Text: Ephesians 4:29

Big Idea: The transformation of our hearts must reach to our speech.

1. Stop the rot (v. 29a)

2. Reply with what edifies (v. 29b)

• Rules of engagement (10 commandments):
  • Speak not in emotion
  • Angrier one prays first
  • Commit to believing the best
  • Stay away from motives of the heart
  • Fight as one - battle isn’t against each other
  • Stay close - grace touches, eye contact.
  • Listen fully - before answering
  • Start with self - first to admit, confess.
  • Accept apologies
  • Forgive

3. Learn to discern (v. 29c)   

4. Convey God’s grace (v. 29d)

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:8

Big Idea: Endurance in a Christian Marriage is the bridge between doing God's will and receiving His reward

1. Endurance requires love to be a priority

2. Endurance requires love to be sincere

3. Endurance requires love to be blind

Text: Song of Solomon 2:15

Big Idea: Healthy marriages guard what God is growing.

1. Cultivate a preventative approach 

2. Catch things when they’re small 

3. Consider that today’s foxes spoil tomorrow’s fruit

Text: Ephesians 5:25-32

Big Idea: God designed marriage for the mutual pursuit of conformity to Jesus Christ. 

1. Grace is at the base of your growth in holiness (vv. 25-27)

2. Issues are opportunities for growth in holiness (vv. 28-30)

3. The gospel is your vantage point for growth in holiness (vv. 31-32) 

Passage: 1 Peter 3:1-7

Big Idea: How we respond to our spouse reveals our relationship with God and the condition of our own heart.

Main Points:

1. Reflecting the Cross (vv.1-2)

2. Resting in Christ (vv.3-6)

3. Responding with Compassion (v.7)

Text: Psalm 115:1-8

Big Idea: Root out idolatry in your heart before it wreaks havoc on your marriage

An idol is anything you look to in order to gain significance, security, or satisfaction instead of the living God

Developing a biblical understanding of heart idolatry

The presence of heart idolatry for the Christian

5 common types of idols in marriage (please have each of these come up one at a time, progressing so first Control shows up, then Control and Certainty show up together, etc.)

1. Control idols

2. Certainty idols

3. Comfort idols

4. Comparison idols

5. Commendation idols

What idolatry feels like (same as the note above)

- Chaos & confusion define the relationship

- Bitterness reigns despite repentance

- Ingratitude defines your attitude

- Fear freezes you

How to break free form idols (same as the note above)

- Always start with the Gospel

- Identify & Repent

- Remember: Christ alone gives eternal significance

- Remember: Christ alone gives true security

- Remember: Christ alone satisfies the soul

Big Idea: A wife is called to image the Church as she nurtures unity, wisdom, fruitfulness, and faithfulness.

1. United in Mission (Gen. 1:27-28)

2. Unique in Position (Gen. 2:15-18)

3. Ultimate Fruition (Eph. 5:32)

Big Idea: The husband’s calling is to image the love of Christ for His bride through sacrificially leading, protecting, and providing.      

1. The indicative of husbanding- you ARE head! (v.5:23) 

2. The imperative of husbanding- LOVE your wife! (vv.5:25-30)  

What kind of love? 

1) As Christ loved you 

2) As you love yourself 

-Caring Provider

-Tender Protector

Big Idea: The secret to the strongest marriage possible is one built upon God’s design, nurtured and formed through a foundational commitment to a best friendship.  

1. The need for friendship (v. 18)  

2. The provision of a uniquely fitted friend (vv. 19-23)

3. The priority of best friendship (vv. 24-25) 

Scripture: Mark 10:6-9

Big Idea: Marriage is a God-instituted, God-witnessed covenant relationship between one and one man for a lifetime patterned after the gospel to the glory of God. 

1. Marriage is a covenant instituted by God  
2. Marriage is a covenant witnessed by God 
3. Marriage is a covenant patterned after Christ and the church

Text: Genesis 1:26-27

Big Idea: Understanding our identity as image bearers of God is essential in becoming suitable for marriage.

1. The Reflection of God

2. The Ruin of Sin

3. The Restoration in Christ 

Text: 2 Corinthians 10:3-6, Selected Scriptures

Big Idea: Scripture gives us a framework for a “no vacancy” thought life. 

1. Remember what sin has done   
2. Recognize what God must do  
3. Repent 
4. Be renewed in your mind 
5. Replace old thoughts with God’s truth  
6. Rest in God’s thoughts of you 

Relationships are the most valuable thing on earth. 

Message to the Ephesians

1. From Death to Life by God’s Grace (2:1-10)

2. No Longer Strangers, but Fellow Citizens (vv. 11-22)

3. The Mystery of Christ is the Gospel for the Gentiles (vv. 1-13)

Five Purposes

1. God saves to show His grace (v. 7)

2. God saves to show our powerlessness (v. 9)

3. God saves us to good works (v. 10)

4. God saves to make one man (v. 15)

5. God saves to display His wisdom (3:10)

Text: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Big Idea: What reminder do I need from God's word before going into this series? 

1. Expect God will speak to you

2. Expect Scripture will profit you...because it will: 

a. Teach what is right and true     

b. Convict of sin and expose errors 

c. Straighten what’s bent and broken 

d. Form you in the good and the godly 

2. Expect God will perfect you

a. Equip you to live a life that pleases God 

b. Equip you for every work God 

Text: Luke 24:50-53

Big Idea: Jesus ascension is his exaltation to the Father’s right hand, wherein His successful redemptive work qualifies him to reign as Lord of all.

1. Four significant realities of the ascension (vv. 50-51)

a. Concludes Christ's earthly limitation

b. Completes Christ’s redemptive work 

c. Continues Christ’s heavenly work

d. Confirms his second coming

2. Our response to the ascension (vv. 52-53): Whole-life Christ-centered worship.

Worship incomplete without: 

a. Obedience

b. Praise

c. Mission

Text: Luke 24:36-49

Big Idea: Everything required of our response to the resurrection is supplied by the risen Jesus. 

1. Lacking peace, Jesus offers proofs (vv. 36-43) 

2. Lacking perspective, Jesus opens minds (vv. 44-45)

3. Lacking purpose, Jesus orders proclamation (vv. 46-48) 

4. Lacking power, Jesus anticipates the promise (v. 49) 

Text: Luke 24:28-35

Big Idea: Jesus’ resurrection life meets our regular lives through ordinary, appointed means. 

Experience of the risen Christ is:  

1. Drawn out by supplication (vv. 28-29) 
2. Disclosed in the supper (vv. 30-31) 
3. Dependent on the Scriptures (v. 32)
4. Delivered to other souls (vv. 33-35) 

Passage: Luke 24:13-27

Big Idea: Understanding Christ’s glory through his suffering is essential to interpreting and applying all of Scripture. 

1. The Sorrow of Unbelief (vv.13-17)

2. The Struggle to Understand (vv.18-24) 

3. The Scriptures Unveiled (vv.25-27)

a. The Condition of the Heart (v.25)

b. The Clarity of the Gospel (v.26)

c. The Centrality of Christ (v.27)

Text: Luke 24:1-12

Luke 1:14: Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.

Big Idea: Four attestations to the resurrection - that you might believe in the risen Jesus certainly and savingly.

Attestation #1: The empty tomb (vv. 1-3)
Attestation #2: The divine testimony (vv. 4-7)
Attestation #3: The witnessing women (vv. 8-10)
Attestation #4: The unbelieving disciples (vv. 11-12)

Text: Luke 23:34

Big Idea: Good Friday reminds us Jesus’ death purchased our forgiveness and empowers our forgiving.

1. Christ for us - He died that you might be forgiven  

2. Christ in us - He forgives that you might be forgiving

Text: Luke 23:50-56

Big Idea: The burial of Jesus leaves no doubt who Jesus is and what He’s done. 

What does Christ’s burial “leaving no doubt” bring out?  

1. Courage in a faith that goes public (vv. 50-52)  

2. Care in an honoring that fulfills Scripture (v. 53)

3. Continuing in a quiet obedience (vv. 54-56)

Text: Luke 23:44-49

Big Idea: The details of Christ’s death reveal why the cross is central to the good news of the gospel. 

1. How do I relate to the details of Christ’s death? (vv. 44-46)

a. The darkness reveals to me the weight of sin

b. The torn curtain reveals to me the way of salvation

c. The trusting confession reveals to me His willing surrender

2. How do I respond to the details of Christ’s death? (vv. 47-49)

a. Let it lead you to a confident confession

b. Let it lead you to a genuine conviction 

c. Let it lead you to a consistent closeness

Text: Luke 23:32-43

Big Idea: The one crucified between criminals is the one through whom you have access to God’s pardon, perspicuity, and paradise. 

Through Christ’s crucifixion: 

1. I have access to pardon (vv. 32-34)  

2. I have access to perspicuity (vv. 35-39)  

3. I have access to paradise (vv. 40-42) 

a. Repentance faith includes:

- Fear of God

- Forsaking of sin

- Faith in Jesus

b. Salvation in Jesus is:

- Immediate

- Intimate

- Eternal

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9

In Jesus, I have...

1. A place to eternally belong that I long for others to find

2. An eternity purpose to pray for people and present Jesus

3. A greater king so I live for Him

4. A security that shrinks my fear of opinions about me

5. A different and better treasure that I can't wait to tell you about

Text: Luke 23:26-31

Big Idea: The cross reveals the grace of God towards sinners, the seriousness of sin, and the certainty of judgment.     

1. The cross is meant to reorient your life (v. 26) 

2. The cross is meant to redirect your lament (vv. 27-28)  

3. The cross is meant to rescue from judgment (vv. 29-31)

Text: Luke 23:13-25

Big Idea: Jesus fulfills the Father’s will by redeeming unrighteous sinners through His unjust suffering. 

1. The Innocence of the Christ (vv. 13-17)

2. The Irrationality of the Crowd (vv. 18-19)

3. The Impotence of the Craven (vv. 20-24)

4. The Imputation of the Cross (v. 25)

Text: Luke 23:1-12

Big Idea: Jesus, who is guiltless, willingly submits to what he is falsely accused of to bear our guilt.  

Jesus is...

1. The sinless One enduring accusation (vv. 1-2) 

2. The guiltless One declared innocent (vv. 3-5)

3. The Lamb standing silent (vv. 6-9)

4. The King bearing rejection (vv. 10-12)

Text: Luke 22:63-71

Big Idea: Injustice towards Jesus serves to reveal the identity of Jesus. 

Jesus is…

1. The Prophet: taunted and tortured (vv. 63-65) 

2. The Messiah: resisted and rejected (vv. 66-69)       

3. The Son of God: condemned for his confession (vv. 69-71)

Therefore…

Behold Jesus

Believe in Jesus

Become like Jesus

Text: Luke 22:47-62

Big Idea: See the loyal love of Jesus in suffering because of and for disloyal people. 

