Grosey's Messages

Jonah 2 

The story of Jonah is recorded in two acts. Jonah 2 is the second scene of the first act. Chapter 1 is the first scene of the first act, in which we see Jonah’s disobedience. In chapter 2, we see Jonah’s deliverance. 

Verse 1 tells us that Jonah prayed to the Lord from the belly of the fish. And verse 10 tells us that the Lord commanded the fish to vomit Jonah onto the dry land. But sandwiched in between these two verses is a psalm in which Jonah gives thanks to the Lord for answering his prayer for deliverance. Some challenge the unity of the book of Jonah at this point, questioning how a psalm fits in the middle of a historical narrative. But there is no legitimate reason to question the place of this psalm. From a literary perspective, the place of this psalm may seem odd. But from a spiritual perspective, the place of this psalm is obvious. God the Holy Spirit moved Jonah to place this psalm of thanksgiving here in order to leave on record a word of hope, comfort, and encouragement for every other Jonah: There is nothing you are into that God cannot deliver you out of. God can deliver you! 

Here is the sermon skeleton from last night’s message: 

Title: “God Can Deliver You” 

Text: Jonah 2

Theme: The prayer of Jonah 

Point: There is nothing that you are into that God cannot deliver you out of. 

Outline: 

I. God can deliver you, if you pray (2:1-2). 

II. God can deliver you, when there seems to be no hope (2:3-6). 

A. God can reach you no matter how for you go (2:3-4). 

B. God can reach you no matter how low you sink (2:5-6). 

III. God can deliver you, before it’s too late (2:7). 

IV. God can deliver you, but you must trust him alone (2:8-9). 

IV. God can deliver you, because he is in charge of everything (2:10). 

Conclusion: If God can speak to a fish and make it obey him, can he not speak to your situation and deliver you

 Romans 5:3-5. 

Title: “We Rejoice In Our Sufferings” 

Text: Romans 5:3-5

Theme: The Christian Response to Suffering

Point: We rejoice in our suffering. 

Outline: 

I. The reality of Christian suffering 

There are four major reasons why the Lord allows suffering in the lives of Christians: 

A. An act of divine chastisement (Heb. 12:6-11)

B. A platform for God’s glory (John 9:1-4) 

C. The result of spiritual warfare (Job) 

D. The means of spiritual growth (Romans 5:3-5)

II. The response to Christian suffering 

A. We rejoice in our sufferings 

B. We rejoice because of what we know 

III. The reason for Christian suffering 

There are three Christian virtues God produces through our sufferings: 

A. Suffering produces endurance

B. Endurance produces character 

C. Character produces hope

Keeping Pleasure in its Place” 

Text: Exodus 20:14

Series: The Ten Commandments: Loving God, Loving Your Neighbor 

Theme: The sanctity of marriage and sex 

Point: Do not have sex with any person you are not married to. 

Outline: 

I. Do not commit literal adultery: To commit adultery is to put pleasure beyond its God-designed place. 

II. Do not commit moral adultery: To commit fornication is to put pleasure beyond its God-designed place. 

III. Do not commit emotional adultery: To lust is to put pleasure beyond its God-designed place. 

IV. Do not commit spiritual adultery: To live in sin is to put pleasure beyond its God-designed place.

Matthew 5:13-16, where Jesus describes the influence his disciples should have on the world for the kingdom of heaven. Using to gripping and dynamic word pictures, Jesus declares, “You are the salt of the earth” (5:13) and “You are the light of the world” (5:14-16).

Following this paragraph, I will be venturing into new ground in my exposition. Over the past two months, I have taken a fresh look at the beatitudes. But I have benefited from study notes that I already had on file. But I am now at a place in the text where I must study each text from scratch. I am looking forward to digging into portions of scripture that I have never studied or taught before. But it will require a lot more work. So please remember my study time in your prayers and my sequential exposition of Philippians on Sundays and the Sermon on the Mount on Wednesdays.

I preached last night from the final beatitude recorded in Matthew 5:10-12, in which Jesus blesses those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. I entitled the message, “In the Line of Fire.” It was very hard work. But the Lord is faithful. Here is the sermon skeleton from last night’s message:

Title: “In the Line of Fire”

Text: Matthew 5:10-12

Series: The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)

Theme: The blessing of Christian persecution

Point: The Lord blesses those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.

Outline:

I. The reality of Christian persecution (5:10-11)

A. You will be reviled (v. 11)

B. You will be persecuted (v. 11)

C. You will be slandered (v. 11)

II. The reason for Christian persecution (5:10-11)

A. You will be persecuted for righteousness’ sake (v. 10)

B. You will be persecuted for Christ’s sake (v. 11)

III. The response to Christian persecution (5:12)

A. Look up and rejoice: “for your reward is great in heaven“

B. Look back and rejoice: “for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you“

Lay Your Religion Down” 

TEXT: Philippians 3:4-9 

SERMON SERIES: PHILIPPIANS: PARTNERSHIP IN THE GOSPEL 

THEME: The dynamics of Christian conversion 

POINT: Lay your religion down! 

