Scott LaPierre Ministries

In Matthew 7:21 Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." Although rejected by the world and unpopular in the church, Jesus clearly taught that "few" people are going to heaven, and "many" people are going to hell. Learn from Jesus' important words in Matthew 7:13-14 and 21-23 to ensure you don't hear the terrifying words, "Depart from Me, I never knew you!" https://youtu.be/vCIkw3fG9ts Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?" And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!" (Matthew 7:21-23). Jesus taught that "few" people are going to heaven, and "many" people are going to hell (Matthew 7:13-14, 21-23). Table of ContentsLessons for Not Everyone Who Says to Me, "Lord, Lord," Shall Enter (Matthew 7:21) Tests to Determine Whether We Will Hear, "Depart from Me I never knew you."Discussion Questions for Not Everyone Who Says to Me, "Lord, Lord," Shall Enter (Matthew 7:21) Sermon Notes for Not Everyone Who Says to Me, "Lord, Lord," Shall Enter (Matthew 7:21)Lesson 1: even spectacular works won’t get you into heaven.Lesson 2: the question is, “Does the Lord know you?”Lesson 3: lack of repentance keeps you out of heaven.Lesson 4: examine yourself to see whether you are in the faith.Test 1 – Have I experienced godly sorrow that produces repentance?Test 2 – Has my repentance produced fruit?Test 3 – Has my faith persevered through trials?Test 4 – Is my life characterized by obedience?Test 5 – Do I practice sinning?Test 6 – Do I have a spiritual hunger and thirst? Lessons for Not Everyone Who Says to Me, "Lord, Lord," Shall Enter (Matthew 7:21) Lesson 1: Even ______________________ __________ won’t get you into heaven (Matt 7:21-22; Rom 10:1-3; 1 John 2:9; Eph 2:8-9). Lesson 2: The question is: “Does the Lord ________ ______?” (Matt 7:23a cf. Gal 4:9). Lesson 3: Lack of ____________________ keeps you out of heaven (Matt 7:23b; 2 Tim 2:19). Lesson 4: ______________ ________________ to see whether you are in the faith (2 Cor 13:5; 1 Pet 1:6-9). Tests to Determine Whether We Will Hear, "Depart from Me I never knew you." Have I experienced godly sorrow that produces repentance? Has my repentance produced fruit? Has my faith persevered through trials? Is my life characterized by obedience? Do I practice sinning? Do I have a spiritual hunger and thirst? Discussion Questions for Not Everyone Who Says to Me, "Lord, Lord," Shall Enter (Matthew 7:21) Day 1: Read Matthew 7:21-23 & discuss: What reveals the ‘sincerity’ of those standing before Christ in verses 21 & 22? Why do you think (i.e. what is implied in Scripture) people will urgently try to convince Jesus that they are true Christians? What does this reveal about them - that is - what are they counting on as the reason they think they are saved? Day 2: Read & discuss Matthew 7:21-22; Romans 10:1-3; 1 John 2:9; Ephesians 2:8-9: Are works important? Why? Why not? What other Scripture can you bring to bear on this question? What is salvation based on - works or something else? Whose works do matter in regards to our salvation? Day 3: Read & discuss Matthew 7:23; 2 Timothy 2:19; 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Peter 1:6-9: What can keep you out of heaven? Why is repentance hard? What does a lack of repentance reveal about a person? In which one of five tests of salvation mentioned at the end of the sermon do you most desire to grow? Sermon Notes for Not Everyone Who Says to Me, "Lord, Lord," Shall Enter (Matthew 7:21) In college I went through Army ROTC, so after graduation I served as an officer. My military experience allowed me to have some familiarity w/ military recruiters. Used car salesmen have the reputation for being dishonest and saying whatever’s necessary to make a sale. SOME military recruiters are a close second. Please notice I said some, b/c I do think there are others who are honest. Military recruiters have to satisfy what’s known as “commission mission.” Their performance is determined by the number of people they’re able to recruit. As a result, they strive to make the military sound as attractive as possible. You can imagine the strong temptation for them to lie. After looking at a number of articles, here are the top lies military recruiters tell people: There are horror stories of people who were promised any number of things before they signed on the dotted line, only to find out their military careers ended up being considerably different than what the recruiter promised. I tell y

What about baptism for children? When should children be baptized? With baptisms coming up on Easter I preached on evidences of salvation. I wanted to help equip families to determine whether their children should be baptized. Also, these are good evidences to look for in anyone’s life, child or adult alike. I have looked for these evidences in my life when examining my salvation, and I hope you will do the same. This is part two of a three-part series. Here are parts one and three: Credobaptism vs Paedobaptism: Which Is Right? Spiritual Circumcision of the Heart (Colossians 2:11-12 and Romans 2:28-2) https://youtu.be/TezVZLrCFf0 What about baptism for children? When should children be baptized? I want to equip families to determine if their children should be baptized. Table of Contents for What About Baptism for Children?Sermon Lessons for What About Baptism for Children?Family Worship Guide for What About Baptism for Children?Sermon Notes for What About Baptism for Children?Lesson one: evidences of salvation to look for in your children (part four) spiritual understanding.Lesson one: evidences of salvation to look for in your children (part five) perseverance through trials.Lesson one: evidences of salvation to look for in your children (part six) not habitually disobedient.Lesson one: evidences of salvation to look for in your children (part seven) obedience.Lesson two: focus on the Gospel when evidences are lacking. Sermon Lessons for What About Baptism for Children? Note: parts one through three are from Part I: When Should Children Be Baptized? Three Evidences of Salvation. Lesson 1: evidences of salvation to look for in your children: (Part 1) godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10). (Part 2) spiritual fruit (Matthew 3:8, 7:19, 13:23, Acts 26:20, James 2:17, 20, 26). (Part 3) spiritual hunger and thirst (John 4:13-15, 6:35, 66, Luke 6:21, 25, 1 John 2:15, John 3:19). (Part 4) spiritual __________________________ (Matthew 11:25, 13:11, 16:17, 1 Corinthians 2:7-14). (Part 5) perseverance _____________ ____________ (James 1:3, 1 Peter 1:7, Matthew 13:21). (Part 6) not habitually ______________________ (1 John 1:6, 8, 3:6-9). (Part 7) __________________ (1 John 2:3-5, 3:7). Lesson 2: focus on ______ ____________ when evidence is lacking. Family Worship Guide for What About Baptism for Children? Day 1: Read Matthew 11:25, 13:11, 16:17, 1 Corinthians 2:7-14, James 1:3, 1 Peter 1:7, Matthew 13:21 and discuss: why do some people understand spiritual truths, but others do not? What can we do to strive to better understand spiritual truths? How can we try to determine if our children understand spiritual truths? We don’t like to see our children suffer, but what is one of the benefits of seeing them go through trials? Day 2: Read 1 John 1:6, 8, 3:6-9, 1 John 2:3-5, 3:7 and discuss: how can it be true that we don’t stop sinning on this side of heaven, but at the same time Scripture says habitually disobedient people are not Christians? Similarly, we don’t perfectly obey on this side of heaven, but at the same time Scripture says that Christians are obedient, so how can this be? In other words, discuss the balance for both of these situations. Day 3: Read John 4:13-15, 6:35, 66, Luke 6:21, 25, 1 John 2:15, John 3:19 and discuss: what is the temptation for parents when we don’t see evidences of salvation in our children’s lives? What is the wrong approach? What is the right approach? In other words, what is the best way for us to see these evidences in our children’s lives? Sermon Notes for What About Baptism for Children? The title of this morning’s sermon is, “When Should Children Be Baptized? – Part II.” With baptisms coming up on Easter I started preaching a few sermons to help equip the families determine whether their children should be baptized. That’s exactly what we are doing as a family. Because we believe our children must be saved before being baptized I would like to give you some evidences of salvation to look for in your children’s lives. While no parent can know for sure that their child is saved, I do believe these should be helpful. Also, these are good evidences to look for in anyone’s life, child or adult alike. I have looked for these evidences in my life, and I hope you will do the same. Go ahead and open your Bibles to Matthew 11. The next part of lesson one, which is new for this morning… Lesson one: evidences of salvation to look for in your children (part four) spiritual understanding. Scripture is clear that if we are believers God has opened the eyes and ears of our hearts to understand spiritual truths. Let me show you some verses that make this point, and then we can talk about the application for our children. In verses 20 to 24 notice Jesus is talking about the unrepentant cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida. These people rejected the gospel, which is to say they rejected the spiritual truth preached to them. Look what Jesus says in verse 25… Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus declared, “I t

Solomon is a type and shadow of Jesus Christ while he rules and reigns in 1 Kings 10. The splendor and majesty of King Solomon’s kingdom prefigure the splendor and majesty of Christ’s future Kingdom. After Jesus's Second Coming, He sets up His Kingdom on the earth and reveals Himself as the true and greater Solomon. https://youtu.be/O3rQLoe2Fow Solomon is a type and shadow of Jesus. The splendor of Solomon’s kingdom prefigures the splendor and majesty of Christ’s future Kingdom. Table of ContentsGod revealed Himself to the world through Israel’s obedience and disobedience.Jesus is greater than Solomon in (part five) delighting God.Jesus is greater than Solomon in (part six) the throne he sits on.Jesus is greater than Solomon in (part seven) that He is the King of Kings.Jesus is greater than Solomon in (part eight) the worship he receives.Jesus is greater than Solomon in (part nine) his obedience. We spent the last three weeks looking at how Jesus is greater than Solomon, and we’ll conclude this morning. In our sermon last Sunday we started looking at how Jesus rules over a greater kingdom. To put it plainly… The splendor and majesty of Solomon’s kingdom prefigures the splendor and majesty of Christ’s future Kingdom. We will primarily be in 1 Kings 10, but first I want to show you some verses in 1 Kings 9. I’ll go ahead and open with the lesson and then show it to you through the verses… God revealed Himself to the world through Israel’s obedience and disobedience. I would like us to understand God’s evangelistic plan in the Old Testament, and we’re in the middle of a great example of it. Do you remember a few weeks ago when we studied the Davidic Covenant? It’s in 2 Samuel 7, and in verses 9-15 I counted eleven times God said, “I will,” because it was an unconditional covenant…it was not conditional on man. God was going to fulfill the covenant which is to say the Messiah would be the Son of David regardless of what man did or didn’t do. The Mosaic Covenant, on the other hand, was a conditional covenant because it was conditional on man. Instead of being filled with “I will” statements, it is filled with, “If you,” because if Israel was obedient, people would hear about how God had blessed them. Deuteronomy 28:1 “If you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will SET YOU HIGH ABOVE ALL THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH. All the nations of the earth would see how much God had blessed Israel and be drawn to God as a result. Deuteronomy 28:10 ALL THE PEOPLES OF THE EARTH SHALL SEE THAT YOU ARE CALLED BY THE NAME OF THE LORD, and they shall be afraid of you. If Israel was disobedient, people would hear about how badly God had punished them. Deuteronomy 28:25 “The Lord will cause you to be defeated before your enemies. You shall go out one way against them and flee seven ways before them. And YOU SHALL BE A HORROR TO ALL THE KINGDOMS OF THE EARTH. Deuteronomy 28:37 You shall become a horror, a proverb, and a byword AMONG ALL THE PEOPLES where the Lord will lead you away. But – and here’s the important part – either way : God was going to reveal himself He was going to be exalted It was simply a question of whether Israel wanted to make that easy or hard on themselves. Go ahead and look at 1 Kings 9:6. This is what it would look like if Israel was disobedient… 1 Kings 9:6 But IF (notice it begins with the word if because it’s conditional) you turn aside from following me, you or your children, and do not keep my commandments and my statutes that I have set before you, but go and serve other gods and worship them, 7 then I will cut off Israel from the land that I have given them, and the house that I have consecrated for my name I will cast out of my sight, (so God would punish Israel and look what would happen…) and Israel will become a proverb and a byword AMONG ALL PEOPLES. 8 And this house will become a heap of ruins. EVERYONE PASSING BY IT WILL BE ASTONISHED AND WILL HISS, AND THEY WILL SAY, ‘WHY HAS THE LORD DONE THUS TO THIS LAND AND TO THIS HOUSE?’ 9 Then they (the surrounding nations) will say, ‘Because they abandoned the Lord their God who brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt and laid hold on other gods and worshiped them and served them. Therefore the Lord has brought all this disaster on them.’” So the surrounding nations would see how badly God punished Israel for their sins…and this would reveal God to them…they would come to fear Him. What does this have to do with Solomon and the Queen of Sheba in 1 Kings 10? 1 Kings 10 is the opposite! We can see how God blessed the nation when they were obedient, and the surrounding nations were drawn to Him as a result. Let me show you a few verses making this clear. Look at 1 Kings 10:1… 1 Kings 10:1 Now when the queen of Sheba HEARD OF THE FAME OF SOLOMON CONCERNING THE NAME OF THE LORD, she came to test him with hard questions. Do you see God revealing himself

Jesus said, "The queen of the South…came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here" (Matthew 12:42). This verse isn't worded the way we’d expect! Wouldn’t we expect Jesus to say, "…someone wiser is here"? Why did He say something? He said something because He’s referring to more than just Himself. He’s also referring to the kingdom He brought with Him. God become a Man in the Person of Jesus Christ. He came from heaven to earth. He brought the kingdom with Him. He was near the people: they could see Him, hear Him, and even touch Him…which is why they said the kingdom is “NEAR or “AT HAND.” The rest of the sermon focuses on this kingdom, and how it’s greater than Solomon’s kingdom. https://youtu.be/DBnjh8wo_hM Jesus said, "The queen of the South…came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here" (Matthew 12:42). Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Something Greater than Solomon Is HereFamily Worship Guide for Something Greater than Solomon Is HereSermon Notes for Something Greater than Solomon Is HereLesson one: Jesus brought the kingdom of God with him.Lesson two: Solomon prefigures the glory of Christ’s future kingdom.Lesson three: Jesus is greater than Solomon in (part one) his knowledge of people.Lesson three: Jesus is greater than Solomon in (part two) the supper he prepares.Lesson three: Jesus is greater than Solomon in (part three) his servants’ joy.Lesson three: Jesus is greater than Solomon in (part four) his execution of justice. Sermon Lessons for Something Greater than Solomon Is Here Lesson 1: __________ ______________ the kingdom of God with him (2 Samuel 7:16 cf. Luke 1:30-33, Matthew 3:22, 4:17, 10:7, Luke 10:9-11). Lesson 2: ______________ ____________________ the glory of Christ’s future kingdom (Matthew 12:42, John 5:39). Lesson 3: Jesus is greater than Solomon in: (Part 1) his knowledge ____ ___________ (1 Kings 10:1-3 cf. John 2:24, Hebrews 4:13). (Part 2) _______ ____________ he prepares (1 Kings 10:4-5 cf. Revelation 19:9). (Part 3) his _________________ ______(1 Kings 10:6-8 cf. Genesis 2:15, 3:17-19, Revelation 22:3). (Part 4) his __________________ ____ justice (1 Kings 10:9, 3:28 cf. Isaiah 11:3-4). Family Worship Guide for Something Greater than Solomon Is Here Day 1: Read 2 Samuel 7:16 cf. Luke 1:30-33, Matthew 3:22, 4:17, 10:7, Luke 10:9-11 and discuss: when did it look like the Davidic Covenant was unfulfilled? When was the Davidic covenant fulfilled? Describe the kingdom Jesus brought with him. What did the gospel sound like before Jesus’s death? What does the gospel sound like after Jesus’s death? Or another way to ask: what did the gospel sound like in the Gospels, and then what did it sound like in Acts and the epistles? Day 2: Read Matthew 12:42, John 5:39 and discuss: what mistake did the religious leaders make with the Scriptures in Jesus’s day? How can we avoid making the same mistake? What are some of your favorite pictures or types of Christ in the Old Testament? How does Isaac serve as a type of Christ? What about Joseph? What about Jonah? What are some of your favorite prophecies of Christ (note: prophecies and types are not the same!)? Day 3: Read 1 Kings 10:1-9, Hebrews 4:13, Revelation 19:9, Isaiah 11:3-4 and discuss: how is Jesus’s knowledge of people superior to Solomon’s? Why is the marriage supper of the Lamb superior to the supper Solomon prepared? Why will our joy serving Christ be greater than Solomon’s servants’ joy when they served him? How is Jesus’s execution of justice greater than Solomon’s? In what ways did Jesus deal with harlots better than Solomon? Sermon Notes for Something Greater than Solomon Is Here Go ahead and open your Bibles to 1 Kings 10. We spent the last two weeks looking at how Jesus is greater than Solomon, and we’ll continue that this morning. In our first sermon we saw how Jesus built the greater house of God: Solomon built the earthly, physical temple, or house for God. Jesus built the greater heavenly, spiritual temple, or house of God, known as the church. In our second sermon we saw how Jesus is the greater Son: Solomon is the son of David, but Jesus is the true and greater Son of David In 2 Samuel 7:14 God said to David about Solomon, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son” So Solomon is a son of God But Jesus is the true and greater Son of God This morning and next Sunday we’ll see how Jesus rules over a greater kingdom. We spent the last two weeks studying the Davidic Covenant in 2 Samuel 7. I didn’t read the last verse of it because I wanted to share it at the beginning of this sermon. Listen to it… 2 Samuel 7:16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’” We know this looks past Solomon because of the repeated use of the word forever. Solomon didn’t live or reign forever. Now I want to ask you to thin

Why is Jesus called the Son of David? In the Davidic covenant in 2 Samuel 7, God told David, "12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever." One reason we know this is looking past Solomon to Jesus is the use of the word "forever," which occurs 3 times in the verses. Solomon didn’t live – or reign – “forever.” If I said, “Who is the son of David?” You would ask, "Capital S Son of David or lowercase s son of David?” Son of David might top the list of most well-known messianic titles for Jesus. Here are just a few examples using Matthew’s gospel: Matthew 1:1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, THE SON OF DAVID. Matthew 9:27 Two blind men followed [Jesus], crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, SON OF DAVID.” They don’t even call him Jesus, or Christ. Matthew 20:31 The crowd rebuked (the 2 blind men), telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” https://youtu.be/EyZDRqqj7OU Why is Jesus called the Son of David? We know the Davidic Covenant looks past Solomon to Jesus because of the use of the word "forever." Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Why is Jesus Called the Son of David?Family Worship Guide for Why is Jesus Called the Son of David?Sermon Notes for Why is Jesus Called the Son of David?Lesson one: Jesus is the true and greater Son of (part two) God.Lesson two: Jesus suffered for iniquity and was disciplined with the rod and stripes due to men.Lesson three: Jesus retained His Father’s favor.Lesson four: we receive God’s favor because of the true and greater Son of David. Sermon Lessons for Why is Jesus Called the Son of David? Lesson 1: Jesus is the true and greater Son of: (Part 1) __________ (2 Samuel 7:11-13, Matthew 1:1, 9:27, 20:31, 21:9, 15, 22:41-42). (Part 2) ______ (2 Samuel 7:14a cf. Hebrews 1:5) Lesson 2: __________ ________________ for iniquity and was disciplined with the rod and stripes due to men (2 Samuel 7:14b, Isaiah 53:5-6, 2 Corinthians 5:21, one Peter 2:24). Lesson 3: __________ ________________ His Father’s favor (2 Samuel 7:15, Romans 6:4, Acts 1:9). Lesson 4: ____ ______________ God’s favor because of the true and greater Son of David (1 Kings 11:12-13, 32, 34). Family Worship Guide for Why is Jesus Called the Son of David? Day 1: Read 2 Samuel 7:11-14a, Matthew 1:1, 9:27, 20:31, 21:9, 15, 22:41-42, Hebrews 1:5 and discuss: God said he would give David rest from his enemies. What does this prefigure with Christ? How is Jesus the true and greater Son of David? How is Jesus the true and greater Son of God? The title “son of God” refers to whom else besides Jesus? How does the book of Jonah convince us that Jesus is the Messiah? In other words, why did Jesus say this would serve as the sign of his Messiahship? Day 2: Read 2 Samuel 7:14b, Isaiah 53:5-6, 2 Corinthians 5:21, one Peter 2:24 and discuss: how does 2 Samuel 7:14 describe Solomon? How does this verse look beyond Solomon to Jesus? What do the truths contained in this verse tell us about our salvation? In other words, discuss substitutionary atonement and what it means. What is double imputation? Why did Jesus say the Father had forsaken Him? Day 3: Read 2 Samuel 7:15, Romans 6:4, Acts 1:9 and discuss: what application does 2 Samuel 7:15 have for Solomon? What application does it have for Christ? What two events revealed that the Son did not lose the Father’s favor? How can we be encouraged by God’s faithfulness to David? Why do we receive God’s favor? Sermon Notes for Why is Jesus Called the Son of David? The title of this morning’s sermon is, “The True and Greater Son.” Go ahead and open your Bibles to 2 Samuel 7. We were in a series called, “Pursuing Wisdom.” We spent quite a bit of time talking about Solomon. Because we have so much familiarity with him, last week I started talking about why Jesus is greater than him. This is fitting because Jesus said… Matthew 12:42 The queen of the South…came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, SOMETHING GREATER THAN SOLOMON IS HERE. Let me briefly review a few things from last week’s sermon… I said there would not be as much direct application. But there will be indirect application, because as we learn about Christ, our love for Him grows, and we can’t help but want to obey Him. Jesus Himself said, “If you love me you will obey me.” 2 Samuel 7 contains the Davidic covenant, and all the covenants in the Bible look forward to and have their fulfillment in Christ. So as we read these verses we want to look past Solomon to Jesus. The verses are secondarily about Solomon, and primarily about Jesus. Let’s pick up at verse 10…God tells David… 2 Samuel 7:10 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in

Jesus built the house of God. David wanted to build God a house, but God said He would build David a house, or dynasty, that would never end (2 Samuel 7:1-17). We know Solomon built a physical house, or temple, for God. But Jesus built the greater spiritual house, or temple, known as the church. The beauty is we are part of the house Christ built. Why should this encourage us? It has to do with durability! Jesus wanted us to be confident that His house wouldn’t be destroyed by even the strongest spiritual forces: "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). That’s sturdy isn’t it? If you’re in Christ, you’re part of this house that can’t even be knocked down by hell itself. https://youtu.be/jArCX8TI-zI Jesus built the house of God. Solomon built a physical house, or temple, but Jesus built the greater spiritual house, or temple: the church. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for The Greater House Jesus BuiltFamily Worship Guide for Jesus Built the House of GodSermon Notes for Jesus Built the House of GodLesson 1: clear teaching about Christ produces obedience.Lesson 2: Jesus built the true and greater house of God.Lesson 3: we are part of the house Christ built.Lesson 4: nothing can destroy what Christ builds. Sermon Lessons for The Greater House Jesus Built Lesson 1: __________ ________________ about Christ produces obedience (John 14:15). Lesson 2: __________ __________ the true and greater house of God (2 Samuel 7:13, John 2:18-22, Acts 2:33, Zechariah 6:12). Lesson 3: ____ ______ ________ of the house Christ built (Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Timothy 3:15, 2 Corinthians 6:16, 1 Peter 2:4, Hebrews 3:1-3). Lesson 4: Nothing ______ ______________ what Christ builds (Matthew 16:18, Philippians 1:6). Family Worship Guide for Jesus Built the House of God Day 1: Read John 14:15-31 and discuss: what are indicatives in Scripture? What are imperatives in Scripture? Discuss a few of each. How can indicatives produce obedience indirectly? What does the law produce because of our sinful flesh? Day 2: Read 2 Samuel 7:13, John 2:18-22, Acts 2:33, Zechariah 6:12 and discuss: what was the relationship between the physical temple and Jesus’s physical body? Why would Jesus try to get the Jews to look past the temple to His body? When and how did Jesus build the spiritual house of God? (Hint: look in Acts 2 for the “when”). Day 3: Read Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Timothy 3:15, 2 Corinthians 6:16, 1 Peter 2:4, Hebrews 3:1-3 and discuss: why does Jesus receive more glory than Moses? What encouragement can we receive from being part of the spiritual house of God? What does this reveal to you about your salvation? Sermon Notes for Jesus Built the House of God The title of this morning’s sermon is, “Jesus Built a Greater House.” Go ahead and open your Bibles to 2 Samuel 7. We were in a series called, “Pursuing Wisdom.” We spent quite a bit of time talking about Solomon. Matthew 12:42 The queen of the South…came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, SOMETHING GREATER THAN SOLOMON IS HERE. Solomon is a type and shadow of Jesus. Now I would like to spend the next few weeks talking about why Jesus is greater than Solomon. Let me share something interesting with you that happened when Pastor Nathan and I were at the Shepherds Conference at John MacArthur’s church. During one of the sessions a speaker talked about indicatives versus imperatives. You might remember me explaining these before: Indicatives are truths or statements. They indicate something. Imperatives are commands. They tell us to do something. The speaker said some things that stuck with me: First, he said it is much easier to preach on the imperatives versus indicatives. Second, our preaching should have a healthy, balanced diet of both. Third, if we’re preaching too much on the imperatives, we should try to do more preaching on the indicatives. When Pastor Nathan and I left the session we started talking about whether we think we preach too much on the imperatives versus the indicatives. If I err, I probably err on the side of preaching imperatives more than indicatives. The next few weeks about Jesus being greater than Solomon are going to focus more on the indicatives. This means the sermons will not have as much application directly. But even when sermons are filled with indicatives, or statements, they can still have application, maybe not directly, but indirectly. How will this happen? They sermons will help grow our love and affection for Christ, which will motivate us to obey Him. And this brings us to lesson one… Lesson 1: clear teaching about Christ produces obedience. I would like to share something about Katie and I that will hopefully help you see how the sermons provide application, indirectly. As most of you know, Katie and I go over the sermon twice per week: once on Thursday evening, then I make all the changes on Friday, and we go over it again on Saturday. Over the years of do

