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Notes
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Introduction
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Bible Reading 7/12 - 7/18: 1 Chronicles 12:19-27:34; Romans 1:1 - 5:5; Psalm 9:13 - 14:7; Prov 19:4-17
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Review
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My Brothers and Sisters Deserve Better (Part 1)
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Preparation - Philippians 2:1-11
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Expository Preaching
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Select the Passage - Philippians 2:1-11
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Study the Passage
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NIV
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Hebrew Study Bible
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KJV
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The Message
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NASB
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RSV
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Discover the Exegetical Idea
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Believers should demonstrate their connection to Jesus Christ by becoming one in heart and mind, turning from self-centeredness to other-centeredness.
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Analyze the Exegetical Idea
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Explain It: What does this mean?
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Paul appeals to the encouragement, comfort, and spiritual fellowship that they are already experiencing with Jesus and the Holy Spirit as believers.
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As recipients of these blessings he urges them to make his joy (Philip 1:4) complete (Philip 1:6) by continuing in their spiritual growth to become unified.
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Putting the interests of others ahead of their own is essential if they are to achieve unity.
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He doesn't make this exhortation based on his own example. Instead he points them to Jesus as the supreme role model - putting the Father's interests (redeeming lost humanity) ahead of his own (his eternal equality with God).
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Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
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Jesus prayed for his followers to be one - John 17:20-23
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Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
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It glorifies God - Philip 1:9-11
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Self-centeredness is addictive and other-centeredness is the cure.
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There are two kingdoms and you want to connect to the right one.
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God's Kingdom is winning; Satan's is losing - 2Cor 2:12-16; Philip 1:27-30
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God's Kingdom
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Putting others first is compatible with this one - Philip 2:1-4
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Members will be rewarded - Philip 3:12-14; 20-21
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Satan's kingdom is losing -
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Putting yourself first is compatible with this one.
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Members will be destroyed - Philip 3:18-19
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People in our communities long for examples of unity:
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The Greatest Minds
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Music?
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Selfish ambition eritheia (eriqeia Gk.):
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“I deserve better”
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Vain conceit - kenodoxia (kenodoxia Gk.):
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“It’s all about me”
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“what’s going to make me?”
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In humility consider others better than yourselves:
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“my brother and sister deserve better”
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Each of you should look not only to your own interests . . .:
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“it’s not just about me”
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Formulate the Homiletical Idea
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Develop a new attitude:
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from "I deserve better" to "my brothers and sisters deserve better";
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from "it's all about me" to "it's not just about me".
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Determine the Purpose of the Sermon
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I want people who hear this message to:
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Understand how unity is hindered by self-centeredness
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Recognize key ways that self-centeredness manifests itself.
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Understand how unity is promoted by other-centeredness
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Recognize key ways that we can be "other-centered"
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Begin doing so.
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Decide How to Accomplish This Purpose
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Outline the Sermon
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Standing Issues
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From a word Bishop gave me:
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Make it plain
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Use accessible language and modern parables.
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Make sure people do something with God's message.
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Keep it simple.
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Use illustrations of truth out of my own experience.
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Impart faith to obey the Word and receive God's promises.
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Introduction
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Paul writes from prison (probably circa 61 A.D. in Rome - Acts 28:16-31)
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Read Philippians 1:1-20
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Note the goal of Paul's prayer (Philippians 1:9-11):
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that their love would grow enabling them to be pure and blameless
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that God would be glorified and praised as a result
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Love is a key underlying motivation for everything that follows here.
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Read Philippians 1:27-30
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Note - "in one spirit, contending as one man (i.e. one soul)"
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Paul is writing to believers who are themselves experiencing struggles (agon agwn Gk. - imagery of conflict in a stadium).
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This sounds religious, but God has some real treasure here for us.
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Unity In The Body
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This should remind us of Jesus' prayer:
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He prayed for his followers to be one - John 17:20-23
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He prayed for the world to know that the Father has loved them even as he has loved Jesus.
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Remember we said that love was a key underlying motivation!
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Love spends itself on others.
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Love seeks to benefit others even at its own expense.
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Love and unity go together!
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Paul has more to say on the subject - Philippians 2:1-2
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"One in spirit and purpose"
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Paul appeals to the encouragement, comfort, and spiritual fellowship that they are already experiencing with Jesus and the Holy Spirit as believers.
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As recipients of these blessings he urges them to make his joy (Philip 1:4) complete (Philip 1:6) by growing in unity.