OUTLINE: 

I. Paul’s past confidence in his flesh (3:4-6) 

A. Paul boasting about his confidence in the flesh (v. 4) 

A. A confession (v. 4a) 

B. A challenge (v. 4b) 

B. Paul basis for confidence in the flesh (vv. 5-6) 

1. Paul’s confidence was in who he was (v. 5) 

2. Paul’s confidence was in what he had done (vv. 5-6) 

II. Paul’s powerful conversion to faith in Christ (4:7-9) 

A. What Paul gained (vv. 7-8) 

1. The extent of Paul’s loss (vv. 7-8)

2. Paul’s estimation of his loss (vv. 7-8)

• Paul made a definite decision (v. 7) 

• Paul made a daily decision (v. 8) 

B. What Paul gained (vv. 8-9) 

1. Paul gained the knowledge of Christ (v. 8) 

2. Paul gained the righteousness of Christ (v. 9)

Strength Through Meekness” 

Text: Matthew 5:5 

Series: The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) 

Theme: The blessedness of meekness 

Point: God blesses the person who lives with confidence that God is in control. 

Outline: 

I. What is meekness? 

– Meekness is not weakness. 

– Meekness is power under control. 

– Meekness is self-control rooted in confidence that God is in control. 

II. What is the blessing of meekness? 

– Jesus calls the meek blessed because of their inheritance. 

– Jesus promises that the meek will inherit the earth. 

* This is a promise for tomorrow 

* This is a promise for today

The Blessing of Brokenness”

TEXT: Matthew 5:4 

SERMON SERIES: The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)

THEME: The blessedness of godly sorrow 

POINT: God blesses those who mourn. 

OUTLINE: 

Consider what Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:4 about the sorrow and the comfort of the mourners. 

I. The sorrow of the mourners (5:4a) 

A. The place of natural sorrow 

1. Natural sorrow can be evil. 

2. Natural sorrow can be beneficial. 

B. The priority of spiritual sorrow 

II. The comfort of the mourners (5:4b) 

A. God comforts the mourners through repentance of sin. 

B. God comforts the mourners through faith in Jesus Christ. 

1. Christ comforts believers by his atoning blood. 

2. Christ comforts believers by his Holy Spirit.

Good Credit for the Spiritually Bankrupt” 

Text: Matthew 5:3 

Sermon Series: “The Sermon on the Mount” 

Theme: The blessed paradox of human depravity. 

Point: God blesses the poor in spirit. 

Outline: 

I. What does it mean to be blessed? 

A. True blessedness cannot be measured in man-centered terms. 

A. It is not about emotional happiness. 

B. It is not about favorable circumstances. 

C. It is not about material prosperity. 

B. True blessedness must be measured in God-centered terms. 

II. What does it mean to be poor in spirit? 

A. To be poor in spirit is to have a high view of God. 

B. To be poor in spirit is to have a low view of self. 

1. Spiritual poverty is necessary for salvation. 

2. Spiritual poverty is necessary for spiritual growth. 

III. What does it mean to have the kingdom of heaven? 

A. The kingdom of heaven belongs to the poor in spirit exclusively. 

B. The kingdom of heaven belongs to the poor in spirit presently.

I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day.
I’d rather one would walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear. 
Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear. 
The best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds. 
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs. 

I soon can learn to do it if you’ll let me see it done. 
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run. 
The lectures you deliver may be very wise and true.
But I’d rather get my lesson by observing what you do. 
I may not understand the high advice that you may give.
But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live. 

And here is the sermon skeleton from Sunday’s sermon: 

Title: “How to be a Living Sermon” 

Text: Philippians 2:16-18

Theme: An example of humble servanthood

Point: We should live in such a way that our walk matches our talk. 

Outline: 

I. Live purposefully. 

A. To live purposefully requires partnership. 

B. To live purposefully requires perspective. 

C. To live purposefully requires perseverance. 

II. Live sacrificially. 

A. We sacrifice by laying down our lives for Christ. 

B. We sacrifice by laying down our lives for the church. 

III. Live joyfully.

The Gift of Suffering” 

TEXT: Philippians 1:29-30

SERIES: PHILIPPIANS: PARTNERSHIP IN THE GOSPEL 

THEME: The gift of suffering 

POINT: Christian suffering is a gift from God to be embraced and endured with joy. 

TRANSITION: Consider with we me three things these two verses teach us about Christian suffering. 

OUTLINE: 

I. The privilege of Christian suffering (1:29)

A. Belief in Christ is a gift from God: “For it has been granted to you for the sake of Christ not only to believe in him“

B. Suffering for Christ is a gift from God: “but also to suffer for his sake“

II. The purpose of Christian suffering (1:29) – “for the sake of Christ”/”For his sake”

A. Our suffering advances the gospel of Christ 

B. Our suffering advances our growth in Christ

III. The proof of Christian suffering (1:30)

A. We are engaged in a spiritual conflict: “engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and hear that I still have” 

B. We are engaged in the same conflict: “engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and hear that I still have“

Philippians 1:22-26 is the final portion of Paul’s report to the Philippians about his personal circumstances and missionary work. In verses 12-18, Paul looks back and remembers what the Lord had done through his life and ministry. In verses 19-26, he looks ahead and anticipates what the Lord will do through his life and ministry. In verse 19-21, Paul speaks about the future with great confidence. Yet his confidence is tempered with uncertainty. In our text, verses 22-26, continues to address matters of life and death with this tension between confidence and uncertainty.

This text is a soliloquy, in which Paul muses over the possibilities of life and death. There are no commands or exhortations in this text. Paul speaks here for himself and about himself. Yet Paul writes this deeply personal letter in an open letter to the church at Philippi.Yet Paul does not write this passage to get some things off his chest. He writes this passage for the sake of the Philippians.