2 acts of disloyalty that magnify the loyal love of Jesus:    

1. The sinister selling out of Jesus (vv. 47-53)
2. The slippery slope of backsliding (vv. 54-62)

Text: Luke 22:39-46

Big Idea: See the love of God in Christ’s persevering willingness to embrace the Father's will to suffer for you. 

See the love of God in:

1. Jesus’ willing ascent to the garden (vv. 39-40)

2. Jesus’ persevering submission to the Father’s will (vv. 41-42)  

3. Jesus’ strengthening under soul-crushing suffering (vv. 43-44)  

4. Jesus’ renewed resolve to secure your redemption (vv. 45-46)

Texts: Exodus 20:13, Matthew 5:21-22

Big Idea: When we live by the law of life to preserve life we reflect the Lord of life. 

1. What does the 6th commandment forbid?   

2. What does the 6th commandment imply?  

3. What does the 6th commandment entail? 

4. Where should the 6th commandment lead? 

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16

Big Idea: Until you rightly see and play your part in the Body, both you and the Body will suffer. 

1. Strive for Unity As If It’s Calling-Based (vv. 1-6)

2. See Your Gifting As It Is: Christ-Bought (vv. 7-10)

3. Serve the Body; It’s Crucial for Building (vv. 11-16)

Big Idea: Self-strength is subdued by looking to Jesus the suffering servant.    

2 resolutions towards resisting self-strength in the New Year:  

1. When your faith is sifted: Go down to go up (vv.31-34)            

2. When your future is scary: Go back to go forward (vv.35-38)  
 

Big Idea: The fulfillment of Scripture should end debates not create them!

1. Consider the question (v.24)

2. Analyze the answer (vv.25-27)

3. Embrace the assignment (vv.28-30)

Text: 1 Timothy 2:5

Big Idea: When God sent His greatest gift, He didn’t send a Santa. He sent a Mediator. 

1. What’s with a mediator?  

2. What must the mediator do?

3. Who must the mediator be?

Big Idea: The Lord’s Supper is given to be a perpetual reminder tying Jesus’ death to our ultimate deliverance.

1. Readying the meal (vv.7-16)

2. Reinterpreting the meal (vv.17-20)

Communion in 3 tenses:

a. Look back

b. Look around

c. Look forward

3. Reaction to the meal (vv.21-23)

Examine yourself: Is your life in line?

a. Attitudes

b. Actions

c. Affections

Big Idea: Jesus’ betrayal catalyzes God’s solution to our sin problem.  

1. The timing-- Sovereign selection of a sanctified hour (vv.37-2:1) 

2. The trepidation-- Sinful leaders stuck scheming (2:2)

3. The treachery-- Satan’s influence on a stumbling Judas (2:3)

4. The tactics-- Sin’s shady, sneak attack (2:4-6)

Big Idea: Jesus wants His people prepared for His coming.

How to prepare like Jesus is coming back:

1. Rehearse His word (vv.29-33)

2. Resist a weighed down heart (vv.34-35)

3. Remain vigilant in prayer (v.36)

Big Idea: The shaking of the cosmos and the cloud-coming of Jesus prove He is the Son of Man bringing redemption to His people.

1. The shaking and removal of the old covenant world (v. 25-26)

Isaiah 13:9-10 -- "Behold, the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger, to make the land a desolation and to destroy its sinners from it. For the stars of the heavens and their constellations will not give their light; the sun will be dark at its rising, and the moon will not shed its light." 

Joel 2:10-11 -- "The earth quakes before them; the heavens tremble. The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining. The Lord utters his voice before his army, for his camp is exceedingly great; he who executes his word is powerful. For the day of the Lord is great and very awesome; who can endure it?" 

Joel 2:30-32 -- "And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the Lord has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the Lord calls." 

Other references:

- Roaring of seas: Isaiah 12:-13a, Psalm 46

- Heavens shaking: Haggai 2:21

2. The cloud-coming of the Son of Man (v. 27)

Isaiah 19:1 -- An oracle concerning Egypt. Behold, the Lord is riding on a swift cloud and comes to Egypt; and the idols of Egypt will tremble at his presence, and the heart of the Egyptians will melt within them.

Other references: 

- God coming or riding on clouds: Psalm 104:3, Nahum 1:2-3, Ezekiel 30:2-3

- Son of Man: Daniel 7:9-14

3. The redemption drawing near for Jesus’ disciples (v. 28)

Application:

1. Put your hope in the unshakeable Kingdom.

2. Put your trust in the enthroned and one day returning King.

3. Put your confidence in your eternal redemption.

Big Idea: Listen to the Lord like your life depends on it. 

1. Listen to what you “know” (v. 20)     

2. Listen by what you “do” (vv. 21-22)             

3. Listen because of what will “be” (vv. 23-24)

Big Idea: As events unfold, stand firm by settled faith in the Savior's promises. 

1. Christ's promise for prosecution (vv. 10-15)

2. Christ's promise for persecution (vv. 16-18)

3. Christ's promise for perseverance (v. 19)

Big Idea: Jesus preps His disciples for the coming judgment of Jerusalem. What did that preparation look like and how might we glean from it? 

1. Watch out that you figure out (vv. 5-7)     

2. Watch out that you’re not faked out (v. 8)  

3. Watch out that you don’t freak out (v. 9)

Big Idea: Fulfilling the Great Commission necessitates the priority of church planting.  

1. It’s inherent in the command 

2. It’s exemplified by the apostles

3. It’s entrusted to our local church 

Big Idea: False religion has many expressions and manipulates vulnerable people.  Avoid it or perish.

1. False religion has many expressions (v. 45-47a)

2. False religion manipulates vulnerable people (v. 47a, 21:1-4)

3. Avoid false religion or perish (v. 47b)

4. Fight false religion through faith in Jesus

Big Idea: Jesus' final evangelistic effort to Israel revealed his true identity hidden in plain sight

1. The question they weren't asking (v. 41)

2. The conundrum they didn't want to consider (v. 42-43)

Quotes, References and Echoes of Psalm 110 in the New Testament

- Acts 2:32-36

- Romans 8:34

- 1 Corinthians 15:20-28

- Ephesians 1:20-22

- Colossians 3:1

- Hebrews 1:3, 1:13

- Hebrews 5:6

- Hebrews 7:1-28

- Hebrews 8:1

- Hebrews 10:11-14

- 1 Peter 3:22

- Revelation 22:16

3. The implied answer they wouldn't entertain (v. 44)

Big Idea: Resurrection from the dead is not only a clear biblical truth, it is our greatest hope as Christians.

1. An Insincere Question (vv. 27–33) 

2. An Insightful Correction (vv. 34–38) 

3. An Incredible Concession (vv. 39–40)

Big Idea: The right response to the facts of a risen, reigning Jesus Christ is… 

1. Anchor yourself in the truth   

2. Abound in the Lord’s work

Big Idea: You’ve failed in your role as rulers; now give God back what’s His.

1. Watch out for the sneaky ploys of the enemy (vv. 20-22)

2. Work to get in the driver’s seat of the conversation (vv. 23-24)

3. Warn them about what the real issue is (vv. 25-26) 

Big Idea: The rejected Son is the exalted Stone of God’s redemptive plan. 

1. Gather the story’s information

2. Glean from the Savior’s insights  

3. Grow in the searching implications

Big Idea: To reject Jesus’ authority is to welcome nothing further from Jesus than his judgment.

1. The gospel impediment in the questioning of Jesus’ authority (vv. 1-2)

2. The heart exposure behind the questioning of Jesus’ authority (vv. 3-7)

3. The insight denial to those questioning Jesus’ authority (v. 8)

Big Idea: The coming condemnation for rejecting the King proceeds not from a cold heart but a compassionate one.  

1. Scene 1: Lessons from the King’s tearful approach (vv. 41-44)

2. Scene 2: Lessons from the King’s temple actions (vv. 45-48)

Big Idea: Kingly praise befits the King of heaven and earth

1. A young donkey employed to the King's service (vv. 28-35)

2. A joyful crowd welcomes their King (vv. 36-38)

3. A group of sad spiritual donkeys bray at the King (v. 39)

4. A response to ponder from the King (v. 40)

Big Idea: Jesus shapes expectations before the consummation of the kingdom.      

1. Get to work for the King (vv. 11-14) 

2. Glean from the King’s judgments (vv. 15-27) 

Big Idea: Jesus is still seeking and saving the lost.

1. Badness is not a barrier to grace (vv. 1-4)

2. Grace comes to those Jesus calls (vv. 5-6)

3. Grace evokes grumbling in self-righteous hearts (v. 7) 

4. Grace that pardons also transforms (vv. 8-10)

Big Idea: Our expectations of church need to be formed around biblical principles, not methods and preferences.

1. Expectations:

-Pastors

-Preaching

-Singing in Church

-Ministries

-Church Growth

-Politics

-Diversity

2. How To Respond:

-Evaluate your expectations

-Be patient

-Grow in resilience

-Humble yourself

-Highlight God’s grace

-Be part of the solution

-Seek wisdom

Big Idea: The purpose of church community is to showcase the excellencies of Christ, being resourced by God’s Spirit, to live in humility and act in love.

GOAL: Showcase the Excellencies of Christ (1 Peter 2:9-10, Ephesians 4:13,15)

RESOURCE: God’s Spirit (Ephesians 4:4, Titus 3:5-6, 1 Corinthians 3:16, Romans 8)

POSTURE: Humility (Philippians 2:1-8, 1 Peter 5:5-6)

RHYTHM: Love in Action (John 13:34-35, 1 Peter 4:8-11, Colossians 3:16)

- Supply Needs in Hospitality

- Speak Truth

Big Idea: A healthy church strives to maintain unity by equipping members to invest Christ’s gifts in building up one another in truth and love.

1. Grounded in the Gospel (vv. 4-6)

2. Gifted to Give (vv. 7-12)

3. Growing in Grace (vv. 13-16)

Big Idea: To be in Christ is to share in both his benefits and his mission.

1. The Formation of the Church (vv. 4-8)

2. The Function of the Church (vv. 9-10)

Big Idea: Faith is the heart’s sighting of the glory of the Lord and Savior Jesus. 

1. Faith sees the significance of Christ’s sacrifice (vv. 31-34)

2. Faith sees to the Savior beyond stumbling blocks (vv. 35-39) 

3. Christ sees faith (vv. 40-42)

4. Faith sees Christ, follows Christ, and praises Christ (v. 43)

Big Idea: Following Jesus’ answer on how to inherit eternal life.