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Some questions to consider:
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Do you have any encouragement from being united with Christ?
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Do you have any comfort from his love?
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Do you have any fellowship with the Spirit?
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Do you have any tenderness and compassion?
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Do you still experience these blessings in your struggles?
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Unity is challenging (so is love)!
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It's hard to be united when things are going well!
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How can we be united when things are tough?
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People will often unite against a common enemy.
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What do we do when we feel that we're each encountering unrelated enemies or struggles?
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It's fashionable to say "why can't we come together?"
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Especially in the black community.
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Remember the sixties
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People in our communities long for examples of unity:
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The Greatest Minds
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Music?
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God's Word gives us some practical steps for achieving unity.
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Read the passage: Philippians 2:3-4
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Key thoughts:
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Abandon selfish ambition and vain conceit
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Consider others better than yourself and look to their interests
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Follow Jesus' example
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Summary: Move from self-centeredness to other-centeredness
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Transition: Let's take a deeper look at self-centeredness.
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Self-centeredness
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Two key manifestations of self-centeredness:
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Selfish ambition eritheia (eriqeia Gk.):
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“I deserve better”, "my child deserves better"
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Illustration
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Keeping score with money
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Vain conceit - kenodoxia (kenodoxia Gk.):
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“It’s all about me”
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“what’s going to make me happy?”
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Illustration
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How does this affect me? What's in it for me?
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Union negotiations
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Self-centeredness is part of a bigger problem
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We were not designed for self-centeredness
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Our first parents, Adam and Eve, chose "independence" (i.e. sin)
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Independence from God leads to self-centeredness
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Independence from God forces me to rely on myself.
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Self-centeredness hinders the unity that God wants for us.
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|
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Self-centered people can't unite.
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They make divergent choices based on their distinct circumstances.
|
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Illustration
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choosing a movie or a restaurant
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Transition: Now that we've looked at self-centeredness, let's take a look at "other-centeredness".
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Other-centeredness
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Read the passage: Philippians 2:3-11
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The focus of the passage is primarily our other brothers and sisters in Christ.
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"Other-centeredness" is a prerequisite for the unity God wants for us.
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|
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Key manifestations of "other-centeredness":
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|
|
|
In humility consider others better than yourselves:
|
|
|
|
“my brother and sister deserve better”
|
|
|
|
Illustration
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We do this with family,, especially with our children.
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The movie "The Brothers" reference to the "last piece of food".
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Giving up your place in line and going to the back.
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Each of you should look not only to your own interests . . .:
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“it’s not just about me”
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Illustration
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People who come early to set up on Sunday
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"Other-centeredness" promotes unity.
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Transition:
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Paul is practical.
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He doesn't just tell us what to do, he gives us a practical example.
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Paul himself is sacrificing for others (he's writing from prison).
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He doesn't use his own example however - he cites Jesus.
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Follow Jesus' Example
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Jesus puts the Father's interests (redeeming lost humanity) ahead of his own (his eternal equality with God).
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From heaven to earth to show the way
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From the earth to the cross my debt to pay
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From the cross to the grave
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From the grave to the sky - Lord I lift your name on high
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Transition: OK that's Jesus, but what about you and me.
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What difference does it make? So What?
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Self-centeredness is addictive and other-centeredness is the cure.
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The more you focus on your own needs the more important they seem to you.
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The more you focus on your own needs the less you're able to stand on God's promises (which are based on trusting him).
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The less you're able to stand on God's promises the more you have to rely on yourself.
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There are two kingdoms - God's and Satan's
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One wins; one loses - 2Corinthians 2:12-16; Philippians 1:27-30
|
|
|
|
God's Kingdom
|
|
|
|
Members put others first - Philippians 2:1-4
|
|
|
|
Members will be rewarded - Philippians 3:12-14; 20-21
|
|
|
|
Satan's kingdom is losing -
|
|
|
|
Members put themselves first.
|
|
|
|
Members will be destroyed - Philippians 3:18-19
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|
|
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Transition: Now that you know what's at stake let's see how we can put this into practice!