In the next passage, verses 27-30, Paul will exhort the church to live in unity and steadfastness. In chapter 2, Paul will emphasize the attitude of humble servanthood that is required for unity and steadfastness to take place in the church. But in our text, Paul makes this point, not by exhortation, but by testimony.

Title: “The Service Driven Life”

Text: Philippians 1:22-26

Series: Philippians: Partnership in the Gospel

Theme: A Christ-centered life of service to others

Point: Real Christian Service

Outline:

I. The service-driven life is marked by Christian devotion (1:21-22).

A. A devotion in life or death (1:21)

B. A dilemma about life or death (1:22)

II. The service-driven life is marked by Christian desire (1:23).

In verse 23, Paul makes three points about death from a Christian perspective:

A. To die is to depart.

B. To die is to be with Christ.

C. To die is far better.

III. The service-driven life is marked by Christian duty (1:24-26).

A. Our responsibility to serve others (1:24)

B. Our reasons for serving others (1:25-26)

1. The immediate reason (v. 25) 

2. The ultimate reason (v. 26)

God Wants To Give You Another Chance” 

Text: Jonah 3:1-10 

Theme: The Mercy of God

Point: God wants to give you another chance. 

Outline: 

I. God wants to give you another chance to change your ways (3:1-4).

II. God wants to give you another chance to change the world (3:5-10). 

A. God’s word can change the world (vv. 3-4) 

B. God’s power can change the world (vv. 5-9)

1. The scope of Ninevah’s conversion (vv. 5-6) 

– The citizens of Nineveh were converted (v. 5) 

– The king of Nineveh was converted (v. 6) 

2. The seriousness of Nineveh’s conversion (vv. 7-8)

3. The source of Nineveh’s conversion (v. 9) 

C. God’s mercy can change the world (v. 10)

I am being greatly challenged by the study of Philippians. And it has been very convicting to preach the radical ideals of the Apostle Paul. Actually, Paul’s thoughts here are not radical. They are Christian! However, many of us who follow Christ today (including and especially me) are so spoiled by the blessings of God that we do not really know what it means to live radically for the Lord Jesus Christ.

I praise God for all that I am learning in my studies. And I pray that congregation of SMBC is also being edified as we study “the Epistle of Joy.”

Here is the sermon skeleton from Sunday’s message:

Title: “True Deliverance”

Text: Philippians 1:19-21

Series: Philippians: Partnership in the Gospel

Theme: Rejoicing in Christ in the midst of life’s uncertainties

Point: True deliverance is the ability to rejoice in spite of life’s uncertainties, trusting that the Lord will cause your situation to work out for your good.

Outline:

I. The assurance of true deliverance (1:19)

A. The prayers of the saints: “through your prayers” (v. 19a)

B. The help of the Spirit: “the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ” (v. 19b) 

II. The ambition of true deliverance (1:20)

A. May I never let Christ down: “as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed” (v. 20a)

B. May I always lift Christ up: “but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death” (v. 20b)

1. How? “with full courage”

2. When? “now as always”

3. Where? “in my body”

III. The advantage of true deliverance (1:21)

A. Christ is all in life: “For to me to live is Christ” (v. 21a)

B. Christ is all in death: “and to die is gain” (v. 21b)

Philippians!

I am still in Paul’s missionary report to the church, where he discusses the advancement of the gospel. In verses 14-18, Paul describes how God worked through his difficult circumstances to advance the gospel. Now, in verse 15-18, Paul describes how God worked through his ministerial opposition to advance the gospel.

Some parents were not satisfied with the explanation they were given about their son’s death in the Vietnam War. They continued to ask questions and demand answers, until the found out the truth. Their son was not killed by the enemy. Rather, he was accidentally killed by the artillery of a fellow-soldier. They called it “friendly fire.” Unfortunately, it happens in the church, as well.

The matter that Paul discusses in this text was not doctrinal or moral. It seems to have been a purely personal issue that caused the church at Rome to divide into two camps: pro-Paul and anti-Paul. But Paul responds by concluding that all that matters is what they say about Christ. What they say about him is secondary.

Here is the sermon skeleton of the message:

Title: “Facing Friendly Fire”

Text: Philippians 1:15-18

Sermon Series: Philippians: Partnership in the Gospel

Theme: A Christ-centered response to interpersonal conflict

Point: There is joy in Christ that transcends how other people treat you.

Outline:

I. The humanity of the church’s members (1:15)

A. The problem of sin in the church: “Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry” (v. 15a)

B. The power of sanctification in the church: “but others from goodwill” (v. 15b)

II. The motivation of the church’s ministers (1:16-17)

A. God uses people whose motives are right: “The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel” (v. 16)

B. God uses people whose motives are wrong: “The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment” (v. 17)

III. The priority of the church’s message (1:18)

A. How should I respond when I am mistreated? “What then?” (v. 18a)

B. How should I respond when Christ is magnified “Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice” (v. 18b)

What Happens to What Happens to You“

Text: Philippians 1:12-14

Sermon Series: Philippians: Partnership in the Gospel 

Theme: The overruling providence of God 

Point: God is in control of everything that happens in your life. 

Transitional Sentence: Look beyond what happens to you and trust that God rules over and works through the circumstances of life. 

