First Baptist Lenoir City

<p>Exodus 18:1-27 & Joshua 1:1-9</p>

<p>1. The call of Christ and the supremacy of Christ.</p><p> • John 3:3 • The first step in the Christian life is in obedience to those two words. </p><p>• And the whole pathway of the Christian life is traveled in obedience to those two words. </p><p><br></p><p>2. The fact that difficulties present themselves to the minds of many, which are very real and definite, but there is a decision that must be made</p><p> - BUT...People who are attracted to Jesus, who admire all they know about Jesus, who are conscious of their own need and His ability to supply their need, who in their deepest heart intend to follow Him, but... </p><p>-The claims of Christ are such, and the power of Christ is such that everything that comes after that "but" needs to be put out of your life. </p><p>-I will follow you Lord, but... </p><p>-When Jesus says, "Follow me," He demands submission of the whole being, and from that moment we don't get ahead of Him, we go after Him. </p><p>-Do you remember the last time Jesus said "Follow me?" </p><p>-To be outside the Kingdom is to be without everything that gives life its fullness in the present and its hope for the future.</p>

<p>Leadership in the Lord’s Church: I Timothy last year & Titus + II Timothy this year. </p><p>What God expects of His leaders. Leaders can be wrong about what God expects. Congregations can be wrong about what God expects. Let’s get it right! Amen? </p><p><br></p><p>(The Limitations of the Lord’s Leaders) Exodus 18:1-27 </p><p>• The best of men are men at best! </p><p>• Joshua is to Moses what Timothy is to Paul! </p><p>• This chapter in context - (1) The generational (their past), (2) The situational (their present), (3) The eventual (future), and most importantly (4) The theological (The truths/laws of God). • These 4 areas impacted the counseling & judging of Moses. </p><p>• This would require incredible wisdom and a working knowledge of God’s Word. Moses has been a student at Exodus Academy for 40 years (I only squeezed 4 into 5!) </p><p>I. The Demands of Life - Exodus 18 </p><p>1. The Context of Exodus -</p><p> 2. The Counseling of Jethro - </p><p>3. The Change in Moses - </p><p>a. Where Moses was Wrong - </p><p>b. Where Moses was Right - vv. 15-16 </p><p>c. How Jethro’s Helped - vv. 17-23 </p><p>d. What Moses Did - vv. 24-27</p>

<p>I. Who? The Author of Creation "God"</p><p>II. How? The Manner of Creation "created"</p><p>III. What? The Object of Creation "the heaven and earth"</p><p>IV. Why? The Purpose of Creation, Romans 11:36</p><p><br></p><p>1. Who made you? God</p><p>2. What else did God make? God made all things.</p><p>3. Why did God make you and all things? For his own glory.</p><p>4. How can you glorify God? By loving him and doing what he commands.</p><p>5. Why ought you to glorify God? Because he made me and takes care of </p><p>me.</p><p><br></p><p>Our problem as humans is that although we “ought to glorify God” because</p><p> He made and takes care of us, we have rebelled against Him and sought </p><p>to live our own life our own way. Sometimes we’re defiant, but most of </p><p>the time we just ignore God and His Word.</p><p><br></p><p>Because of our rebellion, God has promised to judge us. Heb. 9:27 says, </p><p>“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes </p><p>judgment.” One day, we will face God for our rebellion unless we submit </p><p>to Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. While Jesus lived on earth, He </p><p>never rebelled against God, yet He died on an old rugged cross.</p><p><br></p><p>Why did Jesus die? 1 Peter 3:18 says: “For Christ also suffered once for</p><p> sins, the righteous for the</p><p>unrighteous, that he might bring us to God,”</p><p><br></p><p>Jesus died for our sins, if we repent of our sins and trust in what He </p><p>has done on the cross for us.</p><p><br></p><p>So what will you do? Will you continue to rebel against God or will you </p><p>submit to Christ as your Ruler</p><p>and trust in His sacrifice for the payment for your sins? There are only</p><p> two ways! Your way ends in eternal death! His way ends in eternal life!</p><p> “Choose you this day whom you will serve!”</p>

