Scott LaPierre Ministries

God told Moes, "Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it to drink” (Exodus 17:6) Read on to learn about this wonderful type of Christ. This is Part II. Here is Part I. Table of ContentsBaptism and Communion with ChristA Firm FoundationProducing Living WaterThe Samaritan Woman at the WellThe Feast of TabernaclesStruck Once for Sin"Speaking” to the RockPersonal ApplicationSuffering Doesn’t Mean We DisobeyedAsking the Right WayPressing onRemembering God’s Past ProvisionThe Wilderness Isn’t Supposed to Be PleasantThose Who Have Been Given Much Must Be CarefulProsperity Is Not Always a Sign of Obedience Baptism and Communion with Christ The word baptize means immersed. Think of how we say people are immersed in their thoughts or immersed in their work. Sometimes when Scripture uses the word baptize it communicates immersion, but with something or someone. For example, the Greek word for baptized is used in Matthew 3:11 and Acts 1:5 to refer to people being baptized (or immersed or having unity) with the Holy Spirit. Mark 10:39 is about being baptized (or immersed) in trials. When people are suffering, we say they are experiencing a baptism by fire. First Corinthians 10:2 says Israel was “baptized into Moses…in the sea.” This figuratively took place when Israel crossed the Red Sea. It might seem odd to compare crossing the Red Sea with baptism because the Israelites stayed dry, but it isn’t physical (water) baptism: it’s spiritual baptism. Notice it doesn’t say they were “baptized into the sea.” It says they were “baptized into Moses.” This is about their spiritual immersion and unity with Moses in the wilderness. Paul uses the same words Romans 6:3 and Galatians 3:27 to say we “were baptized into Christ.” Like Israel was baptized into Moses, we are baptized into Christ. Like Israel experienced spiritual immersion and unity with Israel in the wilderness, we experience spiritual immersion and unity with Christ in the church. Along with baptism, the other ordinance is communion, which these words look forward to: “all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink.” The idea isn’t that Christ physically nourished Israel in the wilderness: He wasn’t physically in the manna or the water. Instead, Israel was spiritually nourished by Christ in the wilderness, like we’re spiritually nourished by Christ in the church. As we discussed in the previous chapter, Jesus is also our spiritual food. He said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). A Firm Foundation The Greek word for a small rock formation is lithos. But the Greek word in 1 Corinthians 10:4 is petra, referring to a massive rock formation, conveying the strong foundation Jesus provides. Jesus himself, along with many New Testament verses, use this metaphor: “On this rock (petra) I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18). In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock (petra). And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock (petra)” (Matthew 7:24-25). Like Christ was the spiritual Rock for Israel in the wilderness, He’s the spiritual Rock for us in the church: “Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone” (Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 2:20). Probably thinking back to Jesus’ statement to him in Matthew 16:18, Peter used three different Old Testament verses employing the metaphor in 1 Peter 2:6-7: For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame” (Isaiah 28:16). So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” (Psalm 118:22, also quoted by Paul in Acts 4:11) and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” Isaiah 8:14 David wrote, “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” (Psalm 95:1). Singing to a rock doesn’t make sense, unless we understand the rock is Christ, our salvation. Producing Living Water Physical water is important. We recognize there’s no life without it, but there’s also a sense in which it doesn’t really keep you alive. You drink water throughout your life, but you still end up dying. This reveals—not the strength —but weakness of water. Jesus said He could provide water that would give people eternal life. After Moses struck the rock, it produced water that satisfied the people’s physical thirst, looking forward to Christ providing living water that satisfies our spiritual thirst. The physical water from the rock that kept people live temporarily looked forward to the living water from Christ that keeps people live eternally

First Corinthians 10:4 says, "The spiritual rock that followed them was Christ." What does this mean? Read on to learn about this beautiful type of Christ. This is Part I. Here is Part II. Table of ContentsComplaining Instead of Asking (Exodus 17:1-7)A New Generation Sounds Like the Old (Numbers 20:1-13)A Heart-Breaking, but Necessary JudgmentThe Spiritual Rock that Followed Them Was Christ (1 Corinthians 10:1-4)God’s Glory in Christ Throughout my life water has been so available to me that it never seemed that valuable. There was only one time it seemed to dramatically increase in significance. After my senior year of high school, during the summer, prior to going to college, I worked as a wilderness firefighter. This is when I learned I didn’t want to be a wilderness firefighter! When they trained us they couldn’t stress water’s importance strongly enough. They told it was more important than our tools, tent, food and even the other firefighters with us, because it was something we needed to stay alive. There was an unwritten rule that we could ask for help, borrow food and tools from people, but we could never ask people for any of their water. We went to our first fire in Los Angeles. The temperature was over 100°. We were traveling up and down mountains wearing helmets and boots while carrying our backpacks and tools. It was hot and exhausting. That was the moment water seemed much more valuable. For years after that I never viewed water the same. Let’s think about water’s value and what it’s like being in the wilderness without any to understand the Israelites’ situation when they were in the wilderness without any water: All the congregation of the people of Israel moved on from the wilderness of Sin by stages, according to the commandment of the Lord, and camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” And Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord” But the people thirsted there for water, and the people grumbled against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” So Moses cried to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone him me.” Exodus 17:1-7 Complaining Instead of Asking (Exodus 17:1-7) Exodus 12:37 says there were 600,000 men, which means there were anywhere from three to four million people. The need for water for a group this size would have been an immense problem. There was nothing wrong with the people asking for water but there was a problem in the way they asked—they “quarreled with Moses” and demanded: “Give us water to drink.” Although the Israelites probably thought they only contended with Moses, he responded that they tested God; they were like children trying their parents’ patience. Despite Moses’s warning, they persisted, going so far as to bring the outrageous accusation that God was trying to murder them: “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” After everything Moses did for them—such as being used by to God deliver them from their bondage, perform numerous miracles including unleashing the plagues, part the Red Sea, and provide miraculous food from heaven—unbelievably they were ready to stone him. At a loss, Moses turned to God: And the Lord said to Moses, “Pass on before the people, taking with you some of the elders of Israel, and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink.” And Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. Exodus 17:5-6 To encourage Moses and give him confidence, God had him take the rod he used to perform previous miracles: turning the rod into a serpent and the waters of Egypt into blood, bringing hail and locusts, and parting the Red Sea (Exodus 4:4, 7:20, 9:3, 10:13, 14:16). Ironically, it would be this same rod that would get Moses in trouble forty years later. When Moses parted the Red Sea, he held the rod over a body of water and it became dry. Now almost the opposite happened: he would strike a rock in a dry desert, and water would come out of it to drink. This was completely testable. Moses would walk before the people, strike the rock, and water would come for, or it wouldn’t leaving him looking foolish in front of an already hostile nation that wanted to kill him. Moses trusted God, went before the people, and the LORD provided. Psalm 105:41 recounts what happened: “He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed through the desert like a river.” The people had plenty to drink and water their flocks. Likely the water from the rock became a steady source. Had the people not behaved so horribly, God would have provided the water in a context of blessing and the names for

