The Webster Bible Church Podcast

Transformative Truth: God blesses those who read, hear, and heed the revelation of Jesus Christ. The Book Revelation 1:1-2 God (the Father) Jesus Christ (the Son) His angel His servant John Four Views of Revelation Preterist (past view) Futurist (pre-view) Historicist (panoramic view) Idealist (parallel view) The Blessing Revelation 1:3 God blesses those who read, hear, and heed the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Transformative Truth: True Righteousness brings persecution; persecution for Jesus' sake brings eternal reward. First, to stay faithful, you must arm yourself with the expectation of a righteous life. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalm 23:3 Second, to stay faithful, you must arm yourself with the expectation of persecution. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:20-21 We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous.  Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. To stay faithful, you must arm yourself with the expectation of eternal rewards. And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you. Jeremiah 1:18-19 Why has my pain been perpetual And my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Wilt Thou indeed be to me like a deceptive stream With water that is unreliable? Jeremiah 15:18 NASB My soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is; so I say, "My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the Lord." Lamentations. 3:17-18 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." Lamentations 3:21-24 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 2 Corinthians 2:15-16

Transformative Truth: Believers prove their relation to God by making peace with others. 1. God is the consummate Peacemaker. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him [Christ], and through him to reconcile to himself all things ...by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20 NIV Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. Romans 5:1-2 NIV 2. God wants us to be conscientious peacemakers. As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 NIV The Four G's of Peacemaking a. Glorify God. b. Get the log out of your eye. c. Gently restore. d. Go and Be Reconciled. Glorify God: How can I please and honor God in this situation? Get the log out of your own eye: How can I show Jesus' work in me by taking responsibility for my contribution to this conflict? The Seven A's of Confession Address everyone involved. Avoid If, But, and Maybe. Admit specifically. Acknowledge the hurt. Accept the consequences. Alter your behavior. Ask for forgiveness (and allow time). Gently restore: How can I lovingly serve others by helping them take responsibility for their contribution to this conflict? The three qualifications of a good surgeon are requisite in a reprover: He should have an eagle's eye, a lion's heart, and a lady's hand: in short, he should be endued with wisdom, courage, and meekness [gentleness]. Go and be reconciled: How can I demonstrate the forgiveness of God and encourage a reasonable solution to this conflict? "I will not dwell on this incident." "I will not bring up this incident again and use it against you." "I will not talk to others about this incident." "I will not let this incident stand between us or hinder our personal relationship." Believers prove their relation to God by making peace with others.

Transformative Truth: God blesses those who show mercy to others from the heart. “Blessed are the merciful. . .” Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the pure in heart. . .” Matthew 5:8 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as he is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 1 John 3:2-3

Transformative Truth: God satisfies those who earnestly seek his salvation. None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. Romans 3:10 God satisfies those who earnestly seek his salvation. My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way. Isaiah 51:5 God makes repentant sinners the royal subjects of his eternal kingdom. The Prerequisites for Righteousness The Pursuit of Righteousness O how blessed are those who long for total righteousness - like starving people long for food and those dying of thirst long for water - for they will be truly satisfied!  "I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith."  - Paul the Apostle (Philippians 3:9-10 NLT) The Promise of Righteousness Peace (Romans 5:1) Pardon (Romans 8:1) Power (1 Peter 2:24; Ephesians 3:20) Perfection (1 John 3:1-2) God satisfies those who earnestly seek his salvation.

Transformative Truth: Biblical Meekness is essential for anyone who will enter into the New Earth to come.(1) The “If this” Part: “Blessed are the meek” (a) Meekness in the eyes of the world. (b) Meekness according to God:  (i) not weakness of character,  (ii) but strength of character.  (iii) It is the attitude of one who:   1.  Realizing his own spiritual poverty, acknowledges he deserves nothing         from the hand of God or his fellow man.   2.  Does not become resentful toward God when bad things happen or         when others treat him badly, knowing that God is using it to purify him.   3.  Believes God will work all things for this good, so he leaves his case with         God-relying on God rather than his own strength to defend against injustice. (c) Moses’ reaction in Numbers 12 shows self-control as a key      element of Biblical meekness. (d) The Biblically meek must be able to exhibit ________________.(2) The “Then That” Part: “They shall inherit the earth” (a) The Present View - The meek already inherit the earth in this life (1 Cor. 3:21) (b) The Future View - The __________ _______________ to come.(3) Conclusion: Biblical Meekness is necessary because: (a) It is a necessary character trait of those who are saved; (b) It is commanded by the Lord; (c) It is essential for our being effective witnesses; (d) Without meekness within us, we cannot give glory to God.

Transformative Truth: We can be blessed even in our mourning, as we consider our position in the Kingdom now, and the comfort to come. 1 - Blessed are those who mourn - Now. Christians mourn in ways theworld cannot know. 2 - Blessed are those who mourn - For we SHALL be comforted.    a. A FUTURE (and certain) Comfort / They SHALL be comforted.    b. A COMPREHENSIVE Comfort / They shall BE comforted.    c. A PERSONAL comfort for our particular mourning / THEY shall       be COMFORTED.

Transformative Truth: To enter God's kingdom you must be poor in spirit. Two realities about God's people: 1) Their posture 2) Their position   Introduction & Context The Setting The Purpose of the Sermon on the Mount What is a Beatitude?   Matthew 5:1-3  Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.   Two realities about God's people: Their posture - who are the poor in spirit? Their position in the Kingdom - When, What, Where, How

Transformative Truth: The Lord’s empowering presence enables us to finish life well. 1. The presence of the Lord 2 Timothy 4:16-17a 2. The power of the Lord 2 Timothy 4:17b-18a I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. Acts 20:24 3. All praise to the Lord 2 Timothy 4:18b Final Greetings 2 Timothy 4:19-22 1. Christian ministry is relationally hard. 2. Friends in ministry will abandon us. 3. Not all letdowns will last. 4. Christ-exalting friendships further our joy in Jesus. 5. Only Jesus is our perfect friend.

