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Notes
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Introduction
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Bible Reading 9/20 - 9/26: Isaiah 33:13 - 50:11; Gal 5:13 - Eph 4:32; Psalm 64:1 - 69:18; Proverbs 23:23 - 24:6
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Review
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The Cross (Part 1)
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Preparation - Luke 9:23-26
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Expository Preaching
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Select the Passage - Luke 9:18-26
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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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If you try to save your life - you'll end up losing it. If instead you lose your life by following Jesus in the way of the cross, you will save it.
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Analyze the Exegetical Idea
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Explain It: What does this mean?
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". . . deny himself . . ."
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". . . take up your cross . . ."
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Suffering: " . . . the Son of Man must suffer many things . . ."
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Rejection: ". . . rejected by the elders, chief priests, and . . ."
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Death: ". . . he must be killed . . ."
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Crucifixion
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". . . daily . . ."
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". . . and follow me."
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"whoever wants to save his life will lose it"
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"whoever loses his life for me will save it"
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Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
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What sparked this? Mark 8:27-38 (Peter's rebuke of Jesus)
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Sometimes we reject difficult circumstances that are actually sent by God. - Jeremiah 45:1-5
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Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
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Attitude of the cross
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Experience of the cross
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If we reject the experience of the cross, we risk the Lord's anger.
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Trying to save your own life will make it useless for God.
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Losing your life daily is the path to saving it.
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Formulate the Homiletical Idea
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Take up the cross - it will save your life!
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Determine the Purpose of the Sermon
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I want believers who hear this message to:
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Deny themselves.
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Take up the cross daily.
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Follow Jesus.
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Learn to lose their lives.
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Take up the cross - it will save your life!
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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:
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Use accessible language.
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Use modern day parables based on every day occurrences:
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Sitting at a stop light
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Driving through a green light
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Approaching a yellow light
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Being cut off in traffic
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Going shopping
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Going to a mall
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Going to school; sitting in class
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Going to work; sitting in your office;
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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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Determine the Purpose of the Sermon
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I want believers who hear this message to:
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Deny themselves.
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Take up the cross daily.
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Follow Jesus.
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Learn to lose their lives.
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Introduction
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We had another party for God this morning! Were you there?
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Did God enjoy your contribution to our worship today?
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There is no substitute for your individual experience with God!
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There is no substitute for your corporate experience with God!
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Would you turn down an invitation to a party for your parents?
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God is your Father - don't miss his party!
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Plane on a conveyor belt - mental categories.
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The Word today will challenge our mental categories.
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Read the Passage - Luke 9:23-26
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Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
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Exegetical Idea
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If you try to save your life - you'll end up losing it. If instead you lose your life by following Jesus in the way of the cross, you will save it.
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Homiletical Idea
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Take up the cross - it will save your life!
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What does this mean?
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What sparked this? Mark 8:27-38 (Peter's rebuke of Jesus)
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". . . deny himself . . ."
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". . . take up your cross . . ."
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Symbolism
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The cross is not just a pretty jewelry item.
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It is a symbol of public humiliating death.
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Like a noose as a symbol of intimidation against Blacks.
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Suffering: " . . . the Son of Man must suffer many things . . ."
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Rejection: ". . . rejected by the elders, chief priests, and . . ."
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Death: ". . . he must be killed . . ."
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Crucifixion
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Explain - public humiliating execution
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Jesus' Crucifixion - Mark 15:1-39
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". . . daily . . ."
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". . . and follow me."
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"whoever wants to save his life will lose it"
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"whoever loses his life for me will save it"
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Is it True? Do I believe it?
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Sometimes we reject difficult circumstances that are actually sent by God. - Jeremiah 45:1-5
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It happened to Peter shortly after he had spoken revelation truth.
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It can happen to you!
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What difference does it make? So What?
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Attitude of the cross
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Experience of the cross
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If we reject the experience of the cross, we risk the Lord's anger.
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Trying to save your own life will make it useless for God.
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Losing your life daily is the path to saving it.
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Goals for believers who hear this message:
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Deny themselves.
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Take up their cross daily.
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Follow Jesus.
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Learn to lose their lives.
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Deny yourself
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Tell yourself "No!".
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It's not just saying "no" to sin.
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It's saying "no" to things that would otherwise be legitimate.
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Make your agenda take a "back seat".
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Drop the "I've got to get mine!" attitude.
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Jesus could have recreated the Sanhedrin and led the revolution the people wanted. Instead he chose the cross.
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Deny yourself in order to take up your cross!
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Illustrations:
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When I get up in the morning I am usually most eager to start tackling my "to do" list so that I can feel productive. I'm learning to deny myself in this area and set aside time to pray and read God's Word.
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Take up your cross daily
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Accept your own suffering in a sinful world.
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You should be out of sync with the world.
