|
 |
Notes
|
|
|
 |
Introduction
|
|
|
|
Bible Reading 2/7 - 2/13: Ex 26 - 36; Mat 25 - 27; Psalm 31:1 - 34:10; Proverbs 8:1 - 9:8
|
|
|
 |
Review
|
|
|
|
Hang Out With God
|
|
|
|
Preparation - Genesis 17:1-14
|
|
|
|
Select the Passage - Genesis 17:1-14
|
|
|
|
Study the Passage
|
|
|
|
NIV
|
|
|
|
Hebrew Study Bible
|
|
|
|
KJV
|
|
|
|
The Message
|
|
|
|
NASB
|
|
|
|
RSV
|
|
|
|
Discover the Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
Walk blamelessly in God's presence.
|
|
|
|
Analyze the Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
Explain It: What does this mean?
|
|
|
|
I am God Almighty.
|
|
|
|
God Almighty: (Hebrew "El-Shaddai")
|
|
|
|
Walk before me: Walk in God's presence.
|
|
|
|
Abraham before the Lord - Genesis 18:22
|
|
|
|
Abraham before the people of the land - Genesis 23:12
|
|
|
|
Joseph presents Jacob before Pharaoh - Genesis 47:7
|
|
|
|
David before Saul - 1Samuel 17:57
|
|
|
|
Be blameless.
|
|
|
|
Not sinless - blameless - Psalm 19
|
|
|
|
Complete, without defect
|
|
|
|
Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
|
|
|
|
Yes - It's about a relationship
|
|
|
|
Facing someone promotes relationship. Turning your back to someone diminishes relationship.
|
|
|
|
Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
|
|
|
|
God already sees you. Walk like you know this. - Hebrews 4:9-16
|
|
|
|
Peek-a-boo - Babies think that if they close their eyes you can't see them.
|
|
|
|
How we live our daily lives reflects how connected we feel to God.
|
|
|
|
The Angel of the Lord tries to kill Moses - Exodus 4:19-26
|
|
|
|
Formulate the Homiletical Idea
|
|
|
|
Live your life as if you're hanging out in God's house.
|
|
|
|
Determine the Purpose of the Sermon (what listeners should do)
|
|
|
|
Go to God's house.
|
|
|
|
Hang out at God's house.
|
|
|
|
Behave yourself in God's house.
|
|
|
|
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 - Importance of Corporate Worship
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
Introduction - Transition
|
|
|
|
Prayer Workshop - Sunday February 21 at 12N
|
|
|
|
Interphase 1978 - Called into Wes' office
|
|
|
|
I was expecting the worst.
|
|
|
|
I actually received mercy.
|
|
|
|
Is God summoning you to his office?
|
|
|
|
What do you think that will look like?
|
|
|
|
Read the Passage - Genesis 17:1-14
|
|
|
|
|
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.”
Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.”
Then God said to Abraham, “As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come. This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. For the generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised, including those born in your household or bought with money from a foreigner — those who are not your offspring. Whether born in your household or bought with your money, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh is to be an everlasting covenant. Any uncircumcised male, who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.”
|
|
|
|
Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
|
Walk blamelessly in God's presence.
|
|
|
|
What does this mean?
|
|
|
|
I am God Almighty.
|
|
|
|
God Almighty: (Hebrew "El-Shaddai")
|
|
|
|
Walk before me: Walk in God's presence.
|
|
|
|
Abraham before the Lord - Genesis 18:22
|
|
|
|
Abraham before the people of the land - Genesis 23:12
|
|
|
|
Joseph presents Jacob before Pharaoh - Genesis 47:7
|
|
|
|
David before Saul - 1Samuel 17:57
|
|
|
|
Be blameless.
|
|
|
|
Not sinless - blameless - Psalm 19
|
|
|
|
Complete, without defect
|
|
|
|
Circumcision - exposure of a sensitive body part.
|
|
|
|
Is it True? Do I believe it?
|
|
|
|
Yes - It's about a relationship
|
|
|
|
Facing someone promotes relationship. Turning your back on someone diminishes relationship.
|
|
|
|
What difference does it make? So What?
|
|
|
|
The Angel of the Lord tries to kill Moses - Exodus 4:19-26
|
|
|
|
How we live our daily lives reflects how connected we feel to God.
|
|
|
|
Peek-a-boo - Babies think that if they close their eyes you can't see them.
|
|
|
|
God already sees you. Walk like you know this. - Hebrews 4:9-16
|
|
|
|
Transition
|
|
|
|
We stand in a different place than Abraham did.
|
|
|
|
We have Jesus!
|
|
|
|
We have been adopted as God's sons. - Gal 3:26-29
|
|
|
|
|
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
|
|
|
|
We have a special place.
|
|
|
|
My original image: in God's office.