In Luke 12:42 Jesus asked, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?" In Luke 12:35-40 Jesus preached about being ready for his return. We could almost think that what the guys are doing in Acts 1:9-11, is the best example of doing what Christ wanted: standing there, waiting, staring off into heaven. But then Jesus preached Luke 12:41 to 48 to prevent us from thinking this. Being ready for Christ’s return means serving. If we want to know who then is the faithful and wise steward we should look at our lives. https://youtu.be/K7gvDjZf8EU Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Who Then Is the Faithful and Wise Manager?Family Worship Guide for Who Then Is the Faithful and Wise Manager?Sermon Notes for Who Then Is the Faithful and Wise Manager?Lesson one: prepare for Christ’s return by serving.Lesson two: our lives reveal if we don’t expect Christ’s return.Lesson three: unfaithfulness is a strong evidence of being unsaved.Lesson four: the punishment will match the offense.Lesson five: ignorance is no excuse. Sermon Lessons for Who Then Is the Faithful and Wise Manager? Lesson 1: Prepare for Christ’s return ____ ______________ (Luke 12:42-44 cf. Acts 1:6-11, Matthew 25:20-21, Luke 19:16-19). Lesson 2: ______ __________ reveal if we don’t expect Christ’s return (Luke 12:45, 1 John 3:2). Lesson 3: Unfaithfulness is a ____________ ________________ of being unsaved (Luke 12:46, Matthew 25:26, 30). Lesson 4: The ____________________ will __________ the offense (Luke 12:47-48, Matthew 10:15, 11:20-24). Lesson 5: Ignorance is ____ ____________ (James 4:17, Luke 12:48). Family Worship Guide for Who Then Is the Faithful and Wise Manager? Directions: Read the verses at the end of the lessons to answer the following questions: Day 1: Why does it seem like Jesus didn’t directly answer people’s questions at times? What does it look like to prepare for Christ’s return? What are some ways you are preparing for Christ’s return? What are some ways you could better prepare for Christ’s return? How does the world typically reward faithfulness? How does the Lord seem to reward faithfulness? Day 2: Why do people’s lives tend to deteriorate spiritually when they don’t look forward to Christ’s return? What positive changes are typically shown in people’s lives when they look forward to Christ’s return? What is the relationship between faithfulness and salvation? Day 3: Describe the two categories for unbelievers. Looking back at the verses what are the different punishments you see? Why would the punishment be worse for some cities than it will be for Sodom and Gomorrah? Is ignorance an excuse? Why or why not? Sermon Notes for Who Then Is the Faithful and Wise Manager? The title of this morning’s sermon is, “Who Then Is the Faithful and Wise Manager?” We are continuing our verse-by-verse study through Luke’s gospel. Go ahead and turn to chapter 12. We will cover verses 41 through 48. Please stand for the reading of God’s Word. I’d like to back up to verse 35 because this morning’s verses flow from last week’s verses… Luke 12:35 “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. 38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! 39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” This is as far as we got last week. Here are the new verses for this morning… Luke 12:41 Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” 42 And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. 47 And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and fr

Jesus said, "You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Luke 12:40). Jesus wants us prepared to serve Him. Our waist must be girded so we’re ready to act quickly, but we need to be able to see where we’re going! We live in a dark world and the light we need to see comes from God’s Word: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). What is the blessing for those servants who are ready for Christ’s return? In an unbelievable reversal of the servant illustration Jesus says that he will serve the servants who faithfully served him. Jesus compares the way he will return with the way a thief will rob people. A thief does not announce his arrival. He comes when it is unexpected. The same is true with Jesus: the only way to be on guard against a thief is to live in constant readiness, and the only way to be prepared for Jesus’s return is to live in constant readiness. https://youtu.be/vKO5YMwcZ28 Jesus said, "You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Luke 12:40). He wants us prepared for Him. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for The Son of Man Is Coming at an Hour You Do Not ExpectFamily Worship Guide for The Son of Man Is Coming at an Hour You Do Not ExpectSermon Notes for The Son of Man Is Coming at an Hour You Do Not ExpectLesson one: Christ wants us ready to serve Him.Lesson two: focusing on Christ’s return provides victory over sin.Lesson three: we need God’s Word to see where we’re going.Lesson four: Jesus will serve those who faithfully served him.Lesson five: every generation is supposed to believe they’re the last. Sermon Lessons for The Son of Man Is Coming at an Hour You Do Not Expect Lesson 1: Christ wants us ready to __________ ______ (Luke 12:35, Exodus 12:11, 1 Peter 1:13). Lesson 2: focusing on Christ’s return provides victory ________ ______ (Luke 12:1). Lesson 3: we need God’s word to see where __________ __________ (Luke 12:35-36, Psalm 119:105, Matthew 25:3-13). Lesson 4: Jesus will __________ __________ who faithfully served him (Luke 12:37-38, John 13:4-5). Lesson 5: __________ ____________________ is supposed to believe they’re the last (Luke 12:39-40, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, Hebrews 10:37, James 5:8, Revelation 16:15, 2 Peter 3:3-10, Revelation 1:1). Family Worship Guide for The Son of Man Is Coming at an Hour You Do Not Expect Directions: Read the above verses at the end of the lessons and then answer the following questions: Day one: what are the two illustrations Jesus uses to encourage us to be ready for his return? What does it mean – spiritually speaking – for our waist to be girded? In what way does the Jews participation in Passover serve as a type of our readiness? How does focusing on Christ’s return provides victory over temptation and sin? What temptations can you resist better by focusing on Christ’s return? Day two: why is a lamp such a fitting metaphor for God’s word? In what ways does the parable of the wise and foolish virgins resemble the teaching in Luke’s gospel? What does it mean to be awake spiritually speaking? Why do you think Jesus serves those who have faithfully served him? In what ways does this truth encourage you to live differently? Second to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, describe some of the most obvious times during Jesus’s earthly ministry that he served others. Day three: why did the New Testament writers of the first century write about Jesus returning soon, even though he hasn’t returned in the last 2000 years? Using 2 Peter 3 what are some of the reasons Jesus hasn’t yet returned? What does it mean that Jesus’s return is imminent? What does it mean that Jesus will return as a thief in the night? In what ways does this encourage you to live differently? Sermon Notes for The Son of Man Is Coming at an Hour You Do Not Expect The title of this morning’s sermon is, “Coming at an Hour You Do Not Expect.” We are continuing our verse-by-verse study through Luke’s gospel. Go ahead and turn to chapter 12. We will cover verses 35 through 40. Please stand with me for the reading of God’s Word… Luke 12:35 “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. 38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! 39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” You may be seated. Let’s pray. In this section not only does Jesus tell us to look forward to his return, he tells