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Example - Americans' highest values are not necessarily God's highest values:
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Liberals - human dignity, mutual support
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Conservatives - freedom, self-reliance
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Accept rejection as a result of identifying with Jesus.
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People reject us for the stupid things other believers say and do.
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People reject us because of the message of the cross.
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Accept the death of some of your plans and dreams.
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The cross feels like failure.
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On the cross Jesus looked like a failure.
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Watching Jesus on the cross the disciples felt like failures.
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The cross is the doorway to the greatest success you can ever know!
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Your cross may be different from mine, but you need to take it up daily.
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Illustrations:
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I'm learning to let some of my daily agenda items go in order to be prioritize obeying the Lord.
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When I came back to New Covenant I was ready to let my dreams of pastoring die.
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Follow Jesus
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Pay attention to what Jesus says!
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Do what Jesus says!
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Follow Jesus, not just his followers.
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Don't substitute subcultural norms for God's Word.
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Conclusion
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Determine every day to lose your life for the Kingdom.
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What's your ritual? (e.g. Green Lantern's oath)
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The Cross (Part 2)
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Preparation - 1Corinthians 1:10-31
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Expository Preaching
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Select the Passage - 1Corinthians 1:10-31
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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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The message of the cross expresses God's rejection of our efforts to connect to him based on our own status, resources, ability, or effort; it declares that we can only connect to God based on Jesus and his death on the cross. The lost reject this as foolishness, but the saved receive it as an expression of God's power for their benefit.
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Analyze the Exegetical Idea
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Explain It: What does this mean?
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Background
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The divisions in the Corinthian church reflect an unhealthy focus on human status and ability.
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Relying on human wisdom empties the cross' effectiveness.
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The Cross Involves:
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Suffering
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Rejection
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Death / Execution
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Blow by Blow
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We can't connect to God through anything we "bring to the table".
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What we bring to the table:
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Wisdom and Intelligence - 1Cor 1:19, 21, 26; Isaiah 29:14
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Influence / Power - 1Cor 1:26
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Nobility - 1Cor 1:26
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Strength - 1Cor 1:25
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The Corinthian church members are primarily from the "lowly".
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God uses the lowly to:
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nullify the exalted
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eliminate human boasting.
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Jesus is our "wisdom": righteousness, holiness, redemption
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Thus our boasting should be in the Lord - Jeremiah 9:24
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We can only connect to God based on Jesus' death on the cross.
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Even though it seems foolish to outsiders - 1Cor 1:21-23
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The lost reject this as foolishness.
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This violates the expectations of Jews and Gentiles alike.
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Jews expected a triumphant revolutionary messiah.
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Greeks were sure that no reputable person would be crucified.
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Both rejected the message of a savior who experienced suffering, rejection, and death.
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The saved receive it as God's power for their benefit.
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Jesus has become wisdom from God for us:
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Righteousness (in place of rejection)
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Holiness (in place of suffering)
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Redemption (in place of death)
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Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
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The message of the cross is foolishness to the perishing.
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Consider the way people reject the gospel.
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The message of the cross is the power of God to the saved.
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People get saved by hearing the message - you did!
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We can't connect to God through anything we "bring to the table".
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Paul rejected his own "credentials" - Philippians 3:1-11
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We can only connect to God based on Jesus' death on the cross.
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Do I behave consistently with this truth?
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Holiness / Pentecostal background
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Ready to denounce secular "wisdom" and credentials.
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Ph.D. - "Post Hole Digger", "Piled high and deep".
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Anti-intellectualism
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Opposition to doctors, medicine, and psychiatry.
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Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
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It's different in the Kingdom!
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The way up is down.
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The way to receive is to give.
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The way to lead is to serve.
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The way to live is to die.
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Which aspects of the message of the cross do you embrace?
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Historicity of the Jesus' death on the cross.
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Jesus' death on the cross really happened.
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Efficacy of Jesus' death on the cross.
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Jesus' death on the cross has the power to save.
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Judgment of the cross. - Attitude
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The cross is God's judgment on my sin, independence, and "good works".
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Present day work of the cross. - Experience
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The message of the cross is foolishness to the perishing.
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Every aspect of the cross that I fail to embrace I implicitly judge as "foolish".
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The message of the cross is the power of God to the saved.
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Every aspect of the cross that I embrace releases God's power into my life.
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Formulate the Homiletical Idea
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God saves us with a message that the world calls "foolish".
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Determine the Purpose of the Sermon
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I want believers who hear this message to:
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Embrace the whole message:
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Jesus actually died on the cross.
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Jesus' death saves them.
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God sends circumstances into their lives to wean them from reliance on their:
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Wisdom
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Influence
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Nobility
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Stop trying to connect to God based on their own efforts.
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Legalistic righteousness.
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Knowledge of "deep truth"
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Sophistication
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Approach God based only on Jesus' death for them on the cross.
