What is the Gospel?
1 Corinthians 15:1-9
I. THE GOSPEL IS BIBLICAL
II. THE GOSPEL CENTERS ON CHRIST, HIS DEATH, AND HIS RESURRECTION
III. THE GOSPEL IS THE ONLY HOPE OF SALVATION
IV. THE GOSPEL IS HISTORICAL
V. THE GOSPEL IS UNCHANGING
VI. THE GOSPEL MUST BE PERSONALLY RECEIVED
The gospel is the unchanging, historical news that Christ died in our place for our sins and rose again according to God’s eternal plan. Anyone who receives this good news by faith will be rescued from judgment and reconciled back into fellowship with God.
How to Biblically Address Sin Among Members
Matthew 18:15-20
I. ADDRESS YOUR BROTHER OR SISTER AND THEIR SIN ALONE
II. ADDRESS YOUR BROTHER OR SISTER AND THEIR SIN WITH 2 OR 3 SPIRITUALLY MATURE BELIEVERS
III. ADDRESS YOUR BROTHER OR SISTER AND THEIR SIN WITH THE CHURCH
IV. IF THERE IS STILL NO REPENTANCE, LOVINGLY TREAT THEM AS AN UNBELIEVER
The Gift of Church Membership
Romans 12:3-8
3 Observations:
Humility toward one another in the body of Christ is a gift of God’s grace to us
As a gift of God’s grace, we belong to Christ and to each other as church members
God has given us gifts by his grace to be used in the context of church membership
3 Truths about the Gift of Church Membership
I. Church membership is a gift for our spiritual affirmation and assurance
II. Church membership is a gift for our spiritual comfort and encouragement
III. Church membership is a gift for our discipleship and holiness
Belonging to the Body of Christ
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
I. CHRIST EXPECTS FUNCTIONING CHURCH MEMBERS
A. We function in Spirit-filled unity
B. We function with Spirit-given gifts
C. We function together for the good of the body
D. We function with compassion and care toward one another
II. CHRIST EXPECTS FORMAL CHURCH MEMBERS
A. God expects believers to be identifiable and known church members
B. God expects believers to be formally committed church members
Unity, Diversity, & Maturity
Ephesians 4:7-16
Big truth: Jesus designed the church for you, and Jesus designed you for the church.
I. CHRIST HAS PERSONALLY GIFTED EACH MEMBER TO SERVE THE CHURCH
II. CHRIST HAS GIVEN LEADERS TO THE CHURCH TO EQUIP ITS MEMBERS FOR MINISTRY
III. CHRIST EXPECTS ALL MEMBERS TO GROW INTO MATURITY
One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism
Ephesians 4:1-6
BIG TRUTH: Jesus designed the church for you, and Jesus designed you for the church.
I. WE HAVE A SHARED CALLING
A. We are all called first to Christ.
B. We are all called to reflect Christ’s character to one another.
C. We are all called to maintain the unity of the Spirit.
II. WE HAVE A SHARED CONFESSION
Do you love Jesus?
John 21:1-23
I. Jesus’ love compels him to address our sin
II. Jesus’ love causes him to aim at our hearts
III. Jesus’ love compassionately restores us to His mission
IV. Jesus’ love constrains us from being sidetracked by others
Being a Man Like Jesus: 3 Biblical Pictures of Manhood
Genesis 1:26-31 & 3:1-15; Titus 6:6-15; Ephesians 5:25-33
I. A MAN LIKE JESUS COURAGEOUSLY PROTECTS OTHERS
II. A MAN LIKE JESUS IS DISCIPLINED & SELF-CONTROLLED
A. A man like Jesus has strength under control
B. A man like Jesus makes war on his sinful lusts and desires
C. A man like Jesus fights for godliness above all else
III. A MAN LIKE JESUS LOVES, PROVIDES, AND BLESSES
7 Reasons God Doesn’t Love You
Romans 5:1-11
God doesn’t love you because you are able or strong
God doesn’t love you because you are godly
God doesn’t love you because you are righteous
God doesn’t love you because you are good
God doesn’t love you because you deserve his love
God doesn’t love you because you are friends
God doesn’t love you because you are at peace
Created in His Image
Genesis 1:26
God created man in His image
Sin corrupted the image of God in man
Jesus redeems the image of God in man
God Will Judge
1 Samuel 24:1-22
I. A PROVIDENTIAL TEST
A. A Test of Conscience & Conviction
B. A Test of Courage & Command
II. A PLEA FOR JUSTICE
III. THE PROMISE OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
David’s relationship with the Lord is intensely personal.
David’s relationship with the Lord is immediately practical.
David’s relationship with the Lord brings incredible peace.
Unexpected Provision
1 Samuel 23:1-29
I. UNEXPECTED SAVIOR FOR KEILAH
II. UNEXPECTED STRENGTH FROM JONATHAN
III. UNEXPECTED SEDITION FROM ZIPH
IV. UNEXPECTED SALVATION THROUGH THE PHILISTINES
A Tale of Two Kings
1 Samuel 22:6-23
I. The Insecurity of a Worldly King
II. The Injustice of a Wicked Trial
III. The Truthful Response of an Innocent Man
IV. An Unjust Verdict from an Ungodly Judge
V. God’s Providence & a Responsible King
Implications:
Be very careful what you desire and ask for.
Disbelieving and disobeying God’s word leads to ruin.
All of God’s enemies will ultimately prove the truthfulness of his word.
Learning to Lament
Psalm 56:1-13
I. INTENTIONALLY TURN YOUR HEART TO GOD
II. HONESTLY BRING YOUR COMPLAINT AND SORROW
III. ASK FOR GOD TO RESPOND IN LIGHT OF HIS PROMISES
IV. FACE YOUR FEAR AND SORROW IN FAITH
V. CHOOSE TO WORSHIP EVEN IN YOUR PAIN
Compelled by Christ
2 Corinthians 5:11-15
I. THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF CHRIST PROVES THE REALITY OF GOD’S JUDGMENT
A. The reality God’s judgment produces a rightful fear for those outside of Christ.
B. The reality of God’s judgment calls for an urgent and compassionate offer of the gospel.
C. The reality of God’s judgment frees believers from the fear of others.
II. THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF CHRIST COMPELS NORMAL CHRISTIAN LIVING
A. Jesus is the only Savior of the spiritually dead.
B. Jesus is the only Lord of the spiritually alive.
Desperation
1 Samuel 21:1-22:5
I. GOD’S PROVISION IN DESPERATION
II. GOD’S PRAISE IN DESPERATION
III. GOD’S PROVIDENCE IN DESPERATION
A. Providence & Preparation
B. Providence & Preservation
IV. GOD’S PROTECTION IN DESPERATION