When God says, "No," trust Him and walk by faith. "The just will live by faith" Is one of the most quoted commands in the Bible (Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:37-38). How many times have we prayed, not gotten what we wanted, and asked, "Why not God? Why wouldn’t You want this? It seems like this is best?" Since we don’t get to find out why the answer is no, what are we forced to do? Trust God knows what is best and walk by faith. The reason it says we must live by faith, versus simply have faith, is the Christian life is a life of faith. There aren't many more applicable times in life than when we hear no. https://youtu.be/qtKDfdIYG5c When God says, "No," trust Him, because we don’t get to find out why the answer is no. This is what it means to walk by faith. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for When God Says, "No," Trust Him and Walk By FaithFamily Worship Guide for When God Says, "No," Trust Him and Walk By FaithSermon Notes for When God Says, "No," Trust Him and Walk By FaithGod might say no (lesson 5) because He knows what’s best for us.God might say no (lesson 6) without being displeased.God might say no (lesson 7) and we shouldn’t pout. Sermon Lessons for When God Says, "No," Trust Him and Walk By Faith Note: lessons 1 through 4 are from Part 1: When God Doesn’t Answer the Way You Want God might say no: Lesson 1: because we are being selfish (James 1:5 cf. James 4:1-3). Lesson 2: because it’s not His will (John 14:13-14, 1 John 5:14). Lesson 3: because sin has consequences (Deuteronomy 3:23-28, 2 Samuel 12:16-18). Lesson 4: because of the other person (Jeremiah 7:15-17, 15:1, Ezekiel 14:13-16). Lesson 5: because ____ __________ what’s best for us (2 Corinthians 11:23, 12:2-10, Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 8:28). Lesson 6: without being ____________________ (2 Samuel 7:1-7). Lesson 7: and we __________________ ________ (1 Chronicles 29:1-5). Family Worship Guide for When God Says, "No," Trust Him and Walk By Faith Day 1: Read 2 Corinthians 11:23, 12:2-10, Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 8:28 and discuss: what effect do you think all of Paul’s suffering had on his life? Do you think you know what Paul’s thorn was? Why or why not? Why do you think God didn’t clearly tell us what it was? Why do you think God chose not to answer Paul’s pleading about the thorn? By leaving the thorn what good was accomplished in Paul’s life? What encouragement can you receive from God leaving Paul’s thorn? Is there a thorn in your life that God has removed? Is there a thorn in your life that God has not removed? Discuss both. Day 2: Read 2 Samuel 7:1-7, James 4:3, 5:16 and discuss: why did God tell David no? Why might God tell us no? In other words, why might God not answer some of our prayers the way that we want? How can this account with David encourage us? Can you look back on some times God did not answer your prayers the way that you wanted, but in hindsight you are glad that’s the case? Can you discuss some other prayer requests that you are simply trusting God that it was better He didn’t answer the way you wanted? Can you think of some times in your life that God said no, but He was still probably pleased with you and your request? Day 3: Read 1 Chronicles 29:1-5 and discuss: how do you think David felt when God told him that he could not build the temple? What sinful feelings do you think David might have had to resist? Can you discuss a time, or some times, when God has told you no and you were tempted to pout? What sinful temptations did you have to resist? What would a godly response, or what would godly responses, look like instead? Why did Jesus pray three times that the cup would pass from him, if he knew he would have to go to the cross? Sermon Notes for When God Says, "No," Trust Him and Walk By Faith The title of this morning’s sermon is, “When God Says No – Part Two.” Go ahead and open your Bibles to 2 Corinthians 11. We have been in a series called, “Pursuing Wisdom.” When we started the series, I told you that wisdom is not: Knowing the future Or knowing why God is or isn’t doing certain things. Instead, part of wisdom is being able to handle trials well. One of the unique trials we experience is hearing no when we pray. I don’t think it’s too much to say that when God doesn’t answer our prayers the way we want: It can be very difficult. It can cause hurt and confusion And it takes wisdom to respond well. So last week we started looking at examples of hearing no so we could learn from them. The new lesson for this morning… God might say no (lesson 5) because He knows what’s best for us. Look at 2 Corinthians 11:23. These first few verses are not about God saying no. Instead, they set up the verses about God saying no. 2 Corinthians 11:23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often ne

When God doesn't answer the way we want it can be very discouraging. It can leave us feeling very hurt and confused. When we are praying for ourselves or others and those prayers are not answered, we might feel like it’s our fault. We might be tempted to think, “If we only prayed a little more, had a little more faith, or were a little more mature, then God would say yes.” This sermon will encourage you that it’s not necessarily your fault and you don’t need to feel bad. Hearing no from God can be quite a trial, but God knows best. His ways are right. He is all knowing and if the answer is no it’s because that's the perfect answer. He understands time and purpose better than we can imagine. Being wise means trusting God and walking by faith including when we hear now. Here is part 2: When God Says, “No,” Trust Him and Walk By Faith. https://youtu.be/2eUTDv-MfjU When God doesn't answer the way we want it can be very discouraging. It can leave us feeling hurt and confused, as though it’s our fault. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for When God Doesn't Answer the Way You WantFamily Worship Guide for When God Doesn't Answer the Way You WantSermon Notes for When God Doesn't Answer the Way You WantGod might say no because (lesson 1) we’re being selfish.God might say no because (lesson 2) it’s not His will.God might say no because (lesson 3) sin has consequences.God might say no because (lesson 4) of the other person. Sermon Lessons for When God Doesn't Answer the Way You Want God might say no because: Lesson 1: we are being ______________ (James 1:5 cf. James 4:1-3). Lesson 2: it’s not ______ ________ (John 14:13-14, 1 John 5:14). Lesson 3: ______ ______ consequences (Deuteronomy 3:23-28, 2 Samuel 12:16-18). Lesson 4: of the __________ ____________ (Jeremiah 7:15-17, 15:1, Ezekiel 14:13-16). Family Worship Guide for When God Doesn't Answer the Way You Want Day 1: Read James 1:5 cf. James 4:1-3 and discuss: why do we need wisdom during trials? Why do we need wisdom when God doesn’t answer our prayers? Name some selfish prayer requests God might not answer. Name some unselfish prayer requests you hope you would answer. Feel free to share some specific selfish and unselfish requests of your own. Day 2: Read John 14:13-14 and 1 John 5:14 and discuss: what does it mean to pray in Jesus’s name? How do we know when we are praying in Jesus’s name? How do we know when we are not? Pastor Scott shared about Steven Lee, the founder of Sermon Audio and how God didn’t answer his prayer to bring about something that would bring Him greater glory. Can you think of other examples of this? Day 3: Read Deuteronomy 3:23-28 and 2 Samuel 12:16-18 and discuss: why wasn’t Moses able to go into the Promised Land? Despite David’s prayer and fasting why do you think the child of adultery died? What can we learn about prayer from these two examples? Day 4: Read Jeremiah 7:15-17, 15:1, Ezekiel 14:13-16 and discuss: why do you think God wouldn’t listen to the prayers of these godly men interceding for the Jews? What does this teach us about intercession and prayer for others? In what ways does this discourage us? In what ways can this encourage us? Sermon Notes for When God Doesn't Answer the Way You Want The title of this morning’s sermon is, “When God Says No – Part one.” Go ahead and open your Bibles to James 1. We have been in a series called, “Pursuing Wisdom.” It’s been about two months because of the weeks that I couldn’t preach when I was in bed. Then I preached a few sermons about our bodies breaking down. The pause in the series came at a good time, because I want to talk to you about a somewhat new topic, and that’s God saying no. When we started the series I told you that wisdom is not: Knowing the future Knowing why God is or isn’t doing what he’s doing Instead: Wisdom is being able to handle trials well Wisdom is being able to navigate through the twists and turns of life. I’m convinced this is why James 1:2-5 is written the way it is: Verses 2 through 4 are the familiar verses about trials. Then verse 5 is about asking for and receiving wisdom… James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. Sometimes people draw a clean break between verses 4 and verse 5 as though there’s no relationship between them: They’ll teach on trials in verses 2 to 4. They’ll teach on wisdom in verses 5 to 8. But they won’t discuss the connection between verses 2 to 4 and verses 5 to 8. The fact is, James talks about wisdom in verse 5 because we need wisdom during trials. One of the unique trials we experience is God not answering our prayers, or at least not answering them the way we want. I don’t think it’s too much to say that when God doesn’t answer our prayers the way we want: it can be very difficult. It can cause hurt and confusion And it takes wisdom to respond well. So we are going to spend the rest of this sermon, and nex

Paul said, "Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:17). It sounds like Paul is minimizing our trials by calling them light momentary afflictions. Could you imagine saying this to someone when they’re going through something painful: “Hey, this trial you think is terrible and excruciating is only light and momentary.” If we were counseling people how to counsel others, we would tell them NOT to say this. The obvious question is, how could terrible suffering be described this way? Developing a spiritual, eternal perspective is the key to understanding how trials can be viewed as light, momentary afflictions. https://youtu.be/lzSQ7UpZ7fQ "Our light affliction, which is but for a moment" (2 Corinthians 4:17). An eternal perspective is the key to viewing trials this way. Table of ContentsLessons for Our Light Affliction Which is But for a MomentFamily Worship Guide for Our Light Affliction Which is But for a MomentSermon Notes for Family Worship Guide for Our Light Affliction Which is But for a MomentLesson 1: (part one) every trial is a light momentary affliction…Lesson 2: light momentary afflictions (part one) are discouraging.Lesson 2: light momentary afflictions (part two) can give us eternal perspectives.Lesson 2: light momentary afflictions (part three) strengthen our spirit.Lesson 2: light momentary afflictions (part four) increase our heavenly blessings.Lesson 1: (part one) every trial is a light momentary affliction (part two) when viewed in light of eternity. Lessons for Our Light Affliction Which is But for a Moment Lesson 1: (part one) __________ __________ is a light momentary affliction (part two) ________ ____________ in light of eternity (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Hebrews 11:1, 10, Genesis 13:8-10, Philippians 3:14 CF 2 Corinthians 4:14). Lesson 2: light momentary afflictions: (part one) are ____________ (2 Corinthians 4:16a). (part two) ______ ________ us eternal perspectives (2 Corinthians 4:16b, Philippians 3:20). (part three) ________ our spirit (2 Corinthians 4:1c, Romans 8:18). (part four) ____ our heavenly blessings (2 Corinthians 4:17, Matthew 19:29). Family Worship Guide for Our Light Affliction Which is But for a Moment Day 1: Read 2 Corinthians 4:8-16 and discuss: do you feel like Paul is minimizing your suffering and trials by calling them light momentary afflictions? Why or why not? After reading 2 Corinthians 4:8-12 and seeing how much Paul suffered, how can he say that his, and by extension our, trials are light momentary afflictions? Why is physical suffering so discouraging? Why is it so easy to lose heart? Day 2: Read 2 Corinthians 4:16, Philippians 3:20, Romans 8:18, Matthew 19:29 and discuss: how does the wasting away of our bodies encourage us to develop eternal perspectives? What can we do to ensure we are developing eternal perspectives, versus becoming bitter, angry, or depressed? How do light momentary afflictions strengthen our spirit? How do they increase our heavenly blessings? Day 3: Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Hebrews 11:1, 10, Genesis 13:8-10, and Philippians 3:14 and discuss: what does it mean that we see what is unseen? Why did A.W. Tozer say the spiritual world is the only real world? What did Pastor Scott mean when he said Lot was looking for a physical city while Abraham was looking for a spiritual city? How does an eternal perspective allow every trial to become a light momentary affliction? How does Philippians 3:14 encourage you to have an eternal perspective? How does 2 Corinthians 4:14 prevent us from losing heart? Sermon Notes for Family Worship Guide for Our Light Affliction Which is But for a Moment The title of this morning’s sermon is, “Light Momentary Afflictions.” Go ahead and open your Bibles to 2 Corinthians 4. I’m preaching a few sermons about our bodies breaking down as we get older. As I shared last week, when I was lying on my back in bed for a few weeks I started keeping track of different things God was teaching me, because I had so much time to reflect. I decided to write those things down so I wouldn’t forget them. Then I decided to share those thoughts with you, because all of our bodies break down. This chapter contains the verses that came to mind more than any others. Quick question… Do any of you listen to the comedian, Brian Regan? Katie and I really like him, and we have seen him in person. Over the last few weeks I saw quite a few doctors, and there’s a joke Brian makes about doctors. He says they can be very rude. They walk in and the first question they ask is, “What SEEMS to be the problem?” As though there is nothing wrong, it just seems that way to you. The question minimizes your suffering. The reason I mention this joke is it comes to mind with these verses. Let me read through them, and you see if it sounds like Paul is minimizing our suffering… 2 Corinthians 4:16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is

In 2 Corinthians 4:16 Paul wrote that, "Outwardly we are wasting away." When you feel like your body is wasting away it’s understandably very tempting to focus on the trial. I would like to encourage you, as difficult as it can be at times, to look for the blessings. I think you’ll be surprised by two things: The number of things you can find to be thankful for even in the midst of trials. How much better you will feel after thinking about these blessings and giving thanks for them. https://youtu.be/_utlRYgdos0 "Outwardly we are wasting away." (2 Corinthians 4:16) When you feel like your body is wasting away try to look for the blessings instead of focusing on the trial. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Outwardly We Are Wasting Away Family Worship Guide for Outwardly We Are Wasting Away Sermon Notes for Outwardly We Are Wasting AwayWhen our bodies waste away (lesson one) God is taking things from us.When our bodies waste away (lesson two) look for blessings.When our bodies waste away (lesson three) give thanks for the blessings.When our bodies waste away (lesson four) God wants to be our security. Sermon Lessons for Outwardly We Are Wasting Away When our bodies waste away: Lesson 1: God is ____________ ____________ from us (2 Corinthians 4:16, Job 1:20, 2 Samuel 21:15-17, 1 Kings 1:1). Lesson 2: ________ ______ blessings. Lesson 3: ________ ____________ for the blessings (1 Thessalonians 5:18, Philippians 4:6, Ephesians 5:20). Lesson 4: God wants to be ______ ________________ (Job 2:4). Family Worship Guide for Outwardly We Are Wasting Away Day 1: Read 2 Corinthians 4:16, Job 1:20, 2 Samuel 21:15-17, 1 Kings 1:1 and discuss: what was taken away from Job during his trials? What was taken away from David when his body wasted away? What are some of the things you can see God taking away from us when our bodies waste away? Try to give examples from your own life: what has God taken away from you as your body is wasting away? Day 2: Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Philippians 4:6, Ephesians 5:20, and discuss: why should we look for blessings when our bodies waste away? What are some blessings you have experienced as your body has wasted away, or what are some blessings you can imagine experiencing as your body wastes away? Why should we give thanks for the blessings we can see when our bodies waste away? God is worthy of our thanks and praise regardless of what we are experiencing, but why does it benefit us to give thanks for blessings when our bodies waste away? Day 3: Read Job chapters 1 and 2 and discuss: what do you see people putting their security in? Be honest: what do you put your security in? How would you respond if God takes away whatever your security is bound up in? Why did Satan think Job would curse God when his body was afflicted? In other words, what is so bad about physical suffering, versus mental or emotional suffering? Sermon Notes for Outwardly We Are Wasting Away The title of this morning’s is, “When Our Bodies Waste Away.” Go ahead and open your Bibles to 2 Corinthians 4. I’m preaching a few sermons about our bodies breaking down as we get older. As I shared last week, when I was lying on my back in bed for a few weeks I started keeping track of different things God was teaching me, because I had so much time to reflect. I decided to write down my thoughts so I wouldn’t forget them. Then I decided to share those thoughts with you, because this has been such a trying year for so many people. Last week I didn’t talk much about the trials I’ve experienced recently, but I plan to this morning and I want to ask one favor… I was concerned about sharing so much about myself, because it could sound as though I think what I experienced is worse than what others have experienced. So I want to be clear up front, and I’m trusting all of you to believe me when I say this: I don’t think my trials compare with, or are worse, than the trials that others have experienced. They are simply trials God allowed in my life, and I wanted to share how he has used them for my good, so it might help others. This chapter contains the verses that came to mind more than any others. I will introduce the verses this morning, but we won’t finish them. Look with me at verse 16… 2 Corinthians 4:16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. In verse 16 the ESV says outer self. Other translations say outward man or outer person. It’s referring to our physical bodies. And like we read about last week in Ecclesiastes 12, they are wasting away: The New King James says perishingThe NASB says decaying And this brings us to lesson one… When our bodies waste away (lesson one)

"Remember your creator while you are young, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, 'I have no pleasure in them,'" says Solomon in Ecclesiastes 12:1. We would expect Solomon to tell everyone to remember their Creator because it’s essential for everyone to remember their Creator. Here are five reasons young people should remember their Creator specifically. https://youtu.be/7IYPxwiZbBU "Remember your creator while you are young," (Ecclesiastes 12:1). When you’re young God has given talents and gifts that diminish with age. Table of ContentsSolomon's Description of Old AgeOur Body Is FragileOur Body Is ValuableOur Body Can Break Suddenly and UnexpectedlyWhy You Should Remember Your Creator While You Are Young1. Remember Your Creator While You Are Young Because That's When You Have the Most Time to Serve Him2. Remember Your Creator While You Are Young Because Everything Is Working Well3. Remember Your Creator While You Are Young Because Meeting Him Seems Far Away4. Remember Your Creator While You Are Young Because of the World5. Remember Your Creator While You Are Young Before Your Body Betrays YouLife with Christ Is not Vain What I would like to do this morning is read through the verses, give you an understanding of them, and then share the application. Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; We will talk more about remembering our Creator after we get through the verses. Solomon's Description of Old Age In Ecclesiastes 12:2-8 Solomon describes getting older. When when he says evil days come, he doesn’t mean days filled with wickedness. Instead, he means difficult days, or days of trouble, which is how it’s translated in some Bibles, referring to the days when you get older that can be filled with physical trials, pain, disabilities, sicknesses, or handicaps. They can be so difficult it says you find no pleasure in them. Look at verse two… Ecclesiastes 12:2 before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain, Solomon compares old age with the gloom of a dark and rainy day. The idea is the clouds cloud, or darken life’s pleasures so much you find no enjoyment in anything. Now in the following verses Solomon provides one of the most imaginative descriptions of old age and death anywhere in Scripture. Commentators don’t agree on all the details, but they do agree on the main idea that there is a house that represents our bodies and it’s falling apart until it finally turns to dust…like us. This is a fitting metaphor, because elsewhere in Scripture our bodies are compared with houses, and the destruction of those houses is compared with death: Job 4:19 How much more those who dwell in HOUSES OF CLAY, whose foundation is IN THE DUST, who are crushed like the moth. 2 Corinthians 5:1 If the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. As we read these verses, if you write your Bible, I can tell you what to circle, and tell you what the metaphors mean. First one… Ecclesiastes 12:3a in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, Any guesses? You can circle the words keepers of the house and write, “Arms and legs.” Our arms and legs protect our bodies, or houses, and as we get older they start trembling. Ecclesiastes 12:3b and the strong men are bent, This is pretty straightforward. You can circle the word bent and write, “Osteoporosis.” People hunch over as they get older. This happens even with the strongest men. Ecclesiastes 12:3c and the grinders cease because they are few, Any guesses? You can circle the word grinders and write, “Teeth.” They become fewer because they start falling out. Ecclesiastes 12:3d and those who look through the windows are dimmed, Any guesses? You can circle the words, “Those who look through the windows,” and write, “Eyes.” Our eyes are dimmed in that we don’t see as well. Ecclesiastes 12:4a and the doors on the street are shut— Any guesses? You can circle the word doors and write, “Mouths.” Other verses compare our mouths with doors… Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the DOOR OF MY LIPS! Older people might not talk as much, or might not have as much to say. Ecclesiastes 12:4b when the sound of the grinding is low, Again, this refers to our teeth, and the grinding is low because older people don’t eat as much. Ecclesiastes 12:4c and one rises up at the sound of a bird, You can’t sleep well. The slightest sound wakes you up. Ecclesiastes 12:4d and all the daughters of song are brought low— The sound of singing is brought low because you don’t hear as well. Ecclesiastes 12:5a they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; Older people are afraid of higher places. Terrors are in the way refer to da

The danger of spiritual pride is shown well through the disappointing life of Amaziah, King of Judah in 2 Chronicles 25 (also 2 Kings 14). When Amaziah had his victory over the Edomites, he became very proud. Success can be dangerous because it can lead to pride. Sometimes it’s God’s grace that we’re not more successful. https://youtu.be/AXwikhvm1vo The danger of spiritual pride is shown well through the disappointing life of Amaziah, King of Judah in 2 Chronicles 25 (also 2 Kings 14). Table of ContentsLessons for The Danger of Spiritual Pride Family Worship Guide for The Danger of Spiritual Pride Sermon Notes for The Danger of Spiritual PrideLesson 1: These kings reveal it’s hard to finish well: (example 1) Solomon (example 2) Saul (example 3) Hezekiah (example 4) Asa (example 5) Joash (example 6) UzziahLesson 1: These kings reveal it’s hard to finish well: (example 7) AmaziahLesson 2: wise people trust God with their finances.Lesson 3: prosperity and suffering are not always evidence of obedience.Lesson 4: pride blinds us to (part 1) correction.Lesson 4: pride blinds us to (part 2) reality. Lessons for The Danger of Spiritual Pride Lesson 1: These kings reveal it’s hard to finish well:Example 1: Solomon (1 Kings 11:4, Job 12:12).Example 2: Saul (1 Samuel 31).Example 3: Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:12-19).Example 4: Asa (2 Chronicles 14:8-15, 16:1-12).Example 5: Joash (2 Chronicles 24).Example 6: Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26).Example 7: ______________ (2 Chronicles 25).Lesson 2: ________ ___________ trust God with their finances (2 Chronicles 25:9).Lesson 3: ____________________ and __________________ are not always evidence of obedience (2 Chronicles 25:10 cf. 25:13).Lesson 4: pride blinds us to:(Part one) ____________________ (2 Chronicles 25:16, Proverbs 13:18, 15:10, 16:18, 29:1).(Part two) ______________ (2 Chronicles 25:17-19). Family Worship Guide for The Danger of Spiritual Pride Day 1: Read 2 Chronicles 25:1-4 and discuss: who was Amaziah’s father and what happened to him? Why was it a sign of faith when Amaziah didn’t execute the sons of the men who murdered his father? What do you think it means that Amaziah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not with a whole heart? What application does this have for us?Day 2: Read 2 Chronicles 25:5-13 and discuss: why did the prophet tell Amaziah not to use the mercenaries from Israel? What was Amaziah’s greatest concern when the prophet told him to send the mercenaries home? What does it mean to trust God with our finances? How do we leave our finances in his hands? Why aren’t prosperity and suffering evidence of obedience or disobedience? Day 3: Read 2 Chronicles 25:14-29 and discuss: why did Amaziah become proud? What terribly foolish thing did Amaziah do? Why does pride blind us to correction, or at least cause us to respond poorly to it? How does pride blind us to reality? Can you think of other examples in Scripture of people who suffered because of their pride? Sermon Notes for The Danger of Spiritual Pride We have been in a series called, “Pursuing Wisdom.” Go ahead and open your Bibles to 2 Chronicles 25. The title of this morning’s sermon is, “Wisdom Needed to Finish Well – Part III.” We’ve been looking at examples of kings who started well but finished poorly, and we’ll look at our last king this morning. The previous examples are still on your handout… Lesson 1: These kings reveal it’s hard to finish well: (example 1) Solomon (example 2) Saul (example 3) Hezekiah (example 4) Asa (example 5) Joash (example 6) Uzziah And our last king… Lesson 1: These kings reveal it’s hard to finish well: (example 7) Amaziah 2 Chronicles 25:1 Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. 2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not with a whole heart. Amaziah is a picture of half-hearted devotion. The problem with half of your heart being devoted to God is the other half can be devoted to something else. We will see this play out in his life. Let me remind you about something from last Sunday’s sermon so the following verses make sense… Amaziah’s father was Joash. He was the king who was raised in the temple as a child. When he got older he turned from the Lord. Zechariah, who was like a brother to him because they grew up together, rebuked him, and Joash murdered him. Some of Joash’s people were so disgusted with him they murdered him. Now Amaziah needs to deal with the men who murdered his father… 2 Chronicles 25:3 And as soon as the royal power was firmly his, he killed his servants who had struck down the king his father. 4 But he did not put their children to death, according to what is written in the Law, in the Book of Moses, where the Lord commanded, “Fathers shall not die because of their children, nor children die because of their fathers, but each one shall die for his own sin.” The standard practice in the Old Testament involved e