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Begin focusing on others:
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In humility consider others better than yourselves (i.e. “my brother and sister deserve better”):
|
|
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Waiting in line
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Each of you should look not only to your own interests . . . (i.e. “it’s not just about me”):
|
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Transition
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Conclusion
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My Brothers and Sisters Deserve Better (Part 2)
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|
|
|
Preparation - Philippians 2:1-11
|
|
|
|
Expository Preaching
|
|
|
|
Select the Passage - Philippians 2:1-11
|
|
|
|
Study the Passage
|
|
|
|
NIV
|
|
|
|
Hebrew Study Bible
|
|
|
|
KJV
|
|
|
|
The Message
|
|
|
|
NASB
|
|
|
|
RSV
|
|
|
|
Discover the Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
|
Believers should demonstrate their connection to Jesus Christ by becoming one in heart and mind, turning from self-centeredness to other-centeredness.
|
|
|
|
Analyze the Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
Explain It: What does this mean?
|
|
|
|
Paul appeals to the encouragement, comfort, and spiritual fellowship that they are already experiencing with Jesus and the Holy Spirit as believers.
|
|
|
|
As recipients of these blessings he urges them to make his joy (Philip 1:4) complete (Philip 1:6) by continuing in their spiritual growth to become unified.
|
|
|
|
Putting the interests of others ahead of their own is essential if they are to achieve unity.
|
|
|
|
He doesn't make this exhortation based on his own example. Instead he points them to Jesus as the supreme role model - putting the Father's interests (redeeming lost humanity) ahead of his own (his eternal equality with God).
|
|
|
|
Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
|
|
|
|
Jesus prayed for his followers to be one - John 17:20-23
|
|
|
|
Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
|
|
|
|
It glorifies God - Philip 1:9-11
|
|
|
|
Self-centeredness is addictive and other-centeredness is the cure.
|
|
|
|
There are two kingdoms and you want to connect to the right one.
|
|
|
|
God's Kingdom is winning; Satan's is losing - 2Cor 2:12-16; Philip 1:27-30
|
|
|
|
God's Kingdom
|
|
|
|
Putting others first is compatible with this one - Philip 2:1-4
|
|
|
|
Members will be rewarded - Philip 3:12-14; 20-21
|
|
|
|
Satan's kingdom is losing -
|
|
|
|
Putting yourself first is compatible with this one.
|
|
|
|
Members will be destroyed - Philip 3:18-19
|
|
|
|
People in our communities long for examples of unity:
|
|
|
|
The Greatest Minds
|
|
|
|
Music?
|
|
|
|
Selfish ambition eritheia (eriqeia Gk.):
|
|
|
|
“I deserve better”
|
|
|
|
Vain conceit - kenodoxia (kenodoxia Gk.):
|
|
|
|
“It’s all about me”
|
|
|
|
“what’s going to make me happy?”
|
|
|
|
In humility consider others better than yourselves:
|
|
|
|
“my brother and sister deserve better”
|
|
|
|
Each of you should look not only to your own interests . . .:
|
|
|
|
“it’s not just about me”
|
|
|
|
Formulate the Homiletical Idea
|
|
|
|
Develop a new attitude:
|
|
|
|
from "I deserve better" to "my brothers and sisters deserve better";
|
|
|
|
from "it's all about me" to "it's not just about me".
|
|
|
|
Determine the Purpose of the Sermon
|
|
|
|
I want people who hear this message to:
|
|
|
|
Understand how unity is hindered by self-centeredness
|
|
|
|
Recognize key ways that self-centeredness manifests itself.
|
|
|
|
Understand how unity is promoted by other-centeredness
|
|
|
|
Recognize key ways that we can be "other-centered"
|
|
|
|
Begin doing so.
|
|
|
|
Decide How to Accomplish This Purpose
|
|
|
|
Outline the Sermon
|
|
|
|
Standing Issues
|
|
|
|
From a word Bishop gave me:
|
|
|
|
Make sure people do something with God's message.
|
|
|
|
Make it plain: Use accessible language and modern parables.
|
|
|
|
Keep it simple.
|
|
|
|
Use illustrations of truth out of my own experience.
|
|
|
|
Impart faith to obey the Word and receive God's promises.
|
|
|
|
Introduction
|
|
|
|
I want people who hear this message to:
|
|
|
|
Recognize that God is demanding something of us in this passage.
|
|
|
|
Recognize their own self-centeredness and how it manifests itself.
|
|
|
|
Develop a lifestyle of other-centeredness.
|
|
|
|
Understand practical ways of being "other-centered".
|
|
|
|
Develop "triggers" that will remind them to be other-centered.