1. A definition that sets the parameters (v. 18-21)

2. A demand that reveals the heart (vv. 22-23)

3. A difficulty beyond possibility (vv. 24-27)

4. A value beyond compare (vv. 28-30) 

1. The approach Jesus condemns (vv. 10-12)

2. The approach Jesus commends (vv. 13-14a)

3. The example Jesus connects (vv. 14b-17)

How David responded when his soul felt empty

Main Idea: Empty is as empty does

Steps to refresh us when we feel empty:

1. Go Up

a. “(David) does more than simply pray; he sets the Lord before him as his God!” - John Calvin

b. “David’s whole being is restless and unsatisfied without God.” - Derek Kidner

2. Go Back

a. “Preach faith until you have it, then preach faith because you have it!” - John Wesley

3. Go Loud

Big Idea: Persevering prayer is the Lord’s means of pressing on in faith ‘til you have his promise (of vindication).

1. A call to obey (v. 1)

2. A picture to compare (vv. 2-5) 

3. A promise to believe (vv. 6-8a)

4. A question to consider (v. 8b)

Big Idea: The best preparation for “that day” is wholehearted devotion to Christ this day. 

1. Don’t be distracted and miss the “already” of the kingdom (vv. 20-21)

2. Don’t be deluded; you won’t miss Christ’s return (vv. 22-25)

3. Don’t be dulled by “business as usual” (vv. 26-30)

4. Don’t be desirous to hold on to the things of this world (vv. 31-36)

5. Don’t be disturbed by the destination of your relocation (v. 37)

Big Idea: True faith’s follow through is responding to Christ's grace with God-glorifying gratitude.   

True faith's full follow through...  

 1. Recognizes the need for and requests mercy (vv. 11-13) 

 2. Responds in obedience to Christ’s command (v. 14)  

 3. Returns in God-glorifying gratitude (vv. 15-16)

 4. Receives faith's true gift: new life (vv. 17-19)

Big Idea: Even a small faith in a glorious Christ is sufficient for every situation you face on the road to glory.

Like roots forcing their way to water, faith forces its way to Christ to aid: 

1. Your fight when temptation feels tiresome (vv. 1-3a) 

2. Your resilience when reconciliation needs are regular (vv. 3b-4)      

3. Your outlook when obedience seems impossible (vv. 5-6)

4. Your humility when servanthood meets success (vv. 7-10)

Big Idea: Wealth isn’t a sign of your standing with God but a test of it. 

1. The contrast in earthly lives (vv. 19-21)

2. The consequence in eternal outcome (vv. 22-26) 

3. The correction of a faulty assumption (vv. 27-31)

Big Idea: Riches are a trust and a test of your stewardship as a disciple.

1. A reverence test (vv. 10-13)

2. A righteousness test (vv. 14-16)

3. A revelation test (vv. 17-18)

"Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden." 

Genesis 3:1-8

Big Idea: Disciples, make shrewd use of what’s entrusted to you now in view of your eternal destiny. 

1. A squandering rascal (vv. 1-2)

2. A shrewd resolution (vv. 3-7)

3. A surprising response (v. 8) 

4. A stellar reception (v. 9)

Big Idea: Because of Jesus' work, there is no condemnation left and no one to condemn.

1. I'm assured by Jesus' death

2. More than that, I’m assured by Jesus’ resurrection

3. More than that, I’m assured by Jesus’ ascension 

4. More than that, I’m assured by Jesus’ intercession

Big Idea: A promise that puts the "good" in Good Friday. 

1. There is therefore  
2. There is therefore now    
3. There is therefore now no condemnation
4. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ

Big Idea: Your response to the Father’s lavish love is a surefire test of whether you’ve grasped grace yourself.

1. Scene 1: Sons lost (v. 12) 

2. Scene 2: Squandered life (vv. 13-19)

3. Scene 3: Stunning love (vv. 20-24)

4. Scene 4: Stubborn legalism (vv. 25-32)

Big Idea: Heaven celebrates when sinners respond in repentance and faith toward Jesus and so should you. 

3 movements of salvation that we might celebrate what heaven celebrates:    

1. The display of the sinner’s departure from God (v. 4, 8)

2. The Savior’s diligent search for the sinner (vv. 4, 8) 

3. The shared delight of the Savior’s discovery (vv. 5-7, 9-10)

Big Idea: Salvation is free. Discipleship is costly. Jesus is worthy.

1. The cost of discipleship places Christ above all (vv. 25-26)

2. The cost of discipleship comes with a cross (v. 27)

3. The cost of discipleship demands proper preparation (vv. 28-32)  

4. The cost of discipleship is all or nothing (vv. 33-35)

Big Idea: Jesus’ banquet will be filled but not with those full of themselves. 

Signs I’m too full of self to fill Christ's table: You (are)...

1. Presume you’re a shoo-in for salvation (v. 15-17)

2. Preoccupied with your own passions (vv. 18-20)

3. Place yourself above Christ’s invitation (vv. 21-23)

4. Perceive your absence as God’s loss, not yours (v. 24)

Big Idea: Jesus tells a Kingdom parable to help slim down on our swollen selves. 

1. Slimming down on self-distinction (vv. 7-11) 

a) Application: Humble YOURSELF

i. Humility fuels proper ambition

ii. Humility governs proper ambition

2. Slimming down on self-aggrandizement (vv. 12-14)

a) Application: Giving without thought of benefit to SELF

i. Recalls the invitation of the self-emptying Savior

ii. Resembles the application of the self-emptying Savior

iii. Receives the commendation of the self-emptying Savior

Big Idea: Supper with Jesus is squandered when you're stuffed on self.

When you’re stuffed on self: 

1. Communion with Christ is squandered (v. 1)

2. Contentment in Christ is squandered (v. 2, 4b)

3. Contagiousness of Christ is squandered (vv. 3-4a, 5-6)

Big Idea: When we experience traumatic circumstances in life, God desires that we evaluate our situation in light of who He is. He wants us to continue pursuing life for His glory by means of what He has actually promised to us.

I. Asaph’s Problem—The Abundance of the Wicked (vv. 1-12)

a. His Theological Foundation: God is Good (v. 1)

b. His Problem: Life Stinks  (vv. 2-3)

c. A Longer Version of His Struggle—The Wicked are Well Off  (vv. 4-12)

II. Looking Inward. . . then Looking Upward (vv. 13-17)

a. Surely, I have been good for nothing (vv. 13-16)

b. God and His Plan Makes All the Difference (v. 17)

III. Seeing Life from God’s Perspective Transforms Asaph’s heart and thoughts (vv. 18-28)

a. Asaph’s Recognition of God’s Ultimate Justice (vv. 18-20)

b. Asaph’s Self-Critique: To Envy the Wicked Was Foolish (vv. 21-22)

c. Asaph’s Celebration of God’s Presence (vv. 23-26)

IV. Asaph’s Ultimate Life Perspective (vv. 27-28)

Big Idea: Jesus will accomplish his mission regardless of the opposition, and we will be held accountable for how we respond to him.

Antinomy: a contradiction between two apparently equally valid principles or between inferences correctly drawn from such principles. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

1. Confidence in the sovereignty of God (vv. 31-33)

2. Compassion for the people of God (v. 34)

3. Condemnation for the enemies of God (v. 35a)

4. Consummation of the kingdom of God (v. 35b)

Big Idea: The salvation of God’s Kingdom is something you must fight to enter.

1. There is an invitation- the door is open but narrow (vv. 22-24) 

2. There is an expiration- the door will shut on some surprisingly (vv. 25-27)

3. There is an end destination- inclusion or exclusion from the Kingdom (vv. 28-30) 

Big Idea: God’s kingdom, despite initial appearances, has already entered into the world and will grow outwardly and inwardly in a surprisingly disproportionate way.   
1. The outward growth of the Kingdom (vv. 18-19)

2. The inward growth of the Kingdom (vv. 20-21)

Big Idea: God’s reign is present in Jesus’ work to throw off the shackles of Satan on the Sabbath.

1. How do you respond to Christ’s works? (vv. 10-14)

2. How do you respond to Christ’s words? (vv. 15-17)

Big Idea: Unless you repent, you too will likewise perish. 

1. How calamities should catechize us (vv. 1-5) 

a. Calamities are a reminder.

b. Calamities are a preparer.

2. How God’s patience should be perceived (vv. 6-9)  

a. Mercy is the reason we are spared as long as we are.

b. God's patience towards the non-responsive will come to an end and then judgment.

Big Idea: Christians are to be God’s agents of rescue in the fight for (unborn) life. 

1. The substance of our responsibility (v. 11) 

2. The selfishness of plausible deniability (v. 12a)    

3. The certainty of culpability (v. 12b)

Big Idea: The Cross creates the great dividing line, exposing hypocrisy in the unbelieving and folly in the unrepentant.

1. The Cross kindles the fire and creates the division (vv. 49-53)

- Specific context: Israel responding to Christ

- Enduring application: Embracing Christ means embracing rejection

2. Hypocrites cannot discern their greatest need (vv. 54-56)

- Specific context: The Lord is bringing judgment to Israel

- Enduring application: The responsibility of discerning the time you're in

3. Fools do not consider the path to judgment they're on (vv. 57-59)

- Specific context: Unbelieving Israel refusing to turn to Christ

- Enduring application: The razor's edge of unbelief

Big Idea: True servants, who truly know the Master, stay vigilant and are rewarded.

1. Vigilance Rewarded with the Master’s Favor (12:35-40)

a. Main Point: Stay Vigilant!

b. Jesus serves those who know him

c. Unexpected arrival of Jesus

2. Negligence Receives the Master’s Wrath (12:41-48)

a. Keep the Main Point in mind: Stay Vigilant!

b. The negligent servant KNOWS OF the Master

c. Vigilance Outlined: Ephesians 6:14-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, 1 Peter 1:13-2:3

Big Idea: When your faith is in God’s good pleasure to provide, you are freed to live out life’s true purpose.

Christ cure for anxiety in 4 shifts:

1. A shift in how you think (vv. 22-24)   

2. A shift in what you admit (vv. 25-28)           

3. A shift in what you seek (vv. 29-31)

4. A shift in where you invest (vv. 32-34)

Big Idea: Christmas is the celebration of God the Son becoming what we are without ceasing to be who He’s always been (to save us). 

1. His emptying was a veiling of His glory in humanity   

2. He didn’t empty himself OF anything; He emptied himself

3. His emptying was by addition, NOT by subtraction  

4. His emptying was the epitome of humiliation

Big Idea: Life is not found in relationship to stuff but to the Savior.

1. The problem (vv. 13-14)  

2. The point (v. 15)

3. The parable (vv. 16-21)

Big Idea: Following Jesus demands uncompromising loyalty.  

4 expectations and assurances:

1. Avoid hypocrisy (vv. 1-3)

Assurance: The truth will come out

2. Fear God (vv. 4-7)

Assurance: God knows you and cares about you

3. Acknowledge Christ (vv. 8-10)

Assurance: Christ will acknowledge you

3. Trust the Spirit (vv. 11-12)

Assurance: The Spirit will give you the words

Big Idea: Jesus shines light on lives in conflict with the kingdom. 

