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What Do I Need to Know That I Already Know? | 2 Peter 1:12-21
Sermon Title: What Do I Need to Know That I Already Know?
Main Idea/Question: What if your spiritual growth is less about new information and more about obedience to what you already know? We often believe that our growth depends on learning new things. However, true growth may rely less on acquiring new knowledge and more on being obedient to what we already know. In this passage, Peter reminds his audience of truths they have heard before, knowing these reminders are vital to their maturity in Christ.
You tube Description : Message on Growing as a Christian 2 Peter 1:12-21
Sermon Title: What Do I Need to Know that I already Know?
Main Idea/Question: What if your spiritual growth is less about new information and more about obedience to what you already know? We often believe that our growth depends on learning new things. However, true growth may rely less on acquiring new knowledge and more on being obedient to what we already know. In this passage, Peter reminds his audience of truths they have heard before, knowing these reminders are vital to their maturity in Christ.
You tube Description : Message on Growing as a Christian | 2 Peter 1:12-21
Do You Have Everything You Need? | 2 Peter 1:1-4
Series: Faithful to the End
Title: "Do You Have Everything You Need?"
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:1-4 NIV
2 Peter 3:18
Matthew 26:31-34
Luke 22:31-32
John 17:3
Jeremiah 9:23-24
Bottom Line: In Christ, we've been given everything that we need to be fully restored to the person God created us to be in the first place.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
NOTES
YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION
MAIN REFERENCES USED
INTRODUCTION
The Last Lecture
Many universities have a tradition called “The Last Lecture.” A professor is asked to imagine this is the last opportunity they’ll ever have to teach their students.
What would they say?
They don’t waste time on trivia.
They don’t chase rabbit trails.
They talk about what matters most.
Peter is writing his own last lecture.
He’s asking,
“If these are my final written words, what do believers absolutely need to remember?”
In essence, a last lecture is a professors attempt to leave you with the main things you need to have to thrive in life.
Peter is writing his last lecture to remind Christians of all they already have in Christ. It doesn't require a special knowledge (gnosis) but it is the same knowledge the Apostles enjoyed.
CONTEXT
"Second Epistle of Peter was likely written near the end of the Simon Peter’s life to churches in Asia Minor that were facing the growing threat of false teachers. These teachers were distorting God’s grace, denying the certainty of Christ’s return, encouraging immoral living, and undermining confidence in the apostolic message. Peter writes as a spiritual father who knows his death is near, urging believers to stand firm in the true knowledge of Jesus Christ. The letter emphasizes that Christians already possess everything they need for life and godliness through Christ, calls them to grow in grace and experiential knowledge of Him, warns them to recognize and reject false teachers, and reminds them to live holy, expectant lives in light of Christ’s promised return. Throughout the letter, Peter contrasts the life-giving truth of the gospel with the destructive deception of false teaching, encouraging believers to remain faithful until the day Christ returns." -ChatGPT
OUTLINE (Influenced by J. Shaddix)
I. The Background (1:1)
II. The Blessing (1:2)
III. The Big Idea (1:3-4)
I. The Background (1:1) - See CONTEXT above
I. Verse 1
Who am I? A servant and apostle.
↓
Who are you? Believers possessing faith equal to mine.
↓
How did you get it? It was given through Christ’s righteousness.
↓
Who is Christ? Our God and Savior.
⸻
Peter starts by saying:
“Every true believer already possesses the same priceless faith because it comes from the same Savior.”
No elite Christianity.
No higher class of believers.
No insider spirituality.
Everything begins with the same gracious gift from the same divine Savior.
That theme naturally prepares for verses 2–4, where Peter explains that God has already given believers everything they need for life and godliness. In other words, Peter begins the letter not by emphasizing what Christians lack, but by reminding them of what they have already received in Christ.
II. The Blessing (1:2)
A. The blessing of knowing Jesus.
Not just knowing facts about Jesus (gnosis)
Knowing Jesus personally and experientially (epignosis)
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3 NIV
B. The blessing of being reminded.
Peter begins the letter not by emphasizing what Christians lack, but
By reminding them of what they have already received in Christ.
III. The Big Idea (1:3-4)
A. The power to be like Christ. (1:3)
Dynamite!
Resurrection power!
B. The process of becoming like Christ. (1:3)
It's a gift.
Through knowing Jesus personally.
Called by Jesus to come.
C. The promise of being like Christ. (1:4)
Again, it's a gift.
The gift of grace: Participating in the divine nature of God himself in the midst of an evil and corrupt world.