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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.
|
|
|
|
Make it plain:
|
|
|
|
Use accessible language.
|
|
|
|
Use modern day parables based on every day occurrences:
|
|
|
|
Sitting at a stop light
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|
|
Driving through a green light
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Approaching a yellow light
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Being cut off in traffic
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Going shopping
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Going to a mall
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Going to school; sitting in class
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Going to work; sitting in your office;
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Keep it simple.
|
|
|
|
Use illustrations of truth out of my own experience.
|
|
|
|
Impart faith to obey the Word and receive God's promises.
|
|
|
|
Determine the Purpose of the Sermon
|
|
|
|
I want believers who hear this message to:
|
|
|
|
Deny themselves.
|
|
|
|
Take up the cross daily.
|
|
|
|
Follow Jesus.
|
|
|
|
Learn to lose their lives.
|
|
|
|
Introduction
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|
|
We had another party for God this morning! Were you there?
|
|
|
|
Did God enjoy your contribution to our worship today?
|
|
|
|
There is no substitute for your individual experience with God!
|
|
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|
There is no substitute for your corporate experience with God!
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Would you turn down an invitation to a party for your parents?
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God is your Father - don't miss his party!
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Plane on a conveyor belt - mental categories.
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The Word today will challenge our mental categories.
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Wild Bill Hickock (information taken from Wikipedia article)
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James Butler Hickok (May 27, 1837 – August 2, 1876), better known as Wild Bill Hickok, was a figure in the American Old West. His skills as a gunfighter and scout, along with his reputation as a lawman, provided the basis for his fame, although some of his exploits are fictionalized. His nickname of Wild Bill has inspired similar nicknames for men known for their daring in various fields.
Early life
James Butler Hickok was born in Homer, Illinois (what is now Troy Grove) on May 27, 1837. His birthplace is now the Wild Bill Hickok Memorial, a listed historic site under the supervision of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. While he was growing up, his father's farm was one of the stops on the Underground Railroad, and he learned his shooting skills protecting the farm with his father from slave catchers. Hickok was a good shot from a very young age.
In 1855, at the age of 18, Hickok moved to Kansas Territory following a fight with Charles Hudson, which resulted in both falling into a canal. Mistakenly thinking he had killed Hudson, Hickok fled and joined General Jim Lane's vigilante Free State Army ("The Red Legs") where he met 12-year-old William Cody, later to be known as "Buffalo Bill," who at that time was a scout for Johnston's Army.[1]
Due to his "sweeping nose and protruding upper lip," Hickok was nicknamed "Duck Bill."[2] In 1861, after growing a mustache following the McCanles incident, and with some encouragement from himself, he began calling himself Wild Bill.[3]
Hickok came to the West as a stagecoach driver, then became a lawman in the frontier territories of Kansas and Nebraska. He fought in the Union Army during the American Civil War, and gained publicity after the war as a scout, marksman, and professional gambler. Between his law-enforcement duties and gambling, which easily overlapped, Hickok was involved in several notable shootouts.
Death
On August 2, 1876, while playing poker at Nuttal & Mann's Saloon No. 10 in Deadwood, in the Black Hills, Dakota Territory, Hickok could not find an empty seat in the corner of the room, where he always sat in order to protect himself against a possible attack from behind, and instead sat with his back to one door while facing another. His paranoia was prescient: he was shot in the back of the head with a .45-caliber revolver by Jack McCall. Legend has it that Hickok was playing poker when he was shot, holding a pair of aces and a pair of eights. The fifth card is debated, or, as some say, had not yet been dealt. "Aces and eights" thus is known as the "Dead Man's Hand".[26] In 1979 Hickok was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame.
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Read the Passage - 1Corinthians 1:10-31
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|
|
|
Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
|
The message of the cross expresses God's rejection of our efforts to connect to him based on our own status, resources, ability, or effort; it declares that we can only connect to God based on Jesus and his death on the cross. The lost reject this as foolishness, but the saved receive it as an expression of God's power for their benefit.
|
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|
|
Homiletical Idea
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Unbelievers cling to worldly wisdom, rely on themselves, and perish. Believers cling to God's wisdom, rely on Jesus, and are saved.
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What does this mean?
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|
|
|
Background
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|
|
|
The divisions in the Corinthian church reflect an unhealthy focus on human status and ability.
|
|
|
|
Relying on human wisdom empties the cross' effectiveness.
|
|
|
|
The Way of the Cross (Luke 9:22-26):
|
|
|
|
Suffering
|
|
|
|
Rejection
|
|
|
|
Death / Execution
|
|
|
|
We can't connect to God through anything we "bring to the table".
|
|
|
|
What we bring to the table:
|
|
|
|
Wisdom and Intelligence - 1Cor 1:19, 21, 26; Isaiah 29:14
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|
|
Scholar (scribe - John 5:36-40), philosopher (debater) - 1Cor 1:20
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Wisdom - 1Cor 1:26
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Influence / Power - 1Cor 1:26
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Nobility - 1Cor 1:26
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Strength - 1Cor 1:25
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The Corinthian church members are primarily from the "lowly".