6 woes that should make all listening go “whoa”:

1. Woe to you who major in the minors (v. 42) 

2. Woe to you who love the honor reserved for God (v. 43)

3. Woe to you who defile others unaware (v. 44)  

4. Woe to you who burden God’s people (vv. 45-46)

5. Woe to you who bury God’s prophets (vv. 47-51)

6. Woe to you who block the path to salvation (v. 52)

Big Idea: The heart of unbelief expresses itself in response to Christ’s power, Christ’s Word, Christ’s sign, and Christ’s light.

1. In response to Christ’s power, unbelief remains empty

2. In response to Christ’s Word, unbelief remains disobedient

3. In response to Christ’s sign, unbelief remains unrepentant

4. In response to Christ’s light, unbelief remains in darkness

Big Idea: You are either with Jesus or against Jesus. 

1. Are you blinded to a proper interpretation of Christ’s works? (vv. 14-16)

a. You have a slanderous interpretation of Christ's works

b. You have a skeptical interpretation of Christ's works   

2. Are you deaf to a proper refutation from Christ’s words? (vv. 17-22)

a. Unbelief makes you irrational

b. Unbelief makes you inconsistent   

3. Then you're scattered among those counted Christ’s enemies. (v. 23)

Big Idea: Come boldly to God in prayer for your God is a willing Friend and a good Father. 

You will pray boldly when:

1. You grasp the willingness of God as Friend (vv. 5-10)

2. You grasp the goodness of God as Father (vv. 11-13)

“Obviously since the thatched roof gone, God intends to give us a metal roof.” - Lalani

“Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians whose world was falling apart.” - William Lane

Two Ways To Know If We Are Walking In Faith:
1. Faith Looks Up
2. Faith Looks Back

Big Idea: A mission of such magnitude depends on the promise and power of God in prayer.

1. The promise of prayer: mission necessitates connection to the vine

2. The power of prayer: mission necessitates connection to headquarters

Big Idea: The call to make disciples flourishes best in a culture of generosity.  

1. Stems from our riches in Christ

2. Seen in the sacrificial giving of the church     

3. Starts in the life of every individual member

- Time

- Talent

- Treasure

Big Idea: The call to make disciples is the call to send and be sent.

1. What do we send?

2. Who do we send?

3. How do we send?

"Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" - Matthew 16: 24-26

1. Power: He has got this (v. 18)

2. Purpose: He is sending you (v. 19)

"Always had a roof above me

Always paid the rent

But I never set foot inside a tent

I couldn't build fire to save my life

I lied about being the outdoor type. ...

I can't go away with you on a rock climbing weekend

What if something's on tv, and it's never shown again?

Just is well I'm not invited

I'm afraid of heights

I lied about being the outdoor type

Never learned to swim

Can't grow a beard or even fight

I lied about being the outdoor type" -- The Lemonheads, The Outdoor Type

"The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed." - Hudson Taylor 

3. Promise: He is with you (v. 20)

Big Idea: We are a church of maturing disciples who make disciples. 

1. Are you a maturing disciple who makes disciples…in the home? 

2. Are you a maturing disciple who makes disciples…in the church?     

3. Are you a maturing disciple who makes disciples…of your neighbors?

Big Idea: The Lord’s Prayer is the Christian’s template for present, powerful new era access to the Father as our Father through the Son by the Spirit.   

1. When you want to know, ask (v. 1)

2. When you pray, apply (vv. 2-4)

a. Ascribe 

b. Align 

c. Ask

d. Arm

Big Idea: Sitting at the feet of Jesus is the Christian's first - and highest - priority.

1. The setting around Martha and Mary

2. The most mundane story in Jesus' ministry

3. The application for every Christian:

a. Be wary of the right hospitality but the wrong agenda

b. Make the Word of Jesus the fuel for your ministry

c. Reject a demands-heavy prayer life

d. Let nothing keep you from your first and highest priority

e. Choose the good portion

1. By His apparent silence

2. By His apparent rejection

3. By His apparent insult

Big Idea: Mercy will not flow from us to our neighbor until it comes to us from Christ. 

1. Consider the context of the parable

2. Consider the content of the parable 

3. Consider how Christ is revealed in the parable 

4. Consider the parable’s claim on us 

Big Idea: The disciples’ success in the mission is due in part to Jesus’ success over Satan.

1. Avoid the joy of the disciples (vv. 17-20)  

2. Share in the joy of Jesus (vv. 21-24)

Big Idea: Jesus’ sending is a foreshadowing of the coming mission to make disciples of all nations.     

1. Pray with fervency (vv. 1-2)

2. Proceed with urgency (vv. 3, 4b)

3. Plan on supply delivery (v. 4a)

4. Pursue based on receptivity (vv. 5-6)

5. Preserve the mission’s integrity (vv. 7-8)

6. Proclaim the truth boldly (vv. 9-16)

Big Idea: Before we rejoice with Jesus in His glorification, we must first follow Him through His humiliation.

1. The Uncomfortable Conditions (vv. 57-58)

2. The Urgent Call (vv. 59-60)

3. The Undivided Commitment (vv. 61-62)

Big Idea: Jesus teaches by example and exhortation that humility is the path to glory.  

1. Am I seeking the wrong kind of greatness? (vv. 46-48) 

2. Do I display hyper-tribalistic tendencies? (vv. 49-50) 

3. Am I stingy on my distribution of mercy? (vv. 51-56) 

Big Idea: The majesty of God is supremely displayed through the Deliverer delivered up to deliver us from all mayhem. 

1. Two only begotten sons: majesty meets mayhem (vv. 37-40)

2. Two rebukes: the misapprehending and ministry of majesty (vv. 41-43a) 

3. Two deliverances: majesty triumphs over mayhem (vv. 43b-45) 

1. The Son’s transformation (vv. 28-29) 

2. The witnesses' confirmation (vv. 30-31)     

3. The disciple’s rationalization (vv. 32-33) 

4. The Father’s declaration (vv. 34-36)

Big Idea: The cost of following Jesus has requirements, reasons, and a reward.

1. The requirements of discipleship (vv. 23)

2. The reasons for discipleship (vv. 24-26)

Reason #1 - Losing your life for Jesus’ sake is how you save it.

Reason #2 - Losing your soul is the price for gaining the world.

Reason #3 - Living ashamed of Jesus will lead to Jesus being ashamed of you.

3. The reward for discipleship (v. 27)

Big Idea: Beware - Ideas about Jesus always abound. But there is only one right answer to His question, “Who do you say that I am?”.

1. Crowds speculate and prefer options (v. 18-19)

2. Disciples submit to Jesus as Lord (v. 20)

3. Jesus suffers and saves (v. 21-22)

Big Idea: Jesus is the source of eternal sustenance and satisfaction. He supplies His disciples with the means and authority to offer the Bread of Life to others.

1. The Sympathy of Christ (vv. 10-11)

2. The Sending of the Disciples (vv. 12-16)

3. The Sufficiency of the Gospel (v. 17)

Big Idea: Jesus sends and supplies His disciples to carry on His mission.   

1. Authority in the mission (vv. 1-2)      

2. Instruction for the mission (vv. 3-5)        

3. Obedience to the mission (v. 6) 

4. Consequences of the mission (vv. 7-9)

Big Idea: Those who are dead and outcasts are not too far from Jesus’ priestly hand of reconciling them to a Holy God.

1. Competing crises (vv. 40-44)

2. The outcast is known and loved (vv. 45-48)

3. Too late? (vv. 49-53)

4. The dead are made alive (vv. 54-56)

Question: What is the function of Jesus’s work as our Compassionate High Priest? 

Big Idea: Jesus is the Most High God, and those who take refuge in Him are safe and sound. 

1. Terror after terror (vv. 26-28)

2. We live in a cosmic spiritual warzone (vv. 28-33) 

3. Jesus' authority to redeem and restore (vv. 34-37)  

4. Jesus’ commission (vv. 38-39) 

Big Idea: A proper faith in Jesus stems from a proper fear of Jesus.

1. God’s exposing agent (vv. 22-24a)

2. Creation’s obedient response (vv. 24b-25a) 

3. Man’s appropriate conclusion (v. 25b) 

Big Idea: Responding responsively to the Word of God includes eyes, ears, and actions.

Responding responsively to the Word of God includes:     

1. Seeing clearly (vv. 16–17)  

2. Hearing carefully (v. 18)       

3. Acting familially (vv. 19-21)

Big Idea: The soils provide both an explanation for the rejection of and an encouragement about the reception of the Good News of Jesus.  

1. Observe the story (vv. 4-8a) 

2. Understand the purpose (vv. 8b-10)        

3. Apply the explanation (vv. 11-15)

Which are you? 

1. The hard-hearted (v. 12)

2. The superficial (v. 13)

3. The entangled (v. 14)  

4. The responsive (v. 15)

Big Idea: The greater awareness we have of our sin before God, the more extreme our love for Him becomes when we experience His gracious forgiveness.

1. The Suspicious Invitation (v. 36)

2. The Sincere Adoration (vv. 37-38)

3. The Self-righteous Accusation (v. 39)

4. The Simple Illustration (vv. 40-43)

5. The Stunning Application (vv. 44-47)

6. The Source of Salvation (vv. 48-50)

7. The Sacrificial Devotion (vv. 8:1-3)

Big Idea: Jesus diagnoses a generation with spiritual spoiled brat syndrome. 

1. The essence of spiritual spoiled brat syndrome (vv. 31-32)

a. Symptoms of a spiritual spoiled brat: 

i. Pride

ii. Stubbornness

iii. Faithlessness

2. The examples of spiritual spoiled brat syndrome (vv. 33-34)

a. Spiritual spoiled brats: 

i. Attack the man to avoid the message

ii. Attack the way to avoid the words 

iii. Always find any excuse to reject the gospel  

3. The end of spiritual spoiled brat syndrome (v. 35)

a. Are you the spoiled brat or the child of wisdom?

Big Idea: Take it from John, Jesus is the one who is to come. 

a. You have… 

1. A defense to mull (vv. 24-28a)

2. A distinction to marvel (v. 28b)

3. A declaration to make (vv. 29-30)  

Big Idea: Be unoffended by Jesus. Believe in His person, teaching, and work by faith to be eternally blessed in Him.

1. The ultimate question posed (vv. 18-20)

2. The undeniable answer provided (vv. 21-22)

3. The unending blessing promised (v. 23)

Application: Being offended by Jesus today

1. The religious offense

2. The grace offense

3. The political offense

4. The truth offense

Big Idea: Jesus’ compassion met with such authoritative command leaves one conclusion.

1. Consider Jesus' compassion for you (vv. 11-14a)

2. Confide in Jesus' creative command (vv. 14b-15)

3. Come to the right conclusion about Jesus (vv. 16-17)

Big Idea: 6 signs of a 'Sermon on the Mount faith' in action. 