<p>There are eyewitnesses during every phase when Jesus walked this earth.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>There are eyewitnesses during every phase when Jesus walked this earth.</p><p><br></p><p>I. The Focus of Eyewitnesses - 1:1-4</p><p> 1. Eyewitnesses of His birth - </p><p> 2. Eyewitnesses of His life (Mt 2,14,28; I John 1:1-4)</p><p> 3. Eyewitnesses of His death - many </p><p> 4. Eyewitnesses of His resurrection - I Corinthians 15:1-8</p><p> 5. But many eyewitnesses didn’t believe! True and the Scriptures readily admit that fact usually included with a sharp rebuke!</p><p> 6. All will witness His return - Matthew 24:15-31</p><p> 7. We may not be eyewitnesses of His birth, life, death, & </p><p>resurrection, but we are eyewitnesses of how Jesus has changed our </p><p>hearts, our minds, our passions, our priorities - Never underestimate </p><p>your testimony about the changed life that came from coming to faith in </p><p>Christ!</p><p><br></p><p>Longevity / Fidelity in spiritual disciplines - worship, fasting, prayer</p><p> because of their impact on our relationships with/ God and man. Break </p><p>down Matthew 6 after Anna </p><p><br></p><p>II. The Gospel Message (we all share)</p><p> 1. The Consolation of Israel - Simeon keeps us thinking of Jesus at </p><p>Christmas </p><p> 2. The Redemption of Jerusalem—Anna keeps us thinking about Jesus at </p><p>Christmas. Thank you, Luke, for all the reminders that the Savior saves,</p><p> the Redeemer redeems, and the Lord leads. Don’t lose the reasons why </p><p>Jesus came. We gather because God saved us. We serve because God saved </p><p>us. We send because God saved us. We share because God saved us.</p><p> 3. The Theme of Redeemer & Redemption - </p><p> • Job said</p><p> • David said </p><p> • Isaiah said </p><p> • Peter said </p><p> • Paul said </p><p> • John said </p><p><br></p><p>MATTHEW 6:1-18</p><p><br></p><p>Galatians 3:13-14 - redemption connected to the cross </p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>There’s something about those births (8) / Christmas Continues w/ “The Eyewitness of Anna” / Luke 2:36-40 </p><p><br></p><p>The Wonderful Women associated with Jesus - Mary, Elizabeth, Anna, WATW (Samaria), Mary Magdalene, Mary & Martha, Lydia - Unlikely women who witness to Jesus! Anna was a part of the “O’ Come Let Is Adore Him” Crowd! The Adoring & Awesome Anna! A lot is said of this godly elderly woman in a little space. </p><p><br></p><p> • Married for 7 years - So widowed for over 60 years - Godly through the ages! Don’t miss that.</p><p> • Prophetess - no examples given </p><p> • Daughter of Phanuel - </p><p> • Tribe of - 12 tribes; 10 & 2 tribes (Judah and Benjamin); The 10 tribes aren’t lost (Revelation 7:6 & 14:1-5 speak of the tribes established by God). BTW - Simeon most likely named after tribe </p><p> • Never told of quarters for godly women </p><p><br></p><p>I. The Credibility of Anna - </p><p> 1. Look at her character -</p><p> 2. Look at her commitment - “never leaving” but not isolated! She interacted. She communicated. She evangelized. She is a critical part of the True Christmas Story. </p><p> 3. Look at her compassion - 4 incredible evidences:</p><p> a. By her worship - Jesus spoke of</p><p> • Jesus in Matthew 4 (and serve)</p><p> • Jesus in John 4 (true worship)</p><p> • Jesus in Mark 7 (vain worship)</p><p> b. By her fasting - Jesus spoke of</p><p> • Fasting is a private matter - don’t promote your practice </p><p> • Fasting is a spiritual matter (physical benefits but spiritual purposes) - Joel (Return) & Jonah (Repent) attached to prayer not to diet </p><p> • Fasting is an essential matter - “Why don’t Your disciples fast?” Oh they will but not while I’m here! Don’t Fast at the Feast! </p><p> c. By her thankfulness - Jesus </p><p> spoke of (didn’t mean she wasn’t </p><p> lonely)</p><p> • Jesus asked, Where are the other 9</p><p> • Jesus expressed gratitude as the pattern of His life - John 11 to The Lord’s Supper (Eucharist is Greek for giving of thanks)</p><p> • Jesus commanded gratefulness - </p><p> d. By her evangelistic mindset (like </p><p> Simeon!) </p><p> • Like Elizabeth; Like Mary; Like Zechariah; Like TWATW - John 4</p>