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God uses the lowly to:
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nullify the exalted
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eliminate human boasting.
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Jesus is our "wisdom": righteousness, holiness, redemption
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Thus our boasting should be in the Lord - Jeremiah 9:24
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We can only connect to God based on Jesus' death on the cross.
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Even though it seems foolish to outsiders - 1Cor 1:21-23
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The lost reject this as foolishness.
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This violates the expectations of Jews and Gentiles alike.
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Jews expected a triumphant revolutionary messiah.
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Greeks were sure that no reputable person would be crucified.
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Both rejected the message of a savior who experienced suffering, rejection, and death.
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The saved receive it as God's power for their benefit.
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Jesus has become wisdom from God for us:
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Righteousness (in place of rejection)
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Holiness (in place of suffering)
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Redemption (in place of death)
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What difference does it make? So What?
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It's different in the Kingdom!
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The way up is down.
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The way to receive is to give.
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The way to lead is to serve.
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The way to live is to die.
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Which aspects of the message of the cross do you embrace?
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Historicity of the Jesus' death on the cross.
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Jesus' death on the cross really happened.
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Efficacy of Jesus' death on the cross.
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Jesus' death on the cross has the power to save.
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Judgment of the cross. - Attitude
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God's judgment on my sin, independence, and "good works".
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Present day work of the cross. - Experience
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I must die to my own efforts.
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Do I behave consistently with this truth?
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Holiness / Pentecostal background
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Ready to denounce secular "wisdom" and credentials.
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Ph.D. - "Post Hole Digger", "Piled high and deep".
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Anti-intellectualism
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Opposition to doctors, medicine, and psychiatry.
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Carry Out the Purpose of the Sermon
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Embrace the whole message:
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Jesus actually died on the cross.
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Jesus' death saves them.
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God sends circumstances into their lives to wean them from reliance on their:
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Wisdom
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Influence
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Nobility
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Stop trying to connect to God based on your own efforts.
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We can't connect to God through anything we "bring to the table".
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Paul rejected his own "credentials" - Philippians 3:1-11
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You have to reject your own credentials.
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|
Legalistic righteousness.
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Knowledge of "deep truth"
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Sophistication
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The lost reject this as foolishness.
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|
You probably know people who feel this way.
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Any aspect of the cross I reject becomes an indictment against me.
|
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Approach God based only on Jesus' death for you on the cross.
|
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|
We can only connect to God based on Jesus' death on the cross.
|
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|
The saved receive this as God's power for their benefit.
|
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|
People get saved by hearing the message - you did!
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Every aspect of the cross that I embrace releases God's power into my life.
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God's goal for us is character that doesn't trust itself, but trusts him instead.
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Conclusion
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|
Wild Bill Hickok was playing poker when he died.
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Poker is a game in which each of the players is dealt a hand of card and then bets based on his/her belief that his/her hand is better than that of any of the other players.
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According to legend, Hickok was holding a pair of aces and a pir of eights when he was killed. "Aces and eights" is thus known as the "Dead Man's Hand".
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|
Some of us are sitting at God's poker table with what we believe is a winning hand. In reality however we are all holding a "dead man's hand".
|
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|
The Cross (Part 3)
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|
Preparation - Colossians 2:6-15
|
|
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|
Expository Preaching
|
|
|
|
Select the Passage - Colossians 2:6-15
|
|
|
|
|
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
|
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|
Study the Passage
|
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|
|
NIV
|
|
|
|
Hebrew Study Bible
|
|
|
|
KJV
|
|
|
|
The Message
|
|
|
|
NASB
|
|
|
|
RSV
|
|
|
|
Discover the Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
Background
|
|
|
|
Continue living in Jesus the same way that you received him.
|
|
|
|
Don't fall for false teaching based on human tradition rather than Christ.
|
|
|
|
Christ is fully God in bodily form. He is fully in you and fully in charge.
|
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|
Christ has spiritually circumcised you - removing your sinful nature
|
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|
In Christ you were circumcised, in the removal of the flesh - not by men but by Christ. You were buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the same God who raised him.
|
|
|
|
What did God do for us when we were dead in our sins?
|
|
|
|
He made us alive in Christ.
|
|
|
|
He forgave all our sins.
|
|
|
|
He cancelled the debts we owe for our disobedience.
|
|
|
|
He disarmed and humiliated everything that accused us.
|
|
|
|
Analyze the Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
Explain It: What does this mean?
|
|
|
|
We were dead in our sins and in the uncircumcision (lit. foreskin) of our flesh.