"Second Epistle of Peter was likely written near the end of the Simon Peter’s life to churches in Asia Minor that were facing the growing threat of false teachers. These teachers were distorting God’s grace, denying the certainty of Christ’s return, encouraging immoral living, and undermining confidence in the apostolic message. Peter writes as a spiritual father who knows his death is near, urging believers to stand firm in the true knowledge of Jesus Christ. The letter emphasizes that Christians already possess everything they need for life and godliness through Christ, calls them to grow in grace and experiential knowledge of Him, warns them to recognize and reject false teachers, and reminds them to live holy, expectant lives in light of Christ’s promised return. Throughout the letter, Peter contrasts the life-giving truth of the gospel with the destructive deception of false teaching, encouraging believers to remain faithful until the day Christ returns." -ChatGPT
CONCLUSION
Bottom Line: In Christ, we've been given everything that we need to be fully restored to the person God created us to be in the first place.
In the midst of false teachers, Peter points to the epignosis of knowing Christ personally and experientially.
In the midst of distorting God's grace, Peter points people to resting in his grace as a gift that empowers us to live the godly, abundant life.
In the midst of his final days, Peter urges people to stand firm in the true knowledge of Jesus Christ as we await his return.
Peter knows what it's like to fail; to fall.
Matthew 26:31-34
Luke 22:31-32
He also knows what it's like to be restored.
John 21:15-19
So, as you open your spiritual baggage, what do you see? Is it full? What's it full of? Do you have everything that you need to live an abundant, godly life?
Let's read the last verse in 2 Peter 3 together as a prayer...
Pray
NOTES
2 Peter 1:1–4 provides a stronger connection to Superman than the typical “hero who dies for us” comparison.Peter’s emphasis isn’t primarily on rescue; it’s on transformation. The gospel doesn’t just save us from something—it changes us into something.
Everyone knows Superman’s origin story.
A baby is sent from another world by his father. He grows up among ordinary people. As he matures, he discovers abilities no one else possesses. He can fly. He’s stronger than anyone. He sees farther. Hears better. He’s capable of living at an entirely different level.
The question isn’t, “Can Superman become Superman?”
The question is, “Will he live according to who he already is?”
That’s surprisingly close to Peter’s point.
Peter begins his letter by reminding believers of what God has already given them.
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life…” (v. 3)
Notice the tense.
Not will give.
Has given.
Peter isn’t telling Christians to become something they aren’t.
He’s reminding them of what God has already made them in Christ.
Like Clark Kent eventually discovering his identity, Christians often live far below the resources already available to them.
Where the analogy breaks
Clark Kent discovers power that was always inside him because of his Kryptonian nature.
Christians do not discover hidden divinity within themselves.
Peter says our new life comes through the knowledge of Him who called us (vv. 2–3). Everything we have comes from Christ, not from ourselves.
Our strength is received, not innate.
The astonishing statement
Verse 4 contains one of the Bible’s most breathtaking promises:
“…so that through them you may participate in the divine nature…”
Peter is not saying we become gods.
He’s saying we begin sharing in God’s moral character and life because His Spirit now dwells within us.
We become increasingly like Christ.
In other words:
God doesn’t simply rescue us. He restores us to become the people He created us to be.
That fits beautifully into our overarching metanarrative:
Creation: Made in God’s image.
Fall: That image is corrupted.
Redemption: Christ rescues us.
Restoration: We increasingly share in His character and will one day perfectly reflect His image.
Superman is fiction’s dream of a man with extraordinary powers.
Christianity is God’s declaration that ordinary men and women can receive extraordinary life—not because of who they are, but because of whose they are.
Superman shows us what power can do.
Jesus shows us what grace can do.
Clark Kent’s life changes when he discovers his true identity and embraces it.
Peter says our lives change as we know Jesus more deeply. The Greek term Peter uses for “knowledge” points to relational, experiential knowledge—not merely acquiring facts.
The more we know Christ, the more we experience His grace, His peace, and the transforming power He has already supplied.
That leads naturally to the sermon’s central idea:
The Christian life isn’t about striving to become someone new. It’s about growing in the knowledge of Christ and learning to live out what God has already given us through Him.
This fits remarkably well with 2 Peter 1:1–4 because Peter begins not with a list of commands, but with a declaration of identity and provision. Before he ever tells believers what to do (vv. 5–11), he tells them what God has already done. That order is the gospel: grace precedes growth, and knowing Christ fuels becoming like Christ.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process:
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?
Who am I going to tell about this?
Final Questions (optional or in place of above)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions: Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
Final Questions (index cards optional)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“1 - 2 Peter and Jude,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
“1 & 2 Peter ” by RC Sproul
“1 & 2 Peter and Jude” by Thomas Schreiner
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
ChatGPT
Series: Faithful to the End
Title: "Do You Have Everything You Need?"
