First Baptist Lenoir City: Recent Episodes
First Baptist Lenoir City
Review: Resist & Repent - James 4:7
= Two of the most important questions ever asked are answered in the first three chapters of Genesis:
(1) How did we get here?
2) What went wrong? In my job; In my job; In my home; In my world
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood - Ephesians 6:20-18; God’s law demands justice be paid! The Cross; The Law - Romans 8:1-2
God speaks in Genesis - Gen 1, 2, 3, 4 -
God speaks in Bible - His mouth; His voice; His words
God has already spoken to create; then to Adam and to Eve. He will today speak to the serpent.
God speaks to Cain - to Noah, to Babel, to Abraham, to Moses
Hebrews 1:1-2! God’s final word was/is Jesus! No more words needed; No more prophecy given;
I. The Consequences of the Curse
To the serpent - vv. 14-15
Cursed above all -
Eat dust from now on -
God declares war - “enmity”; Ephesians 6:10-18; I Peter 5:8; II Corinthians 2:5-11
God reveals the Savior’s birth
God reveals a battle -
God declares victory -
Peter speaks directly to wives and encourages them to look to Christ first and reminds them of the influence they have with their husbands, even non-believing ones.
I. God Focused - v. 1-2
• 2 Cor. 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?
• Romans 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
II. Heart Focused - v. 3-4
• Proverbs 4:23 - Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
• Phil. 4:6-7 - 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
III. Husband Focused - v. 5-6
• Prov. 21:19 - It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.
• Proverbs 31:12 - “She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
REVIEW: Genesis 2:18-25
• Passages that apply well to marriage:
• Ecclesiastes 4:11-12
• Amos 3:3
• I Corinthians 13:1-13
• II Corinthians 6:14
• Ephesians 4:32
• Philippians 2:3-4
I. The Force that is For Us:
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This Force has already been proven
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The Force that does more -
*God with us (not salvation) - Matthew 1:23
*God in us (sanctifying) - John 14:15-17
*God for us (securing) - Romans 8:35-39
- The Force that Questions Us - We will discuss this deceiver later with his curse, but not now. He is not of the main characters then or now. That is why he rebelled in the first place. God and man are the main characters throughout history and into eternity.
• Leave room for repentance
• Give time for conviction
• Peter in Acts 5
• Good parenting ask questions
II. The Force that is Against Us:
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Satan - serpent, tempter, deceiver, dragon,
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Sin - separation, missed the mark, crossed the line (transgression)
• RESIST (plan a) - James 4:7 & REPENT (plan b) - I John 1:5-1”
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I John 3:5 & 3:8
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Revelation 20 - bound for 1,000 years yet still massive rebellion
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Paul - II Corinthians 2 & 11
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James - James 4:7
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Peter - I Peter 5:8
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Jesus - demons came out more. Why?
God’s WORLD; God’s MAN; God’s GARDEN; God’s UNION; God’s Worldview - If marriage is foundational to a strong spiritual society then is it no wonder society is struggling so? Psalm 11:3
Scripture Reading: Mt. 22:23-33
I. The Union - 2:18-25
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God acts - vv. 18-22
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Adam reacts - v. 23
• At last
• Same body (bone/flesh)
• Same root name
- Moses speaks - vv. 24-25
II. The Break Up - 3:1-13
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From bliss to blame
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Covering our own sin
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Consequences of sin
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In Christ reconciliation and healing is possible - Love God more than spouse; Love even your enemies (like ex’s)
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Anger blinds us from seeing - Matthew 7:1-5
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Jordan P - divorce of parents is more damaging on kids that the death of a parent
III. The Reunion (After the Fallin’) - God’s Word speaks as if we can walk in marital bliss even after the sin of Adam and Eve and after our own sin!
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We will learn a lot from the marriage of Adam (Eve) -
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We don’t learn much about the marriage of Noah (don’t even know her name) -
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We can learn a lot about the marriage of Job (unnamed) -
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We can learn a lot from the marriage of Abraham (Sarah, “Hagar” - Ishmael, Keturah after Sarah died w/ whom he had 6 sons)
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We can learn a lot from the marriage of Isaac (Rebekah) - twins after 20 years of marriage (Jacob & Esau sibling rivalry not all that different from Cain & Abel).
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We can learn a lot from the marriages of Jacob
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We don’t know a lot about the marriage of Joseph arranged by the Egyptian Pharaoh (Asenath - daughter of priest Potipheri)/. She bore Joseph the forefathers of 2 of the 12 tribes (Ephraim & Manasseh)
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We can learn a lot from the marriage of Moses (Zipphorah) - She saves his life and then in anger throws something at Moses - Ex. 4:24-26; don’t hear that every day in our biblical counseling sessions!
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We can learn a lot from the marriages of David (8) - from Michal (daughter of King Saul) to Bathsheba (mother of Solomon). He had children with 7 of them!
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I wouldn’t put anyone through studying the marriages of Solomon - however he had some great things to say about wives: Proverbs 5:18; 12:4; 18:22; 19:14; 31:10-31
(1) Passages that apply very well to marriage: Ecclesiastes 4:11-12 - I Corinthians 13:1-13 - Ephesians 4:32 - Philippians 2:3-4 -
(2) Marriage according to Paul - I Corinthians 7:8 - don’t do it Ephesians 5:18-21, 22-33 (In what culture is Christ the Head of the Church?); Colossians 3:18-19
(3) Marriage according to Peter - I Peter 3:1-7 (“likewise”; “grant her honor”; “fellow heir”)
(4) Marriage according to Jesus - Matthew 19:1-9; 22:23-33
5 Marriages Worth Studying:
• Adam & Eve (forgiveness)
• Boaz & Ruth (selflessness)
• Zechariah & Elizabeth (communication - 9 months of non-verbal communication)
• Joseph & Mary (trust) - Put her away privately
• Aquila & Priscilla (mutuality) - I Corinthians 18; Romans 16:13-14
Getting to know God: Up Close…
Book of Genesis (Celebrating Independence Day)
What makes a nation great? Her connection to the God that made her. Psalm 33:12 & Prov. 14:34
• Understanding the privileges & responsibilities of God SHARING His image with humanity
• Understanding the privileges & responsibilities of Adam SHARING his rib with Eve
• Understanding the privileges & responsibilities of all Christians being the Bride of Christ
• Bride of Christ - Jesus is the Groom!
• Body of Christ - Jesus is the Head!
• Psalm 11:3, 3 Foundations: A Faith in God; A Family of God; A Nation under God
I. The Trees -
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Pleasing to the eyes
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Good for food -
II. The Tree of Life -
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Brings fulfillment - Solomon uses this parallel in the Book of Prov 3:18; 11:30; 13:12; 15:4
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Maintains our status - 3:24
• State of innocence -
• State of fallenness -
• State of grace - In Adam or In Christ?
• Romans 5; I Corinthians 15
III. The Tree of the knowledge of
good & evil - “to know” =
experience. 4:1?
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Mankind knew good - saw good, experienced nothing but that which is good.
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Man didn’t know evil - never saw evil, never experienced anything evil. This was a test!
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Knowledge - carnal knowledge
• Many today choosing Singleness over Marriage - fear of being hurt yet single people often experience fear of being alone. Both are hard. Both can hurt. One has the potential to share life. The other doesn’t. Ecclesiastes 4:11-12
• “When Sinners say “I do”
• “What did you expect?”
• Does the order of creation matter? Yes. Adam is held responsible for the fall! I Timothy 2:13
• What does leave and cleave mean? Parents are not absent. They are now secondary. I Timothy 5
• What does leave and cleave not mean?
“A daughter is a daughter for the rest of her life, but a son is only a son until he finds himself a wife”
I. The Breath of God - 2:7
II. The Garden of God - 2:8
III. The Trees of God - 2:9
IV. The Warning of God - 2:15-17
I. The Breath of God - Genesis 2:7
He spoke - Genesis 1
He speaks from His mouth - Matthew 4:4
He speaks - through His prophets
He speaks from His breath - II Timothy 3:16
II. The Garden of God -
III. The Trees of God
The Tree of Life -
The Tree of the knowledge of good & evil
The Tree of the cross -
PARADISE GIVEN: Lost; Regained
I. The Summary of God’s Creation - 1:1-2:3
II. The Specifics of God’s Creation - 2:4-25
• Paradise Given:
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A Person - 2:4-7
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A Place - 2:8-14
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A Purpose - 2:15-17
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A Partnership - 2:18-25
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A Problem in Paradise - 3:1-ff
Ezekiel 36:22-28
Matthew 6:9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Proverbs 4:23 "Watch over your heart with all diligence. For from it flow the springs of life."
2 Cor. 5:17-18 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
John 14:15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and WILL BE IN YOU.
“Progressive sanctification is about how we live in between God’s laying the cornerstone and setting the capstone.” -David Powlison
“A person who changes takes action. You change your mind, your attitudes, your feelings, your goal in life, the way you treat others, your habits. And you find, sooner or later, that God himself has been working all along.” -David Powlison
David Powlison’s 5 factors toward our sanctification:
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God.
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Truth.
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Wise people.
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Suffering and struggle.
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You change.
What do we do when things in life don’t go the way we expected? How do we react when things do not go the way we expected?
Life is full of “off the rail” moments - John 16:33
There is no one here who can escape the problems of life that come up in a way that interferes with our lives as we intended.
• Illness and Injury
• Persecution
• Job or Financial Situations
• Marriage problems
• Natural Disasters
• Death
Following Jesus will cause some “off the rail” moments
Luke 8:22–25
Matthew 8:23–27
Mark 4:36–41
Following Jesus does not keep us from life's problems.
Many great believers doing great things for God have suffered and even died from the sicknesses and difficulties of life that everyone else experiences.
And these scary and tragic events in life hurt just the same.
When life goes “off the rails,” our faith in Jesus can be tested.
The disciples panicked... but Jesus was calm.
In this they did right . . . when we are fearful or hurting,
1 Peter 5:7 “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
We accuse God of not caring about us, but really it is the other way around. The truth is that Jesus knows what is best for us, and out of his great love, he will take us through the storms we don’t want.
So the ultimate truth is, the disciples did not understand who they had in the boat with them.
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The disciples that they had an earthly, but spiritual messiah. They wanted to be the head of his kingdom on earth.
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They knew Jesus was powerful, but they were still coming to terms with how great his power was.
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They did not understand that Jesus was God incarnate.
But we have the full picture...Colossians 1:15-17
Would you turn back to Genesis 1:1–2 “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
This is the God that reigns - completely in control of our off-the-rail moments.
We can trust him, and we can obey him.
I. God is the total focus of the 7th Day (Then & Now):
God finished - 2:1-2a
God rested - 2:2b
God blessed - 2:3
II. The Surprises on the Sabbath:
Man is not mentioned -
Sabbath is not stated - Exodus 16:22-26; Exodus 20:8-11
The Prophets rebuked over it - Isaiah 1:13; Hosea 2:11
Jesus didn’t follow it - Matthew 12:1-8, 9-14; Mark 2 :23-28 ; Luke 4:1-6; John 5:1-18
“The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath”
“Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath”
The Early Church & Paul -
The Silence of the in JC - Acts 15
The Statements - Romans 14:5-6; Galatians 4:8-11; Colossians 2:16-19, 20-23; Hebrews 3:7-19
The Savior / Salvation - Matthew 11:28-30
III. Jesus came and…
Abolished the temple -
Abolished the priesthood -
Abolished the sacrificial system -
Did He abolish the sabbath?
I. The God of Creation-Same God
II. The Lord God of Creation:
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ELOHIM (1:1) - The powerful One; The transcendent One (separated from creation - II Corinthians 4:16-18, eternal)
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YAHWEH (2:4) - The personal, relational, covenant-maker
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EL ELYON (14:18-20) - God Most High used by Melchizedek; “Your highness”
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EL ROI (16:13) - “The God who sees me” used by Hagar
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EL SHADDAI (17:1) - “God Almighty” used when est a covenant w/ Abraham
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EL OLAM (21:33) - “The Everlasting God” used by Abraham when making a treaty with Abimelech.
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YAHWEH-YIREH (22:14) - “The God who Provides” used by Abraham when offering Isaac
III. God distinguishes (separates)separation brings structure
•Day 1 - Separates light from darkness (Ex. 10; 13)
•Day 2 - Separates the water above from the water below
•Day 3 - Separates the land from the sea
•Day 4 - Separates day from night, “for signs & seasons”
•Day 5 - God fills the waters; God fills the skies; then God fills the land on Day 6!
•Day 6 - Fills the earth; Finishes by making mankind; Eve is made last; See 3:20 Summary in chapter 1 then Specifics on humankind in chapter 2!
•Day 7 - (1) Establishes the Sabbath; (2) Sets in place how humans would live out their work week; Exodus 20:8-11; 3 distinct blessings - 1:22; 1:28; 2:3; God gets more personal. He gets intimate. He provides a boost to the humans He made! This is another level of God’s interest in us - His goodness to us
IV. Four Different ways Scripture applies to humanity:
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God blesses us - Psalm 1; Matthew 5:1-12
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We bless God - Psalm 103
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Some give false blessing - Psalm 62:4
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Some refuse to bless - Psalm 109:17, 28
Genesis 1:1-2:3
I. The God of Creation:
Day 1 - Genesis 1:2-5
Day 2 - Genesis 1:6-8
Day 3 - Genesis 1:9-13
Day 4 - Genesis 1:14-19
Day 5 - Genesis 1:20-23
Day 6 - Genesis 1:24-31
Day 7 - Genesis 2:1-3
II. The Lord God of Creation:
ELOHIM (1:1) - powerful; transcendent
YAHWEH (2:4) - personal, relational, covenant-maker
EL ELYON (14:18-20) - God Most High used by Melchizedek (“Your highness”)
EL ROI (16:13) - The God who sees me used by Hagar
EL SHADDAI (17:1) - God Almighty used when establishing a covenant with Abraham
EL OLAM (21:33) - The Everlasting God used by Abraham when making a treaty with Abimelech. The timeframe is significant.
YAHWEH-YIREH (22:14) - The God who Provides, is used by Abraham when he was offering Isaac
III. God distinguishes (separates)
Day 1 - He separates light from darkness - Exodus 10:21-29 & Exodus 13:22-22
Day 2 - He separates the water above from the water below
Day 3 - He separates the land from the sea
Day 4 - He separates day from the night
Day 5 - fills the waters & skies
Day 6 - fills the earth, finishes by making mankind
Day 7 - establishing the Sabbath
IV. Three Separations in Scripture that apply to humanity:
Isaiah 59:1-2
Matthew 25:32
Hebrews 7:26
God said; God saw; God called - It is powerful and personal
I. The EARTH - 1:2a
Was formless and void - meaning it was unfinished and uninhabited. Material is made then formed.
And darkness was over the face of the deep - Gen. 1:9-10
II. The SPIRIT - 1:2b
Was hovering over the face of the waters - determines, decrees, authority over, is there a veiled reference to Jesus walking on the water?
The Trinitarian Creator - John 1:1-3, 14; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2
III. The FIRST DAY - 1:3-5
And God said (God is verbal). - first recorded words of our Creator) - Reminds men of several occasions when Jesus spoke with great response: John 11:43; John 19:30; II Thessalonians 2:8-12; Revelation 19:13, 15, 21
“God is Light”- future description of our Creator (I John 4); Also God is love ; God is holy.
And God saw (God is visual)
And God called (God is definitive) - later in chapter 2 Adam would name the animals.
- Creation, Separation, & Light are eventually placed in the context of the gospel of saving grace:
= John 1:1-13
= Revelation 21:22-27; 22:1-5
Beginnings/ Origins/ Foundations
Psalm 11:3
I. The Creator & The Cosmos
God is a Powerful Creator
God is a Relational Creator
God is a Benevolent Creator
God is a Judicial Creator
God is a Gracious Creator
II. The Creator & Culture
Time -
Force -
Action -
Space -
Matter -
Psalm 119:99
III. The Creator & Communion
Psalm 51:10; 100:1-5; 118:24; 139:13-14
Proverbs 8:22-31
Job 5:8-10; chapters 38-41
Isaiah 40:12-31
Jeremiah 18 - Potter & clay
Acts 17:24; Romans 1:18-23; II Corinthians 5:17
Hebrews 1:1-2; 11:3
II Peter 3:10-13
Revelation 5:1-14
ROMANS 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
ROMANS 5:1-2 we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
ROMANS 5:8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
ROMANS 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. ROMANS 10:9 if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart; that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
ROMANS 10:13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
The God of the Holy Scriptures is the God of clarity, not the god of confusion. We, as followers of Jesus Christ and as lovers of God’s Word, have a huge task before us. We have to clarify the massive amount of confusion that exists about God, about God’s Son, about God’s people, and about God’s mission. The good news is that we are not left on our own to figure out the answers. God reveals Himself to us. God tells us who He is. These past two sentences are the foundation of this sermon series in Genesis. There are two main ways God reveals Himself in His Word. They are found in the first three chapters of the Bible. According to Genesis chapters 1 & 2, God is the Creator of all things. According to Genesis chapter 3, God becomes the Redeemer of fallen humanity. These two descriptions of God dominate the remainder of the Bible all the way to the very last chapter, Revelation 22. God as Creator speaks of His authority. God as Redeemer speaks of His atonement. We read over and over again with incredible detail what kind of Creator God is and what kind of Redeemer God is. This study is much more than informational. The ultimate purpose is being transformational.