|
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|
|
Dead - out of relationship with God.
|
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|
|
Uncircumcision - Col. 2:11-12
|
|
|
|
God made us alive with Christ.
|
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|
|
He forgave all of our sins.
|
|
|
|
Cancelled the written code . . .
|
|
|
|
The Old Testament required things of us that we failed in.
|
|
|
|
In the cross, Jesus cancelled our debts.
|
|
|
|
Disarmed powers and authorities . .
|
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|
|
Jesus took away the weapons that the enemy uses against us.
|
|
|
|
Through the cross, he led our enemies conquered, stripped, and humiliated.
|
|
|
|
Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
|
|
|
|
Romans 6:1-14
|
|
|
|
Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
|
|
|
|
The fullness of God lives bodily in Christ and in him we have been made full (or complete).
|
|
|
|
Since Christ is head over every power and authority and we have fullness in him, we don't need to concern ourselves with intermediate powers - we go straight to the top.
|
|
|
|
He has broken the power of our flesh over us in a spiritual circumcision through our identification with his death and resurrection in baptism. - Romans 6:1-14
|
|
|
|
We must be careful not to fall for false teaching based on anything less than Christ and what he has done for us.
|
|
|
|
Continue living in Jesus the same way that you received him.
|
|
|
|
Formulate the Homiletical Idea
|
|
|
|
|
God made me alive with Christ, nailed my sins to the cross, and whipped my accusers.
|
|
|
|
Determine the Purpose of the Sermon
|
|
|
|
I want believers who hear this message to:
|
|
|
|
Continue living in Jesus the same way that you received him - by faith
|
|
|
|
Rely on nothing besides or in addition to Christ for your salvation!
|
|
|
|
The fullness of God lives bodily in Christ and in him we have been made full (or complete).
|
|
|
|
Since Christ is head over every power and authority and we have fullness in him, we don't need to concern ourselves with intermediate powers - we go straight to the top.
|
|
|
|
He has broken the power of our flesh over us in a spiritual circumcision through our identification with his death and resurrection in baptism. - Romans 6:1-14
|
|
|
|
Focus on your relationship with God and not on the rules!
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Use modern day parables based on every day occurrences:
|
|
|
|
Sitting at a stop light
|
|
|
|
Driving through a green light
|
|
|
|
Approaching a yellow light
|
|
|
|
Being cut off in traffic
|
|
|
|
Going shopping
|
|
|
|
Going to a mall
|
|
|
|
Going to school; sitting in class
|
|
|
|
Going to work; sitting in your office;
|
|
|
|
Keep it simple.
|
|
|
|
Use illustrations of truth out of my own experience.
|
|
|
|
Impart faith to obey the Word and receive God's promises.
|
|
|
|
Introduction
|
|
|
|
We had another party for God this morning! Were you there?
|
|
|
|
Did God enjoy your contribution to our worship today?
|
|
|
|
There is no substitute for your individual experience with God!
|
|
|
|
There is no substitute for your corporate experience with God!
|
|
|
|
Would you turn down an invitation to a party for your parents?
|
|
|
|
God is your Father - don't miss his party!
|
|
|
|
We are called to worship together!
|
|
|
|
Acts 2:42-47
|
|
|
|
Hebrews 13:15
|
|
|
|
1Peter 2:4-10
|
|
|
|
Gnosticism - popular philosophical system that was part of the context of the 1st century church.
|
|
|
|
Supreme God
|
|
|
|
Aeons
|
|
|
|
Demiurge
|
|
|
|
Paul confronts gnosticism at Colosse.
|
|
|
|
Redefines words used by gnostics:
|
|
|
|
fullness
|
|
|
|
powers and authorities
|
|
|
|
Read the Context - Colossians 2:6-12
|
|
|
|
|
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. In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
|
|
|
|
Read the Passage - Colossians 2:13-15
|
|
|
|
|
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
|
|
|
|
Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
What did God do for us when we were dead in our sins?
|
|
|
|
He made us alive in Christ.
|
|
|
|
He forgave all our sins.
|
|
|
|
He cancelled the debts we owe for our disobedience.
|
|
|
|
He disarmed and humiliated everything that accused us.
|
|
|
|
Homiletical Idea
|
|
|
|
|
God made me alive with Christ, nailed my sins to the cross, and whipped my accusers.
|
|
|
|
Explain It: What does this mean?
|
|
|
|
We were dead in our sins and in the uncircumcision (lit. foreskin) of our flesh.
|
|
|
|
Dead - out of relationship with God.
|
|
|
|
Sin - missing the mark
|
|
|
|
Independence - Eden, tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
|
|
|
|
Uncircumcision - Col. 2:11-12
|
|
|
|
God made us alive with Christ.
|
|
|
|
He forgave all of our sins.