Acts 2:42 says regarding the early church, "they devoted themselves to the word (apostles' doctrine), and fellowship, communion (breaking of bread), and prayers." This verse can serve as a blueprint for churches. It describes the foundation of the early church, and it can serve as a foundation for us. Peter preached a great sermon on Pentecost and three thousand people were saved. This huge group of new believers couldn’t be sidetracked by any books, programs, or other churches. So, looking at what they focused on ("devoted themselves to") allows us to see what we should focus on. https://youtu.be/8YyhJ-Y7FdA Acts 2:42 says regarding the early church, "they devoted themselves to the word, fellowship, communion, and prayers." A great blueprint. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for They Devoted Themselves to the Word, Fellowship, Communion, and PrayerFamily Worship Guide for They Devoted Themselves to the Word, Fellowship, Communion, and PrayerSermon Notes for They Devoted Themselves to the Word, Fellowship, Communion, and PrayerLesson one: the early church sets a good example, because of what they didn’t have.Lesson two: Jesus builds the church.Lesson three: we want to equip the saints by devoting ourselves to the Word, fellowship, communion, and prayer. Sermon Lessons for They Devoted Themselves to the Word, Fellowship, Communion, and Prayer Lesson 1: the ­­­__________ ____________ sets a good example, because of what they didn’t have (Jeremiah 6:16, Acts 2:23, 36-38, Deuteronomy 30:6) Lesson 2: __________ ____________ the church (Acts 2:39-41, Matthew 16:18, Psalm 127:1, 1 Corinthians 3:6). Lesson 3: we want to equip the saints by ________________ __________________ to the Word, fellowship, communion, and prayer (Acts 2:42). Family Worship Guide for They Devoted Themselves to the Word, Fellowship, Communion, and Prayer Directions: Read the above verses at the end of the lessons and then answer the following questions associated with them: Day one: when considering the vision for our church, why can the early church serve as a good example for us? Why shouldn’t we try to be original? What else do you think we can learn from the early church? The early church wasn’t perfect. What are some things we can learn from them to avoid? Day two: why do we want unbelievers to be convicted when they attend our services? What does it mean that those listening to Peter at Pentecost were cut to the heart? Why is it encouraging that Jesus said he would build the church? What application does this have for us? Even though Jesus is building the church, what responsibilities do we still have? What can the account with Gideon illustrate for us? Day three: how can Acts 2:42 serve as a nice blueprint for us? What are the four areas (or spiritual disciplines) this verse encourages us to focus on? Briefly describe each one of them and their importance. After taking an honest assessment of your spiritual life, which areas do you feel comfortable with, and which areas have the most room for growth? What practical steps can you take to see yourself grow in these areas? Sermon Notes for They Devoted Themselves to the Word, Fellowship, Communion, and Prayer The title of this morning’s sermon is, “They Devoted Themselves to the Word, Fellowship, Communion, and Prayer” Go ahead and open your Bibles to Acts 2. Just to give you a little direction for the following Sundays, this is our last sermon on the vision of the church. Next week I’m going to resume my verse-by-verse studies through Luke’s gospel. If you want to read ahead, we will pick up where we left off at Luke 12:35…13 years ago. For now, let’s go ahead and read our verses this morning: 36 to 42. Acts 2:36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. As you can tell we are looking at the early church. This is pretty much as early as you can get because it is Pentecost which we would consider the birth of the church. Let me explain why I like this approach when considering the vision of our church… You’ve probably heard many of the buzzwords in the church today: postmoder

Can Christians get angry at sin and death? My father died unexpectedly earlier this month. Because he had Alzheimer’s I had years to think about him passing away and how I would feel. I expected grief and sorrow, but I didn’t expect to feel angry. We should evaluate our feelings to determine whether they please or displease God. We do this by reading God’s Word to see what it says about the feelings we are experiencing. We also look at our premier example, Jesus Christ Himself, to see if He experienced those same feelings because He was the perfect Person. The difficulty with evaluating anger is it isn’t as straightforward as other feelings. There are some verses that discourage anger and others that encourage it. https://youtu.be/AvXFyOleLek Can Christians get angry at sin and death? My father died unexpectedly. I expected grief, but I didn’t expect to feel angry. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Can Christians Get Angry at Sin and Death?Family Worship Guide for Can Christians Get Angry at Sin and Death?Sermon Notes for Can Christians Get Angry at Sin and Death?Lesson one: we should evaluate our feelings.Lesson two: we can be angry at (part one) sin.Lesson two: we can be angry at (part two) Death. Sermon Lessons for Can Christians Get Angry at Sin and Death? Lesson one: we should evaluate ______ ________________ (1 Thessalonians 4:13, Ephesians 2:12, Matthew 5:4, 26:36-38, Proverbs 22:24, Ecclesiastes 7:9, Colossians 3:8). Lesson two: we can be angry at: (part one) ______ (Deuteronomy 9:8, Numbers 11:1, Mark 3:5, James 1:20, 4:1-2, Psalm 97:10, Proverbs 8:13, Amos 5:15, Romans 12:9). (part two) __________ (John 11:31-44, 14:9, Hebrews 1:3, Revelation 20:14). Family Worship Guide for Can Christians Get Angry at Sin and Death? Directions: Read the verses and then answer the following questions: Day one: 1 Thessalonians 4:13, Ephesians 2:12, Matthew 5:4, 26:36-38, Proverbs 22:24, Ecclesiastes 7:9, Colossians 3:8. Would you agree that death is “Normal”? Why doesn’t it feel normal? Why do you think we should evaluate our feelings? What feelings have you experienced when you’ve lost a loved one? Do you believe those feelings are supported by God’s Word? Day two: Deuteronomy 9:8, Numbers 11:1, Mark 3:5, James 1:20, 4:1-2, Psalm 97:10, Proverbs 8:13, Amos 5:15, Romans 12:9. Why is anger a difficult feeling to evaluate? Can you think about godly examples of anger in Scripture? What about ungodly examples? What does it look like to have a godly anger toward sin? What does ungodly anger look like, and why is it often produced in our lives? Day three: John 11:31-44, 14:9, Hebrews 1:3, Revelation 20:14. Why do you think Jesus was angry at Death? Why did Jesus let Lazarus die? Why did Jesus weep, and what does that mean for us with him being our faithful High Priest? Considering Jesus wept, what does that tell us about God himself? What application does the account with Lazarus have for us when we lose believing loved ones? Sermon Notes for Can Christians Get Angry at Sin and Death? The title of this morning’s sermon is, “Can Christians Get Angry at Sin and Death?.” Pastor Nathan preached for me the last two weeks which I really appreciated, so that I could be with my mom and kids, and plan Dad’s Celebration of Life. But even though I didn’t have a sermon to prepare, I worked on this message. I wanted to preach this, versus jump right back into our vision sermons, because of all the people in our church family who have lost loved ones recently. For example: The Raleys lost their son Robby Lehtonen and Mike Houck each lost a brother The Schmitz’s – Allan, Kandie, and Malyna – lost a cousin and nephew Allan Schmitz lost his father Audrey Templin lost a sister, and her children lost an aunt Richard and Betty Pender lost a son Wendy McFarlane lost a brother Kelli Motzkus lost her father Bonnie Ailshie lost a grandfather Edie Cole lost a daughter Pastor Nathan’s uncle is on hospice and wasn’t expected to live through yesterday Four families have experienced miscarriages And even if we haven’t lost people recently, most of us have lost people in the past, and we will lose more people in the future. And this is because death is so…normal. Now my suspicion is when I just said that – that death is normal – you probably cringed a little and disagreed with my use of that word. And why is that? Because death doesn’t feel normal. It feels completely abnormal. But I looked up the definition of the word normal, and it said, “usual, common,” which means if death is something all of us experience then it is actually one of the most normal things in existence. But again, it doesn’t feel that way, does it? Over the last two weeks I was wrestling with my feelings regarding my dad’s passing and I tried to evaluate them biblically. By that, I simply mean I tried to figure out whether my feelings were good or bad, right or wrong…which is what led to this sermon. Let me share something that probably won’t sound like it has that much to do w