II. What kind of Creator is God?
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God is a Powerful Creator
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God is a Relational Creator
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God is a Benevolent Creator
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God is a Judicial Creator
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God is a Gracious Creator
(1) Do you know Him?
(2) Do you know where you’re going (in life and in death)?
Know the Man, Know the Mission; Know the Message
I. Know the MAN (Jesus)
II. Know the MISSION - Mt 28:1-10
III. Know the MESSAGE-28:16-20
The 7 Last Statements of Jesus from the Cross
“FORGIVE THEM” - Luke 23:34
“TODAY YOU WILL BE WITH ME” - Luke 23:43
“BEHOLD YOUR SON” - John 19:26-27
“MY GOD, MY GOD” - Matthew 27:43
“I THIRST” - John 19:28
“IT IS FINISHED” - John 19:30
“FATHER, INTO YOUR HANDS” - Luke 23:46
I. The Obituary: Paul was born by the name Saul in the great city of Tarsus in Cilicia around 5 AD. Paul was executed for his faith in the city of Rome as a martyr under Emperor Nero (circa 67 AD). Paul was born a Roman citizen and trained as a strict Pharisee under the leadership of Gamaliel. He was a skilled tent maker, follower of the risen Christ, Apostle, Missionary, and human author of at least 13 New Testament books (Romans, I & II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and possibly Hebrews). Prior to his conversion to Christ on a Damascus road he was an aggressive persecutor of the early church. Paul became the most influential proponent of Christianity, preaching the gospel of grace through faith, not by the works of the law. He endured severe hardships, including physical beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecked, and hunger. Paul’s tireless missionary journeys established churches in Asia Minor and Europe, fostering a unified community of Jewish and Gentile Christians. Paul spoke of his death in his final days from prison in his last letter, saying, I HAVE FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH (II Timothy 4:7). He is not survived by a family of his own, but by thousands of spiritual children in the churches he founded. He is preceded in death by the Apostle James and the Deacon Stephen. Funeral arrangements are unknown. PRAY!
II. The 3 Perspectives of Paul’s life:
•What would Paul say about himself?
•I Timothy 1:12-15
•Phil. 1:21; 3:1-9
•What would others say about Paul?
•Galatians 1:18-24
•What would the Lord say about Paul?
•Acts 9:10-16; Acts 18:9-11: II Cor 12:8-10
III. We Remember Paul today based on his last words in Acts 20.
•A life of serving - vv. 17-19
•A life of sharing - vv. 20-21
•A life of sacrificing - vv. 22-24
•A life of shepherding - vv. 25-31
•A life of strengthening - vv. 31-35
•A life of sorrow - vv. 36-38
•Jesus ends in Jerusalem (Calvary) then begins in Jerusalem (Pentecost)
•Acts opens in Jerusalem and ends in Rome - take note of that, my friends.
• Paul delights in life after death; II Corinthians 5:8-9
• Psalm 116:15 - “precious”
• Simeon in Luke 2, “I can depart in peace”
• Jesus in John 14:1-3
I. The Finish Line of Faith:
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Paul speaks of his death - v. 6
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Paul speaks of his life - v. 7
• Paul fought (soldier, boxer)
• Paul finished (athlete)
• Paul kept (words of a vow)
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Paul speaks of his afterlife - v . 8a
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Paul speaks of our afterlife - v. 8b
• There is laid up for me -
• There is laid up for you -
• There is a qualifier - “to all who loved His appearing”
II. The Crowns Promised by God:
• Some crowns are given on earth: God has been good to His children!
• Psalm 8:5 (quoted in Hebrews 2:9) - Humanity has been crowned with incredible sanctity (of life)
• The others have qualifiers like the future crowns.
• Psalm 103:4 (our salvation) - crowned with steadfast love and mercy
• Proverbs 12:4 - An excellent wife is the crown of her husband
• Proverbs 14:18, The prudent are crowned with knowledge
• Proverbs 16:31 - Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.
• Proverbs 17:6 - Grandparents are crowned, Children’s children are a crown to the aged.
THE MAN OF GOD CAN ONLY LEAD THE PEOPLE OF GOD WHEN HE RELIES ON THE WORD OF GOD
Paul started strong in chapter 1 in this, his last ever epistle. Paul stays strong in chapters 2 & 3. Paul finishes strong in chapter 4.
I ended the last sermon looking at the general statements from II Timothy 3:16-17. Let’s review those and then get more specific on what the Bible teaches us.
I. The Source of Scripture -
All Scripture is …
God breathed
II. The Strength of Scripture -
Is profitable - useful, beneficial,
It will teach us -
Theology - The Creator God; The Holy God; The Glory of God; The Love of God; The Grace of God; The Mercy of God; The Wrath of God - just to name a few!
Anthropology - The Priority of man (image of God); The Innocence of man; The Sin of man; The Pride of man; The Transformation of man is possible bc of …
Soteriology - Salvation, Conversion, Justification, Sanctification, Glorification (II Tim 4:6-8)
Eschatology (more significant than some think) - Matthew 24; Acts 1:6-11
It will reprove us
It will correct us
It will train us
It will complete us
It will equip us
III. The Specifics of Scripture -
Our Mission - Matthew 28:19-20
The Great Commission is the Grand Finale of the story of Jesus. His story didn’t end in the manger. His story didn’t end at the cross. His story didn’t end in the tomb. His story didn’t end even after the resurrection. His final statement/commitment was a global mission. All 4 Gospels
We must focus on His mission
We must focus on two issues
Our Mandate - Acts 1:3-11
We must focus on the King
We must focus on His Kingdom
We enhance His Kingdom through discipleship
We enlarge His Kingdom through evangelism
Our Message - I Corinthians 15:1-4 (DBR)
We must focus on the death of Jesus Christ
We must focus on the burial of Jesus Christ
We must focus on the resurrection of Jesus Christ
= A New Testament Pastor is a Shepherd (points to his task)
= A New Testament Pastor is an Overseer (points to his authority)
= A New Testament Pastor is an Elder (points to his maturity)
= Hebrews 13:7; 17 - congregation to pastor and pastor to congregation.
I. Intensity & Intentionality Required -
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Flee - Run from the wrong things
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Pursue - Run to the right things
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Fight the good fight (I Tim 6:11-12)
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PO/PO - Ephesians 4
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Flee - James 4:7
• We run away from sin (sanctification), but Satan runs away from you (submission)
II. The Shepherds as Bond-Servants:
- “Must not be” - “quarrelsome.”
• I Timothy 2:8; 3:3; 6:4
• Titus 3:2; Titus 3:9
• II Timothy 2:14; 2:23; 2:24
- “Must be” - Serving & Discerning
• Kind to everyone - (leads to repentance - Romans 2:4)
• Able to teach - unique word here and I Timothy 3:2. Ezra 7:10, The hand of the Lord is upon him because He SET HIS HEART to (3): Rigorous study; Regular obedience; Robust teaching.
• Not resentful - (patient when wronged). Many commentators noted that this is one of the most difficult challenges of a pastor. What is the key to being faithful to this verse? Making sure ministry is about His Name; His Word; His Will. It’s not about us.
• Correcting opponents w/ gentleness - (correcting carefully) - Look to Joseph of Genesis and Jesus of Nazareth! Genesis 50:20; I Peter 2:21-23
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Must Trust God when correcting: We must trust God to change people
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We follow His commands
• God will grant them repentance
• God will lead them to the knowledge of the truth
• They will come to their senses -
• They will escape from the trap of the devil - “who has taken them captive to do his will.”
Grace-Driven Study
Grace-Driven Sanctification
Grace-Driven Shepherding
= 5 Encouragements from Paul: being honorable; being holy; being useful; being ready; having a pureheart
= The LAST words from LAST week - 2:19, “depart from iniquity” - still on that theme: How do you read that? How can it be read? Is it harsh or is
it hopeful? We can depart from sin! We don’t have to stay in bondage. We don’t have to live in our past.
I Cor. 6:9-11 is the main passage
I Thess. 4:3-5; I Peter 1:14-16
I. Being Honorable - 2:20
II. Being Useful - 2:21
III. Being Decisional - 2:22
CHRIST: II Timothy 2:10 (Philippians 2:1-11) Last? Paul learned to be others-centered! CONTEXT: Paul writes first to Timothy. These three verses are personal; they are powerful; they are problematic.
I. The Impact of the Gospel is Past, Present, & Future: Condition & Promise
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IF WE DIED (past tense) - conversion language; Jesus died for us; We died with Him; In Adam or In Christ; Luke 9:23; Romans 6:1-8, 11; Galatians 2:20 (“Were you there”); Colossians 3:1-3
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WE WILL ALSO LIVE WITH HIM (future tense) - see 4:8
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If we can look back with confidence, then we can look forward with assurance -
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IF WE ENDURE (Bear up under much pressure; under a load); Jesus endured to the end; Paul endured to the end (lion’s mouth); All of God’s people will endure; Matthew 24:14; Possess the endurance of a soldier; Possess the endurance of an athlete; Possess the endurance of a farmer!
• WE WILL ALSO REIGN WITH HIM (future tense) - right now counts forever! Great motivation to persevere under the pressure of persecution; I Cor 6:2-3; Rev 3:21; 20:4, 6 (The Millennium)
- IF WE DENY/DISOWN HIM (negative promise but a promise nonetheless); Have you ever had momentary failures; Failing to speak; Failing to be silent; Timidity sets in; Shame enters in; Don’t take the Lord’s Name in vain (much more than coarse words); means to live in a way that misrepresents the One we claim to believe in - the One we claim to love; We can’t call ourselves Christ-followers and live any way we want; Is this falling from grace? AWOL - Loss of the pride of fighting? Loss of the prize? Loss of the crops? Denied joy, power, prayer (Ps 68:18); forfeiting much blessing
•HE WILL DENY US - “I never knew you”? Matthew 7:21-23;
- IF WE ARE FAITHLESS (not false faith, but a faulty faith) - I Timothy 1 - “I am sure if your sincere faith”; 2:4 - don’t get “entangled”;
• HE REMAINS FAITHFUL - Hebrews He is not ashamed of us; Jesus predicted Peter’s denials AND He predicted Peter’s restoration!
• FOR HE CANNOT DENY HIMSELF -
3 Key Words: Calling, Character, & Convictions!
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For all Deacons - I Timothy 3:8-16 (see 3:1 “likewise”)
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For Jason Benson - I Timothy 4:12
I. 9 Ways to Guard the Gospel:
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By strength in God’s grace - v. 1
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By training God’s pastors - v. 2
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By sufferings w/ God’s blessings - vv. 3-6
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By understanding God’s calling - v. 7
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By remembering God’s King - v. 8
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By courage in God’s will - v. 9a
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By confidence in God’s Word - v. 9b
a. Paul - II Timothy 3:16-17
b. Peter - II Peter 1:16-21
- By Understanding the conditions of salvation - vv. 11-13
(1) THIS IS A TRUSTWORTHY STATEMENT
• IF WE DIED WITH HIM, then WE WILL ALSO LIVE WITH HIM
• IF WE ENDURE, then WE WILL REIGN WITH HIM
• IF WE DISOWN/DENY HIM, then HE WILL DISOWN US (Matthew 10:33)
• IF WE ARE FAITHLESS, then HE WILL REMAIN FAITHFUL - FOR HE CANNOT DENY HIMSELF (God is not impacted by our lack of faith)
I. 8 Ways to Guard the Gospel:
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By strength in God’s grace - v. 1
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By training God’s pastors - v. 2
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By sufferings w/ God’s blessings - vv. 3-6
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By understanding God’s calling - v. 7
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By remembering God’s King - v. 8
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By courage in God’s will - v. 9a
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By confidence in God’s Word - v. 9b
• Deut 4:2; Pro 30:5-6; Rev 22:18-19
• Genesis 3; Exodus 20; Ezra 7:10;
• Psalm 1:1-3; 19:7-14; 119:11, 105
• Isaiah 40:8; 55:11-12
• Matthew 4:4; 5:17-18; 7:24-27
• Acts 6:7; 12:24; 15:35-36
• II Timothy 3:16-17
• Ephesians 6:17 - only offensive weapon; Hebrews 4:12; I Peter 2:1-3; II Peter 1:16-21
II. By enduring for God’s chosen - v. 10 (cheap grace*changing grace)
• The chosen are kept - John 10:27-30
• The chosen bear fruit - John 15:8,16
• The chosen conform - Romans 8:28-29
• The chosen work out - Philippians 2:12-13 (vv. 5-11)
• Looking ahead - vv. 19-20 (our languages, actions, & attitudes)
III. By understanding the conditions of salvation - vv. 11-13
By Strength in God’s grace - v. 1
By Training of God’s pastors - v. 2
By Suffering for God’s blessings - vv. 3-6
Suffer / as a Soldier / for Victory -
Train / as an Athlete / for a Crown -
Work Hard / as a Farmer / for First Share -
By Understanding God’s calling-v. 7
The Encouragement of the Common Christian & The Equipping of Christ-Called Pastors) / II Timothy
(SHARE * FOLLOW * GUARD)
Message 7
I. Three Commands for a Fearless Life:
SHARE in the sufferings - 1:8-12 (Charlie Kirk became this example - John 15:18 - 16:33)
Matthew 28:11-15; Acts 7:54-8:4; Acts 13:1-12
II. The Comfort from a Common Christian (Onesiphorus) - 1:15-18
Jesus Loves His Church
“Fearless to the End” / II Timothy
(SHARE * FOLLOW * GUARD) Message 6
John Hunn, Senior Pastor
I. Three Commands for a Fearless Life:
- SHARE (1:8-12) - the sufferings
A. The birth of Jesus
B. The death of Jesus
C. The life of Paul - Acts 9:13-16
D. The life of Timothy - 2:2; 4:5
- FOLLOW (1:13) - my example
A. The dedication of discipleship
B. The Lord is the Leader - I Corinthians 11:1; I Thessalonians 1:6-7
- GUARD (1:14) - the good deposit
A. Who guards the United States?
B. Who guards the gospel? 4:1-5; Jude 3
Leadership in the Lord’s Church “Fearless to the End” (Message Five_
II Timothy 1:1-14
John Hunn, Senior Pastor
I. The Beginning of the End - vv. 1-2
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The Apostle of Jesus Christ -
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The Will of God -
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The Life of Christ -
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The Son in the Faith -
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Three Virtues of the Gospel - This is powerful. This is personal. This is piercing. This is how to kill pride. *GRACE; MERCY; PEACE – Paul, known as Saul when we meet him in Acts 7, was not gracious, was not merciful, was not a man of peace (Acts 7:54-8:3). Jesus confronted Saul. Jesus converted Saul. Jesus changed Saul. Saul would never be the same again (true of you?)
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Do you receive or reject God’s offer of grace, of mercy, of peace? Do you love it? Do you live it?
II. 4 Elements of a Fearless Life: vv. 3-7 (There are over 800 phobias)
a. The Favor of God -
b. The Earthly father-figure - Paul first had Barnabas (then he led)
c. The Heavenly Father-figure -
d. The 8 Forces of a Sincere Faith - opposite of fake faith, phony faith, hypocritical faith, veneer faith, shallow faith, selfish faith, pompous faith (look at me), proud faith. Genuine faith produces humility. Genuine faith produces holiness. Paul knew this well. Genuine faith made Paul a fearless man!
e. The Power of gratitude -
f. The Power of servanthood -
g. The Power of precious saints -
h. The Power of a clear conscience -
I. The Power of prayer -
j. The Power of tears -
k. The Power of fellowship -
l. The Power of affirmation -
m. The Power of power - over fear, of love, of self-control (sound man)
III. The Shift in Tone (6) - “Therefore” (The right response to his father in the faith; Tone is also ongoing testimony)
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Don’t be ashamed - v. 8a
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Do share - v. 8b
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Delight in Jesus - vv. 9-11
I. The Beginning of the End - vv. 1-2
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The Apostle of Jesus Christ -
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The Will of God -
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The Life of Christ -
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The Son in the Faith -
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The Virtues of the Faith -
a. GRACE: Saving grace & Strengthening grace - The first is faith in God’s forgiveness (Eph. 2:8-10); The second is how God forges our faith (Col. 2:6-7); We are called to GROW IN THE GRACE & THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD JC (II Peter 3:18).
b. Divine mercy - daily mercy from Lamentations 3:22-23 (context of the destruction of his city) - Jesus uttered wonderful words of mercy from the cross; Mt. 5:7
c. Positional peace & Practical peace - Romans 5:1-2; Phil. 4:6-7; Positional peace never changes; Practical peace is ever changing; A permanent peace and a peace that passes understanding!
