week spend a portion of your time giving thanks and praise to God for his work in allowing us to be used by him to advance his kingdom in American and among the nations. With this, lead your groups in discussing the following questions:
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In 3 John 5 it says, "Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers...". He is referring to missionaries who "have gone out for the sake of the name" (v. 7). What efforts are you making as individuals and/or as a group to send and/or support those going out for the sake of Jesus' name? Spend 5-10 minutes brainstorming ways you might build on those efforts - what could you do to send and support?
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In 3 John 8 , John writes: "Therefore, we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth." Christian, do you see yourself as a fellow worker with those who have gone out from Immanuel? Why/why not? Do you dismiss what may seem like small efforts that you are doing to support them? Do you tend to view the ones who "go" as the ones who are doing the radical ministry to the nations? What do Philippians and 3 Jon (and other texts) say about what it means to send and support?
May God continue to stir in us a desire to see the name of His Son magnified among the nations! Jesus is worth every effort we make to see his dominion expand throughout the earth!
Due to technical issues, the audio was captured from the room instead of the microphone. We apologize for the quality of the recording.