Abounding Grace Church

The Church and Her Elders 1 Timothy 5:17-25 1) Be ________________ to your elders – vv17-18. 2) Be careful in handling ______________ against elders – v19. 3) Be open & clear in ____________________ of elders – vv20-21. 4) Be thorough before ___________________ elders – vv22-25. -What evidences indicate an elder rules well? -What is significant about Paul referring to both an OT quotation and a quotation of Christ as "the Scripture"? -Why is it wise to require two or three witnesses before entertaining an accusation against a leader? Should this requirement ever be bypassed? If so, when? -Why does a sinning elder need to be rebuked in the presence of the congregation? -Why did Paul so emphatically emphasize the solemn nature of this charge in v21? How does partiality hinder dealing with sinning elders? -How do these verses stress the participation and authority of the congregation? -How can a church properly examine/vet potential elders? What length of time is needed to avoid being hasty in appointing a new elder? Digging deeper: Dt 19:15-21; Mt 18:15-20; Lk 10:7; Rom 2:11; 1 Cor 9:7-14; Gal 6:1-8; 1 Tim 3:1-7.

Caring for the Needy 1 Timothy 5:3-16 Instructions to 1st century church in Ephesus: 1) Families should provide for family members in need – vv4,7-8,16. Contemporary application = _________________ 2) The church should provide for godly, older widows who have no family – v5,9-10. 3) The church should not commit to ongoing provision for: -younger widows – vv11-15 (v6) -widows with family – v16 Contemporary application = A church's benevolence ministry entails ______________________ __________________________________. -In what way has the plight of widows changed in our contemporary context compared to 1st century Ephesus? How does this affect our application of this text, if at all? -When and how should "honor" of parents involve material and practical help? -What does it look like to fix your hope on God? -Who in your life would fall under your "own household" and therefore be your responsibility? In what ways can you plan now for their future welfare and support? -How can the church help guard those in need in their vulnerability to life's pressures and temptations? -How does having too much time on your hands lead to various kinds of temptations? What remedies are available to idleness? -What criteria should a church employ when providing benevolence? How can benevolence be a vehicle for the Gospel? How can benevolence be harmful? For further study: Dt 10:18; 14:29; 24:17-21; Ps 68:5; Lk 2:36-38; Jn 19:26-27; Acts 6:1-6; 2 Cor 8:9; Eph 6:2-3; 1 Tim 4:6; 2 Tim 3:6; Jam 1:27.

Loving Soul Care in the Church Family 1) We are to see the church as a . 2) We are responsible to lovingly . 3) We are to in a godly manner. -How does remembering you belong to a local church impact your participation and commitment to your fellow church members? -What would an "appeal" to your mother look like? How should this be duplicated when working through a difficulty with an older woman in the church? -How does God call us to help each other's walk with Christ? -What does it look like to use our words to spur each other in the faith? When is correction necessary? How should that correction be given? -What should we do when we receive correction? How does the Gospel help us receive correction? Are there people I have invited to speak truth into my life? For further study: Lev 19:32; Pr 16:31; Mt 18:15-17; Rom 8:14-17; Gal 6:1-2; Eph 1:3-6; 2:19-20; Col 4:6; 1 Tim 3:15; 2 Tim 3:6; Heb 10:24-25; 13:17; Jude 1:23

Grow in Your Walk with Christ What? Pastors, in… · Personal godliness – v12 · Ministry of the word – v13 · Gifting from God – v14 How? With God-enabled – vv15-16a Why? God works to save His people – v16b -Specifically what kind of demonstrable, outward evidence will people see in their pastor when he is growing? -Why is it very important for pastors to be growing in their lives and ministry? -How may a person neglect the Holy Spirit's work in his/her life? How will this affect the work of the Holy Spirit through his/her life? -List the different reasons why a Christian may not be growing in his or her walk with Christ. -Do you see progress in your Christian life? What are a couple of habits/disciplines you could put in place that would help you grow? Digging Deeper: Jn 15:4-6; Acts 13:1-3; 1 Cor 9:27; Phil 1:6; 2:12-13; 3:10-16; Col 2:6-7; 1 Tim 1:18; 4:7-8; 2 Tim 1:6; 2:15; 1 Pet 2:1-3; 2 Pet 3:18.