Isaiah 40:31 says, "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." We have been in a series called, “Pursuing Wisdom.” We learned from Solomon’s life that it doesn’t matter how much wisdom you have if you don’t apply it. We also learned from Solomon’s life that it doesn’t matter how well you start. It matters how you finish. He, along with some other kings, reveal how we must wait on the Lord to have our strength renewed so we finish well. https://youtu.be/xIkGAVCok1A Isaiah 40:31 says, "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Judah's Kings reveal how we must wait on the Lord to have our strength renewed to finish well. Table of ContentsLessons for Those Who Hope in the Lord Will Renew Their Strength Family Worship Guide for Those Who Hope in the Lord Will Renew Their Strength Sermon Notes for Those Who Hope in the Lord Will Renew Their StrengthLesson 1: These kings reveal it’s hard to finish well: (example 1) Solomon (example 2) Saul (example 3) Hezekiah (example 4) AsaLesson 1: These kings reveal it’s hard to finish well: (example 5) Joash.Lesson 2: Wisdom is walking in the truth we’ve learned.Lesson 1: These kings reveal it’s hard to finish well (example 6) Uzziah.Lesson 3: Wisdom keeps us from pride, which leads to destruction.Lesson 4: Finish well by waiting on the Lord. Lessons for Those Who Hope in the Lord Will Renew Their Strength Lesson 1: These kings reveal it’s hard to finish well:Example 1: Solomon (1 Kings 11:4, Job 12:12).Example 2: Saul (1 Samuel 31).Example 3: Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:12-19).Example 4: Asa (2 Chronicles 14:8-15, 16:1-12).Example 5: __________ (2 Chronicles 24).Example 6: ____________ (2 Chronicles 26). Lesson 2: ____________ is ______________ in the truth we’ve learned (2 Chronicles 24:22). Lesson 3: wisdom keeps us from pride, which __________ to ____________________ (2 Chronicles 26:16-21, Proverbs 11:2, 16:18, 18:12). Lesson 4: finish well by _______________ on the ________ (1 Corinthians 9:24-26, Acts 20:24, 2 Timothy 4:7, Galatians 5:7, Isaiah 40:30-31). Family Worship Guide for Those Who Hope in the Lord Will Renew Their Strength Day 1: Read 2 Chronicles 24 and discuss: why do you think Joash finished so poorly after starting so well? What can we learn from his life? What truth did he learn that he failed to walk in, or failed to apply to his life (remember wisdom is applying truth/knowledge)? How did God graciously reach out to Joash? How did Joash respond? Day 2: Read 2 Chronicles 26 and discuss: why do you think Uzziah finished so poorly after starting so well? What can we learn from him? How did God graciously reach out to Uzziah? How did he respond? How does wisdom keep us from pride? Why does pride lead to destruction? Day 3: Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-26, Acts 20:24, 2 Timothy 4:7, Galatians 5:7, Isaiah 40:30-31and discuss: why is the Christian life compared to a race? Can you think of other verses that make this comparison? What causes us to be faint or weary as we run the race? What does it mean to wait on the Lord? How does waiting on the Lord renew our strength? Sermon Notes for Those Who Hope in the Lord Will Renew Their Strength The title of this morning’s sermon is, “Wisdom Needed to Finish Well – Part II.” We have been in a series called, “Pursuing Wisdom.” We learned from Solomon’s life that it doesn’t matter how much wisdom you have if you don’t apply it. We also learned from Solomon’s life that it doesn’t matter how well you start. It matters how you finish. Listen to this verse about him… 1 Kings 11:4 For WHEN SOLOMON WAS OLD his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. The part that surprised me most about Solomon isn’t that he turned from the Lord, but WHEN he turned from the Lord: when he was old. He finished poorly because he failed to apply the wisdom God gave him. If Solomon was the only example of a king finishing poorly after starting well I wouldn’t have developed any sermons on this topic. But since it’s a theme I thought it deserved attention. If Scripture makes something important through repetition, we should make it important. In our last sermon we looked at three other examples that I left on your handout… Lesson 1: These kings reveal it’s hard to finish well: (example 1) Solomon (example 2) Saul (example 3) Hezekiah (example 4) Asa We will look at two more examples this morning, and one more next week. Our new king for this morning… Lesson 1: These kings reveal it’s hard to finish well: (example 5) Joash. Please turn to 2 Chronicles 24. You might remember Joash was the child king who was hidden in the temple from his evil grandmother Athaliah. She murdered all of his siblings and if he hadn’t

Hebrews 12:1 says, "Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." The part that surprised me the most about Solomon and other kings isn't that they turned from the Lord, since many people turn from the Lord. The part that surprised me is They did it when they were older after serving the Lord for so many years. This shows how hard it is for people to run with endurance the race that is set before them us (or them) and finish well. https://youtu.be/1bWgx-sLQdA Hebrews 12:1 says, "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Kings turned from the Lord, showing it is hard to finish well. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Let Us Run with Endurance the Race that Is Set Before Us - Wisdom Needed to Finish Well - Part I Family Worship Guide for Let Us Run with Endurance the Race that Is Set Before Us Sermon Notes for Let Us Run with Endurance the Race that Is Set Before UsLesson 1: These kings reveal it’s hard to finish well (example 1) SolomonLesson 1: These kings reveal it’s hard to finish well (example 2) Saul.Lesson 1: These kings reveal it’s hard to finish well (part 3) Hezekiah.Lesson 1: These kings reveal it’s hard to finish well (part 4) Asa.Lesson 2: Jesus is the King of Kings who finished well for us. Sermon Lessons for Let Us Run with Endurance the Race that Is Set Before Us - Wisdom Needed to Finish Well - Part I Lesson 1: These kings reveal it’s hard to finish well: Example 1: ______________ (1 Kings 11:4, Job 12:12). Example 2: ________ (1 Samuel 31). Example 3: ________________ (2 Kings 20:12-19). Example 4: ______ (2 Chronicles 14:8-15, 16:1-12). Lesson 2: Jesus is the ________ ____ __________ who finished well (Matthew 8:20, 1 Peter 2:23, Hebrews 12:1-2). Family Worship Guide for Let Us Run with Endurance the Race that Is Set Before Us Day 1: Read 1 Samuel 31, 2 Kings 20:12-19 and discuss: why do you think Charles Templeton committed apostasy when he was older? Why was Solomon’s heart turned away from the Lord when he was older? Why do you think Saul finished so poorly? Why didn’t Hezekiah finish well? Why did Hezekiah show off storehouses and all of his wealth to Babylon? What is surprising about these people turning from the Lord when they’re older? Day 2: Read 2 Chronicles 14:8-15, 16:1-12 and discuss: why did God give Asa such a great victory over the Ethiopians? How does Asa reveal that the test of obedience is not whether things go well for us? Can you think of a time in your life you disobeyed, but it looked like things went well at first? Why didn’t Asa finish well? How did God reach out to Asa at the end of his life? Day 3: Read Matthew 8:20, 1 Peter 2:23, Hebrews 12:1-2 and discuss: how is Jesus better than Solomon? In what ways did Jesus finish well? How did Jesus entrust himself to him who judges justly? Explain the balance between us finishing well and Jesus finishing will for us. Sermon Notes for Let Us Run with Endurance the Race that Is Set Before Us The title of this morning’s sermon is, “Wisdom Needed to Finish Well – Part I.” We have been in a series called, “Pursuing Wisdom.” Let me begin w/ a quick question. Have any of you heard of Charles Templeton? I hadn’t, but this past week I read about him. He ministered w/ Billy Graham. Together they were called, “The Gold Dust Twins.” The two of them, along w/ Torrey Johnson, founded Youth for Christ. John MacArthur said, “By all accounts, Charles Templeton was the more gifted preacher…intelligent, handsome, winsome, eloquent, oratorical, brilliant, persuasive, effective. All those words were used to describe him. Charles Templeton overshadowed Billy Graham.” They went on an evangelistic tour of Europe, preaching to large audiences in England, Scotland, Ireland, Sweden, and other places. In 1946 the NAE, the National Association of Evangelicals, gave him the award: “Best Used of God.” What a weird award and how did they determine who won? In the 1950s Charles Templeton was given an opportunity to have weekly television programs on NBC and CBS. He preached in the United States to as many as 20,000 people per night across the country, and in youth rallies with thousands of young people. He became a church planter and pastor. He attended Princeton Seminary and had a week of gospel preaching at Yale University. Then in 1957 Charles declared himself an agnostic. He rejected the Bible and Christ. He attributed his rejection to the reading of Thomas Paine. Over ten days he also read Voltaire, Bertrand Russell, Robert Ingersoll, David Hume, and Aldous Huxley. By the end of those ten days he was virtually an atheist. He left the ministry with $600 in his pocket, returned to Canada, and became a journalist. Then he became a politician, and almost became the Prime Minister of Canada. Only five years before his death, he wrote, Farewell to God: My Reasons for Rejec

Solomon is the best example in Scripture of failing to apply wisdom. It’s absolutely astounding that Solomon was worse in every respect after receiving wisdom, which is why he's the best example of the failure of not applying wisdom that’s been given. The question is how could the wisest man in history be so foolish? https://youtu.be/SoLxl4LQaSc Solomon is the best example in Scripture of failing to apply wisdom. Shockingly, he Solomon was worse in every respect after receiving wisdom, Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Solomon's Example of Failing to Apply Wisdom Family Worship Guide for Solomon's Example of Failing to Apply WisdomSermon Notes for Solomon's Example of Failing to Apply WisdomSolomon’s foolishness was produced by (Lesson 1) years of compromise.Solomon’s foolishness was produced by (Lesson 2) justifying.Solomon’s foolishness was produced by (Lesson 3) letting blessings become “Nehushtan.” Sermon Lessons for Solomon's Example of Failing to Apply Wisdom Solomon’s foolishness was produced by: Lesson 1: Years of ____________________. Lesson 2: ____________________. Lesson 3: Letting blessings become “__________________.” Family Worship Guide for Solomon's Example of Failing to Apply Wisdom Day 1: Read 1 Kings 11:1-8 and discuss: how do you think the wisest man in history came to act so foolishly? Describe the steps in Solomon’s compromise in these eight verses. How did the compromise take place. Why is compromising so dangerous? What are some of the things we can think while compromising? What don’t people expect while compromising? What are some compromises you have committed, and are there any in your life currently that need to be removed? Day 2: Read 1 Kings 11:4, 6, 1 Samuel 15:15 and discuss: how could Solomon justify his compromise? In other words, what might he have told himself? How did Saul justify his disobedience? How do we justify our disobedience? What might we tell ourselves when we disobey? Day 3: Read Ecclesiastes, Hebrews 13:5, and discuss: what happened with the bronze serpent? How did it come into existence, and then what did the Israelites do with it years later? What are some blessings that we can misuse, or in other words, allow our relationships to them to become sinful? How can we prevent our relationships to these blessings from becoming sinful? How did Solomon let his relationship to the blessings in his life become sinful? Sermon Notes for Solomon's Example of Failing to Apply Wisdom We have been in a series called, “Pursuing Wisdom.” Go ahead and open your bibles to 1 Kings 11. We have been looking at Solomon, basically from two completely opposing perspectives: First, we looked at him as an example of obtaining wisdom. Then we started looking at him as an example of failing to apply wisdom…which is really to say an example of foolishness. So you could say we’ve looked at him as an example of wisdom and foolishness. We know that in Deuteronomy 17 God told Israel’s kings not to: Acquire many horses, wives, or wealth b/c they could put their trust in these instead of trusting God. And kings were not to cause the people to return to Egypt, b/c it’s a picture of the world and when God delivers us from something we aren’t to return to it. After God gave Solomon wisdom, he violated all these commands. Anyone remember Solomon’s worst sin? Idolatry. The man who built the temple for the LORD stated building high places to the worst idols in the Old Testament. I shared something w/ you that I find absolutely astounding… Solomon was worse in every respect AFTER receiving wisdom. He’s the best example in Scripture of failing to apply wisdom that’s been given. The question we’ve been wrestling with is… How could the wisest man in history be so foolish? And this brings us Lesson 1… Solomon’s foolishness was produced by (Lesson 1) years of compromise. I’d like to review this morning’s verses and invite you to notice the progression that reveals Solomon’s compromise: First, he married pagan women: 1 Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women2 from the nations concerning which the Lord had said to the people of Israel, “You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. Second, he permitted these wives to worship idols. Third, they turned his heart away: 3 He had 700 wives, who were princesses, and 300 concubines. And his wives turned away his heart. 4 For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. Fourth, he moved from permitting his wives to worship idols to pursuing the idols himself: 5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6 So Solomon did what was

God wants us learning from Solomon, so He recorded his life very transparently. He’s one of the most unique men in scripture, in both good and bad ways. The man who built the temple to for the Lord then built high places for idols. Something absolutely astounding is Solomon was worse in every single respect after receiving wisdom. He’s the best example in Scripture of the need to apply wisdom. https://youtu.be/VTG2DKxVdew God wants us learning from Solomon, so He recorded his life very transparently. He’s one of the most unique men, in good and bad ways. Table of ContentsLessons for Learning from Solomon in 1 Kings 11:1-8 - The Wisest Fool to Ever Live Family Worship Guide for Learning from Solomon in 1 Kings 11:1-8 - The Wisest Fool to Ever Live Sermon Notes for Learning from Solomon in 1 Kings 11:1-8 - The Wisest Fool to Ever LiveLesson 1: remove the high places in your life.Lesson 2: strength isn’t found in the physical.Lesson 3: no amount can satisfy a discontent heart. Lessons for Learning from Solomon in 1 Kings 11:1-8 - The Wisest Fool to Ever Live Lesson 1: Remove the ________ ____________ in your life (1 Kings 3:2, 15:11, 2 Kings 12:2, 14:3). Lesson 2: ________________ isn’t found in the physical (1 Kings 11:1-8, 14, 23-25, 26, Proverbs 11:28, 14:34, Psalms 20:7, 33:16). Lesson 3: ____ _____________ can satisfy a discontent heart (Ecclesiastes, Hebrews 13:5). Family Worship Guide for Learning from Solomon in 1 Kings 11:1-8 - The Wisest Fool to Ever Live Day 1: Read 1 Kings 3:2, 15:11, 2 Kings 12:2, 14:3, and discuss: what were high places, and were they acceptable or unacceptable? Why didn’t more chains removed them? What application do they have for our lives? What high places do you need to remove from your life or from your family? Day 2: Read 1 Kings 11:1-8, 14, 23-25, 26, Proverbs 11:28, 14:34, Psalms 20:7, 33:16 and discuss: What did Solomon multiply that God forbid Kings from multiplying? What was Solomon’s worst sin? How this all mean unique, both in good and bad ways? Why did Solomon trust in? Why isn’t strength found in the physical? Day 3: Read Ecclesiastes, Hebrews 13:5, and discuss: Describe some of the excesses in Solomon’s life. How do we know Solomon was discontent? Where and how did Solomon look for contentment? Where and how his contentment sound? In what ways does Solomon demonstrate that wisdom needs to be applied? Sermon Notes for Learning from Solomon in 1 Kings 11:1-8 - The Wisest Fool to Ever Live The title of this morning’s sermon is, “The Need to Apply Wisdom – Part II.” Go ahead and turn to 1 Kings 3. I want to show you the last verse for us to look at. Let me briefly review what we discussed in Part I. We looked at some verses in Deuteronomy 17 that list the restrictions God put on Israel’s king. Do you remember them? What were kings NOT to do? They were not to: Acquire many horses, wives, or wealth b/c they could put their trust in these things instead of trusting God. They were not to cause the people to return to Egypt, b/c it’s a picture of the world and when God delivers us from something we aren’t to return to it. As much as Egypt is a picture of the world, the Promised Land is a picture of our spiritual lives in Christ: Israel had to fight battles in the land like we must fight spiritual battles in our lives Israel had to remove sin from the land like we must remove sin from our lives The main sin they had to remove was idolatry. The Canaanites worshiped many idols, so their land was filled w/ altars. They believed they were closer to their false gods if they worshiped them on high places, such as hilltops, so that’s where they built their altars and they were called high places. When the Israelites moved into the land they started using the altars – or high places – to worship God, and here’s the interesting thing: Since they were worshiping God on high places instead of idols, they were sort of acceptable. But since they were built by pagans and used to worship idols they were sort of unacceptable. Look at verse 2… 1 Kings 3:2 The people were sacrificing at the high places, however, because no house had yet been built for the name of the Lord. Notice it doesn’t say Solomon worshiped at the high places. The people did. And it’s sort of presented as a criticism of him b/c he allowed it…but also sort of acceptable b/c the temple hadn’t been built yet. After the temple was built nobody was supposed to use the high places. Unfortunately, even after the temple was built, when you read about the good kings, it usually says they did what was right, but they didn’t remove the high places. For example: 1 Kings 15:11 Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord…14 BUT THE HIGH PLACES WERE NOT TAKEN AWAY. 2 Kings 12:2 Jehoash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord…3 NEVERTHELESS, THE HIGH PLACES WERE NOT TAKEN AWAY; THE PEOPLE CONTINUED TO SACRIFICE AND MAKE OFFERINGS ON [them]. 2 Kings 14:3 [Amaziah] did what was right in the eyes of the Lord…4 BUT THE HIGH PLACES WE

Scripture is clear that applying wisdom is one of the most important parts of the Christian life. If we don't apply wisdom, which is to say we aren't applying the knowledge we've received, we're being foolish. Solomon is the best example in Scripture of the need to apply wisdom. https://youtu.be/SDr0BVGI1WI Applying wisdom is one of the most important parts of the Christian life. If we don't apply knowledge we've received, we're being foolish. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for The Importance of Applying Wisdom in Your Life - Shown Through Solomon's FoolishnessFamily Worship Guide for The Importance of Applying Wisdom in Your Life - Shown Through Solomon's FoolishnessSermon Notes for The Importance of Applying Wisdom in Your Life - Shown Through Solomon's FoolishnessLesson 1: God wants leaders trusting him.Lesson 2: the typology (part 1) Egypt is a type of the world.Lesson 2: the typology (part 2) Moses is a type of the law.Lesson 2: the typology (part 3) Joshua is a type of Jesus.Lesson 2: the typology (part 4) Israel's journey is a type of our journey.Lesson 3: wisdom must be applied Sermon Lessons for The Importance of Applying Wisdom in Your Life - Shown Through Solomon's Foolishness Lesson 1: God wants leaders ________________ ______ (Deuteronomy 17:14-17; Psalms 20:7, 33:16; Proverbs 14:34, 11:28). Lesson 2: The typology: Part I: Egypt is a type of ______ __________ (Exodus 1:5 cf. Exodus 12:37). Part II: Moses is a type of ______ ______ (Romans 3:20). Part III: Joshua is a type of __________ (Hebrews 4:1-10). Part IV: Israel’s journey is a type of ______ ______________ (2 Kings 18:21; Isaiah 36:6; and Ezekiel 17:15). Lesson 3: Wisdom must ____ ______________ (1 Kings 3:14, 10:26-29). Family Worship Guide for The Importance of Applying Wisdom in Your Life - Shown Through Solomon's Foolishness Day 1: Read Deuteronomy 17:14-17; Psalms 20:7, 33:16; Proverbs 14:34, 11:28, and discuss: Although we don’t have a king, what application do you see from these verses for this presidential election season? Why did God single out horses, wives, and wealth? What might presidents put their trust in today that kings put their trust in in the Old Testament? How can any leaders, including fathers and husbands who serve as the heads of their home, ensure that they are trusting in God versus something else? Day 2: Read Exodus 1:5, Exodus 12:37, Romans 3:20, Hebrews 4:1-10, 2 Kings 18:21, Isaiah 36:6, and Ezekiel 17:15 and discuss: How is Egypt a type of the world, Moses a type of the law, Joshua a type of Jesus, and Israel’s journey a type of our journey? Why were kings told not to return to Egypt? Do you see any other typology that Pastor Scott did not mention? Day 3: Read 1 Kings 3:14, 10:26-29, and discuss: Describe Solomon’s compromise before he received wisdom. What are high places? After God gave Solomon wisdom, why did he still tell him he needed to obey? What does it mean to apply wisdom? Why don’t we always apply wisdom? What does it mean to be under Moses vs. being under Joshua? Hint: consider what each man represents. Sermon Notes for The Importance of Applying Wisdom in Your Life - Shown Through Solomon's Foolishness We’re going to begin by looking at some verses in Deuteronomy 17 if you’d like to turn there. We’ve been in a series on wisdom, and in the last two sermons we looked at Solomon. I want you to see how important it is not just to receive wisdom, but to apply it, and Solomon is the best example in Scripture. These verses will help us see that Solomon didn’t apply the wisdom he received. Also, these verses have some application to the presidential election season. The first presidential debate – and I use the word debate loosely – took place this past week. Personally, I didn’t think it was easy to watch. These verses reveal what God wanted for the king of His people. We don’t have a king, but I think these verses help inform what we should look for in a national leader. Back in 2008 when I was serving at Grace Baptist, Barack Obama was running for president. He received an A+ rating from Planned Parenthood. During a speech he was very vocal about his support of murdering babies. I was really fired up and I told Pastor Joe that we needed to show the church a clip of his speech. Pastor Joe responded by having me listen to a sermon by Martin Lloyd Jones. This was one of those messages that I will never forget, and it greatly impacted my preaching. If I had to summarize the point of the sermon, it was this… As pastors we have two choices with our congregations: We can tell them how to vote. This is what I was advocating to Pastor Joe. The weakness of this approach is it doesn’t deal with people’s hearts. People are simply doing what they’re told, versus – in the language of Rom 14:5 – being convinced in their own mind. The other approach, which Martin Lloyd Jones advocated for, was to preach the gospel, preach Christ, preach the Word

Hebrews 4:12 says, "The Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Solomon is one of the clearest types of Christ in the Old Testament. Speaking of the whole earth coming to hear Solomon’s wisdom, Jesus said, “The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here” (Matthew 12:42). We receive a wonderful glimpse of his wisdom through Solomon's. https://youtu.be/GrCtYeEJd_Q Hebrews 4:12 says, "The word of god is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword." Solomon is one of the clearest types of Christ in the Old Testament. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for The Word of God Is Living and PowerfulFamily Worship Guide for The Word of God Is Living and PowerfulSermon Notes for The Word of God Is Living and PowerfulLesson one: cling to the sword when you need wisdom.Lesson two: the Word is a sword that cuts to the heart.Lesson three: anyone can approach Jesus’ throne. Sermon Lessons for The Word of God Is Living and Powerful Lesson 1: Cling to ______ __________ when you need wisdom (1 Kings 3:24, Psalm 119:105, Ephesians 6:17, Revelation 19:15, 21; 2 Samuel 23:9-10). Lesson 2: The Word is a sword that ________ to the __________ (1 Kings 3:26; Hebrews 4:12-13; Proverbs 20:5). Lesson 3: Anyone can approach ____________ ______ (1 Kings 3:16; Luke 15:1; Hebrews 4:16). Family Worship Guide for The Word of God Is Living and Powerful Day 1: Read 1 Kings 3:24, Psalm 119:105, Ephesians 6:17, Revelation 19:15, 21; 2 Samuel 23:9-10, and discuss: In what ways does Solomon serve as a type of Christ? How does God’s Word serve as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path? Why do you think the Word is compared with a sword? Can you think of other types or pictures of the Word in Scripture? How can we become proficient with the Word? Day 2: Read 1 Kings 3:26; Hebrews 4:12-13; Proverbs 20:5, and discuss: Do you think Hebrews 4:12 is referring to Scripture or Jesus Christ? And why? How was Solomon able to look past the women’s words to their hearts? How can this be applied to our counseling and dealing with people? Day 3: Read 1 Kings 3:16; Luke 15:1; Hebrews 4:16, and discuss: Why did God have harlots, of all people, approach Solomon’s throne? What does this teach us? Why can we have confidence to approach the throne? Why does God make mercy and grace available to us in our time of need? What application should this have for our lives? How is Jesus greater than Solomon? Sermon Notes for The Word of God Is Living and Powerful You know I like types, and Solomon is one of the clearest types of Christ in the Old Testament. The glory of the kingdom Solomon rules over prefigures or foreshadows the glory of the kingdom that Jesus rules over. We are going to be in 1 Kings 3, but briefly look at 1 Kings 10:23. Jesus said the Old Testament is about Him. As we read these three verses look for Jesus in them… 1 Kings 10:23 Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. 24 And the whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind. 25 Every one of them brought his present, articles of silver and gold, garments, myrrh, spices, horses, and mules, so much year by year. It looks like the world is worshiping him: The whole earth seeks his presence Everyone wants to hear his wisdom Although he’s already unimaginable wealthy, people still brings him gifts and offerings So although the verses are about Solomon, they prefigure Jesus reigning over his kingdom. Speaking of the whole earth coming to hear Solomon’s wisdom, Jesus said… Matthew 12:42 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. Jesus condemned the generation in His day by pointing out that His wisdom is greater than Solomon’s, so if the Queen of Sheba wanted to listen to Solomon, how much more should they want to listen to Him? In this morning’s verses in 1 Kings 3 we’ll see a demonstration of Solomon’s wisdom that prefigures the greater wisdom of Christ. I’ve told you before that trials are tests, and tests are trials. God gives us wisdom so we can navigate trials, or pass the tests we face. In our last sermon on the first half of 1 Kings 3 we saw Solomon ask for wisdom and receive it. In this morning’s sermon we will see him apply his new wisdom to pass the test he’s facing. Look with me at 1 Kings 3:16… 1 Kings 3:16 Then two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. 17 The one woman said, “Oh, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth to a child while she w

