Podcasts about sermon outline i

Sermon Outline: I. The Distress of the Psalmist - v. 1-3 II. The Relief of the Psalmist - v. 4-6 III. The Certain Hope of God's People - v. 7-8 As we read this Psalm we see that the psalmist is in great distress and is crying out for the mercy of God. The thing that is overwhelming him is his own sin, his great iniquity. He knows how righteous God is but is comforted in Yahweh's steadfast love and plentiful redemption. So the Psalmist waits in certain hope that God will redeem him as well as all his people from their iniquities. Knowing the Old Testament promises of the Messiah is where his ultimate hope rested: the coming One who would pay the price for the true removal of their sin and guilt. We, too, wait for the consummation of our salvation at Christ's return.

Mark 16:1-8 | Ps. Jeff Susila.One Thing: When all seems lost, we still have hope because Jesus is alive!Sermon Outline:I. The women's expectation (vv. 1-3)II. The women's discovery (vv. 4-7)III. The women's response (v. 8)

Mark 15:37-39 | Ps. Eric Yee.Sermon Outline:I. How the Christ died (v. 37)Jesus willingly gave his life to save sinners.II. What the curtain meant (v. 38)Jesus' work on the cross is the only way to God.III. What the centurion said (v. 39)⁠⁠Jesus welcomes even the vilest of sinners.

Lesson: For your vitality in Christ's church, you must be demonstrating faith, delighting in the gospel, and ever-depending on our Lord. Sermon Outline:I. Faith exercised (v. 3-4).II. Gospel centrality (v. 5).III. Sovereign salvation (v. 6).

Sermon Text: Galatians 4:8-11Sermon Title: "Jealously Guard Your Freedom in Christ."Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 46:1-13Lesson: God delivers you from ignorance and idolatry to the saving knowledge of Christ and true freedom, which you must guard. Sermon Outline:I. Your initial life of ignorance, idolatry, and bondage (v. 8).II. The divine change of illumination and freedom (v. 9a).III. The foolishness of leaving freedom for bondage (v. 9b-10).IV. The concern of futility (v. 11).

Sermon Text: Galatians 4:1-7Sermon Title: "The Fullness of Time Came."Old Testament Reading: Numbers 8:1-26Lesson: In God's perfect timing, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to redeem those under Law and grant adoption to transgressors. Sermon Outline:I. The preparation for adoption (v. 1-3).II. The price of adoption (v. 4-5).III. The pledge of adoption (v. 6-7).

Sermon Text: Galatians 3:26-29Sermon Title: "In Christ: Abraham's True Descendants."Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 56:1-12Lesson: Being justified by faith in Christ, you are Abraham's true descendants and are adopted into God's family, with all the privileges of sons. Sermon Outline:I. Faith that leads to sonship (v. 26).II. Union that yields righteousness (v. 27).III. Unity that produces equality (v. 28).IV. Lineage that brings inheritance (v. 29).

At the exact time, God sent forth His only begotten Son, born of a woman in Bethlehem, in humility and obscurity. Sermon Outline:I. The timing of Christ's birth (v. 1-2).II. The location of Christ's birth (v. 3-5).III. The condition of Christ's birth (v. 6-7).

John 1:1-18 | Pastor John Eom. One Thing: Jesus, the eternal Word, became flesh to give us grace and truth from his fullness. Sermon Outline: I. The Word always was and always was with God (1-2) II. The Word created all things and revealed himself (3-9) III. The Word came to his own but was not recognized (10-13) IV. The Word became flesh to give us grace and truth (14-18)

Lesson: That Abraham was accounted righteous by faith and is the father of all believers supports the biblical doctrine of justification. Sermon Outline:I. God's promise of the gospel to Abraham (v. 6-7).II. God's provision of the gospel through Abraham to all nations (v. 8-9).

That justification is by faith alone is corroborated as the same instrument of receiving blessings from the triune God. Sermon Outline:I. Your union with Christ (v. 1).II. Your receiving of the Holy Spirit (v. 2-4).III. Your appropriation of blessings from the Father (v. 5).

The false gospels diverge from the true in how they view the Law, Christ's life and death, and God's grace. Sermon Outline:I. Counterarguments against the false gospel (v. 17-18).II. Your relation to the Law and to Christ (v. 19-20).III. The proper place of God's grace and Christ's death (v. 21).

Neither Jew nor Gentile can attain righteousness through the Law, but only by faith in Jesus Christ who justifies the ungodly. Sermon Outline:I. Justification known by revelation (v. 15-16a).II. Justification confirmed by experience (v. 16b).III. Justification stated absolutely (v. 16c).