Churches need Godly and Faithful Pastors By God's enabling, a pastor must persist and grow in… 1) Setting a godly ___________________ – v12 2) Devoting to a ____________________ – v13 3) Cultivating his ____________________ – v14 -Timothy had a direct link to the Apostle Paul, but how does the pastor of today speak with authority? -What does the combination of "command" and "teach" communicate about the speaking ministry of the pastor? -Why is the pastor's example so important to his ministry with the flock? -How may a person neglect the Holy Spirit's work in his/her life? How will this affect the work of the Holy Spirit through his/her life? -Specifically what kind of demonstrable, outward evidence will people see in their pastor when he is growing? Digging Deeper: Acts 13:1-3,15; 1 Tim 1:18; 2 Tim 1:6; 2:15; 4:1; Titus 2:14; 1 Pet 5:3.

Essentials for a Church Growing in Christ-likeness1) Pastors who proclaim, feed on, and follow sound doctrine – vv6-7a. 2) Pastors and church members who train themselves for godliness – vv7b-10.Training for Godliness (Christ-likeness):· Valuable Promise - · God-empowered Effort - · Motivating Assurance – -Why is it critical that pastors themselves have a close relationship with Christ through His Word?-Do growing relationships just happen or do they require intentional effort? Show we expect the same in our relationship with Christ?-Have you exercised discipline to train yourself in other areas of life? If so, what did that entail? What would it look like to employ similar discipline in your relationship with Christ?-If someone were to observe you for a week, what would they conclude is valuable to you? Why is growing closer to Christ more valuable than worldly pursuits?-What about God's character gives you assurance in the promises of God's Word?For further study: Lk 18:29-30; Jn 10:10; Rom 13:12-14; 1 Cor 9:25-27; 2 Cor 11:27; Phil 2:12-13; Col 1:29; 2 Tim 3:10-16; Heb 12:1-2.

Living Hope – 1 Peter 1:3-5What is our living hope? What is the basis for our living hope? How does our living hope impact our lives now? -What is our hope? Why does v3 call it a living hope?-What is the basis for our hope? How does this give you confidence in its certainty?-How does having hope give us an opportunity to point others to Jesus? (see Eph 2:14; 1 Th 4:12; 1 Pt 3:15)-In what ways does your hope impact your life now? Does the passage give additional ways?Other passages to consider: Jn 11:25-26; Rom 8:12-25; 1 Cor 15:50-58; Eph 1:16-18; 2:1-7; Col 3:4; Titus 2:13; Rev 21:1-5.

Promote and Protect the GospelCall of the Church – v15c Confession of the Church – v16 -In what ways can the members of AGC promote the Gospel?-How can AGC protect the Gospel? What are the greatest dangers to the Gospel today? -What is the value of shared confessions for God's people? What, if any, danger is found in their use?-What is the significance of the six lines of truth selected by the Apostle Paul for this confession?-Remembering the context, how does our behavior relate to our ability to promote and protect the Gospel? For further study: Mt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor 5:16-21; Eph 1:20-21; Phil 2:9-11; 1 Pt 3:22.

Baptism Service

We are the Household of God – 1 Timothy 3:14-15a -What did God do to make you a child of God? What privileges are yours as a child of God?-How does understanding the church is the household of God affect your commitment to Abounding Grace Church?-How should being a member of the household of God impact our behavior toward God? Toward each other? And toward unbelievers?For further study: Mt 6:9; Jn 1:12; Rom 8:14-16; 1 Cor. 4:1; Gal. 6:10; Eph. 2:19; 4:32-5:2; 1 Jn 3:1,3,11.