II. 4 Elements of a Fearless Life: vv. 3-7 (There are over 800 phobias)
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The Favor of God -
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The Earthly father-figure - Paul first had Barnabas (then he led)
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The Heavenly Father-figure -
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The 8 Forces of a Sincere Faith - Saving faith can influence us, but it cannot be transferred to us.
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The Power of gratitude -
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The Power of servanthood -
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The Power of precious saints -
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The Power of a clear conscience -
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The Power of prayer -
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The Power of tears -
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The Power of fellowship -
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The Power of affirmation -
We have known Paul’s thoughts on Timothy long before II Timothy was written. They had a long and strong relationship - long and strong fellowship - long and strong mentorship.
Listen to what Paul called Timothy in previous letters: called…
“well spoken of” when Paul met him in Acts 16
“his helper” in Acts 19
“doer of the work of the Lord” - I Corinthians 16
“our brother” - Corinthians, Colossians, Thessalonians, Philemon, Hebrews
“my beloved” again in I Corinthians
“fellow worker” in Acts & Romans
“faithful worker” in I Corinthians
“servant of Christ” in Philippians
“my true child” in I Timothy
“bearer of good news” in I Thessalonians 3:6-7
Part of the new team - Paul, Silas, Timothy - in I & II Thessalonians
The best word on Timothy is found in Philippians 2:19-24
• Saul - Hebrew name
• Paul - Hellenistic name (Roman citizen). Went by Paul bc Gentiles were his major focus of ministry.
Paul writes from a Roman prison to Timothy in Ephesus. Paul had been in prison several times but nothing like this.
Sense of ambition vs Sense of Mission - The work was more important to Paul than his life. That’s the difference between selfless leaders and selfish leaders. Paul’s attitude in chapter 4 is based on a heavenly hope not earthly resentment.
Acts 20:17-38: Tearful farewell saying goodbye to the elders in Ephesus. They knew Paul was heading into dangerous places.
II Timothy 4:6-8: But this is different. Paul knows he won’t be long for this earth. His life is being poured out!
Introduction: “How does it end?” That’s the question I usually ask my wife when she suggests watching something together. I want to know. It doesn’t ruin it for me. I want a happy ending. I’m depressed enough living in a fallen world without the help of Hollywood. God must want us to know how things are going to bc He tells us in His Word. We learn that no human lives forever on the earth. We learn that Jesus is preparing a place for us after we die. Jesus spoke about how things will end on earth with vivid details in Matthew 24 & 25 (The Olivet Discourse). And last but not least, God gave us the Book of Revelation the greatest details on how it all ends on the earth). This letter is raw and powerful. It is personal but not chummy. This letter contains 25 imperatives. Paul is commanding Timothy is many critical areas.
I. There are four chapters (each has its own theme)
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Chapter One - Fanning the flame
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Chapter Two - Training the pastors
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Chapter Three - Relying on Scriptures
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Chapter Four - Finishing Well
II. The II Timothy Overview Chart -
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The Past - Timothy’s heritage
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The Present - Passing it on
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The Future (2-fold)
a. The Deception of the World
b. The Devotion of the Disciples
III. The Personal Opening - 1:1-5 (Authority w/ affection & affirmation) - God used Paul to prepare Timothy before his death in a similar manner that God prepared Joshua after Moses death. Every organization has as its goal passing on the leadership to the next generation. Few have accomplished this for any length of time. My father’s company GM is not the giant it used to be in the automobile industry. My father-in-law’s company, Sears dominated the market for over a hundred years but has since fallen on hard times. Christianity on the other hand has endured for over 2,000 years. Why? Two reasons:
(1) God is the eternal CEO of His work
(2) God’s work is an organism rather than an organization.
- Paul was Timothy’s spiritual father and this is no “gonna miss you” letter. It’s a call to courage. It’s a call to leadership. It’s a call to preaching in a world where antagonism was on an all-time high. The enemies of the cross expanded far beyond the JRE and now coming from the Roman Empire itself. This changed everything. Paul went from “house arrest” in his first Roman imprisonment and now he is bound in chains, cold and alone, knowing he would not survive this incarceration.
= 1:1 - Paul the author speaks first with authority then with affection
= 1:2a - Timothy the recipient
= 1:2b - Paul ended Titus w/ “love, faith, grace” and opens II Timothy w/ “grace, mercy, & peace”
= 1:3-4 - Paul opens with being thankful, prayerful, tearful, hopeful, joyful (and calls adds the title of “servant”) ● As did my ancestors/forefathers” - Paul was not the first to walk faithfully with God and he will not be the last! Many endured incredible persecution and pain.
● “with a clear conscience” - I Timothy 1; II Timothy 3:9; “remember you constantly in my prayers (couldn’t stop there but instead he defines constantly) “night and day”
● “I remember your tears” -
● “I long to see you” -
Introduction: “How does it end?” That’s the question I usually ask my wife when she suggests watching something together. I want to know. It doesn’t ruin it for me. I want a happy ending. I’m depressed enough living in a fallen world without the help of Hollywood. God must want us to know how things are going to bc He tells us in His Word. We learn that no human lives forever on Earth. We learn that Jesus is preparing a place for us after we die. Jesus spoke about how things will end on earth with vivid details in Matthew 24 & 25 (The Olivet Discourse). And last but not least, God gave us the Book of Revelation, the greatest details on how it all ends on earth. This letter is raw and powerful. It is personal but not chummy. This letter contains 25 imperatives. Paul is commanding Timothy in many critical areas.
I. There are four chapters (each has its own theme)
-
Chapter One - Fanning the flame
-
Chapter Two - Training the pastors
-
Chapter Three - Relying on Scriptures
-
Chapter Four - Finishing Well
II. The II Timothy Overview Chart -
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The Past - Timothy’s heritage
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The Present - Passing it on
-
The Future (2-fold)
a. The Deception of the World
b. The Devotion of the Disciples
III. The Personal Opening - 1:1-5 (Authority w/ affection & affirmation) - God used Paul to prepare Timothy before his death in a similar manner that God prepared Joshua after Moses death. Every organization has as its goal passing on the leadership to the next generation. Few have accomplished this for any length of time. My father’s company, GM, is not the giant it used to be in the automobile industry. My father-in-law’s company, Sears, dominated the market for over a hundred years but has since fallen on hard times. Christianity, on the other hand, has endured for over 2,000 years. Why? Two reasons:
(1) God is the eternal CEO of His work
(2) God’s work is an organism rather than an organization.
- Paul was Timothy’s spiritual father, and this is no “gonna miss you” letter. It’s a call to courage. It’s a call to leadership. It’s a call to preaching in a world where antagonism was on an all-time high. The enemies of the cross expanded far beyond the JRE and are now coming from the Roman Empire itself. This changed everything. Paul went from “house arrest” in his first Roman imprisonment, and now he is bound in chains, cold and alone, knowing he would not survive this incarceration.
= 1:1 - Paul the author speaks first with authority, then with affection
= 1:2a - Timothy the recipient
= 1:2b - Paul ended Titus with/ “love, faith, grace,” and opens II Timothy with/ “grace, mercy, & peace.”
= 1:3-4 - Paul begins with being thankful, prayerful, tearful, hopeful, joyful (and adds the title of “servant”)
• “as did my ancestors/forefathers” - Paul was not the first to walk faithfully with God, and he will not be the last! Many endured incredible persecution and pain.
• “with a clear conscience” - I Timothy 1; II Timothy 3:9;
• “Remember you constantly in my prayers (couldn’t stop there, but instead he defines constantly) night and day.”
• “I remember your tears” -
• “I long to see you.” -
I. The Factious Dividers - vv. 9-11
— The Grecian Empire (The power of the pen)
— The Roman Empire (The power of the sword)
— The Jesus Empire (The power of the towel) John 13
II. The Faithful Uniters - vv. 12-15
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The Fellow Servant Leaders - vv. 12-13
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Artemas
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Tychicus - Acts 20:4; Colossians 4:7; Ephesians 6:21; II Timothy 4:12 (Replace Timothy)
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Zenas
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Apollos - Acts 18:24-27; 19:1
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The Fellow Servant Helpers - v. 14
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The Dynamics of the Body
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The Fellowship sends Greetings - v. 15
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Love; Faith; & Grace
I. The Factious Selfish Dividers - vv. 9-11
The Problem of Preference in Leadership - I Corinthians 1:10-18
The Problem of Purpose in Evangelism - I Corinthians 3:1-9
The Problem of Partiality in Fellowship - I Corinthians 11:18-25
The Power of Placement by God - I Corinthians 12:12-26
There is amazing brevity & clarity given the challenges in Crete! MAP Complex issues yet no long book is written - no second book is written (like Timothy). Final comments are aimed at RELATIONSHIPS — The challenges & The celebrations
The damage of division is the distraction to discipleship! The Great Commission is the evangelistic pillar of the church. Division distracts from TRUTH from GRACE from LOVE as well! Remember that Timothy and Titus are more than Leadership Books (Pastoral Epistles). They are getting back to discipleship books, too! This is why the deceiver sows the discord of division.
• Jesus - John 7:34; 9:16; 10:19
• Matthew 7:1-5 (see the sin in others) - legalism; lacking truth or lacking grace
• What division is and what division isn’t - Disagreeing is not division - Philippians 4:1-3
• A Corinthian Concern (not just a problem in Crete) - I Cor. 1:10-18; 3:1-9; 11:17-22; Romans 16:17-20; II Thess 3:14-15; II Timothy 2:24-26; III John 9-10; Jude 17-19
I. REMIND / REMEMBER (II Tim. 2:1-9)
II. REJECT (3 Steps)
- Warn them -
2 . Warn them again -
- Remove them - I Cor. 5
III. RESTORE
Matthew 18:15-17; Acts 6; II
• FALSE TEACHERS -
• FACTIOUS PEOPLE -
• FELLOW SERVANTS -
• FAITHFUL FRIENDS -
• 12-15 — Paul’s common practice was to mention his faithful team
• “We must have the heart of a child and the hide of a rhino” - Wise as serpents but gentle as doves!
Keep the Gospel Front & Center Death, Burial and Resurrection
I. The Gospel must be front page - PE
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I Timothy 1:5-7; 12-15
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I Timothy 2:5
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I Timothy 3:14-16
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I Timothy 4:1-5
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I Timothy 5:8
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Titus 1:16
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Titus 2:11-15
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Titus 3
II. The Things that move the gospel off of the front page - Titus 3:9
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Foolish controversies - Sabbath
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Genealogies - Jesus was affirmed
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Dissensions - 3:10-11
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Quarrels about the law - I Tim. 1:8-11
a. They are unprofitable -
b. They are worthless-Col 2:16-23
- Paul points us to the priority - I Corinthians 2:2; Galatians 2:20
Galatians 6:11-12
John 5:39
Luke 24:44-48
III. The Body & Blood of Jesus Christ - The Priorities we are to be passionate about:
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His birth
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His life
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His death
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His burial
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His resurrection
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His return - Matthew 26:26-30
Isaiah 53
The Anatomy of our Atonement; The Goal of Grace (no help from humans); The Poverty of Humanity.
John 3:16 does not say FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE AND NOW YOU GIVE A LITTLE TOO!
I. The All-Sufficient Savior: from 3,000 in Acts 2:41 to 5,000 in Acts 4:4
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Who does the saving? GOD
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Who is being saved? US
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Why does God save
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How does God save REGENERATION (not re-engineered); not a tune-up, rather a resurrection! Not a resuscitation, rather a resurrection!
II. The Savior vs The Sinner
God/Us (we didn’t know)
• His goodness * lost - Lk 15
• His lovingkindness * blind - Lk 6:39
• His mercy * dead - Eph 2:1-10
• His washing * bankrupt-Mt 5
• His renewing * impossible - Lk 18
• His Holy Spirit (John 1:9-11; 3:1-8; 16:7 convicts then converts and cleanses)
• His grace
• His heir
• His hope
• His life (3 aspects)
= spiritual life - speaks of the power nature
= Abundant life - speaks of purpose
= eternal life - speaks of permanence
What a father needs most in life? Paul was crystal clear in I Timothy 1:12-15
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Admission - BC I’m a sinner, I need a Savior
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Belief - Faith in what God did
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Confess - Romans 10:9-10
The fuller sermon title would be THE CURE TO A CRUMBLING CHURCH IS THE SAVIOR & THE SCRIPTURE.
This is true in Crete and Lenoir City and every other place on the globe. The modern church in America is consumed by the social instead of the spiritual. Transformation comes from Christ not cultural change.
I. The Attitude of Evangelism -
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Jesus - John 4
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Peter - Acts 4:12-13
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James - Luke - John - Hebrews
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Paul - Romans 9; 22 & 26 • Romans 1:14-16 (duty + desire) • Ephesians 3:8 (God’s gift to us) •
SALVATION & PASTORAL EPISTLES: I Timothy 1:1, 15; 2:1-6; Titus 1:1-4; 2:8-11;
II. The Actions of Evangelism - Titus 3 • Titus 3 - 7 virtues
- What we do = Remind them (not a new thought) to be:
I Timothy 2:1-5; I Peter 2 & 3; I (salvation, suffering, submission).
= Submit, Obey, Be Ready - v. 1 (Jesus said “pay taxes” - Matt 22)
= To Speak, To Avoid, To Show - v. 2 1. What we were (humility) - v. 3
- What God does (regeneration) - vv. 4-7
The fuller sermon title would be THE CURE TO A CRUMBLING CHURCH IS THE
SAVIOR & THE SCRIPTURE. This is true in Crete and Lenoir City, and
every other place on the globe. The modern church in America is consumed
by the social instead of the spiritual. Transformation comes from
Christ, not cultural change.
Disciples of Christ vs Discipline of men
Spiritual Justice vs Social Justice
Christlikeness vs Cultural Change
Eternal vs Temporal
Titus 3 is focused on three groups: believers, unbelievers, & God!
Consider each group as you refocus the church. Acts 2:42-47; 20:28-31
Believers -
Unbelievers - God - Father, Son, Holy Spirit
I. The Attitude of Evangelism -
Jesus - John 4
Peter - Acts 4:12-13
James - Luke - John - Hebrews
Paul - Romans 9; 22 & 26
Romans 1:14-16 duty + desire
Ephesians 3:8 God’s gift to us
SALVATION & PASTORAL EPISTLES: I Timothy 1:1, 15; 2:1-6; Titus
1:1-4; 2:8-11;
II. The Actions of Evangelism - Titus 3
Titus 3 - 7 virtues
What we do - = Remind them (not a new thought) to be: I Timothy 2:1-5; I
Peter 2 & 3; I (salvation, suffering, submission). = Submit, Obey,
Be Ready - v. 1
What we were (humility) - v. 3
What God does (regeneration) - vv. 4-7
I. The Presence of God’s Grace - 2:11a
- “For” - “the grace of God has appeared”
II. The Purpose of God’s Grace
- “bringing salvation” - “to all men”
III. The Power of God’s Grace
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Training - v. 12a
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Living - v. 12b
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Waiting & Appearing - v. 13
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Redeeming - v. 14a
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Purifying - v. 14b
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Declaring - v. 15
I. The Presence of Grace - 2:11a “For the grace of God has appeared”
II. The Purposes of God’s Grace - 2:11b-15
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The Primary Purpose - Salvation
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The Secondary Purposes - These 7 discipleship dynamics are consistently mentioned in the New Testament. We all need an ongoing commitment to each of these doctrinal convictions. There is a diverse audience in Titus chapter 2: Older men, Older women, young women, young men. All should be passionate about prioritizing Titus 2:11-15. Today, I want to focus on the wonderful role of mothers. The primary place where discipleship is worked out is the HOME. The CHURCH and CHRISTIAN SCHOOL are secondary places where discipleship is worked out.