Transformative Truth: Specific persons have a profound impact on a Christian’s life. 1. Timothy, the Faithful Son 2 Timothy 4:9 2. Demas, the Unfaithful Deserter 2 Timothy 4:10 3. Crescens, the Faithful Unknown  2 Timothy 4:10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. Hebrews 6:10 4. Titus, the Faithful Comforter 2 Timothy 4:10 5. Tychicus, the Faithful Messenger  2 Timothy 4:12 6. Luke, the Faithful Companion 2 Timothy 4:11 7. Mark, the Unfaithful Restored 2 Timothy 4:11 8. Carpus, the Faithful Host 2 Timothy 4:13 9. Alexander, the Faithless Opponent 2 Timothy 4:14-15 Specific persons have a profound impact on a Christian's life. 1. Our interpersonal connectedness 2. Our individual contributions 3. The indispensable characteristic 4. The inevitable consequences

Transformative Truth: Live each day with death and eternity in view.The Present: View of Death 2 Timothy 4:6 The Past: Victory in Life 2 Timothy 4:7 The good fight I have fought. The race I have finished. The faith I have kept. I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. Acts 20:24 The Future: Vindication by God 2 Timothy 4:8 "I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith." - Paul the Apostle (Philippians 3:9 NLT) All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24 He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 Two men looked through the bars. One saw the mud, the other, the stars.

Transformative Truth: Men of God stick with the Scriptures no matter what. A Solemn Directive 2 Timothy 4:1-2 He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. Daniel 7:14 A Spiritual Dilemma  2 Timothy 4:3-4 A Steadfast Determination  2 Timothy 4:5

Transformative Truth: Embrace God’s truth, and you’ll be super-equipped for life. The Pattern of a Godly Life2 Timothy 3:10-11 I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.- Paul the Apostle (Acts 20:24) The Price of a Godly Life2 Timothy 3:12-13 The Perseverance of a Godly Life2 Timothy 3:14-15 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.2 Timothy 1:5 The Provisions for a Godly Life2 Timothy 3:16-17

Transformative Truth: Avoid church people who are consumed with love of self. The Prediction (v. 1)           The Problem (vv. 2-5a)                     The Prescription (v. 5b)           The Perpetrators (vv. 6-8) The Prediction (v. 9)

Transformative Truth: God uses clean instruments who run from sin toward godliness. The Picture 2 Timothy 2:20 The Promise 2 Timothy 2:21 He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5 God uses clean instruments who run from sin toward godliness. The Practicalities 2 Timothy 2:22-26 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. James 1:19-21

Transformative Truth: For the church to be healthy, we must handle God’s Word rightly. The Duties of Faithful Teachers 2 Timothy 2:14-16a 3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth.... 1 Timothy 6:3-5 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called "knowledge," for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. 1 Timothy 6:20-21a The Dangers of False Teaching 2 Timothy 2:16b-19 1. It leads to ungodliness. 2. It spreads like gangrene.  3. It upsets the faith of some. For the church to be healthy, we must handle God's Word rightly.

Transforming Truth: Dauntless disciples keep JESUS at the forefront of their minds. 1. God's supreme power keeps the gospel advancing 2 Timothy 2:9 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my situation has actually turned out to advance the gospel: The whole imperial guard and everyone else knows that I am in prison for the sake of Christ, and most of the brothers and sisters, having confidence in the Lord because of my imprisonment, now more than ever dare to speak the word fearlessly. - Paul the Apostle (Philippians 1:12-14)2. God's sovereign election keeps his messengers persevering 2 Timothy 2:10 [God the Father] chose us in [Christ] before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless before him. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:4-53. God's steadfast character keeps his word unchanging.  If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful-- "Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven. " - Jesus Christ Matthew 10:32-33

Transforming Truth: By God’s grace, keep the chain of gospel teaching strong.1. Power up by grace   2 Timothy 2:1 “There is no limit to the supply of grace which God has placed at his people’s disposal in Christ.”   F.F. Bruce Power up: “to begin to make good use of or take full advantage of.”2. Pass on the gospel   2 Timothy 2:2 Through personal relationship, prayer, teaching, modeling, and practical instruction, we want to see people grow in: conviction character competency By God’s grace, keep the chain of gospel teaching strong.3. Persevere toward the goal   2 Timothy 2:3-7 a. the dedicated soldier b. the disciplined athlete Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.   1 Corinthians 9:25-27 c. the diligent farmer By God’s grace, keep the chain of gospel teaching strong.

Speaker: Jamie Fischer, LeTourneau Director   I.   Abraham’s Journey of Faith in GodII.  God Tests Abraham and Requires the Unthinkable, 22:1-2III. Abraham Trusts and Obeys God, 22:3-10IV.  God Provides the Burnt Offering He Required, 22:11-14V.   God Rewards Abraham’s Obedience, 22:15-19VI.  A Final Burnt Offering Foreshadowed

Transforming Truth: Loyal Christian friends are rare, remembered, and will be rewarded. 1. Loyal Christian friends are rare. "Adversity separates the chaff of surface friendship from the substance of real friendship." 2. Loyal Christian friends are remembered. He often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me -  ... and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus. Here is love, vast as the ocean, lovingkindness as the flood: when the Prince of Life, our Ransom, shed for us His precious blood. Who His love will not remember? Who can cease to sing His praise? He can never be forgotten throughout heaven's eternal days. 3. Loyal Christian friends will be rewarded.  Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Hebrews 12:2 NLT

Transforming Truth: God’s sovereign, saving grace makes the gospel worth suffering for. Exhortations 2 Timothy 1:8, 13-14 Paul: "Don't be ashamed!"Timothy: "I won't be!" Paul: "I know you won't!" God's sovereign, saving grace makes the gospel worth suffering for. Explanation 2 Timothy 1:9-10 "Life" = regeneration (new life) "Immortality" = resurrection (never-ending life) God's sovereign, saving grace makes the gospel worth suffering for. Experience 2 Timothy 1:11-12 God's sovereign, saving grace makes the gospel worth suffering for.