|
|
|
|
Preferred image: at God's house.
|
|
|
|
Homiletical Idea: Live your life as if you're hanging out at God's house.
|
|
|
|
Purpose of the Sermon (what listeners should do)
|
|
|
|
|
Now that we have established our setting (at God' house), let's consider 3 aspects of our interaction with God's house in light of Genesis 17:1-14:
|
|
|
|
Go to God's house.
|
|
|
|
Hang out at God's house.
|
|
|
|
Behave yourself in God's house.
|
|
|
|
Go to God's house.
|
|
|
|
Recognize that you must answer to God Almighty. - Hebrews 4:9-16
|
|
|
|
Whom are you connecting with? Is God a connection priority?
|
|
|
|
Do you know the way to God's house? It's not a building!
|
|
|
|
You are God's house
|
|
|
|
God lives in you individually! - 1Cor 6:19-20
|
|
|
|
|
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
|
|
|
|
God lives in the church collectively! - 1Cor 3:16
|
|
|
|
|
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?
|
|
|
|
Remember - God's looking for ways to express his love to you!
|
|
|
|
Hang out at God's house.
|
|
|
|
Practice a lifestyle of connection to God.
|
|
|
|
Pray! Talk to God regularly.
|
|
|
|
Listen! Learn to hear God's voice by practicing listening.
|
|
|
|
Invite God into your day to day life.
|
|
|
|
Behave yourself in God's house.
|
|
|
|
Practice a lifestyle of blamelessness.
|
|
|
|
Get the help you need - Hebrews 4:9-16
|
|
|
|
Keep the communication line clear!
|
|
|
|
Say "I'm sorry!".
|
|
|
|
Live like there's a real God at the other end of a real relationship!
|
|
|
|
Kim and me playing house with her dolls.
|
|
|
|
My granddaughters playing "pretend".
|
|
|
|
Conclusion
|
|
|
|
Homiletical Idea: Live your life as if you're hanging out at God's house.
|
|
|
|
Opportunities to hang out with God right now:
|
|
|
|
Have you blown it and not repented? Let's ask for forgiveness now.
|
|
|
|
Are you struggling to live right in some area. Let's ask for help now.
|
|
|
|
Do you want someone to pray with you? Grab someone now.
|
|
|
|
Is there something you need to tell God right now? Tell him!
|
|
|
|
Have you listened to God lately? Take some time to listen now!
|
|
|
|
Homiletical Idea: Live your life as if you're hanging out at God's house.
|
|
|
|
Keep asking for forgiveness.
|
|
|
|
Keep asking for help being blameless.
|
|
|
|
Pour your heart out to God and listen to what he tells you.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
Beggars Can't Be Losers
|
|
|
|
Preparation - Matthew 5:1-12
|
|
|
|
Select the Passage - Matthew 5:3 (context Matthew 5:1-12)
|
|
|
|
|
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
|
|
|
|
Study the Passage
|
|
|
|
NIV
|
|
|
|
Hebrew Study Bible
|
|
|
|
KJV
|
|
|
|
The Message
|
|
|
|
NASB
|
|
|
|
RSV
|
|
|
|
Discover the Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
God blesses spiritual beggars.
|
|
|
|
Analyze the Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
Explain It: What does this mean?
|
|
|
|
Blessed - maka¿rioß (Gk - makarios): happy (including fullness of life and wellbeing)
|
|
|
|
Poor - ptwco/ß (Gk - ptochos): destitute, mendicant (beggar)
|
|
|
|
Distinct from penhß (Gk - penes): working poor (2Cor 9:9)
|
|
|
|
Poor in spirit
|
|
|
|
At least 5 of Jesus' disciples were businessmen (e.g. Peter, Andrew, James, John, Matthew (Levi).
|
|
|
|
We don't have any record of any literal beggars among the 12.
|
|
|
|
What Jesus has in mind is an attitude.
|
|
|
|
This takes place early in Jesus' relationship with his disciples.
|
|
|
|
We don't stay beggars - God adopts us as his sons - Gal 3:26-29
|
|
|
|
Everything we now have came to us from God - not from ourselves.
|
|
|
|
Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
|
|
|
|
Luke 6:20-26
|
|
|
|
|
Looking at his disciples, he (Jesus) said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets. “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.
|
|
|
|
Luke 18:9-14
|
|
|
|
|
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men — robbers, evildoers, adulterers — or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
|
|
|
|
What difference does it make? So What?
|
|
|
|
If you think you brought something to the table, you're deceived.
|
|
|
|
Our culture promotes belief that we bring something to the table:
|
|
|
|
Liberal mindset:
|
|
|
|
You are inherently valuable.
|
|
|
|
God loves you because you are infinitely valuable.
