Category: Sermon Notes

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Heroes

TITLE: Integrity Matters

Scripture: Daniel 6 1-17

I.    DANIEL’S LIFE EXPERIENCES

Chapter 1- The “test” of worth

Chapter 2- The interpretation of a dream

Chapter 3- The test of the furnace

Chapter 4- The truth of a prophecy

Chapter 5- The downfall of a kingdom

II.   DANIEL’S LIFE OF INTEGRITY    

Integrity defined as (who you are when no one’s looking)

Mark #1 of integrity: his (attitude).

Mark #2 of integrity: (faithful in work) See Proverbs 20:6-7

Mark #3 of integrity: (Personal purity)

Mark #4 of integrity: (consistent walk) with God.

What can we learn?

1.      Don’t expect to be (treated fairly), especially if you follow Jesus.

2.      Even though men will knock us, we will always have (God’s best).

3.      A consistent walk with God helps us (handle things much better).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Heroes

                            Title: In the Pit with Lions – Daniel 6: 16-28

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Heroes

TITLE: We Won’t Bow Down

Scripture: Daniel 3

I.   THE KING’S IMAGE                                                           
 

History: the image was 60 cubits (90 feet) tall and 6 cubits (9 feet) wide.  The LXX (Septuagint) says Neb built this the 18th year of his reign…16 years after Daniel’s interpretation of his dream.

The fact they were not only commanded to bow down before the image but also to worship indicates more to this than worship. It indicates Neb now saw himself as a (god).

II.  THE FIERY TEST  

The charge against the 3 Hebrew boys was (treason).

The response of Neb was fast and furious:

1.      (Furious rage)- v.13

2.      Gives them (another chance) but then challenges any other god.

Their response is classic. It is one thing to believe God is able to come through, but they went even further with 4 words: (but even if not).

What can we learn from this event?

1)      God is (sovereign), whether the result of our obedience is triumph or tragedy.

2)      Suffering is (necessary), whether it seems fair or not.

3)      (Deliverance) makes an impression on both the righteous and unrighteous.

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Heroes

Title: Integrity Matters – Daniel 6:1-17

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Heroes

TITLE: Cooperation without Compromise

Scripture: Daniel 1

I.    THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMPROMISE            

Nebuchadnezzar (Neb) was king of Babylon- now (Iran).  He would eventually take down Jerusalem. Known as “the time of the Gentiles” because first Gentile king to dominate city of (Jerusalem).

The opportunity? (eat the king’s food) and (drink the king’s drink).  The end result was (total indoctrination) in the Babylonian lifestyle.

II.   THE ALTERNATIVE TO COMPROMISE

3 possibilities to this dilemma:

1.      (Absorption). (Acceptance) and (absorbed).

2.      (Withdrawal)   Psalm 137:1-4

3.      Cooperation without (compromise).  Jeremiah 29:4-7

What factors contributed to Daniel and other three’s choices.

1)      (Inner convictions). (v.8a)

2)      (Wise Approach). (vv.8b-10)

3)      (Divine Assistance). (v.9, 15-16)

4)      (Unique Distinctions). (9vv.18-21)

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Heroes

Title: We Won’t Bow Down- Daniel 2

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: A Lifeboat

TITLE: Providence or Luck?

Scripture: Romans 8: 28-30

I.    WHAT MAKES UNDERSTANDING PROVIDENCE SO HARD?      

Providence- the events of our lives are not ruled by chance or blind fate but by our loving Lord and Savior, who works out His plan and His purposes in the lives of all His children.” Swindoll

Several reasons why we have trouble with providence:

1.      We have (control) issues.

2.      We have (selfishness) issues.

3.      We have (fear) issues.

4.      We have (pride) issues.

II.   WHAT ESSENTIAL TRUTH CAN HELP US UNDERSTAND?

Verse 28 broken down into 4 parts:

1)      The promise is based on (fact), not (feeling).

2)      The project is (God’s), not ours.

3)      God’s plan is (total), not (partial).

4)      God’s purpose is (good), not (evil).

All that happens in my life or yours is for His one desire for us: to be (conformed) to the (image of His Son).  Jesus is the (pattern); Christlikeness is the (goal).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Heroes

Title: Cooperation without Compromise- Daniel 1

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: A Lifeboat

TITLE: A Secure Mind

Scripture: Romans 8: 31-39

The most dangerous philosophy today is (humanism).

I.    WHAT SHALL WE THEN SAY?      

What are the “these things? Paul refers to in verse 31?

1)      There is now no (condemnation).

2)      Discussion of (sanctification).

3)      Lessons learned through (suffering).

4)      The idea of God’s (providence).

II.   QUESTION #1: WHO CAN OPPOSE US?    

Four words: (God is for us).   “The Lord is my life and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?” Ps.27:1

III.  QUESTION #2: WHO SHALL ACCUSE US?

(God) is not one of our accusers: He is our (justifier).

IV.   QUESTION #3: WHO SHALL CONDEMN US?

Grace nullifies (opposition); grace silences (accusations); grace overrules (condemnation).

V.    QUESTION #4: WHO (WHAT) SHALL SEPARATE US?

Paul moves up ladder in intensity:

1)      Tribulation- (hard circumstances)

2)      Distress- situations that (confine and oppress) us.

