Category: Sermon Notes

SERIES:  Freedom!

TITLE:  The End Result

Scripture:  Galatians 5:1-12

“In order to improve your game you must study the endgame before anything else; for, whereas the endings can be studied and mastered by themselves, the middlegame and the opening must be studied in relation to the endgame.”  -Jose Capablanca (World Chess Champion, 1921-1924)

I.       The Consequences of Legalism:

Declaring the Goal:

        We are free FROM (sin and duty).

        We are free FOR (reconciliation and relationship).

FREEDOM IS NOT ONLY AN EXIT – AN EXIT FROM EVERY FORM OF SLAVERY; IT IS AN ENTRANCE – AN ENTRANCE INTO A NEW LIFE OF BELONGING!

Three Consequences of Embracing Legalism:

1.)    Christ will have (no value).

2.)    We are obligated to (keep the whole law).

3.)    We (sever ourselves) from Christ.

ALL THAT MATTERS IS (FAITH EXPRESSING) ITSELF THROUGH (LOVE)!

II.     Concern for the Captives:

Paul encourages the Galatians to (renew their stance under grace).

Where will legalism lead? -> Those who live by the law will be (judged by the law).

John 15:4-5 “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

SERIES:  Freedom!

TITLE:  Being Extraordinary II

Scripture:  2 Chronicles 34:1-21; 35:1-18; Nehemiah

I.   JOSIAH: TREASURES GOD’S WORD

Josiah’s story actually begins at 33:21. Josiah did not have the best pedigree.

(Manasseh), his grandfather, known as most evil king to ever rule Judah.

(Amon), his father, was terrible and eventually assassinated.

What lessons can we learn from Josiah?

1. Men who treasure God’s Word (desire) His Word.
2. Men who treasure God’s Word (discover) His Word.
3. Men who treasure God’s Word (devour) His Word.  The result can be seen in 2 Kings 23:25- “Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him.”

II.  NEHEMIAH: LEADS WITH COURAGE

Many men have (no convictions). Nehemiah shows us that a godly leader- a godly man- needs to be willing to stand for his convictions.

What explains the basis for his courage?

1. His (conviction).
2. His (sacrifice)
3. His (faith).

NEXT WEEK:  Ryan East preaching

Scripture: Galatians 5: 1-12

SERIES:  Freedom!

TITLE:  Tell the Truth- Anyone Can Lie

Scripture:  Galatians 4: 12-31

I.   LET’S REMINISCE                          

In verse 12 Paul’s approach changes. He changes from proclaiming and (confronting) to (pleading). His anger subsides and moves from the purely (doctrinal) phase to a more (personal) faith.

His appeal? “Be free like me” in verse 12. What does that mean?

He uses the words “I also have become as you are.” What does that mean? [See I Cor. 9:19-22]

The word “despise” means “to count as nothing or worthless.” The word “scorn” is “to spit.”

He wasn’t interested in just getting them saved then turning them loose. He wanted to see them shaped into the (image of Christ).

II.  LET’S REITERATE            

Paul’s defense:

1. He reiterates the (historical) background. Mentions two sons of Abraham. One is from a free woman, Sarah (Isaac); one from a slave woman, Hagar (Ishmael).

Paul show the incompatibility of salvation by (natural) means (keeping of the Law) against salvation by (supernatural) means (the grace of God).

He show an (allegorical) meaning to it all.

Hagar=old covenant, the Mosaic Law

Sarah=new covenant, freedom in Christ

2. He reiterates by (personal) background.

The child of the free woman and the child of the slave woman were at odds. Still are. Child of the flesh (Arab) nation. Child of the free woman ( ).

NEXT WEEK:        Theme: Freedom!

  Title: The End Result

                     Scripture: Galatians 5: 1-12

SERIES:  Freedom!

TITLE:  Chosen

Scripture:  Romans 8:14-17, Galatians 4:1-7, Ephesians 1:3-6

I.   THE MEANING OF ADOPTION                              

Justification a legal term meaning “to be found not guilty.”

Sanctification means “to be set apart for a specific purpose.”

Redemption means “to be bought from the auction block.”

Reconciliation means “to be made friends again.”

