2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Seven Cancers

TITLE: The “Respectable” Cancer

Scripture: John 6: 1-16, 26-35

I.   WHAT IS OUR VIEW?

We must first acknowledge that gluttony is (idolatry).

Why is gluttony so bad?

1. We idolize food by giving it (too much importance).
2. We idolize food by treating it as (an end in itself).
3. We idolize food when we become slaves (of our appetite).

II.  WHAT IS THE BIBLE’S VIEW?

What does the Bible say?

1) Overindulgence is (deadly). Pr. 23: 19-20
2) Jesus can free us from the (bondage and chains) of gluttony. Jn. 6:35,51

Next Week: The “Hidden” Cancer- I John 2: 15-17

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Seven Cancers

TITLE: The “Gotta Have It” Cancer

Scripture:  I Tim. 6: 6-11; Mt. 6: 19-24

I. WHAT EXACTLY IS GREED?

Jesus realized the danger of greed. “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” Mt. 16:26 (ESV)

What does the Bible tell us about greed?

1. Greed is a (root sin).
2. Greed is (disordered) love.
3. Greed is (deceptive) and (destructive).
4. Greed is ultimately (unsatisfying).

II. WHAT IS THE SOLUTION TO GREED?

The foundation of greed: Pr. 11: 24-28

1) Greed is foolish because it (hurts you).
2) Greed is foolish because it hurts the (people around you).
3) Greed is foolish because (money) doesn’t last.

The antidote to greed? (Contentment)

1. It is not dependent on (circumstances).
2. It is something we learn (over time).
3. It comes from the (strength of Christ).

Next Week: The “Respectable” Cancer- John 6: 1-16, 26-35

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Seven Cancers

TITLE: The Lazy Cancer

Scripture:  Pr. 20:4; 24: 30-34; Heb. 5:11-6: 12

“The lazy one does not plow after autumn, so he begs during the harvest
and has nothing.” Pr. 20: 5

I.  LET’S DEFINE IT

In the history of Christian spirituality, sloth has two components:
(apathy) and (sadness).

Let’s define it to give it a fuller picture:

1. (Carelessness)
2. (Unwillingness to act)
3. (Half-heartedness)
4. (Discouragement) in the face of difficulty.

II. LET’S DEFEAT IT

Heb. 5: 11-6: 12 seen through the eyes of sloth:

1. Sloth stunts (your growth).
2. Sloth tempts you to (quit).
3. Sloth leaves you in (neutral).

How do we overcome sloth?

1) Don’t (quit).
2) Don’t (resign yourself) to this condition.
3) Don’t resort to (artificial stimulants).
4) Don’t (forget God).

Next Week: The “Gotta Have it” Cancer- I Tim. 6: 6-11; Mt. 6: 19-24

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Seven Cancers

TITLE: The “Explosive” Cancer

Scripture:  Eph. 4:26-27

I.   ANGER UNCOVERED                                      

5 phases of anger: (Three Steps Forward, Two Steps Back-Swindoll)

1. 1. 1. 1. (Mild irritation)
         2. (Indignation)
         3. (Wrath)
         4. (Fury)
         5. (Rage)

Why is anger so hard to uncover?

1. 1. 1. 1. It is easy to (push it aside).
         2. It is so (complex).

II.  ANGER DEFUSED                    

Why is losing my cool a big deal?

1. 1. 1. 1. Sinful anger (dishonors God). James 1:20
         2. It hurts (relationships). Pr. 29:22
         3. Gives Satan an (advantage). Eph. 4: 26-27
         4. It hinders (prayer). I Tim. 2:8
         5. It (opens the door) to other things.

How do we get a grip on anger?

1. 1. 1. 1. Identify your (triggers).
         2. Choose your (battles wisely).
         3. Avoid (anger prone) people.
         4. Keep close check on your (tongue).
         5. Embrace a life of (forgiveness)

Next Week: The Lazy Cancer- Pr. 20:4; 24: 30-34; Heb. 5:11-6:12

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Seven Cancers

TITLE: The Green-Eyed Cancer

Scripture:  Proverbs 14:30; I Sam. 18:6-13; I Peter 2:1-3

“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” Pr. 14:30 (ESV)

     I.        WHAT DOES ENVY LOOK LIKE?      

What things prepare the heart for envy?  May 23 Truth for Life by Alistair Begg

1.      Envy is (forgetful).

2.      Envy misunderstands (blessing).

3.      Envy is (selfish).

4.      Envy is (self-righteous).

5.      Envy is (short-sighted).

6.      Envy questions (God’s wisdom).

7.      Envy is (impatient).

Envy can (hijack our joy), our (fellowship with others), and also our (fellowship with God). Why? Because (it isolates us).  Envy is (competitive) and is always (comparing) our outcome to that of someone else.  It also carries with it an inflated sense of (entitlement).

Our examples: Genesis 4: 4-5 and I Samuel 18

   II.        HOW CAN ENVY BE DEALT WITH?   

What are the symptoms?