|
|
|
|
Paul writes from prison (probably circa 61 A.D. in Rome - Acts 28:16-31)
|
|
|
|
God Is Asking Something Of Us
|
|
|
|
Read Philippians 1:27-30
|
|
|
|
Note - "in one spirit, contending as one man (i.e. one soul)"
|
|
|
|
Paul is writing to believers who are themselves experiencing struggles (agon agwn Gk. - imagery of conflict in a stadium).
|
|
|
|
Read - Philippians 2:1-2
|
|
|
|
Paul appeals to the encouragement, comfort, and spiritual fellowship that they are already experiencing with Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
|
|
|
|
As recipients of these blessings he urges them to make his joy (Philip 1:4) complete (Philip 1:6) by growing in unity.
|
|
|
|
Unity in general terms:
|
|
|
|
"like-minded
|
|
|
|
"having the same love"
|
|
|
|
"one in spirit and purpose"
|
|
|
|
These terms are aspirational and general.
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|
|
They create a sense of purpose.
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|
They aren't detailed enough for us to really engage however.
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|
We can fool ourselves in to believing we're in compliance.
|
|
|
|
Paul doesn't leave us with generalities - he gets specific:
|
|
|
|
Read the passage: Philippians 2:3-4
|
|
|
|
Key thoughts:
|
|
|
|
Abandon selfish ambition and vain conceit
|
|
|
|
Consider others better than yourself and look to their interests
|
|
|
|
Follow Jesus' example
|
|
|
|
Summary: Move from self-centeredness to other-centeredness
|
|
|
|
Transition: Let's take a deeper look at self-centeredness.
|
|
|
|
Self-centeredness
|
|
|
|
Two key manifestations of self-centeredness:
|
|
|
|
Selfish ambition eritheia (eriqeia Gk.):
|
|
|
|
“I deserve better”, "my child deserves better"
|
|
|
|
Illustration
|
|
|
|
Keeping score with money
|
|
|
|
Vain conceit - kenodoxia (kenodoxia Gk.):
|
|
|
|
“It’s all about me”; "What's in it for me?"
|
|
|
|
My happiness does not authoritatively reveal God’s will for my life.
|
|
|
|
Illustration
|
|
|
|
authoritative vs. non-authoritative indicators
|
|
|
|
“What’s going to make me happy?”
|
|
|
|
We can be so preoccupied with achieving some measure of happiness that we neglect things God has told us to do.
|
|
|
|
Me - watching tv when I should be praying or serving.
|
|
|
|
Review origin and impact of self-centeredness
|
|
|
|
Self-centeredness is part of a bigger problem
|
|
|
|
We were not designed for self-centeredness
|
|
|
|
Our first parents, Adam and Eve, chose "independence" (i.e. sin)
|
|
|
|
God talked to Adam and Eve in the cool of the evening.
|
|
|
|
Independence from God leads to self-centeredness
|
|
|
|
Independence from God forces me to rely on myself.
|
|
|
|
Self-centeredness hinders the unity that God wants for us.
|
|
|
|
Self-centered people can't unite.
|
|
|
|
They make divergent choices based on their distinct circumstances.
|
|
|
|
Illustration
|
|
|
|
choosing a movie or a restaurant
|
|
|
|
Transition: Now that we've looked at self-centeredness, let's take a look at "other-centeredness".
|
|
|
|
Other-centeredness
|
|
|
|
Read the passage: Philippians 2:3-11
|
|
|
|
The focus is primarily on our other brothers and sisters in Christ
|
|
|
|
All of them, not just the ones we happen to especially like.
|
|
|
|
It has application beyond the church however as we will see shortly.
|
|
|
|
"Other-centeredness" is a prerequisite for the unity God wants for us.
|
|
|
|
Key manifestations of "other-centeredness":
|
|
|
|
In humility consider others better than yourselves:
|
|
|
|
“My brother and sister deserve better.”
|
|
|
|
“My brother and sister deserve better from me!”
|
|
|
|
Illustration
|
|
|
|
Review - Giving up your place in line and going to the back.
|
|
|
|
We do this with family,, especially with our children.
|
|
|
|
The movie "The Brothers" reference to the "last piece of food".
|
|
|
|
Each of you should look not only to your own interests . . .:
|
|
|
|
“It’s not just about me”
|
|
|
|
"It's about my brothers and sisters in Christ."
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Illustration
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Review - People who come early to set up on Sunday
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I like to tackle tasks in my own preferred order
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"Other-centeredness" promotes unity.