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom,” are the wise father’s words to his son in Proverbs 4:7. As it’s written in some other translations, “The beginning of wisdom is this: get wisdom.” This verse shows, maybe more than anyplace else in the bible, how important it is to get wisdom. But why is that so important? In the sermon Pastor Scott looks at King Solomon as an example of someone who pursued wisdom above all else. When given one of the greatest offers ever made, Solomon chose wisdom above all else, including honor, fame, riches, and the death of his enemies. Let’s learn what wisdom is, how to obtain, and why we should pursue it so diligently. https://youtu.be/TYIg7MBIpBk “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom,” (Proverbs 4:7). This shows how important wisdom is, but why is it so important? Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Wisdom Is the Principal Thing Therefore Get Wisdom Family Worship Guide for Wisdom Is the Principal Thing Therefore Get Wisdom Sermon Notes for Wisdom Is the Principal Thing Therefore Get WisdomLesson 1: wisdom is discerning what to do.Lesson 2: wisdom is associated with listening.Lesson 3: wisdom is available to the humble.Lesson 4: wisdom is available for serving.Lesson 5: wisdom leads to other blessings. Sermon Lessons for Wisdom Is the Principal Thing Therefore Get Wisdom Lesson 1: Wisdom is discerning ________ ____ ____ (1 Kings 3:9-12). Lesson 2: Wisdom is associated with ___________________ (1 Kings 3:9; Proverbs 1:5, 10:8, 19, 13:3, 17:27-28, 19:20; James 1:19). Lesson 3: Wisdom is available to ______ __________ (1 Kings 3:7). Lesson 4: Wisdom is available for ______________ (James 1:5 cf. James 4:3; 1 Kings 3:7-9). Lesson 5: Wisdom leads to ___________ __________________ (Matthew 6:33; 1 Kings 3:13; Proverbs 3:1-9). Family Worship Guide for Wisdom Is the Principal Thing Therefore Get Wisdom Day 1: Read 1 Kings 3:5-9, Proverbs 1:5, 10:8, 19, 13:3, 17:27-28, 19:20, and James 1:19, and discuss: What would you say if God made you the same offer he made Solomon? God gave Solomon wisdom and knowledge. What are the differences between them? Why are wisdom and discernment almost synonymous? What does wisdom allow us to discern? Look at verses nine and eleven for the answer. Day 2: Read James 1:5, James 4:3, and 1 Kings 3:7-9, and discuss: Why is wisdom associated with listening? Or in other words, why do wise people listen so well? Why is talking too much a sign of foolishness? Share about a time you talked too much, and the way you should have listened better. What is needed to listen better? Day 3: Read Matthew 6:33; 1 Kings 3:13; Proverbs 3:1-9, and discuss: Why is humility needed to obtain wisdom? Why did Solomon ask for wisdom, and what application does this have for us? What is the relationship between 1 Kings 3:13 and Matthew 6:33? What does it mean that that proverbs are generalities versus guarantees? How can it cause problems to misunderstand this? Sermon Notes for Wisdom Is the Principal Thing Therefore Get Wisdom The title of this morning’s sermon is, “Wisdom Is the Principal Thing Therefore Get Wisdom…” Please open your Bibles to 1 Kings 3. Let me begin by reminding you of something I’ve shared w/ you before that’s worth repeating… The Old Testament gives us examples: Romans 15:4 Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction1 Corinthians 10:6 These things [in the OT] took place as examples for us…11 These things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction. You’ve heard this before, right? ?. The Old Testament gives us examples…but examples of what? Often examples of New Testament teaching! This morning’s account gives us examples of recent New Testament teaching we’ve learned about wisdom…such as: Wisdom is a gift; we can ask for wisdom and receive it…we’ll see Solomon ask for wisdom and receive it.Wisdom helps us navigate through trials, which are tests…in next week’s sermon we’ll see Solomon face a test and use wisdom to navigate through it. I’m going to read through the verses quickly. The account is straightforward. Then I’ll discuss the application. Look at 1 Kings 3:5… 1 Kings 3:5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” Without a doubt, this is one of the most remarkable moments in the Old Testament. Think about what happened: the true and living God, the creator of heaven and earth, offered Solomon anything his heart desired! I’m not going to spend much time on this, but something worth doing privately is considering how we would answer this question if we were asked. Solomon’s answer would change the course of his administration for good and for the good of the people. Look what he said in the next verse… 1 Kings 3:6 And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him," is the command God gives to believers in James 1:5 when they're going through trials (James 1:2-4). We’ve reached an important point in our series. You could say we’ve been building up to this sermon. I said I wanted to preach on wisdom, and in particular how wisdom helps us navigate through trials, and that’s the topic of this message. https://youtu.be/bysPjRta4LU "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God," is the command God gives to believers in James 1:5 during trials (James 1:2-4). Table of ContentsFamily Worship Guide for If Any of You Lacks Wisdom Let Him Ask of GodSermon Notes for If Any of You Lacks Wisdom Let Him Ask of GodLesson 1: wisdom (part 1) is not being “in the signal box.”Lesson 1: wisdom (part 2) allows us to “handle the curves well.”Lesson 2: trials are tests requiring wisdom.Lesson 3: God wants to give us wisdom during trials.Lesson 4: doubting produces unstable lives. Family Worship Guide for If Any of You Lacks Wisdom Let Him Ask of God Day 1: Read James 1:2-4, 12; 1 Peter 1:6-7, and discuss: what does it mean that receiving wisdom doesn’t mean being in the signal box? What does it mean that receiving wisdom allows us to handle the curves well? How are trials and tests the same? Day 2: Read James 1:5; Romans 11:33, and discuss: why do we need wisdom during trials? What are some of the blessings we receive from trials? What does it mean that God has incommunicable and communicable attributes? Can you name two of each? Day 3: Read James 1:6-8; Ephesians 4:14, and discuss: why does doubting produce unstable lives? What does success look like to you, and what do you think it looks like to God? How is a doubting person like a wave of the sea? How can we try to prevent doubt? What is the greatest wisdom God wants to give us? Sermon Notes for If Any of You Lacks Wisdom Let Him Ask of God The title of this morning’s sermon is, “If Any of You Lacks Wisdom Let Him Ask of God.” Go ahead and open your Bibles to James 1. We’ve reached an important point in our series. You could say we’ve been building up to this sermon. I said I wanted to preach on wisdom, and in particular how wisdom helps us navigate through trials, and that’s the topic of this message. The previous sermons laid the foundation for this one. Let me begin with a story that illustrates why this is so important to me… When I became a Christian in my early twenties I knew almost nothing about the bible. One of God’s graces was surrounding me with men who had two things in common. First, they knew the bible well. Second, they were happy to answer all my questions. And there were many of them. One of the influential men in my life at that time was Barry Branaman. I’ve mentioned him a few times before. He would stay up late after the study that took place at his house helping me understand the Bible. He died unexpectedly a few years ago, and I’m thankful for any opportunity to honor his name. Hebrews 11:4 says Abel speaks even though he is dead and I feel like Barry still speaks even though he’s dead through his investment in me. Hopefully on this side of heaven we’re all investing in people and we speak through them long after we’re gone. One other thing Barry did for me, was direct me to a few wonderful Christian books that he knew would be helpful. One of them was Knowing God by J. I. Packer. I’m thankful that I read what this book said about wisdom, because it helped me avoid falling into many of the charismatic pitfalls. In particular, the idea that having wisdom means knowing why God does what He does…which nobody knows, but God. I’ve alluded to this up to this point. Now I want to give you the illustration from Packer’s book, and I’ll use a lesson to help you remember it… Lesson 1: wisdom (part 1) is not being “in the signal box.” J.I Packer writes… If you stand at the end of a platform at [a train] Station, you can watch a constant succession of train movements which, if you are a railway enthusiast, will greatly fascinate you. But you will only be able to form a rough idea of the overall plan in terms of which all these movements are being determined. In other words, you can watch the trains start, stop, turn, leave the station, enter the station…but have no real idea why they’re doing what they’re doing. If, however, you are privileged enough to be taken up into the magnificent signal-box [above the station], you will see on the wall a diagram of the entire track layout for miles, with little glowworm lights moving or stationary to show where every train is. At once you will be able to look at the whole situation through the eyes of those who control it: you will see why this train had to [stop], and that one had to be diverted from its [track], and that one had to be parked temporarily. The why of all these movements becomes plain once you can see the overall [picture]

The father in Proverbs said, "My son, if you receive my words and treasure my commands within you...Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God" (Proverbs 2:1, 5). Wisdom’s availability has seemed a little mysterious up to this point. Our first sermon on Job 28 was titled, “Where Is Wisdom?” Job had grown weary of his friends’ counsel. He said: Job 28:12 “But where shall wisdom be found?Job 28:20 “From where, then, does wisdom come? Wisdom looked hard to find. Then, our next sermon on Proverbs 1:20-33 was titled, “Wisdom Calls Out.” Proverbs 1:20 says, “Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; 21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks.” Wisdom is in the most prominent places calling out to everyone passing by. This makes Wisdom look very available. So the question: “Is wisdom hard to find…or is it available?” Here’s the balance: Wisdom is near and available, but we must work to acquire it. Wisdom calls out to us, but at the same time we must put forth effort to obtain it. https://youtu.be/NxKPKaaxKiY The father in Proverbs said, "My son, if you receive my words and treasure my commands within you...Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God" (Proverbs 2:1, 5). Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for If You Receive My Words and Treasure My Commands Within You Family Worship Guide for If You Receive My Words and Treasure My Commands Within You Sermon Notes for If You Receive My Words and Treasure My Commands Within YouAcquiring wisdom (lesson 1) involves effort on our part.Acquiring wisdom (lesson 2) must be our daily pursuit.Acquiring wisdom (lesson 3) has vertical benefits.Acquiring wisdom (lesson 4) has horizontal benefits. Sermon Lessons for If You Receive My Words and Treasure My Commands Within You Lesson 1: Acquiring wisdom involves __________ on our part (Pro 2:1-4; Matt 13:44).Lesson 2: Acquiring wisdom must be our __________ pursuit (Pro2:1-5, 9). Lesson 3: Acquiring wisdom has __________ benefits (Pro 2:5-6; Jam 1:5; Heb 1:1; 2 Pet 1:20-21; Pro 2:7-8; Matt 13:13-17). Lesson 4: Acquiring wisdom has __________ benefits (Pro 2:9-10; Pro 4:23; Eze 1:26-27; 1 Cor 1:18). Family Worship Guide for If You Receive My Words and Treasure My Commands Within You Day 1: Read Pro 2:1-5, Matt 13:44, and discuss: Is acquiring wisdom an active pursuit or a passive pursuit? Why do you think this is the case? Why is it important to be attentive when pursuing wisdom? How is pursuing wisdom like searching for hidden treasure? Why should the pursuit of wisdom be something we do daily? Day 2: Read Pro 2:5-6; Jam 1:5, Heb 1:1, 2 Pet 1:20-21, Pro 2:7-8, Matt 13:13-17, and discuss: How does wisdom and the fear of the LORD go hand in hand? How is wisdom something we put effort into getting and it still be a gift from God? What can we turn to that has the wisdom of God? What are some benefits of wisdom that you are needing in your life right now? Day 3: Read Pro 2:9-10; Pro 4:23; Eze 1:26-27; 1 Cor 1:18, and discuss: How does wisdom allow for us to identify good paths in life? Why is it important to have wisdom in our heart? How is having wisdom in the heart like having a heart change? Why is rejecting the Gospel ultimate foolishness? Sermon Notes for If You Receive My Words and Treasure My Commands Within You The title of this morning’s sermon is, “Acquiring Wisdom.” Go ahead and turn to Proverbs 1. We interrupted our series on wisdom for two weeks, so let me briefly review. Wisdom’s availability has seemed a little mysterious up to this point. Here’s what I mean… Our first sermon on Job 28 was titled, “Where Is Wisdom?” You might remember Job had grown weary of his friends’ counsel. He said: Job 28:12 “But where shall wisdom be found?Job 28:20 “From where, then, does wisdom come? Job was asking where to find wisdom, which made it seem like it’s hard to find. Then, our next sermon on Proverbs 1:20-33 was titled, “Wisdom Calls Out.” Briefly look at Proverbs 1:20… Proverbs 1:20 Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; 21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: Wisdom cries aloud…raises her voice. She’s in the street, the markets, the entrance of the city gates. She’s in the most prominent places calling out to everyone passing by. This makes Wisdom look very available. So the question: “Is wisdom hard to find…or is it available?” Here’s the balance… Wisdom is near and available, but we must work to acquire it.Wisdom calls out to us, but at the same time we must put forth effort to obtain it. This is what we’ll see in the following verses. They describe the pursuit of wisdom better than any place in Scripture. We’re picking up where we left off after our last sermon. We covered the end of Proverbs 1, verses 20-33. This morning we’ll look at Proverbs 2:1-10. We’ll go through the first

1 Thessalonians 4:13 says, “Do not grieve as those who have no hope.” Last week a child in our church tragically died. This is the second sermon I preached to encourage the family. Here is Part I: When a Child Is Taken to Heaven. Paul didn’t want Christians to sorrow as others who have no hope, and that’s my hope for my congregation, and especially the parents. In the previous sermon, we didn’t get to talk much about grief because the parents received their children back. This sermon looks at an account with David, and he didn’t receive his child back. This makes the account very instructive for us regarding grief. https://youtu.be/8tJ-JX8gllk “Do not grieve as those who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Last week a child in our church died, and I preached this sermon to encourage them. Table of ContentsFamily Worship Guide for Do not Grieve as Those Who Have no HopeSermon Notes for Do not Grieve as Those Who Have no HopeLesson 1: people grieve differently.Lesson 2: we must grieve with hope.Lesson 3: believing parents are reunited with believing children they’ve lost.Lesson 4: the hope we have in Christ combats grief. Family Worship Guide for Do not Grieve as Those Who Have no Hope Day 1: Read 2 Samuel 12:15-21; Ecclesiastes 3:4; Romans 12:15, and discuss: how did David grieve? How do other people grieve? Can you describe times you grieved differently at different times in your life, and/or saw others grieving differently than you? How should we respond to people grieving? Day 2: Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13 cf. Ephesians 2:12; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9; John 10:10; 2 Samuel 18:33-19:8 and discuss: who grieves without hope? What is the danger of grieving without hope? What does it mean to despair, or be destroyed? Besides David in 2 Samuel 18, can you think of someone else in scripture who grieved without hope? Why the dramatic change in David’s grief? Day 3: Read Job 19:25-27 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-54, and discuss: where does our hope come from? What evidence is there in the verses that the Redeemer is a Person, vs. a spirit or force? How is Jesus our Redeemer? What are the wonderful truths Job shared about his Redeemer? How could Job say his skin would be destroyed, and that he would see God in his flesh? Sermon Notes for Do not Grieve as Those Who Have no Hope Please open your Bibles to 2 Samuel 12. After Brandan’s passing, I didn’t feel like I could preach the sermon that I had prepared on wisdom. I wanted to bring scripture to bear on the situation, which meant looking at accounts of people losing children. It occurs in scripture more often than you might expect, and I believe it’s because it occurs in our lives more often than we might expect. We live in a fallen world, and this is one of the worst realities of it. Last week we looked at Elijah and Elisha raising two children from the dead. We didn’t get to talk much about grief because the parents received their children back. This morning we’re going to look at an account with David, and he didn’t receive his child back. This makes the account very instructive for us regarding grief. Here’s the context… Last week I told you that when God takes a child, He isn’t punishing the parents. Most of the time that’s the case, such as in Brandan’s passing. Jim and Kris weren’t remotely at fault. They need to do their best to make sure they don’t blame themselves. But there are times when parents have contributed to their child’s death: Think of mothers smoking during pregnancy and experiencing a miscarriage Think of fathers driving drunk and getting in an accident that killed a child This morning’s account with David is an instance of sin contributing to a child’s death. God was punishing him for his adultery and murder. David hoped that God might be merciful and change His mind, so he committed himself to fasting and praying. Look at verse 15… 2 Samuel 12:15 Then Nathan went to his house. And the Lord afflicted the child that Uriah's wife bore to David, and he became sick. 16 David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. 17 And the elders of his house stood beside him, to raise him from the ground, but he would not, nor did he eat food with them. 18 On the seventh day the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us. How then can we say to him the child is dead? He may do himself some harm.” Notice David’s servants were afraid he’d hurt himself. Keep this in mind. 2 Samuel 12:19 But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” They said, “He is dead.” 20 Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. He then went to his own house. And when he asked, t

I preached this sermon, "When a Child Is Taken to Heaven - Part I," to my congregation after a young man in our church tragically drowned days earlier. I wanted to bring scripture to bear on the situation, which meant looking at the accounts in the Bible of people losing children. This is Part I, and here is Part II: Do not Grieve as Those Who Have no Hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). https://youtu.be/-tf0dDD5DAE I preached this sermon, "When a Child Is Taken to Heaven - Part I," to my congregation after a young man in our church tragically drowned days earlier. Table of ContentsSermon Notes for When a Child Is Taken to Heaven - Part ILesson 1: it’s okay to be upset.Lesson 2: God isn’t punishing you.Lesson 3: Jesus takes believing children in his arms.Lesson 4: Jesus will raise believing children.Lesson 5: go to the Lord with your loss.Lesson 6: you can be confused.Lesson 7: death reminds us life is temporary. Sermon Notes for When a Child Is Taken to Heaven - Part I Please open your Bibles to 1 Kings 17. After the events of this past week, I didn’t feel like I could preach the sermon that I had prepared on wisdom. I wanted to bring scripture to bear on the situation, which means examining the accounts of people who have lost children. It occurs in scripture more often than you might expect, and I believe it’s because it occurs in our lives more often than we might expect. We live in a fallen world, and this is one of its most distressing realities. Many of us have experienced miscarriages and I hope these sermons will encourage you too…but with that said, while miscarriages are difficult, and I don’t want to seem insensitive to people who have experienced them - especially late in pregnancy - I don’t think they compare with the loss of a child that has been born. One other reason this sermon is important is even if you’re fortunate enough to never lose a child, as a member of the body of Christ, you need to know how to minister to people who have. We know how much the Raleys have been through, so I did ask them if they thought these sermons would be too personal for them, but they said they thought they’d be good for them and the congregation. This sermon will be different in that, instead of being expositional, it will be more devotional. I didn’t think this was the best time for a deeply theological or academic sermon, with you feeling like I’m preaching at you. Instead, I hope you feel like I’m talking with you. This is the first sermon I’ve ever preached that I didn’t look at any commentaries. I wanted to share what God gave me to share, rather than something I gained from someone else. Let’s begin with 1 Kings 17… 1 Kings 17:17 After this the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became ill. And his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. 18 And she said to Elijah, “What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance and to cause the death of my son!” This woman just lost her son, and we can learn from how she felt…and this brings us to lesson one… Lesson 1: it’s okay to be upset. I’ve told you before that the bible contains imperatives – or commands – and indicatives – or statements. The imperatives are prescriptive and the indicatives are descriptive. The descriptive accounts often tell us how people are feeling so we can identify w/ them. They will be upset, angry, depressed, sad, emotional. This is especially evident in the Psalms. This is one such account. The verses don’t indicate why the child died, and in most of the other accounts we’ll look at we also don’t learn why the child died. So that’s not the point. The point is that we get to see how this woman felt. She was upset and God is showing us that through these verses so any parents in her situation can identify with her. If there’s one time in all of life that people are going to be upset, angry, depressed, and emotional, it’s going to be when they lose a child. We shouldn’t give ourselves over to these emotions and sin…but these feelings are normal…and it seems God wants us to know that through accounts like this. Lesson 2: God isn’t punishing you. She mentions her sin and seems to think that’s the cause. But God wasn’t upset with her. She hadn’t done anything wrong. Losing a child is one of the worst things people can experience, and one of the only things that can make it worse is when parents think God is punishing them. God wasn’t punishing this woman, and parents who have lost children need to resist the temptation to think God is punishing them. A close secondary temptation is for parents to punish themselves. This mother wondered if it was her fault, but: She shouldn’t be blaming herself. She had nothing to do with her child’s death. She needed to do her best to convince herself of that truth. The most common way people punish themselves is by playing through all the, “What-ifs…” If a child was hit by a car the parents could be tempted to play through

"How long you simple ones will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning and fools hate knowledge?" This is the important question Solomon asked in Proverbs 1:22. Wisdom calls out, she is available. As Proverbs 1:20 says she "cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice." People are fools when they fail to apply knowledge. If people reject Wisdom: 1. The judgment is severe 2. Wisdom rejects them, and 3. Wisdom turns them over to their sin. But if people embrace Wisdom, she gives them peace and security. https://youtu.be/r5dZBv1HjyI "How long you simple ones will you love simplicity?" The important question Solomon asked in Proverbs 1:22. Wisdom calls out, she's available. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for How Long You Simple Ones Will You Love Simplicity? (Proverbs 1:20-33) - Wisdom Calls OutSermon Notes for How Long You Simple Ones Will You Love Simplicity? (Proverbs 1:20-33) - Wisdom Calls OutLesson 1: God makes wisdom available.Lesson 2: fools don’t apply knowledge.Lesson 3: if people reject wisdom (part 1) judgment is severe.Lesson 3: if people reject wisdom (part 2) she rejects them.Lesson 3: if people reject wisdom (part 3) she turns them over to their sin.Lesson 4: if people embrace wisdom, she gives them security and peace. Sermon Lessons for How Long You Simple Ones Will You Love Simplicity? (Proverbs 1:20-33) - Wisdom Calls Out Lesson 1: ______ __________ wisdom available (Pro 1:20-21). Lesson 2: ________ ___________ apply knowledge (Pro 1:22-23, 29 cf. Pro 6:9, Exo 10:3). Lesson 3: If people reject wisdom: (Part I) Judgment is ____________ (Pro 1:24-27; Psa 2:4). (Part II) She _______________ them (Pro 1:28). (Part III) She turns them over to ___________ _______ (Pro 1:29-31; Jer 2:19; Rom 1:19-26). Lesson 4: If people ______________ _____________, she gives them security and peace (Pro 1:33; 1 Cor 1:24, 30; Matt 3:17). Family Worship Guide for How Long You Simple Ones Will You Love Simplicity? (Proverbs 1:20-33) - Wisdom Calls Out Day 1: Read Pro 1:20-23, Pro 6:9, Exo 10:3 and discuss: How is wisdom available? Why is Wisdom personified? What noise in our lives might drown out wisdom? What makes people simple or scoffers? Day 2: Read Pro 1:24-31; Psa 2:4, Jer 2:19; and discuss: What makes people fools? What does it mean that fools hate knowledge? Define wisdom. Define knowledge. Why is wisdom judged so severely? How does Wisdom punish those who reject her? Day 3: Read Rom 1:19-26 Pro 1:33; 1 Cor 1:24, 30; Matt 3:17) and discuss: What similarities does Pro 1 have with Romans 1? What does it mean that Jesus is the wisdom of God? How are the provers fulfilled in Jesus? Sermon Notes for How Long You Simple Ones Will You Love Simplicity? (Proverbs 1:20-33) - Wisdom Calls Out Go ahead and open your Bibles to Proverbs 20. Last Sunday’s sermon in Job 28 was titled, “Where Can Wisdom Be Found?” You might remember Job had grown weary of his friends’ clichés and platitudes. He wanted real wisdom. He said: Job 28:12 “But where shall wisdom be found? Job 28:20 “From where, then, does wisdom come? Since Job was asking where to find wisdom, you might be quick to think it’s hard to find. But we’ll see this morning that couldn’t be further from the truth. Look w/ me at Proverbs 1:20… Proverbs 1:20 Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; 21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: Job asked where to find wisdom, but she clearly isn’t hiding…and this brings us to Lesson 1… Lesson 1: God makes wisdom available. The pronouns “she” and “her” reveal Wisdom is presented as a person. By personifying wisdom, it seems like something – or someone – we must have a relationship with to be wise. This is fitting, b/c Wisdom complements the Father, and we must have a relationship w/ the Father to be wise. Wisdom is not a separate being from the Father. Instead, Wisdom is the mind of God revealed. To hear Wisdom is to hear God. In the above verses Wisdom calls out to people passing by. She cries aloud…raises her voice…cries out. She wants to be heard. She’s in the street, in the markets…at the head of the streets…at the entrance of the city gates. She wants to be found. She’s in the most prominent places, appealing to us right where we live our daily lives. All of this is meant to communicate Wisdom’s availability. But there is something threatening our ability to hear Wisdom, and it’s contained in the words the noisy streets. There’s a lot of noise that threatens to drown out Wisdom. These are all the things vying for our attention…and they can distract us from Wisdom. We should ask ourselves: What threatens to drown out Wisdom in my life? Is it movies? Is it news? Is it unprofitable books? Is it shallow conversations? Is it bad company, or unwise people? We should think about what might prevent us from hearing Wisdom as she calls out to us. She has a strong challenge for ev