Transforming Truth: Fortify one another’s faith through godly remembrances and reminders. Paul’s Greeting(vv. 1-2) “Greetings!” “Grace!” (charein) (charis) “There is no limit to the supply of grace which God has placed at his people’s disposal in Christ.”-F. F. Bruce The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end;They are new every morning; Great is your faithfulness.- Lamentations 3:22-23 Paul’s Gratitude(vv. 3-5) Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I too may be encouraged by news about you. For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests; all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with a father.- Philippians 2:19-22 Paul’s Guidance(vv. 6-7) Fortify one another’s faith through godly remembrances and reminders.

Transformative Truth:  It is God in His Word we must believe to have true faith not thoughts, impressions or even others.1.  Who it was that was believed. 2.  What it was that was believed. 3.  How what Jesus said was responded to.We must believe what He has said, and not what He hasn't.  We need to verify such things in His Word or it is not actually faith.We must respond to what He has said appropriately.

Transformative Truth: Baptism portrays death to sin and new life in Christ. "Run, John, run!" the Law commands But gives neither feet nor hands. Better news the gospel brings: It bids me fly and gives me wings! Baptism portrays death to sin and new life in Christ. 1. What happened to us? 2. Why is this significant? For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.Titus 2:11-14 3. What do we do now? 11 So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. 12 Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. 13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an nstrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Romans 6:11-13 NLT

Transformative Truth: Jesus suffered in silence to save us.  Jesus suffered in silence to save us.  1. The Silence of the Lamb 2. The Substitution of the Lamb 3. The Suffering of the Lamb a. He was scourged. Mark 15:15 b. He was scorned. Mark 15:16-20 Jesus suffered in silence to save us. I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.John 5:24 If you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:20-21

Transforming Truth: To be truly rich, trust in God and guard the gospel. A Word to the Wealthy  1 Timothy 6:17-19 Hope:  firm expectancy in God that characterizes Christian faith. Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Romans 5:1 NLT "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:19-21) To be truly rich, trust in God and guard the gospel. A Plea to the Pastor 1 Timothy 20-21 A Benediction for All Believers 1 Timothy 6:21b Do Good, acronym... Develop a Great Commission mindset. Own your responsibility.Give generously, consistently, and cheerfully. Operate through the local church. Open your eyes to the opportunities around you (John 4:35) Depend on God's grace (John 15:5)

Transformative Truth:See Jesus clearly so you can help others see and know Him.   1. Help people see Jesus more clearly through His ACTIONS. Mark 8:1-10 2. Help people see Jesus more clearly through His WORDS. Mark 8:13-15 3. Help people see Jesus more clearly through His MISSION. Mark 8:27-31 Conclusion - Key Takeaways: 1. Recognize our need 2. Present Jesus to those around us 3. Worship Jesus

Transformative Truth: A man of God exemplifies active allegiance to his King. A man of God exemplifies active allegiance to his King. What he flees from 1 Timothy 6:11a What he follows after 1 Timothy 6:11b "God has not called us to be like those around us. He has called us to be like Himself. Holiness is nothing less than conformity to the character of God." - Jerry Bridges The Pursuit of Holiness What he fights for 1 Timothy 6:12 A man of God exemplifies active allegiance to his King. What he is faithful to 1 Timothy 6:13-16 Then Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world - to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." John 18:37 No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father's side - he has revealed him. John 1:18 A man of God exemplifies active allegiance to his King.

Transforming Truth:Forsake toxic cravings and find true contentment in Christ. Toxic Cravings 1 Timothy 6:3-5, 9-10 "And in their greed they will exploit you with false words." - 1 Peter 2:3 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. - 2 Timothy 4:2-3 NLT True Contentment 1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! ... We all come to the end of our lives as naked and empty-handed as on the day we were born. We can't take our riches with us. Ecclesiastes 5:10,15 NLT And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:27-28 NLT Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5 "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." - Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:24)

Transformative Truth:God is a Father who eagerly welcomes His wayward children home. Act 1 - The Selfish Son (vv 11- 20a) Act 2 - The Forgiving Father (vv 20b - 24) Act 3 - The Begrudging Brother (vv 25 - 32) Lessons from the Older Brother Lessons from the Father Lessons from the Younger Son

Transformative Truth:Glorify God by being the best employee you can. The Conscientious Christian Employee1 Timothy 6:1-2 Glorify God by being the best employee you can. The Precept(v. 1a) “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”- Jesus Christ(Matt. 11:28-30) Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.- Ephesians 6:5-8 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.- Colossians 3:22-25 The Purpose(v. 1b) Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. - Titus 2:9-10 The Prohibition(v. 2a) The Perspective(v. 2b) 1. Be compliant. 2. Be courteous. 3. Be credible. 4. Be committed.  5. Be Christ-like.

Transformative Truth:Be good to your elders while remaining godly yourself. 1. Reward them generously (vv. 17-18) 2. Discipline them properly (vv. 19-21) 3. Appoint them carefully (vv. 22-25) 1. Reward them generously (vv. 17-18) Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.- Hebrews 13:17 2. Discipline them properly (vv. 19-21) a. Protect elders from unsubstantiated accusations 3. Appoint them carefully (vv. 22-25) Be good to your elders while remaining godly yourself.