Propitiation means “all which needed to be done Christ accomplished.”

Redemption is (sinward); Reconciliation is (manward); Propitiation is (Godward).

We receive all the right and privileges of being part of God’s family. One huge difference: Unlike earthly fathers, who are sometimes prone to anger and harshness, God is a perfect Father.  God’s design for us can be seen in Romans 8:28-29.

Two truths underscored by Galatians 4 and Romans 8:

1.     We have been permanently (liberated) through the adoption in God’s family.

2.     We enjoy the privilege of an (intimate relationship) with the Father.

II.   THE MESSAGE OF ADOPTION                

“I will welcome you, and I will be a Father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Cor.6:17b-18

Adoption gives us several important thoughts:

1)     It is the highest privilege that the gospel offers.

2)     The entire Christian life must be understood in terms of it.

A few thoughts to consider:  (Knowing God by J.I.Packer)

1.     Our adoption shows the greatness of (God’s grace).

2.     Our adoption shows us the glory of the (Christian hope).

3.     Our adoption gives us the key to under the ministry of the (Holy Spirit).

4.     Our adoption shows us the meaning and motives for (holiness).

NEXT WEEK:  Theme: Freedom!

Title: Tell the Truth-Anyone Can Lie

Scripture: Galatians 4:12-31

SERIES:  Freedom!

TITLE:  Adopted

Scripture:  Galatians 4:1-11

I.   SLAVERY

In ancient times, much was made of a boy becoming a man. Not so for a slave. He had no (rights); no (privileges); no (freedom); no (voice) in anything. Even those given responsibility for taking care of the child/children was still a slave.

As long as the heir is a child, he is no different than a slave though he is the owner of everything. Until he comes of age, he is treated no differently than a (slave).

Paul’s point all along: The Law is (bondage); it is slavery.

II.   SONSHIP     

What does it mean “fullness of time?”

1.     The time was right (religiously).

2.     The time was right (culturally).

3.     The time was right (politically).

“Born of a woman”- God in flesh came to live among us.

“Born under the Law”- born into Jewish family and subject to the Law

“Adopted”- combination of two words: “son” and “a placing.”  Our relationship to God is more than positional: it is also experiential.

NEXT WEEK:  Theme: Freedom!

Title: Tell the Truth-Anyone Can Lie

Scripture: Galatians 4:12-31

SERIES:  Freedom!

TITLE:  Before/After

Scripture:  Galatians 3:23-29

I.   BEFORE CHRIST                            

This section signifies a shift in Paul’s thinking. In previous verses he had been concerned with (the law’s true purpose), which is to lead men to Christ. In this section he moves on to the idea of (change of status).

Paul uses two figures: a prison and a guardian.

1.     Verse 23: “held captive” or “kept in custody”  means “protect by military guards.”  The word “imprisoned” means “hemmed in” or “cooped up.”

“What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet’…I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died.” Rom.7:7,9

2.     Verse 24: guardian or tutor. Literally means “child leader.”

II.  AFTER CHRIST              

There was a (moral) law and there was a (ceremonial) law.

The Law was never intended to be anything more than a temporary means of showing (men their sin) and leading them (to the Savior).

Roman coming of age was called (toga virilis). This was similar to Jewish (Bar Mitsvah).

NEXT WEEK:  Theme: Freedom!

Title: Adopted

Scripture: Galatians 4:1-11

SERIES:  Freedom!

TITLE:  Promises

Scripture:  Galatians 3:7-22

I.   PROMISE #1- REDEEMED FROM THE (CURSE)                           

Paul’s message in this letter unrelenting: “A man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus.” [2:16]

The order of things:

1. Abram called by God to leave his homeland and journey to Canaan.
2. Command of circumcision. According to several passages, it was an illustration of the need to (cut away sin) from the heart.
3. Judaizers combined the command and the act to require circumcision for (salvation).

The word “redeemed” means “(to buy out of slavery).

PROMISE #2- REDEEMED BY A (COVENANT)       

A covenant is a general term for a (binding agreement).

God made a covenant with Abraham.

When Jesus went to the cross the (Old Covenant) went with Him. We now live under a (New Covenant).