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The 7 Motivations for Godliness:
a. Training - v. 12a
b. Living - v. 12b
c. Waiting - v. 13a
• Luke 2:25 Simeon was “waiting” for the consolation of Israel
• Luke 2:38 Anna was “waiting” for the redemption of Jerusalem
• I Thessalonians 1:8-10 • Hebrews 9:27-28 • II Peter 3:11-15 • Jude 1:20-21
d. Appearing - v. 13b
e. Redeeming - v. 14a
f. Purifying - v. 14b
g. Declaring - v. 15
• The Attitude toward the Aged
• The Actions of the Aged
• The Army of the Aged - Serving with wisdom, availability, & maturity - 70s, 80s, 90s, 100s
Senior Adults are not viewed with respect in many places in the world. Unfortunately, that same attitude sometimes shows up in the church.
Paul wants Pastors like Titus and Timothy to embrace the senior citizens in their congregations. I Timothy 5:1-2. Paul described Timothy in three distinct ways:
(1) He was relatively young - I Tim 4:12
(2) He was physically weak - I Tim 5:23
(3) He was spiritually fearful/timid - II Tim 1:5-7
I. Listen to the Scriptures on Senior Adults (The strength of sr adults)
Lev 19:32; Exodus 20:12 (Eph 6:2-3); Deut 32:7; Psalm 37:25; Prov 16:31; Isa 46:3-4
Abram & Sarai (100 & 90) - Genesis 17:15-17 - had Isaac which in Hebrew means “laughter”. Who do you use as an example today?
Moses - Got God’s assignment at 80 years of age. It would be a 40-year commitment.
Our recent Christmas Series -
Simeon & Anna - Luke 2:25-38. He was looking forward to passing on, and she was described as being “very old”. They both served the Lord without any thought of retiring from doing the Lord’s work until God took them home!
II. Look to the Aged for Leadership
- Titus 2:1-2
• What Eliab was to Titus 1
• Rehoboam is to Titus 2 - I Kings 12:4-11 (his lack of wisdom divided a fractured country).
GODLY LEADING must be accompanied by GODLY LIVING & GODLY TEACHING
I. Our Statement of Faith - The Scriptures
II. The Theology of Truth
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God’s Word is Divinely Inspirational - Matthew 4:4; I Thessalonians 2:13; II Timothy 3:16
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God’s Word is Transformational - Psalm 19:7-10; Psalm 119:11; Jeremiah 15:16; Hebrews 4:12
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God’s Word is Directional - Psalm 119:105; Romans 15:4
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God’s Word is Verifiable - Acts 17:11
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God’s Word is Eternal - Isaiah 40:8
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God’s Word Christ-Centered - Luke 24:44-46
III. The Restoration of Order - 1:9-11
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Hold fast - 1:9a
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As taught - 1:9b
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So that - 1:9c
a. Able to give instruction in sound doctrine - 1:9d
b. (Able) to refute those who contradict - 1:9e
GODLY LEADING must be accompanied by GODLY LIVING & GODLY TEACHING
I. Our Statement of Faith - The Scriptures
II. The Theology of Truth
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God’s Word is Divinely Inspirational - Matthew 4:4; I Thessalonians 2:13; II Timothy 3:16
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God’s Word is Transformational - Psalm 19:7-10; Psalm 119:11; Jeremiah 15:16; Hebrews 4:12
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God’s Word is Directional - Psalm 119:105; Romans 15:4
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God’s Word is Verifiable - Acts 17:11
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God’s Word is Eternal - Isaiah 40:8
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God’s Word Christ-Centered - Luke 24:44-46
III. The Restoration of Order - 1:9-11
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Hold fast - 1:9a
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As taught - 1:9b
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So that - 1:9c
a. Able to give instruction in sound doctrine - 1:9d
b. (Able) to refute those who contradict - 1:9e
The NT Church is Primarily a place for God. It’s a place for God’s Word to be established. It’s a place for God’s Son to be exalted. It’s a place for God’s people to be equipped. It’s a place for God’s plan to be engaged.
I. The Foundation of God’s Church - The Worldview of our Faith is TRUTH. The Truth of God is found in His Word:
a. In the Spoken Word - Genesis 1; Matthew 4:4 (mouth of God); II Timothy 3:16
b. In the Written Word - Exodus 20 (finger of God); I Peter 1:16-21
c. In the Word Made Flesh - Jn 1:1,14
II. Two Worldviews - Truth & Lies
(As in Crete so in every place people gather corporately - You will either hear the Word of God or the word of man, I Thessalonians 2:13. There will be truth or tales. Why should truth be so important to us?
- Satan seeks to destroy truth through deception and doubt - In John 8 he is called a liar and the father of lies.
a. The truth sets people free – John 8:32
b. The truth makes people holy - John 17:17
c. The truth leads people to Heaven - John 14:6
d. The truth fights off the Tempter and his temptations - Mt. 4:1-11
III. What a Pastor Must & Must not be -
(Looks can be deceiving - Most of you know who David is. Many of you know who Samuel is. Few know much of anything about Eliab - I Samuel 16:6-7. He was the oldest son. He was the obvious choice. But he wasn’t.
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What a pastor must NOT be - 1:6-7
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What a pastor MUST be - 1:8-9
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A lover of strangers (hospitable) - “never met a stranger (philoxenos vs xenophobia); Luke 10:25-37; Romans 1:8-13; Galatians 6:9-10
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A lover of good things - II Tim 4:6-8
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A sensible man - Level-headed, Keeps a cool head - Acts 23:5
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Just - upright; a stand-up guy
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Devout - practice what you say you believe
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Self-controlled -
Leadership in the Lord’s Church: I Timothy last year & Titus + II Timothy this year.
What God expects of His leaders. Leaders can be wrong about what God expects. Congregations can be wrong about what God expects. Let’s get it right! Amen?
(The Limitations of the Lord’s Leaders) Exodus 18:1-27
• The best of men are men at best!
• Joshua is to Moses what Timothy is to Paul!
• This chapter in context - (1) The generational (their past), (2) The situational (their present), (3) The eventual (future), and most importantly (4) The theological (The truths/laws of God). • These 4 areas impacted the counseling & judging of Moses.
• This would require incredible wisdom and a working knowledge of God’s Word. Moses has been a student at Exodus Academy for 40 years (I only squeezed 4 into 5!)
I. The Demands of Life - Exodus 18
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The Context of Exodus -
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The Counseling of Jethro -
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The Change in Moses -
a. Where Moses was Wrong -
b. Where Moses was Right - vv. 15-16
c. How Jethro’s Helped - vv. 17-23
d. What Moses Did - vv. 24-27
I. Those Rich in this present world - v. 17a
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Don’t be haughty - v. 17b
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Don’t set your hope on the uncertainty of riches - v. 17c
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Do set your hope on God bc He richly supplies us with everything to enjoy - v. 17d
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Do good (with your resources) - v. 18a
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Be rich in good works - v. 18b
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Be generous/ready to share - v. 18c (See II Corinthians 9:7)
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Store up treasure for yourself - v. 19a (See Revelation 14:13)
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Take hold of that which is life indeed - v. 19b
The Lord’s Supper / Communion - II Corinthians 8:9
Read Matthew 26:26-29
Two Decisions for all Disciples:
• Intentionality -
• Intensity -
I. A Humility that leads to Intensity -vv. 11-15
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True Salvation - Repent & Believe
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True Sanctification -
a. Flee from -
b. Follow after -
c. Fight for -
II. A Holiness that leads to Purity - vv.15-16 (“in His own time”)
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The Blessed and only Sovereign - Potentate!
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The King of Kings and Lord of lords - Revelation 17:14; 19:16
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Who alone possesses immortality - You want it? You must get it from the Lord!
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Who alone dwells in unapproachable light (God met Moses in a burning bush; God met Isaiah in a smoke-filled temple; God met Peter in a boat on the sea; God met John on the island of Patmos) John 1; I John 3:1-2; Revelation 1:1; Exodus 33 -
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Who is to be Honored - Your stated goal? Honor has been a theme in chapters 5 & 6! Honor God @ work; Honor God w/ widows; Honor God w/ pastors; Honor God over money; Honor God!
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Who has Eternal Dominion - over your sin and over Satan (both now and for all time).
I. A Humility that leads to Intensity -vv. 11-15
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True Salvation - faith, grace, repentance
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True Sanctification-
3 Intense Greek Imperatives
a. Flee from -
b. Follow after -
c. Fight for -
II. A Holiness that leads to Purity - vv.15-16
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The Blessed and only Sovereign
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The King of Kings and Lord of lords
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Who alone possesses immortality
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Who alone dwells in unapproachable light -
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Who is to be Honored
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Who has Eternal Dominion -
Leadership in the Lord’s Church Honoring God Part 3 / I Timothy 6:1-10
(The Outcome in Israel & in America)
I. Love God @ Work - 6:1-2
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Unbelieving bosses -
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Believing bosses -
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Impact on our Testimony - Protect God’s Name & Protect God’s Word
• Colossians 3:22-25 • Ephesians 6:5-9 • I Peter 2:18-25
II. Love God’s Word - 6:3-5
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“If anyone” - no one gets a pass
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“sound doctrine” - bones & nets
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Hymenaeus, Alexander, Demas are mentioned - not everyone in error is a heretic.
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“depraved in mind” and deprived of the truth” - They don’t know the truth; They don’t want the truth.
III. Love God, not Money - 6:6-10
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The Defenses -humility & contentment
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The Dangers -
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The Damages -
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The Discernment - The remedy/cure (Proverbs 30:7-9)
I. There is a similar model for supporting Pastors that we saw for supporting Widows:
Honoring - 5:3 & 5:17
Providing
Protecting
Even Correction for both -
II. Jesus is the Model Shepherd - He is called: Psalm 23
1 The Good Shepherd in John 10
2 The Chief Shepherd in I Peter 5
3 The Great Shepherd in Hebrews 13
4 Jesus revealed in Matt. 9:36-38
5 Jesus restored Peter in John 21
- Honor Pastors/Elders/Overseers - 5:17
a. Who rule well - I Peter 5:1-4
b. Who labor in study - II Tim 2:15
- Provide for Pastors/Elders/Overseers - 5:18
a. Quoting Moses - Deut 25:4 (referencing animals)
b. Quoting Jesus - Luke 10:7 (referencing people)
- Protect Pastors/Elders/Overseers - 5:19
a. Do not receive an accusation against an elder (give them benefit of the doubt) “except”
b. Except on the basis of two or three witnesses - Mt. 18:15-17
- Correct Pastors/Elders/Overseers - 5:20-21
a. Those who continue in sin -overview of I Timothy 1-4
b. Rebuke in the presence of all - don’t leave room for gossip and innuendo - incentive to live rightly when in leadership
c. Maintain these principles w/out bias (don’t play to partiality)
d. Two were removed in chap 1 -
- Selecting Pastors/Elders/Overseers - 5:22-25
a. Don’t lay hands too hastily -don’t be in a hurry on this critical process (because then you share in the responsibility of the problems)
b. Keep yourself free from sin - Be accountable! Then a caveat for Timothy (you can remain pure and use wine for medicinal purposes)
c. The sins of some are quite evident - “going on before them to judgment”
d. For others, their sins follow after (obvious examination process)
e. Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite -
f. And those otherwise cannot be concealed -
God has cared about widows from the very beginning - The Law (Deuteronomy); The Prophets; The Gospels; and The Epistles. Caring for widows fulfills the 2 Great Commandments AND impacts our evangelism - John 13:34-35
Sadly, many churches discount widows and senior adults as a whole. They are often viewed as a burden to the church. They are largely ignored because they are viewed as no longer a productive part of the church. It’s basically a “What have you done for me lately” mindset. This is not the view of our Lord. This cannot be the view of His Church.
I. The Compassion & Concern of Widows - OT/NT Honoring Widows
The Christmas Widow - Anna in Luke 2:36-38
The Big Reveal included widows - Jesus in Luke 4:14-32 (25-26)
The Corruption of Corban against widows - Mark 7:9-13; 12:38-44
The Double Doom for widows - Luke 7:11-17
The Power of Persistence of the Widow - Luke 18:1-8
The Generous Given widow - Luke 21:1-3
The Second Challenge was about widows (in the early church) - Acts 6:1-7
The Place of Widows (in the early church) - Acts 9:36-43
II. The Attention & Protection of Widows (Respect/Recognition) - I Timothy 5:3-16
Qualified widows - age & faithfulness This is not favoritism Ephesians 6:1-4
(WE ARE ALL ACCOUNTABLE)
(“Order in the Church” is caused by Careful Correction by the Church)
•Some love to confront
•Some lovingly confront - us!
I. Careful Correction in the Family of Faith - vv. 1-2 (sharp rebuke vs encourage/appeal). Let’s back up and answer a critical question that must be thought out before moving forward with correction:
•Cover if you can - Proverbs 17:9
•Confront if there’s a pattern
•The goal of biblical confrontation is reconciliation - to “win” our brothers and sisters back into a right relationship / into healthy fellowship - Ken Sande (Peacemakers Ministry in Billings, MT) - Christian conciliation
•Matthew 18:15-18
1.Treat older men as a father -
2.Treat younger men as brothers -
3.Treat older women as mothers -
4.Treat younger women as sisters - * “with/in all purity” - “with complete patience” -
•Be encouraging in Ephesus - II Timothy 2:24-26
•II Timothy 4:1-4
•Be careful in Thessalonica - I Thessalonians 5:12-14
•Be gentle in Galatia - Galatians 6:1-2
•Keep the perspective in Phillipi - Philippians 4:1-3 (with joy)
•Be warned in James 3:1-10 (scattered saints) Subscribe to get notified on new releases: @fbclc
(Eliminating unresolved conflict)
I. Pastors must correct - 5:1-2
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Paul’s letter to the Corinthians is a corrective letter - I Cor. 11:17
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Paul’s letter to the Galatians is a rebuking letter - Galatians 4:16
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Paul speaks into this often - I Thessalonians 5:12-14; II Timothy 4:2 “with great patience”
10 Lessons Learned From the First 4 chapters of I Timothy
The Main Idea of I Timothy is 3:14-16
I. 10 Lessons Learned: Remember…
1.The Centrality of the Godhead - 1:1-2
2.The Elevated Virtues of God - hope, faith, grace, mercy, peace - 1:2
3.The Danger of False Leadership - 1:3-7
4.The Clarity of Conversion - 1:12-17
5.The Priority of Prayer - 2:1-4
6.The Priority of Evangelism - 2:5-6
7.The Offices of God’s Church - 3:1-13
8.The Goal of Godliness - 4:6
9.The Place of Scripture - 4:13
10.The Pursuit of Progress - 4:15-16
(1) “keep a close watch on yourself”
(2) “persist in this”
a. Matthew 7:1-5 (judge self)
b. I Corinthians 11 (judge self)
c. John 21 - Jesus to Peter (about John), “What’s that to you?”
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Leaders set the example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity 4:11-12
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Public Attention to the Word, exhortation, teaching - 4:13
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Accountability - 4:14
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Application - 4:15 (practice for progress)
We are Apologists - 3:16; Rev 5:13
Beware of Apostates - 4:1-2; II 3:1; 4:3-4; Acts 20:28-31; Heb 3:12; II Pt 2:1, 20-22; 3:17 - MATT 24:1-14
I. The Divine Doctrines - 3:16; Rev 5:13
a. Revealed in the flesh -
b. Vindicated in the Spirit -
c. Beheld by angels -
d. Proclaimed among the nations -
e. Taken up in glory -
II. The Demonic Doctrines - 4:1-5
• The Spirit reveals (prophecy): - Mt. 3; Jn 2;Phil. 3:1
a. Falling from the faith -
b. Falling for deception - II Tim 3
c. Hypocrisy of liars
d. Seared in their conscience - 3:9
• Men who forbid marriage - Paul isn’t attacking singleness.
This command moves away from God’s divine design.
- Gen. 1 & 2; Proverbs 5:18-19; 12:4 (2); 18:22; 31:10; Eph. 5:22-33; Hebrews 13:4
• Advocate abstaining from foods -
a. Which God created to be gratefully shared in - Colossians 2 (anything that denies salvation by grace in Jesus is dangerous and even demonic - like circumcision or good works)
b. By those who believe & know the truth -
c. IF received w/ thanksgiving -
d. FOR it is sanctified by the Word of God (clarity) and prayer - Ro.14; Heb. 13:9
I. The Conduct in God’s House - 3:14-15
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The Church of the living God -
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The Pillar & Buttress of the Truth -
II. The Confession of God’s People - 3:16
- The mystery of godliness - is Christ-centeredness AND Christlikeness!
a. Manifested in the flesh - INCARNATION
• John 1:14; Hebrews 10; Rev 1:11-18
b. Vindicated by the Spirit - AFFIRMATION
• His conception/birth (Matt 1)
• His life & ministry (Matt 3; Acts 2)
• His Resurrection (Romans 1)
c. Seen by angels - CONFIRMATION
• His birth; His temptation; His tomb
• His three days after the cross
• His resurrection: His ascension
d. Proclaimed among the nations - EVANGELIZATION
e. Believed on in the world - SALVATION
• Not just spoken of but embraced! They believed therefore they received - Colossians 1:6
f. Taken up in glory - ASCENSION
• Acts 1:9-11 (critical in understanding His return. Matthew 24:15-31 (vv. 1-14)
I. Jesus the Supreme Example - Jesus then Pastors & Deacons
- John 13
II. The Example of the Early Church -
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Acts 2:32-47
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Acts 4: 32-37
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Acts 6:1-7
Jesus is THE Deacon of His Church - He calls Himself a Servant and calls all who follow Him to be servants as well.