1. An exemplary compassion (vv. 1-2) 

2. An exemplary humility (vv. 3-4, 6, 7a)

3. An exemplary love (v. 5a)   

4. An exemplary generosity (v. 5b)     

5. An exemplary trust (v. 7b)

6. An exemplary submission (vv. 8-10)

Big Idea: The crux of Christian discipleship is obedience. 

1. Discipleship implies lordship and lordship demands obedience (v. 46)   

2. Is your life the house built on the rock? (vv. 47-48)

3. Is your life the house built without a foundation? (v. 49)

Big Idea: The resurrection proves there's power in the blood of Jesus.

1. What gives the blood such power?

a. Because it's Jesus' blood

b. Because Jesus offered Himself to God without blemish

c. Because Jesus offered Himself to God through the eternal Spirit 

d. What this means for us?

i. How great the love

ii. How vain the alternatives

2. What is the power of Jesus’ blood for you?  

a. Power to purge your conscience from dead works

b. Power to serve the living God

Big Idea: Jesus’ priesthood accomplishes the salvation the old couldn’t. 

Gripped by a salvation secured for us because:  

1. The office He occupies is better (v. 11a) 

2. The sanctuary He ministers in is better (vv. 11b)       

3. The sacrifice He offers is better (v. 12)

Better in what ways?

A. The holy place was better

B. The blood was better

C. The offering was better

D. The redemption was better

Big Idea: Conduct and conversation reveal the heart’s condition. We need to examine the fruit and make sure we are rooted in Christ.

1. Two Trees (vv. 43-44)

2. Two Treasures (v. 45a)

3. True Source (v. 45b)

Big Idea: Merciless people will not receive the mercy of God.

Two warning signs you might be merciless:

1. You judge others excessively (vv. 37-38)

2. You judge yourself leniently (vv. 39-42)

Big Idea: Kingdom actions reveal Kingdom origins.  

1. Kingdom love in action (vv. 27-28) 

2. Kingdom love’s reactions (vv. 29-30)    

3. Kingdom love’s rule (vv. 31-34) 

4. Kingdom love’s reward (vv. 35-36)

Big Idea: Jesus, the new Moses, pronounces the blessings of spiritual exodus to the new Israel. 

1. Blessings of the Kingdom-bound

a. The blessing of poverty (v. 20)

b. The blessing of hunger (v. 21a) 

c. The blessing of grief (v. 21b)

d. The blessing of rejection (vv. 22-23)

2. Curses that bind from the Kingdom

a. The curse of riches (v. 24)

b. The curse of fullness (v. 25a) 

c. The curse of laughter (v. 25b) 

d. The curse of popularity (v. 26)

Big Idea: The time has come for Jesus to select the heads of a renewed Israel for His kingdom purposes. 

1. The priority of Jesus' private life (v. 12) 

2. The picking of Jesus' partnerships (vv. 13-16)  

3. The power of Jesus' public ministry (vv. 17-19)

Big Idea: Jesus, the greater King David, is Lord of the Sabbath.

1. The Sabbath is subordinate to Jesus (vv. 1-5)               

2. The Sabbath is supportive of man’s good (vv. 6-11)

Big Idea: The Gospel is a new way- and the new and the old don't mix.

1. A comparison of disciples (v. 33) 

2. A celebration of the Bridegroom  (vv. 34-35)     

3. A combination that's incompatible (vv. 36-39)

Big Idea: Jesus came to call sinners, not the righteous, to repentance. 

1. Jesus seeks out sinners (v. 27a) 

2. Jesus calls sinners to Himself (vv. 27b-28) 

3. Jesus is celebrated as Savior of sinners (vv. 29-32)  

Big Idea: The paralytic is proof Jesus has authority to forgive sins.

1. The footprint of faith (vv. 17-19)   

2. The heart of healing (v. 20)

3. The platform of proof (vv. 21-24)

4. The consideration of the crowd (vv. 25-26) 

Big Idea: Every Christian must contend for life in the womb as sacred.   

1. Life is to be pursued (vv. 1, 7)

2. Life is to be preserved (vv. 2-4) 

3. Taking life is prohibited (vv. 5-6)

1) The key to a cure is coming to Jesus (v. 12)

a. Come desperately

b. Come reverentially

c. Come urgently

d. Come submissively

e. Come faithfully

2) The key to our confidence is Jesus’ willingness and ability (vv. 13-16) 

a. Jesus' compassion

b. Jesus' connection

c. Jesus' cleansing

d. Jesus' commitment

e. Jesus' communion

Big Idea: The calling of Peter, James, and John showcase Gospel transformation and foretell Gospel victory.

 1. Gospel Moment Explained

2. Gospel Transformation Showcased

3. Gospel Victory Foretold

Big Idea: Jesus launches His public ministry fulfilling Scripture, dominating demons, and preaching the kingdom. Here’s why that’s great news for you.

1. Fulfilling Scripture, Jesus is the long awaited Messiah (v. 14-30)

2. Dominating demons, Jesus is plundering Satan’s domain (v. 31-41)

3. Preaching the kingdom, Jesus is saving sinners (v. 42-44)

Big Idea: God sent His Son at Christmas to make us sons.

1. Adoption’s impulse- Love 

2. Adoption’s status- Son  

3. Adoption's privilege- Heir  

4. Adoption’s outcome- Likeness

Big Idea: Where Adam and Israel failed, Jesus triumphs as the Faithful Son of God.

1. Temptation 1- Craving- Doubting God’s provision (4:1-4)  

2. Temptation 2- Idolatry- Exchanging God's preeminence (4:5-8)

3. Temptation 3- Authority- Testing God's promises (4:9-13)

Big Idea: Jesus fulfills the covenant promises, therefore in Him we receive the covenant blessings.

1. The Context
2. The Connection
3. The Comfort

A Faith List For God’s People:

1. I am entrusted with the care of the souls around me (14)

a. I am willing to challenge complacency in you

b. I am going to seek ways to strengthen you

"I have never met anyone too encouraged. Never once." -- Ray Ortlund

c. I want to be close enough to see when you are struggling

d. I am going to be patiently persistent with you

2. I am encouraging mercy where relationships get messy (15)

a. I am vigilant for vengeful or vindictive tendencies

b. I am going to get after doing good

3. I am fully engaged in my relationship with God (16-18)

a.  I am asking God to develop deeper delight within me

b. I am asking God to help me pursue proximity to Him

c. I am grounding who I am in gratitude to God

Big Idea: Jesus’ baptism is the setting for divine confirmation of the identity and ministry of Jesus as the Messiah.     

1. The Son baptized - a sign of identification (v. 21a) 

2. The Spirit descending - a sign of inauguration (v. 21b-22a)       

3. The Father declaring - a sign of affirmation (v. 22b)

Big Idea: True repentance is a necessary act of preparation to meet Jesus.

1. Persuasion to repentance comes with a warning (vv. 7-9) 

2. Practicals of repentance show forth in life (vv. 10-14)  

3. Power for repentance comes from God (vv. 15-17) 

4. Preaching repentance comes at a cost (vv. 18-20)

Big Idea: The Gospel has the power to bring sinners into a state of reconciliation with God and with each other.

1. The extent of our alienation

2. The gospel brings reconciliation

3. Believers share a new identity

Big Idea: Preparing the way for the King requires humility and repentance. Jesus brings comfort and healing to those who first mourn and are broken over their sin.

1. The Context of Wretchedness (vv. 1-2a)
2. The Call to Repentance (vv. 2b-3)

 “Whenever you believe that the evil outside you is greater than the evil inside you, a heartfelt pursuit of Christ will be replaced by a zealous fighting of the evil around you.” -- Timothy Lane and Paul Tripp, How People Change

 3. The Comfort of Redemption (vv. 4-6)

Big Idea: The Lord Jesus came into the world with a human nature like ours, to live in obedience to His Father.

1. How to lose Jesus (vv. 41-45) 

2. What the lost Jesus does (vv. 46-48a)     

3. Where the lost Jesus must be (vv. 48b-51) 

4. What a lost Jesus does reveal (v. 52)  

Big Idea: Jesus’ first days reveal His coming to fulfill God’s covenant promises for the salvation of sinners.   

1. Christ’s circumcision and the Abrahamic covenant (v. 21)

2. Christ’s consecration and the Mosaic covenant (vv. 22-24)

3. Christ’s consolation and the New covenant (vv. 25-40)

Big Idea: Come behold the wonder of Heaven's King born on earth.

1. Shepherds: God's unlikely recipients (v. 8)

2. Angel: God's bearer of Good News (v. 9-12)

3. Heavenly Host: God's choir of highest glory (v. 13-14)

4. Witnesses: God's proclaimers of His salvation (v. 15-20) 

Big Idea: 10 Virtues that protect from glory thievery and the vices that threaten.

1. Virtue: God-centeredness

Vice: Man-centeredness 

Rom 11:36

2. Virtue: Gospel proclamation

Vice: Self-exaltation 

2 Cor 4:5

3. Virtue: Preaching God’s word

Vice: Tickling ears 

2 Tim 4:3

4. Virtue: Prayer

Vice: Self-sufficiency

Ps 50:15

5. Virtue: Praise

Vice: Apathy

Ps 96:8

6. Virtue: Holiness

Vice: Idolatry

2 Cor 3:18

7. Virtue: Humility

Vice: Self-preoccupation

Isa 66:2  

8. Virtue: Service

Vice: Consumption 

1 Pet 4:10-11

9. Virtue: Risk

Vice: Comfort

Matt 25:25

10. Virtue: Gratitude

Vice: Taking for granted

1 Cor 4:7

Big Idea: Jesus’ coming is a clash between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of the world. 

Jesus' coming reveals...

1. God confronting the captors of His people (vv. 1-3)

2. God causing the powerful to be but pawns in His plans (vv. 4-5)

3. God condescending in a reversal of kingdom expectations (vv. 6-7)

Big Idea: A God’s-eye view of the significance of John’s birth rightsizes my view of salvation. 

My view of salvation is rightsized when…

1. I let the Holy Spirit define it (v. 67)

2. I link salvation to God’s covenant promises (vv. 68-75)

3. I look to Christ for the forgiveness of my sins (vv. 76-80)

Big Idea: The certainty of Jesus' soon coming is substantiated by the actuality of John's birth.

1. Marvel at the myriad of mercies in God’s work (vv. 57-58)

2. Mine the depths of God’s blessing in chastening (vv. 59-64)

3. Meditate on the significance of what John’s coming means (vv. 65-66)

Big Idea: Mary’s song is a deliberate pause to reflect and invite you to make the Gospel your own story and your own song.  

1. Join in the exercise of faith (vv. 39-45)

2. Join in the exultation of God (vv. 46b-50)

3. Join in the exaltation of God (vv. 51-56)   

Big Idea: Luke’s back to back birth announcements prove Jesus is indisputably greater than John. 