Outline: 

I. God reigns over the circumstances of life (1:12) 

A. God’s sovereign providence overrules what happens to you (v. 12a)

B. God’s eternal purpose overrules what happens to you (v. 12b) 

II. God works through the circumstances of life (1:13-14) 

A. God can use your circumstances to influence unbelievers (v. 13)

B. God can use your circumstances to influence other believers (v. 14)

Praying for God’s Best 

TEXT: Philippians 1:9-11 

SERMON SERIES: PHILIPPIANS: PARTNERSHIP IN THE GOSPEL 

THEME: A prayer for spiritual growth and maturity 

POINT: Pray for God’s best. (God accomplishes his best with our partnership through believing prayer.)

TRANSITIONAL SENTENCE: Philippians 1:9-11 teaches us three ways to pray for God’s best. 

OUTLINE: 

I.    Pray that love may abound (1:9)

     A.    True love goes beyond the boundaries: “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more“
 
     B.    True love stays within the boundaries: “with knowledge and all discernment” 

        1.    Love should be governed by knowledge. 

        2.    Love should be governed by discernment. 

II.    Pray that excellence may prevail (1:10) 

    A.    God wants you to know what is best: “so that you may approve what is excellent” 

    B.    God wants you to do what is best: “and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ” 

        1.    Live with sincerity

        2.    Live with integrity 

III.    Pray that fruit may grow (1:11) 

    A.    The priority of the fruitful life: “filled with the fruit of righteousness” 

    B.    The power of the fruitful life: “that comes through Jesus Christ” 

    C.    The purpose of the fruitful life “to the glory and praise of God” 

       1. We are to exalt the majesty of who God is: “glory” 

       2. We are to exalt the power of what God has done: “praise“

The Perseverance of the Saints” 

TEXT: Philippians 1:6 

SERMON SERIES: PHILIPPIANS: PARTNERSHIP IN THE GOSPEL 

THEME: The perseverance of the saints 

POINT: The perseverance of the saints is enabled by the preservation of the saints by God. 

TRANSITION SENTENCE: Philippians 1:6 highlights two sovereign acts of God that guarantee the perseverance of the saints. 

OUTLINE: 

I.    God has begun a good work in you. 

     A.    It is a work of God.
 
     B.    It is a good work. 

     C.    It is only the beginning. 

II.    God will finish what he has started in you. 

     A.    We have divine assurance in Christ.
 
     B.    We have eternal security in Christ. 

     C.    We have great confidence in Christ.

“Partnership in the Gospel”

TEXT: Philippians 1:3-8

SERMON SERIES: PHILIPPIANS: PARTNERSHIP IN THE GOSPEL

THEME: Partnership in the Gospel

POINT: The church of Jesus Christ ought to be lovingly bound together in partnership in the gospel.

TRANSITIONAL SENTENCE: Paul’s thanksgiving in Philippians 1:3-8 teaches us three dynamics of partnership in the gospel.

OUTLINE:

I.    The affirmation of gospel partnership (1:3-5)

A.    Affirmation with thanksgiving (v. 3)

B.    Affirmation in prayer (v. 4)

C.    Affirmation because of partnership with the gospel (v. 6)

II.    The assurance of gospel partnership (1:6)

A.    God has begun a good work in you.

B.    God will complete what he has started in you.

III.    The affection of gospel partnership (1:7-8)

A.    Affection rooted in Christian love (v. 7)

1.    The place of Christian love

2.    The basis of Christian love

3.    The extent of Christian love

B.    Affection rooted in Christian longing (v. 8)

What a Fellowship!” 

Text: Philippians 1:1-2

Sermon Series: Philippians: Partnership in the Gospel 

Point: True Christianity binds believers to Christ and to one another. 

Theme: The relational elements of a healthy church 

Outline: 

I. A healthy church is marked by servant leadership (1:1a). 

    Paul teaches a lesson about servant leadership through… 

    A. The omission he makes: He does not identify himself as an “Apostle” 

    B. The association he shares: and Timothy

    C. The designation he embraces: servants of Christ Jesus 

II. A healthy church is marked by a consecrated membership (1:b-c)

    What it means to be a saint is seen in… 

    A. Our relationship to Jesus Christ: saints in Christ Jesus

    B. Our relationship to the world around us: at Philippi

    C. Our relationship to godly leadership: with the overseers and deacons

       1. Overseers serve by leading 

       2. Deacons lead by serving 

III. A healthy church is marked by true fellowship (1:2) 

    A. The basis of true fellowship: grace

    B. The result of true fellowship: peace
    
    C. The source of true fellowship: from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

What Are You Worrying About?” 

Text: Matthew 6:25-34 

Theme: Overcoming Worry through Faith in God 

Point: In order to be a full-devoted follower of Jesus Christ, you must overcome the sinful tendency to worry about the needs in your life. 

Outline: 

I. Do not worry about the needs in your life (6:25-30). 

    A. Do not worry about what you will eat (vv. 26)

    B. Do not worry about how long you are going to live (v. 27) 

    C. Do not worry about what you are going to wear (vv. 28-30)

II. Learn to worry about the things that matter the most (6:31-33). 

    A. People who do not know God seek after things (v. 32). 

    B. People who know God seek God (v. 33). 

III. Wait to worry about tomorrow (6:34).

Where Does You Help Come From?” 

Text: Psalm 121

Theme: Sovereign help for the journey of life 

Point: The Lord is the only who who is able to help you make it through the journey of life. 