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:1-4 NIV
2 Peter 3:18
Matthew 26:31-34
Luke 22:31-32
John 17:3
Jeremiah 9:23-24
Bottom Line: In Christ, we've been given everything that we need to be fully restored to the person God created us to be in the first place.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
NOTES
YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION
MAIN REFERENCES USED
INTRODUCTION
The Last Lecture
Many universities have a tradition called “The Last Lecture.” A professor is asked to imagine this is the last opportunity they’ll ever have to teach their students.
What would they say?
They don’t waste time on trivia.
They don’t chase rabbit trails.
They talk about what matters most.
Peter is writing his own last lecture.
He’s asking,
“If these are my final written words, what do believers absolutely need to remember?”
In essence, a last lecture is a professors attempt to leave you with the main things you need to have to thrive in life.
Peter is writing his last lecture to remind Christians of all they already have in Christ. It doesn't require a special knowledge (gnosis) but it is the same knowledge the Apostles enjoyed.
CONTEXT
"Second Epistle of Peter was likely written near the end of the Simon Peter’s life to churches in Asia Minor that were facing the growing threat of false teachers. These teachers were distorting God’s grace, denying the certainty of Christ’s return, encouraging immoral living, and undermining confidence in the apostolic message. Peter writes as a spiritual father who knows his death is near, urging believers to stand firm in the true knowledge of Jesus Christ. The letter emphasizes that Christians already possess everything they need for life and godliness through Christ, calls them to grow in grace and experiential knowledge of Him, warns them to recognize and reject false teachers, and reminds them to live holy, expectant lives in light of Christ’s promised return. Throughout the letter, Peter contrasts the life-giving truth of the gospel with the destructive deception of false teaching, encouraging believers to remain faithful until the day Christ returns." -ChatGPT
OUTLINE (Influenced by J. Shaddix)
I. The Background (1:1)
II. The Blessing (1:2)
III. The Big Idea (1:3-4)
I. The Background (1:1) - See CONTEXT above
I. Verse 1
Who am I? A servant and apostle.
↓
Who are you? Believers possessing faith equal to mine.
↓
How did you get it? It was given through Christ’s righteousness.
↓
Who is Christ? Our God and Savior.
⸻
Peter starts by saying:
“Every true believer already possesses the same priceless faith because it comes from the same Savior.”
No elite Christianity.
No higher class of believers.
No insider spirituality.
Everything begins with the same gracious gift from the same divine Savior.
That theme naturally prepares for verses 2–4, where Peter explains that God has already given believers everything they need for life and godliness. In other words, Peter begins the letter not by emphasizing what Christians lack, but by reminding them of what they have already received in Christ.
II. The Blessing (1:2)
A. The blessing of knowing Jesus.
Not just knowing facts about Jesus (gnosis)
Knowing Jesus personally and experientially (epignosis)
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3 NIV
B. The blessing of being reminded.
Peter begins the letter not by emphasizing what Christians lack, but
By reminding them of what they have already received in Christ.
III. The Big Idea (1:3-4)
A. The power to be like Christ. (1:3)
Dynamite!
Resurrection power!
B. The process of becoming like Christ. (1:3)
It's a gift.
Through knowing Jesus personally.
Called by Jesus to come.
C. The promise of being like Christ. (1:4)
Again, it's a gift.
The gift of grace: Participating in the divine nature of God himself in the midst of an evil and corrupt world.
"Second Epistle of Peter was likely written near the end of the Simon Peter’s life to churches in Asia Minor that were facing the growing threat of false teachers. These teachers were distorting God’s grace, denying the certainty of Christ’s return, encouraging immoral living, and undermining confidence in the apostolic message. Peter writes as a spiritual father who knows his death is near, urging believers to stand firm in the true knowledge of Jesus Christ. The letter emphasizes that Christians already possess everything they need for life and godliness through Christ, calls them to grow in grace and experiential knowledge of Him, warns them to recognize and reject false teachers, and reminds them to live holy, expectant lives in light of Christ’s promised return. Throughout the letter, Peter contrasts the life-giving truth of the gospel with the destructive deception of false teaching, encouraging believers to remain faithful until the day Christ returns." -ChatGPT
CONCLUSION
Bottom Line: In Christ, we've been given everything that we need to be fully restored to the person God created us to be in the first place.
In the midst of false teachers, Peter points to the epignosis of knowing Christ personally and experientially.
In the midst of distorting God's grace, Peter points people to resting in his grace as a gift that empowers us to live the godly, abundant life.