3)      Persecution- People intent on our (harm)

4)      Famine- (helpless hunger)

5)      Nakedness- Poverty so harsh can’t (afford clothes)

6)      Danger- In danger of false (arrest), (trial), or being killed.

7)      Sword- (death)

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: A Lifeboat

Title: Providence or Luck? – Romans 8:28-30

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: A Lifeboat

TITLE: A Submissive Mind

Scripture: Romans 8: 18-30

“Physical suffering exposes the delusion of personal autonomy and self-sufficiency.” Tripp

I.    ONE INEVITABLE REALITY   

“Suffering is inevitable; misery is optional.”

What do we know?

1.      Suffering is (certain).

2.      Suffering has a (purpose).

3.      Suffering is (temporary).

The inevitable reality Paul wants us to see is that no matter what we go through here on earth, it pales in comparison to the glory waiting for us.

II.   THREE ESSENTIAL RESPONSES      

Three responses we should have toward suffering:

1)      (Groaning and longing).  [v.23]

2)      (Hoping and waiting).  [24-25]

3)      (Praying and searching) [v.26-27]

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: A Lifeboat

Title: The Secure Mind- Romans 8:31-39

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: A Lifeboat

TITLE: Being in Your Right Mind

Scripture: Romans 8: 12-17

I.    WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT ANYWAY?                                                        
 

Take a look at Romans 3:10. 3:20. 3:23

Let’s clear the air about sanctification:

1.      Sanctification is not (holy self-improvement).

2.      Sanctification does not mean (becoming sinless).

Sanctification comes from the word that means (to set apart).

An important truth to remember is that we have been set apart for God’s (purpose and use).  “We are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works.” Eph.2:10

II.   WHAT DOES A RIGHT MIND LOOK LIKE?

Romans 8:12-13 provides us with the answer.

1)      Not (according to the flesh).

2)      But (to the Spirit).

How do we live this life? Some Scriptural help:

1.      Recognize the (presence of sin) in our flesh.  (Ref. Romans 7:21)

2.      Have a heart (fixed on God).

3.      Meditate on (God’s Word).  “I have stored up your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11

4.      Communicate regularly with God (in prayer).

5.      Be (obedient).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: A Lifeboat

Title: A Submissive Mind- Romans 8:18-30

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Last Words

TITLE: Losing My Mind

Scripture: Romans 8: 1-11

I.    WHERE WE STAND                                                       
 

In 7:25 Paul tells us that the only thing which will set us free is the (atoning work of Jesus Christ).

Romans 8:1 tells us we are free. How is that a benefit?

1.      We are (eternally) free.

2.      We are (internally) free. [Verse 2]

3.      We are (positionally perfect). [Verses 3-4]

II.   WHAT WE CHOOSE                           
 

Two kinds of lives that will manifest themselves:

1.      Life according to the flesh. [5a,6a, 7-8]

1)      They have a fleshly (mindset).

2)      They have a deadly (future).

3)      They are hostile (toward God).

4)      They have an inability to (please God).

2.      Life according to the Spirit. [5b, 6b, 9-11]

1)      It has a (spiritual orientation).

2)      It has a (peaceful existence).

3)      It is empowered by (the Spirit).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: A Lifeboat

Title: Being in Your Right Mind- Romans 8:12-17

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Last Words

TITLE: Surrender and Victory

Scripture: Luke 23: 44-49

I.    HIS RESOLVE   

Other 6 sayings on the cross:

1)      A Plea for Forgiveness: “Father, forgive them…”

2)      A Promise of Salvation: “Today you shall be with me…”

3)      A Provision for His mother: “Woman, behold your son…”

4)      A Petition to the Father: “Why have you forsaken me?”

5)      A Pleading for relief: “I thirst.”

6)      A Proclamation of Victory: “It is finished.”

II.   HIS RESULT

6 possible scenarios or beliefs we must live with:

1.      Fatalism

2.      Skepticism

3.      Hedonism

4.      Deism

5.      Evolutionism

6.      Universalism

What is the alternative?

·         Truth #1: We are all sinners.

·         Truth #2: Jesus was buried in a tomb.

·         Truth #3: Jesus rose from the grave.

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: A Lifeboat

Title: Losing My Mind- Romans 8:1-11

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Last Words

TITLE: I’m Done!

Scripture: John 19:28-30

Jesus fulfilled (332) distinct prophecies in the OT. The mathematical probability of one man fulfilling them is 1/84 with 97 zeroes.

I.        THE CRY FOR RELIEF    

Philosophy during Paul’s day called (Gnosticism).

Turn to Psalm 69:20-21. This is a psalm where the psalmist not only describes his own (pain and thirst), but also foretells the (Savior’s) pain and thirst.

Twice Jesus was offered something to drink.

1.     Before nailed to cross, he was offered wine mixed with gall, which had a (narcotic) effect.

2.     Sour wine which the OT called (vinegar).

 II.        THE CRY FOR COMPLETION                          

“My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His work.” Jn.4:34

“For the works the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works I am doing, bear witness about me…” 5:36

“I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.” 17:4

What did Jesus accomplish, complete, finish?  (Chuck Swindoll)

1.     Concerning the (Atonement).

2.     Concerning the (Scriptures)

3.     Concerning the (Law)

4.     Concerning the (Devil).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Last Words

Title: Surrender and Victory- Luke 23:44-49