|
|
|
|
Cancelled the written code . . .
|
|
|
|
The Old Testament required things of us that we failed in.
|
|
|
|
In the cross, Jesus cancelled our debts.
|
|
|
|
Disarmed powers and authorities . .
|
|
|
|
Jesus took away the weapons that the enemy uses against us.
|
|
|
|
Through the cross, he led our enemies conquered, stripped, and humiliated (Roman triumphal procession).
|
|
|
|
Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
|
|
|
|
Romans 6:1-14
|
|
|
|
Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
|
|
|
|
Paul is countering gnosticism.
|
|
|
|
The fullness of God lives bodily in Christ and in him we have been made full (or complete).
|
|
|
|
Since Christ is head over every power and authority and we have fullness in him, we don't need to concern ourselves with intermediate powers - we go straight to the top.
|
|
|
|
He has broken the power of our flesh over us in a spiritual circumcision through our identification with his death and resurrection in baptism. - Romans 6:1-14
|
|
|
|
We must be careful not to fall for false teaching based on anything less than Christ and what he has done for us.
|
|
|
|
Continue living in Jesus the same way that you received him.
|
|
|
|
Sermon Purpose (I want believers who hear this message to):
|
|
|
|
Keep living in Jesus the same way that you received him - by faith!
|
|
|
|
Rely on nothing besides Christ for your salvation!
|
|
|
|
The fullness of God lives bodily in Christ and in him we have been made full (or complete).
|
|
|
|
No other name under heaven. - Acts 4:8-12
|
|
|
|
No substitutes
|
|
|
|
Living positive
|
|
|
|
Family values
|
|
|
|
Rely on nothing in addition to Christ for your salvation!
|
|
|
|
Since Christ is head over every power and authority and we have fullness in him, we don't need to concern ourselves with intermediaries - we go straight to the top.
|
|
|
|
No Saints (catholicism)
|
|
|
|
No religious leaders
|
|
|
|
He has broken the power of our flesh over us in a spiritual circumcision through our identification with his death and resurrection in baptism. - Romans 6:1-14
|
|
|
|
Spiritual gifts don't make you any more saved.
|
|
|
|
Special revelation doesn't make you special - Colossians 2:16-19
|
|
|
|
Willpower won't. - Colossians 2:20-23
|
|
|
|
Focus on the relationship, not the rules! - Isaiah 29:13-15
|
|
|
|
Pharisees - Turned the Hebrew law into their own private system.
|
|
|
|
Legalists - Turn the New Testament into their own private system.
|
|
|
|
Conclusion
|
|
|
|
New Material
|
|
|
|
Preparation
|
|
|
|
Expository Preaching
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Select the Passage
|
|
|
|
Study the Passage
|
|
|
|
NIV
|
|
|
|
Hebrew Study Bible
|
|
|
|
KJV
|
|
|
|
The Message
|
|
|
|
NASB
|
|
|
|
RSV
|
|
|
|
Discover the Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
Subject
|
|
|
|
Tools: How, Who, What, When, Where, Why
|
|
|
|
Complement
|
|
|
|
Analyze the Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
Explain It: What does this mean?
|
|
|
|
Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
|
|
|
|
Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
|
|
|
|
Formulate the Homiletical Idea
|
|
|
|
Determine the Purpose of the Sermon
|
|
|
|
Decide How to Accomplish This Purpose
|
|
|
|
Make it plain
|
|
|
|
Use accessible language and modern parables.
|
|
|
|
Make sure people do something with God's message.
|
|
|
|
Keep it simple.
|
|
|
|
Use illustrations of truth out of my own experience.
|
|
|
|
Impart faith to obey the Word and receive God's promises.
|
|
|
|
Outline the Sermon
|
|
|
|
The Cross (Part 4)
|
|
|
|
Preparation - Hebrews 12:1-13
|
|
|
|
Expository Preaching
|
|
|
|
Select the Passage - Hebrews 12:1-13
|
|
|
|
Select the Passage - Hebrews 12:1-3
|
|
|
|
|
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
|
|
|
|
Select the Passage - Hebrews 12:4-6
|
|
|
|
Select the Passage - Hebrews 12:7-13
|
|
|
|
Study the Passage
|
|
|
|
NIV
|
|
|
|
Hebrew Study Bible
|
|
|
|
KJV
|
|
|
|
The Message
|
|
|
|
NASB
|
|
|
|
RSV
|
|
|
|
Discover the Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
Since there are so many witnesses watching us from heaven, let's drop everything that holds us back and keep running the race God has assigned us. Jesus is our Lord and our example in enduring suffering to attain a goal. By keeping our eyes on him and his victory over the cross we will be able to make it to the finish line.
|
|
|
|
Analyze the Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
Explain It: What does this mean?