“Where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?" is the important question Job asked his friends during his trials. This is the same question we should ask. https://youtu.be/UwPuCF51mMQ “Where can wisdom be found?" (Job 28:12). This is the important question Job asked during his trials. We should ask the same question. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Where Can Wisdom Be Found?Family Worship Guide for Where Can Wisdom Be Found?Sermon Notes for Where Can Wisdom Be Found?Lesson 1: do we pursue wisdom?Lesson 2: wisdom is hidden.Lesson 3: wisdom belongs to God. Sermon Lessons for Where Can Wisdom Be Found? Lesson 1: Do we ____________ ____________? (Job 28:1-12; Pro 3:15). Lesson 2: Wisdom ____ ____________ (Job 28:13-22; 1 Cor 2:7; Matt 11:25; Luke 8:9; Matt 13:10-17). Lesson 3: Wisdom ______________ to ______ (Job 28:23-28; Rom 1:19-20; Ecc 12:13; Pro 9:10; Psa 110:10). Family Worship Guide for Where Can Wisdom Be Found? Day 1: Read Job 28:1-12 and Proverbs 3:15 and discuss: Why did Job’s friends think he suffered? Where did Job say wisdom is NOT found? What do you pursue the most in your life, in other words, where do you invest the most of your time, energy, talents, etc? What do you pursue too often? What should you pursue more? Day 2: Read Job 28:13-22, 1 Corinthians 2:7, Luke 8:9, Matthew 11:25, 13:10-17 and discuss: Why can’t we find wisdom in creation? Why did Jesus speak in parables? Who is wisdom hidden from? Who is wisdom revealed to? Why is wisdom so valuable? Day 3: Read Job 28:23-28, Romans 1:19-20, Ecclesiastes 12:13, Proverbs 9:10, Psalm 110:10 and discuss: Where can wisdom be found? What reveals wisdom, or what serves as a demonstration of God’s wisdom? Why is the fear of God associated with wisdom in the Wisdom Literature? Sermon Notes for Where Can Wisdom Be Found? Go ahead and open your Bibles to Job 28. This sermon is going to serve as a foundation for next Sunday’s sermon. A few weeks ago I told you I wanted to have a series on wisdom, but from a different perspective. I wanted to focus on the wisdom needed to navigate through trials. Fittingly, the man in Scripture most associated w/ trials – Job – also has one of the most profound chapters in Scripture about wisdom. My Moody Bible said, “Job 28 is regarded rightly by many scholars as the theological and literary heart of the entire book.” Even though the first two chapters and the last few chapters get the most attention, maybe this chapter should receive the most attention! Let me share a quote w/ you that came to mind as I studied this chapter… On February 12, 2002, Donald Rumsfeld, who was serving as the US Secretary of Defense, said… “There are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns—the ones we don't know we don't know.” The statement became the subject of much commentary including a documentary film titled, “The Unknown Known,” and Rumsfeld named his autobiography, Known and Unknown: A Memoir. Although Rumsfeld was speaking militarily when he made the statement, I think it works regarding trials b/c they fall into all three categories: We know God brings forth good from trials. This is a known known.We know we’ll experience trials in the future, but we don’t know what the trials will be. This is a known unknown.God is doing many unknown things through trials. John Piper said, “God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them.” The 9,997 are unknown unknowns. By the time we reach Job 28, Job and his friends have been debating his trials, but they don’t think anything is unknown. To them it’s all known knowns. They think they have it all figured out and it’s as simple as Job is terribly suffering b/c he’s a terrible sinner. But to Job, he doesn’t think he’s been terrible, and he knows some righteous people suffer terribly, and some unrighteous people seem to lack suffering. To him it’s a known unknown. The actual truth is an unknown unknown to Job and his friends, b/c they didn’t know about the exchange between God and the devil at the beginning of the book… Job 1:8 and 2:3 The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” The truth was the opposite of what they were saying: Job was suffering b/c he was so righteous. He’s like the tree that rose above all the others and ended up being struck by lightning as a result. By the time we reach Job 28, Job has grown weary of the clichés and platitudes his friends have been giving him in the name of wisdom. He wanted real wisdom. Look at: Job 28:12 “But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?Job 28:20 “From where, then, does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding? This is the theme of the chapter: Where is

Paul said, "Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat again, lest I make my brother stumble" (1 Corinthians 8:13). Although Paul knew all food was clean, he said it was unclean to the person whose conscience forbids him from eating it. Because it is sinful to violate our consciences as Paul discussed in Romans 2, in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians, he said he would sacrifice for others. https://youtu.be/DCAjWJn2pY4 "I will never eat meat again, lest I make my brother stumble" (1 Corinthians 8:13). Paul knew food was clean, but he sacrificed for others. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for I Will Never Eat Meat Again (1 Corinthians 8) - Sacrificing for and Deferring to Others Family Worship Guide for I Will Never Eat Meat Again (1 Corinthians 8) - Sacrificing for and Deferring to Others Sermon Notes for I Will Never Eat Meat Again (1 Corinthians 8) - Sacrificing for and Deferring to OthersLesson 3: knowledge is used immorally when it (part ii) destroys others.Lesson 2: knowledge is used morally when it (part 2) sacrifices for others. Sermon Lessons for I Will Never Eat Meat Again (1 Corinthians 8) - Sacrificing for and Deferring to Others Note: The lessons that are filled in are from the previous sermon. Lesson 1: Knowledge is amoral, but the way we use it is moral. Lesson 2: Knowledge is used immorally when it: (Part I) Is combined with pride (1 Cor 8:1). (Part II) ________________ ___________ (Rom 14:14-23, 1 Cor 8:9-12). Lesson 3: Knowledge is used morally when it: (Part I) Is combined with love (1 Cor 8:1; Eph 4:15; Phil 1:9). (Part II) ____________________ for ____________ (1 Cor 8:13; John 10:18). Family Worship Guide for I Will Never Eat Meat Again (1 Corinthians 8) - Sacrificing for and Deferring to Others Day 1: Read Romans 14:14-23 and discuss: How can food be clean to some and unclean to others? Wat are the essentials and nonessentials in the kingdom of God? How can we prevent other from condemning themselves? How can we keep from condemning ourselves? Day 2: Read 1 Corinthians 8:9-12 and discuss: How do we “destroy a brother or sister in Christ? What does it mean to do so? How can we avoid doing so? Why is it a sin against Christ Himself? Day 3: Read 1 Corinthians 8:9-13 and discuss: Why did Paul say he would never eat meat again? What application does this have for us? What are some examples of things God might have us give up for others? How do we decide what liberties we have? How do we decide what liberties we don’t have? Sermon Notes for I Will Never Eat Meat Again (1 Corinthians 8) - Sacrificing for and Deferring to Others The title of this morning’s sermon is, “Sacrificing for Others.” This will be our third and final sermon on 1 Corinthians 8. We’ll be looking at verses: 11-13. We’ve spent two sermons covering the situation in the Corinthian church, so I don’t want to spend much time reviewing it. Basically, the church was divided. One group thought they could eat meat sacrificed to idols. The other group thought they shouldn’t. But we’re going to begin in Romans 2, to review a few verses from last week, and then we’ll look at some verses in Romans 14 before moving to 1 Corinthians 8. Look at Romans 2:12… Romans 2:12a For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, Those without the law are Gentiles and Paul says they’ll perish, b/c they’re sinners. He’ll elaborate on this in verses 14 and 15. Romans 2:12b and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. These are Jews who have the law, and they’ll be judged b/c… Romans 2:13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. Having the law wasn’t enough. They had to obey it, which they didn’t do. Since the Gentiles didn’t receive the law, they thought they didn’t know right from wrong, which allowed them to be innocent. But look at verse 14 to see what condemns them… Romans 2:14a For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, This means obey parts of the law. Even people who have never heard the Ten Commandments still have consciences, which tell them certain things – lying, stealing and murder – are wrong…and they still choose wrong…and it leaves them as guilty before God as people who had the Law…b/c it was as though they had a law too…and that’s what the rest of the verse says… Romans 2:14b they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15a They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while THEIR CONSCIENCE ALSO BEARS WITNESS, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them These are the two things our consciences do: Accuse us when we do something wrong. Excuse us when we do something right. Even though people have consciences telling them not to do certain things, they do them anyway, so they do something they know is wrong. Verse 14 says their conscience is a law to [them], so they’re breaking the law they ha

Paul said that "Knowledge puffs up but love builds up," (1 Corinthians 8:1). Knowledge is amoral, but it can be used in moral and immoral ways: Morally when it's combined with love and builds up Immorally when it's combined with pride and leads to condemning others over nonessentials https://youtu.be/55UFMJ8QsbQ Paul said that "Knowledge puffs up but love builds up," (1 Corinthians 8:1). Knowledge is amoral, but it can be used in moral and immoral ways. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Knowledge Puffs Up but Love Builds Up Family Worship Guide for Knowledge Puffs Up but Love Builds Up Sermon Notes for Knowledge Puffs Up but Love Builds UpLesson 1: knowledge is amoral, but the way we use it is moral.Lesson 2: having knowledge doesn’t always mean determining who’s right and wrong.Lesson 3: knowledge is used morally when combined with love.Lesson 4: knowledge is used immorally (part 1) when combined with pride.Lesson 4: knowledge is used immorally when (part 2) condemning others over nonessentials.Lesson 4: knowledge is used immorally when (part 3) stumbling others. Sermon Lessons for Knowledge Puffs Up but Love Builds Up Note: Lessons 1-3 are from the previous sermon: Concerning Things Offered to Idols (1 Corinthians 8:1) – Using Knowledge Morally to Build Up Others Lesson 1: Knowledge is amoral, but the way we use it is moral. Lesson 2: Having knowledge doesn’t always mean determining who’s right and wrong (1 Cor 8:4-8; Rom 14:5). Lesson 3: Knowledge is used morally when combined with love (1 Cor 8:1; Eph 4:15; Phil 1:9). Lesson 4: Knowledge is used immorally when: (Part I) Combined ________ __________ (1 Cor 8:1). (Part II) ____________________ ____________ over nonessentials (Rom 14:1-4, 10, 13). (Part III) __________________ others (Rom 2:12-15; 1 Cor 8:9-10) Family Worship Guide for Knowledge Puffs Up but Love Builds Up Day 1: Read 1 Corinthians 8:1-7 and discuss: Why did the Corinthians’ knowledge puff them up? What does it look like to use our knowledge to build up others? What about using it to build up ourselves in pride? What are some ways we can use knowledge to build up others? What are some ways we can work to prevent knowledge from building us up in pride? Day 2: Read Romans 14:1-3 and discuss: What does it look like to condemn others with our knowledge? When should we condemn others with our knowledge? When shouldn’t we? How do we know the difference? What makes something an opinion (nonessential) versus an essential? Why does the person with more liberty condemn the person with less? Why does the person with less liberty condemn the person with more liberty? Day 3: Read Romans 2:12-15 and 1 Corinthians 8:9-10 and discuss: Why are Jews condemned before God? Why are Gentiles condemned before God? Describe our consciences and how they work. What does it mean to stumble others? Why is it an immoral use of knowledge to do so? Sermon Notes for Knowledge Puffs Up but Love Builds Up This morning we’ll continue in 1 Corinthians 8. The title of last Sunday’s sermon on verses 1-8, was, “Using Knowledge Morally.” The title of this morning’s sermon on verses 9 and 10, is, “Using Knowledge Immorally.” I shared that I wanted to begin a series on wisdom to help us navigate through trials and difficulties. And I think we must understand the differences between knowledge and wisdom…and there’s no better place – at least in my opinion – to understand knowledge than 1 Corinthians 8. Let me briefly review… Last week we discussed that knowledge is amoral, but the way we use it is moral. I left this lesson your handout… Lesson 1: knowledge is amoral, but the way we use it is moral. Knowledge can be used in moral and immoral ways, and some of the Corinthians were using their knowledge immorally. They were facing a situation that was dividing their church: “Should we eat meat sacrificed to idols?” Two groups developed. The first group is in verses 4-6. Look there with me… 1 Corinthians 8:4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. Notice Paul used the used the words we and us b/c he was in this group. This first group would say… “Idols aren’t real – there’s no being named Zeus, or Hermes, or Mars – so whatever is offered to them isn’t really offered to anything. I can go in an idol’s temple to buy meat, because it’s no different than any other meat except that it’s cheaper, which means I’m being a good steward of my finances if I buy it.” The second group is in verse 7… 1 Corinthians 8:7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an i

In 1 Corinthians 8:1 Paul writes, "Now concerning things offered to idols: we know that all of us possess knowledge. This knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." We must understand the differences between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is like guns, money, and food in that it’s amoral (it’s simply information), but knowledge can be used in moral and immoral ways. This chapter reveals some ways the Corinthian used knowledge immorally, but could use it morally. The Corinthians were asking, “Should they eat meat sacrificed to idols?” But the chapter isn’t primarily about food or days of the week. Primarily the chapter teaches that we should use our knowledge morally in a loving way that builds up others. https://youtu.be/gpJNxbj_Qzk "Concerning things offered to idols…Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up" (1 Corinthians 8:1). The Corinthians used their knowledge immorally versus morally. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Concerning Things Offered to IdolsFamily Worship Guide for Concerning Things Offered to IdolsSermon Notes for Concerning Things Offered to IdolsLesson 1: knowledge is amoral, but the way we use it is moral.Lesson 2: having knowledge doesn’t always mean determining who’s right and wrong.Lesson 3: ignorance is the absence of knowledge.Lesson 4: knowledge is used (part 1) morally when combined with love. Sermon Lessons for Concerning Things Offered to Idols Lesson 1: Knowledge is ____________, but the way we use it is __________. Lesson 2: ____________ __________________ doesn’t always mean determining who’s right and wrong (1 Cor 8:4-8; Rom 14:5). Lesson 3: ___________________ is the absence of __________________ (Rom 11:25; 1 Cor 12:1; 2 Cor 1:8; 1 Thes 4:13). Lesson 4: Knowledge is used (Part I) morally when combined ________ ________ (1 Cor 8:1; Eph 4:15; Phil 1:9). Family Worship Guide for Concerning Things Offered to Idols Day 1: Read 1 Cor 8 and discuss: Is knowledge moral, immoral, or amoral? Why? List some things that are moral, immoral, and amoral. Who are some people in history and in the Bible who used knowledge morally. What about immorally? Describe the situation in Corinth with meat sacrificed to idols and what the two sides believed. Day 2: Read Rom 14, 1 Cor 12:1; 2 Cor 1:8, 1 Thes 4:13 and discuss: What does it mean that some people had “weak consciences”? Is this a criticism of them? Why or why not? Would you or wouldn’t you eat the meat sacrificed to idols? Why or why not? How should you treat people who do the opposite of you? Why? Day 3: Read 1 Cor 8, Eph 4:15, Phil 1:9 and discuss: What does it mean to be ignorant? Should we always share knowledge with people? Why or why not? What makes someone a guest versus a pest? How do we know when we should or shouldn’t share our knowledge with others? What are some essentials? What are some nonessentials? What does it mean to combine knowledge with love? What does it look like when love is combined with knowledge? What about when it isn’t? Sermon Notes for Concerning Things Offered to Idols This morning we’ll be in 1 Corinthians 8. The title of the sermon, on verses 1-8, is, “Using Knowledge Morally.” The title of next Sunday’s sermon, on verses 9-13, is, “Using Knowledge Immorally.” Last Sunday I shared that I wanted to begin a series on wisdom to help us navigate through trials and difficult circumstances. I think we must understand the differences between knowledge and wisdom…and there’s no better place – at least in my opinion – to understand knowledge than 1 Corinthians 8. Let me begin w/ a question, and I’ll give you a moment to think about the answer before I ask you to raise your hand… Is knowledge itself: MoralImmoralOr amoral The answer brings us to Lesson 1… Lesson 1: knowledge is amoral, but the way we use it is moral. Many things are amoral, but the ways we use them are moral and immoral. For example: Money is amoral, but the way we spend it is moral or immoral.Guns are amoral, but the ways we use them are moral and immoral.Food is amoral, but our relationship to it is moral. God doesn’t care what we eat, but He cares how much we eat b/c gluttony is a sin and He expects us to have self-control. Similarly, knowledge is amoral, in that it’s simply information. But what we do w/ knowledge is moral and immoral. In other words, knowledge can be used in moral and immoral ways. Here are some examples of moral uses of knowledge: Jacob Perkins used his knowledge of mechanical engineering to invent refrigeration.The Wright Brothers used their knowledge of aviation to develop human flight.Tim Berners-Lee used his knowledge of computer programming to develop the World Wide Web.Isaac Newton used his knowledge of astronomy to promote creationism. These people used the knowledge they acquired in moral ways that benefited humanity. Other people have used their knowledge in immoral ways: Genghis Khan used his knowledge of politics and war to lead a Mongol horde that killed millions of people.Karl Marx used his k

In Ecclesiastes 12:13 Solomon said, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Everything’s been considered and Solomon meant it. He tried, tasted, and experienced anything you could try, taste, and experience. He wrestled with the most important issues of life throughout the book, and finally reached this conclusion. The wisest man who ever lived – second only to Christ – tells us what life is about: fearing God and obeying His commandments. Table of ContentsFear God and Keep His Commandments to Find Meaning In LifeThe Fear of God Produces ObedienceThe Lack of Fear of God Produces DisobedienceGod’s Judgment Puts This Life in Perspective https://youtu.be/dRDbFXTw2CY Ecclesiastes 12:13 says, "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Solomon tried everything so he knew. Ecclesiastes 12:12 My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. We looked at this over two sermons. The Book of Ecclesiastes is a fitting picture of the end of the end of this verse. Solomon said much study is a weariness of the flesh, and if you’re familiar w/ Ecclesiastes, you know Solomon seemed very weary as he tried to find meaning in life. After all the weariness he experienced throughout the book, look what he finally says in verse 13… Ecclesiastes 12:13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. He said all has been heard – or everything’s been considered – and he meant it. He tried, tasted, and experienced anything you could try, taste, and experience. When he said this is the end of the matter, this is a pretty big deal, b/c Solomon wrestled with the most important issues of life, and he finally reached his conclusion. The wisest man who ever lived – second only to Christ – is about to tell us what life is about. This is one of those moments you just want everyone to be quiet so they can hear what he has to say. Everything has been very fragmented for Solomon. He’s been confused throughout the earlier chapters, unable to make sense of this life, but now he can finally share what he’s learned after all his searching. All his uncertainties are behind him, and it boils down to this… Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Let me get you to think about something that reveals why these words are so dramatic… The main question Solomon’s been wrestling with is: “How does man experience satisfaction and fulfillment in life?” or as he frequently says, “Under the sun?” He considered what this world offers physically: Money Power Knowledge Relationships Parties Gardens Possessions Fame But when He figured out what’s important – when he finally learned how to experience satisfaction in this life – he didn’t mention anything physical. He said fear God and keep His commandments, which is spiritual. And this brings us to Lesson 1… Fear God and Keep His Commandments to Find Meaning In Life Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes and most of Proverbs. Although they’re separate books, I want to invite you to see a close relationship between them. You can almost think of them as one book w/ Proverbs picking up where Ecclesiastes left off. Here’s why I say this… Solomon concludes Ecclesiastes by saying we should fear God, and this is where Proverbs picks up… Proverbs 1:7 The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Solomon probably wrote Ecclesiastes at the end of his life, which means that’s when he finally showed himself to be wise. What does it mean to fear God? It means having an attitude of reverence and awe toward Him b/c we respect His power and greatness, and – as the next verse says – we know He’s going to judge us. Some people might look at this and say, “Well, this is Old Covenant. Judgment. Wrath. Anger. Of course we’re told to fear God and keep His commandments. But we’re under the New Covenant. Grace. Mercy. Forgiveness.” The problem is Jesus – who is the Mediator of the New Covenant – said the same thing… Matthew 10:28 Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Regarding [keeping] his commandments, Jesus said… John 14:15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. It is as fitting for us to fear God and keep His commandments in our day as it was in Solomon’s day when he wrote these words. Notice Solomon said this is the whole duty of man. When I first looked at this, I found it very surprising. I thought, “This is it? This is my whole duty? I have all these responsibilities. I have so many things to do and keep track of. How can my whole duty be bound up in fearing God and obeying Him?” Then I found this very encouraging, b/c it provides such beautiful simplicity for us. We live in such a confusing and chaotic time, I hope it can bless you too. In th

Christian encouragement from the Bible for difficult times is needed. This is part two of Pastor Scott's discussion on why we might be weary and what we can do about it. Ecclesiastes 12:12 says, “My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” The Christian life is one of balance, and the news is one example of needed balance. We should be informed. We should know what’s going on and strive to have accurate information. We should study. But as verse 12 says much study is a weariness of the flesh and makes difficult times even worse. There’s a downside to too much news without the needed Christian encouragement. We need to be careful how much we’re consuming. https://youtu.be/gHCcyyCk3t8 Christian encouragement from the Bible for difficult times is needed. This is part two of Pastor Scott's discussion on why we might be weary. Table of ContentsSample Lessons for Christian Encouragement from the Bible for Difficult TimesFamily Worship Guide for Christian Encouragement from the Bible for Difficult TimesSermon Notes for Christian Encouragement from the Bible for Difficult TimesLesson 1: God's Word is like a (part 1) goad that directs.Lesson 1: God's Word is like a (part 2) stake that protects.Lesson 2: man’s words can be (part 1) untrustworthy.Lesson 2: man’s words can be (part 2) overwhelming.Lesson 2: man’s words can be (part 3) wearying.Lesson 3: we are the falling man. Sample Lessons for Christian Encouragement from the Bible for Difficult Times Note: Lesson 1 and Parts I and II of Lesson 2 are from Part I. Lesson 1: God’s Word is like a:(Part I) Goad that directs (Ecc 12:11a; Psa 23:1, 80:1; John 10:11; Heb 13:20; 1 Pet 2:25, 5:4; Matt 12:42).(Part II) Stake that protects (Ecc 12:11b; Psa 119:89; Isa 40:8; 1 Pet 1:24; Matt 24:35). Lesson 2: Man’s words can be:(Part I) Untrustworthy (Ecc 12:12a).(Part II) Overwhelming (Ecc 12:12b).(Part III) _________________ (Lam 2:18, 3:49-50; John 16:33). Lesson 3: We are the ______________ ______ (2 Thes 1:8-9; John 10:28). Family Worship Guide for Christian Encouragement from the Bible for Difficult Times Day 1: Ecclesiastes 12:9-12 and discuss: How is God’s Word like an ox goad? How is it like a stake? What verses can you think of that support this? How are man’s words untrustworthy and overwhelming? Where did Solomon say the words of the wise come from? Why is it important to know where wisdom comes from? Day 2: Read Lamentations 2:18, 3:49-50 and John 16:33 and discuss: Why was Jeremiah’s ministry so difficult, i.e. what did he experience and see? How are we affected by pictures, videos, and news? Why does the news follow, “If it bleeds it leads”? How and why is news wearying? What can you do to avoid being wearied by the news? Since Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation,” what does this mean for us regarding the news now and in the future? Day 3: Read 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 and John 10:28 and discuss: How are we like the falling man? How are we not like the falling man, or in other words, how can we avoid the despair he must’ve experienced even though we’re “falling” too? What awaits those who don’t know God? What does Jesus offer and how is it received? How can these truths give us hope despite the despair the world throws at us? Sermon Notes for Christian Encouragement from the Bible for Difficult Times A few weeks ago, I preached Part I, planned to preach Part II the following Sunday, but felt obligated to preach the sermons explaining what we were doing as a church. With those sermons over I can preach Part II. Since it’s been a few weeks I’d like to briefly review. I left the lessons from Part I in your worship guides. Look at verse 9… Ecclesiastes 12:9 Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. 10 The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth. The Preacher is Solomon and we have many of his proverbs in the Book of Proverbs. Ecclesiastes 12:11 The words of the wise (referring to Scripture) are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. Verses 9 and 10 discuss Solomon – the Preacher – who sounds really good: He’s wise: he taught the people knowledge and created proverbsHe sought to find words of delight and he wrote words of truth. So you’d expect him to say the words of the wise came from him, but he said they’re given by one Shepherd. Who’s this Shepherd? In the OT the shepherd is identified as God: Psa 23:1 The Lord is my Shepherd.In the NT the Shepherd comes into focus and we see it’s Jesus: John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The greatest wisdom comes from Jesus, b/c despite how wise Solomon was in Matt 12:42 [Jesus said], “The queen of the South…came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behol