My father, John Arnold LaPierre was born on September 24, 1951, and he passed away on May 2, 2021. This is the eulogy I shared at his Celebration of Life at Woodland Christian Church on May 15, 2021. If you'd like to watch the full service, you can do so here. https://youtu.be/ovcfDLdLApA The eulogy I shared at my father, John Arnold LaPierre's, Celebration of Life at Woodland Christian Church on May 15, 2021. Table of ContentsJohn LaPierre's ObituaryNotes for John LaPierre's EulogyFavorite memories about John LaPierreTreehouse and importance of familyWorking hard to care for our familyA faithful, loving husbandThings to give thanks for…Recently repeated many blessings with DadDad was able to pass with dignityWe were given many good years with DadWe were blessed with a wonderful church familyThings I’m thankful I did for John LaPierre…I took CPR trainingI told my dad I loved him many timesI shared the gospel with Dad many timesGospel Presentation John LaPierre's Obituary John LaPierre was born in Plattsburgh, New York on September 24, 1951. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School through the 8th grade and then transferred to Dannemora High School where he graduated June 1969. John was active in sports, playing basketball, baseball, and soccer in high school. He attended Cortland State University for three years majoring in physical education. John and Donna were married on February 2, 1974 in Dannemora, New York. John started working for the Department of Corrections in Dannemora in 1973 until May 1979 when he, Donna, and Scott (born in 1978) moved to California. John continued working for the Department of Corrections until retiring in April 2007. John's second son, Jason, was born in 1979. John enjoyed coaching and watching his sons participate in various sports. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his family, and then golf during retirement. John became a Christian in 2008 and his son, Scott, baptized him soon after. When Scott took the pastorate of Woodland Christian Church in 2010, John and Donna followed him to Washington, where John also served as a deacon at his son's church. Shortly after John was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Fortunately, it progressed slowly, so he was able to enjoy many years with family and friends. In January of 2017 John was diagnosed with throat and lymph node cancer. He went through 37 radiation treatments which successfully treated the cancer. Even when John couldn't remember the names of his grandchildren they still brought him great joy whenever he saw them. They were certainly the light of his life. John was predeceased by his father, mother, and son, Jason. Notes for John LaPierre's Eulogy I thought I would begin by sharing some of my favorite memories about my dad… Favorite memories about John LaPierre Treehouse and importance of family I spent most of my young life in MacArthur, which is in the mountains of northern California. That’s also where Katie grew up, and where her parents still live. It’s very rural. We couldn’t see any of our neighbors through all the thick trees. One day Dad took Jason and I into the woods behind our house. He said, “This is where I want to build you a treehouse.” It was pretty neat: completely enclosed with a nice roof, a trapdoor to enter it from the bottom after climbing up a ladder, and a sliding window. After Dad finished it he wanted all of us ,Dad, Mom, Jason and Ito spend the night in it. The floor of the treehouse was plywood, and we slept in sleeping bags. This made for a long, uncomfortable night. The treehouse was good size, but with the four of us rolling over and bumping each other, I don’t think we slept very much. But it was a nice, fun time that I still remember. I also mention this memory because it reveals something about Dad that stands out in my mind: he really wanted us to spend time together as a family. I remember growing up knowing family was important, and there was little Dad and Mom wouldn’t do for us. Most of you have seen how that pattern continue through my adulthood with my parents following us from Northern California down to central California, which is where we were before moving here, and then up to Woodland. Working hard to care for our family Something else I remember about Dad is he was very hard-working. People can show their love for others in many ways, and Dad has never talked much, but he showed his love and concern for his family by the way he provided for us. When I grew up the phrase, “double shift,” was common. Dad was always working double shifts: two eight hour shifts back-to-back. He would drive home, sleep a few hours, and then head back to work. I played sports throughout school, and Dad made it a point to watch all my events. Because we lived in such a rural area that meant driving all over Northern California, two or three hours to different games and tournaments. Dad was such a hard worker that it seemed like even