In the midst of his final days, Peter urges people to stand firm in the true knowledge of Jesus Christ as we await his return.
Peter knows what it's like to fail; to fall.
Matthew 26:31-34
Luke 22:31-32
He also knows what it's like to be restored.
John 21:15-19
So, as you open your spiritual baggage, what do you see? Is it full? What's it full of? Do you have everything that you need to live an abundant, godly life?
Let's read the last verse in 2 Peter 3 together as a prayer...
Pray
NOTES
2 Peter 1:1–4 provides a stronger connection to Superman than the typical “hero who dies for us” comparison.Peter’s emphasis isn’t primarily on rescue; it’s on transformation. The gospel doesn’t just save us from something—it changes us into something.
Everyone knows Superman’s origin story.
A baby is sent from another world by his father. He grows up among ordinary people. As he matures, he discovers abilities no one else possesses. He can fly. He’s stronger than anyone. He sees farther. Hears better. He’s capable of living at an entirely different level.
The question isn’t, “Can Superman become Superman?”
The question is, “Will he live according to who he already is?”
That’s surprisingly close to Peter’s point.
Peter begins his letter by reminding believers of what God has already given them.
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life…” (v. 3)
Notice the tense.
Not will give.
Has given.
Peter isn’t telling Christians to become something they aren’t.
He’s reminding them of what God has already made them in Christ.
Like Clark Kent eventually discovering his identity, Christians often live far below the resources already available to them.
Where the analogy breaks
Clark Kent discovers power that was always inside him because of his Kryptonian nature.
Christians do not discover hidden divinity within themselves.
Peter says our new life comes through the knowledge of Him who called us (vv. 2–3). Everything we have comes from Christ, not from ourselves.
Our strength is received, not innate.
The astonishing statement
Verse 4 contains one of the Bible’s most breathtaking promises:
“…so that through them you may participate in the divine nature…”
Peter is not saying we become gods.
He’s saying we begin sharing in God’s moral character and life because His Spirit now dwells within us.
We become increasingly like Christ.
In other words:
God doesn’t simply rescue us. He restores us to become the people He created us to be.
That fits beautifully into our overarching metanarrative:
Creation: Made in God’s image.
Fall: That image is corrupted.
Redemption: Christ rescues us.
Restoration: We increasingly share in His character and will one day perfectly reflect His image.
Superman is fiction’s dream of a man with extraordinary powers.
Christianity is God’s declaration that ordinary men and women can receive extraordinary life—not because of who they are, but because of whose they are.
Superman shows us what power can do.
Jesus shows us what grace can do.
Clark Kent’s life changes when he discovers his true identity and embraces it.
Peter says our lives change as we know Jesus more deeply. The Greek term Peter uses for “knowledge” points to relational, experiential knowledge—not merely acquiring facts.
The more we know Christ, the more we experience His grace, His peace, and the transforming power He has already supplied.
That leads naturally to the sermon’s central idea:
The Christian life isn’t about striving to become someone new. It’s about growing in the knowledge of Christ and learning to live out what God has already given us through Him.
This fits remarkably well with 2 Peter 1:1–4 because Peter begins not with a list of commands, but with a declaration of identity and provision. Before he ever tells believers what to do (vv. 5–11), he tells them what God has already done. That order is the gospel: grace precedes growth, and knowing Christ fuels becoming like Christ.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process:
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?
Who am I going to tell about this?
Final Questions (optional or in place of above)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions: Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
Final Questions (index cards optional)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“1 - 2 Peter and Jude,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
“1 & 2 Peter ” by RC Sproul
“1 & 2 Peter and Jude” by Thomas Schreiner
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
ChatGPT
Why Hold On if God Won’t Let Go? | Jude 24-25
Series: Contending for the Faith
Title: “Why Hold on if God Won’t Let Go?”
Scripture: Jude 24-25 NIV
Psalm 37:23-24
Psalm 139:23-24
Proverbs 24:16
John 10:27-30
Romans 8:38-39
Ephesians 1:13-14
Hebrews 13:5
1 John 2:19
1 John 5:13
Bottom line: We hold on because he holds us.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
NOTES
YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION
MAIN REFERENCES USED
My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.
OPENING STORY
"He is able to keep..."
Watch a parent walk a small child along the edge of a busy sidewalk. The child is doing real walking — short, wobbly, determined steps, working as hard as little legs can work. And then she trips. Of course she does; her foot catches the curb and she pitches forward. But she doesn’t hit the pavement. She never even gets close. Her hand is wrapped inside a bigger hand, and the instant she goes, that hand lifts and steadies and sets her back on her feet before the fall can finish. She stumbled — but she did not fall.