In Ecclesiastes 12:12 Solomon said, “My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh.” Solomon was making a point about the amount of information that was available, and how overwhelming – and [wearying] – it could be. In Solomon’s day information was mostly limited to books. In our day information takes many other forms. If Solomon could say this when there was no printing press, Internet, television, radio, and only a fraction of the books we have what would he say if he lived in our day? The amount of information in our day is overwhelming and untrustworthy. Plant yourself in the Bible where “the words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed; they are given by one Shepherd” (Ecclesiastes 12:11). https://youtu.be/YolWBijaKeI Ecclesiastes 12:12 says, “Much study is wearisome to the flesh," because the amount of information available is overwhelming. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Why Much Study Is Wearisome to the FleshFamily Worship Guide for Why Much Study Is Wearisome to the FleshSermon Notes for Why Much Study Is Wearisome to the FleshLesson 1: man’s words can be (part 1) overwhelming.Lesson 1: man’s words can be (part 2) untrustworthy.Lesson 2: God’s Word is like a (part 1) goad that directs.Lesson 2: God’s Word is like a (part 2) stake that protects. Sermon Lessons for Why Much Study Is Wearisome to the Flesh Lesson 1: Man’s words can be: (Part I) ________________________ (Ecclesiastes 12:12a). (Part II) ___________________________ (Ecclesiastes 12:12b). Lesson 2: God’s Word is like a: (Part I) ________ that ______________ (Ecclesiastes 12:11a; Psa 23:1, 80:1; John 10:11; Heb 13:20; 1 Pet 2:25, 5:4; Matt 12:42). (Part II) __________ that ________________ (Ecclesiastes 12:11b; Psa 119:89; Isa 40:8; 1 Pet 1:24; Matt 24:35). Family Worship Guide for Why Much Study Is Wearisome to the Flesh Day 1: Ecclesiastes 12:9-12, 1 Pet 3:15, 2 Tim 2:15, and discuss: According to Solomon, what causes much weariness to the flesh? How do we have a ready answer for those who ask of the reason of the hope we have? Whose approval should we be seeking when studying the Word of God? What is the danger of taking in input from the world more that input from the Bible? How does it affect our world view? Day 2: 2 Pet 3:18, John 14:26, Ecclesiastes 12:11, and discuss: What are we to grow in according to Peter? What did Jesus promise would help us to be guided into truth? How is this a benefit to us in a world so full of information? Where did Solomon say the words of the wise come from? Why is it important to know where wisdom comes from? Day 3: Ecclesiastes 12:11, Ps 119:89, Isa 40:8, 1 Pet 1:24, and discuss: How is God’s Word like an ox goad? What direction does the Bible point toward for hope and purpose? How does the wisdom of the world compete with the Bible? Why is the Word of God more relevant today regarding the pandemic than the latest news? Sermon Notes for Why Much Study Is Wearisome to the Flesh We’re going to contrast man’s words – in verse 12 – w/ God’s Word in verses 9 through 11. But I want to look at what Solomon said about man’s words first, and then move into the discussion of God’s Word, which means we’re going to look at the verses out-of-order. First look at verse 12… Ecclesiastes 12:12 My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Solomon was making a point about the amount of information that was available, and how overwhelming – and [wearying] – it could be. In Solomon’s day information was mostly limited to books In our day information takes many other forms If Solomon could say this – when there was no printing press, Internet, television, radio, and only a fraction of the books we have – what would he say if he lived in our day? So here’s the truth… There is no time in all of history that these words have been more applicable…and this brings us to Lesson 1… Lesson 1: man’s words can be (part 1) overwhelming. I want to give you an idea just how overwhelming. Whenever someone sends an email, responds to an email, writes a blog, comments on a blog, posts on Facebook, responds to a post on Facebook, tweets, replies to a tweet, uploads a video, comments on a video, this creates data…and the amount of data we create each day is astonishing. By 2025, it’s estimated that 463 exabytes of data will be created each day. Most of us – myself included – don’t know how much one exabyte is, say nothing about 463 of them: A kilobyte is 1,000 bytes, or 1, with three zeroes after it. An exabyte is one quintillion kilobytes, or the number 1 with 18 zeroes after it…and that’s how much data we create each day. To give that some perspective, it’s the equivalent of 212,765,957 DVDs of data…per day! Many of us are almost creating our own DVD each day! This past week I read an article on Forbes titled, “How Much Data Do We Create Every Day? The Mind-Blow

It is important to understand biblical narratives versus imperatives. Imperatives are commands while narratives are stories or accounts in Scripture that should not be given as much weight. Christians should build their theology with imperatives (or commands, such as Romans 13, 1 Peter 2, and Titus 3) supported by narratives (or accounts) versus the other way around. https://youtu.be/xrdTXz7Xb6g It is important to understand biblical narratives versus imperatives. Imperatives, or commands, should have more weight than narratives. Receive a FREE copy of my book, Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages.Visit my speaking page for conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info.View all my books on my Amazon author page. Table of ContentsLessons for Biblical Narratives Versus ImperativesFamily Worship Guide for Biblical Narratives Versus ImperativesSermon Notes for Biblical Narratives Versus ImperativesLesson 1: we don’t submit to sin.Lesson 2: Moses appealed to Pharaoh.Lesson 3: David appealed to Saul.Lesson 4: Esther appealed to the king.Lesson 5: let’s not waste this trial. Lessons for Biblical Narratives Versus Imperatives Lesson 1: We don’t submit ____ ______ (Exo 1:15-17). Lesson 2: __________ appealed to ______________ (Exo 3:18-19, 5:2-8). Lesson 3: __________ appealed to ________ (1 Sam 24:4-10, 26:8-25). Lesson 4: ____________ appealed to the ________ (Est 3:13-16, 5:1-2; 9:5, 13-14; Pro 21:1). Lesson 5: Let’s not __________ this __________ (Dan 9:13-14). Family Worship Guide for Biblical Narratives Versus Imperatives Day 1: Read Exo 3:18-19 and 5:2-8 and discuss: Do you see any similarities between the Israelites in Egypt and our current situation? Why did God send Moses to appeal to Pharaoh when He knew Pharaoh would disobey? What implications does this have for us? Day 2: Read 1 Sam 24:4-10, 26:8-25 and discuss: Why was David convicted when he cut off a corner of Saul’s robe? What application does this have for us? Why did it look like God would want David to kill Saul? Why wouldn’t he, and what application does this have for us? Was there a point at which David “disobeyed” Saul or at least wouldn’t go along with his request? What can we learn from this? Day 3: Read Est 3:13-16, 5:1-2; 9:5, 13-14; Pro 21:1, Dan 9:13-14 and discuss: How would you expect the Jews to respond when they learned they’d be slaughtered? How would you expect God to tell them to respond? How did Esther respond? What application does Pro 21:1 have to our current situation? How could we waste the trial we’re experiencing? How can we ensure we don’t waste it? What do you think God wants us to learn? Sermon Notes for Biblical Narratives Versus Imperatives On Wednesday, April 29th, the elders joined me in the sanctuary to share w/ all of you that at this point in time we feel led to submit to the government and appeal through letters, praying, and fasting. There might be a point at which we disobey, but we don’t believe we’ve reached that point yet. We tend to project ourselves on others, and b/c if I was in your position I would want to know how my elders came to this decision, I felt like you’re entitled to an explanation. So I’ve been explaining how we came to this decision over the last two Sundays, and this morning will be the third and final message. I could be wrong, but I don’t think another sermon on this topic is necessary. I feel like people are pretty settled where they are more teaching won’t be beneficial. One thing I’ve shared w/ you is that there are godly people on both sides of this issue, and they can quote other godly people. In the first sermon I told you that I’ve landed where I have b/c I think we should build our theology w/ imperatives – or commands – supported by narratives – or accounts…versus the other way around. In other words: We should look for imperatives, such as those found in 1 Pet 2, Rom 13, and Titus 2.Then see if narratives – or accounts in Scripture – support those imperatives. When we talked as elders we found many narratives supporting the imperatives…and this helped convince us to go in this direction. This morning we’ll look at some of these narratives, but b/c I want to conclude w/ this sermon, I can’t cover all of them that I’d like; therefore, I’ve simply chosen three. Let’s begin w/ Exodus 1… Exodus 1:15 Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, 16 “When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.” 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live. This is similar to: Daniel 6 when Daniel disobeyed authority and prayedAnd Acts 5 when the apostles disobeyed authority and preached I wanted to briefly look at this account, b/c it comes to mind when thinking of disobeying the government,

Romans 13:1 says, "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." In this sermon Pastor Scott taught on Romans 13 and explained why the WCC elders feel led to submit to the government, and appeal, versus disobey. He also explains why the elders don't think the government is telling us to sin. https://youtu.be/vdHa-YOYUFQ Romans 13:1 says, "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities." Pastor Scott explained why the elders will submit to government. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Let Everyone Be Subject to the Governing Authorities (Romans 13:1)Family Worship Guide for Everyone Be Subject to the Governing Authorities (Romans 13:1)Sermon Notes for Let Everyone Be Subject to the Governing Authorities (Romans 13:1)Lesson 1: we don’t submit to sin.Lesson 2: resisting authority is resisting God.Lesson 3: we must (part 1) think biblically versus emotionally.Lesson 3: we must (part 2) balance faith and wisdom.Lesson 4: quarantining the healthy occurred in scripture. Sermon Lessons for Let Everyone Be Subject to the Governing Authorities (Romans 13:1) Lesson 1: We don’t submit to sin (Dan 6:6-10; Jer 27:8-12; Acts 5:29-31, 40-42; 1 Pet 2:13-17). Note: This lesson is from Part I.Lesson 2: Resisting authority is __________________ ______ (Rom 13:1-2; 1 Pet 2:13; Titus 3:1).Lesson 3: We must:(Part I) Think ____________________ versus ______________________ (Rom 13:4).(Part II) Balance __________ and ____________ (Lev 13:1-3).Lesson 4: Quarantining ______ ______________ occurred in Scripture (Lev 13:4-6; Psa 91:6).Lesson 5: We submit because we __________ ______ (1 Pet 2:21-23, 3:5; Psa 20:7). Family Worship Guide for Everyone Be Subject to the Governing Authorities (Romans 13:1) Day 1: Read Rom 13:1-2; 1 Pet 2:13; Titus 3:1, and discuss: What other relationships involve submission? What application does our submission in these relationships have to our submission to government? Who was emperor when Paul and Peter told Christians to submit to authority? Why does resisting authority mean we’re resisting God? Why does Paul say the government is for our good?Day 2: Read Lev 13:1-3, Psalm 91:6 and discuss: Why are all of us tempted to think emotionally about the quarantine versus biblically? As Americans and Christians, discuss the two “laws” over us (the Constitution and the Bible) and our relationships to them. What does it mean to balance faith and wisdom? Come up with some examples of what it looks like to combine faith with wisdom, and faith with foolishness (i.e. “I let my kids play in the road, because I trust God to protect them”).Day 3: Read Lev 13:4-6; 1 Pet 2:21-23, 3:5; Psa 20:7, and discuss: In the Old Testament, why were people quarantined even when they were healthy? What application do you see this having for our current situation? Are you aware of any times in church history when Jews and/or Christians observed God’s cleansing commands and fared better than the rest of the population? How does faith help us submit, whether wives to husbands, Christ when He submitted, or us to government?Bonus: Read Leviticus 13-15 and look for the wisdom in the cleansing commands that were written 3,000 years before the medical community decided they were beneficial. Sermon Notes for Let Everyone Be Subject to the Governing Authorities (Romans 13:1) Two Wednesdays ago the leadership shared that at this time we feel led to submit to the government, and appeal through letters, praying, and fasting. Last Sunday I began explaining why we came to this conclusion about submitting to government, and I’m continuing that explanation this morning. Before we look at the verses let me remind you of the first lesson from last week… Lesson 1: we don’t submit to sin. I left this in your bulletins, so you don’t have this nagging question about how far submission to government extends. There is a point that we disobey, and I discussed that extensively in last week’s sermon. But currently, we – the elders – don’t think we’ve reached this point, b/c we don’t think the government is telling us to sin. Later in this sermon I’ll share why I don’t believe the government is telling us to sin. Let’s look at Romans 13:1… Romans 13:1a Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. This is similar to what we read last week in 1 Peter 2:13… 1 Peter 2:13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution And it’s similar to Titus 3:1… Titus 3:1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities Titus was a pastor. When Paul told Titus to remind them, he meant, remind his congregation to be submissive to rulers and authorities. The only reason I can imagine Paul telling Titus to give his congregation this reminder is we must be reminded to be submissive to rulers and authorities. And if there’s any time that we probably most needed to be reminded of this, it’s w

The importance of family worship is in the Old and New Testaments. Since families are at home together because of the Coronavirus, Pastor Scott recorded his family worship, modeling for other families what they can easily do too. The video includes them coming together at the table, singing worship songs, reading the Bible together, and praying for some requests. You can jump to 5:50 if you want to see when we actually begin, but he left the first few minutes because he wanted it to be real. You can see how messy and loud the LaPierre family home is, even minutes before (and then during) family worship. https://youtu.be/ol--f8WvfF8 The importance of family worship is in the Old and New Testaments. Pastor Scott recorded his family worship, modeling for other families. I discuss the importance of family worship at Marriage God’s Way Conferences. Have a Marriage God’s Way Conference in the privacy of your own home. Download and print the handout that’s given to attendees. Receive a FREE copy of my book, Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages. Visit my speaking page for conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info. Table of ContentsNotes for the Importance of Family WorshipDeuteronomy 6:7a You shall teach them diligently to your children,Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.Genesis 18:19 (God said), "I have chosen him, that he may (direct) his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.”Deuteronomy 6:7b and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.Deuteronomy 6:8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.Deuteronomy 6:9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Notes for the Importance of Family Worship Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. The question isn’t, “Is God doing something good through this season of lockdown?” The question is, “What is the good God is doing through the Coronavirus?” What do you think? In a recent sermon I shared that we’re the busiest people. We work more hours per week than any other nation. This makes it harder for families to spend time together. God has dramatically slowed us down, and put us together. We had a ministerial it our church yesterday and two pastors observed how this can be a wonderful blessing. According to the National Center for Education Statistics the average number of hours in a public school day is 6.64, and this doesn’t include the time spent walking, driving, or riding the bus to and from school. The average number of school days per year is 180, which adds up to a little under 1,200 hours per year. This means by the time public school students graduate high school they have spent over 15,500 hours away from their parents. How are we using this time? We’re jumping into the Book of Deuteronomy. Who wants to tell me what this book is about? Deuteronomy 6:1 “Now this is the commandment—the statutes and the rules—that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you, that you may do them in the land to which you are going over, to possess it, 2 that you may fear the Lord your God, you and your son and your son's son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long. 3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and be careful to do them, that it may go well with you, and that you may multiply greatly, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey. 4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. Where had these commands been written? Deuteronomy 6:7a You shall teach them diligently to your children, When it says You, who is it referring to? The "You" is parents. While I think some people might think the church is responsible with teaching children spiritually, God’s Word puts that responsibility on the parents’ shoulders. Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. This verse is interesting because understandably with fathers working, mothers perform most of the teaching; therefore, how do we obey this verse? While mothers might deal with much of the day-to-day academics, it seems much of the (spiritual) training and admonition rests on the father’s shoulders. I don’t get to sit back and say: Mommy will do it She has it under control Whatever you need to le

First Peter 2:13-14 commands, "Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good." Pastor Scott explained why the elders feel led to submit to government and appeal to officials during the Coronavirus lockdown (Covid-19), versus rebel against the command for churches to remain closed. He also discusses at what point the elders would disobey authority. https://youtu.be/Z7Rmo3XMSAY "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake," (1 Peter 2:13). Why WCC elders feel led to submit to government & appeal. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Submit Yourselves to Every Ordinance of Man for the Lord’s Sake Family Worship Guide for Submit Yourselves to Every Ordinance of Man for the Lord’s Sake Sermon Notes for Submit Yourselves to Every Ordinance of Man for the Lord’s SakeLesson 1: we don’t submit (part 1) to sin.Lesson 2: build theology with imperatives supported by narratives.Lesson 1: we don’t submit (part 2) kicking and screaming.Lesson 3: we do submit to ungodly people. Sermon Lessons for Submit Yourselves to Every Ordinance of Man for the Lord’s Sake Lesson 1: We don’t submit:(Part I) ____ ______ (Dan 6:6-10; Jer 27:8-12; Acts 5:29-31, 40-42; 1 Pet 2:13-17).(Part II) ______________ and __________________ (1 Pet 2:21-23). Lesson 2: Build theology with ______________________ supported by ____________________. Lesson 3: We do submit to ______________ ____________ (1 Pet 2:18, 3:1; Jer 27:8-12). Family Worship Guide for Submit Yourselves to Every Ordinance of Man for the Lord’s Sake Day 1: Read Dan 6:6-10; Jer 27:8-12; Acts 5:29-31, 40-42; 1 Pet 2:13-17, and discuss: Do you think submission is harder for Americans? Why or why not? Why does God call Christians to submit to authority? Can you think of other individuals in Scripture who didn’t submit to sin when ordered by the authority over them? Day 2: Read Dan 6:6-10; Jer 27:8-12; Acts 5:29-31, 40-42; 1 Pet 2:13-17 and discuss: What does it mean to build theology with imperatives and support it with narratives? How does this lesson apply to the current situation? Can you think of some imperatives in the epistles that have supporting narratives in the Old Testament, Gospels, or Acts? What’s wrong with building theology with narratives versus imperatives? Day 3: Read 1 Pet 2:18, 3:1; Jer 27:8-12, and discuss: Describe Jesus’ submission since Peter says it serves as an example for us. What does it look like submitting kicking and screaming? What does it look like to submit without kicking and screaming? Why does God command us to submit to ungodly people? Why is it important to remember that we’re submitting “for the Lord’s sake”? Sermon Notes for Submit Yourselves to Every Ordinance of Man for the Lord’s Sake I’ve had many interactions w/ people in the church over the last few weeks, most of them wonderful, and I want to share about three of them… A few weeks ago a couple in the church reached out to me w/ some questions. They wanted to have a Zoom call and understand what the leadership was thinking and where we’re coming from: I appreciated their attitudesThey wanted to understand, and they asked questions and listened The second interaction took place this past week. A man reached out to me, disagreeing w/ something I said on Wednesday night. I appreciated this communication as well: He expressed his respect and appreciation for the leadershipAnd he took the time to put his thoughts in a document for the leadership to read. I’m also thankful for this communication, b/c it revealed something I wanted to clarify… On Wednesday night I shared the three principles that have been governing us from the beginning. I said… “Principle 1: Submission to Government” He said, “How could you say your first principle is submission to government, versus submission to God!” I thought, “I’m thankful this person shared this w/ me in case it sounded this way to anyone else.” So let me clarify… The question we, as elders, are wrestling w/ is, “What does God want us to do?” In that sense, there’s only one principle for us, and that’s submission to God. When I said we had three principles: I meant these were the three principles that were helping us determine God’s will…or helping us determine what it means to submit to God in these circumstances.I didn’t mean submitting to government is our main principle. The only reason we care about submitting to government is b/c God commands it. The third interaction took place on Friday… A couple disagreed w/ something I said in the sermon: I appreciated this communication as well.They reached out to me, asked if we could meet, and then they took the time to drive to the church, sit-down w/ Pastor Nathan and I, and share their hearts w/ us. One thing I appreciated about all the people in these situations is they came to me…and as

Jesus took our place on the cross and this is demonstrated beautifully when He died in the place of Barabbas, a notorious sinner (Matthew 27:15-26). Matthew 27:26, says, "Then Pilate released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified." Put yourself in Barabbas’s place. When the guards came to get him, what do you think he thought…and didn’t think? He thought, “This is the time for me to be punished.” He didn’t, “This is the time for me to be released.” What do you think the guards said to him? Maybe something like, “Barabbas, you’re a guilty, evil man. You deserve to be punished, but you’re going to be released b/c Jesus of Nazareth is going to die in your place and receive the punishment you deserve.” The cross Jesus died on was probably the cross intended for Barabbas. https://youtu.be/yyC2Jw1UCqk Jesus took our place on the cross and His substitutionary atonement is demonstrated beautifully when He died in the place of Barabbas. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Jesus Took Our Place on the CrossFamily Worship Guide for Jesus Took Our Place on the CrossSermon Notes for Jesus Took Our Place on the CrossLesson 1: Zechariah prophesied the Jews would reject Jesus and choose Barabbas.Lesson 2: the Jews hated Jesus more than they hated (part 1) BarabbasLesson 2: the Jews hated Jesus more than they hated (part 2) crucifixion.Lesson 2: the Jews hated Jesus more than they hated (part 3) Caesar.Lesson 3: the Jews chose the wrong, “Jesus son of the father.”Lesson 4: we are Barabbas. Sermon Lessons for Jesus Took Our Place on the Cross Lesson 1: ________________ ____________________ the Jews would reject Jesus and choose Barabbas (Zech 11:12¬15; Mark 15:7). Lesson 2: The Jews hated Jesus more than they hated: (Part I) ________________ (Matt 27:21). (Part II) ______________________ (Matt 27:22–23; Deut 21:23 cf. Gal 3:13). (Part III) _____________ (John 19:12–15). Lesson 3: The Jews __________ the __________, "Jesus Son of the Father" (John 8:42–44; Matt 27:26). Lesson 4: ____ ______ Barabbas (Matt 27:22). Family Worship Guide for Jesus Took Our Place on the Cross Day 1: Zec 11:15-16, Matt 27:18-23, Mark 15:7, and discuss: How was Barabbas like the foolish shepherd mentioned in Zechariah? Why did Pilate choose Barabbas to exchange for Jesus? How was he surprised by the people's choice? How was their choice a reflection of the depravity of their heart's desire? Day 2: John 19:12-15, Matt 27:24 and discuss: Was the Jew's condemnation of Jesus a show of their loyalty to Caesar? Why or why not? How was their choice for Caesar to rule over them a utter rejection of Christ? How else has man expressed their hatred of Jesus by their choices? How did Pilate try to remove himself from being responsible for what happened to Jesus? What ways do people try to absolve themselves of their responsibility regarding what to do with Jesus? Day 3: Matt 27:16, John 8:42-44, John 18:38, John 14:6, Matt 27:22, and discuss: What ways was Barabbas a counterfeit of Jesus? How does Barabbas represent us in our fallen state? How is Jesus being exchanged for Barabbas a picture of salvation? Sermon Notes for Jesus Took Our Place on the Cross The title of this morning’s sermon is, “He Took Our Place.” We’re going to pick up close to where we left off last week, which is to say, soon after Judas returned the money and hung himself. If you were able to tune in to Wednesday night’s study, two weeks ago, we began w/ some verses in Zechariah 11, and we are going to continue where they left off too. Here’s how I want to invite you to view Zechariah 11… It’s like a summary of the last hours of Jesus’ life. Zechariah acts out a drama with him playing the part of two different shepherds: One represents the True Shepherd: Jesus Christ The other represents the Foolish Shepherd: Barabbas The people reject the True Shepherd and embrace the Foolish Shepherd. We’ll start at verse 12 to briefly review. Here’s the context… Shepherds deserve to be paid. Zechariah is acting like Jesus, and he asks the people for His wages. It’s like he says: “How do you think I’ve done as your Shepherd? What do you think I’m worth?” Zechariah 11:12 Then I said to them, “If it is agreeable to you, give me my wages; and if not, refrain.” So they weighed out for my wages thirty pieces of silver. The shepherd – or Jesus – asks very graciously: “Go ahead and pay me if that seems good to you, but if not, don’t worry about it.” They pay him 30 pieces of silver, and it’s important to understand this is an insult. It’s like giving a waiter a few pennies. If you look at verse 13 it’s sarcastically called a princely price. According to Exo 21:32 this was the amount paid for a slave that had been gored by an ox. You can imagine how worthless a slave gored by an ox would be…and that’s how they viewed Jesus as their Shepherd. We recognize this is the prophecy of Judas betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. The Lord

Second Corinthians 7:10 says, "Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death." At different times people defend Judas, minimize his actions, and even claim he was a believer. It always relates to him bringing back the money saying he sinned, and showing sorrow over what he did. The problem is that Scripture discusses two types of sorrow: godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, while worldly sorrow produces death. Judas committed suicide because he experienced so much sorrow. He shows us how not to deal with sorrow, and what we should do with sorrow instead. Judas teaches an important lesson. Feeling bad about what we’ve done, experiencing sorrow - even feeling bad enough to commit suicide - doesn’t mean repentance has taken place. https://youtu.be/lgvONG7ZNUY "Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, but sorrow of the world produces death" (2 Corinthians 7:10). Feeling bad isn't repentance. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Sorrow of the World Produces Death, but Godly Sorrow RepentanceFamily Worship Guide for Sorrow of the World Produces Death, but Godly Sorrow RepentanceSermon Notes for Sorrow of the World Produces Death, but Godly Sorrow RepentanceLesson 1: we underestimate the consequences of our sin.Lesson 2: feeling bad isn't repentance.Lesson 3: godly sorrow leads to Christ. Sermon Lessons for Sorrow of the World Produces Death, but Godly Sorrow Repentance Lesson 1: ____ __________________________ the consequences of sin (Matt 27:3-4; Jer 2:19). Lesson 2: ______________ ______ isn’t repentance (2 Cor 7:10). Lesson 3: Godly sorrow __________ to ____________ (Luke 13:1-3). Family Worship Guide for Sorrow of the World Produces Death, but Godly Sorrow Repentance Day 1: Matt 27:3-5, Jer 2:19, Pro 5:22 and discuss: What was the outcome of Judas’ betrayal that caused him remorse? What are some wrong choices you made still hoping for a favorable outcome? Can we ever go back and undo what was done? What does Jeremiah teach regarding the consequences of our sins? How does Proverbs describe the effects of the consequences of sin? Day 2: Read 2 Cor 7:10, Matt 27:5, Psa 51:4, and discuss: What is the difference between worldly sorrow and Godly sorrow? Who is the offender most concerned about when he experiences Godly sorrow? Who is the offender most concerned about when he experiences worldly sorrow? What kind of sorrow did Judas display? Why is it important to discern who we are most concerned about being impacted by our sin? How will this help determine what kind of sorrow we are experiencing? Day 3: Luke 13:1-5, Isa 59:2, Isa 55:7, and discuss: Referencing Luke 13:1-3, how can the events of the pandemic serve as a reminder about our need to repent of sin? What separates us from God? What promise is given to the one who forsakes his sin and turns to God? How should this motivate us to be quick to repent? Sermon Notes for Sorrow of the World Produces Death, but Godly Sorrow Repentance Please stand and open your Bibles to Matthew 27 to read verses 1-10… Matthew 27:1 When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. 2 And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to [a]Pontius Pilate the governor. Judas Hangs Himself 3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” 5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6 But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.” 7 And they consulted together and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. 8 Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced, 10 and gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me.” You may be seated. Let me give you the background to this message… Last Sunday we looked at the potter and the Clay in Jeremiah 18. The Jews were hard and stiff in the Potter’s hands, so they became a vessel that was only good to be discarded…and God discarded them in Babylon. I told you the New Testament contains a discarded vessel, and that’s Judas. On Wednesday night we looked at the verses in Jeremiah – that Matthew just mentioned – that prophesy of Judas being that discarded vessel. We finished w/ this verse… Acts 1:18 [Judas] purchased [the potter’s field] with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his