Transformative Truth:Churches flourish when their members treat one another like family. 1. Love one another like family (vv. 1-2). 2. Look after those who have no family (vv. 3-16).  a. widows needing support (vv. 3-8) God in his holy dwelling is a father of the fatherless and a champion of widows.- Psalm 68:5 b. widows offering service (vv. 9-16) 1. The principle of discrimination 2. The principle of dignity Churches flourish when their members treat one another like family.

Transformative Truth:Go all out for God, and you’ll be forever glad you did. 1. Make God’s word your manual for life. 1 Timothy 4:11 2. Set an example for believers to follow. 1 Timothy 4:12 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.- Paul the Apostle (1 Corinthians 16:10-11) Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.Colossians 3:12-14 3. Stay the course, showing others the way. 1 Timothy 4:13-15 They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense so that the people understood the reading.Nehemiah 8:8 4. Remain vigilant, in view of the glorious outcome. 1 Timothy 4:16

Transforming Truth:Train yourself for godliness, which brings both temporal and eternal benefits. Train yourself for godliness because it benefits you both today and forever. The Measure of Godliness 1 Timothy 4:6 The Mandate for Godliness 1 Timothy 4:7 The Motivation for Godliness 1 Timothy 4:8-10 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 1 Corinthians 9:25 Train yourself for godliness because it benefits you both today and forever.

Transformative Truth:False teachers forbid good things God created for our enjoyment. Bad Doctrine 1 Timothy 4:1-3a Many will turn away from the faith ... and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Matthew 24:10-11 These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:25-26 I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone into the world. 1 John 4:1 Benevolent God 1 Timothy 4:3b-5 False teachers forbid good things God created for our enjoyment.

Let's Bear More in '24     1. Freedom in Christ (vv 13-15)   2. Works vs. Fruit (vv. 19-22a)   3. Fruit of the Spirit (vv. 22-23)   a. Grouping 1 i. Love ii. Joy iii. Peace   b. Grouping 2 i. Patience ii. Kindness iii. Goodness   c. Grouping 3 i. Faithfulness ii. Gentleness iii. Self-control   4. Application

Pray that God's people would walk worthy of the Lord. The Reason The Request The Result 1. It is a pleasing walk. 2. It is a productive walk. 3. It is a progressive walk. 4. It is a powerful walk. 5. It is a praise-filled walk. Always thanking the Father. He has enabled [us] to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:12-14 NLT

Providence (vv. 22-27) Praise (vv. 28-33) Prophecy (vv. 34-36)

Transformative Truth:True godliness springs from a heartfelt confession of Jesus’ supremacy. He was manifested in the flesh. He was vindicated by the Spirit. He was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit.He is Jesus Christ our Lord.Romans 1:4 He was seen by angels. He was proclaimed among the nations. He was believed on in the world. He was taken up in glory. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

Transformative Truth:God is in the house and wants his truth upheld! The Significance of the Church1 Timothy 3:14-15 The Supremacy of Jesus Christ1 Timothy 3:16 Because God's children are human beings-made of flesh and blood-the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.Hebrews 2:14

Transformative Truth:Deacons must exemplify the character expected of all Christians. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God's words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:11 The Requirements1 Timothy 3:8-12 All glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time, but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith.Romans 16:25-26 We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God's grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you. - Paul the Apostle2 Corinthians 1:12 The Reward1 Timothy 3:13

Transformative Truth:Overseeing the church is excellent work, which requires men of excellent character.   1. Overseeing the church is an excellent work. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.Acts 20:28 You know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.1 Peter 1:18-19 Overseeing the church is excellent work, which requires men of excellent character. 2. Overseers must be men of excellent character. Above reproach The husband of one wife Sober-minded, Self-controlled, Respectable Hospitable Able to teach He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instructions in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.Titus 1:9 Not a drunkard Not violent Gentle Not quarrelsome Not a lover of money Must manage his own household well ... Not a recent convert Be well thought of by outsiders

Transformative Truth: Worship God joyfully, for we have many reasons to rejoice! Worship God joyfully, for we have many reasons to rejoice! 1. Shout to the Lord! Psalm 100:1a This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God's wonderful grace. Colossians 1:6 2. Serve the Lord! Psalm 100:2a 3. Sing to the Lord! Psalm 100:2b 4. Know the Lord! Psalm 100:3 We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God: an infinite, intelligent Spirit, the Creator and Ruler of heaven and earth. He is inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all honor, confidence, and love. He eternally exists in three persons, who are equal in every divine perfection, and who execute distinct but harmonious roles in the work of creation, providence and redemption. You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my other's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it. Psalm 139:13-14 5. Praise the Lord! Psalm 100:4a 6. Thank the Lord! Psalm 100:4b 7. Bless the Lord! Psalm 100:4c-5

Transformative Truth:How men and women behave in church impacts global evangelism.   Men and Prayer 1 Timothy 2:8 Women and Propriety 1 Timothy 2:9-15 Concluding Counsel (A - B - C) Align yourself with Scripture, not culture. Beware of compromise and excessive cushion. Celebrate the complementary contributions of both sexes to the body of Christ.