1 Timothy 3:8-13

Title: News That Matters Text: Book of Romans (Survey) Intro: The Value of God's Word Psalm 19:9-10 Proverbs 23:23 Key Passages: Rom. 1:16-17 God Reveals His righterousness in the Gospel Three Dynamics: Knowing, Growing & Doing Rom. 5:1 God's Righteousness as a benefit of your faith Rom. 6:11 God's Righteousness as it impacts your perspective Rom. 12:1-3 God's Righteousness impacts your life Rom. 12:9 ff God's Righteousness demonstrated in you (The Roman's Road a path to righteousness: Rom. 3:23 Rom. 6:23 Rom. 5:8 Rom. 10:9 Rom. 10:13 Rom. 13:14 God's Righteousness in practice

Centered, Secure, & Satisfied – Psalm 16Our lives are…-How does David demonstrate that his life is centered on the Lord? What choices should you make on a typical day to show your life is centered on the Lord?-Why is our relationship with the Lord secure? What difference should that security make in your life?-Where do you look to for satisfaction? Do you believe the Lord can truly satisfy? How can you cultivate satisfaction in the Lord?For further study: Ex 33:14-15; Ps 49:15; 73:24-26; Matt 7:14; 16:16; Acts 2:25-28; Rom 8:23; 1 Cor 15:23.

Perfection is Coming– Revelation 21:1-8 -What will be different and better about the New Heaven and the New Earth? How will it be a reversing of the curse?-What examples in the Bible do we see of God desiring to dwell with His people? How will this reach its culmination in the New Heaven and New Earth?-How does the guarantee of this coming perfection encourage us in our walk with Christ now? How should we live now in light of this promised future?For further study: Genesis 1-3; Ps 16:11; 23:6; 73:26; Isa 65:17-20; Rom 5:1-5; 8:18-30; 1 Cor 15:51-58; 1 Pet 1:3-9; 2 Pet 3:12-13.

The Importance of Qualified Deacons - 1 Timothy 3:8-13The Role of Deacons – Deacons assist the elders by facilitating the care for the needs of the church. Their service ensures needs do not go unmet, preserves the unity of the church, and enables elders to focus on the ministry of the Word and prayer in shepherding the flock.The Qualifications of Deacons: -In AGC's current setting, how can deacons serve to free the elders to fulfill their role?-What does the image of "holding the faith" teach us about being a Christian?-Why are these qualifications essential for the deacons of the church? How does a church test (v10) if a deacon is qualified?-How are faithful deacons a blessing to the church? What promise is given to deacons as they faithfully serve (v13)?For further study: Acts 6:1-6; 11:29; Eph 4:11-16; Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 6:5-10.

The Church Needs Biblically Qualified Elders - 1 Timothy 3:1-7Knowing these qualifications will equip you to:-Evaluate current/prospective elders-Pray for current/prospective elders-Raise up future elders-Strive for personal growth in godliness -Why is desire to serve as an elder a good starting point, but not enough in itself to serve as an elder? What else is needed?-How does ministry provide temptation regarding money and material things?-Why is there a connection between a man's leadership of his home and his leadership in the church? How does a church guard against holding an elder's family to an unrealistic standard? How should a church respond when an elder's children are not under control?-Why would a newer believer be more vulnerable to the pitfalls of pride than someone older in the faith? How did pride lead to the devil falling under judgment?-Why is there only one qualification having to do with skill, while the rest are character-related? What does that tell us?For Further study: Isa 14:12-15; Acts 20:17,26-35; Phil 1:1; 1 Th 4:12; 1 Tim 5:10,17; 6:3-9; 2 Tim 2:26; 3:2-4; Titus 1:5-9; 2:2,5; Heb 3:2-6; 13:2,5,17; 1 Pt 5:1-4,8

Glorifying God by Embracing His Design1 Timothy 2:11-15

Glorifying God in our Corporate GatheringsFoundational values for all God's people as we gather:-Desiring to see God glorified-Holiness with self-control-Considerate of the needs of othersGender specific applications: Men: Women: -What kind of heart preparation should one do before coming to worship? Why?-Why is it vital to bathe the services and ministries of the church in prayer? How can men lead in this?-How does unresolved anger hinder worship? Why were men specifically called to put off anger?-What is the difference between dressing attractively and dressing to get noticed? What harm comes from the latter?-Why is inner beauty much more valuable than outer beauty? How can one cultivate inner beauty?For further study: Prov 31:30; Mt 5:23-24; Eph 2:10; 4:31-32; 1 Tim 5:5,11; 2 Tim 3:6; Jam 1:19-20; 1 Pet 3:3-4.