<p>Did we celebrate Christmas with/ singularity, simplicity, and sincerity, focusing on our Savior? Let’s evaluate how we did so we get it right.</p><p><br></p><p>Long before we met Luke, we see in the First Books of the Bible, aka The Five Books of Moses, the essential need for credible witnesses to confirm God’s Word and, therefore, God’s will. The number one goal of </p><p>the Bible is to discover what is and isn’t true. Incredible witnesses, yes, but more than that, they are credible witnesses!</p><p> • Deut. 19:15-16; Numbers 35:30; Matthew 18:15-16; John 8:12-18; Acts 10:35-43; II Cor. 13:11; I Tim. 5:17-19;</p><p> I John 5:6-12; Rev. 11 - Two olive trees / Two lampstands </p><p><br></p><p>Luke & Matthew confirm the Christmas Truth over and over again with credible witnesses - with character witnesses.</p><p><br></p><p>I. The Two or More Witnesses of Christmas - </p><p> 1. Zechariah & Elizabeth </p><p> 2. Mary & Joseph - </p><p> 3. Multiple Shepherds - </p><p> 4. Multiple Magi - </p><p> 5. Simeon & Anna - dealt with devotion, with death, “If a man dies will he live again?”; last week we ended the Lord’s Supper with Matthew 26:29 (Jesus was emphatically saying to His disciples, “See you on the other side”)</p><p><br></p><p>II. The Obedience of Faith of Mary & Joseph - 2:21-24</p><p><br></p><p>III. The Witness/Testimony of Simeon - 2:25-34</p><p> 1. The Credibility of Simeon (4)</p><p> a. He was righteous, devout, and was waiting in the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him - </p><p><br></p><p> 2. The Commitment of Simeon - “waiting for the consolation” - Reminds me of I Thess 1:8-10</p><p><br></p><p> 3. The Conviction of Simeon - Holy Spirit revealed to him </p><p> a. He would not see death until he saw the Lord’s Christ - </p><p> b. Like Jesus & Paul - Simeon wasn’t afraid of death - Are you</p><p><br></p><p> • John 14:1-3; 17:1-5: I Cor. 15 (no more sting in death); II Cor. 5:6-8; Phil. 1:21-24; II Tim. 4:6-8; Rev. 12:11</p><p> c. Simeon blesses God - v. 28</p><p> d. Simeon “blesses” them - vv. 34-35</p><p><br></p><p> 4. The Commission w/in Simeon’s Prophecy - One of the evidences of the Spirit speaking through Simeon is that he quotes the prophecy of Gentile inclusion “a light to the nations” (something Luke does frequently)</p><p><br></p><p>(1) This Child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel -</p><p> • Who fell?</p><p> • Who rose?</p><p><br></p><p>(2) And for a sign that is opposed -</p><p><br></p><p>(3) (And a sword will pierce through your own soul also) - “so that </p><p>thoughts from many hearts may be revealed”</p><p> • Some 30-plus years later Luke tells us of another heart that was pierced (Simeon didn’t know this) and that is the heart of Jesus Himself</p><p> • Triumphal Entry context for 2 passages depicting the rise and fall of Israel</p><p><br></p><p>(1) Luke 19:37-48 - Jesus weeps over a nation, over a city, over the holy city </p><p><br></p><p>(2) Matthew 21:33-46 (from Psalm 118; also quoted in Acts 4:11)</p><p><br></p><p>From the Cradle to the Cross - We will meet Anna next week!</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>There’s Something About That Birth: “Can I Get a Witness?” </p><p>Luke 2:21-40 The Consolation/Redemption of Israel </p><p><br></p><p>III. The Witness/Testimony of Simeon - 2:25-34 </p><p>1. The Credibility of Simeon (4) </p><p>a. He was righteous </p><p>b. He was devout </p><p>c. He was waiting in the consolation of Israel - not said of the JRE! </p><p>d. The Holy Spirit was upon him - </p><p>2. The Holy Spirit revealed to him </p><p>a. He would not see death until he saw the Lord’s Christ - </p><p>b. Like Jesus & Paul - Simeon wasn’t afraid of death. Simeon anticipated death - </p><p>• John 17:1-5 </p><p>• II Corinthians 5:6-8 </p><p>• Philippians 1:21-24 </p><p>• II Timothy 4:6-8 </p><p>• Revelation 12:11 </p><p>c. Simeon blesses God - v. 28 </p><p>d. Simeon “blesses” them - vv. 34-35 </p><p><br></p><p>• Luke records a third praise (1:46-55; 68-79; 2:29-32) </p><p><br></p><p>• One of the evidences of the Spirit speaking through Simeon is that he quotes the prophecy of Gentile inclusion “a light to the nations” (something Luke does frequently)</p>

<p>I. Mary pointed people to Jesus - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/pgude0l-YAE?t=106s" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">1:46</a>-56 </p><p>II. John the baptizer pointed people to Jesus - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/pgude0l-YAE?t=117s" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">1:57</a>-66 </p><p>III. Zechariah pointed people to Jesus - 1:67-80 </p><p>1. He blessed God - </p><p>2. He remembered God’s Covenants - Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David </p><p>3. He highlighted God’s salvation - </p><p>a. Saved from sin </p><p>b. Saved from enemies </p><p>4. He trusted the transformed life - </p><p>a. The life without fear </p><p>b. The life with holiness </p><p>c. The life with righteousness </p><p>5. He pointed to the Sunrise - </p><p>a. He was a prophet to the Son </p><p>b. He prepared the way for the Son </p><p>c. He pointed to a new dawn - light over darkness & life over death! </p><p>Isaiah 9:1-2; 60:1-3; Malachi 4:1-3; II Peter <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/pgude0l-YAE?t=79s" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">1:19</a>; Revelation <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/pgude0l-YAE?t=1336s" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">22:16</a> </p><p><br></p>

<p>Mary's Example to Us:</p><p> • Singing praises</p><p> • Serving Her Savior</p><p> • Sharing His story</p><p> • Caring about people's soul/spirit</p><p> • Knowing Scripture</p><p> • Knowing her Savior</p>

