Teacher: Dr. Matthew McKellar
Associate Professor of Preaching/Chair of the Preaching Department
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Before You Carve the Turkey: A Psalm for Thanksgiving” Psalm 107 11/24/13

This morning, in anticipation of Thanksgiving Day, we will turn our attention to Psalm 107. This psalm likely was composed as a praise song of regathering which followed the exile experience of Judah. It is part of a trilogy of praise psalms (105,106,107) which was used in ancient worship and was, obviously, “written for our instruction.” Structurally, we will want to note the utilization of the device of repetition in the emphases of verses 8/15/21/31 (steadfast love) and verses 6/13/19/28 (cried/delivered). This structure forms the foundation for a profound exposition of the concept of gratitude to God. Gratitude is a key component of biblical spirituality. Giving thanks to God is to be a distinctive practice of the people of God. At the top of our list should be gratitude for His mercy. This Thursday, before we carve the turkey, we must not forget to thank God. When we recognize God’s mercy as the greatest gift of all, our hearts will overflow with true thanksgiving.

I. Receive the instruction (1-3)
-summons to thanksgiving

-active acknowledgement

-of who God is: good and merciful

-of what God does: redeems and gathers

II. Trace the testimonies
-the restoration of the estranged (4-9)

-the release of the enslaved (10-16)

-the relief of the afflicted (17-22)

-the rescue of the endangered (23-32)

III. Observe the Lord’s administration (33-43)
-He uses adversity and prosperity

-the compelling constant

-the miracle of mercy

IV. So What?
-let the gift direct you to the Giver behind it

-humbly grateful or grumbly hateful?

-trace “the rainbow through the rain” (George Matheson)

-“O let the saints with joy record
The truth and goodness of the Lord.
How great His works! How kind His ways!
Let every tongue pronounce His praise. (Isaac Watts)

Teacher: Dr. Matthew McKellar
Associate Professor of Preaching/Chair of the Preaching Department
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

“It’s Worth Repeating!” Philippians 3:1-3 Bible Study 11/17/13

In this morning’s text we find Paul returning to the concept of joy that he previously had written about in 2:17-18. In 2:19-30, he has held up the examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus as those who poured out themselves for the poured-out Lord. Beginning with 3:1, Paul again stresses the joy of the believer in Jesus in light of His exalted status (chapter 2) and surpassing value (chapter 3). Specifically, in 3:1-3, we may observe the connection between joy and right thinking about Jesus. Paul’s message here is one that includes both overflowing joy and explosive anger! There is a specific truth to apply and a serious threat to acknowledge. Because of the absolute sufficiency of Jesus, rejoice in Him and reject all that would detract from the honor He deserves.

I. Apply the truth (1)

-repeated command

-“…supernatural delight in God and God’s goodness.” -Boice

-not circumstantial

-a safeguard

II. Acknowledge the threat (2)

-look out!

-dogs

-evildoers

-mutilators

III. Affirm the connection (3)

-identification and the concept of circumcision

-worshiping…

-glorying…

-putting…

IV. So What?

-If Jesus is your treasure, He will be your pleasure.

-Understand who the real “dogs” are.

-Affirm the legitimacy of holy indignation.

-Give the “flesh” a vote of no confidence.

-“Legalism is always nailing a sign to the cross that says necessary but not enough.”
-MacGorman

Teacher: Dr. Matthew McKellar
Associate Professor of Preaching/Chair of the Preaching Department
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

“From Pattern to Practice” Philippians 2:19-30 Bible Study 11/10/13

Paul’s letter to the Philippians demonstrates his capacity to be both profound and practical. This morning’s text is an example of his practical, human perspective and comes on the heels of a soaring theological assertion about Christ. We model the pattern of Christ when we pour out ourselves for the progress of others.

I. Invest in spiritual progress (19-24)
-Paul’s perspective
-a feature of our fallenness
-Timothy’s track-record
-timely and transparent interest

II. Refuse to run from risk (25-30)
-identification of Epaphroditus
-example of Epaphroditus
-a repeated command
-a risk worth taking

III. So What?
-Passion for a poured-out Lord produces poured-out servants.
-Acknowledge the beauty of like-souled living.
-Discern the indicators of your distress.
-Remember, “They can only kill you.” (Matt. 10:26-33)

Teacher: Dr. Matthew McKellar
Associate Professor of Preaching/Chair of the Preaching Department
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Follow the Leader” Philippians 2:12-18 Bible Study 11/03/13

After focusing the attention of his readers on the Father’s assessment of His Son’s sacrificial obedience, Paul uses another “therefore” to signal a shift in thought. Our text this morning finds Paul going back to the thought of 1:27 (presence/absence) in order to stress the importance of practical obedience. Paul had no sympathy for a sterile or lifeless orthodoxy that knew nothing of struggle and growth. We must follow our Lord’s example of obedience. His presence in us and power through us make such a following a possibility. Let the perfect obedience of Jesus promote a growing practical obedience in your earthly pilgrimage.

I. Strive on to the finish (12-13)
-key command: “work out…”

-accelerated motivation

-the “sense” of salvation

-accompanying perspective: “fear and trembling”

-the source of “energy”

II. Shine like a star (14-16)
-key command: “do…”

-principle of separation

-principle of illumination: “shine as luminaries”

-principle of continuation: “holding fast”

III. Share a biblical outlook (17-18)
-key command: “Be glad and rejoice…”

-the “liturgy” of faith

-sacrificial perspective

IV. So what?
-Remember that “grace is opposed to earning and not to effort.” (Willard)

-Renew you acquaintance with the concept of the “fear of the Lord.”

-Recognize the practical aspect of biblical Christianity. “Nothing clarifies doctrine like doing.
Each new thing learned becomes a millstone if we do not make it a milestone.” (Havner)

-Resist the accommodation that dims the light of illumination.

-View your life as a worship offering.