Outline: 

I. Look to the Lord for help (121:1-2). 

    A. The truth you should accept: You need help (v. 1) 

    B. the testimony you should adopt: “My help comes from the Lord” (v. 2) 

       1. There is sufficient help in the Lord (v. 2a) 

       2. There is sovereign help in the Lord (v. 2b) 

II. The Lord is looking out for you (121:3-8) 

    A. The Lord will keep your feet stable (vv. 3-4) 

       1. The Lord watches over you as you travel (v. 3) 

       2. The Lord watches over you when you are tired (v. 4) 

    B. The Lord will keep your hands strong (vv. 5-6) 

       1. The Lord will give you strength at the right place (v. 5) 

       2. The Lord will give you strength at the right time (v. 6) 

    C. The Lord will keep your life secure (vv. 7-8) 

       1. The Lord provides perfect security (v. 7) 

       2. The Lord provides perpetual security (v. 8) 

          * The Lord will keep you day by day (v 8a) 

          * The Lord will keep you for all eternity (v. 8b) 

God Uses Weak People.” 

Text: 2 Corinthians 4:7 

Theme: Our weaknesses as a platform for God’s power 

Point: God Uses Weak People 

Outline: 

I. The Reality of our Weaknesses 

    A. We are unworthy. 

    B. We are dispensable. 

    C. We are fragile. 

II. The Ramifications of our Weaknesses 

    A. The treasure and our sincerity 

    B. The treasure and our stewardship 

    C. The treasure and our self-worth 

III. The Result of our Weaknesses 

    A. God’s power is transcendent. 

    B. God’s power is inherent. 

    C. God’s power is consistent.

Two Are Better than One” 

Text: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Theme: The importance of community and the benefits of partnership 

Point: Two are better than one. 

Outline: 

I. Two are better than one when you at work (4:9). 

    A. The assumption: both life and ministry require hard work. 

    B. The affirmation: You can accomplish more when you work together with others. 

II. Two are better than one when you fall down (4:10). 

    A. You are prone to fall down sometimes along the way. 

    B. You can fall so low or so hard that you cannot get up again on your own. 

    C. Two are better than one because there will be times when you need someone to pick you up when you have fallen down. 

III. Two are better than one 1when you are in the cold (4:11). 

    A. Life will sometimes leave you in the cold. 

    B. You need others who will warm you up when life leaves you in the cold. 

IV. Two are better than one when you are in a fight (4:12). 

    A. You are prone to be attacked along life’s journey. 

       1. Personal attacks

       2. Spiritual attacks 

    B. There are some battles you cannot win on your own. 

    C. You need others who will help you overcome life’s battles

Conclusion: The closing proverb of this passage – “a threefold cord is not quickly broken” – affirms (1) the strength of unity with others and (2) the power of faith in God. 

One is better than two when it comes to the matter of faith: Only Jesus can make you right with God (John 14:6).

The Call to a Surrendered Life” 

Text: Romans 12:1-2 

Theme: Christian discipleship 

Point: What God wants from you is you! 

Outline: 

I. The reason for the surrendered life: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God” (12:1). 

II. The reality of the surrendered life: “to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (12:1). 

    A. The cost is total. 
       
    B. The cost is personal. 

    C. The cost is legitimate 

III. The requirements of the surrendered life: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (12:2). 

    A. Stop being conformed. 

    B. Start being transformed. 

IV. The result of the surrendered life: “that by testing you may discern what is the will of GOd, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (12:2).

Those Who Mourn”

Text: Matthew 5:4

Sermon Series: The Beatitudes: The Life God Blesses

Theme: The blessed paradox of godly sorrow.

Point: God blesses those who mourn.

Outline:

I. The sorrow of the mourners (5:4:a)

A. This beatitude affirms the place of natural sorrow.

1. Natural sorrow can be evil (2 Sam. 12:3; 1 Kings 21:4)

2. Natural sorrow can be beneficial – if it leads you to God.

B. This beatitude emphasizes the priority of spiritual sorrow.

1. We should mourn the sin around us.

2. We should mourn the sins against us.

3. We should mourn the sin within us.

II. The comfort of the mourners (5:4b)

A. God is the source of this comfort.

B. Repentance is the requirement for this comfort.

C. Forgiveness is the basis of this comfort.

D. Jesus Christ is the means to this comfort.

E. The Holy Spirit is the agent of this comfort.

How Christ Grows His Church” 

Text: Ephesians 4:7-10

Theme: The growth of the body of Christ

Point: Christ grows his church by his gracious enablement and his sovereign authority. 

Outline: 

I. Christ grows his church by his gracious enablement (v. 7) 

    A. Christ’s gracious enablement is necessary. 

    B. Christ’s gracious enablement is personal. 

    C. Christ’s gracious enablement is sufficient. 

II. Christ grows his church by his sovereign authority (vv. 8-10) 

     A. The promise of Christ’s authority (v. 8) 

    B. The proof of Christ’s authority (vv. 9-10)

       1. He descended (v. 9) 

       2. He ascended (v. 10)

Title: “A Conspiracy of Kindness” 

Text: Matthew 5:7 

Theme: The blessedness of being merciful

Point: God blesses those who are merciful. 

Outline: 

I. The blessedness of mercy extended (5:7a) 

    A. The definition of mercy: compassion in action. 

    B. The demonstration of mercy 

        1. How: The manner of mercy 

          * It is to be practical (Matt. 25:31-46).

          * It is to be continual.