Is retirement biblically acceptable? What are the retirement verses? Is retirement in the Bible? In 1 Timothy 5:1-10 Paul discusses what older, retired people can do. Read or listen to this material from Your Finances God’s Way to learn about Christian retirement. Table of ContentsA History Lesson on RetirementRetire Into Christian ServiceRetired People Can Mentor (1 Timothy 5:1-2 and Titus 2:3-5)Retired People Can Pray (1 Timothy 5:3-5)Retired People Can Assist (1 Timothy 5:9-10)Slowing Down the Wrong Way (2 Samuel 21:15-17)Slowing Down the Right Way (Numbers 8:23-26)Combine Faith and Wisdom When Planning for Retirement Katie and I were part of a wedding reception that took place on a golf course in a retirement community. We saw a room next to the restaurant filled with elderly people. They went there each morning to drink Bloody Marys for breakfast and then spend their day golfing and socializing. While this might seem like a dream come true to many people, I suspect you recognize this is not the most honorable way to retire. While God doesn’t prohibit retired people (or any people for that matter) from enjoying golf, social functions, or other pleasurable pursuits, these activities shouldn’t be the focus of our lives. As 1 Corinthians 6:12 says, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” Many hobbies are “lawful,” but when are we being “brought under the power of [them]”? I can’t answer this for you as it’s an issue of discernment, but I can say the Holy Spirit will be faithful to convict you when you’re spending too much time in unprofitable ways. The Bible never talks about people reaching a point when they can stop working and start living selfishly. It’s tragic when older people who have run most of the race and now have more freedom than ever to serve the Lord simply squander the time they have left on meaningless activities with no eternal value. Take your mind back to the parable of the rich fool. Luke 12:19 says, “I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.’” Sadly, this captures what comes to mind for some people when they think of retirement, but this shouldn’t be the desire for Christians. If our view resembles that of someone Jesus calls a fool, then we should repent and change our thinking. There is nothing wrong with retiring from a secular profession, but there are right and wrong ways to retire. We should view retirement similarly to the way we view money: it is amoral but just as people can use money morally and immorally, people can use retirement morally and immorally. Before we go any further, let’s understand how the world’s idea of retirement developed so we can avoid this approach. A History Lesson on Retirement Retirement began as an inappropriate response to social issues. Before the Industrial Revolution, people’s jobs could change more easily as they got older. For example, an aging farmer could let his sons do the harvesting while he performed fewer and less-intensive chores, and a businessman could hire out the more difficult work and act as a mentor to those under him. When the Industrial Revolution took place, an obsession with productivity and economic growth arose. There were machine-based jobs that could do the work of multiple people at a faster pace and a cheaper price. This was the one moment in history to pinpoint when elderly employees became viewed as liabilities. They couldn’t work as quickly as younger people, and they were prone to more mistakes. This slowed production, increased expenses, and made younger employees more attractive. In response, corporations pushed the government to enforce retirement to remove an aging workforce in favor of a younger one. Because the elderly were viewed as being useless, when they retired, they did nothing. They had been told they had little to contribute and it was best if they simply got out of the way, so they spent their remaining years in unproductive ways. Dr. William Osler and "The Fixed Period" A prominent man in all of this was Dr. William Osler. He was an expert in the field of gerontology (the scientific study of aging). On February 22, 1905, he delivered a speech titled “The Fixed Period.” He said, The effective, moving, vitalizing work of the world is done between the ages of twenty-five and forty, when [people] are energetic and creative. Workers from age forty to sixty are tolerable. Workers over age sixty are useless. Dr. Osler said people should be forced to retire. They should have one year to settle their affairs, and then be “peacefully extinguished by chloroform.” Osler’s speech made headlines, with reports claiming, “Dr. Osler recommends chloroform at sixty.” The concept of mandatory euthanasia for humans after a certain age, often 60, became a recurring theme in twentieth-century literature. For example, Isaac Asimov’s 1950

The need for a holy church is great, because just like God called Israel to be holy in the Old Testament, He has called the church to be holy in the New Testament: “As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15-16). We tend to think something is holy if it is moral or righteous, and something is unholy if it immoral or unrighteous, but it’s better to understand holy means separate. For example: When Moses approached the burning bush, God told him he was standing on holy ground, not because the ground was better than other areas of ground, but because it was set apart for God. If there were two identical vessels, but one was used in the temple and one wasn’t, the one in the temple was holy because it’s set apart for God. Israel was holy by keeping ceremonial commands (those dealing with tassels, foods, clothing, farming), and the church is holy by being separate from the world: “Do not be conformed to this world…do not love the world or the things in the world…friendship with the world is enmity with God” (Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15, James 4:4). https://youtu.be/05RN--psIgU The need for a holy church is great, because just like God called Israel to be holy, He has called the church to be holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for The Need for A Holy ChurchFamily Worship Guide for The Need for A Holy ChurchSermon Notes for The Need for A Holy ChurchLesson one: God always has an inside and outside.Lesson two: holiness separates the inside from the outside.Lesson three: holiness in the church means avoiding worldliness.Lesson four: seeker sensitive churches blur the line between the inside and outside.Lesson five: draw the line at immorality when being “all things to all people.” Sermon Lessons for The Need for A Holy Church Lesson one: God always has an ____________ and ______________ (Matthew 21:31, Mark 4:11, Luke 16:16, Colossians 4:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:12, 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, Revelation 22:14). Lesson two: ________________ __________________ the inside from the outside (1 Peter 1:15). Lesson three: holiness in the church means ________________ ______________________ (Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15, James 4:4, Hebrews 12:14). Lesson four: ____________ __________________ churches blur the line between inside and outside (1 Corinthians 9:19-21, Galatians 5:6, 6:15, Acts 15:5, 16:3, 18:18). Lesson five: draw the line ____ ____________________ when being “all things to all people” (1 Corinthians 8:7-12, 9:22). Family Worship Guide for The Need for A Holy Church Directions: Read the verses and then answer the following questions: Day one: Matthew 21:31, Mark 4:11, Luke 16:16, Colossians 4:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:12, 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, Revelation 22:14. What does it mean that God has always had an inside and an outside? Why do you think this is the case? Can you think of any other examples in the Bible of an inside and outside that were not mentioned in the sermon? Day two: 1 Peter 1:15, Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15, James 4:4, Hebrews 12:14). What are some moral commands in the Old Testament? What are some ceremonial commands? What are the differences between them, and why are they so important? What did it look like for Israel to be holy in the Old Testament? What does it look like for the church to be holy in the New Testament? Why is holiness so important for the church? Day three: 1 Corinthians 9:19-22, Galatians 5:6, 6:15, Acts 15:5, 16:3, 18:18. We appreciate the seeker sensitive churches’ desire to reach the lost, but in what way or ways do they typically err? What does it mean to “be all things to all people”? What does it not mean? How do we know where to draw the line? What are some amoral things Paul did to reach unbelievers? In what way, or ways, is Christ the greatest example of becoming “all things to all people that He might save some”? Sermon Notes for The Need for A Holy Church The title of this morning’s sermon is “The Need for a Holy Church.” Katie and I had a wonderful time in California last week. We were able to see many dear friends. Grace Baptist will always have a special place in our hearts. My previous mentor, Joe Gruchacz, left the ministry, but he still attended the conference with his wife, Janet, and spent an evening with us. I met the new pastor, Tim Dinkins, at last year’s Shepherd’s Conference. We get along very well and were able to spend quite a bit of time together. It was a wonderful time, but we are glad to be back. I appreciate Pastor Nathan preaching for me, and I really enjoyed his sermon. If you haven’t listened to it, I would encourage you to do so. Let’s pray. Last time I preached I shared that we were going to talk about the vision of our church. We haven’t done so for over seven years. In this morning’s sermon, as you can tell from the title, we’re going to talk about holiness. It is part of our vision to have a holy church, and I want you to understand why that’s t

