“Mission 1:8 and Gospel Urgency” 2 Timothy 4:1-8 Bible Study 11/09/14

On This day of commitment, it is particularly appropriate that we examine Paul’s parting instructions to Timothy, his “son” in the faith. With external opposition from an unbelieving world, the knowledge that Christ will return and the reality that death is coming, how should the Lord’s servant respond? The counsel given here certainly addresses those called by God to preach. However, its application has implications for all believers. In light of the inestimable value of the Gospel and the reality of eternity, convey the Gospel message with urgency.

I. Consider the context

-godlessness in the last days
-authority and sufficiency of Scripture
-from abiding in doctrine to proclaiming doctrine

II. Ponder the preface (1)

-charge…
-presence of God and of Christ Jesus…
-who is to judge…
-by His appearing/kingdom

III. Grasp the key command (2)

-“preach the word” with timeless urgency
-nature: herald-isao, reprove, rebuke and exhort
-content: all of Scripture/message of redemption in Christ

IV. Anticipate the coming apostasy (3-5)

-rejection of “healthy” teaching
-the “itch” of a passion-based appetite
-contrast: “As for you…fulfill…”

V. Focus on the finish line (6-8)

-drink and departure
-the “beautiful” fight and the “race” of faith
-“crown”…to all who have loved his appearing.
-past, present and future

VI. Closing thoughts

-Can you bow before the Crucified in humble adoration and not wish to see your Monarch Master of the world? (Spurgeon)
-In a matter so solemn as that of representing God to men as His ambassador, diversions are perversions. (A. T. Pierson)
-You can’t preach it like it is if you don’t believe it like it was. (V. Havner)
-We leave you in that blessed dependency, to hang upon Him that hung upon the cross. (J. Donne)

“Mercy and Mission 1:8” 2 Samuel 24 Bible Study 11/02/14

In his well-known work, “The Cost of Discipleship”, Dietrich Bonhoeffer declared: “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” We see the truth of this statement demonstrated in the worship experience of King David after his sin brought calamity upon the people of Israel. Although clearly a flawed man, David was a “man after God’s own heart” through whom the Lord directed and preserved His people. The ultimate effectiveness of the Mission 1:8 emphasis is connected profoundly to your growing comprehension of the magnitude of God’s mercy. In light of the magnitude of God’s mercy, worship Him sacrificially.

I. A King’s Command (1-9)

-a senseless and sinful census
-the response of Joab
-285 days of information-gathering

II. A King’s Confession (10)

-a “smitten” heart
-an honest assessment

III. A King’s Consequences (11-14)

-three options
-dramatic distress
-memory of mercy

IV. A King’s Intercession (15-24)

-demonstration of mercy
-plea for the sheep
-immediate obedience
-costly offering
-wrath scourged and satisfied

V. So What?

-David’s King
-wood, blood and hill…
-We have an altar… (Heb. 13:10)

-“Ministry that costs nothing accomplishes nothing.” -J. H. Jowett

-No place for leftovers or afterthoughts

-“…Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.” -I. Watts

“Do Not Be Anxious” Matthew 6:25-34 Bible Study 10/26/14

As we enter the second week of our Mission 1:8 focus, we will turn our attention to a well-known text from our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount. Often, the believer’s stewardship of his “time, talent and treasure” is hindered by a paralyzing anxiety. In this morning’s text the command to “not be anxious” occurs three times in a span of ten verses. You conquer anxiety only as you pursue God’s Kingdom.

I. Do Not Be Anxious (25-30)

-motivation and evaluation
-understanding anxiety
-the “world’s trinity of cares”:
-look at the birds…(food)
-consider the lilies…(clothing)
-the ineffectiveness of anxiety

II. Do Not Be Anxious (31-33)

-a Gentile obsession
-The Father’s knowledge
-antidote: a prioritized pursuit
-kingdom and righteousness

III. Do Not Be Anxious (34)

-facing your future
-tomorrow “personified”
-what we’re not promised

IV. So what?

-Reject the secular reductionist mindset.
-Seize the privileges of the present.
-Whose Kingdom captures your heart?
-Remember that He who creates is He who sustains.

“Assembly Required” Hebrews 10:19-25 Bible Study 10/19/14

I. Introduction

1. The Mission 1:8 Challenge
2. Ephesians 3:17b-18
3. What difference do you want your life to make?
4. Aimless or Focused?

II. Main Idea

In light of the lavishly generous sacrifice of Jesus which gives us bold access to God, invest your life in fellowship with Him and His people.

III. The Text

-Savor the benefits of Christ’s sacrifice (19-21)…
…since we have confidence
…since we have a great Priest

1. Draw near (22)

-with a true heart
-with sprinkled hearts and washed bodies

2. Hold fast (23)

-unwavering confession of hope
-He is faithful

3. Consider how (24-25)

-stir up
-not neglecting
-encouraging
-all the more

“Jehovah-Nissi: The Lord our Banner” Exodus 17 Bible Study 10/12/14

In previous weeks we have observed that the names of God reveal His character and remind us of His sovereignty, sufficiency and steadfastness. Jehovah-Nissi is a designation that includes these attributes while pointing us specifically to the powerful and awe-inspiring presence of the Lord. This name is an invitation for us to cultivate and celebrate a radical God-centeredness in our lives. Because He sustains and enables His people, we should lift up the Lord with our lips and our lives.