Transformative Truths:  Prayer requires no special skill, secret method, specific place, posture, language, or time.  The key to prayer is a heart and mind trained to bring everything in thought and life before the throne of God.  No one on their deathbed ever complained of having prayed too much.  Let prayer always be your first resort.  Sermon Outline: 1 - The Priority of prayer 2 - The Power of prayer 3 - The Pleasure of prayer 4 - The grand Purpose of prayer 5 - The Person of prayer 6 - The Empowerment of prayer

Transformative Truth:The truth of the gospel is worth fighting for. Exhortation 1 Timothy 1:18-19a A "good conscience" is a state in which one's moral self-evaluation accurately registers that one has been obedient to God. "A bad conscience is the mother of all heresies."  Excommunication 1 Timothy 1:19b-20 The truth of the gospel is worth fighting for. "The time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing." - Paul the Apostle 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Transformative Truth:As we guard the gospel, let us celebrate the gospel. Gratitude 1 Timothy 1:12 1 Tim. 1: 12: "because he judged me faithful" 1 Cor. 7:25: "one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy"  Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 Corinthians 4:1 Grace 1 Timothy 1:13-14 "I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities." - Paul the Apostle Acts 26:9-11 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. Titus 3:4-5 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved.... Ephesians 2:4-5 Gospel 1 Timothy 1:15 Glory 1 Timothy 1:17

Transformative Truth:The law restrains sinners, but only the Lord redeems them. 8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet," and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.Romans 13:8-10 "Paul reserves the word 'fulfill' for Christian experience; only Christians, as a result of the work of Christ and through the Spirit, can 'fulfill' the law." - Douglas J. Moo  "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." - Jesus ChristJohn 13:34 "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." - Hebrews 13:4 NIV The Primacy of the Gospel1 Timothy 1:11 The law restrains sinners, but only the Lord redeems them. "But I consider my life of no value to myself; my purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God's grace." - Paul the Apostle Acts 20:24

Transformative Truth:Oppose whatever draws people away from gospel truth. The Commission1 Timothy 1:3-4 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard!Acts 20:29-31 NIV I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don't belong to him and he isn't their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. The hired hand runs away because he's working only for the money and doesn't really care about the sheep.John 10:11-13 NLT Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have received that you have heard from me.2 Timothy 1:13 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.Titus 2:1 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.1 Timothy 3:14-15 The Contrast1 Timothy 1:3-5 "Love is the overflow of joy in God which gladly meets the needs of others."- John Piper It was not so much that they set out to be heretical. They simply wanted to "go deeper" into the Scriptures. They wanted to go beyond the "simple" exegesis of Paul, and by giving the people and events allegorical meaning, simple stories would reveal fantastic truths. They did not set out to abandon the gospel ... but in fact their progressive accretions smothered the gospel.-Hughes and Chapell

Transformative Truth: A healthy church thrives on the blessings of salvation.   1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope.2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.1 Timothy 1:1-2 1 Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek. 2 The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. 3 Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they traveled from town to town, ... the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.Acts 16:1-4a, 5 28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. 32 "Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.Acts 20:28-32 Grace "Greetings!"  "Grace!" (charein)    (charis)  Mercy The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;His mercies never come to an end;They are new every morning;Great is your faithfulness.Lamentations 3:22-23 Peace

Transformative Truth:Rescuing lost people requires our compassionate, prayerful participation in God’s mission.   1. DIVINE PERSPECTIVE Matthew 9:37 2. DILIGENT PRAYER Matthew 9:38 3. DIVERSE PERSONNEL Matthew 10:1-4

Transformative Truth: God’s Word is meant to transform us, not just inform us.   3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 into an inheritance that is undying, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. 5 Through faith you are being protected by God's power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed at the end of time. 1 Peter 1:3-5 Like newborn babies, crave the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow up into salvation - if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.1 Peter 2:2-3 God's Word is meant to transform us, not just inform us. 1. Take out the trash!  James 1:21a Put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.1 Peter 2:1 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language out of your mouth.Colossians 3:8 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me, and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting!Psalm 139:23-24 2. Take in the truth!  James 1:21b 3. Take on the traits!  James 1:22-27 God's Word is meant to transform us, not just inform us.

Transformative Truth: The righteous King’s rule brings both blessing and judgment..   The Public Address2 Samuel 23:1-7 When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God, he dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth. Ruler over mankind - righteous! Ruler - fear of God! God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David's family line, and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.Romans 1:3-4 The righteous King's rule brings both blessing and judgment. The Private Charge1 Kings 2:1-9 When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom.2 Samuel 7:12 When I was a son with my father, tender and precious to my mother, he taught me and said, "Your heart must hold on to my words. Keep my commands and live." Proverbs 4:3-4 The righteous King's rule brings both blessing and judgment. The Promised Kingdom1 Kings 2:10-12

Transformative Truth:Rebel-sinners stand in need of mercy from the rightful King. Self-Advancement 1 Kings 1:1-10 Sovereign Appointment 1 Kings 1:11-40 On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, and the LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name. Zechariah 14:8, 9 Settled Arrangement 1 Kings 1:41-53 The Lord is God and has given us light. Bind the festival sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. Psalm 118:27 Rebel-sinners stand in need of mercy from the rightful King. For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow- in heaven and on earth and under the earth- and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

The Sinful Act 2 Samuel 24:1-9 The Sincere Confession 2 Samuel 24:10 Sin is costly, but because of God's mercy we can be forgiven and enjoy fellowship with him. The Severe Consequences 2 Samuel 24:11-17 The Sacrificial Offerings 2 Samuel 24:18-25 Propitiation: a sacrifice that bears God's wrath to the end and in so doing changes God's wrath toward us into favor. Sin is costly, but because of God's mercy we can be forgiven and enjoy fellowship with him.