First Samuel 3 verse 1 says, "The boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision." These words describe the dark days of the judges, which came to an end when God raised up the first prophet, Samuel, to give people the Word of God. Israel was brought out of darkness by the light of God's Word. This delivered Israel from the situation in Judges 2, verse 10 that took them away from God 3.5 centuries earlier: "There arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel." https://youtu.be/Ao-rM2kWBao "The word of the Lord was rare in those days" (1 Samuel 3:1). The dark days of the judges, which ended when God raised up the first prophet. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for When the Word of the Lord Was RareFamily Worship Guide for When the Word of the Lord Was RareSermon Notes for When the Word of the Lord Was RareLesson one: Israel moved from victory to defeat because they did (part four) what was right in their own eyes.Lesson two: vision should come from God’s Word.Lesson three: God’s Word restrains sin. Sermon Lessons for When the Word of the Lord Was Rare NOTE: parts one through three are from the previous sermon: There Arose Another Generation Who Did not Know the Lord. Lesson one: Israel moved from victory to defeat because they did: (part one) not know the Lord (Judges 2:10a, Jeremiah 9:23-24). (part two) not remember what the Lord has done (Judges 2:10b). (part three) not remain holy (Judges 2:1-2 cf. Judges 1:28-35, 1 John 2:15-16). (part four) what was right in __________ ______ ________ (Judges 17:6, 18:1, 19:1, 21:25 cf. 1 Samuel 8:7, Jeremiah 17:9, Matthew 6:22-23, 15:19, Ecclesiastes 9:3, Genesis 6:5, 8:21, Proverbs 14:12, 16:25). Lesson two: vision should come from __________ _______ (1 Samuel 3:1, Ezekiel 7:26, Proverbs 29:18). Lesson three: God’s word __________________ ____ (Exodus 32:25, Proverbs 29:18, Amos 8:11-12). Family Worship Guide for When the Word of the Lord Was Rare Directions: Read the verses and then answer the following questions: Day one: Judges 17:6, 18:1, 19:1, 21:25 cf. 1 Samuel 8:7, Jeremiah 17:9, Matthew 6:22-23, 15:19, Ecclesiastes 9:3, Genesis 6:5, 8:21, Proverbs 14:12, 16:25. Why was Joshua’s death such a pivotal moment for the nation of Israel? Who were they supposed to start following at that moment? Who, or what, did they end up following instead? What does the Bible tell us about our hearts? Day two: 1 Samuel 3:1, Ezekiel 7:26, Proverbs 29:18. Samuel is a transitional figure between what two offices? What is the relationship between vision and God’s word? Why were the days of the judges so spiritually dark based on 1 Samuel 3:1? How did God bring the dark days of the judges to an end? Day three: Exodus 32:25, Proverbs 29:18, Amos 8:11-12, Ezekiel 11:19, 18:31, 36:26. How does God’s word restrains us? Aside from the book of judges and the time Moses and Joshua went up on Mount Sinai, can you think of other instances in Israel’s history of them being unrestrained because of the absence of God’s Word and vision? Regarding God’s word, why are we so fortunate today? Our hearts are incurable, or desperately sick, so what is the solution? Sermon Notes for When the Word of the Lord Was Rare The title of this morning’s sermon is, “When the Word of the Lord Was Rare.” Go ahead and open your Bibles to Judges 2 and I will open us in prayer. Last week I shared that we were going to talk about the vision of our church. We haven’t done so for over seven years. We began by considering the dramatic change that takes place between the books of Joshua and Judges: Joshua is largely a book of victories Judges is largely a book of defeats As much as Joshua is victory, after victory, after victory, Judges is defeat, after defeat, after defeat. We see why this happened in Judges 2:7-12. Let’s briefly read through these verses again… Judges 2:7 And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great work that the Lord had done for Israel. 8 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110 years. 9 And they buried him within the boundaries of his inheritance in Timnath-heres, in the hill country of Ephraim, north of the mountain of Gaash. 10 And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel. 11 And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals. You see Israel’s unfaithfulness began after Joshua’s death. Let me invite you to think about Israel’s life as a nation up to this point, so you can see why this is such a pivotal moment. Egypt served as a womb for Israel to grow as a nation: 70 people went into Egypt at the end of Genesis, and they multiplied and b

Judges 2:10 says, "There arose another generation who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel." This is why the nation of Israel went from victories to defeats. The historical books of the Bible read almost like one book, with each book serving as a chapter of a larger book covering the history of the nation of Israel. But between Joshua and Judges the change is so sharp it could almost seem like we missed something: Joshua is largely a book of victories. Judges is largely a book of defeats. Keeping in mind from 1 Corinthians 10 and Romans 15 that we are supposed to learn from the Old Testament, when we see something this dramatic take place, we should ask why it happened. We are given the answer in Judges 2:7-12. https://youtu.be/rx51zNfVXNQ Judges 2:10 says, "There arose another generation who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel." This is why Israel went from victory is in the book of Joshua to defeat in the book of Judges. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for There Arose Another Generation Who Did not Know the LordFamily Worship Guide for There Arose Another Generation Who Did not Know the LordSermon Notes for There Arose Another Generation Who Did not Know the LordLesson one: the Promised Land is a picture of spiritual rest in Christ.Lesson two: Israel moved from victory to defeat because they did not (part one) know the Lord.Lesson two: Israel moved from victory to defeat because they did not (part two) remember what the Lord had done.Lesson two: Israel moved from victory to defeat because they did not (part three) remain holy. Sermon Lessons for There Arose Another Generation Who Did not Know the Lord Lesson one: the Promised Land is a picture of __________________ ________ in Christ (Hebrews 3-4, Joshua 13:1, 21:44, 22:4, Matthew 11:28-29). Lesson two: Israel moved from victory to defeat because they did not: (part one) know ______ ________Judges 2:10a, Jeremiah 9:23-24). (part two) remember what the Lord ______ ________ (Judges 2:10b). (part three) ____________ ________ (Judges 2:1-2 cf. Judges 1:28-35, 1 John 2:15-16). Family Worship Guide for There Arose Another Generation Who Did not Know the Lord Directions: Read the verses and then answer the following questions: Day one: 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11, Romans 15:4, Hebrews 3-4, Joshua 13:1, 21:44, 22:4, Matthew 11:28-29. Why do people have trouble learning from the Old Testament? What can we do when we read the Old Testament to find application from the accounts? How is the Promised Land a picture of our relationships with Christ? Describe the rest the Promised Land offered people of Israel. Describe the rest Christ offers His people. Day two: Judges 2:9-10, Jeremiah 9:23-24. How do the Old Testament historical books read like one book? What two books have a sharp change between them? Describe the change. What does it mean that the new generation did not know the Lord? What does it mean that the new generation did not remember what the Lord had done? What application does this have for us? In other words, how can we ensure that the generation following us knows the Lord, and remembers the things that He has done? Why don’t churches want to simply preach the Word of God? Day three: Judges 1:28-35, 2:1-2, 1 John 2:15-16. What does the word holy mean? How is Israel to remain holy? How did Israel fail to remain holy? What are some practical ways for us to remain holy? Why didn’t the Israelites drive out all the Canaanites living among them? In other words, why did they want to keep them around? Why don’t we drive out all the sin in our lives? In what ways has the world crept into the church? What can we do to prevent this? Sermon Notes for There Arose Another Generation Who Did not Know the Lord The title of this morning’s sermon is, “From Victory to Defeat.” Go ahead and open your Bibles to Joshua 21 and I will open us in prayer. This morning’s sermon has been on my heart for a while. I started working on it over a year ago, but then everything took place with COVID, and the sermons that accompanied it, such as those on wisdom and knowledge, putting off preaching this. Every few years I share about the vision of our church. The last time was over 7 years ago, January 2014, so we’re probably due. This sermon will help set up those sermons. Let me remind you of some verses that are important to keep in mind when we’re studying the Old Testament: 1 Corinthians 10:6 These things [in the Old Testament] took place as examples for us…11 [and] happened to [Israel] as an example, [and] were written down for our instruction. Romans 15:4 [the Old Testament] was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. So the New Testament says we’re supposed to learn from the Old Testament. I’ve told you before that people will look at the Old Testament and wonder what they are supposed to learn from it. Generally, the difficulty comes fr

