Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for April 5, 2020
Dead and Alive
Romans 6:1-14
-connection to 5:12-21: doctrine of imputation
-shift from justification to sanctification
-main idea: In light of Christ’s death and resurrection for you, reckon yourself dead to sin and alive to God in Him.
1. Recognize the implication of being dead to sin (1-10)
• objection, answer, reason and elaboration
• baptized into Christ: buried and raised (1-4)
• united with Christ: old self crucified, no longer enslaved, set free, once for all (5-10)
2. Reckon yourself dead…and alive (11-14)
• 4 key commands
• a sermon in tenses: “present” (13)
• not perfectionism
• freedom under grace
3. So what?
• “Run, John, run, the law commands, but gives us neither feet nor hands. Far better news the gospel brings: it bids us fly and gives us wings.” (Bunyan)
• Magnify the matter of your union with Christ and stay in the battle.
• “For every look at self, take ten looks at Christ!” (M’Cheyne)
• “Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee. Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise…” (Havergal)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 29, 2020
Audio is from Zoom meeting:
Much More!
Romans 5:6-11
1. Connecting this passage to 5:1-5 and, particularly, to 5:5
• the crucial role of the Holy Spirit: things made plain by preaching, made precious by the Spirit
• main idea: Because God reconciles His weak, sinful enemies to Himself through Christ, rejoice in His extravagant love.
2. Recognize the historical/theological context (6)
• our status
• God’s “season”
• historical fact:
• theological meaning:
3. Observe the comparison to human love (7)
• the just/upright person
• the kind/generous person
4. Discern the distinct contrast of God’s love (8-10)
• God’s decisive demonstration
• note the passive verbs: acted on
• the “much more” argument
5. Acknowledge the culmination of the gospel’s purpose (11)
• increased certainty
• centered in Christ
• means of reconciliation
• rejoicing/boasting in God
6. So What?
• Exult in the great exchange!
• “As revealed with final authority in Scripture alone, the gospel is the good news that by faith alone, through grace alone, on the basis of Christ alone, for the glory of God alone, sinners have full and final joy in God alone.” (Piper)
• “I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom; But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection. Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer; But this I know with all my heart-His wounds have paid my ransom.” (Townend)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 22, 2020
Hope for the Helpless
Romans 5:1-5
1. Introduction
• repetition of “therefore”
• previously: all guilty, no salvation by works, God’s way by grace through faith, example of Abraham
• connection to the last two words of 4:25
• Because of God’s provision in Christ, we can apply the certainties of salvation to the circumstances of our lives.
2. Affirmation: Trusting God to Save Us (1-2)
• defining “justification”
• summary of results:
♦ immediately, we have peace
♦ continually, we stand in grace
♦ ultimately, we hope for glory
3. Application: Trusting God to Sustain Us (3-5)
• “not only…”
• defining “tribulations”
• beneficial results:
♦ productive pressure
♦ ripened character
♦ assurance through the Holy Spirit
4. So What?
• Anchor your joy to your secure standing with God.
• The God who goes before us in salvation will go before us in our circumstances.
• “Be Thou my shield and hiding place, that sheltered near Thy side, I may my fierce accuser face, and tell him Thou hast died.” (John Newton)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 15, 2020
Audio is not available.
But Now…
Romans 3:21-26
This morning we will examine what has been called the “most important paragraph” in the Bible.
Main Idea: Because of God’s rescuing intervention at the cross, guilty offenders can receive His reconciling forgiveness.
1. Acknowledge the intervention of God (21-22)
• something happened
• now: logical, chronological, eschatological
• righteousness of God: unswerving commitment
• manifested: death of Jesus Christ
• without distinction
2. Identify the human deficiency (23)
• all (without exception) sinned
• fall short: lacking, has mainly to do with God
• glory: supreme value, surpassing worth
3. Appreciate the rescuing activity of God (24)
• being justified: acted on, declared righteous
• gift: you can’t pay for it
• grace: you can’t work for it
• redemption: deliverance at a cost
4. Grasp the glorious resolution God accomplishes (25-26)
• set forth by God
• propitiation of wrath
• demonstration of righteousness
• not to meet with friends but to die for enemies
5. So what?
• Trust and treasure! “Were the whole realm…” (Watts)
• Remember that the door of salvation swings on the hinge of substitution.
• “O thou, my soul, forget no more the Friend who all thy sorrows bore. Let every idol be forgot; but, O my soul, forget Him not.” (K. Pal)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 8, 2020
Good News…Bad News
Romans 1:18-32
1. Overview
• good news: The gospel is the power of God to save.
• bad news: Every person is deserving of God’s wrath.
• main idea: Because humanity is without excuse, its only recourse is the remedy of the gospel.
2. God reveals His righteous wrath against all sin and sinners (18)
• settled hostility, refusal to compromise, resolve to condemn
• ongoing activity
• ungodliness and unrighteousness
• holding down the truth
3. God removes all excuses (19-20)
• those who’ve never heard?
• God has “manifested” that which can be known about Him
• perceived from the creation of the world (“natural revelation”) (“poem”)
• God doesn’t believe in atheists
• “without apology”
4. God exposes fundamental idolatry (21-23)
• having known…did not glorify or thank
• futile thinking and darkened hearts
• wise professors who exchanged Creator worship for creature worship
5. God reveals His wrath through the degradation of humanity (24-32)
• the short trip from idolatry to immorality
• disordered sexual relationships: homosexuality (contrast with Christ/Church)
• “God gave them up” (three uses)
• inclusive of thought and behavior
6. So what?
• “Don’t exchange your God for anything. Exchange everything for Him.” (Piper)
• “What you revere, you resemble, either for ruin or restoration.” (Beale)
• Cherish, rejoice and delight in the gospel!