Jude has spent his whole letter telling us to walk a dangerous edge: in the midst of false and deceptive teachers, contend, build, keep, rescue — right alongside the place where others have already gone over and not come back.
Now, in the last two verses, he shows us the hand. “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling.” Or as the psalmist said it long before: "Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand" (Psalm 37:24).
The missteps still come. The fatal fall never does — because the grip holding you is not your own.
Said another way, we may find ourselves in the ditch along the narrow way...but he's right there pulling us out of the muck and mire back onto the highway of our God.
Too Busy in this life
A traveler once walked more than 700 miles to see Niagara Falls. As he neared his destination, he heard a distant roar and asked a nearby farmer, “Is that Niagara Falls?”
The farmer replied, “I don’t know. It might be.”
Surprised, the traveler asked, “Do you live here?”
“Born and raised here,” the farmer said.
“And you’ve never gone to see the falls?”
“No, stranger. I’ve been too busy looking after my farm.”
What a tragedy—to live within the sound of one of the world’s greatest wonders and never take the time to see it.
And yet many Christians do something similar. We know heaven is coming. We know we will stand in the presence of God’s glory. We hear about it every week. But we become so busy with the things of this world that we lose our appetite for the world to come.
Jude reminds us that God is keeping us for something far greater: to be presented before His glorious presence, blameless and with great joy.
Poem
"Some want to live within the sound
Of church or chapel bell;
I want to run a rescue shop
Within a yard of hell."
CONTEXT
The entire letter begins and ends with God’s keeping power:
Jude 1 — “To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ.”
Jude 21 — “Keep yourselves in God’s love…”
Jude 24 — “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you…”
Jude 25 — Doxology praising the God who does the keeping.
That creates a beautiful tension:
Kept by God (v.1) → Keep yourselves in God’s love (v.21) → Kept by God (v.24).
The question practically preaches itself:
“If God is holding me, why does Jude tell me to hold on?”
Imagine being swept toward a waterfall.
You know you cannot save yourself.
Then a strong rescuer reaches you and takes hold of your arm.
The question isn’t whether he will hold on.
The question is: Why would you not hold on to him?
That’s the tension in Jude.
God has taken hold of us.
Therefore, we keep ourselves in His love.
Not to earn His rescue.
Not to maintain His rescue.
But because His rescue is already underway.
“Why Hold On If He’s Holding You?”
That raises one of the most important questions in the Christian life:
Is my salvation ultimately dependent on how tightly I hold onto God—or how tightly God holds onto me?
OUTLINE (Help from Shaddix/Akin)
I. God holds/keeps me. (Jude 1, 24) i.e. I am saved and secured by God's power, promise, person, and praise.
A. We are secure because of God’s power
“To him who is able…”
Not merely willing.
Able.
Cross references:
John 10:28-29
Romans 8:38-39
Philippians 1:6
B. We are secure because of God’s promise
If eternal life can be lost, it was never eternal.
Cross references:
John 6:37-40
John 17:12
Hebrews 10:14
C. We are secure because of God’s person
God does not change.
The One who called you is the One who keeps you.
Cross references:
Malachi 3:6
2 Timothy 2:13
Hebrews 13:8
D. We are secure because of God’s praise
Verse 25 is worship.
Jude cannot discuss salvation without ending in doxology.
The doctrine of eternal security is not merely comfort.
It is fuel for worship.
The point is not:
“Look how strong my faith is.”
The point is:
“Look how great my Savior is.”
II. I am to keep hold of God's love. (Jude 21) God keeps me by helping me hold on to him and his love.
Many people have asked:
“If God keeps me, why must I keep myself?”
Answer: Because security is not an excuse for passivity.
Illustrate: A child walking through a crowded airport.
The child holds Dad’s hand.
Dad also holds the child’s hand.
Which grip matters most?
Dad’s.
Yet the child still holds on.
The father may even let go of the child's hand in the airport to give the child a little more freedom and the child may stay close because they know that's where they're secure.
But the human condition is that we are prone to wander from his grip hurting our fellowship with him. Not that we can get away from him and his security, but that we can wander far enough to impact our fellowship and assurance negatively.
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
“Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love.”
“Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above.”
…because relationship requires abiding
John 15.
…because obedience strengthens assurance
Not salvation.
Assurance.
…because spiritual drift is real
The false teachers in Jude prove this.
…because God uses means
Prayer.
Scripture.
Church.
Worship.
Fellowship.
…because the kept become keepers
Verses 22-23.
We rescue others.