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Follow Jesus' Example
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Jesus puts the Father's interests (redeeming lost humanity) ahead of his own (his eternal equality with God).
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Lord I Life Your Name On High
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From heaven to earth to show the way
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From the earth to the cross my debt to pay
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From the cross to the grave
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From the grave to the sky - Lord I lift your name on high
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In nature God
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Gospel: The Son was, is, and always will be God
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Made himself nothing (emptied himself)
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taking the nature of a servant
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being made in human likeness
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Gospel: The Son emptied himself to become human - Jesus
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Being found in appearance as a man, humbled himself
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Became obedient to death
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death on a cross
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Gospel: Jesus humbled himself to die for us.
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This gives the passage an application that goes beyond how we treat other believers.
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Jesus died for everyone, not just for those who would follow him.
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Therefore God
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exalted him to the highest place
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gave him the name that is above every name
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Gospel: The name of Jesus is as high as you can go!
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No greater name
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No higher authority
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God's terms are: follow Jesus!
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All will submit to him
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every knee will bow everywhere (i.e. heaven, earth, the grave)
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every tongue will confess Jesus is Lord
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confess: to say the same thing
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Gospel: Confess now voluntarily or confess later involuntarily
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What difference does it make? So What?
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Review: Self-centeredness is addictive
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The more you focus on your own needs the more important they seem to you.
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The more you focus on your own needs the less you're able to stand on God's promises (which are based on trusting him).
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The less you're able to stand on God's promises the more you have to rely on yourself.
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Transition: Now that you know what's at stake let's see how we can put this into practice!
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Philip 2:12-18 “as you have always obeyed”
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". . . as you have always obeyed - not only in my presence . . ."
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Believers obey apostolic teaching - Acts 2:37-43
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Presence, absence - we need to obey in church and out of church.
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For this to really make a difference you need to be a believer.
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You can't claim the benefits of a Bible passage written to disciples unless you are a disciple yourself.
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Some questions to consider:
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Do you have any encouragement from being united with Christ?
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Do you have any comfort from his love?
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Do you have any fellowship with the Spirit?
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Do you have any tenderness and compassion?
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Do you still experience these blessings in your struggles?
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Work out your salvation with fear and trembling
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This is a broad command that needs specifics for success!
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e.g. "Do well in school!"
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Get to school on time
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Pay attention in class
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Study effectively
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Obey your teachers
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Get along with other students
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e.g. "???"
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Fill in the content from the previous passage.
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Illustrations:
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My past lab experiment precautions?
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Watching linemen reconnect power outside our window.
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Take it seriously!
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God is demanding something of us in these passages.
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God is working on your will and your actions:
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This is why you can be confidant about putting this into practice.
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Your actions are driven by your will!
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Your will is driven by the Word!
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Review sermon passages to improve your grasp of the Word!
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Don't complain or argue (consider others better than yourselves)
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Other-centeredness trigger! If you're complaining or arguing you're probably in danger of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
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Be blameless and pure - without fault (consider others better . . .)
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"children of God without fault . . ." - this is what God expects of us.
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" . . . crooked and depraved generation . . . shine like stars"
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There should be a difference between us and the world.
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Our behavior should be attractive
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Hold out the word of life
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Make God's Word available to those around you.
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They'll be more likely to receive it if you're other-centered.
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In order that I may boast . . . that I did not run or labor for nothing"
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Illustrations:
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Stand and Deliver: Jaime Escalante taught students AP Calculus
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". . . poured out like a drink offering"
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Paul's was living his life with the Philippians and others in mind.
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"I am glad and rejoice with all of you"
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Paul rejoiced at how God was moving in their lives.
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"So you too should be glad and rejoice with me."
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We need to rejoice at what God is accomplishing in us as a body!
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Conclusion
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Love is key!
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Love is a key underlying motivation for everything that follows here.
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Love spends itself on others.
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Love seeks to benefit others even at its own expense.
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Love and unity go together!
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Examine your various "contexts":
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family and people you live with
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your life group (emphasize these)
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the congregation
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the people you work with or go to school with
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Whose interests have you been prioritizing recently?
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Are you arguing or complaining with any of these people?
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Are you fighting for some position, advantage, or promotion?