Important to remember: (Keeping the Law) and (trusting by faith) are mutually exclusive in terms of salvation.

The Law and Gospel are both part of God’s plan. The Law shows us (our sin); the Gospel shows us (the way to escape) from sin’s penalty, but from which it could not save us.

NEXT WEEK:        Theme: Freedom!

   Title: Before/After

   Scripture: Galatians 3:23-29

SERIES:  Freedom!

TITLE:  On Being Extraordinary!

Scripture:  Joshua 2:3-14,17-21; 6:25; I Samuel 1; 2:18-20

I.   RAHAB- LIFE REDEEMED

Rahab’s scarlet letter was not an “A” but an (“H”) or (“P”)

Judges 2:3-14, 17-21

Rahab asked for protection and deliverance; they promised it on one condition: there was a (scarlet thread) hanging from the window.

Rahab’s life did not end with Jericho. She married Salmon; became the mother of Boaz; who married Ruth, who became the grandmother of (David), the king of Israel.

She is a testimony to the transforming power of (faith).

II.   HANNAH- LIFE REARRANGED

Rahab’s letter was “H.” Hannah’s scarlet letter was a “C” for (Childless).

Hannah had vowed if given a son, she would (dedicate him to God) and after weaning him, she would bring him to the temple to serve the Lord all his days.

Her (prayer of faith) was answered in an unusual way. She loved her husband. She loved her son. She love her home. But most of all (she loved her God).

NEXT WEEK:      Theme: Freedom!

Title: Promises

Scripture: Galatians 3:7-22

SERIES:  Freedom!

TITLE:  Bewitched

Scripture:  Galations 3:1-5

“The role of the law is to show us the diseases in such a way that it shows us on hope of cure; whereas the role of the gospel is to bring a remedy to those who are past hope.” John Calvin

I.   DEFINING THE GOSPEL                         

Sad truth: we base a lot of our evaluation on our (feelings).

The Gospel is that Christ has suffered the (full wrath) of God for my sins. Jesus Christ traded places with me, living the perfect life which I should have (but could not), and dying the death I had been condemned to die.

Repeat: In Christ, there is nothing I can do to make God (love me more); there is nothing I can do to make Him (love me less).

Problem: our hearts are hard-wired for (works righteousness).  “Satan starts with what you did, and tears down who you are. The Holy Spirit starts with what Christ has declared over you, and helps you rebuild what you did.” Louie Giglio

II.  DEFECTION FROM THE GOSPEL          

Two words jump out at us from verse one:

1.     (Foolish)

2.     (Bewitched)

Paul asks 4 questions:

1.     Question #1: “Did you receive…?” [v.2]

2.     Question #2: “Are you so foolish? [v.3]

3.     Question #3: “What about all the suffering?” [v.4]

4.     Question #4: A question about miracles [v.5]

NEXT WEEK:  Theme: Mother’s Day

      Title: On Being Extraordinary

                         Scripture: Joshua 2:3-14,17-21; I Samuel 1:4-5; 2:18-20

SERIES:  Freedom!

TITLE:  I Can See Clearly Now

Scripture:  Various

“Without vision, there is rarely direction. Without direction, there are no goals. And without goals, there is no progress.”

I. OUR MISSION

My definition of a mission statement is simple: It is what we are supposed to be doing.

Jesus gave us our Mission in Matthew 28:19-20. (p.835) Take a closer look:

1.     Notice the first word: (Go).

2.     The main verb and central thought is not “God” but (make disicples).

3.     The expectation of (baptism).

4.     We are not just to convert but to (teach).

What is the mission of OVCF?  “To win the HEART of Owen County.”

The new mission statement of OVCF? “To connect people to Jesus.”

II. OUR VISION

 If our mission is “To connect people to Jesus” how do we do that?

1.     To be (passionate pursuers) of Jesus.  Philippians 3:7-10 (p.981)

The Greek word for “know” means “to know intimately.”

2.     To be models of (truth and love).  John 8

3.     To be involved in (our community). Luke 10

NEXT WEEK:

Theme: Freedom!

Title: Bewitched

Scripture: Galatians 3: 1-5