…because God’s preserving grace produces perseverance
This is the key theological answer.
The evidence that God is keeping us is that we continue following Him.
God’s sovereignty and human responsibility are friends, not enemies.
You might even summarize:
God’s grip is the cause.
Our grip is the evidence.
CONCLUSION
Bottom line: We hold on because he holds us.
As I've said, we have four daughters. All are married.
As we wait for the music to start--in those few moments where your life flashes before you--before you begin to walk down that aisle before God and all those people--I established a tradition that goes back to the days when selfies were the rage.
It was 2016. Selfies were a new phenomenon. I'm standing there with Samantha and I can tell she's excited, happy, and, well, emotional,m - on the verge of tears.
Now we can't have her makeup running at this moment! So I suggest we do a selfie together as we wait for the thumbs up. It only takes a few seconds. But it gave her a reason to focus on this pic (I'm about to give her away, remember, so I'm emotional too). She leans in with a huge smile and relief and joy swallow us as we take the picture as I miraculously press the right button on the first try. It's an amazing picture.
So, yes, I had the privilege to escort them down the aisle and move their hand from mine to another's. It's a humbling moment.
There’s a moment a father knows well — standing at the back of a sanctuary with his daughter on his arm, about to walk her down the aisle and present her, radiant and whole, to the joy of the whole room. This is a foretaste of the moment when each of us will walk an aisle with our Father and King to meet Jesus in all his glory.
Jude 24 says God will one day “present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy.” Notice whose joy that is. Not just ours — His.
The God you’ve been contending for, the One who kept you the whole way, doesn’t grit His teeth at the finish line. He delights to present you.
That’s where this series lands: you held on, yes — but only because He was holding you, and He was glad to do it the entire time. To Him be glory, majesty, power, and authority. Amen.
“without fault and with great joy”
Most Christians believe:
“God will tolerate me in heaven.”
Jude says something entirely different.
God will present you:
without fault
before His glorious presence
with great joy
And I would emphasize:
Whose joy?
Certainly ours.
But also His.
God is not reluctantly dragging His children into heaven.
He delights to present them.
There is a moment a father knows well—standing at the back of a wedding venue with his daughter on his arm, about to walk her down the aisle and present her, radiant and whole, to the joy of the whole room.
Jude says something even greater is coming.
One day God Himself will present His children before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy.
The God who called you.
The God who saved you.
The God who kept you.
Will be the God who presents you.
And when that day comes, you will finally discover what Jude has been teaching all along:
You were able to hold on only because He never let go of you.
Pray
Questions (Write this down) - grab an index card and pen
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
Write this down on the index card in the seat pockets.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
NOTES
"William Booth was the founder of the Salvation Army. Booth is often credited with saying,
If I had my way, I would not send my workers to four years of college. If I had my way, I would not put them through three years of seminary. If I had my way, I would put all of my workers in hell for five minutes! That would be the best theological training they would ever receive. (Source unknown)" -Shaddix/Akin
Why hold on to God's love?
It's a reminder to you when you doubt that you're his.
It's evidence to others.
It's a testimony of change in your life.
It's a make of obedience which is a mark of your love for God.
It's how we grow to be more like Jesus in practice.
He calls me to! (V. 21)
It's what faith looks like:
Deny self
Take up your cross
Follow Jesus
Cling to the cross
Rest in his arms
Walk the narrow way
Stand firm
Suit up
YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“Jude" by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
Exalting Jesus in Jude, Shaddix & Daniel Akin
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
Series: Contending for the Faith
Title: “Why Hold on if God Won’t Let Go?”
Scripture: Jude 24-25 NIV
Psalm 37:23-24
Psalm 139:23-24
Proverbs 24:16
John 10:27-30
Romans 8:38-39
Ephesians 1:13-14
Hebrews 13:5
1 John 2:19
1 John 5:13
Bottom line: We hold on because he holds us.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
NOTES
YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION
MAIN REFERENCES USED
My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.
OPENING STORY
"He is able to keep..."
Watch a parent walk a small child along the edge of a busy sidewalk. The child is doing real walking — short, wobbly, determined steps, working as hard as little legs can work. And then she trips. Of course she does; her foot catches the curb and she pitches forward. But she doesn’t hit the pavement. She never even gets close. Her hand is wrapped inside a bigger hand, and the instant she goes, that hand lifts and steadies and sets her back on her feet before the fall can finish. She stumbled — but she did not fall.
Jude has spent his whole letter telling us to walk a dangerous edge: in the midst of false and deceptive teachers, contend, build, keep, rescue — right alongside the place where others have already gone over and not come back.