Paul rebuked Peter for his fear of the Judaizers, leading to hypocrisy, and by implication a denial of the gospel. Sermon Outline:I. The charge of Peter's sin (v. 11-12).II. The effect of Peter's sin (v. 13).III. The rebuke of Peter's sin (v. 14).

The Apostles gave Paul the right hand of fellowship upon witnessing the same gospel message and the Holy Spirit's work. Sermon Outline:I. Not wanting (v. 6).II. The Spirit's working (v. 7-8).III. Gospel oneness (v. 9-10).

Paul's divinely sanctioned visit to Jerusalem was for the sake of apostolic affirmation of gospel truth before her assailants. Sermon Outline:I. A divinely determined drop-in (v. 1-2).II. The mentee not marred (v. 3).III. The covert conspirators for chattel (v. 4).IV. Doctrinal defense from decay (v. 5).

Further proving Paul taught no derivative gospel, the Judean church glorified God at his conversion to and proclamation of the faith. Sermon Outline:I. Paul's alibi about gospel origins (v. 16b-21).II. The church's rejoicing over Paul's drastic conversion (v. 22-24).

The gospel of Christ did not originate with mere men, but it is the power and wisdom of God unto salvation. Sermon Outline:I. The gospel originated, not with man, but from God (v. 11-12).II. Man's deplorable state before Christ (v. 13-14).III. The sovereign call of God (v. 15-17).

The gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Christ apart from works, must be jealously guarded, lest diabolically adulterated. Sermon Outline:I. Astonished (v. 6)!II. Adulteration (v. 7).III. Accursed (v. 8-9).IV. Approval (v. 10).

Galatians is a gospel defense, that for God's glory, Jesus Christ died for sinners to rescue you from this evil age. Sermon Outline:I. The author of Galatians (v. 1).II. The audience of Galatians (v. 2).III. The aim of Galatians (v. 3-5). A. The blessing of the gospel (v. 3a). B. The source of the gospel (v. 3b). C. The foundation of the gospel (v. 4a, c). D. The purpose of the gospel (v. 4b, 5). 1. Immediate purpose: to deliver us from the present evil age (v. 4b). 2. Ultimate purpose: for the glory of God (v. 5).

At the conclusion of Revelation, Jesus warns against several paths to apostasy, with the promise that He will return soon. Sermon Outline:I. Five exhortations from Christ (v. 6-17). A. An exhortation to conviction upon God's Word (v. 6-7). B. An exhortation to commitment to exclusivity (v. 8-9). C. An exhortation to consistency in faith and practice (v. 10-12). D. An exhortation to contrast with the world (v. 13-15). E. An exhortation to covenant with Christ (v. 16-17).II. A warning against censoring God's revelation (v. 18-19).III. A promise and blessing (v. 20-21).

Suffering in Ministry: 2024 FIRE N.E. Regional Conference (Session 1) ------------------------ Sermon Outline------------------------------ I. When Calamity Strikes (a personal testimony of suffering) A. The Story Begins on Christmas Eve of 2015 II. Principles for Life and Ministry A. Seven Principles: 1. The Principle of Necessity: Expect to Suffer 2. The Principle of Example: We Are Role Models of Suffering 3. The Principle of Brokenness: God is Glorified in Our Weakness 4. The Principle of Conformity: Suffering Makes Us More Like the Chief Shepherd 5. The Principle of Providence: We Take Comfort in God's Sovereignty 6. The Principle of Temporality: Hold the Things of This World Loosely 7. The Principle of Eternity: Suffering will give way to Eternal Glory

In heaven, God removes the curse, enables perfect communion with Him, and gives free access to the tree of life. Sermon Outline:I. The source of life in the new creation (v. 1-2).II. The blessedness of life in the new creation (v. 3-5).

The new Jerusalem needs no temple building or artificial light, for God's glory illumines all, and all creation is His temple. Sermon Outline: I. No architectural temple (v. 22).II. No artificial light (v. 23-26).III. No uncleanness (v. 27).

The perfected church manifests God's glory, is founded upon Israel and the Apostles, and her membership is of infinite worth. Sermon Outline: I. The radiance of the holy city (v. 9-11).II. The protection upon the holy city (v. 12-13).III. The foundation of the holy city (v. 14-15).IV. The measurement of the holy city (v. 16-17).V. The worth of the holy city (v. 18-21).

The Lord faithful and true fulfills His promises in the new creation of His abiding presence and removing the curse. Sermon Outline: I. The blessedness of the new creation (v. 1-4).II. The God who blesses the new creation (v. 5-8).