Two key passages I want to share with you are Matthew 20:20-28 & John 13
I. Who is a servant? Spiritual leadership is Servant leadership!
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Generally speaking - Every believer
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Specifically speaking - Office in the Church - Prototype in Acts 6
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Singularly speaking - Jesus Christ Himself! Matthew 20:20-28; John 13:1-17; Isaiah 42:1
II. What is a Deacon?
- About the word when used generally
a. We are all “deacons” - 3 Greek words help us understand this
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We are all diaconas -
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We are all doulos -
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We are all huperetes -
Jesus is the Supreme Example we all are to follow.
His pastors & deacons should be next in line. “Consider their faith” - Hebrews 13:7
The Head of the Church is the greatest example for the Church in every way.
Jesus is the Model Shepherd; The Model Servant; The Model Evangelist; The Model Discipler; and The Model Missionary (He set the strategy from day one)
I. God’s New Testament Pastors:
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Their Calling, Character, & Content
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Their Heart, Soul, Mind, & Motive -
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Their personal, church, home life -
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Their Watching (oversight), Working (serving), and Worshipping (believing & bowing)
• ABLE TO TEACH - The Word of God (II Timothy 2:15: 3:16-17; 4:1-4)
• REPUTATION WITH OUTSIDERS -
II. God’s Pastors: Community Contact
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Those “outside” of Christ matter
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There is to be a focus on those outside of Christ (Acts 2:42-47)
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Other Scriptures focus on those outside of Christ - Paul & Peter
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I Corinthians 5:12-13a
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Ephesians 5:15-16
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Philippians 2:14-16
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Colossians 4:5-6 8.
II. God is Head of His Church -
- God calls Pastors - Exodus 3:8-12; 4:10-17; John 21; Acts 9:10-15
• Above reproach
• Husband of one wife
• Temperate
• Self-controlled
• Respectable (consistent; fair)
• Hospitable - approachable; accessible; inviting; welcoming; opens his home
• ABLE TO TEACH - vs actively teaching/preaching
• Not given to drunkenness
• Not violent but gentle (pugnacious)
• Not greedy for money
• Not quarrelsome
• Not covetous
• One who manages his own home well, seeing that his children obey him
• Not a recent/new convert
• Having a good reputation with outsiders (outside the faith)
• Congregation responsibility to Pastors (intertwined)
Men being men - Women being women
(Creative order vs culture like Eph. 5). When God’s people don’t follow God’s roles for His gathered church then we contribute to the gender confusion of our day! (Genesis 3:16-17)
I. Removing everything that distracts our devotion to Jesus - (Isa. 40:3)
a. Men set the example of serving and submitting
b. Women set the example of devotion over distraction - Prov. 31:25; I Peter 3:3
c. “MODEST IS HOTTEST” - Job 31:1
d. “Let women learn…” - not normal. Women aren’t pastors & men aren’t mothers.
e. Motherhood remains God’s creative priority - Is childbearing a blessing or a burden? Proverbs 31 woman prioritized her family and had a thriving business - Lois & Eunice (II Tim. 1:5)
I. The Divine Design of Men - Genesis 1-4
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God made man - Gen. 1 & 2
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God made husbands - Gen. 3
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God made fathers - Gen. 4
II. Paul Exhorts the men at Ephesus - I Timothy 2:8
1.“in every place” -
2.“men should pray” -
3.“lifting holy hands” -
4.“without anger or quarreling” -
III. Paul Challenges the men @ Corinth - I Corinthians 16:13-14
1.“Be on your guard” -
2.“stand firm in the faith” -
3.“act like men” -
4.“be strong” -
5.“do everything in love” -
I. The MESSAGE in God’s Church (A Gospel Message) - 1:1-20 (1:1;1:18 )
II. The MOVEMENT in God’s Church 2:1-7
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Praying for all People - exclude none
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Praying for Politicians - Like Nero
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Praying that God save them and/or …
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Praying that God save us from them
I. The Main Theme of the Bible: God’s Savior! (Our salvation)
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God’s Savior is Coming - The Patriarchs & Prophets of Israel
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God’s Savior is Here - The Apostles
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God’s Savior is Coming Back- The Church
II. The Books written by Paul - God’s Church is his main focus! God’s chosen instrument for accomplishing His mission!
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The Theme (Main Idea ) of I Timothy - 3:14-16
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The Trouble in the Church - is not a new problem.
a. Jesus loves His Church so we should love His Church -
b. Jesus is also concerned with His Church - Revelation 2 & 3
c. Jesus wants us to follow His Model for His Church - 3 Books
III. Threats to His Church - I Timothy 1
a. The Personal relationship - vv. 1-2
b. The Problem of false teachers -vv. 3-11
c. The Passion of Paul for grace - vv. 12-17
d. The Price of blasphemy - vv. 18-20
I. The Rich Man & Lazarus - Luke 16:19-31
Jesus says 3 Main Things:
(1) Religious people go to Hell -
(2) Rich people go to Hell
(3) You are going to Hell unless you change your ways (and their hatred for Jesus continued to build)
I. The Church @ Thessalonica - Acts 17:1-11
II. The 6 Marks of a Healthy Church (Based on the Test & Testimony)
We must examine WHAT we do and WHY we do it!
- The Work of Faith - WHAT/WHY
We work because we believe
- The Labor of Love - WHAT/WHY
We labor because we love
- The Endurance of Hope - WHAT/WHY
We persevere because we have hope
(A church that lacks work; labor or endurance is a church that lacks faith, hope, & love!) I Corinthians 13:13
(We Turn; We Serve; & We Wait!)
II. Turning to God from idols - Serving the living and true God
Waiting on His Son (1:10; 2:19; 3:11-13; 4:15-17; 5:23)
a. The One coming from Heaven
b. The One Whom He raised from the dead
c. The One Who rescues us from the wrath to come
The Resurrection Celebration Pt 4
The Folly of Following a Dead Man / I Corinthians 15:1-19
Christianity - Victory or Vanity?
Resurrection wasn’t something Jesus hoped for. Resurrection was something Jesus planned for / prepared for! Jesus predicted 4 Major Events that came to pass within 3 days of each other.
(1) His betrayal / denial
(2) His arrest / suffering
(3) His death
(4) His resurrection -
John 2:18-22 (The Sign)
John 5:24
John 10:10 (can’t offer what you don’t possess)
John 10:17-18 (crystal clear)
John 12:25-26 (Powerful and Personal)
(5) Oh and a 5th yet to be fulfilled - His return!
I. The Evidences of Resurrection - vv. 1-4
II. The Appearances of Resurrection - vv. 5-11
III. The Consequences of No Resurrection - vv. 12-19
Jesus still dead -
Preaching is worthless -
Faith is worthless -
False witnesses -
Still in sin -
Those passed have perished -
We are to be pitied -
Christianity w/out a risen Savior is like having a car w/out an engine (it won’t move); like having a flashlight w/out a battery (can’t shine); like having wood w/out fire (doesn’t warm). Christianity w/out a risen Savior is a waste of time, a waste of energy, a wasted life. Is the resurrection a HOPE or a Hoax?
Romans 10:9-10
The Continuation of the Cross
a. Acts 1:3 - The Living King concludes His earthly teaching
b. Acts 2:22-24 - The Point of Pentecost
c. Romans 1:1-4 - The Right Focus for Rome
d. Ephesians 1:15-23 - The Power in Prayer
e. Colossians 3:1-4 - The Direction of Dedicated Disciples
BEST DAY EVER: The Celebration Continues
I Timothy 2:5
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Genesis 3:15
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Colossians 2:14-16
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I John 3:5, 8
RESURRECTION DAY:
“The Love, Life, and Legacy of the Lamb”
- Matthew 28:1-28 -
I. The Life of God’s Lamb:
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Passover Recognized - Genesis 3; Genesis 22; Exodus 12; Malachi
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Passover Realized - John 1:29, 36; John 18;
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Passover Finalized - Matthew 27; Mark; Luke; John; NT; Revelation 5:5 (20x)
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Passover Internalized - Matthew 28:1-28
I. The Priority of Prayer -
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Prayers of Exaltation (to God) - Matthew 6:9-10
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Prayers of Encouragement (to believers) - John 17:15-19
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Prayers of Evangelism (to unbelievers) - Matthew 9:37-38; I Timothy 2:6
• Prayers for Revival - for the saved (COME BACK!)
• Prayers of Resurrection / Redemption - for the lost (COME FOR THE FIRST TIME)
II. The Passion for Prayer -
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First of all - 2:1a
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For all men - 2:1b (leave no one out of your prayers - This mindset is devastating to the Great Commission - to our evangelism)
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For all in authority - 2:2a
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For all godliness - 2:2b (Paul set the example - Acts 9:19-15; Acts 22 & 26 - 2 governors & 1 king)
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For all men to be saved - 2:3-4 (Matthew 28:18-20, 3x “all”)
III. The Person of Prayer - 2:5-6
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There is one God - 2:5a
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There is one Mediator - 2:5b
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There is one ransom - 2:6
The Seven Prayers of Passion Week:
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Pray for God to be Glorified
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Pray for the Gospel of God to be Exalted
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Pray for the entire Globe to be Impacted
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Pray for those Invited to be Receptive
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Pray for those Saved to get Excited
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Pray for the Saved to stay Excited
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Pray for America to be Impacted
Sunday: Jesus enters Jerusalem as the rightful King - Matthew 21:1-11
Monday: Jesus angers the Jewish Religious Establishment by cleansing the temple - Matthew 21:12-17 (first cleansing John 2:13-22)
Tuesday: Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of the Jewish Religious Establishment - Matthew 23:1-36 & Jesus explains the signs of the Last Days (frequency/intensity) - Matthew 24:1-14 (15-28)
Wednesday: Jesus rested and was anointed Matthew 26:6-13 while Judas was bribed to betray Him - Matthew 26:14-16
Thursday: Jesus experiences Passover with His disciples Matthew 26:17-25 then points to His gospel as the fulfillment of Passover - Matthew 26:26-30 then Jesus fulfills the prophecy that even His friends will forsake Him - Matthew 26:31-35 then Jesus takes Peter, James, & John to Gethsemane to pray before His betrayal - before His arrest - before His mock trial - before His scourging Matthew 26:36-75
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The Charge of Trust - v. 18a
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The Connection of Trust - v. 18b
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The Commissioning of Trust - v. 18c
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The Combat of Trust - v. 18d
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The Commands of Trust - v. 19
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The Consequence of Distrust - v. 20
I. A Transforming Testimony (Paul)
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A New Lord - Romans 10:9-10
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A New Heart - Ezekiel 36:26
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A New Mind - I Cor. 3:16
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A New Direction - Luke 9:23
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A New Devotion - Mt. 22:36-38
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A New Destiny - John 3:16
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A New Song - Psalm 40:3
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A New Name - Rev. 2:17/Isa 62:2
II. A Timeless Testimony (Paul) -
I Timothy 1:12-17
Acts 22 & Acts 26
Philippians 3:1-14
Galatians 1:11-24
I. The Gospel Testimony of Paul
A Testimony of Gratitude - 1:12
A Testimony of Depravity - 1:13a
A Testimony of Mercy (To Paul) - 1:13b
A Testimony of Grace - 1:14-15
A Testimony of Mercy (To us) - 1:16
A Testimony of Worship - 1:17
I. The Signs of a False Teacher
They have a DESIRE w/out discipleship - v. 7a
They have a CALLING w/out Character & Content - v. 7b
They have the PRIDE of Position and Prominence
They PRIORITIZE the Externals bc they lack the Internals -
They want to BE SERVED rather than Be Servants
They see God’s Sheep as RESOURCES for riches -
They love money and use people
They LACK a Love for God’s Law - 1:5-6-11
They LACK a Christ-Centered Testimony of Humility - 12-15
They LACK a High View of God - 16-17
They MUST BE silenced & removed
The Purpose of the Law & The Parallel of Paul’s Testimony!
(The Law does not save us - cannot save; The Law can and does sanctify us - Obedience is what makes our saving faith grow - Matthew 7:24-27; James 1:22)
II. The Law is: Notice the adoration of the Law - the action of the Law - the attitude we should have of the Law!
good - 1:8
not for the just - 1:9a f
or the ungodly- 1:9b
bad news part of the gospel - 1:11
hushes the self-righteous - Romans 3:19-20
holy - Romans 7:12
helpful - Galatians 3:24-25
delightful (full of) - Psalm 1:2
perfect - Psalm 19:7a
restorative - Psalm 19:7b
wonderful (full of) - Ps. 119:18
truthful (full of) - Ps. 119:29, 42
obeyed - Psalm 119:34, 44
derided - Psalm 119:51, 61
bothersome - Psalm 119:54
valuable - Psalm 119:72
merciful (full of) - Ps. 119:77
lovable - Psalm 119:97a
contemplative - Psalm 119:97b
straightforward - Ps. 119:113
emotional - Psalm 119:136
anchoring - Psalm 119:153
peaceful (full of) - Ps. 119:165
I. Confronting False Doctrine/ False Teachers - 1:3-7; 4:1-3; 6:3-5
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The Place (Remain at Ephesus) - 1:3a
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The Charge - 1:4
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The Aim/Goal/Target - 1:5
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The Compromise - 1:6-7
Leadership in the Lord’s Church
“A Spiritual Father Writing to His Sons” – I Timothy 1:1-2 / Feb. 4th, 2024
(Setting the Example for God’s Flock)
I. The BIG IDEA of I Timothy – 3:14-16
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The Character in God’s House / Church – vv. 1-13
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The Conduct in God’s House / Church – vv. 14-15
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The Content in God’s House / Church – v. 16
II. The MAIN CHARACTERS of I Timothy – 1:1
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Paul/Saul
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Timothy – 1:2 (Acts 16:1-3;
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Christ Jesus (God the Son) – 1:1-2 – OUR Hope; OUR Lord!
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God OUR Savior (God the Father) –
III. The PASSING of the Baton to Timothy – 1:2a
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My TRUE SON in the Faith
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The Strengths & Weaknesses of Timothy (We all have both)
a. His Strengths – I Corinthians 4:14-17; Philippians 2:19-24
b. His Weaknesses – He was relatively young (I Tim. 4:12); He was physically sick (I Tim. 5:23); he would become spiritually timid (II Tim. 1:7)
IV. The REALITY of God’s Redemption (It is ongoing) – 1:2b
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The Grace of God –
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The Mercy of God –
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The Peace of God – All come “FROM GOD” not from Paul!
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Remind 5-7
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Reject 8-16
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Remember 17-23
John 14:26; 1 Cor. 6:9-11, 18; Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:5-9
I. The Time in Malta – Acts 28:1-16
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The Kindness of the Natives – vv. 1-2, 7-10
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The Humility of Paul – v. 3
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The Supernatural over the Superstitious – vv. 4-6
II. The Trip to Rome – Acts 28:11-16
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The Encouraging Arrival – vv. 11-15a
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The Grateful Apostle – v. 15b
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The Comfortable Arrest – v. 16
III. The Teaching in Rome – 28:17-31
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The Defense of Paul – vv. 17-20
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The Response to Paul – vv. 21 -22
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The Scope of Paul – vv. 23-28
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The Focus of Paul – vv. 29-31
Was the ship keeping them alive or was it the Savior? “It will turn out exactly as God said it would”
There is in Scripture a quality of character in the Roman military, specifically with Centurions. Roman politicians had questionable character but there is a different picture for Roman military officers. A Roman Legion is 600. A Roman Centurion is 100.
(1) Jesus met with a Roman Centurion (Matthew 8:5-13) & then there was a Roman Centurion at His cross (Matthew 27:51-54)
(2) Peter meets with a Roman Centurion ( Acts 10:1-2)
(3) Paul meets with a Roman Centurion (Julius) in the Augustan Regiment here.
Paul has complete trust in God and Julius has complete trust in Paul Two weeks under typhoon conditions traveling 476 plus miles.
Many would say “It’s a miracle” but few would give glory to God. Would you? Will you? Paul cared about “all” in Acts 26 and in Acts 27!
What is your “Storm Story”? What storm have you gone through? Or are you in the midst of a storm? Or do you wonder what storm will come next? Can we sing in the storms of life?