<p>“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Matthew 7:13–14 </p><p><br></p><p>Psalm 1 </p><p>Matt. 5:2-11 </p><p>Gen. 13:12-13 </p><p>Gen. 19:1 </p><p>Gen. 19:7 </p><p><br></p><p>John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” </p><p><br></p><p>1 Peter 1:24-25 </p><p><br></p><p>Jeremiah 17:7–8 - “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”</p>

<p>A 5 Week Series from Luke 1 & 2 </p><p> • 5 Weeks of Christmas Truths </p><p> • 5 Weeks of Christmas Roots </p><p> • 5 Weeks of Christmas Births </p><p><br></p><p>I. The First Miraculous Birth (JB)</p><p> 1. The Eyewitness Writer - Luke 1:1-4</p><p> • A Gentile; A Physician; A Missionary with Paul</p><p> • Luke’s first account in the gospel book named after him follows Jesus from birth to Calvary</p><p> • Luke’s second account in the Book of Acts follows Peter at Pentecost then Paul from Damascus to Rome </p><p> • Mentioned in Col 4; II Tim 4; Philemon 1:24</p><p><br></p><p> 2. The Eyewitness Forerunner - 1:5-25 (The birth foretold)</p><p><br></p><p> 3. The Uniqueness of this birth - 1:15-16 (His unique birth isn’t in every gospel book, but his unique role is in every book)</p><p><br></p><p> a. He will be great in the sight of </p><p> the Lord </p><p> b. He will take a Nazarite Vow </p><p> c. He will be filled with the Holy </p><p> Spirit even from the womb </p><p> d. He will turn many of the children </p><p> of Israel back to the Lord their </p><p> God</p><p> e. He will go in the spirit and power </p><p> of Elijah - Matthew 3:1-3; Mark </p><p> 1:1-5; Luke 3:1-6; John 1:19-23</p><p><br></p><p> • TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS TO THE CHILDREN </p><p> • THE DISOBEDIENT TO THE WISDOM OF THE JUST </p><p> • TO MAKE READY FOR THE LORD A PEOPLE PREPARED - Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1-4; Malachi 4:5-6 </p><p><br></p><p> 4. John was the forerunner; Elijah to come; The one who prepared people; The one who introduced Jesus (John 1:29); The Best Man (John 3:22-31)</p>

<p>I. Keeping the Focus on Faith in Christ </p><p>1. The Identity & Audience - 1:1 </p><p>2. The How & Why - 1:2a </p><p>3. The Heart - 1:2b </p><p>4. The Great Mercy/Living Hope - 1:3a </p><p>5. The Resurrection - 1:3b </p><p>6. The Inheritance</p><p>8. The Prophets & Angels - 1:10-12 </p><p>9. The Mind Prepared/Hope Set - 1:13 </p><p>10. The Obedience - 1:14-17 </p><p>11. The Gospel - 1:18-25</p>

<p>I. Lessons learned from a lost man:</p><p> 1. Clearing up Bad Theology - vv. 1-7</p><p> 2. Clearing up Right Identity - vv. 8-12</p><p> 3. Clearing up Messianic Credentials - vv. 13-17</p><p> 4. Confronting the Parents -vv. 18-23</p><p> 5. Confronting the Seeing Man - vv. 24-34</p><p> 6. Converting the Seeing Man - vv. 35-41</p>

<p>I. How the Victory was Won - Colossians 2</p><p> 1. Walking in Grace - 2:6-7a</p><p> 2. Overflowing with/ Gratitude - 2:7b</p><p> 3. The Problem of Philosophy - 2:8-10</p><p> 4. The Power of the Cross - 2:11-15</p><p> 5. The Problem of Legalism - 2:16-17</p><p> • Mark 7:14-19</p><p> • Illustrated in Acts 10:9-16</p><p> • Ratified in Acts 15:28-29</p><p> 6. The Problem of Mysticism - 2:18-19</p><p> 7. The Problem of Asceticism - 2:20-23</p><p><br></p>

<p>I. Those Rich in this present world - v. 17a </p><p>1. Don’t be haughty - v. 17b </p><p>2. Don’t set your hope on the uncertainty of riches - v. 17c </p><p>3. Do set your hope on God bc He richly supplies us with everything to enjoy - v. 17d</p><p>4. Do good (with your resources) - v. 18a </p><p>5. Be rich in good works - v. 18b </p><p>6. Be generous/ready to share - v. 18c (See II Corinthians 9:7) </p><p>7. Store up treasure for yourself - v. 19a (See Revelation 14:13) </p><p>8. Take hold of that which is life indeed - v. 19b </p><p><br></p><p>The Lord’s Supper / Communion - II Corinthians 8:9 </p><p>Read Matthew 26:26-29</p>