Series: Guard the TreasureTitle: Who Guards the Truth & How?Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:14-16 NIV Bottom Line: We guard the treasure by showing up living the truth, sharing the truth and exalting the Truth the rest of our lives.INTRODUCTIONCONTEXTSERMON OUTLINECONCLUSIONNOTESOUTLINESDISCUSSION QUESTIONSMAIN REFERENCES USEDINTRODUCTIONSometimes my wife Anita sends me to the store to pick up something she needs to prepare dinner. If she just needs one or two things, I don't usually write it down. If it gets longer than three things, or if branding and size become an issue, I will write it down. My chance of getting back home with the correct thing is exponentially more likely if I write it down than if I don't. But being a man, I tend to want to not write it down. It's ironic, I think, that Paul wrote down instructions for Timothy to follow and actually believed that Timothy would follow his instructions. Especially considering that we men don't love to follow instructions. And, yet, we have the letter 1 Timothy, because a man wrote down the instructions for another man to follow. Isn't God good? CONTEXTAnd that's the context for this letter. There are issues in the church at Ephesus and Paul can't be there to straighten things out. So he sent Timothy in his place to straighten things out until he can get there. This letter represents his instructions to Timothy to help him do just that.“If I were preaching a sermon specifically on 1 Timothy 3:14-16, the main topic would likely revolve around the significance of the church as the guardian of truth and the mystery of godliness centered on Jesus Christ. I would focus on how these verses highlight the importance of understanding and upholding the core beliefs of Christianity while recognizing the profound nature of Christ's life, message, and exaltation.” -ChatGPT 3.5We guard the treasure of the gospel (truth and godliness) by:SERMON OUTLINE I. We are the church who guards the treasureThe household of GodThe church of the living GodThe pillar andFoundation of truth (the treasure)II. We guard the treasure/truth byShowing up and living the truthProclaiming the truthExalting the truthCONCLUSIONBottom Line: We guard the treasure by showing up living the truth, sharing the truth and exalting the Truth the rest of our lives.In conclusion, let's ask some summary questions:Q. What do I want them to know?A. Who guards the truth in these last days?Q. Why do I want them to know it?A. Because it's us—we are guardians of the truth.Q. What do I want them to do about it?A. 1. Guard the truth byShowing up and living the truthProclaiming the truthExalting the truthQ. Why do I want them to do it?A. Because that's our job as guardians of the truth.Q. How can they begin to do this?A. 1. Show up #incarnationShare #proclamationWorship/live 24/7 #glorification/exaltation PrayNOTESNoneOUTLINESBKC OutlineI. The Salutation (1:1–2)II. Instructions concerning False Teachers (1:3–20)III. Instructions concerning Conduct in the Church (2:1–3:13)IV. Instructions concerning Guarding the Truth in the Church (3:14–4:16)A. The church and its truth (3:14–16)B. Predictions of apostasy (4:1–5)C. Responsibilities of a good minister of Christ (4:6–16)V. Instructions concerning Various Groups in the Church (5:1–6:10)A. Concerning various age-groups (5:1–2)B. Concerning widows (5:3–16)C. Concerning elders (5:17–25)D. Concerning slaves and masters (6:1–2)E. Concerning the heretical and greedy (6:3–10)VI. Final Charge to Timothy (6:11–21)A. Exhortation to godliness (6:11–16)B. Instructions for the rich (6:17–19)C. Exhortations to remain faithful (6:20–21)W Wiersbe sermon outlineKey theme: How to manage the ministry of the local churchKey verse: 1 Timothy 3:15I. The Church and Its Message (1)II. The Church and Its Members (2–3)A. Praying men (2:1–8)1. For rulers (2:1–3)2. For sinners (2:4–8)B. Modest women (2:9–15)1. In dress (2:9–10)2. In behavior (2:11–15)C. Dedicated officers (3:1–13)1. Pastors (3:1–7)2. Deacons (3:8–13)D. Behaving believers (3:14–16)III. The Church and Its Minister (4)A. A good minister (4:1–6)B. A godly minister (4:7–12)C. A growing minister (4:13–16)IV. The Church and Its Ministry (5–6)A. To older saints (5:1–2)B. To widows (5:3–16)C. To church leaders (5:17–25)D. To servants (slaves) (6:1–2)E. To trouble-makers (6:3–5)F. To the rich (6:6–19)G. To the “educated” (6:20–21)DISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process:Retell the story in your own words.Discovery the storyWhat does this story tell me about God?What does this story tell me about people?If this is really God's word, what changes would I have to make in my life?Who am I going to tell about this?Final Questions (optional or in place of above)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastAlternate Discussion Questions: Based on this passage:Who is God?What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)Final Questions (index cards optional)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?MAIN REFERENCES USED“1 - 2 Timothy,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes“1 & 2 Timothy” by John StottExalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)Willmington's Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgptAnswerThePublic.comWikipedia.com

Sermon Outline--I. The Christian calling to bear unjust suffering-II. Christ, our Example of the Gracious Sufferer-III. Christ Suffered as the Bearer of Our Sins- His Suffering brought us healing- He paid sin's penalty- He broke sin's power over our lives and set us in motion for - righteous living.