          * It is to be humble (Matt. 6:1-4). 

       2. When: The moments of mercy 

           * When the hurting need sympathy. 

           * When the poor need generosity. 

          * When the guilty need forgiveness. 

II. The blessedness of mercy experienced (5:7b)

    A. This is not a legalistic blessing. 

    B. This is a midway blessing. 

       1. We are merciful because we have received mercy.

       2. We are merciful because we will receive mercy.

The Window in Your Heart” 

Text: Matthew 5:8 

Theme: The blessedness of purity of heart 

Point: God blesses the pure in heart. 

Outline: 

I. What does it mean to be pure in heart? 

    A. God is looking at your heart. 

    B. God is looking for purity. 

       1. Purity of heart is not sinlessness. 

       2. Purity of heart is a sincere devotion to God 

       3. Purity of heart is a single devotion to God 

II. What does it mean to see God? 

    A. The natural eye cannot see God. 

    B. The pure in heart can see God. 

       1. The pure heart will see God in heaven one day. 

       2. The pure heart can see God on earth right now.

Peacemakers release tension, they don’t intensify it. Peacemakers seek solutions and find no delight in arguments. Peacemakers calm the waters, they don’t trouble them. Peacemakers work hard to keep an offense from occurring. And if it has occurred, they strive for resolution. Peacemakers lower their voices rather than raise them. Peacemakers generate more light than heat. Blessed are such great-hearted souls! We need more of them in the ranks of faith. We have more than enough fighters, more than enough who are ready to pounce. – Charles Swindoll, Simple Faith, p. 34

This past Sunday, I continued out series on the beatitudes of Jesus, with a message on the blessed peacemakers who are called the sons of God. Here is the sermon skeleton:

Title: “Joining the Family Business” 

Text: Matthew 5:9 

Theme: he blessedness of being a peacemaker

Point: God blesses peacemakers. 

Outline: 

I. The Mission of the Peacemakers 

    A. What is peace? 

       1. Peace is not merely the absence of war, conflict, or hostility. 

       2. Peace is “Shalom” (OT) – life, health, wholeness, prosperity, and wellbeing (Num. 6;24-26). 

    B. What are peacemakers? 

       1. Peacemakers strive to bring peace between God and man (2 Co. 5:16-21) 

       2. Peacemakers strive to bring peace between man and man

          * Peace among fellow Christians (Eph. 4:3) 

          * Peace for all people (Rom. 12:18)

II. The Characteristics of the Peacemakers 

    A. Peacemaking involves truth-telling (Eph. 4:15). 

    B. Peacemaking involves selflessness (James 4:1-2). 

    C. Peacemaking involves courage (Matt. 5:10-12, 43-45). 

    D. Peacemaking involves forgiveness (Matt. 18:21-35). 

III. The Reward of the Peacemakers 

    A. Peacemakers are called 

       1. By God himself 

       2. By the watching world (Acts 11:28) 

    B. Peacemakers are the sons of God 

       1. The peacemaker’s nature resembles God. 

       2. The peacemaker’s inheritance is from God.

Jesus said to be happy when we’re persecuted. Persecution can be good because: (1) it takes our eyes off earthly rewards, (2) it strips away superficial believers, (3) it strengthens the faith of those who endure, and (4) it serves as an example to others who may follow us. We can be comforted to know that God’s greatest prophets were persecuted in the past (Elijah, Jeremiah, Daniel). Our persecution in the present means we have shown ourselves to be faithful. In the future God will reward the faithful by letting them enter his eternal kingdom where there is no more persecution. – The Life Application Bible, p. 1332 

I concluded our study of the beatitudes of Jesus this past Sunday with a message on Mathew 5:10-12. It is a ironic, radical, and paradoxical statement in which Jesus declares those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake are blessed. 

Here is the sermon skeleton: 

Title: “The Joy of Persecution” 

Title: Matthew 5:10-12

Theme: The blessedness of Christian persecution 

Point: God blesses those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. 

Outline: 

I. The reality of persecution 

    A. You will be reviled: “Blessed are you when others revile you” (5:11) 

    B. You will be persecuted: “and persecute you”  (5:11) 

    C. You will be slandered: “and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account” (5:11) 

II. The reasons for persecution 

    A. Persecution can arise because of your obedience to the word of God: “for righteousness’ sake” (5:10)

    B. Persecution can arise because of your devotion to the Son of God: “on my account” (5:11) 

III. The response to persecution

    A. The response: “rejoice and be glad” (5:12) 

    B. The reasons: 

       1. Look back and rejoice: “for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (5:12) 

       2. Look up and rejoice: “for your reward in heaven is great” (5:12)

Turning on the Lights” 

Text: Matthew 5:14-16

Theme: Maximizing kingdom influence

Outline: 

This world is in the dark. In a real sense, there is darkness within us. And, definitely, there is darkness all around us. But there is someone who is able who is able to turn on the lights for those who are engulfed in the darkness of sin. Light is available, even when darkness seems overwhelming. But you may be surprised about where Jesus says this light is found. Matthew 5:14 says, “You are the light of the world.”