We must sing. Psalm 34:4, I SOUGHT THE LORD AND HE HEARD AND HE ANSWERED (repeat 3x) THAT’S WHY I TRUST HIM, THAT’S WHY I TRUST HIM!
I. Examining our Faith (II Cor 13:5)
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Encounter with Jesus Christ - Profession of Faith
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Evidence of an Encounter
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Encounter with the People of Jesus
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Encouragement of the Scriptures
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Evangelistic Concern for all
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Evaluating our Evangelism
I. The Polarization - 23:11 (Luke 4:14-30; Acts 13:46-52; 22:21)
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The Plot - 23:12-15
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The Providence - 23:16-22
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The Protection - 23:23-35
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The Players - 24:1, 9
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The Plague - 24:2-8
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The Powerful Testimony - 24:10-27
I. The Concerns w/ Paul in Jerusalem (The Law) - Moral Law
II. The Chaos w/ Paul in Jerusalem (The Lies)
III. The Conversion of Paul (The Lord)
I. The Concerns w/ Paul in Jerusalem (The Law)
II. The Chaos w/ Paul in Jerusalem (The Lies)
III. The Conversion of Paul (The Lord)
I. Christlike Character - 20:17-19
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Humility
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Tears
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Trials
II. Christlike Content - 20:20-27
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Declaring
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Profiting
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Testifying
III. Christlike Convictions- 20:28-32
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Imprisonments
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Afflictions
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Leadership in the Lord’s Church
Paul knew WHY he was going - He knew WHERE for the most part - He didn’t know WHEN and for HOW LONG
I. The Depth of a Disciple - Acts 20
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The Impact of Evangelism - 20:1
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The Impact of Encouragement - 20:2-6
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The Impact of Extended Time - 20:7-12
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The Impact of Exhortation (Convictions of Paul) - 20:13-38
*The Priority of Pentecost - v. 16
*The Plurality of Elders - v. 17
*The Focus - vv. 18-19
*The Faith - vv. 20-21 (v. 24)
III. The DEMETRIUS’S against us - 19:21
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The Person
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The Passion - Must go to Rome! Acts 20-28
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The Public (Religious /Irreligious)- sometimes positive (Acts 14:1-7; 19-22; 16:16-40; 17:1-9; 18:12-17; 19:23-41; 20:1; 28-31; 21:27-36; 22:19-29; 23:1-5, 6-10; 24 w/ two years of prison; 25:1-12, 13-27; 26:1-32; 27:1-8; 28:17-31) more false accusations in court but oftentimes negative (The Essential Church)
I. The Prominence of Paganism in Corinth & Ephesus (Map) - Acts 18-19
II. The Priority of Paul clearly stated (same as Jesus) in Acts 18:21
a. Jesus - Matthew 6:10; 7:21-23; Matthew 26:36-44; Mark 3:35; John 6:38-40; 7:17
b. Paul - Romans 1:8-10; 8:26-27; 12:1-2; 15:32; Ephesians 5:17; Colossians 1:9-14; I Thessalonians 4:3-5; 5:18
For Additional Study:
• Hebrews 10:36; 13:20-21 • James 4:13-15
• Peter - I Peter 3:17; 4:19 • I John 5:14 (Pray according to God’s will)
I. The People, Places, Passion & Priority - “The Will of God”
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The Prominence of Philosophy in Athens - Acts 17
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The Prominence of Paganism in Corinth & Ephesus - Acts 18-19
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The Priority of Paul clearly stated (same as Jesus) Acts 18:21
a. Jesus - Matthew 6:10; 7:21-23; Matthew 26:36-44; Mark 3:35; John 6:38-40; 7:17
b. Paul - Romans 1:8-10; 8:26-27; 12:1-2; 15:32; Ephesians 5:17; Colossians 1:9-14; I Thess. 4:3-5; 5:18
For Additional Study:
*Hebrews 10:36; 13:20-21
*James 4:13-15
*Peter - I Peter 3:17; 4:19
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Jesus Marked the Transition - John 14:15-16
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Peter and the Moment of Truth - Acts 2:1-12
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Luke Mentions the Church Yet the Temple - 2:47-3:1
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Luke Mentions Priests Then they Fade - Acts 6:7
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Stephen Majors on Abraham, Moses, & David - Acts 7
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Philip Moves the Ethiopian Man from Isaiah to Jesus - Acts 8
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God Makes Peter Understand the Merging of Gentiles into the Kingdom - Acts 10-11, 15
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Paul Made the Synagogue his first Place to Preach -
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Paul Removed an Obstacle when Timothy was circumcised - Acts 16
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Mentions a Vow He Has Taken - Acts 18
INTENTIONALITY / INTENSITY
(Passion & Priority)
I. The Expansion
II. The Expulsion
III. The Employment
IV. The Evangelism
We saw INTIMIDATION in Thessalonica; We will see EXAMINATION today in Berea; Next week we’ll see OVER FASCINATION in Athens. II.
Examining the New Message (Berea) - vv. 10-15
- “Stay on the line” - don’t go above the line and add to God’s Word; Don’t go below the line and take away from God’s Word
a. Deuteronomy 4:2
b. Proverbs 30:5-6
c. Revelation 22:28-19
- Claims of Scripture -
a. Psalm 19:7-11
b. Isaiah 40:8
c. Jeremiah 23
d. Matthew 4:4
e. Mark 7:6-7
f. II Timothy 3:16
g. Hebrews 4:12
I. The Deceiving Manipulator - Acts 16:16-24
II. The Danger Loving Money - Acts 16:16-24
III. The Delight in the Mission (Arrested) Joy in and after Jail - Acts 16:25-40
IV. The Disciple-Making Impact on the MOVE - Acts 17
II. The Response to our enemy -
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Praying for protection - I Peter 5:8
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Praying for deliverance - Matthew 6:13
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Praying for resistance - James 4:7
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Praying to be forgiving - II Corinthians 2:10-11
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Don’t play with the enemy - Acts 19:11-20
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Don’t dialogue with the enemy - Jude 9
III. The Conviction in their Conclusion
(Acts 16:6-10 & Now Acts 16:11-15)
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They Sailed to Samothrace
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They Stayed several days
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They Shared the gospel
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The Story of Lydia
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The Salvation of Lydia
I. Spiritual Parenting of Paul & Barnabas in Lystra, Iconium, Antioch - Acts 14:22
II. Spiritual Parenting in Thessalonica - I Thess. 2:7-12
I. Disciple-making involves training - II Timothy 2:1 1. Strengthening the souls.
• WHAT ARE THE SOURCES OF STRENGTH? (1) Scripture (2) Prayer (3) Fellowship (4) Worship (5) Evangelism
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Encouraging the continuation in the faith
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Through many tribulations we must enter the Kingdom of God
I. The Gospel in Iconium - 14:1-7
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More places - v. 1a
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More people - v. 1b
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More disciples - v. 1c
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More opposition - v. 2
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More confirmation - v. 3
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More division - v. 4
a. Luke 12:47-51
b. John 7:37-43
c. John 9:16
d. John 10:16-19
The 5 Signs of a Healthy Church - (aka Spiritual Church)
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There are Spiritual Leaders
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There are Spiritual Ministries
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They are on Spiritual Mission
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They face Spiritual Opposition -
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They experience Spiritual Victory -
I. The Strength of COURAGE (Acts 12:1-5) The Martyrdom of James -
II. The Weakness of FAITH (Acts 12:6-19) The Miracle of Peter -
III. The Assurance of JUDGMENT (Acts 12:20-25) The man named Herod
IV. Communion Examination
I. The WARNINGS - 3:1-9
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Modernity
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Concerns, Character, Conduct, Content
II. The WITNESSES - 3:10-15
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At Work
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At Home
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Difference between evangelism and fellowship
III. The WORD - 3:16-17
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The Person of the Word
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The Profits of the Word
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The Purpose of the Word (Counter to culture)
Dedicate this sermon to our 2023 GRADS - 4 P’s
(Matthew 5; John 16; Acts 8; II Timothy 3:12)
I. The Persecution bc of the Gospel Continues -
II. The Progress of the Gospel Continues - 11:20-26
III. The Poverty bc of the Gospel Begins - 11:27-30
(Romans 15:22-27)
I. The GROUP Commission
II. The GLOBAL Commission
III. The GLOBAL Commission
IV. The GLOBAL Commission
V. The GLOBAL Commission
VII. The Galatian Confrontation
I. The Start of God’s Salvation Plan - Genesis 3:15
- The extent of God’s Salvation Plan - Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 49:6; John 1:29 & John 3:16
a. The African man - Acts 8
b. The Romans man- Acts 10
c. The European woman - Acts 16
- The Tension in God’s Salvation Plan (Peter)
a. Peter had a breakthrough
b. Peter had a backslide - Galatians 2:11-14
c. The Unity of Acts 2 & Acts 4 must continue in Acts 10 and even today!
The Wonder of the Resurrection THIS IS: The GREATEST STORY ever told by the GREATEST PERSON who ever lived who gave the GREATEST GIFT ever offered based on the GREATEST LOVE ever displayed.
I. The WONDER of Easter
- The WONDER of the Women
a. Of their worship
b. Of their witness
- The WONDER of the World
a. Their blindness
b. Their bribery
- The WONDER of the Witnesses
a. The Walk
b. The Worship
c. The Work
d. The Wake
The World couldn’t keep Him in the grave - The World won’t keep Him from coming back
I. The Triumphal Entry - King Jesus and His disciples - THE Culmination of His Ministry; The Apex of His Mission!
I. The True King is Coming:
- The Preparation of Jesus - Matthew 21:1-11
a. The Providential
b. The Prophetic
c. The Praise
d. The Problem
The Purging of Jesus - Matthew 21:12-17
a. The Authority of Jesus
b. The Compassion of Jesus
c. The Worship of Jesus
- Philippians 3:1-11
(self-righteousness vs. Savior-righteousness)
a. The Protection of Paul - v. 1
b. The Problem of Paul’s Past - v. 2
c. The Picture of Paul’s Present - v. 3
d. The Problem of Paul’s Pride - vv. 4-6
e. The Person of Paul’s Passion - vv. 7-11
f. The Pressing on of Paul’s Pursuit - vv. 12-21
ALL TRUE TESTIMONIES OF SALVATION HAVE 3 THINGS IN COMMON according to the Scriptures: The specifics will be very different but not these 3 are the same for all: (1) My life BEFORE encountering Jesus (2) My life WHEN I encountered Jesus (3) My life SINCE I encountered Jesus IN LUKE’S WORDS - ACTS 9:1 & 11:19-30 • It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, It only matters where you’re going • It doesn’t matter where you’re going if God is not leading you • It doesn’t matter if God is leading you if you live a life of inconsistent commitment • It helps to remember where you’ve been - Looking Back.. while Moving Forward” • If you follow God faithfully then you can say what Paul said in II Timothy 4:6-8 Galatians 1
I. The First ENCOUNTER of Saul/Paul - Acts 7:58-8:2
II. The Second ENCOUNTER of Saul/Paul - Acts 8:3
III. The Third ENCOUNTER of Saul/Paul - Acts 9:1-19
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Paul was an enemy of God
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Paul was an enemy to the people of God (John 16)
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Paul became an enemy to the enemies of God - Acts 9:20-25, 9:26-31
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Paul became an example for evangelism - I Tim. 1:12-15
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Paul became an encourager to those who follow Jesus - Rom. 1:11-13
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Paul became an exhorter to those who follow Jesus - Acts 20:28-31
“How God Pursues Us - How God Reaches Out” - The Seed is scattered. The Servants are sent to share. The Scriptures secure salvation.
I. The Scattered Seed of Salvation is Sent Out - The Global Gospel - The Encounters with Jesus - Where the seed goes is often based on where the seed blows -
- Acts 1:6-8.
a. From Jerusalem
b. To Judea
c. To Samaria (8)
d. To the road to Gaza (8)
*Philip - an angel, a eunuch, a queen, and a prophet with Scripture in his hands!
GOD SEEKS SINNER - Luke 19:10
(1) The Word of God produces saving faith - Romans 10:13,17
(2) The Scriptures lead us to salvation - to the Savior THEN strengthens our faith us as we grow in our salvation - Psalm 19:7-9; II Timothy 3:15-16; I Peter 2:1-3
7 examples of preaching Jesus from the Old Testament
ISAIAH 53 is the greatest gospel passage about Jesus until He shows up and starts His ministry
• Before Philip preached Jesus from Isaiah 53 - Moses preached Jesus from Genesis (3:15,21; 22:9-14)
• Before Philip preached Jesus from Isaiah 53 - John preached Jesus from Exodus (12:46) in John 19:30-37 - John the baptizer references this same messianic identity in John 1:29
• Before Philip preached Jesus from Isaiah 53 - Peter preached Jesus from the Psalms (16:10-11)
• Before Philip preached Jesus from Isaiah 53 - Isaiah preached Jesus in (7:14; 9:6-7)
• Before Philip preached Jesus in Isaiah 53 - Micah preached Jesus in (5:2)
• Before Philip preached Jesus from Isaiah 53 - Zechariah preached Jesus in (12:10)
• Before Philip preached Jesus from Isaiah 53 - Jesus preached Jesus from the Law of Moses, from the Prophets, and the Psalms (Luke 24:44-49)
FROM THE LAST SUPPER TO THE LAST DAYS - Matthew 26:29
The WAY of the World - Revelation 18:1-24
The WAY of the Lord - Revelation 19:1-16
The DEVOTION of a Difference Maker
The Next Man - Philip
The Magic Man - Simon
The Main Men - Peter/John
More Than A Building, The Book of Acts:
"Scattered Seed & Gospel Greed"
Acts 8:4-40 Part I
I. Review - Stephen we hardly knew you but will never forget you!
The Character of Stephen - Acts 6:1-7
The Conduct of Stephen - Acts 6:8-15
The Content of Stephen - Acts 7:1-50
The Courage of Stephen - Acts 7:51-53
The Compassion of Stephen - Acts 7:54-60
The Contrast of Stephen - Acts 8:1-3
The Continuation after Stephen - Acts 8:4-40
I. Speech directed toward Heaven regarding humanity. vv 2-4
A. Prayer as a pattern of my life v.2
B. Prayer as a means of advancing the Gospel vv. 3-4
II. Speech directed toward humanity regarding Heaven vv 5-6
A. Matching words and deeds v.5
B. Making words desirable v.6
I. How To Move The Kingdom Forward vs.
Hindrances To Kingdom Advance
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Our Actions (“be wise”) - 4:5
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Our Words (“be nice”) - 4:6
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Our Plan (“be ready”) - 4:6b
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Our Focus (Colossians 1-3)