God desires a people who will not leave him or forsake him, who will not worship other gods besides him, who will obey his commands, honor him as Lord, and keep coming back to him as long as their heart is pumping. And while this kind of loyalty will yield blessings beyond our imagination, disloyalty is threatened with curses unspeakable. Sermon Outline: I. Obedience leads to blessings untold. The Condition: The Blessings: The Cause: II. Disobedience leads to curses unspeakable. The Condition: The Curses: The Cause: III. So What? Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. Covenant loyalty is a very big deal to God. Why do you suppose that is? How does the image of God's people being his bride help us grasp the intensity of his love? 2. God's blessings described in Deuteronomy 28 are primarily focused around physical and financial prosperity in the land. Should we expect physical and financial prosperity if we obey God's commandments? (*Hint: in addition to New Testament texts like 2 Cor. 4:7-5:10, you may want to revisit Psalm 73 and Job 1-2.) 3. Not all hardship is a result of God's response to our sins, but all of God's curses are intended to function as discipline in the life of his people to turn us back to repentance and faith. Read Hebrews 12:3-17 and explain how we should respond to discipline. 4. Read John 15:1-11. How are Jesus' words a further confirmation of the message in Deuteronomy 28? 5. How does understanding what Christ has accomplished for us at the cross turn obedience from feeling like a burden of “have to” to the joy of “get to”? Where in your life do you need to apply that gospel more personally so the “have to” becomes a “get to” again?

Gratitude is the natural response to rescue. In this passage, Moses prescribes a couple of rituals and recitations that will serve to remind the people of what God has done for them. Come discover how gratitude for God's grace expresses itself in obedient worship, obedient giving, and obedient living. Sermon Outline: I. Give thanks for God's grace through obedient worship. II. Give thanks for God's grace through obedient giving. III. Give thanks for God's grace through obedient living. Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. Have you ever been rescued or saved from something scary or life-threatening? What did that feel like, and how did you respond? 2. In our worship, we should be cognizant of God's provision for us, his faithfulness to us, and his rescue of us. How can we keep these things in mind as we worship? What happens if we forget? 3. Why is giving to the local church and to those in need an appropriate response to God's grace to us? Do your own giving practices reflect your own sense of gratitude for what God has done for you and promised to you? 4. How does knowing you are God's treasured possession affect your understanding of his commandments? How is disobedience to any of God's commandments ultimately a failure to remember and trust? 5. Reflect today on what God has done for you. Take some time to pray and re-commit yourself to obeying all of his commands in loving gratitude for his abundant grace to you in Christ.

In a world that puts self first, God's people put the interests of others ahead of their own. In a world where many seek to take advantage through dishonesty, God's people are honest even when it hurts. In a world that seeks to divide, God's people are breaking down boundaries with love. When we live this way, we push back against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places and upon the earth. Sermon Outline: I. Love Protects the Family. II. Love Protects the Economy. III. Love Protects the Covenant Community. Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. The laws around levirate marriage were to protect and provide for the deceased man's family. How was selfishness a threat to that provision? How does selfishness threaten families today? 2. Read 1 Timothy 5:8-16. What are the implications of this passage for us as families today? 3. For those who are or have been in the marketplace, where do you see selfishness as a threat to the economy? Where have you been tempted to be dishonest? How would honesty in the workplace transform your industry? 4. Read Colossians 3:22-24. If you were living this, what would change about the way you work? 5. How is love the ultimate act of rebellion in a selfish world? How does Jesus show us this and how do we benefit from it?