|
|
|
|
Remember how you originally stood firm - Hebrews 10:32-39
|
|
|
|
The "heroes of faith" listed in Hebrews 11 have gone on before us and are watching us in our walk with Christ. They are like cheering crowds in a stadium watching us run.
|
|
|
|
Runners have to let go of things that weigh them down and things that trip them up. So do we.
|
|
|
|
Race marked out for us.
|
|
|
|
Although many others had run races beforehand, Jesus ran the definitive race and ran it perfectly. He has become our example.
|
|
|
|
Jesus endured the cross because he saw it's joyful goal.
|
|
|
|
By keeping Jesus in mind we can avoid weariness and discouragement.
|
|
|
|
Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
|
|
|
|
"But take heart! I have overcome the world" - John 16:33b
|
|
|
|
Endured the cross scorning its shame
|
|
|
|
Jesus denied the legitimacy of his crucifiers - John 18:28 - 19:16; Luke 23:33-34
|
|
|
|
Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
|
|
|
|
This lets us know that we can make it. We can make it because Jesus went before us.
|
|
|
|
This helps us understand the purpose behind our hardships. They're not random - God us using our hardships to make us holy like him.
|
|
|
|
Other people (i.e. "the lame") are depending on us.
|
|
|
|
Formulate the Homiletical Idea
|
|
|
|
|
The pioneers and veterans of the church are in the stadium watching us. Let's drop everything that holds us back and keep running the race. Jesus is our Lord and our example in suffering to achieve victory. Focusing on him and his victory over the cross will keep us from giving up.
|
|
|
|
Determine the Sermon's Purpose (what listeners should do):
|
|
|
|
Study Jesus' life and emulate it.
|
|
|
|
Endure hardship as discipline because God is treating us as sons.
|
|
|
|
Understand how their progress affects others.
|
|
|
|
Let God break them.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Use modern day parables based on every day occurrences:
|
|
|
|
Sitting at a stop light
|
|
|
|
Driving through a green light
|
|
|
|
Approaching a yellow light
|
|
|
|
Being cut off in traffic
|
|
|
|
Going shopping
|
|
|
|
Going to a mall
|
|
|
|
Going to school; sitting in class
|
|
|
|
Going to work; sitting in your office;
|
|
|
|
Keep it simple.
|
|
|
|
Use illustrations of truth out of my own experience.
|
|
|
|
Impart faith to obey the Word and receive God's promises.
|
|
|
|
Introduction
|
|
|
|
We had another party for God this morning! Were you there?
|
|
|
|
Did God enjoy your contribution to our worship today?
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There is no substitute for your individual experience with God!
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There is no substitute for your corporate experience with God!
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Would you turn down an invitation to a party for your parents?
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God is your Father - don't miss his party!
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We are called to worship together!
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Acts 2:42-47
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Hebrews 13:15
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1Peter 2:4-10
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Our Surprise Party
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Rocklyn & Eva 50th birthdays
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The Ruse
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The request for babysitting for the grandchildren.
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Valerie's request for Eva to introduce her at an "award dinner".
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Mommy wanted to attend, so Valerie made arrangements.
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Rocky, Monique, and Ricky left early and Sharon needed to ride with us.
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The Arrival
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Monique was at the curb waiting for us.
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Sharon parks the van.
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Valerie come out to greet us.
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Monique pushes Mommy in the wheelchair.
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The Entrance
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Surprise!
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The Mayor
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A great party!
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God is planning a surprise party for us!
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It doesn't matter that we know about the party.
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What he has in store will surprise us anyway.
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The Bible tells us how to get into the party.
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Transition: With this in mind, let's look at our passage:
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Read the Passage - Hebrews 12:1-3
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Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
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Homiletical Idea
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The church's pioneers and veterans are in the stadium watching us. Let's drop everything that holds us back and keep running the race. The Lord Jesus is our example in suffering to achieve victory. Focusing on him and his victory over the cross will keep us from giving up.
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Explain It: What does this mean?
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Background
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Remember how you originally stood firm - Hebrews 10:32-39
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Hebrews 11 (the "roll call of faith") describes what the pioneers in the Bible accomplished through faith. - Hebrews 11:32-40
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The pioneers and veterans listed in Hebrews 11 are like cheering crowds in a stadium watching us run.
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Racers have to let go of:
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Anything that weighs them down:
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extra clothing or equipment
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Anything that entangles them or trips them up:
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untied shoe laces
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Consider biker shorts.
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We have to let go of:
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Weights - legitimate things that are nevertheless wrong for you.
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Sins - illegitimate things that are wrong for everyone.
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Race marked out for us.
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Every runner has a lane.
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Stay in your lane.
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Some athletes set the standard for everyone else.
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1987 NBA All Star Game.
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Slam Dunk Contest
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Although many others had run races beforehand, Jesus ran the definitive race and ran it perfectly. He has become our example.