In Isaiah 64:8 God says, "I am the potter; you are the clay." The potter and the clay in Jeremiah 18 is an object lesson God used to teach this truth. Read part of this chapter from Enduring Trials God’s Way to learn how God is shaping us. Table of ContentsThe Potter, the Clay, and the WheelThe Potter Works the Clay Until It "Seems Good to Him"The "Hands" the Potter Uses to Shape UsWhen Clay Becomes Hard and Stiff in the Potter's HandsJudas—A Broken VesselGod's Sovereignty and Man's Free Will https://youtu.be/3qVB805qBo0 We Are the Clay and You Our Potter is similar to the 5th message I deliver at Enduring Trials God’s Way Conferences. Since God is sovereign, including over the trials we experience, to reject trials is to reject His will for us. The Potter and the Clay is an object lesson God used to teach this truth to His people: The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying: "Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words." Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. Jeremiah 18:1-3 More than likely Jeremiah had passed the potter’s house many times in his lifetime, but now God told him to pay a visit. The Potter, the Clay, and the Wheel We are the clay, and You our potter;And all we are the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8b As Jeremiah watched the potter work, he learned how we should respond to God’s work in our lives. In 2 Corinthians 4:7 Paul called us “earthen vessels.” This is fitting since God “formed [us] of the dust of the ground” (Genesis 2:7a). When experiencing trials, probably more than any other time, we recognize the fragile nature of our “clay” bodies. Job especially noticed this during his suffering: “Remember, I pray, that You have made me like clay. And will You turn me into dust again?” (Job 10:9; see also Job 4:19). Job asked God to consider how weak his body was, in the hope it would lead Him to ease his trials. We can feel like this during trials too, wondering if God is aware of our feebleness: “Does He know how weak I am, and this suffering feels like more than I can handle?” As this account reveals, the Potter is completely familiar with the clay, and He knows best how to handle it. Clay is a cheap material that remains worthless until it is in the hands of a skillful potter who can make it into something valuable. The clay is not attractive in itself, but when the hands of the potter touch it, and the thought of the potter is brought to bear upon it, and the plan of the potter is worked out in it and through it, then there is a real transformation. J. Wilbur Chapman The potter sat before two parallel stone wheels joined by a shaft. He turned the bottom wheel with his feet and worked the clay on the top wheel. The clay sat on the wheel as it turned around and around, picturing the way our lives feel at times. Solomon described the repetitiveness: “That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). The potter controls the wheel like God controls the circumstances of our lives: And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make.Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?” says the Lord. “Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel! Jeremiah 18:4-6 The Potter Works the Clay Until It "Seems Good to Him" The Old Testament was primarily written in Hebrew, and the word for “marred” is shachath. It means “destroyed or corrupted.” It is the same word for “ruin” in Jeremiah 13:7 that describes the “profitable for nothing” sash. Since clay was cheap, when a vessel was marred or ruined, potters threw it out and started over. Although, the potter Jeremiah watched worked patiently on the same piece of clay until it became a vessel that “seemed good to [him].” Paul said we can be “confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). We might feel marred, disfigured, or flawed, but instead of discarding us, God can reshape us “into another vessel” that is precious and valuable. The Hebrew word for potter is yatsar, and over half the times it occurs in the Old Testament, it is translated as “form,” “fashion,” or “make.” For example, it is the word God used when commissioning Jeremiah: “Before I formed (yatsar) you in the womb I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5). As God formed Jeremiah, He will form our lives. As the potter had power over the clay, so God has power over our circumstances. Vessels have a purpose, and God fashions us to fulfill our purpose since “we are His workmanship” (Ephesians 2:10). The "Hands" the Potter Uses to Shape Us The potter’s hands shaped the clay,

There are wonderful examples of God's mercy in the Bible. Below are a few. You might be familiar with most of them, but did you know that even Job serves as an example of God being "very merciful" (James 5:11)? Read on to find out why. https://youtu.be/tUYPswVYKGo In this sermon I discuss examples of God's mercy in the Bible. Table of Contents1. Manasseh, King of Judah2. Ahab, King of Israel3. The Ninevites4. The Prodigal Son5. Those Crucifying Jesus6. JobFirst, God's Mercy Was Shown When He Blessed JobSecond, God's Mercy Was Shown When He Put Restrictions on SatanThird, God's Mercy Was Shown by not Killing JobFourth, God's Mercy Was Shown Through the "End [God] Intended"Speaking of God "What Is Right"Discussion Questions to Answer in the Comments Section 1. Manasseh, King of Judah Manasseh was the wickedest king of Judah. It seemed like there was no false god he did not worship and no command he did not break. He even sacrificed his own sons to Molech. God punished him by taking him into captivity: Now when he was in affliction, he implored the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed to Him; and He received his entreaty, heard his supplication, and brought him back to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God. 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 God not only forgave Manasseh, He even restored him as king. 2. Ahab, King of Israel Ahab was the wickedest king of Israel. Consider his description: There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited. He acted very abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the Lord cast out before the people of Israel.) 1 Kings 21:25-26 Ahab was so evil God couldn’t even compare anyone with him. God sent Elijah to tell Ahab that he would be punished for his sin: When Ahab heard [Elijah's] words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly. And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son's days I will bring the disaster upon his house.” 1 Kings 21:27-29 Ahab’s humility is not very impressive. He only humbled himself because he learned he was going to be judged. It doesn’t even look like repentance. "Dejectedly," means he felt sorry for himself. But God still relented of the judgment He was going to bring against him. 3. The Ninevites Some of the evilest people in the Old Testament. When they repented, God spared them. This made Jonah so angry that he wanted to die, but God rebuked him: Should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left?” Jonah 4:11 4. The Prodigal Son This parable reveals the heart of God the Father: The son arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. Luke 15:20 5. Those Crucifying Jesus When He was crucified, He prayed: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." Luke 23:34 6. Job Are you surprised to see this example? You shouldn't be based on this verse: You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. James 5:11 If someone said, “Show me an example of God being compassionate and merciful,” you wouldn't point to Job. Trials can make God look cruel and unmerciful. We tend to think if God was compassionate and merciful, He wouldn't let people suffer. But James 5:11 says that even with Job—a man whose very name is associated with trials—God was still “very compassionate and merciful.” Here are four reasons that is the case. First, God's Mercy Was Shown When He Blessed Job God blessed Job with twice as much as he had before, and vindicated him before his family and friends (Job 42:10–11; see chapters 6 and 7). The Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Then came to him all his brothers and sisters and all who had known him before, and ate bread with him in his house. And they showed him sympathy and comforted him for all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him. And each of them gave him a piece of money and a ring of gold. Job 42:10-11 Second, God's Mercy Was Shown When He Put Restrictions on Satan We might not be comfortable with those restrictions, but they were present nonetheless: Job 1:12—“The Lord said to Satan, ‘Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.’” Job 2:6—“The Lord said to Satan, ‘Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life.’” N

"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward," writes Solomon in Psalm 127:3. My desire with this sermon is for people to view children as they're described in the Bible, which is to say view children as God views them. https://youtu.be/WhenX1JvKGA "Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward," (Psalm 127:3). Children and barrenness are sensitive issues. Table of ContentsLessons for Children Are a Gift of the LORD; the Fruit of the Womb a RewardFamily Worship Guide for Children Are a Gift of the LORD; the Fruit of the Womb a RewardSermon Notes for Lessons for Children Are a Gift of the LORD; the Fruit of the Womb a RewardLesson 1: God commands people to, “Be fruitful and multiply.”Lesson 2: children are (part 1) a gift, reward, and blessing.Lesson 2: children are (part 2) great causes of maturity.Lesson 3: barrenness (part 1) is a theme in Scripture.Lesson 3: barrenness (part 2) shouldn’t be chosen.Lesson 4: apply what God's Word says about children. Lessons for Children Are a Gift of the LORD; the Fruit of the Womb a Reward Lesson 1: God ________________ ____________ to, “be fruitful and multiply” (Gen 1:28, 2:18; Pro 14:28). Lesson 2: Children are: (Part I) A ________, ____________, and ________________ (Psa 127:3-5, 128:1-4; Deut 7:13, 28:4). (Part II) __________ ____________ of maturity (Eph 6:4; 1 Tim 2:15). Lesson 3: Barrenness: • (Part I) Is __ __________ ____ Scripture (Gen 11:30, 25:21, 29:31; Judg 13:2; 1 Sam 1:5; Luke 1:7 • (Part II) Shouldn’t ____ ____________. Lesson 4: __________ ________ God’s Word says about children (Pro 14:4). Family Worship Guide for Children Are a Gift of the LORD; the Fruit of the Womb a Reward Memory Verses: Psalm 127:3 1. Day 1—Read Genesis 1:28 and discuss: Why did God give this command? What benefits are there associated with this command being obeyed/fulfilled? What problems are associated with it being disobeyed? Are we seeing some of those problems today? Day 2—Read Psalms 127 and 128 and discuss: How are children described? How should parents view their children? How should Christians respond when God provides a couple with a child? Day 3—Read Ephesians 6:4 and 1 Timothy 2:15 and discuss: How do children help parents mature spiritually? What does it mean that women “will be saved in childbearing”? Day 4—Read some of the accounts of barren women (Gen 11:30, 25:21, 29:31; Judg 13:2; 1 Sam 1:15, Luke 1:7) and discuss: What are some of the similarities in these accounts? What can we learn from them? How should Christians view barrenness? Why shouldn’t barrenness be chosen? Day 5—Read Pro 14:4 and discuss: What application does this verse have to families? Since families can’t do everything they might want, discuss those activities that are most important and least important to your family. Sermon Notes for Lessons for Children Are a Gift of the LORD; the Fruit of the Womb a Reward I probably don’t have to tell you children are a very sensitive issue in the church for a number of reasons: First, you have some people who haven’t been able to have any children, and they feel judged or misunderstood by others. Second, some people have a lot of children and they feel…judged or misunderstood by others. Finally, you have some people who only have a few children and they feel…judged or misunderstood by others. As we begin let me tell you my desires for this message… First, I want to share what God’s Word says about children… If you have no children, 15 children, or any number in between, by the end of this message I hope you’ll see children as they’re described in God’s Word. And this applies to all of us: Obviously, it applies to people who have children It also applies to people who are younger and will children in the future It applies to people who are older who might not be able to have children anymore, but are in the position to teach younger people about children. My second desire is to hopefully prevent you from having one of the most common regrets as a pastor that I have heard express “I wish we would’ve had more children.” I’ll feel blessed if any of you are prevented from saying as a result of this message! By knowing what God’s Word says about children you can take that into consideration when making decisions, and hopefully avoid any painful regrets in the future. Now let’s look at the second command God gave man. The first command was not to eat from the tree of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The second command is in Genesis 1:28… Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” And this brings us to Lesson 1 on your inserts… Lesson 1: God commands people to, “Be fruitful and multiply.” My desire isn’t to condemn anyone… I’m not trying to make anyone feel bad. I don’t have an ax to gr

Unity and holiness are essential to the church for the sanctification of believers and outreach and evangelism to unbelievers. God’s pattern throughout man’s history is to have an inside and outside, including during the Church Age. Holiness creates a boundary so that the church doesn’t resemble the world. In the Old Testament, the Mosaic Law contained commands that allowed Israel to be holy and set apart from the surrounding nations. In the New Testament, believers are still called to be holy, but holiness in the church means avoiding worldliness, or separation from the world. Unity is essential because unbelievers observe both our love for one another and our conflicts. https://youtu.be/jsodwaBJ0AM Unity and holiness in the church is important for believers' sanctification and evangelism. Holiness means avoiding worldliness. Table of ContentsGod’s pattern is to have an “inside” and an “outside.”Holiness creates the boundary between the inside and outside.Holiness in the church means avoiding worldliness.Those outside observe our (part 1) unity.Those outside observe our (part 2) conflict. God’s pattern is to have an “inside” and an “outside.” If you take an elevated view of Scripture, you’ll see this. I’d say the devil – and the demons w/ him – were the first ones to learn God establishes an inside and outside. Lucifer was inside heaven, but when he sinned he was cast outside…and the third of angels who joined him were as well. Who are the next people to learn there’s an inside and outside? I’ll give you a hint: they’re the first people! Adam and Eve were inside Eden, but they sinned and were put outside. A few chapters later it started raining and what did everyone learn? There’s inside the ark and outside the ark. As you move through the OT, you actually see every historical book deals w/ an “inside” and “outside”: In Exodus, God unleashed the plagues on Egypt, and everyone learned there was: Inside Goshen where the Israelites weren’t affected. Outside Goshen were the Egyptians were affected. Then God delivered Israel from Egypt and it was clear there was inside Egypt and outside Egypt. In Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy there was inside the camp and outside the camp. In Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings and Chronicles there was inside the Promised Land and outside the Promised Land. If we leave the OT and move into the NT, we reach the Gospels and the pattern continues… What did Jesus bring w/ Him when He came from heaven to earth? The Kingdom of God, and there was an inside and outside: Matthew 21:31b Jesus said to [the religious leaders], “The tax collectors and prostitutes go INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD BEFORE YOU.” Mark 4:11 [Jesus said], “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but FOR THOSE OUTSIDE everything is in parables. Luke 16:16 [Jesus said], “The kingdom of God is preached, and everyone FORCES HIS WAY INTO IT.” You reach Acts, and now there’s inside the church and outside the church: Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom TOWARD OUTSIDERS. 1 Thessalonians 4:12 Walk properly BEFORE OUTSIDERS. When Paul described the qualifications for elders in 1 Tim 3:7 he said [elders] must be well thought of BY OUTSIDERS. 1 Corinthians 5:12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? (Paul says we don’t have to worry about judging – or confronting the sin of – those outside the church) Is it not those INSIDE THE CHURCH whom you are to judge? 13 God judges those outside. The pattern even continues for eternity… Revelation 22:14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that THEY MAY ENTER THE CITY BY THE GATES. 15 OUTSIDE are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. Believers are inside. Unbelievers are outside. Now let me ask you to think about something… In the OT the boundaries were physical. There was physically inside and outside: Eden The ark Goshen The camp in the wilderness The Promised Land But when you reach the NT, there’s no physical boundaries. The church is spiritual. We are the church. The church IS where we go! So let me ask you this… What creates the boundary for us between the inside and outside? The answer brings us to Lesson 2… Holiness creates the boundary between the inside and outside. This is one reason holiness is so important! Without holiness: You can’t tell the difference between the church and the world. The inside looks like the outside. Regarding holiness, I think we often misunderstand what it means… If something is holy we’ll think it’s good or moral or righteous. If something is unholy we’ll think it’s bad or immoral or sinful. But it’s better to think about holiness meaning set apart. For example: When Moses approached the burning bush, God told him he was standing on holy ground: It didn’t mean that ground was more righteous than other ground. It didn’t mean that other was more sinful than the ground he was on. Instead, it m

As Christian parents, we want our children to follow Christ as soon as possible. We must avoid hypocrisy in parenting so our children see the Gospel through us. https://youtu.be/DIXjDe54d0k As Christian parents, we want our children to follow Christ as soon as possible. We must avoid hypocrisy in parenting so our children see the Gospel through us. Table of ContentsFamily Worship Guide for Avoiding Hypocrisy in ParentingSermon Notes for Avoiding Hypocrisy in ParentingLesson 1: Resist temptation so you don’t see your sins in your children.Lesson 2: Don’t let past sins prevent you from disciplining your children.Lesson 3: Avoid hypocrisy in parenting by (Part One) modeling what you want from your children.Lesson 3: Avoid hypocrisy in parenting by (Part Four) telling your children you’re a sinner. Family Worship Guide for Avoiding Hypocrisy in Parenting Day 1—Read 2 Sam 13:21, 38-39, 14:33, 18:5, 1 Kin 1:6 and discuss: What sins did David see in the lives of his sons? In what ways did David’s sons’ sins reveal his sins? What are the dangers associated with viewing our children too sentimentally? Day 2—Read Pro 1:8-9, 3:12, 13:24, 19:18, 22:6 and discuss: Why didn’t David discipline his sons? Why would past sins prevent parents from disciplining their children? What can parents tell themselves when past sins prevent them from disciplining their children? When parents have sin-filled pasts what can they their children to avoid hypocrisy? Day 3—Read Rom 2:1, 20-24, Matt 7:1-5 and discuss: Do you have expectations for your children that you don’t have for yourself? What would your children say in answer to the previous question? Do your children see behaviors from you that you don’t want to see from them? Are you presenting a high view of God in your home, not just from what you profess, but the way you live? Day 4—Read Rom 3:9-23 and discuss: Why should parents share with their children that they’re sinners too? What are the dangers for parents if they don’t share with their children that they’re sinners too? Why is it important for parents to avoid making excuses to their children? What happens if children grow up with parents who regularly shift blame? In what ways can children see Christ through humble, loving parents? Sermon Notes for Avoiding Hypocrisy in Parenting The NT is clear that one of the main purposes of the OT is to provide us w/ examples we can learn from: Romans 15:4 Whatever things were written before [referring to the Old Testament] were written for OUR LEARNING. 1 Corinthians 10:6 These things (referring to the OT) became OUR EXAMPLES… 1 Corinthians 10:11 These things happened to them (the Israelites) AS EXAMPLES, and were written for OUR ADMONITION (or instruction). So I like to use the OT to provide examples when I’m teaching. We’re going to discuss avoiding hypocrisy in parenting, and the OT can lay a foundation for us by looking at David and his relationships w/ his sons. If you have a Bible, please turn to 2 Samuel 13… We don’t have time to read all the verses, so let me briefly explain what took place… David had a son named Amnon, and he lusted after his half-sister Tamar. She resisted him, but he overtook her and had his way w/ her. Look at verse 21 to see how David responded when he heard the news… 2 Samuel 13:21 But when King David heard of all these things, he was very angry. David got very angry…but that’s it. He didn’t do anything. Consider this happened to his own daughter, but there’s no record of him punishing Amnon whatsoever. According to God’s Law, David actually should’ve executed him. Here’s what ended up happening… Tamar felt violated and alone. You would expect her to go to her father, David, for help and consolation, but instead she went to live w/ her brother, Absalom. I suspect she knew David wouldn’t do anything. While Tamar was w/ Absalom you can guess how furious he became toward Amnon b/c of what he did to his sister. I’m not making any excuses for Absalom, but b/c David didn’t punish Amnon, Absalom decided to take matters into his own hands. Let me ask you to remember what Absalom did: he got Amnon drunk and then he had him murdered. David learned what happened, so Absalom ran away. Skip to verse 38… 38 So Absalom fled and went to Geshur, and was there three years. 39 And King David longed to go to Absalom. For he had been comforted concerning Amnon, because he was dead. After 3 years the pain of Amnon’s murder subsided and David wanted to be reconciled w/ his son, Absalom. There’s only one problem: guess what David doesn’t want to do? Punish him! David’s indulgent attitude toward Amnon is now being repeated w/ Absalom. Look at 2 Samuel 14:33 to see when David and Absalom are finally reunited… 33 So Joab went to the king (this is David) and told him. And when he (this is David) had called for Absalom, he came to the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king. Then the king kissed Absalom. This signified David’s reconciliation w/ his son, but

Jonah is a type of Christ. Jesus taught that the Old Testament is about Him (Luke 24:27). Jonah serves as one of the clearest types and shadows of Christ. When Jesus was asked for a sign, He staked His death, burial, and resurrection on the prophet. Additionally, the storm the disciples experienced with Jesus in the boat parallels the storm Jonah experienced when the sailors threw him overboard. Having Jesus in the boat with the disciples didn't stop the storm they experienced any more than a relationship with Jesus stops the storms we experience. Jonah died and calmed the storm so they might live, but only Jesus calms the storm of God's wrath that's against us so we might live eternally. https://youtu.be/WS61ZFGNEfA Jonah is a type of Christ. When Jesus was asked for a sign, He staked His death, burial, and resurrection on the prophet. Table of ContentsFamily Worship Guide for Jonah a Type of ChristSermon Notes for Jonah a Type of ChristLesson 1: Jesus and Jonah (part I) left Jewish territory for Gentile territory.Lesson 1: Jesus and Jonah (part II) experienced a terrible storm.Lesson 1: Jesus and Jonah (part III) slept during the storm.Lesson 1: Jesus and Jonah (part IV) were woken by sailors.Lesson 1: Jesus and Jonah (part V) calmed the storm.Lesson 1: Jesus and Jonah (part VI) were with men who came to fear god.Lesson 2: having Jesus in the boat doesn’t prevent the storms of life.Lesson 3: the storms of life don’t mean Jesus doesn’t care.Lesson 4: Jesus calms the storms in our hearts.Lesson 5: Jonah is a sign because he (part I) “died” and was “buried” for three days and three nights.Lesson 5: Jonah is a sign because he (part II) was resurrected on the third day.Lesson 6: (part I) Jonah laid down his life so others wouldn’t perish…Lesson 6: (part I) Jonah laid down his life so others wouldn’t perish (part II) but only Jesus calms the storm of god’s wrath. Family Worship Guide for Jonah a Type of Christ Day 1: Read Jonah 1 and discuss: In what parts of this chapter is Jesus foreshadowed? How about in the rest of the Old Testament? In other words, what other types and shadows of Christ come to mind, such as Abraham sacrificing Isaac, the manna, bronze serpent, etc.? How is Jesus revealed through these shadows? Day 2: Read James 1:2, Acts 14:22, 1 Thessalonians 3:3, 1 Peter 4:12, and John 16:33 and discuss: What do we tend to think we will avoid if we’re obedient? What are the dangers of this false belief? Why are so many Christians surprised by trials? Describe your most recent trial (or current one) and your initial reaction. Was it a surprise? How did/have you respond/ed? Day 3: Read Romans 12:15, 1 Corinthians 12:26, Proverbs 25:20, and Job 2:13: What is Proverbs 25:20 instructing us to do (and not do)? What did Job’s friends do right, and then do wrong? Think back to a time in your life when you “rejoiced” with someone suffering. What about a time you “wept” with someone suffering? How does Christ allow us to do both? Day 4: Read Mark 4:35-41 and discuss: Why did the disciples need to be rebuked? What had Jesus said would happen (that they should have remembered and counseled themselves with)? Think back to the last time you were experiencing a storm. Consider your words, actions, and reactions; what did they reveal about your faith and trust in God’s Word? What would you do differently now? Day 5: Read Matthew 12:39-40 and Jonah 2 and discuss: How is Jonah a “sign”? Is Jonah dead or alive? What words or phrases are used that lead you to think he is actually dead? What words and phrases describe his “burial”? What about his “resurrection”? Why does he sound dead when he’s alive? How is Jesus the true and greater Jonah? Sermon Notes for Jonah a Type of Christ Let me begin w/ a question… Who is the Old Testament primarily about? Not David Not Abraham Not Moses Jesus! Luke 24:27 Beginning at Moses and all the Prophets (this is a NT way of referring to the OT), [Jesus] expounded to them in all the Scriptures THE THINGS CONCERNING HIMSELF. Luke 24:44 [Jesus] said, “All things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms CONCERNING ME.” My personal favorite: Hebrews 10:7 Jesus said, “Behold, I have come – in the volume of the book IT IS WRITTEN OF ME.” How is the OT about Jesus? First, there are hundreds of prophecies of Him. Second, there are dramatic types – or shadows – of Him… Hebrews 10:1 [The Old Testament] was only A SHADOW of the good things to come not the realities themselves; the realities are found in Christ. Colossians 2:16-17 A festival or a new moon or Sabbaths…are A SHADOW of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. Shadows are a perfect way to describe the types of Christ in the OT, b/c: Shadows give you an outline of what something looks like w/o completely revealing the object…like Christ wasn’t completely revealed in the OT. When you see a shadow, you know there must be something casting it, or something behind it…and that