I. Jesus describes his followers as the light of the world (5:14a). 

    A. The bad news: The world is dark. 

       1. It’s intense darkness (Gen. 19:11). 

       2. It’s intentional darkness (John 3:19). 

    B. The good news: The church is the light of the world. 

       1. It’s reflected light (John 8:12; 9:5). 

       2. It’s inherent light (Rom. 13:12; Eph. 5:8; 1 P. 2:9).

II. Jesus explains the the significance of being the light of the world (5:14b-15). 

    A. Light cannot be hidden: “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (5:14b)

    B. Light should not be hidden: “Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house” (5:15)

III. Jesus commands his followers to shine as lights in the world (5:16)

    A. The divine command: “In the same way, let your light shine before others” 

    B. The specific reason: “so that they may see your good works” 

    C. The ultimate purpose: “and give glory to your Father who is in heaven“

God Knows What He Is Doing” 

Text: Romans 11:33-36 

Point: God is worthy to be praised because God knows what he is doing even when he doesn’t make sense to us. 

Outline: 

I. The supremacy of God’s ways (11:33) 

    A. God’s thoughts are beyond our understanding. 

    B. God’s decisions are beyond our understanding. 

       1. God’s punitive judgments are unsearchable. 

       2. God’s gracious judgments are unsearchable. 

    C. God’s ways are beyond our understanding. 

II. The sovereignty of God’s ways (11:34-35) 

    A. No one knows the mind of the Lord (v. 34a) 

       1. We can clearly know the mind of the Lord (2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Co. 2:12) 

       2. We cannot fully know the mind of the Lord. 

    B. No one has been the Lord’s counselor (v. 34b) 
    
    C. No one has given to the Lord that he might be repaid (v. 35) 

III. The sufficiency of God’s ways (11:36) 

    A. Give glory to God because he is the source of all things. 

    B. Give glory to God because he is the means of all things. 

    C. Give glory to God because he is the end of all things.

Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians from Corinth, where he was facing various challenges. And he wrote this letter to a young church that was also facing various challenges. And for both pastor and people, there would be more challenges down the road. Moreover, they were separated geographically from one another, not sure when they would see each other again. But there was still a way they could help each other, even though they were separated from one another. Paul says in this text, “I need you to be praying for me. And I want you to know that I am praying for you.” 

In a few weeks, my beloved congregation and I will find ourselves at different ends of the country. But I wanted to say to the church that there is still a powerful way we can continue to help one another in the days ahead: Prayer! 

This is a great text. And I thought it was an important message for the congregation to hear. But I was afraid to preach this message, for some reason. But the Lord helped me. Here is the sermon skeleton from Sunday’s message: 

Title: “Mutual Prayer for difficult Times” 

Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Point: There is a dynamic power at work when we pray for one another through difficult times. 

Outline: This text teaches us three spiritual priorities for mutual prayer in difficult times. 

I. The Word of the Lord (3:1-2) 

    A. Pray about the opportunity that is before us to spread the word (v. 1) 

       1. Pray that the word will get out: “may speed ahead” 

       2. Pray that the word will get in: “and be honored” 

    B. Pray about the opposition that is before us to stop the word (v. 2) 

       1. The request he made: “that we may be delivered” 

       2. The reality he faced: “wicked and evil men“
    
       3. The reason he gave: “For not all have faith” 

II. The Faithfulness of the Lord (3:3-4)

    A. The Lord can be trusted to do what needs to be done for you (v. 3). 

       1. Internal stability: “establish you” 

       2 External security: “guard you against the evil one” 

    B. The Lord can be trusted to do what needs to be done through you (v. 4) 

III. The Direction of the Lord (3:5)

    A. The Priority: “your hearts” 

    B. The petition: “May the Lord directyour hearts” 

    C. The Provision:

       1. The love of God will lead the way. 

       2. The steadfastness of Christ will lead the way.

Title: “A Celebration of Spiritual Unity” 

Text: Psalm 133 

Theme: In praise of spiritual unity 

Point: God blesses his children when they live together in spiritual unity.

Introduction: The ascription of Psalm 133 reads: “A Song of Ascents. Of David.” This title introduces us to this psalm by making two foundational points: 

    * “A Song of Ascents“: Spiritual unity is essential to true worship. 

    * “Of David“: True godliness is essential to true godliness.

Outline: 

I. Celebrate the nature of spiritual unity (133:1). 

    A. Behold: When God’s people are united, it demands attention. 

    B. Brothers: In Christ, we are family. 

    C. Unity: We should live in unity, not mere uniformity

    D. Dwell: Spiritual unity is a Christian lifestyle, not a special event. 

    E. Good and pleasant: This is the nature of spiritual unity. 

       1. Some things are good, but not pleasant. Other things are pleasant but not good. Spiritual unity is both good and pleasant. 

       2. Consider the inverse: “Behold, how bad and disturbing it is when brothers do not dwell together in unity.” 

          * Good: the objective reality of spiritual unity

          * Pleasant: the subjective reality of spiritual unity 

II. Celebrate the source of spiritual unity (133:2-3a). 

    A. The point of these two pictures is that spiritual unity is sent down, not worked up. 

    B. These two pictures teach us two things about God-sent unity: 

        1. God produces unity to consecratehis people (v. 2). 

        2. God provides unity to refresh his people (v. 3a). 

III. Celebrate the benefits of spiritual unity (133:3b). 

    A. There: Ultimately, this refers to wherever God’s children dwell together in unity. 

    B. The Lord commanded the blessing: Blessings are the result of sovereign prerogative, not human discretion. 

    C. The blessing: We should focus on the better blessings 

    D. Life: Life itself is a gift to be thankful for. 

    E. Life forevermore: The greatest blessing of all is eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Preservation of the Saints” 

Text: Philippians 1:6 

Theme: The preservation of the saints 

Point: The security of the church rests in the faithfulness of God. 