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Jesus endured the cross because he saw it's joyful goal.
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Jesus scorned or despised the shame associated with the cross.
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Young men getting arrested often try to "man up".
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Denzel Washington was whipped in the movie "Glory".
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He denied the legitimacy of his crucifiers - John 19:4-12; Luke 23:33-34
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By focusing on Jesus we can avoid weariness and discouragement.
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"But take heart! I have overcome the world" - John 16:33
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Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
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We can make it because Jesus went before us.
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We should expect the Father to discipline us - Hebrews 12:4-6
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In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”
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Most of us have never actually shed our blood for Jesus.
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Like earthly fathers, God disciplines his sons - Prov 3:11-12
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Women are sons too! - Gal 3:26-29
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Our hardships have a purpose - Hebrews 12:7-13
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Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
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They're not random - they're part of God's discipline
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He did this with Jesus - Hebrews 5:7-12
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God is using our hardships to make us holy like him.
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Other people (i.e. "the lame") are depending on us.
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More is caught than taught.
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Sermon Purpose (what listeners should do):
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Engage, Expect, Endure!
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Engage with Jesus.
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Expect the Father to discipline you.
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Endure hardship as discipline because God is treating us as sons.
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Engage with Jesus (not just with church).
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Know who he is.
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Prophet
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Priest
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Messiah / Christ
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God's Son
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Know what he said.
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about himself
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light of the world,
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the way, the truth, and the life
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the resurrection and the life
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about you
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Know what he did.
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Know what he will do.
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Coming again
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What's your plan for engaging with Jesus?
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Expect the Father to discipline you.
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Don't live as an enemy of the cross. - Philippians 3:17-21
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You have to be able to repent.
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When you're at a red light at a traffic intersection you're at a cross!
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My turn onto an incoming traffic lane this past Tuesday (9/22).
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You have to have a nature that responds obediently to God's discipline.
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Strong willed children:
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Kim
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Sharon
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You can't do this to yourself - God has to do it.
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You have to be broken.
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Watchman Nee - the broken stick yields to the slightest touch.
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I had to be broken.
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Let God break you.
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Endure hardship as discipline because God is treating us as sons.
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Don't teach on the cross without expecting to experience it!
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Inconvenience on the path to the party:
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Our surprise party was in the works since at least July.
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For it to work we had to be there.
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Eva and I are busy with work, household needs, ministry.
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Getting us there involved asking us to make inconvenient commitments:
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Babysitting the grandchildren Friday night.
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Attending a Friday evening event.
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I work for a living: As a pastor, and part-time at MIT (TWH).
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Fridays are useful for focused work on projects after exercise.
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I had a previously scheduled doctor's appointment.
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I ultimately cancelled exercise and rescheduled my physical.
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Transporting Sharon in our loaded van.
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Bringing my mother to an award dinner in her weakened condition.
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Picking up Valerie with inadequate free space in the van.
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Letting Sharon park the van.
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Letting Monique push Mommy in the wheelchair.
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The end result of the inconveniences was a wonderful blessing.
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I had to be "broken" in order to not sabotage my own party.
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What about your surprise party?
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God is trying to get you to your surprise party!
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How are you dealing with the inconveniences - the hardships?
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Are you complaining?
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Have you learned to see them as preparation for the party?
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Let God break you.
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Have you been broken yet?
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Will you let him use hardship to break you?
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Conclusion
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Jesus endured the cross, scorning its shame.
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We must endure the cross scorning its shame as well:
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Endure the "big" crosses that break us at key points in our lives.
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Endure the "little" crosses that slowly refine us.
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Altar Call / Welcome Cards / Communion
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Welcome Cards - refer to script
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Benediction - Numbers 6:24-26
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“‘“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’
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Men's Prayer
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Discussion Questions / Topics (based on the indicated scriptures)
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Hebrews 12:1-3
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Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
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Discussion Questions / Topics:
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How are you dealing with sin in your life?
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Are there any non-sins that are hindering you? Discuss.
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Are you running your race with perseverance? Discuss.
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How are you doing at fixing your eyes on Jesus?
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Hebrews 12:4-6
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In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”
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Discussion Questions / Topics:
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Do you expect God to discipline you? If so, when did you first realize that his discipline was going to be a part of your relationship with God?
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Hebrews 12:7-13
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Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
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Discussion Questions / Topics:
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What hardships has God been using to discipline you today, this past week, this past month, this past year?
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Witnessing Activities
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Discuss the people you know personally who aren't followers of Jesus.
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What opportunities have you had recently to influence these people?
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How might denying yourself move them closer to salvation?
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Scriptures For 09/27/2009 Life Church Sermon
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Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
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Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, “He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.
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And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated — the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
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John 19:4-12 (consult your Bible for the text)
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When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals — one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
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“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
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In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”
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Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
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During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
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Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
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