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In humility consider others better than yourselves (i.e. “My brothers and sisters in Christ deserve better from me!”):
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Each of you should look not only to your own interests . . . (i.e. “It’s not just about me, it's about my brothers and sisters in Christ”):
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New Material
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Preparation
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Expository Preaching
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Expository preaching is the communication of a biblical concept, derived from and transmitted through a historical, grammatical, and literary study of a passage in its context, which the Holy Spirit first applies to the personality and experience of the preacher, then through the preacher, applies to the hearers.
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Select the Passage
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Study the Passage
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NIV
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Hebrew Study Bible
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KJV
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The Message
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NASB
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RSV
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Discover the Exegetical Idea
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Subject
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Tools: How, Who, What, When, Where, Why
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Complement
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Analyze the Exegetical Idea
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Explain It: What does this mean?
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Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
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Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
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Formulate the Homiletical Idea
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Determine the Purpose of the Sermon
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Decide How to Accomplish This Purpose
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Make it plain
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Use accessible language and modern parables.
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Make sure people do something with God's message.
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Keep it simple.
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Use illustrations of truth out of my own experience.
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Impart faith to obey the Word and receive God's promises.
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Outline the Sermon
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Use The Whole Package (Part 1)
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Preparation - Ephesians 1:1-14
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Expository Preaching
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Select the Passage - Ephesians 1:1-14
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Study the Passage
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NIV
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Hebrew Study Bible
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KJV
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The Message
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NASB
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RSV
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Discover the Exegetical Idea
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Praise God for blessing us in heaven with every spiritual blessing in Christ: choosing us to be set apart, predestining us for adoption, redeeming us through his blood, and revealing to us his plan to place everything under Jesus.
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Analyze the Exegetical Idea
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Explain It: What does this mean?
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Praise (eulogetoz - eujloghto/ß Gk) God who has "praised" (eulogetoz - eujloghto/ß Gk) us . . .
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We should praise (speak well of) God.
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God has "spoken well" of us. Since God's words always accomplish what he intends (Isa 55:10-11), his "praise" of us becomes blessing.
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Chosen in him (Jesus) before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless
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In love predestined to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ
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according to his pleasure and will
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to the praise of his grace freely given to us in Jesus
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Redemption through his (Jesus') blood - the forgiveness of sins
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according to the riches of his grace
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grace lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding
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Made known the mystery of his will . . . to bring all things together under one head, even Christ
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Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
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Jesus' high priestly prayer - John 17:20-26
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Holy, blameless, adoption - Rev 21:1-8
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Grace - John 1:10-18
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Forgiveness - Luke 24:44-53; Acts 10:43-43
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Under one head - Christ - Philip 2:9-11; Col 1:13-20;
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Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
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Every blessing that Paul describes here is "in Christ".
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We can be confident about holiness and blamelessness because God has chosen us for this goal.
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We are part of God's family!
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We've been redeemed and forgiven. We don't have to walk in guilt any longer!
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God has freely lavished his grace on us!
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It's all about Jesus!
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Formulate the Homiletical Idea
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God gave you the whole package in his Son Jesus Christ. Give it up for God, and use the package!
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Determine the Purpose of the Sermon
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I want people who hear this message to:
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Understand that in Jesus we've been given the whole package.
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Recognize the key items in that package.
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Desire to experience the full benefits of the package.
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Decide How to Accomplish This Purpose
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Outline the Sermon
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Standing Issues
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From a word Bishop gave me:
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Make sure people do something with God's message.
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Make it plain: Use accessible language and modern parables.
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Keep it simple.
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Use illustrations of truth out of my own experience.
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Impart faith to obey the Word and receive God's promises.
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Introduction
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The steering wheel radio controls on our Chrysler van.
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Have you ever gotten a "package deal"?
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What was in the package?
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Did you use all of the benefits in the package?
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Whenever you're offered a package you need to find out what's in it and how you can use it.
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Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition?
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Read the passage: Ephesians 1:1-14
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God gave you the whole package in his Son Jesus Christ. Give it up for God, and use the package!
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What does this mean?
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Praise (eulogetoz - eujloghto/ß Gk) God who has "praised" (eulogetoz - eujloghto/ß Gk) us . . .
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We should praise (speak well of) God.
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God has "spoken well" of us. Since God's words always accomplish what he intends (Isa 55:10-11), his "praise" of us becomes blessing.
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Every blessing that Paul describes here is "in Christ".
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Chosen
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Chosen in him (Jesus). Jesus is the chosen one.