Ephesians 4:15-16 The Growth of the Church

Ephesians 4:11-14 – The Growth of the Church1) The Process of Growth – vv11-12 2) The Final Goal of Growth – v13 3) The Result of Growth – v14 -Where did the church's initial life come from? How does Christ provide for the church's ongoing growth?-Who does the work of ministry? What does the work of ministry involve? How is one prepared to serve this way?-What does church growth look like? What is it contrasted with in this passage?-How is Christ central to the growth and focus of the church?For further study: Matt 16:13-18; Jn 15:1-17; 1 Cor 12:12-13:7; Eph 3:14-4:7; Col 2:6-10; 1 Th 5:8-11; Heb 3:13.

Purpose for Each Day – Gen 1:26/1 Cor 6:20,10:31/Ps 16:11 -What does it mean to glorify God? While all creation declares God's glory, how are humans especially able to glorify God?-What does it look like to enjoy God? What is the connection between glorifying God and enjoying Him forever?-How does the Gospel enable us to glorify God and enjoy Him forever?-How does knowing that my purpose is "to glorify God and enjoy Him forever" give meaning to all that I do? How does this purpose shape how I approach each day?-As Christians, how should we respond to the reality that we often fail of glorifying God and enjoying Him? -Does enjoying God mean that I can't enjoy other things too? How do I know when this becomes idolatry?For further study: Gen 1:26; Ps 16:11; 19:1-4; 73:25-26; Isa 43:6-7; Jn 17:3; Acts 17:25; Rom 12:1; 1 Cor 6:19-20; 10:31; Phil 3:7-8; 4:4; Col 1:16; 1 Pet 3:18.

You Need God's Word to Survive and ThriveDeuteronomy 8:3

Lord of All - Philippians 2:9-11

Consider Christ's Humility - Philippians 2:3-8 -What changes did God the Son experience by becoming man?-How did the incarnation affect the Son's relationship with God the Father? What was their relationship like while Jesus suffered on the cross?-Why did Jesus subject Himself to the humiliation of the incarnation and crucifixion? How does this serve as an example to us?-Why is humility vital to our relationships? In what areas is God calling you to consider the interests of others?-Further study: Mt 1:20-23; Mk 10:45; Lk 1:31-35; Jn 1:1,14; 8:29,58; 17:5; 2 Cor 8:9; Col 1:15-17; 2:9; Heb 2:17-18; 4:14-16; 10:7-8.

The Glory of Christ in His Sacrifice 1 Timothy 2:5-7 Reasons to pray for all kinds of people to be saved (embrace the gospel):1) Glory of God (v2b) – Praying this way sanctifies the Church.2) Pleasure of God (v3) – Praying this way pleases God.3) Desire of God (v4) – God's heart and plan is to save all kinds of people.4) Death of Christ (v5-6) – Praying this way aligns with the purpose and value of Christ's sacrifice a. Exclusive – Christ is the to reconcile people to the one God. b. Love – Christ suffered and died of sinners c. Power – Christ's death His people from their sins d. Scope – Christ died of people.5) Ministry of Paul (v7) – God appointed Paul to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles. How is Jesus uniquely qualified to reconcile people to their Creator?In what ways does the sacrifice of Christ declare His glory? What attributes of Christ shine forth from His sacrifice?How does failing to pray for all kinds of people to be saved demean Christ's sacrifice?Why are the singularity of God and the exclusivity of Christ not welcome news to the popular culture? How can we explain that the singularity of God and the exclusivity of Christ are truly good news? For Further study: Dt 6:4; Mk 10:45; Acts 4:12; Rom 3:29-30; 5:6; 8:32; Gal 1:4; 2:20; 4:4; Eph 5:2; Phil 2:5-7; Heb 2:14-17; Rev 5:9.