1. A greater reversal of expectations (vv. 26-30)

2. A greater role in God’s plan (vv. 31-33)

3. A greater work of the Spirit (vv. 34-37) 

4. A greater response from God’s servant (v. 38) 

Big Idea: A heart prepared for the Lord believes, against unbelief, that God who promised is at work to bring His promises to fulfillment. 

What does Luke, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, want us to see?

1. The parallel with Elizabeth’s barrenness (vv. 5-7)    

2. The prophecy of John’s ministry (vv. 8-17)  

3. The posture towards God's Good News (vv. 18-25)

Big Idea: Luke’s gospel was written to convince you that Jesus is who the apostles said He was and the one who fulfills the whole of the Old Testament. 

1. Stand convinced by the historicity of Luke’s gospel (v. 1) 

2. Stand convinced by the humility of Luke’s gospel (v. 2)

3. Stand convinced by the credibility of Luke’s gospel (v. 3) 

4. Stand convinced by the content of Luke’s gospel (v. 4) 

Big Idea: God has revealed Himself to us; His wisdom, knowledge, and power are beyond human understanding to comprehensively know.

1. God Declares

a. What is the Mystery/Incomprehensibility of God?

b. We can’t know God exhaustively, but we can know Him truly.

"No created mind can attain the perfect sort of understanding of God's essence that is intrinsically possible…The infinite cannot be contained in the finite. God exists infinitely and nothing finite can grasp him infinitely… It is impossible for a created mind to understand God infinitely; it is impossible, therefore, to comprehend him.” Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae 

2. Three Errors

a. We error if we suppose we can comprehend God completely.

b. We error if we doubt whether we can know anything about God.

c. We error if we believe knowing more about Him is the ultimate goal.

3. How should we live in light of this?

a. Embrace our finitude

b. Learn the song of heaven – AWE!

1. A reckoning with holiness

a. The beauty of the divine nature  

b. He is holy

c. He is the standard 

d. He is the source

2. The rebuke from God’s holiness  

3. God’s remedy to and from His holiness

4. Our response to Holiness

a. Humble adoration 

b. Holy obedience

c. Heavenly preparation 

Big Idea: God does not have any passions, and he cannot suffer. Instead, He has perfections, being Himself. 

1. Definitions

a. Impassibility: God does not experience emotional changes either from within or effected by his relationship to creation. God does not have passions.

b. Passions: Latin - To suffer, submit, undergo, experience, and endure.

This assures for us His love, mercy, justice, and all attributes we would ascribe.

2. Logic

3. Scripture

Numbers 23:19, James 1:17, Malachi 3:6

John 4:24, Acts 14:15, Exodus 3:13-14

Romans 9:15, Ephesians 1:3-6, 1 John 4:10,16b

Job 35:5-7, 1 Samuel 15:10-11,19

4. Impassibility ≠ Apathy

5. Jesus’ Incarnation: God Suffers

6. Application: Worship Him

Big Idea – God’s immutability adorns His attributes, upholds the Gospel, and assures your salvation.

1. Biblical teaching on Immutability

- Numbers 23:19, Psalm 102:25-27, Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 6:13-20, Hebrews 7:20-28, Hebrews 13:8, James 1:17, 1 Peter 1:3-5

2. Theological Teaching on Immutability

Definition: Divine immutability is the perfection of God in which he is free from any change or potentiality to change in his essence, knowledge, will and purpose.

Immutability adorns all God’s attributes and acts as a predicate to them.

3. “Biblical” objections to immutability

- Genesis 6:5-6, Exodus 32:11-14, 1 Samuel 15:10-29, Jonah 3:10 – 4:3

"Biblical" objections to immutability fail either by misunderstanding, taking verses out of context, or forgetting divine accommodation.

4. Theological objections to immutability

Creation | Christ’s Incarnation and Death | Immutability = Immobility

5. Application

In the gospel, the immutable God changes us to become what we could not be by ourselves: united to Christ as children of God.

"The immutability of Christ comes as eternally good news to those who have been united to Him. It is in Christ’s inalterability – by virtue of His divine nature – that many of the functional needs of the economy of redemption are met. In the immutable Christ, God’s people find an unchanging mediator who ever pleads their innocence before God and in the immutable Christ, God’s people find an unchanging adoption in which they’ll ever be endowed the undeserved script of “Abba, Father”.  In the immutable Christ, God’s people find an unchanging righteousness granted them as the merits of Christ become their own. In the immutable Christ, God’s people find an unchanging atonement in which the spilt blood forever pardons their darkest sins. And it is in the immutable Christ that God’s people find an unchanging resurrection in which they’ll ascend to the right hand of the Father and enjoy the prize of their faith evermore. The immutability of the second person of the Trinity – Jesus Christ – protects vital elements needed for the economy of redemption. Christ immutability protects the righteousness and merits needed for reconciliation, He protects the once-for-all sacrifice needed to propitiate the just wrath of the Father, He protects the priestly intercession needed as He pleads on our behalf, and He protects the eternal resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father." -- Ronni Kurtz, No Shadow of Turning, p. 187

Big idea: The simple God calls you to a simple heart, simple trust, and simple worship.

1. Defining Divine Simplicity:

a. Definition = God has no parts

2. Proving Divine Simplicity:

a. It's biblical: 

Jer. 10:10 - truth;

Jer. 23:6 - righteousness;

John 1:4-5 - life;

John 1:9 - true light;

John 14:6 - truth and life;

1 Cor. 1:30 - wisdom and righteousness;

1 John 1:5 - life;

1 John 4:8 - love

b. It's logical

c. It's necessary

d. It's historical

3. Applying Divine Simplicity:

a. Simple Heart

b. Simple Trust

c. Simple Worship

Dissecting Abraham’s Faith in His Promise-Keeping God:

1.  Believing the Promise

a. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ”  Rom 10: 17

b. “There is always this naked element in faith. It does not ask for proofs, it does not seek them; in a sense it does not need them. Faith is content with the bare Word of God.” -- Martyn Lloyd Jones

2.  Embracing the Circumstances

3. Sustaining the Trust

a. “…these all died in faith, not having received the things promised"  Heb. 11:13

Latin: A se = From self, or of one's self -- Translation: Self-existence 

Big Idea: God's self-existence, and creation's absolute dependence on Him, is glorious news for all.

1. Biblical Teaching of God's Aseity

a. Being self-existent, God has life in Himself (Exodus 3:15; Psalm 36:9; Isaiah 42:5, John 5:26, 8:58)

b. Being self-existent, God is Creator of all things (Genesis 1; Acts 17:22-26; Revelation 22:13)

c. Being self-existent, God reigns as Lord and Owner of all things (1 Chronicles 29:10-16; Psalm 50:10-12; Romans 11:33-36)

2. Theological Implications of God's Aseity

a. Life → Eternal Life

b. Creator → Cosmology

c. Lordship → Independence

3. Life Application of God's Aseity

a. Life → Eternal Life → Embrace your dependence

b. Creator → Cosmology → Embrace the binary

c. Lordship → Independence → Embrace humility

Big Idea: It is incumbent upon a disciple of Jesus to live sent. 

1. Catch the Scripture’s theme of sending

2. Console your heart with God's peace

3. Consider the similarities of the Son’s sending

4. Commit to living as one sent

Big Idea: Stand firm in the freedom Christ has called you to by serving one another.  

1. Why does serving help us remain in our Christian freedom?

a. Because serving is the freedom to be ruled by God, not the flesh (v. 13)

b. Because serving is the freedom to love others, not use others (v. 13b)       

- Serving to get in return

- Serving to be appreciated

- Serving when it's convenient

- Serving when it fits my gifts 

c. Because serving is the freedom to do God’s will, not deny it (v. 14) 

- Motivated by gratitude, not guilt 

- Motivated by joyful obedience, not forced obligation

Big Idea: Your work in life is a calling from God to be lived out faithfully.

1. The plan of vocation

2. The purpose of vocation

3. The problems with vocation

4. The promise for vocation      

5. The practicals of vocation  

Big Idea: Christians are to be committed members of a local church.

1. Place yourself under the care of respectable leaders (v. 12)

2. Persevere in loving your leaders superabundantly (v. 13a)

3. Pursue peace within the local body (v. 13b)

Big Idea: We all have a direct part to play in building a God-glorifying church culture.

- Please and build up your neighbor in light of Christ (v. 1-3)

- Grow in hope by gathering under the instruction of the Word (v. 4)

1. What is a Doxa Small Group?  

a. Disciple-making in community.

b. The primary outworking of the one-anothers. 

c. Word, Fellowship, and prayer together. 

2. 53 Small Groups with 7 more preparing for launch

- What is the need?

a. Prayerfully consider getting trained to launch a Small Group this Fall

b. Ask God for gospel-informed like-mindedness (v. 5-6)

c. Welcome one another for the glory of God (v. 7)

Big Idea: Healthy spiritual disciplines are training habits founded upon the Gospel, for the purpose of godliness unto the goal of God Himself. 

1. Gospel truth is the foundation (v. 6)

2. Godliness is the purpose (vv. 7-8)

a. Reasons we struggle: 

i. Laziness

ii. Inconsistency

iii. Opposition

iv. Ignorance

3. God is the goal (vv. 9-10)

1. Elements  

a. The Word

- Sing (the Word)

- Pray (the Word) 

- Preach (the Word) 

- Read (the Word)

- See (the Word)

b. Baptism

c. Communion

2. Outcome

a. Fellowship

3. Application

a. Commit to the corporate gathering

b. Prioritize

c. Prepare

d. Participate

Big Idea:  When we gather for church, God is...

1. Revealing

a. His Manifest Presence - Ephesians 3:21 | 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

b. His Manifold Wisdom - Ephesians 3:10

c. His Sufficient Word - 2 Timothy 3:16-4:4

d. His Perfect Will - Romans 12:1-2

e. His Saving Grace - Titus 3:3-7

2. Saving The Lost - Romans 10:14-17

3. Sanctifying His People - Romans 12:1-2

4. Building His Church - Matthew 16:15-18 | 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9-10

5. Glorifying His Name - Ephesians 3:20-21

Application:

a. Come faithfully

b. Come prayerfully

c. Come expectantly

Key Question: Why should we prioritize Sunday worship in the local church?