<p>I. The Word is the Weapon - II Corinthians 10:3-5 </p><p>(The power of the pen (Greece); The Power of the sword (Rome); The Power of the towel (Jesus)</p><p> 1. The mind of man - Romans 12:1-2</p><p> 2. The heart of man - Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 12:33-37</p><p> 3. The soul of man - Psalm 19:7-8; 23:1-3</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>II. How the War was Won - Colossians </p><p> 1. The Deliverance - 1:1-29 (vv. 9-14)</p><p> 2. The Dangers - 2:1-23 (vv. 6-15)</p><p> 3. The Death - 3:1-17</p><p> 4. The Devotion - 4:1-6</p><p> 5. The Disciples - 4:7-18</p>

<p>Two Decisions for all Disciples:</p><p>• Intentionality -</p><p>• Intensity -</p><p><br></p><p>I. A Humility that leads to Intensity -vv. 11-15</p><p>1. True Salvation - Repent & Believe</p><p>2. True Sanctification -</p><p>a. Flee from -</p><p>b. Follow after -</p><p>c. Fight for -</p><p><br></p><p>II. A Holiness that leads to Purity - vv.15-16 (“in His own time”)</p><p>1. The Blessed and only Sovereign - Potentate!</p><p>2. The King of Kings and Lord of lords - Revelation 17:14; 19:16</p><p>3. Who alone possesses immortality - You want it? You must get it from the Lord!</p><p>4. Who alone dwells in unapproachable light (God met Moses in a burning bush; God met Isaiah in a smoke-filled temple; God met Peter in a boat on the sea; God met John on the island of Patmos) John 1; I John 3:1-2; Revelation 1:1; Exodus 33 -</p><p>5. Who is to be Honored - Your stated goal? Honor has been a theme in chapters 5 & 6! Honor God @ work; Honor God w/ widows; Honor God w/ pastors; Honor God over money; Honor God!</p><p>6. Who has Eternal Dominion - over your sin and over Satan (both now and for all time).</p><p> </p>

<p>Review:</p><p> • The Commander </p><p> • The Commanded </p><p> • The Liberty</p><p> • The Liar </p><p> • The Curse </p><p> • The Christ - Paul keeps Jesus front and center. Jesus is his main focus, but Paul reminds the Corinthians and us about Satan’s strategies:</p><p> • II Corinthians 2:11</p><p> • II Corinthians 11:14</p><p> • II Corinthians 12:7</p><p><br></p><p>— THE WEAPON IS THE WORD - </p><p> Matthew 4:1-11</p><p><br></p><p>I. Be Compassionate - 10:1</p><p><br></p><p>II. Be Courageous - 10:2</p><p><br></p><p>III. Be Competent - 10:3-5</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>IV. Be Confident - 10:6</p><p> 1. We walk in the flesh</p><p> 2. We don’t war in the flesh </p><p> 3. The Weapons of our Warfare </p><p> • They are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses </p><p> • They destroy speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God </p><p> • We can take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ </p><p> • We are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete</p><p><br></p>

<p>I. A Humility that leads to Intensity -vv. 11-15 </p><p>1. True Salvation - faith, grace, repentance </p><p>2. True Sanctification- </p><p>3 Intense Greek Imperatives </p><p>a. Flee from - </p><p>b. Follow after - </p><p>c. Fight for -</p><p><br></p><p> II. A Holiness that leads to Purity - vv.15-16 </p><p>1. The Blessed and only Sovereign </p><p>2. The King of Kings and Lord of lords </p><p>3. Who alone possesses immortality </p><p>4. Who alone dwells in unapproachable light - </p><p>5. Who is to be Honored </p><p>6. Who has Eternal Dominion -</p>

<p>“The Word is the Weapon” / Mt. 4:1-11</p><p>(Matthew 6:13; Hebrews 4:14-16; I Corinthians 10:13) </p><p><br></p><p>I. The Last Adam is very different from the First Adam! </p><p>1. The Conception of Jesus - Matthew 1</p><p>2. The Birth of Jesus - Matthew 2</p><p>3. The Baptism of Jesus - Matthew 3</p><p>4. The Temptation of Jesus - Matthew 4:1-11 </p><p> a. The Spirit led Jesus - 4:1a</p><p> b. The Serpent tempted Jesus - 4:1b</p><p> c. The Scripture defended Jesus- Matthew 4:2-11a</p><p> d. The Angels strengthened Jesus - Matthew 4:11b</p><p> e. The Serpent would attack again - Luke 4:13</p><p> f. The Application - I Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 4:14-16</p>