In this passage, Moses reminds the people of God that they were once enslaved, without hope, and unable to help themselves. Yet God stepped into their misery and demonstrated compassion toward them and rescued them from their misery. And now in this series of loosely connected laws, he calls forth the same kind of compassion to be demonstrated by his covenant people. Sermon Outline: I. Have Compassion on the Newly Married. II. Have Compassion on those in Debt. III. Have Compassion on Victims of Trafficking. IV. Have Compassion for your Neighbor's Health. V. Have Compassion on those who Work for You. VI. Have Compassion on the Poor. VII. Have Compassion on the Innocent and the Guilty. Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. Tell of a time when you were the recipient of someone else's compassion? How did it impact you? 2. What do you think are some of the primary obstacles keeping Christians from being more compassionate toward others today? 3. Consider the commands in Deuteronomy 24:19-22. What do you think are some contemporary applications of this law to meet the needs of the poor and vulnerable while preserving their dignity? 4. What kind of person do you find it most difficult to feel and express compassion for? How can the gospel renew your heart and perspective toward such people? 5. What is one change you are going to intentionally make this week as a result of this passage?

To take advantage of other human beings, or to exploit them, seems as natural to us as breathing. We see it all around us everyday. But it is not to be so among God's covenant people. Rather than taking advantage, we are called to love. Join us to find out how! Sermon Outline: I. Do not Take Advantage of the Refugee Slave. II. Do Not Take Advantage of the Sinful Vices of Others. III. Do Not Take Advantage of the Poor. IV. Do Not Take Advantage of the LORD. V. Do Not Take Advantage of Your Neighbor's Generosity. VI. Do Not Take Advantage of a Divorce. Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. “Love does no wrong to a neighbor.” What are some ways that you see people being wronged or taken advantage of in our world today? 2. What modern-day equivalents of the refugee slave should the people of God provide refuge for today? 3. How might the poor be taken advantage of in our context? How do you see generosity being taken advantage of? How do you see divorce being used to take advantage? What can we do about any of these things as the covenant people of God? 4. Vows are taken very seriously in the Bible, but not so much by many of us. Reflect on the vows you have taken (eg. marriage, church membership, etc.). Are you living by them? Recommit yourself to give what you have promised in light of what Christ has given you.

The rules in this passage are quite strange to us. But God's motive in giving them to his people was so that his people who are sinful and unclean, could enjoy the benefit of fellowship with the God who is described as “Holy, holy, holy”. While the ceremonial rules regarding ritual purity in Israel have come to an end through the ministry of Jesus, the instructions about who can be in the assembly of the Lord and how we should live knowing that God is present are no less instructive for us than for them. Sermon Outline: I. Because God is holy, we must preserve the sanctity of the holy assembly. II. Because God is holy, we must keep ourselves from every evil thing. Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. How do you feel about certain people and groups being excluded from the assembly of the LORD? Do you think it is fair? 2. Read Acts 8:26-39. How does this passage relate to Deuteronomy 23:1-8 and what does it teach us about the reach of the gospel? 3. Read Ephesians 2:11-22. How does this passage relate to Deuteronomy 23:1-8 and what are the implications for us? 4. If you believed in the core of your being that God not only dwelt in your midst, but within you as a temple, how would your life be different? What needs to be cleaned out so that “he may not see anything indecent” in you? After discussing, spend some time in prayer asking God to show you those things and to cleanse you of them.

Real life isn't random as many might say; we are all living in a story written and orchestrated by a powerful and loving God. This story is filled with hope and can give us comfort and courage each and every day. The reigning sentiment of our time gives us conflicting messages about how we get hope in this life, but the Gospel of Jesus gives a clear answer. Sermon Outline I. Do Not Conform II. Be Transformed Questions 1. What are some of the differences between the world's narrative of things, and the gospel's? 2. Are there any parts of the world's narrative you find yourself tending to believe? Which parts? 3. How does the gospel contradict those false truths? 4. If your story seems different from others, what false conclusions can you make about God's love for you?

We are all disciples of something or of someone. Only Jesus disciples us in the ways that are best for us, and can fill the void in our hearts we try to fill with achievements, experiences, possessions…the list is endless. The world disciples us by demanding and taking. Jesus disciples us by leading, tending, guiding, nurturing, strengthening, correcting, and restoring, as our Creator and as the Lover of our souls. Sermon Outline: I. Encounter: Discipleship begins when someone encounters Jesus for the first time. II. Engage: Disciples must engage their whole selves completely. III. Experience: Disciples must experience and embrace Jesus' mercy for them personally. IV. Endure: Jesus' boundless mercy is a rock that enables us to endure all. Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. Ozymandias thought his statue and his kingdom would last forever. What are some of the “statues” and “kingdoms” the world around you assumes will last forever. Are there any statues and kingdoms in your life you assume will always be there? 2. When did you encounter Jesus for the first time? What are some key moments in your life when your faith became personal? Who are some key people that have played a role in helping you see Jesus better? 3. When you think of how Jesus calls us to surrender everything in our lives and follow him, do you ever struggle to believe if he will be enough to replace all of that? Do you believe he, in fact, is enough? 4. What are some ways you've needed the rock of Jesus' mercy this week? How might this change your approach to helping others going through hard times?