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Chosen before the creation of the world
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Chosen to be holy and blameless
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Illustrations:
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A young man who enlists in the army as an alternative to jail might end up in the special forces (e.g. army rangers). He would be chosen (in the army) for his special mission.
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Predestined
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Predestined in love
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Predestined to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ
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Predestined according to his pleasure and will
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Predestined to the praise of his grace freely given to us in Jesus
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Redeemed
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Redeemed through his (Jesus') blood - the forgiveness of sins
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Redeemed according to the riches of his grace
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Grace lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding
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Illustrations:
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Hospitals redeem us from ill health.
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"In the Know"
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"In the Know" according to God's good pleasure
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"In the Know" about the mystery of God's will
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God's will that he purposed in Christ
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God's will to be put in effect at the fulfillment of time
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God's will to bring everything together under Christ
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Illustrations:
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Your boss shows you the big picture - the company strategy.
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Is it True? Do I believe it?
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Grace - John 1:10-18
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You have been given fullness in Christ - Colossians 2:6-9
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What difference does it make? So What?
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Read passage: Ephesians 1:15-23
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Understanding is the key to experiencing God's power! - Eph 1:19
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You need God's power in your life!
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Print out this passage and place it where you can see it daily.
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Ask God to do the following things for you:
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give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation,
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enable you to know him better,
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enlighten the eyes of your heart,
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enable you to know the hope to which he has called you (i.e. the great future God has in store for you.
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help you to recognize what a rich inheritance his people are for him,
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help you to understand that the same kind of power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work on your behalf,
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help you to understand that everything has been placed under Jesus' feet and what this means for you as a part of Jesus' body.
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Conclusion
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In Jesus we've been given the whole package.
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We need to know what's in the package:
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Chosen
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Predestined
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Redeemed
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"In the know"
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You need to know how to make use of the package.
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God gave you the whole package in his Son Jesus Christ. Give it up for God, and use the package!
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Altar Call / Welcome Cards / Communion
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Welcome Cards - refer to script
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Men's Prayer
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Discussion Questions / Topics (based on the indicated scriptures)
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Ephesians 1:1-10
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Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will — to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment — to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
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Discussion Questions / Topics:
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According to this passage you've been given every spiritual blessing in Christ. Select one of the spiritual blessings that Paul lists in the rest of the passage and discuss with the group what it means to you.
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Is there an area of your life in special need of God's blessing? Discuss.
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Does your day-to-day life demonstrate confidence that you've been given every spiritual blessing in Christ?
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Ephesians 1:15-23
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For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
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Discussion Questions:
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Have you asked God to help you know him better? Why or why not?
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How well do you know the hope to which God has called you? Discuss.
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How well do you know his incomparably great power for us? Discuss.
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Witnessing Activities
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What do you find helpful when it comes to evangelism?
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What makes evangelism more difficult for you? How can we help?
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Scriptures For 07/19/2009 Life Church Sermon
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Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will — to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment — to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession — to the praise of his glory.
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He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’” From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.
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So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.
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For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
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Pray and ask God to do the following for you (based on this passage):
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give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation,
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enable you to know him better,
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enlighten the eyes of your heart,
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enable you to know the hope to which he has called you (i.e. the great future God has in store for you.
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help you to recognize what a rich inheritance his people are for him,
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help you to understand that the same kind of power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work on your behalf,
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help you to understand that everything has been placed under Jesus' feet and what this means for you as a part of Jesus' body.
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Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.
Here, for your convenience, are the Bible passages that we will be using in today's sermon at Life Church. We use the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible so that you can read it in modern English. You may have been accustomed to reading or hearing the King James Version of the Bible, which uses older English (with words like "thee" , "thou", "thine", "believeth", etc.). If so, don't be alarmed - the passages below are really from the Bible even though they are in modern English.
The Bible was originally written in three ancient languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. None of the people in the Bible, and none of the people who God used to write it spoke English. In fact, English did not even exist as a language when the Bible was written. The King James Version, first published in 1611, was a translation of the Bible from it's original languages into the every day English that people used back then - almost 400 years ago! They didn't just speak that way in church - they spoke that way with everyone. English has certainly changed a lot since then! Since you probably don't speak Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek, you're going to have to read the Bible in translated form. At Life Church we believe that since you're going to read an English translation of the Bible you might as well use an up to date one - written in the English you speak every day. God wants you to understand his Word so that you can put it into practice!
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Thank you for joining us! You can listen to our sermons and view our other resources at our web site:
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