I. Grumblers gag on the Lord’s provision

-a staggering case of stubborn unbelief
-another “water” problem
-Massah and Meribah
-murmuring and manna (what is it?)
-a dangerous implication

II. The Lord purposely packages His provision

-for progress not paralysis
-the discipline of daily dependence
-intensification from food to foe
-“You can’t even keep your hands up!”

III. Jesus expresses the peak of the Lord’s provision

-Psalm 60:4-5
-Christ our Banner

“Jehovah Rophe: The Lord Who Heals” Ex. 15:22-26 Bible Study 10/05/14

This morning we will examine a name which is a powerful example of the progressive revelation of God meeting every need as it arises in the experience of His people. He reveals Himself as the One who saves, sustains, strengthens and sanctifies. The historical setting for this name is the wilderness experience of God’s people in Exodus 15. In 1 Corinthians 10, we also find Paul referring back to this setting and its enormous instructive implications. Since the Lord reveals Himself as the ultimate Healer, you can experience His healing and extend it to others.

I. The valley of defeat often follows the mountain of victory

-baby steps in the desert
-from delight to discontent

II. You need healing physically and spiritually

-the Lord’s power to heal
-the Lord’s priority in healing

III. Respond to the message of Marah

-the right frequency
-the right focus
-the right following
-survey the cycle: abundance, expectation, disappointment, complaint, provision

IV. The Lord, the only source of wholeness, turns the bitter to sweet

-the appetite of Egypt
-tree to tree connection
-healing in this house

“Yahweh: I AM WHO I AM”   Ex. 3:13-15   Bible Study   09/28/14

The Christian: By the grace of God I am what I am

“El-Shaddai: God Almighty Genesis 17:1-5 Bible Study 09/21/14

This morning we turn our attention to a man who became a father at age 100! More significantly, this father’s story points us to the Heavenly Father whose name is “God Almighty.” He was and is a promise-making and promise-keeping God. The assuring message He conveyed to Abram needs to be heard today. God Almighty is faithful to fulfill His promises through His incomparable power. Because He is God Almighty, we can trust the Lord to keep His promises to us even in seemingly impossible circumstances.

I. Sometimes a promise looks like an impossibility

-What in your life looks impossible?
-Abram: father of many/any!

II. Grasp the greatness of El-Shaddai

-supreme power
-supernatural provision
-known exclusively through Jesus

III. Assume the posture of positive surrender

-God does not need your help
-God does demand your obedience
-Abraham: Father of a multitude

IV. So what?

-“Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing….” (Luther)
-“Sever the root of sin by prizing the promises of God.” (Piper)
-The position from which we prize His promises is the path of obedience.
-“When my strength was all gone, When my heart had no song, Still in love He’s proved faithful to me. Every word He promised is true. What I thought was impossible I’ve seen my God do. He’s been faithful, faithful to me…” (Cymbala)
-A reminder from the experience of Olympian Derek Redmond

“Adonai: God as Lord of All” Gen. 15:2, Mal. 1:6, Isa. 6:8 Bible Study 09/14/14

This morning we turn our attention to three OT texts which contain the term Adonai with reference to God. This term is used some 300 times in the OT and carries with it the concepts of lordship and ownership. Understanding the fundamental issue of lordship is foundational for true spiritual health. When you know the Lord as Adonai, you gladly submit to your Master’s authority and confidently rely on His ability.

I. Lordship means that He owns you (Gen. 15:2)

-possession and submission
-remember Abram and Lot
-expect Him to be what you call Him

II. Lordship means that He owns all you have (Mal. 1:6)

-you can get out of the business of ownership
-failure to honor
-insult of leftovers
-His lordship and your stewardship

III. Lordship means a signal to service (Isa. 6:8)

-the always-occupied throne
-woe, lo and go
-function and unction

IV. A word from missionary Amy Carmichael

“From prayer that asks that I may be
Sheltered from winds that beat on Thee,
From fearing when I should aspire,
From faltering when I should climb higher,
From silken self, O Captain free
Thy soldier who would follow Thee.
From subtle love of softening things,
From easy choices, weakenings,
Not thus are spirits fortified,
Not this way went the Crucified,
From all that dims Thy Calvary,
O Lamb of God, deliver me.
Give me the love that leads the way,
The faith that nothing can dismay,
The hope no disappointments tire,
The passion that will burn like fire,
Let me not sink to be a clod,
Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.”

“El-Elyon: God Most High” Gen. 14:17-24 Bible Study 09/07/14

This morning we will consider a second name of God which receives significant emphasis in the OT. As Abram rescues Lot and has a meeting with the mysterious Melchizedek, we encounter repeated references to El-Elyon, or God Most High. This name is in itself an invitation to rest in the truth that God alone is the sovereign King of the universe. In his challenging circumstances, what Abram most needed was to learn the practice of living in God’s presence. He needed to see all of life in relation to Him and to look to Him alone as Commander, Defender and Rewarder. Because the Lord is the sovereign King of the universe, bring your insufficiency to Him and live in the light of His complete sufficiency.

I. Recognize a key distinction

-He stands apart from all supposed Gods
-238 times in the OT: high, lifted up, lofty, exalted
-combination of comfort and challenge

II. Ask the critical questions

-your decisions: based on sight or faith?
-your victories: who gets the credit?
-your perspective: staggered beneficiary or functional universalist?

III. Apply the truth of El-Elyon

-incentive for evangelism
-foundation for faith
-demonstration of commitment

-“Any blessing that is lasting is a blessing that is contained in some new discovery of God.” (H. Lockyer)