Call to Worship – Psalm 100Scripture Reading – 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5Sermon – Pray for people everywhere to be saved – 1 Timothy 2:1-4 Result – ____________· · · Reason ____________ -How does the command of prayer "for all people" challenge the way we normally pray?-In what way would our corporate worship be transformed if we focused on pleasing God rather than the preferences of man?-Do our corporate and personal prayers mark God's priorities? If not, what changed need to be made?-Develop an extensive evangelistic prayer list. What routine/method could you employ to consistently pray through this list?Further study: Gen 12:1-3; Hab 2:14; Mt 6:5-15; Acts 4:23-31; Rom 13:1-7; Col 4:2-6; 1 Th 4:11-12; 5:17; 2 Th 3:1-5; Rev 7:9-10.

Fight the Good Fight – 1 Timothy 1:18-201) Marching Orders = 2) Resources = 3) Practice = 4) Motivation = -What does the imagery of combat bring to the understanding of ministry and the Christian life?-What choices and/or actions are involved when a person rejects a good conscience?-What does it mean to hand someone over to Satan? How does church discipline serve to protect faith in Christ?-Are you committed, by God's grace, to fighting the good fight of the faith? What will this look like in your daily life?Other passages to consider: Josh 1:9; Mt 18:15-20; Acts 13:1-3; 1 Cor 5:1-5; 2 Cor 10:3-4; Eph 6:10-20; 1 Tim 4:14; 6:3-5,11-12,20-21; 2 Tim 1:6-7; 2:1-3; 3:8; Jude 3, 17-25.

Embracing a Biblical Perspective of Spiritual LeadersI Corinthians 4:1-7 – Tom Madon – Living Word Fellowship Instead of giving their foremost allegiance to Jesus Christ, many in the church in Corinth were elevating their favorite teacher and leader beyond what God intended. Paul's corrective words provide Christians with a Biblical understanding of how to view spiritual leaders in the church. In our passage today, Paul highlights three crucial truths that apply to the church in all generations. 1. Paul corrects their flawed perspective on how to ______ Christian leaders (Verses 1-2). • Paul and his fellow leaders were to be viewed as ________ and ______________. o Their service was to Christ. o Their stewardship was of the mysteries of God. o The foremost calling of servants and stewards is faithfulness to Christ and His Word. 2. Paul corrects their mistaken perception of how to __________ spiritual leaders (verses 3-5). • The evaluation of others was of minimal importance to Paul. • His evaluation of himself was far from conclusive. • God's evaluation is the one that ultimately matters. 3. Paul corrects their inflated _______________ in failing to see God's goodness in everything they possessed (Verses 6-7). • Paul's illustration of himself and Apollos was for the church in Corinth; his words about Christian leadership apply to the church through the ages. • Paul asked three penetrating questions that have application for all believers.

Using the OT Law – 1 Timothy 1:8-11· Goal of biblical teaching –· False teacher's wrong use of the OT law –· Right use of the OT law – vv8-111) 2) 3) -Even though Christians are no longer under the OT law, how does it continue to be profitable for Christians under the New Covenant?-What does the OT law reveal about God? What does it reveal about man by nature?-How does the OT law point us to Christ and the Gospel?Other passages to consider: Jn 5:38; Acts 14:11-18; 17:16-34; Rom 1:14-32; 2:14-16; 7:6; Gal 2:16; 3:19-26; 2 Tim 3:16; Heb 8:7-13.