Transformative Truth: "The strength of God's kingdom rests in the Lord, not in us" 1. Great Human Accomplishments (vv.8-12) 2. Great Human Devotion (vv. 13-17) 3. More Great Human Accomplishments (vv. 18-23) 4. The Problem with Human Heroes (vv. 24-39)

Transformative Truth: "The One worthy of all praise is Yahweh, the great deliverer." 1. The Deliverance of the Lord 2. The Righteousness of the Servant? 3. The Splendor of the Lord 4. The Victory of the King 5. The Reign of the Messiah

Transformative Truth: "Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins." - Hebrews 9:22 1. The Beauty of Clarity (vv. 1-2) 2. The Brutality of Atonement (vv. 3-9) 3. The Blessing of Covenant (v. 7) 4. The Pathos of Love (vv. 10-14) 5. The Blissfulness of Security (vv. 15-22)

Human sin reduces instability, but God's kingdom never collapses.   The Rebellion of Sheba (vv. 1-2) The Ruination of Victims (v. 3) The Ruthlessness of Joab (vv. 4-13) The Reaction of the People (vv. 14-22) The Recovery of David’s Kingdom (vv. 23-26)

No king but Christ is perfectly victorious. Confrontation 2 Samuel 19:1-8a Conflict 2 Samuel 19:8b-15, 41-43 Concessions 2 Samuel 19:16-40 No king but Christ is perfectly victorious.

Transformative Truth: The preserving of God’s kingdom involves the perishing of its enemies.   For the LORD had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the LORD might bring harm upon Absalom. 2 Samuel 17:14 A BITTERSWEET VICTORY 2 Samuel 18 Tension 2 Samuel 18:1-4 Triumph 2 Samuel 18:6-18 The preserving of God’s kingdom involves the perishing of its enemies. Tears 2 Samuel 18:19-33

Transformative Truth:No human wisdom, insight, or plan can succeed against the Lord. Ahithophel's Counsel 2 Samuel 17:1-4 Hushai's Counterplan 2 Samuel 17:5-13 The Lord's Control 2 Samuel 17:14-23 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. Proverbs 21:30 NIV

Transformative Truth: God uses even our enemies to fulfill his good purposes for us.   ZIBA: The Ready Opportunist 2 Samuel 16:1-4 SHIMEI: The Relentless Critic 2 Samuel 16:5-14 But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." Galatians 3:13 AHITHOPHEL: The Ruthless Traitor 2 Samuel 16:15-23 "Thus says the Lord, 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.'" - The Lord God (2 Sam. 12:11-12) God uses even our enemies to fulfill his good purposes for us.

Rebellion 2 Samuel 15:1-12 Those who serve themselves are not submitted to God's will. Retreat 2 Samuel 15:13-37 "I expect and hope that I will not fail Christ in anything but that I will have the courage now, as always, to show the greatness of Christ in my life here on earth, whether I live or die. To me the only important thing about living is Christ, and dying would be profit for me." - Paul the Apostle Philippians 1:20-21 NCV Those who serve themselves are not submitted to God's will.

Transformative Truth:Passive parenting leads to painful consequences. His Return 2 Samuel 14:1-24 His Recalcitrance 2 Samuel 14:25-32 His Restoration 2 Samuel 14:33 Passive parenting leads to painful consequences.

Transforming Truth:  The Lord is in control even when it seems like He isn't. Amnon's Passion 2 Samuel 13:1-22 Absalom's Revenge 2 Samuel 13:23-33 David's Grief 2 Samuel 13:34-39

Transformative Truth:God loves his children too much to leave us in our sin.   Pursuing Grace 2 Samuel 12:1-9 Painful Grace 2 Samuel 12:10-15 Do not despise the Lord's instruction, my son, and do not loathe his discipline; for the Lord disciplines the one he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12 No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 Pardoning Grace 2 Samuel 12:13-14 Powerful Grace 2 Samuel 12:15-31 a. His concern for his child 2 Samuel 12:15b-23 b. His compassion for his wife 2 Samuel 12:24-25 c. His conquest over his enemies 2 Samuel 12:26-31

The godliest saint is still susceptible to the most grievous sins. The Context 2 Samuel 11:1-2 The Crime 2 Samuel 11:3-4  The Coverup 2 Samuel 11:5-25 The Commentary 2 Samuel 11:26-27 Five Realities to Consider Our inclination toward laxity. Our obsession with sex. Our Abuse of Power. Our Accountability to God. Our Hope in Christ.

The King's Kindness Is Despised 2 Samuel 10:1-4 Despising the kindness of God's king leads to terrible consequences. The King's Compassion Is Aroused 2 Samuel 10:5 The King's Enemies Combine Forces 2 Samuel 10:6-8 The King's Armies Fight Courageously 2 Samuel 10:9-12 The King's Victory Is Secured 2 Samuel 10:13-19

Transforming Truth: "God has restored us and given us a seat at His table through His Son." 1. A Picture of Grace 2. The Scope of Grace

Transforming Truth: "Believers are blessed by God to be a blessing to others."   David's Victories (vv. 1-6) David's Spoils (vv. 7-14) David's Officials (vv. 15-18)

(vss. 1-3) JESUS, GOD’S ONLY AUTHORIZED SHEPHERD Hebrews 13:20-21 / Ezek. 34:11-16   (vs. 3) JESUS CALLS HIS OWN BY NAME   (vs. 3) HE LEADS US     (vs. 4) HE GOES BEFORE US   (vs. 10) HE GIVES ABUNDANT LIFE   (vs. 11) HE SACRIFICES HIMSELF:   (vs. 14) HE IS INTINATELY FAMILIAR WITH HIS OWN   (vs. 16) HE IS STILL GATHERING:   (vs. 28) HE GIVES ETERNAL LIFE   (vs. 28-29) HE KEEPS US IN ABSOLUTE SAFETY

"But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built?" - King Solomon (1 Kings 8:27) "And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever." 2 Samuel 7:16 The Prayer of Gratitude 2 Samuel 7:18-29 God has built an eternal house through his Son, King Jesus. 1. Cultivate a heart for service 2. Contemplate the grace of God. 3. Communicate the gospel of God

1. We are to seek the Lord's presence reverently. Then David said that no one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, for the Lord had chosen them to carry the ark of the Lord and to minister to him forever. 1 Chronicles 15:2 2. We are to celebrate the Lord's presence joyfully. The Lord is to be worshiped reverently and joyfully.