|
|
|
|
Conservative mindset:
|
|
|
|
Your works (e.g. rule keeping) earn God's blessings.
|
|
|
|
In reality our value comes from the fact that God loves us.
|
|
|
|
Formulate the Homiletical Idea
|
|
|
|
Beggars can't be losers.
|
|
|
|
Determine the Purpose of the Sermon (what listeners should do)
|
|
|
|
Begin your spiritual life as a beggar.
|
|
|
|
Live in total dependence on God through Jesus.
|
|
|
|
Preach the real good news to the poor.
|
|
|
|
Decide How to Accomplish This Purpose
|
|
|
|
Outline the Sermon
|
|
|
|
Introduction - Importance of Corporate Worship
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
Introduction - Announcement
|
|
|
|
Prayer Workshop - Sunday February 21 at 12N
|
|
|
|
Transition
|
|
|
|
Me to Uncle Charlie: "I with we were upper middle class like you."
|
|
|
|
Despite our financial limitations I've been given many opportunities.
|
|
|
|
Excellent public schooling.
|
|
|
|
Computer access
|
|
|
|
MIT financial aid
|
|
|
|
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
|
|
|
|
Jesus introduces the Kingdom with a message of access.
|
|
|
|
Read the Passage - Matthew 5:3 (context Matthew 5:1-12)
|
|
|
|
|
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
|
|
|
|
Exegetical Idea: God blesses spiritual beggars.
|
|
|
|
What does this mean?
|
|
|
|
Blessed - maka¿rioß (Gk - makarios): happy (including fullness of life and wellbeing)
|
|
|
|
Poor - ptwco/ß (Gk - ptochos): destitute, mendicant (beggar)
|
|
|
|
Distinct from penhß (Gk - penes): working poor (2Cor 9:9)
|
|
|
|
Poor in spirit
|
|
|
|
At least 5 of Jesus' disciples were businessmen (e.g. Peter, Andrew, James, John, Matthew (Levi).
|
|
|
|
We don't have any record of any literal beggars among the 12.
|
|
|
|
What Jesus has in mind is an attitude.
|
|
|
|
This takes place early in Jesus' relationship with his disciples.
|
|
|
|
We don't stay beggars - God adopts us as his sons - Gal 3:26-29
|
|
|
|
Everything we now have came to us from God - not from ourselves.
|
|
|
|
Is it True? Do I believe it?
|
|
|
|
We have a clue in this parallel passage: Luke 6:20-26
|
|
|
|
|
Looking at his disciples, he (Jesus) said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets. “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.
|
|
|
|
Wealth creates a false sense of security.
|
|
|
|
Fat bank account.
|
|
|
|
Credit cards.
|
|
|
|
Lack of wealth fosters insecurity and dependence - living on the edge.
|
|
|
|
One paycheck away from homelessness.
|
|
|
|
One car repair away from public transportation.
|
|
|
|
One accident away from being stranded.
|
|
|
|
What difference does it make? So What?
|
|
|
|
If you think you brought something to the table, you're deceived.
|
|
|
|
Our culture promotes belief that we bring something to the table:
|
|
|
|
Liberal mindset:
|
|
|
|
You are inherently valuable.
|
|
|
|
God loves you because you are infinitely valuable.
|
|
|
|
Conservative mindset:
|
|
|
|
Your works (e.g. rule keeping) earn God's blessings.
|
|
|
|
In reality our value comes from the fact that God loves us.
|
|
|
|
Homiletical Idea: Beggars can't be losers.
|
|
|
|
Transition
|
|
|
|
I phrased it this way because God wants you to remember this the next time you see the word "poor" in these passages.
|
|
|
|
God doesn't just want you to remember - he wants you to act on it.
|
|
|
|
Purpose of the Sermon (what listeners should do)
|
|
|
|
Begin your spiritual life as a beggar.
|
|
|
|
Receive everything God has for you with an attitude of dependence.
|
|
|
|
Preach the real good news to the poor.
|
|
|
|
Begin your spiritual life as a beggar.
|
|
|
|
Luke 18:9-14
|
|
|
|
|
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men — robbers, evildoers, adulterers — or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
|
|
|
|
There is much in the church world that leads us to stick out our spiritual chests.
|
|
|
|
Receive everything God has for you with an attitude of dependence.
|
|
|
|
The Beatitudes promise blessing:
|
|
|
|
Mourners will be comforted.
|
|
|
|
The meek (e.g. Gentle - Jesus in Mat. 11:29; 21:5 and fruit of the Spirit in Gal 5:23) will inherit the earth.
|
|
|
|
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled.
|
|
|
|
The merciful will be shown mercy.
|
|
|
|
The pure in heart will see God.
|
|
|
|
The peacemakers will be called sons of God.
|
|
|
|
Those who are persecuted for righteousness receive the Kingdom.