<p>Leadership in the Lord’s Church Honoring God Part 3 / I Timothy 6:1-10 </p><p>(The Outcome in Israel & in America) </p><p>I. Love God @ Work - 6:1-2 </p><p>1. Unbelieving bosses - </p><p>2. Believing bosses - </p><p>3. Impact on our Testimony - Protect God’s Name & Protect God’s Word </p><p>• Colossians 3:22-25 • Ephesians 6:5-9 • I Peter 2:18-25 </p><p><br></p><p>II. Love God’s Word - 6:3-5 </p><p>1. “If anyone” - no one gets a pass </p><p>2. “sound doctrine” - bones & nets </p><p>3. Hymenaeus, Alexander, Demas are mentioned - not everyone in error is a heretic. </p><p>4. “depraved in mind” and deprived of the truth” - They don’t know the truth; They don’t want the truth.</p><p><br></p><p>III. Love God, not Money - 6:6-10 </p><p>1. The Defenses -humility & contentment </p><p>2. The Dangers - </p><p>3. The Damages - </p><p>4. The Discernment - The remedy/cure (Proverbs 30:7-9)</p>

<p>I. There is a similar model for supporting Pastors that we saw for supporting Widows:</p><p> </p><p>Honoring - 5:3 & 5:17</p><p>Providing </p><p>Protecting </p><p>Even Correction for both - </p><p> </p><p>II. Jesus is the Model Shepherd - He is called: Psalm 23</p><p>1 The Good Shepherd in John 10 </p><p>2 The Chief Shepherd in I Peter 5 </p><p>3 The Great Shepherd in Hebrews 13 </p><p>4 Jesus revealed in Matt. 9:36-38 </p><p>5 Jesus restored Peter in John 21 </p><p> </p><p>1. Honor Pastors/Elders/Overseers - 5:17</p><p>a. Who rule well - I Peter 5:1-4</p><p>b. Who labor in study - II Tim 2:15</p><p> </p><p>2. Provide for Pastors/Elders/Overseers - 5:18</p><p>a. Quoting Moses - Deut 25:4 (referencing animals)</p><p>b. Quoting Jesus - Luke 10:7 (referencing people)</p><p> </p><p>3. Protect Pastors/Elders/Overseers - 5:19</p><p>a. Do not receive an accusation against an elder (give them benefit of the doubt) “except”</p><p>b. Except on the basis of two or three witnesses - Mt. 18:15-17</p><p> </p><p>4. Correct Pastors/Elders/Overseers - 5:20-21</p><p>a. Those who continue in sin -overview of I Timothy 1-4</p><p>b. Rebuke in the presence of all - don’t leave room for gossip and innuendo - incentive to live rightly when in leadership </p><p>c. Maintain these principles w/out bias (don’t play to partiality)</p><p>d. Two were removed in chap 1 - </p><p> </p><p>5. Selecting Pastors/Elders/Overseers - 5:22-25 </p><p>a. Don’t lay hands too hastily -don’t be in a hurry on this critical process (because then you share in the responsibility of the problems)</p><p>b. Keep yourself free from sin - Be accountable! Then a caveat for Timothy (you can remain pure and use wine for medicinal purposes)</p><p>c. The sins of some are quite evident - “going on before them to judgment”</p><p>d. For others, their sins follow after (obvious examination process)</p><p>e. Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite - </p><p>f. And those otherwise cannot be concealed - </p>

<p>I. The Starting Point of the Supper </p><p>1. Saved by Grace & Faith - Ephesians 1:13-14; 2:1-9 </p><p>2. Saved for Works - Ephesians 2:10 </p><p>3. Saved to Share - Ephesians 3:7-13 </p><p>4. Saved to Serve / to Be Shaped - 4:11-16 </p><p>5. Saved to Walk Worthy - Ephesians 5:1-21 </p><p>a. Walk in Love - 5:1-2 </p><p>b. Walk in Light - 5:3-14 </p><p>c. Walk in Wisdom - 5:15-17 </p><p>d. Walk in the Spirit - 5:18-21</p><p><br></p><p> II. The Lord’s Supper - Matthew 26:26-35</p>

<p>God has cared about widows from the very beginning - The Law (Deuteronomy); The Prophets; The Gospels; and The Epistles. Caring for widows fulfills the 2 Great Commandments AND impacts our evangelism - John 13:34-35 </p><p>Sadly, many churches discount widows and senior adults as a whole. They are often viewed as a burden to the church. They are largely ignored because they are viewed as no longer a productive part of the church. It’s basically a “What have you done for me lately” mindset. This is not the view of our Lord. This cannot be the view of His Church. </p><p>I. The Compassion & Concern of Widows - OT/NT Honoring Widows </p><p>The Christmas Widow - Anna in Luke 2:36-38 </p><p>The Big Reveal included widows - Jesus in Luke 4:14-32 (25-26) </p><p>The Corruption of Corban against widows - Mark 7:9-13; 12:38-44 </p><p>The Double Doom for widows - Luke 7:11-17 </p><p>The Power of Persistence of the Widow - Luke 18:1-8 </p><p>The Generous Given widow - Luke 21:1-3 </p><p>The Second Challenge was about widows (in the early church) - Acts 6:1-7 </p><p>The Place of Widows (in the early church) - Acts 9:36-43 </p><p><br></p><p>II. The Attention & Protection of Widows (Respect/Recognition) - I Timothy 5:3-16 </p><p>Qualified widows - age & faithfulness This is not favoritism Ephesians 6:1-4</p>