Recognizing - Rejecting False Teaching - 1 Timothy 1-3-7--1- The forbidding of false teaching - vv3-4a-- --2- The fruit of false teaching - v4b-- --3- The goal of biblical teaching - v5- - -4- The traits of false teachers - vv6-7-- ---How does the temptation to useless speculation confront the contemporary church today-----Why is love the proper outcome by which teaching and preaching must be evaluated-- How does this contrast with the goal of the false teaching in vv3-4 and with false teaching today-----How does an impure heart, a seared conscience, and an insincere faith bring forth a failure in Christian love-----Identify a time when you became involved in -fruitless discussion.- What was motivating you and what was the result of that conversation-----What is your biggest take-away from this passage that will help you recognize and reject false teaching----Other passages to consider- Mt 7-15-20- 22-36-40- Jn 13-34-35- Acts 17-11- 20-28-32- Eph 1-10- 3-9- 1 Tim 3-1-7- 5-17- Titus 1-5-16.

Recognizing & Rejecting False Teaching – 1 Timothy 1:3-71) The forbidding of false teaching – vv3-4a 2) The fruit of false teaching – v4b 3) The goal of biblical teaching – v5 4) The traits of false teachers – vv6-7 -How does the temptation to useless speculation confront the contemporary church today?-Why is love the proper outcome by which teaching and preaching must be evaluated? How does this contrast with the goal of the false teaching in vv3-4 and with false teaching today?-How does an impure heart, a seared conscience, and an insincere faith bring forth a failure in Christian love?-Identify a time when you became involved in "fruitless discussion." What was motivating you and what was the result of that conversation?-What is your biggest take-away from this passage that will help you recognize and reject false teaching?Other passages to consider: Mt 7:15-20; 22:36-40; Jn 13:34-35; Acts 17:11; 20:28-32; Eph 1:10; 3:9; 1 Tim 3:1-7; 5:17; Titus 1:5-16.

Follow Godly Examples-1 Thessalonians 1-2-10- Philippians 3-17

Follow Godly Examples1 Thessalonians 1:2-10; Philippians 3:17

God's Good Purposes - Gracious Provision--1- - vv13-17-- --2- - vv18-22- -- -3- - John 3-16-18-- -- ---What parallels do you see between God's provision for Naomi, Israel, and the world-----What is God's grand plan for history-- Will anything thwart him from accomplishing his purposes-----Christian, what is God's ultimate plan for you-- What all might God use to accomplish this plan in your life-----What has God provided for you and what does he promise still to provide-----In Scripture, how do you see God work through ordinary people to accomplish his extraordinary purposes-- Why does God work this way-----What might God be doing through you -without you even knowing-----Other passages to consider- Gen 12-3- Judg 21-25- 2 Sam 7-12-14- Isa 9-6- 52-13-53-12- Mt 1-1-17- Rom 8-28-39- Gal 3-13- 4-4-7- 1 Pt 1-3-9- Rev 5-9.

God's Good Purposes & Gracious Provision1) – vv13-17 2) – vv18-22 3) – John 3:16-18 -What parallels do you see between God's provision for Naomi, Israel, and the world?-What is God's grand plan for history? Will anything thwart him from accomplishing his purposes?-Christian, what is God's ultimate plan for you? What all might God use to accomplish this plan in your life?-What has God provided for you and what does he promise still to provide?-In Scripture, how do you see God work through ordinary people to accomplish his extraordinary purposes? Why does God work this way?-What might God be doing through you (without you even knowing)?Other passages to consider: Gen 12:3; Judg 21:25; 2 Sam 7:12-14; Isa 9:6; 52:13-53:12; Mt 1:1-17; Rom 8:28-39; Gal 3:13; 4:4-7; 1 Pt 1:3-9; Rev 5:9.

The Love and Sacrifice of Redemption - Ruth 4-1-12--- vv1-2- - -- vv3-4- - -- vv5-6- - -- vv7-10- - -- vv11-12--Application--- -- ---What qualities does Boaz demonstrate in this passage-----Why did the closest relative choose not to redeem the land and Ruth-- How does Boaz demonstrate selfishness in volunteering to redeem-----Christian, how does this passage point us to what Christ has done for you-- How should you respond-----How does love involve selflessness-- Who has God placed in your life to sacrificially serve----Other passages to consider- Gen 38- Jn 13-34-35- Rom 5-8,12-21- 6-1-14- Gal 2-20- Eph 5-25-27- Phil 2-3-11- Titus 3-3-7- 1 Pet 1-3-5.