This passage teaches us that sexual matters are not isolated from the rest of life, and as God's covenant people we are called to live with sexual integrity of heart and body. Sermon Outline: I. Sexual Integrity is a Community Matter II. Sexual Sin is a Community Matter 1. A Case of Adultery 2. A Case of Implied Consent 3. A Case of Sexual Assault 4. A Case of Seduction III. Redemption After Sexual Sin is a Community Matter Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. Do you agree with the basic premise of today's message that sex is not simply an individual matter, but a community one? Why or why not? 2. What do the various penalties in this passage reveal to us about how God views sexual integrity? We are not called to reinstitute these penalties from the law, but how can we begin to think about matters of sexuality with the same kind of gravity reflected in the Bible? 3. If we have sexual sin we are not repenting of in our own life, how should we deal with it? How should we approach a brother or sister in Christ living in sexual sin? Why should we approach them about it at all? 4. How should we respond to a brother or sister in Christ who has come to confess sexual sin to us? How does the gospel enable us to forgive those who have sinned against us sexually?

We are largely a people, both inside and outside the church, turned inward on ourselves, and inclined to live without respect to God or others. In this passage, God gives his people some rules for everyday life as to how to live a life of love. The verses in this section feel like a random hodgepodge of commandments. And probably when we hear them read, they do not sound particularly relevant. But as we take a deeper look, we will find the principles underlying these commands to be strikingly contemporary and relevant. Sermon Outline: I. Look Out for Your Neighbor's Best Interest II. Embrace the Distinction Between Male and Female III. Steward God's Resources Wisely IV. Minimize the Risk of Harm to Your Neighbor V. Maintain Spiritual Integrity VI. Remember God's Commandments Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. What would the world be like if everyone pursued their own truth and their own sense of fulfillment without regard to others? Would it be better or worse and why? 2. We may not have neighbors with animals going astray or getting stuck in a ditch, but what are some practical ways we can look out for the good of our neighbors? How can we do the same for our enemies? 3. What is the problem with blurring sexual distinctions between male and female? How would you define biblical masculinity and biblical femininity? How can we properly affirm both in the family and in the church? 4. The law of the parapet around the roof (Deut. 22:8) was to protect family and friends from accidentally falling off the roof. What are some modern examples of putting this principle of minimizing the risk of harm to our neighbor that we should practice? 5. How did Jesus embody the principles laid out in these laws for our sake? Take some time to give thanks to him for what he has done for you, and asking how you can express your gratitude to him by living out the message of this text.

This week we will consider an often overlooked aspect of the great commission. We will consider together how God has given us the mission critical task in the discipleship of our families. We will look to the Scriptures to understand God‘s call on our lives to disciple our family, the context of family discipleship, and the comfort Christ offers all of us as we acknowledge our own failures and shortcomings in this area. Sermon Outline: I. The call to family discipleship II. The context of family discipleship 1. Who is to disciple our family? 2. How are we to disciple our family III. The comfort in family discipleship Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. How will the understanding that family discipleship is part of the great commission change how you relate to your family or those in your household? 2. Why did Jesus tell us that all authority in heaven and earth are given to him? What difference will that make in the discipleship of our families? 3. Who does God give the primary responsibility to in the discipleship of our families? 4. How does our personal worship and discipleship affect our ability to lead our families as disciple makers? 5. Looking at Jesus life, how are we to primarily disciple our families? 6. How does it provide us comfort and what difference does it make that Jesus promised he will always be with us? 7. Although God calls us to intentionally disciple our family, who is ultimately responsible for our children's salvation? 8. With Gods help, will you continue or start discipling your family?

This week we will consider some difficult laws in Deuteronomy. We will see how these laws reflect the grace and mercy of God toward sinful humanity in that they aim to minimize the misery of life in a world under the curse of sin. And in the midst of these depressing scenarios, we will discover a ray of hope that one day the curse of sin will finally be removed and laws that mitigate the effects of sinful hearts will no longer be necessary. Join us! Sermon Outline: I. Law mitigating the effect of power imbalance II. Law mitigating the effect of partiality in the home III. Law mitigating the effect of rebellious children IV. Law mitigating the effect of capital crimes Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. Consider the four laws in this passage. Where do you see the love and mercy of God on display in each of them? 2. How is the biblical vision for sexual relationships better than alternative visions? Why do you suppose we resist that biblical vision? 3. For those who have children still in the home, how can you instill in them a sense of honor for you as their parents as well as for authority generally? How can the church as a covenant community help to instill a proper sense of honor for authority? 4. The effects of the curse of sin are evident all around us. What has God done to ultimately bring about an end to the curse, and what are the implications of that for how we live today?