<p>Scripture calls us OVERCOMERS (I John 4:1-6 & Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21. We are told that we are MORE THAN CONQUERERS (Romans 8:37)</p><p><br></p><p>All 3 in Ephesians 6:10-18 / 9-18-24 </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>I. The Whole Armor of God - Ephesians </p><p> 6:10-18 (“stand” - 3x)</p><p> • James 4:7-10, sin weakens us; opens us up to being wounded </p><p> • I Peter 5:1-7, 8-10: humility, alertness (prepared not paranoid), resist by standing firm on the faith”)</p><p><br></p><p>(The Primary Focus of this passage of this truth of Spiritual Warfare is Jesus, not a Roman Soldier and not Satan. The Lord fights for us and with us)</p><p> • The Lord’s Strength - 6:10</p><p> • The Lord’s Armor - 6:11</p><p> • The Lord’s Enemy - 6:12</p><p> • “Having done all” - 6:13</p><p> • The belt of truthfulness - 6:14</p><p> • The sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God - 6:17 (II Cor. 10:5)</p><p> • God’s weapons are effective and successful - Our weapons are not. Our strategies make things worse: isolation, keeping struggles a secret, relying on self-determination </p><p> • Defend and Attack - mostly defend</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>I. The Goal is Victory, not Comfort </p><p> 1. Know Your Commander/Creator -</p><p> 2. Know Your Enemy - </p><p> 3. Know Your Weapon - </p><p> • Delight in God’s Word - Ps. 1:2A</p><p> • Meditate on God’s Word - Ps. 1:2b</p><p> • Trust in God’s Word - Ps. 19:7-9</p><p> • Value God’s Word - Ps. 19:10-11</p><p> • Purified by God’s Word - Ps. 119:9</p><p> • Protected by God’s Word - Ps. 119:11; Matthew 4:1-11; Ephesians 6:10-18 (Scripture provides, protects, defends)</p><p> • Directed by God’s Word - Ps. 119:105</p><p> • Saved by God’s Word - Luke 16:27-31</p><p> • Made holy by God’s Word - John 17:17</p><p> • Examined by God’s Word - Hebrews 4:12</p>

<p> (WE ARE ALL ACCOUNTABLE)</p><p><br></p><p> (“Order in the Church” is caused by Careful Correction by the Church) </p><p> • Some love to confront </p><p> • Some lovingly confront - us!</p><p><br></p><p>I. Careful Correction in the Family of Faith - vv. 1-2 (sharp rebuke vs encourage/appeal). Let’s back up and answer a critical question that must be thought out before moving forward with correction: </p><p> • Cover if you can - Proverbs 17:9</p><p> • Confront if there’s a pattern </p><p> • The goal of biblical confrontation is reconciliation - to “win” our brothers and sisters back into a right relationship / into healthy fellowship - Ken Sande (Peacemakers Ministry in Billings, MT) - Christian conciliation </p><p> • Matthew 18:15-18</p><p><br></p><p> 1. Treat older men as a father - </p><p> 2. Treat younger men as brothers - </p><p> 3. Treat older women as mothers - </p><p> 4. Treat younger women as sisters - * “with/in all purity” - “with complete patience” - </p><p> • Be encouraging in Ephesus - II Timothy 2:24-26</p><p> • II Timothy 4:1-4</p><p> • Be careful in Thessalonica - I Thessalonians 5:12-14</p><p> • Be gentle in Galatia - Galatians 6:1-2</p><p> • Keep the perspective in Phillipi - Philippians 4:1-3 (with joy)</p><p> • Be warned in James 3:1-10 (scattered saints) Subscribe to get notified on new releases: @fbclc </p><p><br></p>

<p>I. Meet the Commander in Chief - Genesis 1-2 (Psalms 11:3) </p><p>He is a Powerful Creator - </p><p>He is a Benevolent Creator - </p><p>He is a Personal Creator </p><p>He is a Judicial Creator - </p><p>He is a Gracious Creator -</p><p><br></p>

<p>(Eliminating unresolved conflict)</p><p>I. Pastors must correct - 5:1-2</p><p> 1. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians is a corrective letter - I Cor. 11:17</p><p> 2. Paul’s letter to the Galatians is a rebuking letter - Galatians 4:16</p><p> 3. Paul speaks into this often - I Thessalonians 5:12-14; II Timothy 4:2 “with great patience”</p>

<p>The Goal is Victory, not comfort</p><p>I. Meet the Commander in Chief - Genesis 1-2 </p><p>1. He is a Powerful Creator - </p><p>2. He is a Benevolent Creator - </p><p>3. He is a Personal Creator - </p><p>4. He is a Judicial Creator - </p><p>5. He is a Gracious Creator -</p>