Now, in the last two verses, he shows us the hand. “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling.” Or as the psalmist said it long before: "Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand" (Psalm 37:24).
The missteps still come. The fatal fall never does — because the grip holding you is not your own.
Said another way, we may find ourselves in the ditch along the narrow way...but he's right there pulling us out of the muck and mire back onto the highway of our God.
Too Busy in this life
A traveler once walked more than 700 miles to see Niagara Falls. As he neared his destination, he heard a distant roar and asked a nearby farmer, “Is that Niagara Falls?”
The farmer replied, “I don’t know. It might be.”
Surprised, the traveler asked, “Do you live here?”
“Born and raised here,” the farmer said.
“And you’ve never gone to see the falls?”
“No, stranger. I’ve been too busy looking after my farm.”
What a tragedy—to live within the sound of one of the world’s greatest wonders and never take the time to see it.
And yet many Christians do something similar. We know heaven is coming. We know we will stand in the presence of God’s glory. We hear about it every week. But we become so busy with the things of this world that we lose our appetite for the world to come.
Jude reminds us that God is keeping us for something far greater: to be presented before His glorious presence, blameless and with great joy.
Poem
"Some want to live within the sound
Of church or chapel bell;
I want to run a rescue shop
Within a yard of hell."
CONTEXT
The entire letter begins and ends with God’s keeping power:
Jude 1 — “To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ.”
Jude 21 — “Keep yourselves in God’s love…”
Jude 24 — “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you…”
Jude 25 — Doxology praising the God who does the keeping.
That creates a beautiful tension:
Kept by God (v.1) → Keep yourselves in God’s love (v.21) → Kept by God (v.24).
The question practically preaches itself:
“If God is holding me, why does Jude tell me to hold on?”
Imagine being swept toward a waterfall.
You know you cannot save yourself.
Then a strong rescuer reaches you and takes hold of your arm.
The question isn’t whether he will hold on.
The question is: Why would you not hold on to him?
That’s the tension in Jude.
God has taken hold of us.
Therefore, we keep ourselves in His love.
Not to earn His rescue.
Not to maintain His rescue.
But because His rescue is already underway.
“Why Hold On If He’s Holding You?”
That raises one of the most important questions in the Christian life:
Is my salvation ultimately dependent on how tightly I hold onto God—or how tightly God holds onto me?
OUTLINE (Help from Shaddix/Akin)
I. God holds/keeps me. (Jude 1, 24) i.e. I am saved and secured by God's power, promise, person, and praise.
A. We are secure because of God’s power
“To him who is able…”
Not merely willing.
Able.
Cross references:
John 10:28-29
Romans 8:38-39
Philippians 1:6
B. We are secure because of God’s promise
If eternal life can be lost, it was never eternal.
Cross references:
John 6:37-40
John 17:12
Hebrews 10:14
C. We are secure because of God’s person
God does not change.
The One who called you is the One who keeps you.
Cross references:
Malachi 3:6
2 Timothy 2:13
Hebrews 13:8
D. We are secure because of God’s praise
Verse 25 is worship.
Jude cannot discuss salvation without ending in doxology.
The doctrine of eternal security is not merely comfort.
It is fuel for worship.
The point is not:
“Look how strong my faith is.”
The point is:
“Look how great my Savior is.”
II. I am to keep hold of God's love. (Jude 21) God keeps me by helping me hold on to him and his love.
Many people have asked:
“If God keeps me, why must I keep myself?”
Answer: Because security is not an excuse for passivity.
Illustrate: A child walking through a crowded airport.
The child holds Dad’s hand.
Dad also holds the child’s hand.
Which grip matters most?
Dad’s.
Yet the child still holds on.
The father may even let go of the child's hand in the airport to give the child a little more freedom and the child may stay close because they know that's where they're secure.
But the human condition is that we are prone to wander from his grip hurting our fellowship with him. Not that we can get away from him and his security, but that we can wander far enough to impact our fellowship and assurance negatively.
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
“Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love.”
“Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above.”
…because relationship requires abiding
John 15.
…because obedience strengthens assurance
Not salvation.
Assurance.
…because spiritual drift is real
The false teachers in Jude prove this.
…because God uses means
Prayer.
Scripture.
Church.
Worship.
Fellowship.
…because the kept become keepers
Verses 22-23.
We rescue others.
…because God’s preserving grace produces perseverance
This is the key theological answer.
The evidence that God is keeping us is that we continue following Him.
God’s sovereignty and human responsibility are friends, not enemies.
You might even summarize:
God’s grip is the cause.
Our grip is the evidence.
CONCLUSION
Bottom line: We hold on because he holds us.
