Category: Sermon Notes

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: True North

TITLE: Choices

Text:  Hebrews 11:23-31

I.    CHRIST-FOLLOWERS MAKE TOUGH CHOICES                

We don’t find perfect characters in the Bible but what we DO find are those who placed their faith and trust in the (character and promises) of God.

Six thoughts about faith and making choices: (John MacArthur)

1.      Faith accepts God’s plans.

2.      Faith rejects the world’s prestige. [V.24]

3.      Faith rejects the world’s pleasure. [V.25]

4.      Faith rejects the world’s plenty. [V.26]

5.      Faith rejects the world’s pressure. [V.27]

6.      Faith accepts God’s promise. [V.29]

II.   CHRIST-FOLLOWERS EXPECT GOD’S INTERVENTION                    

Three events show their dependence on God’s intervention:

1)      Event #1: (Crossing the Red Sea)

2)      Event #2: (The battle of Jericho)

3)      Event #3: The involvement of a (prostitute).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted  Series: True North

Title: Fool or Wise?

Scripture: I Corinthians 1:18-2:5

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: True North

TITLE: Traveling Light

Text:  I Timothy 6:3-16

I.    CONSIDER THE DANGERS OF COVETOUSNESS               

Someone has described us as a society of (inextinguishable discontent).

What are the dangers of covetousness?

1)      It corrupts our view of (God’s truth). [Verses 3-5]

2)      It contaminates our (values). [Verse 9a]

3)      It capsizes our (lives). [Verse 9b]

4)      It chokes out (our faith). [Verse 10]

II.   CULTIVATE A HEART OF CONTENTMENT                   

Authentic godliness begins with the (fear of God), which is (reverential awe) in His presence.

Contentment travels with godliness. It is important to remember that contentment is not about (self-sufficiency) but (Christ-sufficiency).

Godly contentment is not about complacency or detachment from the world. It is a (deep-seated satisfaction) that is the gift of Christ.

Two final thoughts:

1.      Don’t trust in your wealth for (security).

2.      Become a (generous) person.

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted  Series: True North

Title: Choices

Scripture: Hebrews 11:23-31

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: True North

TITLE: Staying Afloat

Text:  Hebrews 4:14-16

I.   WE HAVE A SUPERIOR HIGH PRIEST              

Three short statements were standards of the Reformation: No sacrifice but Calvary. No Priest but Christ. No Confessional but the throne of God.

To fully understand this passage there are two items of importance:

1)      The situation of the people

2)      The background form which they see things.

·         Day of Atonement

·         Holy Place

·         Holy of Holies

·         Ark of the Covenant and Mercy Seat

All this was a picture of Jesus, the (High Priest)  Turn to Hebrews 10:19-22.

1.      Offered (continual sacrifices) for the sins of the people.

2.      (Represented) the people because he (identified) with them.

3.      He was the (mediator) for the people.

Prayer is not about a (technique), about saying the right words. Prayer is about a (relationship with God), established through the Lord Jesus.

II.    WE HAVE A SYMPATHETIC HIGH PRIEST                  

When Jesus took on human flesh He took on (human weakness).  He did it with one qualifier: he did it (without sin).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted  Series: True North

Title: Traveling Light

Scripture: I Timothy 6:3-16

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: True North

TITLE: Use The Compass

Text:  Luke 4:1-12

I.    THIS INCIDENT REVEALS THE RESILIENCE OF JESUS 

      
To the follower of Christ, we need a (compass). Our compass is the (Bible), the (written Word of God).

Jesus was prepared for this encounter. The “full” means (to be saturated with) or (to be permeated thoroughly with).

Satan’s intentions are clear: the (destruction and disqualification) of Jesus.

II.   THIS INCIDENT REVEALS THE RESOURCE OF JESUS                 

Please turn to I John 2:15-17

First attack: First non-negotiable: (Obeying) God is the supreme priority of life.

Second attack: Second non-negotiable: (Worshiping) God is life’s supreme priority.

Third attack: Third non-negotiable: (Trusting) God is life’s supreme priority.

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted  Series: True North

Title: Staying Afloat

Scripture: Hebrews 4: 14-16

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: True North

TITLE: Launching Out

Text:  Heb. 11:4-7

Very significant truth: The life of faith is the only life that pleases God, and nothing else matters if faith is missing.

I.    ABEL- FAITH BRINGS (PLEASURE)           

“Death is never the last word in the life of a righteous man. When a man leaves this world, be he righteous or unrighteous, he leaves something in the world. He may leave something that will grow and spread like a cancer or a poison, or he may leave something like a fragrance of perfume or a blossom of beauty that permeates the atmosphere with blessing.”

Cain knew his offering was not accepted by God. His response was neither (repentance nor regret). Instead, it was one of (anger).

II.   ENOCH- FAITH BRINGS (REWARD)                

Abel exemplifies (worshiping) by faith. Enoch exemplifies (walking) by faith.

What was it about Enoch that pleased God? It was not his (religious performance) or his (personal attributes). He pleased God by (faith).

III.  NOAH- FAITH BRINGS (OBEDIENCE)

James tells us “Faith without works is dead.” [James 2:26]  True faith always has (actions) to support its claim.

Abel illustrates the worship of faith, and Enoch illustrates the walk of faith. Noah illustrates the (work) of faith- obedience.

Noah built the ark in reverence. That means “with pious care, concern.”

Noah’s life challenges us with this: Will we stand (with) or (against) the culture of our day?

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted  Series: True North

Title: Use the Compass

Scripture: Luke 4: 1-12

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: True North

TITLE: Reference Point

Text:  Job 1:1-2:10

I.   THE BATTLE LINES ARE DRAWN          

This truth: Life’s storms may hit the most (unexpected people).