Human life is of such value that an unnatural death leaves a stain on the community that must be dealt with through another death. The shedding of innocent blood pollutes the community and blood is on everyone's hands. If that is true, what does that mean for a nation that has shed the blood of 63 million innocent babies? What does that mean for a nation giving regular witness to mass shootings, gang violence, and one of the higher murder rates among developed nations? And what does an ancient ritual involving the breaking of a heifer's neck have to do with anything in our contemporary world? Join us to find out! Sermon Outline: I. The Problem II. The Solution III. The Significance Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. What is the role of the elders of the nearest city in this ritual? What is the role of the priests? As the civil, judicial, and religious leaders of the community, why is their participation in the ritual significant? 2. How does the ritual of the broken-necked heifer teach us about the value of human life? 3. What does this passage teach us about our corporate responsibility for human life? Even if we do not commit the sins personally, to what degree would you say we are responsible for sins like abortion or violence in our communities? 4. What message of hope do we have for those with a guilty conscience? How might you explain the meaning of Christ's shed blood to a person who feels they can never be forgiven for what they have done?

History is littered with stories of an injury, followed by a retaliation, followed by escalating violence and death. Such retaliatory feuds and vigilante justice destroy families, communities, and even nations. Where there are people, harm will be done, both accidental and intentional. How can a society prevent these incidents from spiraling out of control? And how should we as individuals respond to accidental or intentional offenses? Sermon Outline: I. We Must Protect the Innocent. II. We Must Purge the Guilty. Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. Describe what it would be like to live in a society where there is no reliable system of justice, where the guilty go free and the innocent suffer. 2. Why is it necessary that Christians actively protect life and not simply avoid taking life? What are some practical ways we can protect life in keeping the sixth commandment? 3. Why is it necessary that the guilty be punished in a society? How can Christians involved in any phase of the criminal justice system be salt and light? 4. What hope does the gospel offer for the guilty and the innocent alike (in the sight of the law of the land)?

For ages, witchcraft, sorcery, and communicating with the dead have been ways of seeking answers about the future. In this passage, Moses presents us with a better way to live as God's covenant people. Sermon Outline: I. We Should Support Those Who Serve God and His People. II. As God's People, We Should Reject False Practices and False Prophets III. We Should Heed Those Who Speak for God to His People. Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. What do we lose when we forget how wide the gulf was that separated us from God? 2. Why is it important for the people of God to have those who are freed from ordinary work to focus on the ministry of the Word, sacrament, and prayer? What does the church lose when these ministers lose their focus for one reason or another? 3. What is the attraction of ancient and modern forms of divining the future or God's will? What do Christians have to offer the world that is so much better? 4. How can we discern true words from God versus false words? How should we respond to each? 5. How does Jesus fulfill the ministry of prophet and priest for us his people? (See Hebrews 1:1-2; 7:11-8:13; 10:1-25 for some ideas.)

Abuses of power by those in leadership is rampant. This is nothing new. Deuteronomy reminds us that wielding power is very dangerous for a sinful person. How can we wield power in such a way as to honor God and bless people? Join us to find out! Sermon Outline: I. Godly Leaders Must Be Chosen. II. Godly Leaders Must Resist the Temptations of Leadership. III. Godly Leaders Must Be Subject to God's Word. Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. Does power corrupt people or does power simply reveal corruption in people? Support your answer. 2. Why do churches and Christian organizations sometimes settle for good leaders when we really need godly leaders? 3. How can godly leaders resist the various temptations of leadership and power? Why do you think so many of us fail to resist? Take some time to pray for leaders in your life. 4. How is Jesus the perfect embodiment of Deuteronomy 17:14-20? Why do you think anyone would not want to serve a king like this? What can we do to help them?

We are prone to forget who God is and what he has done for us. He is the source of every good thing we enjoy, and yet, amid the rush and busyness of life, we forget. And when we forget we become increasingly ungrateful, idolatrous, and rebellious. God in his wisdom has built reminders into the calendars of his people to help us remember and rejoice. Join us this week to remember and rejoice! Sermon Outline: I. Remember God's Rescue II. Remember God's Generosity III. Remember God's Faithfulness Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. Why do you think we are so prone to forget the things that are most important? 2. How do the events of the Passover ultimately point us to Jesus? How does better understanding the Passover help us to appreciate the work of Christ? (Read Exodus 12 for help.) 3. Two of the three pilgrimage feasts have a heavy emphasis on including people who might be marginalized. What are some ways you could include those types of people in your celebrations of God's goodness? 4. What are some practical ways you can be more intentional to remember what God has done for you and rejoice in it?