1. The gathered church is the heavenly presence of Christ, revealed on the earth.  Ephesians 1:19-23, 2:4-6 / Hebrews 12:18-29

a. Authority: Matt. 18:15-20 / 1 Cor. 5:4-5

b. Temple: 1 Ptr. 2:4-5, 9-10 / 1 Cor. 3:16-17 / 2 Cor. 6:16 / Eph. 2:18-22

2. Here God has promised to meet us and minister to us.

a. Ordinary Means of Grace:

- Word: Rom. 10:17 / 2 Tim. 4:1-5 / 2 Tim. 3:16 / Rom. 10:14-15

- Prayer: Phil. 4:6-7 / Eph. 6:18 / 1 Jhn. 5:14-15

- Baptism & Communion: Matt. 28:19-20 / Eph. 4:1-5 / 1 Cor. 10:16-17, 11:23-26

- Communal Life of the Church Col. 3:15-17 / Eph. 4:11-13 / Gal. 6:9-10

3. The pattern has been set by your God. Genesis 2:2-3 / Deuteronomy 5:12-15 / John 20:1, 19 / Acts 2:4, 20:7

Big Idea: Encouragement to the church comes via a committee of pastoral servants.

1. Uplifting updates (vv. 7-9)

2. Grace greetings (vv. 10-14)   

3. Church-wide commitments (vv. 15-17)

4. Prayer promptings (v. 18) 

Big Idea: Christ-centered lives ought to culminate in an effective witness to the world.

4 keys to effectiveness...

1. Persistent prayer (v. 2) 

2. Clear Christ (vv. 3-4)

3. Wise walk (v. 5) 

4. Seasoned speech (v. 6)

Romans 5:10

1. Much more, now that we are reconciled   

2. Shall we be saved

3. By his life

Big Idea: Whatever your lot in life, seek to please your Master in heaven.

 1. Understand it: Slaves, obey and serve your earthly master from the heart. (3:22)

Apply it: Christian, do your work from a sincere heart to honor the Lord.

2. Understand it: Slaves, remember your work is ultimately for Christ, from whom you will receive an eternal inheritance. (3:23-25)

Apply it: Working with an eternal mindset as unto the Lord should make you an excellent worker. (3:23-25) 

3. Understand it: Masters, treat your servants equitably knowing your Master in heaven is watching. (4:1)

Apply it: No matter one’s authority on earth, all Christians serve their Master in heaven.

Big Idea: Living in light of who I am in Christ transforms life in the home.

1. Wives- submit to your husbands (v. 18)     

2. Husbands- love your wives (v. 19)

3. Children- obey your parents (v. 20) 

4. Fathers- don’t provoke your children (v. 21) 

Big Idea: Living in light of who I am in Christ means putting on Christ.

1. His Godliness (vv. 12-13)

2. His Love (v. 14)

3. His Peace (v. 15a)

4. His Thankfulness (v. 15b)

5. His Word (v. 16)

6. His Name (v. 17)

Big Idea: Living in light of who I am in Christ means laying aside sin.  

1. Slay what used to define you before Christ (vv. 5-7) 

2. Strip what doesn’t accord with who are in Christ (vv. 8-11) 

1. You have been raised with Christ in the past (3:1-2)

2. You are hidden with Christ in the present (3:3)

3. You will appear with Christ in the future (3:4)

Big Idea: When secure in Christ:  

1. You won’t fall for the idolatry of adding shadows to the substance (vv. 16-17)

2. You won’t fall for the insistence on superior spiritual experiences (vv. 18-19)

3. You won’t fall for the appearance of self-made religion (vv. 20-23)

1. See to it that you’re captivated by the fullness in Christ (vv. 8-10) 

2. See to it that you’re captivated by the fellowship in Christ (vv. 11-12)

3. See to it that you’re captivated by the forgiveness in Christ (vv. 13-15)

1. Confidence from a corporate knowledge of Christ (vv. 1-3)

2. Constancy in our convictions about Christ (vv. 4-5)    

3. Commitment to keep walking in Christ (vv. 6-7) 

Big Idea: The aim of gospel ministry is to present everyone mature in Jesus Christ. 

1. The suffering inherent in gospel ministry (v. 24)  

2. The stewardship entrusted to gospel ministers (vv. 25-28)

3. The strength supplied for gospel ministry (v. 29)

Big Idea: What are the benefits of being reconciled to God?

1. The assurance that your past no longer defines you (v. 21)

2. The promise of being presented holy before God, by God (v. 22)

3. The enabling power to continue in the faith (v. 23)

Big Idea: Exodus 21 argues the unborn are just as worthy of protection as any other human being.  

1. The interpretation to justify abortion 

2. The explanation from rightly dividing the word  

3. The application for the church

a. Pray 

b. Partner

c. Proclaim

Big Idea: Living a life pleasing to God depends on our grasping the glory of who Jesus is and what He’s done.

1. Christ’s supremacy over creation (vv. 15-17)

a. The image of God

b. Creator

c. Sustainer

2. Christ’s supremacy over the new creation (vv. 18-20)

a. Head of the church

b. Founder of the new creation

c. Because He is God incarnate

d. Through His reconciling work

Big Idea: That you might be filled with His will to live a life fully pleasing to Him.  

1. A life fully pleasing to God bears fruit (v. 10b)

2. A life fully pleasing to God increases in knowledge of Him (v. 10c)

3. A life fully pleasing to God endures by His strength (v. 11)

4. A life fully pleasing to God gives thanks regularly for Gospel grace (vv. 12-14)

Big Idea: God’s work in your life is directly connected to the Gospel’s work in your life.  

1. Gospel grace (vv. 1-2)

2. Gospel gratitude (v. 3) 

3. Gospel glory (vv. 4-5) 

4. Gospel growth (vv. 6-8)

When I worry...

1. I underestimate God’s provision (v. 25)

2. I underestimate God’s care (vv. 26, 28-30)

3. I gain nothing by it (v. 27)

4. I underestimate God’s knowledge (vv. 31-32)

5. I’ve flipped my priorities (vv. 32-33)

6. I’m focusing on the future rather than living in the present (v. 34)

1. What Keeps Us In Fear?

a. Indulgence

b. Immobilization

c. Ignorance

d. Improper means

2. Call Down Reinforcements

a. Call out for for mercy (vv. 1-2, 9)

b. Express your complaints to God (v. 1b, 2, 5, 6) 

c. Call for enemies to be cast down (v. 7) 

d. Consider God’s remembrance (v. 8)

e. Have confidence when you call (v. 9)

3. Exercise your God-given faith

a. The resolve of faith (v. 3)

b. The place of faith (v. 4, 10, 11)

c. The praise of faith (v. 4, 10)

3. Don’t Waste Your Fear (vv. 12-13) 

Big Idea: God knows our anxious and sinful hearts in this broken world and will restore both.

1. What is Fear?

a. Two types of fear:

- "Fear of God"-- reverence and Awe, that lead to drawing near

- "Terror or Dread"-- is a loss of courage, in face of an unpleasant or dangerous situation, that leads to drawing away. 

2. Perfect Fear by Design

a. Seeds of temptation sown and take root :Gen 3:1-6

b. A new kind of fear – terror and dread :Gen 3:7-8

c. God’s justice and surprising mercy seen :Gen 3:9-24

d. Hear the voice of God in fear

Big Idea: All that God has done, is doing, and will do in eternity is for the praise of His glory.

1. God’s Creation Word and Written Word exhibit the glory of God - Psalm 19 | 2 Peter 1:16-21

 2. Grace puts God’s glory on display – Ephesians 1:3-14

 3. Faith magnifies God’s glory – Philippians 3 | Hebrews 11

 4. Christ is the radiance of the glory of God – Hebrews 1:3, John 1:1

 5. Living Soli De Gloria...

a. Transforms your life – 2 Corinthians 3:18

b. Is how to pursue joy – Psalm 16:11

c. Encompasses every motive – 1 Cor. 10:31

d. Puts suffering in perspective – Romans 8:18

e. Prepares you for eternity – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Big Idea: Salvation is grounded exclusively and sufficiently in Jesus Christ alone.

1. The exclusivity of the person of Christ 

2. The sufficiency of the work of Christ 

3. The application of Solus Christus

a. Look to Christ

b. Love Christ

c. Live for Christ

Big Idea: Justification is by faith alone in Jesus Christ. 

1. What is justification?

2. What is faith?

3. Alone in what sense?

Big Idea: Salvation is a work of God’s grace alone from beginning to end.

1. The biblical basis  

2. The historical battlefields   

3. The practical by-products:

a. Focuses all praise on God

b. Focuses on the message, not the medium

c. Anchors our assurance  

d. Engages in the means of grace

Big Idea: Sola Scriptura is the assertion that Scripture, because it is God’s Word, is our final, sole infallible authority for faith and practice.  

1. What sola Scriptura is

2. What sola Scriptura implies

3. How sola Scriptura applies 

a. Scripture and the church

b. Scripture and you

c. Scripture and the world

Big Idea: In 2 Samuel 24, we need to see beyond the imperfect King David to the four instances of God’s mercy and the four foreshadowings of the perfect King Jesus.

1. The King Wielded by God (vv. 1–9)

a. God’s Mercy in the Retribution

2. The King Wounded by God (vv. 10–14)

a. God’s Mercy in the Recourses

3. The King Who Intercedes (vv. 15–17)

a. God’s Mercy in the Relenting

4. The King Who Atoned (vv. 18–24)

a. God’s Mercy in the Response

Big Idea: There’s a coming King whose righteous rule over mankind is sure and whose faithful followers are also recorded in his book.  

1. The certainty of the coming King  (vv. 1-7)   

2. The chronicles of the coming King’s faithful followers (vv. 8-39)

Big Idea: David’s song stands as a memorial that all praise for the saving work of God for His kingdom’s sake belongs to Him.  

1. His support in suffering (vv. 2-20)              

2. His rewarding righteousness (vv. 21-31)  

3. His empowering His promises (vv. 32-51)

Big Idea: These stories of deliverance are a reflective take on David’s whole kingship foreshadowing the king whose reign David’s was modeled after.  

1. The king who delivers his people from wrath (vv. 1-14)

a. The grace of sin revealed (vv. 1-2)  

b. The gruesomeness of atonement (vv. 3-9) 

c. The good of sitting with it (vv. 10-14)     

2. The king who defeats his people’s enemies (vv. 15-22)

a. Preserving the king (vv. 15-17)

b. Promises fulfilled (vv. 18-22)

Big Idea: That the kingdom is still standing, in spite of the consequences of the returning king's sin, reminds us the Kingdom is the Lord's.

1. The kingdom is still standing amidst division (19:9-43)

2. The kingdom is still standing amidst rebellion (20:1-26)

Big Idea: David’s tragic victory teaches us how the true king rules his kingdom

1. The King Who Loves His Enemies (18:1-5)

2. The King Who Dies On a Tree (18:6-32)

3. The King Who Weeps For The Lost (18:33-19:7)

4. The King Who Reigns Again (19:8)

Big Idea: God’s sovereignty is a great solace in that no sin or sinner can thwart God’s kingdom plans. 