|
|
|
|
Jesus has good news for the poor - Luke 4:14-27
|
|
|
|
Right attitude: "Lord - everything I have comes from you!"
|
|
|
|
Spiritual beggars actually get their needs met.
|
|
|
|
Preach the real good news to the poor.
|
|
|
|
God wants to use us to identify and disciple key change agents:
|
|
|
|
People who are spiritual beggars.
|
|
|
|
People who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
|
|
|
|
People who want to make a difference in their own networks.
|
|
|
|
God wants us to remove every obstacle to their entering the Kingdom.
|
|
|
|
Some churches don't like the way beggars look, smell, talk, act.
|
|
|
|
Some churches don't like the way spiritual beggars act:
|
|
|
|
Spiritual beggars are desperate for real life.
|
|
|
|
They don't find it in rules - only in a real relationship with God.
|
|
|
|
the way spiritual beggars act
|
|
|
|
We must be different.
|
|
|
|
We can't lead them on a path that we haven't walked on - we have to start as beggars ourselves.
|
|
|
|
Conclusion
|
|
|
|
If you start as a beggar you're not a loser!
|
|
|
|
Beggars have given up on social status.
|
|
|
|
Don't come to the Kingdom with status or for status.
|
|
|
|
Keep it real - Remember where you really come from.
|
|
|
|
Bill Gates doesn't bring anything to the table either.
|
|
|
|
Gilligan's Island - Thurston Howell III
|
|
|
|
Altar Call / Welcome Cards / Communion
|
|
|
|
Welcome Cards - refer to script
|
|
|
|
Benediction - Numbers 6:24-26
|
|
|
|
|
“‘“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.”’
|
|
|
|
Men's Prayer
|
|
|
|
Life Group Material
|
|
|
|
Life Group Word Material
|
|
|
|
|
These are sample discussion questions / topics. Your life group leaders may choose to adjust these questions, substitute new ones, or spend the Word section of the meeting in a different way altogether.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.
|
|
|
|
Matthew 5:1-12
|
|
|
|
|
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
|
|
|
|
Discussion Questions / Topics:
|
|
|
|
|
In this passage the term "poor in spirit" could be rephrased as "spiritual beggar" - someone who has no spiritual resources and is completely dependent on someone else (i.e. God) for spiritual support.
|
|
|
|
In what ways, if any, have you experienced poverty? Are you now, or have you ever been among the working poor? Have you ever had to beg? Discuss.
|
|
|
|
Did you start your relationship with Jesus as a spiritual beggar - depending completely on him for spiritual life? Discuss.
|
|
|
|
Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt you had something to offer spiritually that came from yourself?
|
|
|
|
Luke 6:20-26
|
|
|
|
|
Looking at his disciples, he (Jesus) said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets. “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.
|
|
|
|
Discussion Questions / Topics:
|
|
|
|
Has your money or your property ever caused you to feel less dependent on God? Discuss.
|
|
|
|
Luke 18:9-14
|
|
|
|
|
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men — robbers, evildoers, adulterers — or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
|
|
|
|
Discussion Questions / Topics:
|
|
|
|
Have there been times in your life when you were more like the Pharisee in this passage? Discuss.
|
|
|
|
Have there been times in your life when you were more like the tax collector in this passage? Discuss.
|
|
|
|
Life Group Witnessing Activities
|
|
|
|
Key Passage - Luke 4:14-21
|
|
|
|
|
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
|
|
|
|
Activities
|
|
|
|
Discussion Questions / Topics:
|
|
|
|
|
The good news is that people who come to God as spiritual beggars receive righteousness and life from him.
|
|
|
|
Do you think the people you meet see you as part of the "poor in spirit" that Jesus said were blessed? Why or why not?
|
|
|
|
Do you think the people who visit Life Church see us as the "poor in spirit" that Jesus said were blessed? Why or why not?
|
|
|
|
Do you think that "spiritual beggars" feel welcome at Life Church? If not, how can we be more welcoming?
|
|
|
|
What barriers do you think people encounter at Life Church? What can we do about those barriers?
|
|
|
|
Scriptures For 02/14/2010 Life Church Sermon
|
|
|
|
|
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.
|
|
|
|
|
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
|
|
|
|
|
Looking at his disciples, he (Jesus) said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets. “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.
|
|
|
|
|
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men — robbers, evildoers, adulterers — or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
|
|
|
|
|
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked.
Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’”
“I tell you the truth,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown. I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed — only Naaman the Syrian.”
|
|
|
|
|
Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.”
Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah: “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there.”
So he did what the LORD had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.
Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. Then the word of the LORD came to him: “Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food.” So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.”
“As surely as the LORD your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread — only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it — and die.”
Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.’”
She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah.
|
|
|