The consequences of poor spiritual leadership are shown well through Jacob's decision to settle his family in Shechem. Jacob's family, especially his daughter, Dinah, suffered because of his poor spiritual leadership. He planted his family at Shechem, never considering the terrible spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional consequences. What can men learn from Jacob's mistakes? How can fathers and husbands - as well as sons growing up to be men - do to avoid some of these same mistakes? https://youtu.be/2JI_Xx6BYqs The consequences of poor spiritual leadership are shown well through Jacob's decision to settle his family in Shechem in Genesis 34. Table of ContentsSermon Notes on the Consequences of Poor Spiritual LeadershipLesson 1: sacrifice is no substitute for obedience.Lesson 2: a father’s compromise endangers his family.Lesson 3: the world wants to assimilate our families.Lesson 4: a father’s passivity causes problems.Lesson 5: a father must protect his family .Lesson 6: sin ruins our witness.Lesson 7: (part I) it’s never too late for a father to lead…Lesson 7: (part I) it’s never too late for a father to lead (part II) and when he does, his family often follows. Sermon Notes on the Consequences of Poor Spiritual Leadership This morning’s message focuses on fathers, but I’d say it has application for all of you: If you’re a wife, you need to know what’s expected of your husband so you can help him in his spiritual leadership. If you’re a young man, hopefully you’ll become a father someday, so this has application for you as that day approaches. If you’re a young woman, you’ll probably get married someday, so you need to know what to look for in a husband and father of your children. And if you never marry, you will be in the Church with people who are married and you will have opportunities to encourage others in the one-another’s listed for us in the New Testament. So there’s application for all of us! Let’s begin by looking at Genesis 31:13…the context is God talking to Jacob… Genesis 31:13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and made a vow to me. Now arise, go out from this land and return to the land of your kindred.’” Jacob fled from his uncle Laban. God met him and told him to return to Bethel where he had his famous dream of the ladder stretching from heaven to earth w/ angels ascending and descending on it. Look at Genesis 33:18 to see if Jacob went to Bethel like God commanded… Genesis 33:18 And Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, on his way from Paddan-aram, and he camped before the city. He settled in Shechem. This isn’t Bethel, is it? Where does it say Shechem is located? In the land of Canaan. Not a good place to be. The people are so evil in a few centuries God is going to call for their extermination. You could read this and say, “Well, he’s just stopping here for a moment and then he’ll be on his way.” Not quite. Look at verse 19… Genesis 33:19 And from the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father, he bought for a hundred pieces of money the piece of land on which he had pitched his tent. 20 There he erected an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel (which means, “God, the God of Israel”). Jacob purchased land and pitched his tent. He wasn’t planning on leaving any time soon. Instead of obeying God, he delayed, and this compromise caused real problems. Notice it says he erected an altar. In the middle of Jacob’s compromise he did something that all of us can fall susceptible to, and this brings us to Lesson 1… Lesson 1: sacrifice is no substitute for obedience. God didn’t want an altar. He wanted Jacob to get to Bethel. There was no amount of altars he could build or sacrifices he could offer that were going to take the place of Jacob obedience. 1 Samuel 15:22 “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. Sacrifices are no substitute for obedience! This has application for all of us… As fathers… There are lots of sacrifices we can make: We can work hard to take care of our families… We can pay our bills on time… We can work hard around the house… But there’s no substitute for obeying the primary commands God’s given us as men: Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. We can’t work hard enough that it can ever take the place of loving our wives. Loving our wives IS the sacrifice God wants. Ephesians 6:4b Fathers…bring [up your children] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. God wants men to teach their children about Him. No matter how hard you work – no matter what sacrifices you make – nothing can take the place of praying with your children and reading the Word w/ them. As mothers, there are lots of sacrifices you can make, but there’s no substitute for obeying the primary commands given to you in Titus 2:4-5… Love your h

King Manasseh, his repentance and forgiveness, is dramatic, because he was one of the evilest men in Scripture. Read, watch, or listen to this message to be encouraged by his example in 2 Chronicles 33. https://youtu.be/boFipYX3MN8 King Manasseh, his repentance and forgiveness, is dramatic, because he was one of the evilest men in Scripture. Read, watch, or listen to this message to be encouraged by his example in 2 Chronicles 33. Table of ContentsLessons for King Manasseh: Repentance and ForgivenessFamily Worship Guide for King Manasseh: Repentance and ForgivenessSermon Notes for Bear Fruit Worthy of RepentanceLesson 1: In affliction you can harden or humble yourself.Lesson 2: Genuine repentance bears fruit.Lesson 3: Forgiveness doesn’t mean no consequences (part I) we might not be able to undo what we did.Lesson 3: Forgiveness doesn’t mean no consequences (part II) for others.Lesson 3: Forgiveness doesn’t mean no consequences (part III) our kids might carry on our sins.Lesson 4: Manasseh shows God’s mercy knows no bounds. Lessons for King Manasseh: Repentance and Forgiveness Lesson 1: In affliction you can harden or humble yourself. Lesson 2: Genuine repentance bears fruit. Lesson 3: Forgiveness doesn’t mean no consequences: (Part I) We might not be able to undo what we did. (Part II) For others. (Part III) Our kids might carry on our sins. Lesson 4: Manasseh shows God’s mercy knows no bounds. Family Worship Guide for King Manasseh: Repentance and Forgiveness Day 1: Read 2 Chronicles 16:7-12 and discuss: How did Asa respond to God in the midst of his affliction? Can you discuss a time you were afflicted and you humbled yourself? What about a time you hardened yourself? What can you do to ensure you humble, versus harden, yourself when suffering? Day 2: Read Matthew 3:8, Luke 3:8; Ephesians 4:22-32; Colossians 3:8-12 and discuss: How do we know if repentance is genuine? Why do many people fail when it comes to repentance/producing lasting change? What is a temptation you struggle with? To develop victory in this area, what do you need to “put on,” or in other words, what fruit needs to be produced in its place? Day 3: Read 2 Chronicles 33:1-21 and discuss: What is forgiveness? What does forgiveness not mean? What consequences were in Manasseh and the Jews’ lives as a result of Manasseh’s sins? Can you think of other people in Scripture who repented, were forgiven, but still suffered consequences? Despite Manasseh’s wickedness, why is the end of his life so encouraging? What does Manasseh teach us about God’s forgiveness and mercy, or another way to say it is: what do we learn about Christ’s sacrifice? Sermon Notes for Bear Fruit Worthy of Repentance The title of this morning’s sermon is, “Fruit Worthy of Repentance.” We’re going to look at one of the evilest men who ever lived. I can’t think of anyone, Jew or Gentile, that approached the wickedness Manasseh engaged in throughout his lifetime. Please turn to 2 Chronicles 33:1… 2 Chronicles 33:1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. That's the longest reign of any king in the OT. Just to put this in perspective, Saul, David, and Solomon each reigned 40 yrs. 2 Chronicles 33:2 But he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel. 3 For he (Manasseh) rebuilt the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down; he raised up altars for the Baals, and made wooden images; and he worshiped ALL THE HOST OF HEAVEN and served them. He worshipped everything you could worship EXCEPT God. Now for a moment, let me pause our reading about Manasseh, so I can share something w/ you that will give context for what we just read… Manasseh’s father was Hezekiah. He was one of the greatest reformers in the OT. Let me share a few verses w/ you… 2 Kings 18:4-6 [Hezekiah] REMOVED the high places and BROKE the sacred pillars, CUT DOWN the wooden image and BROKE in pieces the bronze serpent. [There] was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor who were before him. It could just say Hezekiah removed sin from the land, but notice the repetition of verbs: removed, broke, cut down. He attacked sin like it was a cancer. His ruthlessness and severity is a great picture of the ruthlessness and severity we need to demonstrate toward sin. We tend to treat sin too lightly, but God wants us to remove sin from our lives like Hezekiah removed sin in his nation. As you read about many of the kings in the OT, it will say a king was good, but then it will also say, “But the high places remained.” Hezekiah has the unique distinction of being one of the few kings great enough to remove even the high places. It was a tremendous accomplishment. I mention all this, b/c if you look at verse 3 it says [Manasseh] rebuilt the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down. Manasseh became king and reversed the great things his father did

What does the bible say about giving to the poor? Read or listen to this material from Your Finances God’s Way to learn about the scriptures on taking care of the poor. Table of ContentsA Better Approach When Giving to the PoorA Command Versus SuggestionA Good Example to FollowGood Stewards Support Their Church LeadersDistinguishing Between Two GroupsGiving to the Poor Who Are Unable to WorkGiving to the Poor Who Are Unwilling to WorkDetriment One: Wastes MoneyDetriment Two: Hinders RepentanceDetriment Three: Enables Further SinDetriment Four: Prevents ShameKeep Doing Good Growing up, I became friends with a boy my age who lived in a trailer park. As we got to know each other, I noticed his parents were always home. I thought dads woke up and, most days, went to work. Then they came home in the evening. That’s what my dad and the other dads I knew did. I projected that expectation on my friend’s father and was surprised when this wasn’t true. Once, he invited me into his parents’ little trailer, where they played Nintendo. When we left, he said, “That’s what my parents do.” That seemed to be about all they did, along with eating and sleeping. I never even saw them go outside. Because this was before I knew what welfare was, I wondered how they had money for living expenses. There has been much debate about our society's responsibility to the unemployed, uninsured, and uneducated. Many people affected by economic downturns or other unfortunate circumstances desire to work but can’t find employment. On the other side of the spectrum are those who have become generational welfare recipients, preferring to remain on the government dole. How should we, as Christians, respond to these scenarios? A Better Approach When Giving to the Poor Under the Mosaic law, the welfare system in Israel instructed farmers, “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field when you reap, nor shall you gather any gleaning from your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the stranger: I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 23:22; See also Leviticus 19:9 and Deuteronomy 24:19). Our government gives people handouts that require little more than standing in line or walking to a mailbox to collect a check. I believe God’s approach was better for two reasons: It provided for the poor by encouraging those capable of being productive to be generous. This stands in contrast to the redistribution of wealth that our nation promotes, taking from those with more to give to those with less. It required effort from the poor. God did not tell farmers to harvest everything and give it to the poor. Instead, He told farmers to leave enough for the poor to gather. Work gives people a sense of purpose, productivity, and dignity, which is why involving the needy in the process benefits them. Ruth showed the beauty of this approach. She asked Naomi, whom she was caring for, “Please let me go to the field, and glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favor” (Ruth 2:2). She could have said, “I’m with my mother-in-law, and we’re both childless widows. We’re weak and vulnerable, so everyone should give to us out of pity.” Instead, she went to the field and gathered an ephah of barley, which is about 26 quarts (Ruth 2:17). Her example is a solid rebuke to those who could contribute to meeting their needs instead of expecting handouts. Knowing who to give to requires balance and wisdom because we aren’t in the Old Testament under God’s welfare system. As true as giving is part of being a good steward, it is equally true that knowing when not to give is also part of being a good steward. A Command Versus Suggestion Scripture provides guidelines on when to give and when not to give. We need the instruction in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15, so we will consider this passage carefully. In verse 6, Paul wrote, “We command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.” The strong language “we command” carried Paul’s apostolic authority; therefore, this is a binding order versus a suggestion or recommendation. The Greek word translated as “command” is paraggello, which is a military term meaning “an order handed down from a superior officer.” The same word is used four times in this passage, in verse 4, verse 6, and twice in verse 10 because the church is an army: Second Timothy 2:3-4 says a Christian “must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ…that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.” Philippians 2:25 and Philemon 1:2 call Epaphroditus and Archippus fellow soldiers. Ephesians 6:11-17 commands Christians to wear armor and carry a sword. If soldiers do not obey orders, the result is disorder. Unfortunately, some of the Thessalonians were “idle” or in “idleness” (verses 7 and 11). The Greek word is ataktos, meaning “out of ranks, often so of soldiers

The Bible verses on giving teach us many critical financial lessons. Read or listen to this material from Your Finances God’s Way to learn five of them. Table of ContentsLesson 1: Bible Verses on Giving Teach Us to Follow the Macedonians' ExampleLesson 2: Bible Verses on Giving Teach Us to Follow the Poor Widow’s ExampleAn Example of Eternal RewardsLesson 3: Bible Verses on Giving Teach Us to Give SacrificiallyOur Sacrifice Is WorshipSacrificial Worship with Abraham and IsaacSacrificial Worship with AnimalsSacrificial Worship with DavidGiving Without SacrificeLesson 4: Bible Verses on Giving Teach Us to Give According to Your IncomeAmericans Don't Give According to Their IncomeGiving According to Income Was Prefigured in the Old TestamentLesson 5: Bible Verses on Giving Teach Us to Give Regardless of GiftingWhat If We Have a Hard Time Giving? Katie and I were part of a home fellowship early in our marriage. A couple joined the group soon after being released from prison. Even though they hadn’t been Christians for long, their affection for the Lord was evident. They were thankful that He had forgiven them, that He would want a relationship with them after their actions, and that He would allow them to begin new lives in Christ. Because of the decisions that led to their incarcerations and the burned bridges with most—if not all—family members and friends, it wouldn’t be too much to say that our home fellowship was just about all they had. They were part of our group when Katie was pregnant with our first child, Rhea. Everyone was excited for us, but perhaps because this couple had no children or grandchildren, they seemed more excited than anyone else. They desperately wanted to give Rhea a gift when she was born, but as you can guess, they didn’t have much. They settled on a dirty, smelly blanket, which they put in a torn plastic bag. They were smokers, so we had to put the blanket on the sanitary cycle on our washer quite a few times, but we still couldn’t get rid of the smell. While the blanket didn’t cost much and was never helpful, the gift still meant a lot to us. Why? Because they had so little, we knew the sacrifice they had made. Giving is much bigger than the gift. If I can use two analogies, the gift is an iceberg above the water, and below the surface is what went into the gift. The gift is a tree, and the roots in the ground went into the gift. Please remember these illustrations because I will keep referring to them. Everything behind the giving is more important than the gift itself. A great example of this in Scripture is the believers in Macedonia. They gave a gift to the believers in Jerusalem, and so sacrificial was their giving that Paul used their example to challenge the Christians in Corinth. Please keep this in mind: The epistles weren’t written only for the benefit of the church they were addressed to. The book of Romans wasn’t just for the Romans; Ephesians wasn’t just for the Ephesians; Corinthians wasn’t just for the Corinthians. They were written to benefit all believers. So, just as the believers in Macedonia challenged those in Corinth, they should also challenge us. When we examine all that went into the Macedonians’ giving, we learn lessons to apply to our giving. Lesson 1: Bible Verses on Giving Teach Us to Follow the Macedonians' Example Because the New Testament doesn’t command giving a tithe, how do we know how much to give? Although the New Testament doesn’t tell us how much, it does give us principles to determine the amount. Most of these principles are found in two chapters: 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. If you want to read about Christian giving, go to these chapters. They provide the richest, most detailed teaching on giving in the New Testament. The context for 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 is essential. One of the primary goals of Paul’s third missionary journey was to gather a special offering for the poor Christians in Jerusalem. He wrote to the Corinthians to get them to give to the cause by telling them about the Macedonians. Just as Job is synonymous with suffering and Solomon is synonymous with wisdom, the Macedonians should be synonymous with giving. Paul wrote: We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord (2 Corinthians 8:1-3). The Macedonians gave “in a severe test of affliction.” Macedonia was the northern region of Greece, where the Philippian, Thessalonican, and Berean churches were located. This area had been ravaged by many wars and was still being plundered by Rome even at the time of Paul’s writing. This is a glimpse of the iceberg below the surface or the roots in the ground. During trials, who do we tend to think about? Ourselves. Who do we tend

Based on Ephesians 4:12 the church leadership should equip the saints for the work of ministry versus being seeker sensitive. In seeker sensitive churches the focus is taken off believers and put on unbelievers. This is a reversal of the biblical pattern, and it leaves believers spiritually weak, emaciated, and starving. The focus should be on believers so they can be built up, equipped, sanctified, and strengthened. Then they can perform the work of the ministry, including going out and sharing the gospel with the lost. https://youtu.be/HjKjlt6D1nM Based on Ephesians 4:12 the church leadership should equip the saints for the work of ministry versus being seeker sensitive. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Equip the Saints for the Work of Ministry Versus Being Seeker SensitiveFamily Worship Guide for Equip the Saints for the Work of Ministry Versus Being Seeker SensitiveSermon Notes for Equip the Saints for the Work of Ministry Versus Being Seeker SensitiveWe don’t want to be seeker sensitive because (lesson one) it typically means pleasing man versus God.We don’t want to be seeker sensitive because (lesson two) we want unbelievers to be convicted.We don’t want to be seeker sensitive because (lesson three) we want believers equipped and sanctified. Sermon Lessons for Equip the Saints for the Work of Ministry Versus Being Seeker Sensitive We want to equip the saints for the work of ministry versus being seeker sensitive because: Lesson 1: it typically means ________________ ______ versus God. Lesson 2: we want unbelievers to ____ __________________ (2 Peter 2:8, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 2 Corinthians 2:15-16). Lesson 3: we want believers to be ________________ and ____________________ (Ephesians 2:20, 4:11-16). Family Worship Guide for Equip the Saints for the Work of Ministry Versus Being Seeker Sensitive Directions: Read 2 Peter 2:8, first Corinthians 1:18, 2 Corinthians 2:15-16, Ephesians 4:11-16 and then answer the following questions: Day one: what does seeker sensitive mean? Why would a church want to be seeker sensitive? What seems good about being seeker sensitive? What is wrong with being seeker sensitive? What do churches typically dismiss, or get rid of, when they are seeker sensitive? What might churches embrace when they are seeker sensitive? Day two: how should we treat unbelievers when they come to church? How do we want unbelievers to feel when they come to church? Should we treat longtime believers in the church differently than new attendees? If so, how? How should believers feel in worldly situations? How does the gospel sound to unbelievers? How about to unbelievers? Day three: what is the primary purpose of the Sunday morning worship service? Who (besides God) is it primarily for? What do we want to do with believers in the worship service, and why do we want to do this for them? What is the danger of not doing this? Why is it important for unbelievers that believers be spiritually strong? Sermon Notes for Equip the Saints for the Work of Ministry Versus Being Seeker Sensitive The title of this morning’s sermon is “Equip the Saints Versus Seeker Sensitive.” We are resuming our sermons on the vision of the church. As I told you in my last message this is not primarily about our theology. Instead, I want to define why we do things the way we do. This morning we’re going to be talking about why we want to equip the saints versus being seeker sensitive. The term seeker sensitive is an umbrella term encompassing lots of different churches and lots of different practices. It’s very reasonable that across the spectrum some seeker sensitive churches are doing a better job than others. So my point isn’t that everything I say applies to every seeker sensitive church, but I do think what I’ll say generally applies to churches under this umbrella. The other day I read this quote… “When a church changes biblical truths and standards to match current culture they are no longer following the Bible, they are following the lost.” And I think this describes what happened with seeker sensitive churches and brings us to lesson one… We don’t want to be seeker sensitive because (lesson one) it typically means pleasing man versus God. The seeker sensitive movement is about trying to give people what they want versus giving God what he wants. The focus of the seeker church is not Christ-centered, but man-centered. Bob Burney is a pastor, church planter, and radio show host. He described what it was like being trained to be a seeker sensitive church… “The size of the crowd rather than the depth of the heart determined success. If the crowd was large then surely God was blessing the ministry. Churches were built by demographic studies, professional strategists, marketing research, meeting ‘felt needs’ and sermons consistent with these techniques. We were told that preaching was out, relevance was in. Doctrine didn’t matter nearly as much as innovation. If it wasn’t ‘cutting edge’ and consumer friendly it was doomed.

Luke 15:1 says, “Tax collectors and sinners were drawing near to Jesus.” The end of the previous chapter contains the strongest verses in all of Scripture regarding discipleship. Jesus preached them because the crowds were bloated. They were filled with people who weren’t true disciples. Jesus wanted to thin the ranks. The tax collectors and sinners not only remained but drew closer to him. They were tired of their spiritual sickness, and wanted to be made well. Are you spiritually sick? There is a Physician who wants to make you well. Jesus wouldn’t turn away the tax collectors and sinners in his day and he doesn’t turn them away in our day. https://youtu.be/kXvRO7kDmEs Luke 15:1 says, “Tax collectors and sinners drew near to Jesus.” They were tired of their spiritual sickness, and wanted to be made well. Table of ContentsHoliness Can’t Be TransferredUnholiness Can Be TransferredUnholy People Rub Off on UsHow Do We Keep Unholiness Out Of Our Lives?First, Keep Unholiness Out of Your Life by Evangelizing Versus Compromising.Second, Keep Unholiness Out of Your Life by Pointing Tax Collectors and Sinners to the PhysicianRepentance Is the Physician’s PrescriptionTax Collectors and Sinners Who Know They Are Sick Draw Near to Jesus Jesus was able to deal with tax collectors and sinners while remaining holy. He sets a good example for us, because we should ask how we can be evangelistic and reach out to unholy people without becoming unholy ourselves. Let’s briefly consider verses that reveal that unholy people pose a threat to us. Holiness Can’t Be Transferred Here’s the context. After the Jews returned to the Promised Land following their exile in Babylon, they wrongly believed two things about holiness. First, they believed doing holy things like rebuilding the temple or offering sacrifices made them holy. Second, they believed being in the Holy Land made them holy. They didn’t understand these things wouldn’t make them holy if they were living unholy lives. God sent the prophet Haggai to correct their understanding. Haggai asked the priests two questions about the law, and considering they are the experts in the law, they would know the answers better than anyone else: On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: Ask the priests about the law: ‘If someone carries holy meat in the fold of his garment and touches with his fold bread or stew or wine or oil or any kind of food, does it become holy?’” The priests answered and said, “No.” (Haggai 2:10-12). The first question was essentially, “What happens when something holy touches something unholy? Does what is unholy become holy?” The priests correctly answered, “No.” Healthy people can’t walk through a hospital and touch sick people and make them healthy. We can’t take non-spoiled food and touch spoiled food and make it non-spoiled. Similarly, holy people can’t touch unholy people and make them holy. Holiness isn’t contagious. It doesn’t rub off on others. Unholiness Can Be Transferred The second question: “Then Haggai said, ‘If someone who is unclean by contact with a dead body touches any of these, does it become unclean?’ The priests answered and said, ‘It does become unclean.’” (Haggai 2:13). Unclean is synonymous with unholy, so now Haggai asked, “What happens when something unholy touches something holy? Does whatever is unholy cause whatever is holy to become unholy?” The priests correctly answered, yes. The first question was about whether something holy can touch something unholy and make it holy. This second question is about whether something unholy can touch something holy and make it unholy, and it can! Maybe you’ve heard people say, “We’re going to take this unholy thing from the world— such as this movie, book, or music—and sanctify it or make it holy.” But this isn’t possible. If it’s unholy in the world, it’s unholy in our lives, families, homes, or churches. And if we introduce anything unholy from the world into our lives, families, homes, or churches, it makes our lives, families, homes, or churches unholy: Holiness begins in our minds and works out in our actions. That being true, what we allow to enter our minds is critically important. The television programs we watch, the movies we attend, the books and magazines we read, the music we listen to, and the conversations we have all affect our minds. We need to evaluate the effects of these using Philippians 4:8 as a standard. Are the thoughts stimulated by these true? Are they pure? Lovely? Admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy? Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness, page 92 Unholy People Rub Off on Us What about when we are talking not about unholy things, but unholy people, such as tax collectors and sinners? Can they pose a threat to our holiness? Absolutely! This is why 2 Corinthians 6:14 warns, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness w

When we think of types and shadows of Jesus, the Bronze Serpent (John 3:14), manna (John 6:51), rock in the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:4), or certain individuals like Joseph, Moses, David and Solomon probably come to mind. But Abigail in 1 Samuel 25? Probably not, but she should! Table of contentsBackground for the TypologyExample 1: Abigail rode a donkey on the way to make atonement.Example 2: Abigail sought to bear Nabal’s iniquityExample 3: Abigail saved a foolish manExample 4: Abigail provided an offering for Nabal’s sin Example 5: Abigail declared the king’s house, innocence, and victory over enemiesExample 6: Abigail was accepted as an intercessor Example 7: Abigail turned away wrath Example 8: She established peaceExample 9: Abigail had pleasing characterExample 10: Her actions defeated the “devil”Example 11: Abigail washed servants’ feetExample 12: She was elevated to a position of honor Background for the Typology Let me briefly run through the verses in 1 Samuel 25 to explain the account: Now Samuel died. And all Israel assembled and mourned for him, and they buried him in his house at Ramah. David and Abigail Then David rose and went down to the wilderness of Paran. And there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel. The man was very rich; he had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. He was shearing his sheep in Carmel. Now the name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. The woman was discerning and beautiful, but the man was harsh and badly behaved; he was a Calebite. 1 Samuel 25:1-3 David and his men are on the run from Saul, and it was common for them to provide for themselves by providing protection. They defended towns, such as Keilah in 1 Samuel 23:1-14, and Nabal’s flocks in this account. David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep. So David sent ten young men. And David said to the young men, “Go up to Carmel, and go to Nabal and greet him in my name. And thus you shall greet him: ‘Peace be to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have. I hear that you have shearers. Now your shepherds have been with us, and we did them no harm, and they missed nothing all the time they were in Carmel. Ask your young men, and they will tell you. Therefore let my young men find favor in your eyes, for we come on a feast day. Please give whatever you have at hand to your servants and to your son David.’” When David's young men came, they said all this to Nabal in the name of David, and then they waited. 1 Samuel 25:4-9 Since it was such a common practice for wealthy landowners to pay men who guarded their properties, Nabal shouldn’t have been surprised by David’s request. More than likely he even expected it. Nabal answered David's servants, “Who is David? Who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants these days who are breaking away from their masters. 1 Samuel 25:10 Nabal responded with two insults. First, when David went to live with the Philistines to escape Saul, the Philistine leaders said: Is not this David, of whom they sing to one another in dances, ‘Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?” 1 Samuel 29:5 If the Philistines had heard of David’s exploits, Nabal had too, but he acted like David was a nobody. Nabal's second insult referred to David’s separation from to make him look rebellious. Shall I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers and give it to men who come from I do not know where?” 1 Samuel 25:11 An honorable person would’ve been glad to pay David and his men for their services, but Nabal’s response, in particular the repetition of the word my, reveal his selfishness. So David's young men turned away and came back and told him all this. And David said to his men, “Every man strap on his sword!” And every man of them strapped on his sword. David also strapped on his sword. And about four hundred men went up after David, while two hundred remained with the baggage. 1 Samuel 25:12-13 This is a low point for David. He gave into his flesh and we find out later he wasn’t only going to kill Nabal, but all his men too. But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, “Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to greet our master, and he railed at them. Yet the men were very good to us, and we suffered no harm, and we did not miss anything when we were in the fields, as long as we went with them. They were a wall to us both by night and by day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep. 1 Samuel 25:14-16 We see how well, and honorably, the servants said David and his men protected the animals and servants. Nabal’s servants knew there was no reasoning with him, so they went to his wife, Abigail. Now therefore know this and consider what you should do, for harm is determined against our master and against all his house, and he is such a worthless man that one cannot speak to him.” Then Abigail made haste and took two h