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 16, 2020
A Prophet like Moses
Deuteronomy 18:9-22
-Deuteronomy: “Second Law”
-preparation for life in a new land
1. Avoiding Abominable Practices (9-14)
• highlighting the source of blessing
• warning about experimentation
• assumptions about the occult
• catalog of detestable activities
• addressing an unbiblical sentiment
2. Listening to the LORD’S Prophet (15-22)
• distinct contrast
• prophetic succession
• appreciation of the LORD’S holiness
• prophetic authorization
• prophetic discernment
• prophetic fulfillment
3. So What?
• Because the Lord superintends the matter of how He reveals Himself, submit to His wisdom and exalt His Son.
• connection to Christ: Heb. 1:1-4, 3:1-6 and 1 John 5:3-5
• absolutely true…!
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 9, 2020
Guest Speaker: Dr. Christopher Osborne
Professor of Preaching and Pastoral Ministry
at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Prayer
Pray According to God’s Will
1 John 5:13-15
No lesson outline available.
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 2, 2020
Preaching the Gospel to Yourself
Deuteronomy 6:1-25
-prior to our text: restatement of the 10 Commandments (5:1-21) and summary of Law giving (5:22-33)
1. The purpose of the instruction (1-3)
• that you may do
• that you may fear…by keeping…
• hear and do
2. The passion expressed in the shema (4-5)
• context of polytheism
• foundational fidelity to the only One you should worship (4:35, 39)
• heart, soul and might: totality of being
3. The proclamation of the passion (6-9)
• on your heart
• diligent teaching
• wherever you are and whatever you are doing
• constant reminders
4. The principle of exclusive worship (10-19)
• remembering the LORD’S provision
• lest you forget…
• a jealous God
• avoidance of disloyalty
5. The power of reviewing the past (20-25)
• brought us out…that He might bring us in…
• for our good always
• connection to Christ (Matt. 22:34-40)
6. So What?
• Because you transmit what you treasure, make sure the LORD is your greatest treasure.
• “May the living God, who is the portion and rest of the saints, make these our carnal minds so spiritual, and our earthly hearts so heavenly, that loving Him and delighting in Him may be the work of our lives.” (R. Baxter)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 26, 2020
A God so Near
Deuteronomy 4:1-40
Our text this morning highlights the significance of consistent obedience in light of the incomparable character of God.
1. Moses speaks to Israel (1-8)
• listen and do…
• judgment on idolatry
• a God so near…
2. Moses appeals for vigilance (9-14)
• keep your soul
• lest you forget…
• generational rehearsal of history
3. Moses warns about idolatry (15-24)
• watch yourself
• lest you act corruptly…
• lest you raise your eyes to heaven…
• lest you forget the covenant
• the jealousy of God
4. Moses looks into the future (25-31)
• if you act corruptly…
• but from there…
• the mercy of God
5. Moses highlights God’s greatness (32-40)
• two questions
• purpose: that you might know…
• call to obedience
6. So what?
• Because the LORD alone is God and comes near with holy jealousy and abundant mercy, remember His character and obey His commands.
• connection to Christ (Matt. 1:23, John 1:14, 1 John 5:3)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 19, 2020
A Womb with a View
Psalms 139:13-18
What is a human life worth? Not much, apparently, if we consider the manner in which American culture treats its unborn and aged. Sadly, a mother’s womb has become a hazardous site in our country and the plight of the aged is riddled with accounts of neglect and abuse. More than twenty-five years ago, former Surgeon General, C. Everett Koop, lamented this devaluation of human life when he said, “When I graduated from medical school the idea was, ‘How can I save this life?’, but for a great number of the medical students now it is, ‘Should I save this life?’”
The best resource to consult if we want to gain a true measure of the value of human life is its Author. The God of creation, who created us in His image, gives us several insights into His perspective in the pages of Scripture. One specific instance of this perspective is found in Psalm 139. Addressed to the Choirmaster, this psalm of David celebrates God’s intimate knowledge of us and His intricate fashioning of us as His unique handiwork. As the Author and Sustainer of human life, God values our existence. Because He values life, so should we.
I. With intimate intricacy He defines our individuality (13-14)
• inward parts, “kidneys”, depths of being
• a “from the womb” perspective
• the “Knitter” who weaves together
• He is awesomely wonderful! He made us!
II. With infinite insight He orchestrates our existence (15-16)
• hidden from humans but not from God
• embroidered with skill
• “…Your eyes saw my ‘embryo’”
• “…Your scroll recorded my days before days”
III. With absolute amazement ponder His providence (17-18)
• the value of His thoughts
• the vastness of His thoughts
• waking or sleeping…
IV. So what?
• Mourn the 60 million+ victims of abortion and pray for God’s mercy
• Relate to others, especially the pre-born and aged, as “precious in His sight”
• Live with a profound sensitivity to God’s presence and power
“Great God! from Thee there’s nought concealed, Thou seest my inward frame; To Thee I always stand revealed Exactly as I am!
Since I can hardly, therefore, bear What in myself I see; How vile and black must I appear, Most holy God to Thee!
But since my Saviour stands between, In garments dyed in blood, ‘Tis He, instead of me, is seen, When I approach to God.
Thus, though a sinner, I am safe; He pleads, before the throne, His life and death on my behalf, And calls my sin His own.
What wondrous love, what mysteries, In this appointment shine! My breaches of the law are His, And His obedience mine.” (John Newton)