1. The new birth is a must.  And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience - among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. Ephesians 2:1-4 Apart from the new birth . . . a. We are dead in our trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1-2). b. We are by nature children of wrath (Eph. 2:3). c. We love darkness and hate the light (John 3:19-20). d. We are unable to submit to God or please God (Rom. 8:7-8). e. We are unable to accept the gospel (Eph. 4:18; 1 Cor. 2:14). f. We are unable to come to Christ or embrace him as Lord (John 6:44, 65; 1 Cor. 12:3). g. We are slaves to sin (Rom. 6:17). h. We are slaves to Satan (Eph. 2:1-2). i. No good thing dwells in us (Rom. 7:18).  BUT GOD, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved.... Ephesians 2:4-5 Diagnosis:  Dead in Sin Remedy:  Life with Christ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 2. The new birth is a miracle. a. God regenerates. (1) God ransomed us by the blood of Jesus (1 Peter 1:18-19). (2) God raised Jesus from the dead (1 Peter 1:3-5). God supernaturally gives us life by connecting us to the resurrected Christ - through faith. (3) God called us into union with Christ (1 Peter 1:23-25). Note:  Post the following highlights on one slide at the same time for the sake of review--  2. The new birth is a miracle. God regenerates. We respond. God supernaturally gives us life by connecting us to the resurrected Christ - through faith. Now you can have real love for everyone because your souls have been cleansed from selfishness and hatred when you trusted Christ to save you; so see to it that you really do love each other warmly, with all your hearts. 1 Peter 1:22 The Living Bible

The Covenantal King 2 Samuel 5:1-5 The Conquering King 2 Samuel 5:6-25 God is bringing the promised kingdom to its appointed consummation. 1. Unity comes by following one king. 2. Different situations require different strategies and constant dependence on the Lord. 3. Christ alone is the perfect king. 4. The kingdom comes in stages.

There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker. 2 Samuel 3:1 The Murder of Ishbosheth 2 Samuel 4 The Cowardly Conspirators 2 Samuel 4:1-7a The Spiritual Spin 2 Samuel 4:7b-8 They come with blood on their hands but theology on their lips, expecting that the latter will magically bleach the former. Murder always seems more pleasant when wrapped in religious considerations. No amount of spin can justify a sin. The Righteous Retribution 2 Samuel 4:9-12 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?' Then I will announce to them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers!'" Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21-23) God overlooked people's ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead. Acts 17:30-31 1. The promises of God require patience and purity on our part. 2. It's never right to do wrong in order to get a chance to do right. 3. Gratitude begets fidelity.

One sentence that sums up the main point of the sermon: God wants each of you to find your place in raising up the next generation of missionaries to reach the unreached for His glory.An additional text that would complement the sermon (if you have one in mind): Romans 15:14-21Outline:I. God has given each believer at least one spiritual gift to serve and encourage others.II. God’s Spirit will guide you in how to influence others to serve Him.III. God will encourage you as you pour your life into the lives of others.IV. What would have happened if Barnabas wasn’t willing to reach out to Paul?

Transformative Truth: Learning to fight for the faith is much more than most of us are equipped to do unless we are prepared for real battle. Jude 3 Outline:The Person, 1-2The Purpose, 3The Perpetrators, 4The Penalty, 5-7The Personalities, 8-10 The Practical Jokes/imposters, 11The Pictures, 12-13The Preacher, 14-16The Prophecy and Predictions, 17-19 The Principles, 20-21The Pursuit, 22-23The Promise, 24The Point, 25

Transformative Truth:  "God's plans will come about despite people's (and our) sinful actions." Abner Joins David (vv. 1-21) Abner Murdered (vv. 22-30) Abner Mourned (vv. 31-39)

Transformative Truth:“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”(Proverbs 3:5) 1. A Faithful Beginning (2 Samuel 2:1-7) 2. An Unfaithful Beginning (2 Samuel 2:8-11) 3. A Tale of Two Armies (2 Samuel 2:12-32)

1. The Grievous Report 2. The Godly Response a. David's sorrow 2 Samuel 1:11-12 The more we love, the more we grieve. b. David's standard (vv. 13-16) (1) Words designed to please people will eventually hurt you, not help you. (2) A godly person will not only adhere to God's standard but also hold others to account. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Ephesians 4:13 c. David's song 2 Samuel 1:17-27 "A lament is a formal expression of grief or distress, one that can be written, read, learned, practiced, repeated." --Dale Davis The more we love, the more we grieve.