I. How To Move The Kingdom Forward vs.
Hindrances To Kingdom Advance
- Our Actions (“be wise”) - 4:5
a. Walking in wisdom
b. Making the best use of the time
- Our Words (“be nice”) - 4:6a
a. Let your speech be gracious
b. Season your speech with salt
- Our Plan (“be ready”) - 4:6b
a. So that you may know
b. How you ought to answer
- Our Focus (Colossians 1-3)
a. Who Jesus is
b. What Jesus did
I. The DIVINE Story of Christmas
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The Timeline of Christmas
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The Truths of Christmas
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The Travel for Christmas
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The Testimonies of Christmas
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The Treasures of Christmas
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The Tragedies of Christmas
Matthew 26:26-29
More Than A Building: The Book of Acts
I. The Power of God in the Presence of Man – 6:8-8:3
a. The Person of Signs and Wonders – Acts 2:22-24
b. The Presence of Signs and Wonders – Acts 2:42-43
c. The Prayer for Signs and Wonders - Acts 4:24-31
d. The Power of Stephen – Acts 6:8
e. The Problem of Religion – 6:9-10
f. The Prince of Darkness – 6:11-14
g. The Peace of Stephen – 6:15 (The calm of Christ; The peace that passes
understanding; God is our Rock, Our Fortress, Our Strong Tower
– Boldness is also seen in speaking – I Peter 2:21-25)
III. The Pathway of Overcoming Obstacles – Acts 6:1-7
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Don’t Neglect the Genuine Needs of People – 6:1
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Don’t Neglect the Preaching of the Word – 6:2
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Don’t Neglect Putting Spiritual People in Charge of Ministries – 6:3, 5-6
a. Good reputation
b. Full of Holy Spirit
c. Full of wisdom (Mt 7:24-27; James 1:22-24)
d. Willing to Serve Under Leadership
- Don’t Neglect Devotion to Prayer – 6:4a
a. Don’t ask for what you don’t need
b. Don’t ask for what you already have
c. Don’t ask in meaningless repetition
- Don’t Neglect the Ministry of the Word (beyond preaching) – 6:4b
a. Don’t alter it less you be judged - Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:5
b. Do meditate on it to deepen your faith – Psalm 1:1-2
c. Do rely on it for personal transformation – Psalm 19:7-9
d. Do rely on it for holy living – Psalm 119:11
e. Do rely on it for direction – Psalm 119:105
f. Do rely on it to be led to the Redeemer – John 5:39-40; Luke 24:44-45
- Don’t Neglect Those You Deem Too Far Away from Salvation – 6:7
MORE THAN A BUILDING: The Book of Acts “EXALTATION then EVANGELISM” Acts 2:1-41, Part 3 The EXALTATION OF JESUS is not a new doctrine for Peter – Psalm 16:8-11; 110:1; Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 22:44 (Jesus before His arrest quotes Psalm 110:1); Mark 14:60-65 & Luke 22:66-71 (Jesus after His arrest); Acts 7:54-60; Romans 8:31-34; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 1:1-3; 8:1; 12:1-2; Revelation 5:9-14 1. Before the Birth of Jesus - Isaiah 9:6-7 2. Before the Arrest of Jesus –In Matthew 22:41-44 (Jesus quotes Ps. 110:1) 3. After the Arrest of Jesus - In Mark 14:60-65 & In Luke 22:66-71 4. At the First Sermon on Pentecost – Acts 2 5. As Stephen is dying – Acts 7:54-60 6. As Paul seeks to give us security – Romans 8:31-34 7. As the Writer of Hebrews established the Person & Position of Jesus – Hebrews 1:1-3; 8:1; 12:1-2 8. As Paul predicts the future response of all humanity – Philippians 2:5-11 9. As John reveals the present and permanent place of Jesus – Rev. 5:9-14
THE POINT OF PENTECOST (THE CHURCH IS BIRTHED THROUGH PREACHING) I. The 6 POWERS of Pentecost – that we must tap into today 1. The POWER of God’s Son 2. The POWER of God’s Spirit 3. The POWER of God’s Word 4. The POWER of Godly Preaching 5. The POWER of God’s 6. The POWER of God’s Promise
Introduction: Searching for your identity. 1) Acknowledge the necessity to safeguard your spiritual inheritance. v. 1-3 2) Acknowledge the intent of some to claim your spiritual inheritance. v. 4-7 3) Acknowledge the sacrifice necessary to safeguard your spiritual inheritance. v. 8-16
MORE THAN A BUILDING The Book of Acts: The Christ * The Cross * The Church * The Commission *The Coming Back "Good Things Happen to Those Who Wait…on the Lord" John Hunn
IV. The DEVOTION of the Pre-Pentecost Church – 1:12-26 (The Devotion of the Post-Pentecost Church – 2:42-47) 1. The Devotion to Unity – “one accord”; obedience and waiting – Ps. 27:14; Isa. 40:28-31 2. The Devotion to Prayer – “devoting themselves to prayer 3. The Devotion to the Priesthood of the believer – men, women, children (I Peter 2:9) a. A priest has access b. A priest has a ministry
MORE THAN A BUILDING The Book of Acts: The Christ (Body, Bride, Building) * The Cross * The Commission John Hunn
He DIED; He ROSE; He COMMISSIONED (4x) – Did His disciples dismiss this? They didn’t understand the delay to the Kingdom would be a global body of believers!
“The Re-Commissioning of Jesus Christ to His Church” / Acts 1:1-11 The Word of God & The Son of God define and describe the term Kingdom of God (The Kingdom has been a foundational focus before Jesus came; Once Jesus came; After Jesus left!)
I. This KINGDOM language is Not New to Jesus, Not New to His disciples, Not New to the New Testament (68x “KINGDOM OF GOD & 32x KINGDOM OF HEAVEN) - When you hear “KINGDOM” – Psalm 45:6; Psalm 103:19
- Think Priority – 40 days of this focus!
- Think Authority: The Reign & Rule of the “King” – think the throne
- Think Spiritual, not physical -
- Think Heavenly not earthly (eternal, not temporal) -
- Think Relational – not religious – John 3:3-8; 18:33-38; Luke 23:39-43
a. I Corinthians 15:20-24 b. Colossians 1:13-14 c. I Thessalonians 2:9-12 d. II Timothy 4:1-5; 16-18 e. Acts 28:23-31 – SECOND TO LAST VERSE f. Revelation 11:15,19 – LAST VERSE
MORE THAN A BUILDING The Book of Acts: The Christ * The Cross * The Commission (The Body; The Bride; Building / The Rallying Point; The Compass; The Hill we die on / Gen 12:3) (God’s Front Page: Churches start to decline/die when these three move off the front page)
k. OUR UNITY - Live in harmony, get rid of haughtiness &pride – v. 16 l. OUR LANE - Never repay evil for evil, think on what is honorable for all – v. 17 m. OUR GOAL - Live at peace with all men if at all possible – vv. 18-21
d. OUR COMPASSION - True love, hating evil, affection, honor - vv. 9-10 e. OUR SERVING - Be zealous and fervent in spirit as you serve the Lord – v. 11 f. OUR REJOICING & PRAYING - Rejoice in hope; Be patient in tribulation; Be constant in prayer – v. 12 g. OUR INVESTING - Giving to the needs of the saints & show hospitality – v. 13 h. OUR BLESSING - Bless those who persecute you & don’t curse – v. 14 i. OUR REJOICING - Rejoice w/ those who rejoice – v. 15a j. OUR WEEPING - weep w/ those who weep – v. 15b
I. What is God’s Purpose for your earthly life?
- The Significant Signs of a Saved Servant – Romans 12:1-21 a. Our OFFERING - Presenting our bodies to God, not to the world – vv. 1-2 b. OUR ATTITUDE - Being humble & Others-centered – vv. 3-5 c. OUR GIFTEDNESS - prophecy, service, teaching, exhorting, contribution, leadership, & mercy – vv. 6-8
I. What is God’s Purpose for your earthly life? 1. There are many passages that speak of the diverse gifts within the Body of Christ: a. I Corinthians 3:1-9 (John 4:31-38) b. I Corinthians 12:12-26 c. I Peter 4:7-11
Dr. John D. Street, President of the American Board of Biblical Counselors Hebrews 12:7-11 1. I am to view hardship as discipline 2. When God brings hardship into my life, He is acting as a loving Father 3. This discipline is not punitive but is corrective to bring about greater holiness in me 4. My heart will be at peace
(IDENTIFY CRISIS: Which Peter is the real Peter? One of the last three years or one of the last three days?) 3 Things Transformed Peter’s Life & They can Transform Your Life too! I. The Walk of Jesus (SERVING) – 21:1-14 (Flashback: Peter’s retirement – Luke 5) II. The Way of Jesus (RESTORING) – 21:15-17 III. The Will of Jesus (FOLLOWING) – 21:18-25
I. The Spiritual Reason Jesus died - John 19:28-30 II. The Physical Reason Jesus died - John 19:31-34 III. The Scriptural Reason Jesus died - John 19:35-37 IV. The Personal Reason Jesus died - John 19:38-42 The Path of Nicodemus a. John 3:1-8 b. John 7:40-52 2. The Path of Others a. Acts 6:7 b. Acts 9 (Philippians 3:1-9)
I. Grief in Genesis 6:5-8 & Ephesians 4:30-32 1. Genesis 6:5-6 a. God doesn’t change – Exodus 32:14 (threat vs decree); Numbers 23:19; I Samuel 15:10-11, 29; Jeremiah 26:3 (Jonah 3:1-10); Habakkuk 1:13; Malachi 3:6
- Genesis 6:7-8
II. Ephesians 4:17-31 1. What we have in Christ (Eph. 1-3) & How we live in Christ – Eph. 4-6 (see Matt. 5-7)
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“No longer walk as the Gentiles do in the futility of their minds” – Vv. 17-19 a. They are darkened, alienated: because of ignorance, because of hardness of heart b. This is not how you learned, heard, were taught – vv. 20-21 c. The Put Off/Put On Principle – vv. 22-24 (see I Tim. 6:11-12) d. The Principles Unpacked – vv. 25-32 v. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption e. Let all bitterness - f. (Let all) wrath – g. (Let all) anger – h. (Let all) clamor – i. (Let all) slander – j. BE PUT AWAY FROM YOU – k. Along with all malice –
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Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted (to one another), forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
I. Grief in Genesis 6:5-8 & Ephesians 4:30-32 1. Genesis 6:5-8
II. Ephesians 4:17-32 1. What we have in Christ (Eph. 1-3) & How we live in Christ – Eph. 4-6 (See Mt. 5-7) 2. “No longer walk as the Gentiles do in the futility of their minds” – vv. 17-19
III. Ephesians 4:32
I. The Protection of the Shepherd - 18:1-11
II. The Peter he never knew - 18:12-27
III. The Political Pilate - 18:28-38
Transformation 101 “When & Why God Grieves” (The Sovereign and His view of sin) John Hunn
I. Grief in Genesis 6:5-8 & Ephesians 4:30-32 1. Genesis 6:5-6 2. Genesis 6:7-8 3. Ephesians 4:30-31 4. Ephesians 4:32
I. Grief in Genesis: 1. Grief of lost paradise – Genesis 3 2. Grief of a damaged marriage – Genesis 3 3. Grief of a murdered son – Genesis 4 4. Grief of ongoing death – Genesis 5
II. Grief in Exodus: 1. Grief in the slavery of mankind – Exodus 1 2. Grief in the mass death of newborn infants - Exodus 1 3. Grief in the death of the firstborn – Exodus 12:29-30 4. Grief in the golden calf – Exodus 32
III. Grief in the Psalms: 1. Psalm 42:1-11
IV. Grief in the Gospels: 1. Jesus wept when Lazarus died – John 11:35 2. Jesus wept over Jerusalem – Luke 19:41-44 3. Jesus wept in prayer – Hebrews 5:7-9
V. Grief in II Corinthians: 1. Grief because Paul’s spirit had no rest - II Corinthians 2:12-13 2. Grief because Paul’s body had no rest – II Corinthians 7:5-7
I. Being a friend of God Abraham - Isaiah 41:8; II Chronicles 20:7 Moses - Exodus 33:11; Deuteronomy 34:10; Psalm 103:7
II. Being a friend of God a. Being a first friend - John 3:29 b. Being a faith friend -Proverbs 27:6 c. Being a fake faith friend -Psalm 41:9; Matthew 26:50 d. Being a fake finance friend- Proverbs 14:20; 19:4 e. Being a former friend -Psalm 55:12-14 f. Being a friend of the world- James 4:3-4
III. Application - A true friend is one of the most powerful gifts God can give someone; A false friend is one of the most painful problems Satan can give someone
I. “The Convictions before Communion” – John 15:1-17 1. The I AM’s in the Book of John – a. I AM the Bread of Life – John 6:35, 41, 48, 51 b. I AM the Light of the World – John 8:12 c. I AM the Door of the sheep – John 10:7, 9 d. I AM the Good Shepherd – John 10:11, 14 e. I AM the Resurrection & the Life – John 11:25 f. I AM the Way, the Truth, & the Life – John 14:6 g. I AM the True Vine – John 15:1, 5
MY DISCIPLES FAST FOR SPIRITUAL CLARITY/DISCIPLINE – 6:16-18 MY DISCIPLES INVEST IN ETERNITY – 6:20-23 MY DISCIPLES MY DISCIPLES HAVE ONE MASTER – 6:24 MY DISCIPLES TRUST THE FATHER TO PROVIDE – 6:25-34 MY DISCIPLES DON’T JUDGE W/SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS – 7:1-5 MY DISCIPLES PRAY WITH PERSISTENCE & FAITH – 7:7-11 MY DISCIPLES LIVE BY A HEAVENLY ETHIC – 7:12 MY DISCIPLES UNDERSTAND THE DANGERS OF FOLLOWING ME – 7:13-14 MY DISCIPLES ARE KNOWN BY THEIR FRUIT & BY MY WILL – 7:15-23 MY DISCIPLES ARE KNOWN BY THEIR WISE RESPONSE TO TRUTH – 7:24-27 MY DISCIPLES TRULY UNDERSTAND THE AUTHORITY BY WHICH I SPEAK – 7:28-29
My disciples take divorce seriously – 5:31-32 My disciples take their word seriously – 5:33-37 My disciples live by a heavenly ethic – 5:38-42 My disciples love their enemies and pray for them– 5:43-48
(We have 1 Purpose; 2 Commands; 3 Ministries; 4 Pillars) We must make these three the driving force of all that we do. Think Passion. Think Priority. Think Purpose. We glorify God in our Worship (Majesty) – Love all; Honor some; Worship One! We glorify God in our Discipleship (Multiply) – Matthew 5:1-10
The Vision of FBC: Love all; Honor some; Worship One! (We have 1 Purpose; 2 Commands; 3 Ministries; 4 Pillars) We must make these three the driving force of all that we do. Think Passion. Think Priority. Think Purpose. We glorify God in our Worship (Majesty) – Love all; Honor some; Worship One! We glorify God in our Discipleship (Multiply) – We glorify God in our Evangelism (Mission) - The Worship of the men – Matthew 28:16-17 (The Wasted Energy of the Fake News – vv. 11-15) Ignore the world Obey God The Realization of the Magi - Matthew 2:2, 8, 11 The Refusal to the Enemy – Matthew 4:9-10 The Revelation of the Disciples – Matthew 14:22-33 The Rejection from Jesus – Matthew 15:1-9
Familiarity Breeds Contempt: Nazareth Kept Missing Christmas
I. The Significance of Nazareth in the Identity of Jesus The Place Jesus was raised - Matthew 2:19-23 The Place Others spoke against - John 1:43-46 The First Visit in the Ministry of Jesus - Luke 4:14-30 The Second Visit in the Ministry of Jesus - Mark 6:1-6
II. The Significance of learning from Nazareth - Application FBC LC needs to be a new place - FBC LC needs to be filled with “new” people a. New people arriving b. New people transformed
Christmas Eve Service 2021 “The Statements of Simeon” reveal that he didn’t miss Christmas / Luke 2:8-35 I. The Blessing of Christmas from the Shepherds – 2:8-20
II. The Blessing of Christmas from the Law (Joseph & Mary) – 2:21-24
III. The Blessings of Christmas from Simeon (He blessed three people) – 2:25-33
IV. The Burden of Christmas for Mary (A blessing then a burden) – 2:33-35
V. The Communion of Christmas – The Cradle then a Cross
“Who & Why do people miss Christmas? - Matthew 1 & 2
I. Christmas Unwrapped - 3 Ways Christmas is Theological - Christmas is Historical - Christmas is Personal -
II. Missing Christmas in Matthew 1 & 2 Mary & Joseph didn’t miss Christmas - Mt. 1:18-25 The Magi didn’t miss Christmas - Mt. 2:1-2 Herod the king missed Christmas. - 2:3-4 The chief priests and scribes missed Christmas - 2:5-6
Christmas is about how Jesus gives us access to the One who can answer our prayers 1 Kings 18:25-29 (ESV) 1 Kings 18:30-39 (ESV) Pray in Jesus’ name because prayer causes things to happen that wouldn’t happen otherwise 1 Kings 18:40-42 (ESV) James 5:16-18 (ESV)
The New Heaven & New Earth - Looking for hope by looking back before sin’s curse and looking ahead after sin’s curse.
I. The Stone Onyx (follow the stone) 1. The Garden of Eden - Genesis 2:11-12; Ezekiel 28:11-19 2. The Temple of Jerusalem - Exodus 28:9-12 3. The Foundation of the New Jerusalem (only NT use) - Revelation 21:10-21 4. The Place of innocence; Place of presence; Place of perfection – God dwelling with Man
II. The Tree of Life (follow the tree) 1. The Garden of Eden - Genesis 2:9-14 (access granted) 2. The Garden of Eden - Genesis 3:20-24(access denied) 3. The Church at Ephesus - Revelation 2:1-7 (promise of access revealed as tree is relocated) 4. The New Jerusalem - Revelation 22:1-5; Ezekiel 47:7-12*; Revelation 22:12-14; Revelation 22:17-21
(The FIVE Major Players in John 14: The Father; The Son; The Spirit; The Disciples; The Enemy)
The Classroom of Christ lasted three years yet three events prepare us to understand more of John 14. Jesus RAISING the dead – John 11; Mary ANOINTING the feet of Jesus – John 12; Jesus WASHING the feet of the disciples – John 13.