In Colossians chapter 2, verses 11 through 14, we see many things Jesus is willing to do for us. Jesus is willing to give us victory over sin: "In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ" (verse 11). Jesus is willing to be our substitute: “having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses” (verses 12 and 13). Jesus is willing to cancel our debt: “by canceling the record of debt” (verse 14a). Jesus is willing to free us from the law’s demands: “that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross” (verse 14b). https://youtu.be/gwaM4slXs6Q Colossians 2:11-14 contains many things Jesus is willing to do: give us victory, be our substitute, cancel debt, free us from the law. Table of ContentsSermon LessonsFamily Worship GuideSermon Notes for Jesus Is Willing to…Lesson one: Jesus is willing to give us victory over sin.Lesson two: Jesus is willing to be our Substitute.Lesson three: Jesus is willing to cancel our sin debt.Lesson four: Jesus is willing to free us from the law’s demands. Sermon Lessons Jesus is willing to… Lesson one: ________ ____ victory over sin (Colossians 2:11, Romans 2:29). Lesson two: ____ ______ Substitute (Romans 6:3-4, 23, Acts 2:24, Colossians 2:12-13). Lesson three: ____________ ______ debt (Colossians 2:13-14a). Lesson four: ________ ____ from the law’s demands (Colossians 2:14b, John 16:8, Romans 3:21-28). Family Worship Guide Directions: Read the verses and then answer the following questions: Day one: Colossians 2:11, Romans 2:29. What did physical circumcision always prefigure? What does it mean that Jesus died for our salvation and sanctification? What is the difference between the two? Why can’t the law produce our sanctification any more than it can produce our salvation? Day two: Romans 6:3-4, 23, Acts 2:24, Colossians 2:12-13. Why do we need a substitute? In what ways is Jesus willing to serve as our Substitute? Why couldn’t the grave hold Christ? In other words, why couldn’t He remain dead? What does baptized mean? In what ways were we baptized into Christ? What does water baptism represent? In other words, what does water baptism demonstrate about our relationships with Christ? Day three: Colossians 2:13-14, John 16:8, Romans 3:21-28. Describe the debt that we owe God. How can this debt be paid? What does it look like for us to pay it? What did it look like for Jesus to pay it? What are trespasses; how are they different than other sins? How did Jesus free us from the law’s demands and what does this mean for us? Why does the Holy Spirit convict the world of righteousness, and what does this have to do with Jesus’s ascension? How are we justified, or declared righteous? Sermon Notes for Jesus Is Willing to… Title of this morning’s sermon is, “Jesus Is Willing.” Go ahead and open your Bibles to Colossians 2: Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians. Over the last few weeks the sermons have been about baptism as we looked forward to today’s baptisms. Last week we talked about circumcision, and of course today is resurrection Sunday. So we’ve got: Baptism Circumcision And resurrection And beautifully all three are tied together in this morning’s verses. Let’s read Colossians 2:11-14 so you can see what I mean… Colossians 2:11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. In these verses we get to see some of the wonderful things Jesus is willing to do for us, and we’re going to talk about some of these things for the rest of the sermon. First, reread verse 11 with me… Colossians 2:11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, We talked about this verse somewhat last week… Circumcision was a sign of God’s covenant with the nation of Israel. Even though it was physical, the true and greater circumcision was spiritual: that of the heart. That’s what Paul’s talking about in this verse: He says circumcision made without hands, which means it’s spiritual not physical He says putting off the flesh, but he doesn’t mean the physical flesh, he means the spiritual flesh,