1.      (Comparison).

2.      (Criticizing and complaining).

3.      (Ingratitude).

4.      (Hatred).

What is the cure?

1)     Mark 7: 21-23- the (humility of Christ).

2)     I Peter 2: 1-3- a concentrated effort to (rid ourselves of that particular sin).

Next Week: The Explosive Cancer- Ephesians 4: 26-27

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Seven Cancers

TITLE: The “Queen” Cancer

Scripture:  Proverbs 8:13; 16:18

     I.        THE FRUITS FROM  THE ROOTS       

Three common fruits of pride:

1.      (Self-promotion)

2.      (Self-pity)  “Humility is not the belittling of self; it is the forgetting of self.”

3.      (Self-righteousness)

   II.        HOW TO KILL THE ROOTS                   

“Nothing is more distasteful to God than self-conceit.” J. Oswald Sanders

Conceit has been defined as a “blend of self-absorption-that is, narcissism-with an overestimate of one’s abilities or worth.”  So pride is (thinking much about one’s self and much of one’s self).

A few more observations:

1)     We are each capable of turning what we see in the mirror into (our god).

2)     Pride destroys our ability to (connect with others).

3)     Pride always leads us to (isolation).

How do we kill the root of pride?

1.      We need to learn (humility).

2.      We need to boast in (something better).   Turn to Jer. 9:23-24

Next Week: The Green-Eyed Cancer- Pr.14:30; I Sam.18:6-13; I Peter 2:1-3

FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL

Jim Jones- John the Baptizer
Will Schneider- Joseph (Jesus’ stepfather)
Daniel- Faith-challenged father- Mk. 9: 17-29 (possibly by video)
Bobbie Anderson- Joseph (Jesus’ stepfather)
Mike Edwards- Isaac
Bruce Fisher- Blind Bartimaeus
Tony Courson- Joseph (Jesus’ stepfather)
Jim Markland- John the Baptizer
Bruce Davis- his son, Tyler

Thanks to the following men who contributed their thoughts:

Brad Brinson- David or Daniel

Mike Basey- Samuel or Paul

Dave Keith-Job

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Seven Cancers

TITLE: Whatever Became of Sin?

Scripture:  Romans 3: 9-23; 7: 14-25; 

Eph. 2: 1-9

     I.        WHAT WENT WRONG?      

Many are guilty of (deception infection).  “The ingenuity of self-deception is inexhaustible.” Hannah Moore

Galatians 3:22- “But the Scripture has confined everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.”

Three things we have to stop doing:

1.      Reducing sin to (broken relationships).

2.      Confusing sin with (negative thinking).

3.      Confusing sin with (sins).

   II.        HOW CAN IT BE FIXED?

Romans 3: 9-23 in a nutshell:

1)     There is no one who is (righteous).

2)     There is no one who (understands).

3)     There is no one who (seeks God).

4)     There is no one who not (turned aside).

5)     There is no one who does (good).

6)     Their throat is an (open grave) and (tongues deceive).

7)     There is no (fear of God).

8)     “All have sinned…”  (No exemptions).

Turn attention to Eph. 2. Two words stands out: (But God)

Next Week: Father’s Day special program

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Snapshots

TITLE: Get Your Act Together!

Scripture: Jude 17-25

   I.        BAD CONDUCT PREDICTED                                    

Jude knows falsehood is coming. He issues a warning of (impending struggle) but also tells them they need a (plan of attack).

What kind of plan do we need?

1.      (Discernment).

2.      (Recognize) the wolves or spies.

   II.        GOOD CONDUCT PRESERVED                 

Jude’s strategy for a good offense:

1)     (Grow in the Scriptures). [v.20a]

2)     (Pray in the Spirit). [20b]

3)     (Wait for the Savior). [21]

4)     (Rescue those who wander). [22-23]

Series: 7 Cancers

Next Week: Whatever Became of Sin? Rom. 9-23; 7:14-25; Eph. 2:1-9

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Snapshots

TITLE: Look Out for Spies!

Scripture: Jude 1-16

    I.        THE CALL TO FOLLOW      

Jude is the half-brother of (Jesus) and the full brother of (James) mentioned in Gal. 1:19. He introduces himself as a (bondservant) of Jesus Christ.

Why did he write this book? Originally to write a positive letter: making every effort to write you about our (common salvation).  But he was hit with some alarming news: (false teachers) had wormed their way into the churches he was writing to.

   II.        THE CREEP WE MUST AVOID                

What creep were they to avoid? (Apostates) who lived corrupt lives and distorted the truth.

Why should we fight against false teachers?  (Main thoughts from Chuck Swindoll)

1.      Because their (doom is certain).  [Verses 5-7]

2.      Because their (tongues are blasphemous). [Verses 8-10]

3.      Because their (religion was empty).  [V.11]

4.      Because their (ways are godless). [14-16]

Series: Snapshots

Next Week: Get Your Act Together- Jude 17-25