God saves from his wrath those who trust in Christ. The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. So the Lord said, "I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created-and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground-for I regret that I have made them." Genesis 6:5-7 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth. Genesis 6:8-10 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. Hebrews 11:7 1. He responded to God's word. By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. Hebrews 11:7a 2. He rebuked the world. "I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world. But still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am." - John Newton 3. He received God's righteousness. By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. Hebrews 11:7 I am not ashamed of the gospel [good news], because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed - a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." Romans 1:16-17 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

1. Saul had a royal beginning. 2. Saul had a rebellious bent. If you will fear the Lord and serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, and if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God, it will be well. But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you and your king. 1 Samuel 12:14-15 3. Saul died in a ruinous battle. Defeat 1 Samuel 31:1 Death 1 Samuel 31:2-6 This God – his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30 Displacement 1 Samuel 31:7 Disgrace 1 Samuel 31:8-10 Derring-Do 1 Samuel 31:11-13

The Lord rescues his people and recovers what's been lost. The Loss Suffered 1 Samuel 30:1-6a The Lord Sought 1 Samuel 30:6b-8 The Loved Ones Saved 1 Samuel 30:9-20 What you do really matters. The Loot Shared 1 Samuel 30:21-30

Now the Philistines had gathered all their forces at Aphek. And the Israelites were encamped by the spring that is in Jezreel. 1 Samuel 29:1 Dissension 1 Samuel 29:1-5 Dialogue 1 Samuel 29:6-10 Deliverance 1 Samuel 11 Pure Animosity DEATH Pure Approval DILEMMA Mixed Feelings / Friction DELIVERANCE  Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. John 3:36 When we get ourselves into a fix, God is still faithfully at work.

Nothing is so utterly miserable than finding in the hour of greatest need that you had long ago placed yourself beyond the sound of God's voice and that you are  totally alone. --Ralph Davis Listen to the Lord before it's too late. Desperation 1 Samuel 28:1-15   Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 Dread 1 Samuel 28:16-20 Darkness 1 Samuel 28:21-25 At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock. Then at three o'clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" Mark 15:33-34

1. The Conception of Jesus   2. The Consternation of Joseph   3. The Confirmation of the Angel   4. The Compliance of Joseph

Jesus' royal credentials uniquely qualified him as God's anointed King. Christ = Messiah Prophetic Statements 1. The Messiah would be of the seed of Abraham, through whom all the nations of the earth will be blessed (Gen. 22:18). 2. The Messiah would be a descendant of David, and God would establish the throne of his kingdom forever (2 Sam. 7:16). Purposeful Summary Matthew 1:7-8 "and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah."   Why the Shortened Genealogy? Symmetry Significance of David Simplicity Jeremiah 22:24-30 (New Living Translation) "As surely as I live," says the Lord, "I will abandon you, Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah. Even if you were the signet ring on my right hand, I would pull you off. I will hand you over to those who seek to kill you, those you so desperately fear - to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and the mighty Babylonian army. I will expel you and your mother from this land, and you will die in a foreign country, not in your native land. "You will never again return to the land you yearn for. "Why is this man Jehoiachin like a discarded, broken jar? Why are he and his children to be exiled to a foreign land? "O earth, earth, earth! Listen to this message from the Lord! "This is what the Lord says: 'Let the record show that this man Jehoiachin was childless.  He is a failure,?for none of his children will succeed him on the throne of David?to rule over Judah.'" Matthew 1:12-16 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ Matthew 1:16 Personal Consideration 1. Do you recognize Jesus as God's anointed King? 2. Do you revere Jesus as your King?

God graciously uses people as "stop signs" on our path toward sin.   Despicable Ingrate1 Samuel 25:2-11   David's Indignation1 Samuel 25:12-13, 21-22   Divine Intervention1 Samuel 25:14-20, 23-44   God graciously uses people as "stop signs" on our path toward sin.   Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.Galatians 6:7-8   Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.Galatians 6:9-10   This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" - and I am the worst of them all.1 Timothy 1:15

Giving thanks is not primarily an outflow of our experience but an expression of our faith.   1. What are we being called to do?   2. Who are we to give thanks to?   3. Where are we to give thanks?   4. Why should we give thanks?

The Incident in the Cave 1 Samuel 24:1-7   God is my helper. The Lord keeps me alive! May the evil plans of my enemies be turned against them. Do as you promised and put an end to them. … I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good. For you have rescued me from my troubles and helped me to triumph over my enemies.Psalm 54:4-7   Be careful how you interpret life’s circumstances, lest you substitute your will for God’s in any given situation.   The Interaction with the King1 Samuel 24:8-22  Vengeance is the Lord’s, not yours – so live accordingly.

The Lord helps and upholds his people.   1. God interacts with us 1 Samuel 23:1-14   And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.Hebrews 10:19-22   Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.Hebrews 4:14-16   Saul said, “Let’s chase the Philistines all night and plunder them until sunrise. Let’s destroy every last one of them.” His men replied, “We’ll do whatever you think is best.” But the priest said, “Let’s ask God first.” So Saul asked God, “Should we go after the Philistines? Will you help us defeat them?” But God made no reply that day.1 Samuel 14:36-37   2. God invigorates us1 Samuel 23:15-18   Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable? Proverbs 20:6   When we [Paul and Timothy] arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside. But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus. 2 Corinthians 7:5-6   3. God intervenes for us1 Samuel 23:19-29

1. Nob: The Place of Provision   2. Gath: The Place of Panic   3. Cave of Adullam: The Place of Prayer   Even in their most desperate moments, the Lord doesn't let go of his servants.   4. Moab: The Place of Providence   Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. ... And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. - Hebrews 11:1, 6   5. Forest of Hereth: The Place of Protection   Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father's house, so that there will not be an old man in your house. ... The only one of you whom I shall not cut off from my altar shall be spared to weep his eyes out to grieve his heart, and all the descendants of your house shall die by the sword of men.1 Samuel 2:31, 33    Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. James 1:13    "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." - Joseph (Genesis 50:20)    "Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." - Peter the Apostle (Acts 2:22-24)    Even in their most desperate moments, the Lord doesn't let go of his servants.

Even in their most desperate moments, the Lord doesn't let go of his servants. 1. Nob: The Place of Provision 2. Gath: The Place of Panic 3. Cave of Adullam: The Place of Prayer Even in their most desperate moments, the Lord doesn't let go of his servants. He keeps all his bones; Not one of them is broken. - Psalm 34:20 - "All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away." - Jesus Christ (John 6:37)