Outline: 

I. Our Salvation: You can trust God to accomplish the good work he has begun for you.

    A. Your good works cannot save you. 

    B. We are saved by the work that God has done for us through Christ. 

II. Our Sanctification: You can trust God to accomplish the good work he has begun in you. 

    A. You are not all that God would have you to be in Christ (Phil. 3:13-14). 

    B. God is at work in your to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:12-13). 

III. Our Service: You can trust God to accomplish the good work he has begin through you. 

    A. The perseverance of the saints (Phil. 1:5)

    G. The preservation of the saints (Phil. 1:6)

The Wise Prayer of a Weak Man” 

Text: Proverbs 30:7-9

Theme: A pray for a Godward life 

Point: Wise people confront their spiritual weaknesses through prayer. 

Introduction: You can learn a lot about a person by listening to him or her pray. So I want to introduce you to a man named Agur by way of the prayer that he prays. Proverbs 30:1 is the only place in the Bible where the name Agur is mentioned. And scholars speculate that it may have been a pseudonym under which Solomon wrote, because we do not know anything about Agur other than what we can surmise from the contents of Proverbs 30. Yet there is much we can learn about this obscure character from this chapter. And the most important things about Agur are revealed here in prayer that he prays.

There are several lessons we can learn from Agur’s example in prayer

    1. We should pray with humble submission: “Two these I ask” (v. 7) 

    2. We should pray with spiritual priorities: “deny them not to be before I die” (v. 7) 

    3. We should pray with godly wisdom: “Two things I ask” (v. 7) 

Outline: 

I. Ask God to remove the things that block your pursuit of godliness (30:8a) 

    A. The request 

       1. Remove far from me falsehood

       2. Remove far from me lying 

II. Ask God not to give you things that detour your pursuit of godliness (30:8b-9) 

    A. The request (v. 8)

       1. Do not give me poverty. 

       2. Do not give me riches. 

    B. The reason (v.9)

       1. You need God to keep you from the perils of prosperity. 

       2. You need God to keep you from the perils of poverty.

The Life of the Party“

Text: John 2:1-11

Theme: The transforming power of Jesus Christ

Point: Jesus is God who has come to transform your disappointments into joy.

Outline:

I. The Gracious Presence of Jesus (2:1-2)

A. Jesus was invited to the wedding feast.

B. Jesus accepted the invitation to the wedding feast.

II. The Sovereign Authority of Jesus (2:3-5)

A. The authority of Christ is seen in Mary’s report to Jesus (v. 3)

B. The authority of Christ is seen in Jesus’ response to Mary (v. 4)

C. The authority of Christ is seen in Mary’s command to the servants (v. 5)

III. The Transforming Power of Jesus (2:6-10)

A. Jesus does what religion cannot do (v. 6)

B. Jesus turns water into wine (vv. 7-8)

C. Jesus saves the best until last (vv. 9-10)

The Ultimate Prayer Partner“

Text: Romans 8:26-27

Theme: The Intercessory Ministry of the Holy Spirit

Point: You can pray with confidence because the Holy Spirit is praying with you and for you.

Outline:

I. The Holy Spirit intercedes to help you in your weakness (8:26).

A. The Spirit helps us (v. 26a).

B. The Spirit intercedes for us (v. 26b).

II. The Spirit interceds in harmony with the will of God (8:27).

A. God the Father knows the intentions of the Spirit (v. 27a).

B. God the Father agrees with the intercession of the Spirit (v. 27b).

Exodus 17:8-16. I had been studying this passage and meditating on it for several weeks. Several things attracted me to this passage. First, the theme of spiritual warfare attracted me. This battle that the Israelites fought against the Amalekites illustrates the spiritual battles we as Christ-followers face against the flesh, the world, and the devil. I feel like some of the things the members of MSMBC are going through in their personal lives is the direct result of spiritual battles that need to be fought and won. Likewise, some of the things we are going through as a church are spiritual battles. I wanted the church to understand this. Second, this passage calls for dependence upon and confidence in God. I believe my congregation needed to hear that. I know I do, too. There are things that we are praying for that require great faith if they are to come to pass. And I wanted to challenge the church again to trust that there is nothing too hard for God. Finally, this passage introduces us to Joshua, Moses’ assistant and successor. It is my intention to begin preaching the book of Joshua this coming Sunday (Please, please pray for me!!!). And there was something I wanted to say about him out of this passage. I believe that this battle at Rephidim prepared Joshua for leadership in Canaan. And it thus warns us not to be negligent with our present responsibilities. Our present responsibilities are spiritual preparation for future opportunities. Here is the sermon skeleton from Sunday’s message:

Title: “Winning Spiritual Battles“

Text: Exodus 17:8-16

Theme: Divine help in spiritual warfare

Point: The Lord is able to give you the victory in every spiritual battle you face.

Outline:

I. Depend on the power of God (17:9-12).

A. The importance of prayer is seen in the effect it had on the battle battle (v. 11).

B. The importance of prayer is seen in the effect it had on Moses (v. 12).

II. Fight with confidence in God (17:10, 13).

III. Remember the faithfulness of God (17:14).

A. Remember God’s faithful power in your past.

B. Remember God’s faithful promises for your future.

IV. Give all the glory to God (17:15-16).