The central hope of Christianity is not ‘going to heaven when you die.' Rather it is our ultimate triumph over death through our union with Jesus in a physical resurrection to live and reign with him forever in a renewed world. Join us to discover more of the implications of Christ's resurrection victory! Sermon Outline: I. What if the Dead are not Raised? II. Why Must the Dead be Raised? III. What Must We Do? Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. Do you believe it matters whether or not Christians are physically raised from the dead so long as we go to heaven? Why or why not? 2. How does the denial of the bodily resurrection of believers ultimately lead to the denial of the entire Christian faith? 3. If the resurrection of the body turned out to be a lie, how would it affect your life? Would anything change or would you basically go on living as you are now? 4. How is God's glory connected with your resurrection and what encouragement does that give you? 5. How does the biblical hope of the resurrection propel Christians into bold and courageous living for Christ?

In this passage, Moses sets out a vision for a wildly prosperous and generous people established on the firm foundation of God's promises. The question is: will his people remember, trust, and obey? Sermon Outline: I. You Can Trust God to Provide for You when You Open Your Hand to Release a Debt. II. You Can Trust God to Provide for You when You Open Your Hand to Give to the Needy. III. You Can Trust God to Provide for You when You Open Your Hand to Release Your Most Valuable Assets. IV. You Can Trust God to Provide for You when You Open Your Hand to Give Sacrificially to Him. Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. Imagine a world where there are “no poor among you.” What do you think it would take for that to become reality? Why do you think poverty remains a problem in the world and in the church today? 2. What is the relationship between trusting God to bless us and opening our hand to give? 3. How would you describe God's heart for the poor? How would you describe your heart for the poor? 4. Read Luke 6:30-35 and Proverbs 19:17. How would your life be different if you believed these passages in the core of your being?

Sermon Outline: I. We Should Be Distinctively Different in How We Mourn. II. We Should Be Distinctively Different in How We Eat. III. We Should Be Distinctively Different in How We Worship. Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. Are Christians today any less the sons of God than the people of Israel were in the Old Testament? (Consider 1 Peter 2:1-12 and Galatians 1:1-7 for starters.) Why is it so important to see the imperatives of the Bible in light of the indicative statements about our identity? 2. Is holiness any less important in the life of a Christian today than the people of God in the Old Testament? (Consider 1 Peter 1:13-21 in your answer and any other passages you choose.) How conscious are you of the pursuit of holiness in your own life? 3. How should the mourning of Christians differ from those who are not God's people? 4. Why do Christians not keep the dietary laws laid down in Deuteronomy 14? How did the end of the dietary laws correspond to the breaking down of the wall of division between Jewish and Gentile believers? (Consider Acts 10-11 in your answer.) 5. What are some particular ways Christians are called to be in the world while remaining distinctively different from the world?

The temptation to idolatry can come from many directions, including our own hearts. Join us this week to discover why and how we must ruthlessly resist idolatry from every angle. Sermon Outline: I. Resist Spiritual Deception to Idolatry II. Resist Relational Enticement to Idolatry III. Resist Cultural Pressure to Idolatry Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. How would you define idolatry? What are some examples today? 2. In this passage, there are three particular sources of temptation to idolatry. Which do you find the most challenging to recognize and resist? 3. What do the instructions about putting people to death teach us about the seriousness of leading people away from full devotion to God? 4. How is being deeply involved in Christian fellowship an important part of resisting idolatry? 5. Imagine we have made an idol of our work, our children, our money, or the approval of other people. How can we apply the gospel to our hearts and be free of the shackles of that idolatry?

Where does Christianity fit in a pluralistic age? Is God indifferent to whether or not people or worship him because all religions ultimately lead to him anyway? Is there some worship that is acceptable to him and other worship which is not? Join us to find out! Sermon Outline: I. Who We Worship Matters. II. How We Worship Matters. Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. What is wrong with the view that all religions are equally true and valid? 2. How might the pluralistic spirit of our age lead to cynicism, especially in our emerging generations? What does Christianity have to offer that's better than cynicism? 3. What are some of the challenges of living as a fully devoted follower of Jesus in a culture like ours? What should be our posture toward the world around us? 4. Where can we learn how to worship God rightly? 5. Syncretism is diluting or distorting true biblical religion with practices or beliefs from non-Christian religion. What evidences of syncretism do you see in your life? What can be done?