I. The Classroom of Christ in John 14:1-31 1. More FAITH marked by the hope of Heaven – 14:1-3 2. More FAITH marked by the unity of the Father & Son – 14:4-11 3. More FAITH marked by the works of those saved – 14:12 4. More FAITH marked by praying in Jesus Name – 14:13-14 5. More FAITH marked by the promise of the presence of Jesus – 14:18
- More LOVE marked by obedience – 14:15, 21-24
- More POWER marked by Holy Spirit indwelling – 14:16-17; 25-26
- More PEACE marked by the contrast to worldly peace – 14:27
- More JOY marked by the return of Jesus – 14:28
- More FAITH marked by the fulfillment of Jesus – 14:29
- Less CONVERSATION marked by the ruler of this world – 14:30
- More ACTION marked by the loving obedience of the Son – 14:31
II. Less CONVERSATION marked by the ruler of this world – 14:30 1. This ruler has no claim on Jesus – Satan needs God’s permission 2. This ruler has been mentioned by John before – John 8:44; 10:10; 12:31-32 3. This ruler will be mentioned by John afterward – I John 3:10-12; 4:4; Rev. 2:2 (Ephesus); 10 (Smyrna); 13 (Pergamum); 24 Thyatira); 3:9 (Philadelphia); 5 of 7! 4. This ruler has a strategy - deception, distortion, distraction a. Don’t believe – II Corinthians 4:3-4 b. Don’t forgive – I Corinthians 2:6-11 c. Don’t discern – II Corinthians 11:12-15
MORE THAN A MAN “The Dilemma of the Disciples Back Then” (When Hopes are Dashed) / John 14:24-27 (The Word of God; The Spirit of God; The Peace of God)
I. What WE KNOW/UNDERSTAND – II. What they DID KNOW III. What they DIDN’T KNOW/UNDERSTAND IV. The Classroom of Christ
The Holy Spirit in the Gospel of John - 1. The Holy Spirit Empowers the mission of Jesus - 1:32-33 2. The Holy Spirit Empowers our salvation - 3:5 3. The Holy Spirit Unlimited Source in Jesus - 3:34 4. The Holy Spirit is Essential for true worship - 4:23-24 5. The Holy Spirit Source for spiritual life - 6:63 6. The Holy Spirit will Fill - will Flood - will Flow through us after Jesus is glorified - 7:39
I. The Classroom of Christ Heaven: we will be WITH HIM; we will be LIKE HIM a. Home for Him now b. Home for us later - Phil. 1; II Cor. 5; I Cor. 13; 15:49; I John 3:2; Phil. 3:20;
The Holy Spirit: Acts 5 “Why did you lie to the Holy Spirit?”
I. The 3 Examples in the gospels of feet being washed - 1. The Sinful woman in Luke 7:36-40 2. The Sacrifice of Mary-John 12:1-3 3. The Servant Jesus - John 13:3-5 4. The Saints of Jesus will follow a. The Example of serving b. The Example of loving 5. The Scriptures affirm these truths a. John 13:34-35 b. John 15:8-13 c. I Thessalonians 4:9-12 d. I Peter 4:8-10 e. I John 2:7; 3:11, 16-18; 4:7-12, 16-21; 5:1-3
I. The Example of Jesus 1. The love of Jesus 2. The betrayer of Jesus 3. The knowledge of Jesus 4. The hands of Jesus 5. The continuation of Jesus 6. The fulfillment of Jesus 7. The humanity of Jesus
I. The PERFUME of the Worshiper II. The PROBLEM of Hypocrisy III. The PRAISE of the King IV. The PERSECUTION of the Faithless
Section Three – Grasping Redemption’s Far Reach 8. This World is Not Our Home…or Is it? 9. Why is Earth’s Redemption Essential to God’s Plan? 10. What Will It Mean for the Curse to Be Lifted?
II. The Triumph of the King -John 12:12-35 1. The next day the large crowd learned that Jesus was there – 12:12. 2. John tells us HOW Jesus came into the city – 12:13-18 a. They took branches of palm trees – 12:13a b. They cried out, l – 12:13b c. Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it (fulfillment) just as it is written, 3. The Disciples didn’t understand…at the time – 12:16 4. The Crowd from Lazarus resurrection continued to bear witness – 12:17-18 5. The Pharisees spoke to one another – 12:19 6. The Greeks seek an audience with Jesus – 12:20-32 7. The Kind of Death Jesus would Die – 12:33-36
Section Two – Understanding the Intermediate Heaven 5. What is the Nature of the Intermediate Heaven? 6. Is the Intermediate Heaven a Physical Place?
- What is Life Like in the Intermediate Heaven?
Section Three – Grasping Redemption’s Far Reach 8. This World is Not Our Home…or Is it? 9. Why is Earth’s Redemption Essential to God’s Plan? 10. What Will It Mean for the Curse to Be Lifted?
Selected Scriptures a. Psalm 90:1-12 b. II Corinthians 4:16-5:11 c. Philippians 1:21-26 d. Hebrews 2:9, 14-16 (Why fear death?) e. James 4:13-17 f. I Peter 1:1-12
Mission Conference 2021 Guests from our current Missions Partners joined us this Sunday. We were able to learn "WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOD DOING?" from the areas of our partners. Craig Parro of Word Partners delivered a challenging message for all of us.
• Church Missions Network • https://churchmissionsnetwork.org • Clubhouse Guatemala • https://clubhouseg.com/ • Grace City Boston • https://www.gracecityboston.com/ • Mission Eurasia • https://missioneurasia.org/ • Partners In Christ • http://partnersinchrist.info • Word Partners • https://wordpartners.org/ • Hope Resource Center Knoxville • https://knoxvillehope.com/ • Women at the Well • http://www.thewomenatthewell.com/
HEAVEN by Randy Alcorn (All material we use at FBCLC is subservient to the Word of God)
PART I – A THEOLOGY OF HEAVEN (Section One – Realizing Your Destiny) 1. Are You Looking Forward to Heaven? 2. Is Heaven Beyond Our Imagination? 3. Is Heaven Our Default Destination…or Is Hell? 4. Can You Know You’re Going to Heaven? Section Two – Understanding the Intermediate Heaven 5. What is the Nature of the Intermediate Heaven? 6. Is the Intermediate Heaven a Physical Place? 7. What is Life Like in the Intermediate Heaven?
III. The Warning of Jesus to Judas - John 12:7-8 IV. The War against the followers of Jesus - 12:9-11 1. Jesus would reveal the betrayal - John 13:21-30 2. Jesus would predict the denial - John 13:36-38 3. Jesus would prepare for hatred - John 15:18-25; John 16:1-4, 12, 32-33 4. Jesus would teach before His triumphal entry - Matthew 21:33-46
HEAVEN by Randy Alcorn (All material we use at FBCLC is subservient to the Word of God)
PART I – A THEOLOGY OF HEAVEN (Section One – Realizing Your Destiny) 1. Are You Looking Forward to Heaven? 2. Is Heaven Beyond Our Imagination? 3. Is Heaven Our Default Destination…or Is Hell? 4. Can You Know You’re Going to Heaven? Section Two – Understanding the Intermediate Heaven 5. What is the Nature of the Intermediate Heaven? 6. Is the Intermediate Heaven a Physical Place? 7. What is Life Like in the Intermediate Heaven?
I. The Preparation of Jesus’ Death 1. The Worship of Mary – 12:1-3 2. The Waste according to Judas – 12:4-6 3. The Warning of Jesus – 12:7-8 II. The Confession before Communion – Lord’s Supper 1. The Confession of Salvation – Romans 10:9-10; I John 2:23; I John 4:5 2. The Confession of the Son – Matthew 10:32-33; Luke 12:8-9; Revelation 3:5 3. The Confession of Sin – Psalm 32:1-5; Psalm 38:18; Prov. 28:13; James 5:16 a. I John 1:5-10 b. I Corinthians 11:26-32 (Prayer then Partake in the Cup and the Bread) 4. The Confession by ALL one day – Philippians 2:8-11
HEAVEN: Our Future Home, Sermon 2 “The Best is Yet to Come” / Revelation 21 & 22 / Sep. 8th and 15th, 2021
There is an old saying that says, “Some people are so heavenly-minded that they are no earthly good.” That’s not what the Bible says. Colossians 3:1-3 & Hebrews 11:13-16
I. The New Heaven & New Earth – Revelation 21 & 22 c. The Interior Beauty – 21:21b-22:2 d. The Privileges of the Prepared – 22:3-5
- The Action Described in Heaven – 22:6-12 a. Immediate Obedience – 22:7 b. Immediate Worship – 22:8-9 c. Immediate Communication – 22:10-11 d. Immediate Motivation – 22:12-15 e. Immediate Invitation – 22:16-21 (Last Days; Last Judgment; Last Invitation)
V. The Devastation of Death Part I (Martha) – 11:17-23 (See Lk 10:38-42) VI. The Divine Declarations – 11:24-27 VII. The Devastation of Death Part II (Mary) – 11:28-36 VIII. The Dialogue of Delay – 11:37 IX. The Divine Display – 11:38-44 X. The Division of Response – 11:45-57
I. The New Heaven & New Earth – Revelation 21 & 22 1. The Appearance & Capital of Heaven – 21:1-2 2. The Adoration of Heaven – 21:3-6a 3. The Audience in Heaven (Place of the Prepared) – 21:6b-7 4. The Absence in Heaven (Problem of the Unprepared) – 21:8
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The Aura of the Capital of Heaven – 21:9-22:5 a. The Same Angel (from the plagues to Paradise) – 21:9 b. The Exterior Beauty – 21:10-21a c. The Interior Beauty – 21:21b-22:2 d. The Privileges of the Prepared – 22:3-5
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The Action Described in Heaven – 22:6-12 a. Immediate Obedience – 22:7 b. Immediate Worship – 22:8-9 c. Immediate Communication – 22:10-11 d. Immediate Motivation – 22:12-15 e. Immediate Invitation – 22:16-21
I. The Dilemma of Sickness – 11:1-3 II. The Delight of Glory – 11:4 III. The Delay of Purpose – 11:5-15 IV. The Disciple of Doubt – 11:16
Exalting - More than a Man - One with the Father; Mt. 1:18-23, “Immanuel”; John 1:1-3; Col. 1:25-20; Heb. 1:1-14; Rev. 1:12-19 Evangelizing - Gospel of faith of believing of receiving of abiding of following - 20:30-31 Exposing - false teachers & false faith
John 10 concludes the public ministry of Jesus. Feast of Dedication / of Lights / Hanukkah - It was a Historical Feast not a Biblically mandated Feast - Maccabean Uprising against Epimenes
John 10 speaks of the unity between the Father and Son - something that gets expanded in John 17
“If you are the Messiah” - Fourth time - Why again and again and again? To incite - to arrest - to eliminate Jesus once and for all. The Pharisees believed they had the power to decide if Jesus was the Messiah or not - but the truth is Jesus had the power to remove and replace them - A STONE THAT WAS REJECTED HAS BECOME THE CORNERSTONE
Psalm 82
I. Jesus is the great I AM - Exodus 3:10-14 I AM the bread of life - John 6:35, 41, 48, 51 I AM the light of the world - John 8:12; 9:5; (Genesis 1:3) I AM the door - John 10:7, 9 I AM the Good Shepherd - John 10:11, 14; (Psalm 23:1) I AM the resurrection and the life - John 11:25-26 I AM the way, the truth, and the life - John 14:6 I AM the true vine - John 15:1, 5 *John 8:58 & John 18:4-11
II. The Intimacy between the Shepherd and His sheep - Jesus is the DOOR - 10:1-10 Jesus is the GOOD SHEPHERD - 10:11-21
I. Spiritual Sight requires Divine Intervention – 9:35 (thus the Incarnation) 1. Luke 19:10 2. John 5:14 3. John 15:16 4. Romans 3: II. Spiritual Sight requires Faith – 9:36-37 III. Spiritual Sight requires the Submission to Jesus Christ – 9:38a IV. Spiritual Sight requires the Worship of Jesus Christ – 9:38b V. Spiritual Blindness – 9:39-41 1. Receives judgment – 2. Refuses to admit blindness - 3. Rejects sight when its offered -
- The Man Born Blind - 9:1-3
- The Light of the World - 9:4-7
- The Hostility in Jerusalem - 9:8-17
- The Pressure not Praise- 9:18-24
- The Testimony/Teaching of the former Blind man - 9:25-38
- The Indictment of Jesus - 9:39-41
(Jesus didn’t condone; Jesus didn’t condemn; Jesus did call for a change – after they met) Who God Saves (Isa. 59:1-2) & Who God Uses (All that He saves) I. Those Saved have more in Common than we have Differences – John 8:12 1. “I am the light of the world” – More than a Man statement I AM – “The bread of life” John 6; “The door of the sheep” John 10; “The resurrection and the life” John 11; “The good shepherd” John 10; “The way, the truth, and the life” John 14; “The true vine” John 15
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“Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” a. JA speaking of JB - John 1:6-8 b. Jesus at the SOM – Matthew 5:14-16 c. Paul to King Agrippa/Bernice and Gov. Festus – Acts 26:12-18 d. Paul to Church at Colossae – Colossians 1:13-14 e. Paul to Church at Ephesus – Ephesians 5:1-14 f. JA in his epistle – I John 1:5-2:1
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The Gospel is the medicine but we are the syringe -
I. Jesus brings CLARITY (where there is confusion) II. Jesus takes CONTROL (when the world seeks to usurp Him) III. Jesus CRIES OUT (so that His voice rises above all others)
Independence Day then Dependence Day - (Free from sin to follow the Savior) (Disclosure/Division/Dependence) John 7:1-24 I. Jesus back in Galilee - 7:1 1. The Feast of Tabernacles - v. 2 2. The 1/2 Brothers of Jesus - vv. 3-9 3. Jesus goes Privately - vv. 10–13 4. Jesus goes Public - vv. 14-24
- All that Father gives me I will lose none and will raise them up - “believe”- John 6:37-40
- Some leave the fellowship - John 6 “disciples” & Judas; II Peter; I John 2:18-19
- Some are removed from fellowship - Matthew 18:15-17; I Corinthians 5:9-13; I Thessalonians 5:14; II Thessalonians 3:6-15
- Some are restored to fellowship - II Corinthians 2; Luke 15 (Problems w/ Prodigals) a. You can’t live any way you want if you call yourself a Christian - there are benefits and consequences b. You can always be restored to fellowship when you repent and return c. The BIG 3: Abraham - Moses - David
- Some hold fast to the end - Matthew 25 “Well done good & faithful servant”; II Timothy 4:6-8; Hebrews 10; There’s simply no such thing as a TEMPORARY FOLLOWER of Jesus - Mark 4 a. I never knew you - Matthew 7 b. I lose none - John 6 c. No one can snatch you - John 10 d. Nothing can separate - Romans 8
I. The Call of Faith (All in) - vv. 22-59 1. The Attitude Issue - vv. 60-61 (see vv. 41, 52) 2. The Attitude Adjustment - vv . 62-63 3. The Actual Problem (Faith)- vv. 64-65 4. The Present Action of Defection - vv. 66-67 a. False disciples move on - John 8:28-32; Mark 4:13-20 (John 15:8) b. False disciples return - II Peter 2:21-22 c. False disciples go back - I John 2:18-19 d. Repentant disciples are restored - I Cor 5 & II Cor 2:5-11; Luke 15 (Pray for Prodigals) 5. The Ongoing Action of a True Disciple - vv. 68-69 6. The Future Act of Betrayal - vv. 70-71
Living Like We're Leaving, Part Three A Study of I Peter Spiritual War with our Savior - I Peter 5:1-14
Living Like We're Leaving, Part Three (Survival Kit for 2020 & beyond) / The Book of I PETER The Word of God * The Son of God * The Plan of God
Living Like We're Leaving, Part Two (Survival Kit for 2020 & beyond) / The Book of I PETER The Word of God * The Son of God * The Plan of God
Servanthood 101, Part Three The Calling, Character & Convictions of a Deacon I Timothy 3:8-16
Route 66 - One Story with One Hero – From Genesis to Revelation The Gospel According to the Old Testament
Vital Signs, Part Ten The Heartbeat of a Healthy Church is a High View of Scripture II Timothy 4:1-8
Vital Signs of a Healthy Church A Healthy Church has a High View of Scripture The Right & Wrong Reasons to Read the Bible John 5:37-47
A Lot Can Happen in 50 Days! (From Passover to Pentecost) , Part Five The Growth of the Church/Day 50 Acts 2:42-47
A Lot Can Happen in 50 Days! (From Passover to Pentecost), Part Four The Birth & Life of the Church / DAY 50 Acts 2:1-41
A Lot Can Happen in 50 Days! (From Passover to Pentecost-Part Three) The Death of the Redeemer/Day 40 Acts 1:1-26
A Lot Can Happen in 50 Days! (From Passover to Pentecost-Part Two) The Death of the Redeemer/Day 3 Matthew 28:1-20
A Lot Can Happen in 50 Days! (From Passover to Pentecost), Part One Day One John 19:1-42