1. Enemies are sovereignly stuck fulfilling God's will (vv. 16:1-23)

2. Everything is encompassed in God's secret sovereignty (vv. 17:1-14)

3. Encouragement results when sovereignty is seen (vv. 17:15-29)

1. Rebellion couched in deceit (vv. 1-12)

a. Rebellion lurks behind the persuasiveness of a public persona (vv. 1-6)

b. Rebellion lurks behind the pretense of piety (vv. 7-12) 

2. Faith catalyzed in exile (vv. 13-37)   

a. Faith rises on the wings of friends (vv. 18-23)

b. Faith submits to what pleases God (vv. 24-29)

c.Faith is encouraged by answered prayer (vv. 30-37)

Big Idea: What hopelessness there is for exiled sinners without a righteous King who is both just and the justifier.

1. A pretend parable (vv. 1-22)

2. A proud prodigal (vv. 23-33)

Big Idea: Chaos in David’s house highlights the reality and consequences of David’s sin- as Yahweh said it would.

1. Like father’s sexual sin, like son’s (vv. 1-22)

a. Lessons from Tamar

b. Lessons from Amnon

c. Lessons from Jonadab

2. Like father’s murderous act, like son’s (vv. 23-39)   

a. Lessons from David

b. Lessons from Absalom

Big Idea: Even David, as covenant King, enters and retains Yahweh's kingdom by grace and grace alone.

1. The pursuit of grace (v. 1a)

2. The plans of grace (vv. 1b-7a)

3. The theology of grace (vv. 7-15a)

4. The grip of grace (vv. 15b-31)

Big Idea: David’s fall is both a warning and a reminder that we, along with David, need the saving work of the sinless Son of David, Jesus. 

1. A Sensual Compromise (vv. 1-5)

2. A Slimy Coverup (vv. 6-25) 

3. A Straightforward Conclusion (vv. 26-27)

Big Idea: Those who reject the kindness of King Jesus will be as successful as the nations are here.

1. Spurning His messengers (vv. 1-5)

2. Standing in His courage (vv. 6-14)

3. Subduing His enemies (vv. 15-19)

Big Idea:  The covenant kindness David shows his enemy’s descendant foreshadows the even greater kindness King Jesus shows his enemies in the Gospel.
 
1. The King's Initiative (vv. 1-6)
 
2. The King's Blessing (vv. 7-8)
 
3. The King's Provision (vv. 9-13)
 
The Gospel According to Mephibosheth: We are in a similar yet worse.

Big Idea: The earthly triumph of the Davidic kingdom anticipates the cosmic triumph of the kingdom inaugurated by Jesus.

1: The victories of the kingdom (vv. 1-6, 13-14)

2: The rewards of the kingdom (vv. 7-12)

3: The administration of the kingdom (vv. 15-18)

Big Idea: There are three aspects of David’s prayer of thanksgiving that you need to adopt if you want to more accurately see the magnificence of God’s glory in your life. 

I. The Person of the Promise

2. The People and the Purpose

3. The Petition for Perpetuity

Big Idea: God’s covenant with David shows God’s sovereign power to establish an eternal kingdom through David’s greater Son.

1. Sovereign Presence (vv. 1-9a)
2. Sovereign Plan (vv. 9b-11)
3. Sovereign Promise (vv. 12-15)
4. Sovereign Permanence (v. 16-17)
5. Sovereign Fulfillment (Matthew 1:1 | Luke 1:32-33 | 1 Peter 2:4-5 | Acts 15:13-17)

Big Idea: A life lived ‘coram deo’ returns to living centered on the glory of Jesus, in whom the ark finds its fulfillment.

1. A 'coram deo' life is one of holy reverence (vv. 1-12a)

2. A 'coram deo' life is one of humble rejoicing (vv. 12b-23)

Big Idea: David’s kingdom highlight reel is positive but still leaves us longing for the perfect King and Kingdom.  

1. A King who covenants (vv. 1-10)

2. A King who condescends (vv. 11-12)

3. A King who won’t compromise (vv. 13-16)

4. A King who conquers (vv. 17-25) 

Big Idea: God’s kingdom will not be established by a rogue redeemer. 

1. The Players (vv. 1-4) 

2. The Play (vv. 5-7a)

3. The Perspective (vv. 7b-11)

4. The Prosecuting (v. 12)

Big Idea: All attempts to thwart the promise of the coming kingdom of God will fail in the end.

1. God’s kingdom will not be stopped by man’s opposition (2:12-32)

2. God’s kingdom will not be sought by man’s selfishness (3:1-11)

3. God’s kingdom will be not established by man’s own way (3:12-39)

Big Idea: Opposition to God’s Kingdom has and will continue until the return of the true and better Davidic King.

1. Kingdom inauguration (vv. 1-4a)

2. Kingdom invitation (vv. 4b-7) 

3. Kingdom opposition (vv. 8-11)

Big Idea: The dishonorable death of God's anointed will not be the end of God's redemptive plan. 

Act 1: A fabricated story (v. 1-10)

Act 2: A swift reversal (v. 11-16)

Act 3: A tragic lament (v. 17-27)

Big Idea: The Gospel guarantees that every single saint will be brought home to glory. 

1. God’s Purposes are Invincible (Rom 8:28-30)

2. God's Favor is Irreversible (Rom 8:31-34)

3. God’s Love is Inseparable (Rom 8:35-39)

Big Idea: 4 benefits of the transforming work of the Gospel

1. Communion with Christ

2. Community in Christ’s body

3. Conformity to Christ

4. Commissioned for Christ 

Big Idea: 4 essential components to your reception/proclamation of the Gospel

1. God

2. Man

3. Christ 

4. Response

Big Idea: There are four major movements to God’s story

1. Creation- where did everything come from?

2. Fall- what has gone wrong?

3. Redemption- what is the solution?

4. Consummation- what does the future hold?

Big Idea: The Kingdom of God has been inaugurated through…

1. Jesus’ life (2:22)

2. Jesus’ death (2:23)

3. Jesus’ resurrection (2:24-32)

4. Jesus’ ascension (2:33-36)

Big Idea: You are God's steward, and He wants what's entrusted to you handled well.

1. Duty #1- How to handle treasure (vv. 17-19)

a. Steer clear of pride

b. Set not your hope on riches

c. Seek to do good

d. Share generously  

1. Duty #2- How to handle truth (vv. 20-21)

a. Safeguard the faith

b. Shun error    

Big Idea: God’s man bears God’s marks in his life.  

1. The man of God flees from evil (v. 11a)

2. The man of God follows after good (v. 11b)

3. The man of God fights for the faith (v. 12)

4. The man of God focuses on God's work (vv. 13-16)

Big Idea: Godliness is great gain…  

1. Comes with contentment (v. 6)

2. Transcends the temporal (v. 7)

3. Simplifies the expectations (v. 8)    

4. Directs the desires (v. 9)

5. Sidesteps self-inflicted pain (v. 10) 

Big Idea: 3-step diagnostic test to spot false teachers   

1. Truth test- Does their teaching deviate from Scripture’s?

a. Alignment with the true Gospel 

b. Assessment of true godliness

2. Pride test- Do they cause division in the body? 

a. Understanding absence

b. Unhealthy interests

c. Ungodly outcomes

3. Motivation test- Do they treat ministry as a means to money?

Big Idea: Your attitude and ethic at work is directly connected to your witness.

Scenario #1- You work for an unbeliever (v. 1)

a. Attitude - Respect the person so God’s name and the Gospel aren’t reviled

b. Ethic - Work to adorn God’s name and the Gospel well 

Scenario #2- You work for a believer (v. 2)

a. Attitude - Don’t disrespect the person on account of your common faith  

b. Ethic - Work all the better for the benefit of the believer 

Big Idea: Follow the rules of engagement towards a healthy eldership. 

1. Protect elders by rejecting unsubstantiated charges (v. 19)

2. Publicly rebuke those in persistent sin (vv. 20-21)    

3. Patiently assess and appoint elders (vv. 22-25)

The Descent of the Glory of God (Exod 34.5-7) 

1. Sense His Mysterious Presence! (5) 

2. Hear His Clarion Call! (6a) 

3. Behold His Awesome Beauty! (6b-7) 

a. He is Merciful 

b. He is Gracious 

c. He is Patient 

d. He is Loving 

e. He is Faithful 

f. He is Forgiving 

g. He is Just  

4. Our Response to the Glory of God (8-9) 

a. Bow down and worship Him 

b. Lift up your heart in prayer to Him 

c. Bring Him all your sin 

d. Receive the freedom of His pardon 

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us… Were we able to extract a complete answer to that question from any man, we might predict with certainty the spiritual future of that man… The man who comes to a right belief about God is relieved of 10,000 temporal problems, for he sees at once that these have to do with matters which at the most cannot concern him for very long.”

“Among the sins to which the human heart is prone, hardly any other is more hateful to God than idolatry, for idolatry is at bottom a libel of His character. The idolatrous heart assumes that God is something other than He is—in itself a monstrous sin— then substitutes for the true God one made after its own likeness…Let us beware lest we in our pride accept the erroneous notion that idolatry consists only in kneeling before visible objects of adoration, and that civilized peoples are therefore free from it. The essence of idolatry is the entertainment of thoughts about God that are unworthy of Him.” (A. W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy, New York, NY: Harper Collins, 1961, 7-10)

Big Idea: In paying pastors, the church should...

1. Admire the role done well (v. 17a)

2. Appreciate the highest form of the work (v. 17b)

3. Adhere to the biblical rationale (v. 18)

Big Idea: Corrective clarity for the church's widow enrollment plan. 

1. Follow the qualifications (vv. 9-10)

2. Forbid younger widows from enrolling (vv. 11-13)

3. Fortify young widows against straying (vv. 14-15)   

4. Foster family responsibility (v. 16)

Proposition: We’ll make 4 observations in this text, in order to witness God’s Majesty in the mundane and even traumatic details of our lives.

Outline:

1. A Good Desire

2. An Unexpected Answer

3. A Discouraged Reaction

4. A Glorious Explanation

Big Idea: The church's guide to widow care:

1. Church, widowed family members are your responsibility (v. 4)

2. Church, deny this and you deny the faith (v. 8)  

3. Church, true widows are our responsibility (v. 3)  

4. Church, define this by specific qualifications (vv. 5-7)

Big Idea: The sanctity of all human life is established and ultimately vindicated by God. 

1. You are known by God (vv. 1-6)

2. You are seen by God (vv. 7-12)

3. You are created by God (vv. 13-18)

4. You are accountable to God (vv. 19-24)

Big Idea: The ‘how-to’ for appropriate tact in corrective confrontation differs based on age and sex. 

1. As fathers in respect (v. 1)

2. As brothers in equality (v. 1)

3. As mothers in esteem (v. 2) 

4. As sisters in all purity (v. 2)

Big Idea: The pastor's priorities should be outward, inward, and onward

1. Outward: Proclaim the Word With Authority (11, 13-14, 16a)

2. Inward: Cultivate Your Character and Gifts (12, 15, 16a)

3. Onward: Don’t Forget the Goal (16)