Physical circumcision always prefigured, or foreshadowed, the true and greater circumcision God wanted, which was spiritual circumcision of the heart (Colossians 2:11-12 and Romans 2:28-29). Spiritual circumcision of the heart occurs when people repent and put their faith in Christ and are saved. This is part three of a three-part series. Here are parts one and two: Credobaptism vs Paedobaptism: Which Is Right? What About Baptism for Children? Table of ContentsChildren Must Have Circumcised Hearts to Be BaptizedSalvation (Circumcision of the Heart) Versus Spiritual Maturity Is the Requirement for BaptismDon’t Try to Talk Your Children Into Being Baptized https://youtu.be/QYXj75k72wA Spiritual circumcision of the heart is the true and greater circumcision God wanted (Colossians 2:11-12 and Romans 2:28-29). Because we believe our children must be saved before being baptized I tried to give you some evidences of salvation to look for in our children’s lives. While no parent can know for sure that their child is saved, hopefully, the evidence I provided has been helpful…not only in determining whether your children are saved, but even if you are an adult, examining your own salvation. We are going to look at a few baptisms in the book of Acts, but first we need to have a brief discussion of circumcision and what it prefigured or foreshadowed. I told you that we believe in credobaptism, or more commonly known as believers’ baptism. Those who believe in infant baptism are known as paedobaptists, and they see a strong relationship between circumcision and baptism. The idea is, babies were circumcised, so babies should be baptized. But there is an important issue… Physical circumcision always prefigured, or foreshadowed, the true and greater circumcision God wanted, which was spiritual. In other words, the true and greater circumcision God wanted His people to have was always of the heart, and it occurs when people are saved. Listen to these verses: Colossians 2:11-12 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands (this means it’s not physical), by putting off the body of the flesh (this refers to the spiritual flesh), by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. Romans 2:28-29 No one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, NOR IS CIRCUMCISION OUTWARD AND PHYSICAL. But a Jew is one inwardly, and CIRCUMCISION IS A MATTER OF THE HEART, by the Spirit, not by the letter. Paul said circumcision is a matter of the heart BY THE SPIRIT, not by the letter. This means the letter of the law, which can’t provide spiritual circumcision of the heart. Only the Holy Spirit can circumcise their hearts, so they repent and believe. And at that point, they can be baptized…and this brings us to lesson one… Children Must Have Circumcised Hearts to Be Baptized Just so you don’t think this is my opinion, let me share some verses that make this point… God gave Abraham the sign of circumcision, but throughout the Old Testament even though many of the Jews were circumcised physically, they were not circumcised spiritually, in that their hearts weren’t circumcised. Listen to these verses making that point… Leviticus 26:41 [God says] I walked contrary to them…if then THEIR UNCIRCUMCISED HEART IS HUMBLED AND THEY MAKE AMENDS FOR THEIR INIQUITY, 42 THEN I WILL REMEMBER MY COVENANT WITH JACOB, and I will remember my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham. The interesting part of these verses is circumcision was the sign of the covenant, but God said He wouldn’t remember His covenant with them unless they were circumcised spiritually…even when they were circumcised physically. So physical circumcision meant nothing if people weren’t also circumcised spiritually. Jeremiah 6:10 Behold, THEIR EARS ARE UNCIRCUMCISED, they cannot listen; behold, the word of the Lord is to them an object of scorn; they take no pleasure in it. They wouldn’t listen to spiritual truths, so God said their ears were uncircumcised. Ezekiel 44:6 O house of Israel, enough of all your abominations, 7 in admitting foreigners, UNCIRCUMCISED IN HEART AND FLESH, to be in my sanctuary, profaning my temple. God was upset the Israelites allowed foreigners into the temple, and He didn’t just point out that they were uncircumcised physically, He pointed out that they were uncircumcised spiritually. Deuteronomy 30:6 The Lord…WILL CIRCUMCISE YOUR HEART and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the Lord…with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live. This verse describes what it looks like if people’s hearts are circumcised: They will love the Lord with all their heart and soul. Again, God was talking to people who had obeyed Him physically, but He wanted to move to their spiritual condition, which meant loving Him. There are lots of other verses I could give you, but you get the point. The i

Credobaptism vs paedobaptism is a common debate among Christians. Paedobaptism is also known as infant baptism or baby baptism. Credobaptism, which is the view, is known as believers’ baptism. Because I am a credobaptist, I would like to provide three evidences of salvation to look for in your children’s lives. This is part one of a three-part series. Here are parts two and three: What About Baptism for Children? Spiritual Circumcision of the Heart (Colossians 2:11-12 and Romans 2:28-2) https://youtu.be/kZ7jfcvQeKI Credobaptism vs paedobaptism is a common debate. Paedobaptism is infant baptism or baby baptism, and credobaptism is believers’ baptism. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Credobaptism vs Paedobaptism: Which Is Right?Family Worship Guide for Credobaptism vs Paedobaptism: Which Is Right?Sermon Notes for Credobaptism vs Paedobaptism: Which Is Right?Lesson one: at WCC fathers play a large part in shepherding their families.Lesson two: salvation is the requirement for baptism.Lesson three: evidence of salvation to look for in your children (part one) godly sorrow.Lesson three: evidences of salvation to look for in your children (part two) spiritual fruit.Lesson three: evidences of salvation to look for in your children (part three) spiritual hunger and thirst. Sermon Lessons for Credobaptism vs Paedobaptism: Which Is Right? Sermon Lessons for When Should Children Be Baptized? 03:38 Lesson 1: at ______ ______________ play a large part in shepherding their families. Lesson 2: __________________ ____ the requirement for baptism (Acts 2:41). Lesson 3: evidences of salvation to look for in your children: (Part 1) __________ ____________ (2 Corinthians 7:10). (Part 2) __________________ __________ (Matthew 3:8, 7:19, 13:23, Acts 26:20, James 2:17, 20, 26). (Part 3) spiritual ____________ and _____________ (John 4:13-15, 6:35, 66, Luke 6:21, 25, 1 John 2:15, John 3:19). Family Worship Guide for Credobaptism vs Paedobaptism: Which Is Right? Day 1: Read Acts 2:41, 2 Corinthians 7:10 and discuss: what is paedobaptism? What is credobaptism? What is godly sorrow, and what does it lead to/produce? What is worldly sorrow, and what does it produce? What is the difference between both? Day 2: Read Matthew 3:8, 7:19, 13:23, Acts 26:20, James 2:17, 20, 26 and discuss: why is genuine repentance accompanied by spiritual fruit? For a hint, think of the practice of putting off and putting on. What is the relationship between saving faith and works? What are works, or fruit, we can look for in our children’s lives to be confident in their faith? Day 3: Read John 4:13-15, 6:35, 66, Luke 6:21, 25, 1 John 2:15, John 3:19 and discuss: what does it mean to have a spiritual hunger and thirst? What spiritual truths were Jesus is trying to communicate to the woman at the well? What spiritual truths did Jesus want to communicate to the crowd that followed him after feeding the 5000? Sermon Notes for Credobaptism vs Paedobaptism: Which Is Right? The title of this morning’s sermon is, “Credobaptism vs Paedobaptism: Which Is Right?” As you probably heard during the announcements we are having baptisms in a few weeks on Easter Sunday. With my children getting older we have been having many conversations about baptism, and when and if they should be baptized. I thought it would be good to help some of you think through your children being baptized too. So over the next couple weeks leading up to the baptisms I’m going to talk about when children should be baptized. Once I finish these sermons I am going to preach on the vision of our church. I try to do this every few years to help establish: Where we are Where we want to go How we do things The last time I preached on this was over seven years ago, January 2014, so I am probably overdue. The reason I mention this is I’d like to share something about our view of fathers in the church, that doesn’t just relate to our vision, but also baptism. This brings us to lesson 1… Lesson one: at WCC fathers play a large part in shepherding their families. In some churches the elders carry much of the responsibility for families. At WCC we try to put some of that responsibility back on the fathers’ shoulders, because that’s where we think it belongs. Here’s an example… At some churches: Only elders pray, read Scripture, or preach in the service Only elders administer the communion elements Only elders baptize people As you know if you have attended WCC for very long, or I could even say one Sunday, you can see that we try to involve men, including young men, frequently. We have men and young men: Pray, read Scripture, and preach in the service Provide the communion devotion, as well as distribute the elements Lead the music Share some of the teaching load Lead home fellowships And baptize their children We do this for two reasons: Most obviously, we don’t think it’s biblical that only the elders serve and/or use their gifts in the church Second, we believe God has called men to lead in the home and

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