<p>10 Lessons Learned From the First 4 chapters of I Timothy</p><p><br></p><p>The Main Idea of I Timothy is 3:14-16</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>I. 10 Lessons Learned: Remember…</p><p> 1. The Centrality of the Godhead - 1:1-2</p><p> 2. The Elevated Virtues of God - hope, faith, grace, mercy, peace - 1:2</p><p> 3. The Danger of False Leadership - 1:3-7</p><p> 4. The Clarity of Conversion - 1:12-17 </p><p> 5. The Priority of Prayer - 2:1-4 </p><p> 6. The Priority of Evangelism - 2:5-6 </p><p> 7. The Offices of God’s Church - 3:1-13 </p><p> 8. The Goal of Godliness - 4:6</p><p> 9. The Place of Scripture - 4:13 </p><p> 10. The Pursuit of Progress - 4:15-16</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>(1) “keep a close watch on yourself”</p><p>(2) “persist in this”</p><p><br></p><p>a. Matthew 7:1-5 (judge self)</p><p>b. I Corinthians 11 (judge self)</p><p>c. John 21 - Jesus to Peter (about John), “What’s that to you?”</p>

<p>1. Leaders set the example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity 4:11-12 </p><p>2. Public Attention to the Word, exhortation, teaching - 4:13 </p><p>3. Accountability - 4:14 </p><p>4. Application - 4:15 (practice for progress)</p>

<p>1. WHAT TO BELIEVE</p><p>2. WHAT TO DO</p><p>3. WHO TO HOPE IN</p>

<p>We are Apologists - 3:16; Rev 5:13 </p><p>Beware of Apostates - 4:1-2; II 3:1; 4:3-4; Acts 20:28-31; Heb 3:12; II Pt 2:1, 20-22; 3:17 - MATT 24:1-14 </p><p><br></p><p>I. The Divine Doctrines - 3:16; Rev 5:13 </p><p>a. Revealed in the flesh - </p><p>b. Vindicated in the Spirit - </p><p>c. Beheld by angels - </p><p>d. Proclaimed among the nations - </p><p>e. Taken up in glory - </p><p><br></p><p>II. The Demonic Doctrines - 4:1-5 </p><p>• The Spirit reveals (prophecy): - Mt. 3; Jn 2;Phil. 3:1 </p><p>a. Falling from the faith - </p><p>b. Falling for deception - II Tim 3 </p><p>c. Hypocrisy of liars </p><p>d. Seared in their conscience - 3:9 </p><p><br></p><p>• Men who forbid marriage - Paul isn’t attacking singleness. </p><p>This command moves away from God’s divine design. </p><p>* Gen. 1 & 2; Proverbs 5:18-19; 12:4 (2); 18:22; 31:10; Eph. 5:22-33; Hebrews 13:4 </p><p><br></p><p>• Advocate abstaining from foods - </p><p>a. Which God created to be gratefully shared in - Colossians 2 (anything that denies salvation by grace in Jesus is dangerous and even demonic - like circumcision or good works) </p><p>b. By those who believe & know the truth - </p><p>c. IF received w/ thanksgiving - </p><p>d. FOR it is sanctified by the Word of God (clarity) and prayer - Ro.14; Heb. 13:9</p>

<p>I. The Conduct in God’s House - 3:14-15</p><p> 1. The Church of the living God -</p><p> 2. The Pillar & Buttress of the Truth - </p><p><br></p><p>II. The Confession of God’s People - 3:16 </p><p> 1. The mystery of godliness - is Christ-centeredness AND Christlikeness! </p><p><br></p><p> a. Manifested in the flesh - INCARNATION </p><p> • John 1:14; Hebrews 10; Rev 1:11-18</p><p><br></p><p> b. Vindicated by the Spirit - AFFIRMATION </p><p> • His conception/birth (Matt 1)</p><p> • His life & ministry (Matt 3; Acts 2)</p><p> • His Resurrection (Romans 1)</p><p><br></p><p> c. Seen by angels - CONFIRMATION </p><p> • His birth; His temptation; His tomb </p><p> • His three days after the cross</p><p> • His resurrection: His ascension </p><p><br></p><p> d. Proclaimed among the nations - EVANGELIZATION</p><p> </p><p> e. Believed on in the world - SALVATION</p><p> • Not just spoken of but embraced! They believed therefore they received - Colossians 1:6</p><p><br></p><p> f. Taken up in glory - ASCENSION</p><p> • Acts 1:9-11 (critical in understanding His return. Matthew 24:15-31 (vv. 1-14)</p>

<p>THE LORD'S SUPPER AND THE LAST DAYS</p>

<p>I. Jesus the Supreme Example - Jesus then Pastors & Deacons </p><p>1. John 13 </p><p><br></p><p>II. The Example of the Early Church - </p><p>1. Acts 2:32-47 </p><p>2. Acts 4: 32-37 </p><p>3. Acts 6:1-7 </p>