The Love and Sacrifice of Redemption - Ruth 4-1-12--- vv1-2- - -- vv3-4- - -- vv5-6- - -- vv7-10- - -- vv11-12--Application--- -- ---What qualities does Boaz demonstrate in this passage-----Why did the closest relative choose not to redeem the land and Ruth-- How does Boaz demonstrate selfishness in volunteering to redeem-----Christian, how does this passage point us to what Christ has done for you-- How should you respond-----How does love involve selflessness-- Who has God placed in your life to sacrificially serve----Other passages to consider- Gen 38- Jn 13-34-35- Rom 5-8,12-21- 6-1-14- Gal 2-20- Eph 5-25-27- Phil 2-3-11- Titus 3-3-7- 1 Pet 1-3-5.

The Love and Sacrifice of Redemption – Ruth 4:1-12- vv1-2 - vv3-4 - vv5-6 - vv7-10 - vv11-12Application: -What qualities does Boaz demonstrate in this passage?-Why did the closest relative choose not to redeem the land and Ruth? How does Boaz demonstrate selfishness in volunteering to redeem?-Christian, how does this passage point us to what Christ has done for you? How should you respond?-How does love involve selflessness? Who has God placed in your life to sacrificially serve?Other passages to consider: Gen 38; Jn 13:34-35; Rom 5:8,12-21; 6:1-14; Gal 2:20; Eph 5:25-27; Phil 2:3-11; Titus 3:3-7; 1 Pet 1:3-5.

Our focus in this sermon is Peter's brief, but comprehensive-doxology written to believers who were suffering because of their-faith. While his letter contains many instructive expressions of-encouragement, his majestic words of praise in these three verses-remind them of the broad scope of God's saving work in their lives,-truths we too need to keep in mind.--1. He------------ blesses----------- God-------- for -------His--------that brought about our new birth and gave us a living hope through Christ's resurrection -vs3-.-------2. He--------- blesses-------- God------- for--------the------------He has reserved in heaven for His children -vs 4-.-------3. He ----------blesses------------ God---------- for ---------His-----------over His children until the day He calls us home and we experience the definitive -phase of our salvation -vs 5-.

Our focus in this sermon is Peter's brief, but comprehensive-doxology written to believers who were suffering because of their-faith. While his letter contains many instructive expressions of-encouragement, his majestic words of praise in these three verses-remind them of the broad scope of God's saving work in their lives,-truths we too need to keep in mind.--1. He------------ blesses----------- God-------- for -------His--------that brought about our new birth and gave us a living hope through Christ's resurrection -vs3-.-------2. He--------- blesses-------- God------- for--------the------------He has reserved in heaven for His children -vs 4-.-------3. He ----------blesses------------ God---------- for ---------His-----------over His children until the day He calls us home and we experience the definitive -phase of our salvation -vs 5-.

Our focus in this sermon is Peter's brief, but comprehensivedoxology written to believers who were suffering because of theirfaith. While his letter contains many instructive expressions ofencouragement, his majestic words of praise in these three versesremind them of the broad scope of God's saving work in their lives,truths we too need to keep in mind.1. He____________ blesses___________ God________ for _______His_______that brought about our new birth and gave us a living hope through Christ's resurrection (vs3).2. He_________ blesses________ God_______ for________the___________He has reserved in heaven for His children (vs 4).3. He __________blesses____________ God__________ for _________His__________over His children until the day He calls us home and we experience the definitive phase of our salvation (vs 5).

-The Incarnation - Why Jesus Came Among Us--Selected Portions of Hebrews, Chapters 1 and 2-August 11, 2024- --The opening verses of Hebrews affirm that while God had previously spoken to His people in many portions and ways, in these last days He has spoken through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The writer goes to great length in describing who Jesus is and what He has done, giving extended space to how Jesus is superior to the angels in every way. He then moves to His Incarnation and why that was necessary. As we make our way through these compelling verses, we will see that there were three primary reasons why Jesus humbled Himself as He did in coming to live among us as a man.