What we know about Job:

1.      He was a man of (impeccable character).

2.      He was a (person of means).

3.      He had a vigorous and authentic (spiritual life).

II.   THE BATTLE’S LESSONS ARE LEARNED               

Ephesians 6:12- “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

God’s purpose is to (magnify His glory); Satan’s purpose is to defame God and to (deface His glory). God’s purpose is to (magnify His worth and glory) in and through His people. We bear the name the reputation of our God, not only before the world but before those who are not seen.

4 lessons to learn:

1.      Suffering is (part and parcel) of life.

2.      Suffering falls under the sweep of (God’s sovereignty).

3.      Suffering is not (discriminatory).

4.      Suffering is a (mystery).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted Series: True North

Title: Launching Out

Scripture: Hebrews 11:4-7

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: Transformed

TITLE: True Love Tested

Text:  Romans 12:14-21

Proven fact: We will not (get along with everyone)!!!

I.    LOVE’S DISPLAY

Those words of Paul should sound familiar. They are found in Matthew 5:44; “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

8 ways we are to display love to others: (from last week)

1.      (Brotherly affection)

2.      (Unselfishness)

3.      (Enthusiasm)

4.      (Hope)

5.      (Be patient in difficulty)

6.      (Be prayerful)

7.      (Be generous)

8.      (Hospitality)

II.   LOVE’S DUTY

Turn to I Peter 2: 21-23. Two things worth mentioning:

1)      What we are about to read is (personal), not (national).

2)      These are (attainable), not (idealistic).

What does Paul say is our “duty”?

1.      Bless and (don’t curse them). [v.14]

2.      Rejoice with those (who rejoice)… [v.15]

3.      Live in (harmony) with others. [v.16]

4.      Don’t (seek revenge). [vv.17-19]

5.      Be sensitive (to others), especially your (enemies’) needs. [v.20]

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted Series: True North

Title: Reference Point

Scripture: Job 1:1-2:10

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: Transformed

TITLE: True Love

Text:  Romans 12:9-13

“By the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real, you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”  Quote from Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

I.   TRUE LOVE’S FUNCTIONS        

Turn to I Corinthians 9: 24-27

1.      True love lacks (hypocrisy).

2.      True love (discriminates).

II.  TRUE LOVE’S DISPLAY

5 Love Languages:

1.      (Physical Touch)

2.      (Quality Time)

3.      (Acts of Service)

4.      (Words of Affirmation)

5.      (Receiving Gifts)

8 ways to display love to others:

1)      Brotherly affection. Another word for this is (devotion)

2)      Unselfishness. Another way: (showing honor).

3)      Enthusiasm. Another way: (Be passionate).

4)      Hope. Confident expectation of (the future).

5)      Be patient in difficulty. No matter: (God is in control).

6)      Be prayerful. (Be constant) in prayer.

7)      Be generous. (Provide) for others when needed.

8)      Hospitality. Word means (love for strangers).

NEXT WEEK:   Series: Transformed

Title: True Love Tested

Scripture: Romans 12: 14-21

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: Transformed

TITLE: The Real You

Text:  Romans 12:3-8

I.   TRUE THOUGHTS      

“Theological knowledge is the medium through which the spirit flows into the human heart, yet there must be humble penitence in the heart before truth can produce faith.” Tozer

“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought.” No matter how grounded we may think we are; no matter how theologically sound we may think we are; no matter how “cool” we think we are; we cannot be spiritually productive until (self is set aside).

Here’s how it works: (self-denial) -> (self-surrender) -> (selfless service).  Keep this in mind: the basis of everything worthwhile that a Christ-follower has and does, is due to the (grace given him by God). Just as we are saved only by God’s grace, so we can serve Him only by that grace. When our service become anything but one of grace, we have missed the mark and wandered off the path.

Three basic questions we, as humans, are seeking answers to:

1.      Who am I? This deals with our (identity).

2.      Where do I belong? This deals with our (security).

3.      What am I supposed to be doing? This deals with our (significance).

II.  A GOOD FIT   

Some speak for God (prophesy, teach, exhort); some perform acts of service (serve, give); others govern (lead); other perform acts of (mercy).

Couple of thoughts about spiritual gifts:

1)      Your spiritual gift becomes the basis for (making priority decisions).

2)      Your spiritual gift is affirmation of (God’s love for you).

3)      A proper understanding of your spiritual gifts keeps the work of Christ central in (your heart and mind).

NEXT WEEK: THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: Transformed

TITLE: True Love- Romans 12: 9-13

THEME: Uncharted

TITLE: All In

Text:  Romans 12: 1-2

I.    THE CALL FOR “ALL IN”   

The call is a clarion call for us. “Do not be conformed…but be transformed.”

I don’t think it is a matter of (me having more of God). It is a matter of (God having more of me). It is called (surrender).

Webster= “Total commitment is the alignment of one’s motives, resources, priorities, and goals to fulfill a specific mission, accomplish a specific task or follow a specific person.”

Total commitment means (absolute surrender).

II.   THE LIFE OF “ALL IN”   

God doesn’t want us to follow on our terms. Here’s why we can’t:

1)      Because God wants what’s (best for you/me).

2)      Your life either bring (glory or disgrace) to the name of Christ.

Two key words in this verse (Verse 2)

1.      (Conform)- refers to an outward expression that does not reflect what is within.

2.      (Transform)- Greek word is where we get metamorphosis from

What is supposed to change?

1)      Our (mind) changes.  Colossians 1:28; 3:10, 16

2)      Our (will) is given to God.

NEXT WEEK: THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: Transformed

TITLE: The Real You- Romans 12:3-8