As I've said, we have four daughters. All are married.
As we wait for the music to start--in those few moments where your life flashes before you--before you begin to walk down that aisle before God and all those people--I established a tradition that goes back to the days when selfies were the rage.
It was 2016. Selfies were a new phenomenon. I'm standing there with Samantha and I can tell she's excited, happy, and, well, emotional,m - on the verge of tears.
Now we can't have her makeup running at this moment! So I suggest we do a selfie together as we wait for the thumbs up. It only takes a few seconds. But it gave her a reason to focus on this pic (I'm about to give her away, remember, so I'm emotional too). She leans in with a huge smile and relief and joy swallow us as we take the picture as I miraculously press the right button on the first try. It's an amazing picture.
So, yes, I had the privilege to escort them down the aisle and move their hand from mine to another's. It's a humbling moment.
There’s a moment a father knows well — standing at the back of a sanctuary with his daughter on his arm, about to walk her down the aisle and present her, radiant and whole, to the joy of the whole room. This is a foretaste of the moment when each of us will walk an aisle with our Father and King to meet Jesus in all his glory.
Jude 24 says God will one day “present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy.” Notice whose joy that is. Not just ours — His.
The God you’ve been contending for, the One who kept you the whole way, doesn’t grit His teeth at the finish line. He delights to present you.
That’s where this series lands: you held on, yes — but only because He was holding you, and He was glad to do it the entire time. To Him be glory, majesty, power, and authority. Amen.
“without fault and with great joy”
Most Christians believe:
“God will tolerate me in heaven.”
Jude says something entirely different.
God will present you:
without fault
before His glorious presence
with great joy
And I would emphasize:
Whose joy?
Certainly ours.
But also His.
God is not reluctantly dragging His children into heaven.
He delights to present them.
There is a moment a father knows well—standing at the back of a wedding venue with his daughter on his arm, about to walk her down the aisle and present her, radiant and whole, to the joy of the whole room.
Jude says something even greater is coming.
One day God Himself will present His children before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy.
The God who called you.
The God who saved you.
The God who kept you.
Will be the God who presents you.
And when that day comes, you will finally discover what Jude has been teaching all along:
You were able to hold on only because He never let go of you.
Pray
Questions (Write this down) - grab an index card and pen
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
Write this down on the index card in the seat pockets.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
NOTES
"William Booth was the founder of the Salvation Army. Booth is often credited with saying,
If I had my way, I would not send my workers to four years of college. If I had my way, I would not put them through three years of seminary. If I had my way, I would put all of my workers in hell for five minutes! That would be the best theological training they would ever receive. (Source unknown)" -Shaddix/Akin
Why hold on to God's love?
It's a reminder to you when you doubt that you're his.
It's evidence to others.
It's a testimony of change in your life.
It's a make of obedience which is a mark of your love for God.
It's how we grow to be more like Jesus in practice.
He calls me to! (V. 21)
It's what faith looks like:
Deny self
Take up your cross
Follow Jesus
Cling to the cross
Rest in his arms
Walk the narrow way
Stand firm
Suit up
YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“Jude" by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
Exalting Jesus in Jude, Shaddix & Daniel Akin
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
How to Walk God’s Way in God’s World
Series: Walking Wisely
Title: "How to Walk God's Way in God's World"
Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-12 NIV
James 1:5-6
Hebrews 11:6 "Without faith [trust] it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." NIVish
Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
NOTES
YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION
MAIN REFERENCES USED
My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.
Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world.
OPENING STORY
A few years ago, our youth group had Pastor Ed Newton speak to them at camp. They loved him! Well, I at some point started following him on Twitter (back then) but X and had saved this tweet/post in my files. This was his quote:
"God's will? Find where you have been given favor, then follow favor, then be faithful to the place that God gave you favor!"
So this resonated with me. So I posted a question asking him the source of that inspiration. He replied Proverbs 3.
"Over the past several months, we walked through Book of Genesis in our series God’s Promises, Our Journey.
In Genesis, we watched God call imperfect people to trust Him with their future:
Abraham leaving home not knowing where he was going
Isaac learning to trust God’s covenant promises
But that raises an important question:
How do we actually walk that journey day by day?
That is where Book of Proverbs comes in.
If Genesis teaches us to trust God with the big story of our lives, Proverbs teaches us how to walk wisely with God in everyday life.
Proverbs is not primarily a book of random sayings or good advice. It is a father teaching his children how to live skillfully in God’s world.
Wisdom in Proverbs is not merely intelligence, information, or success. Wisdom is learning to see life from God’s perspective and walk in God’s ways.
At the center of Proverbs is this foundational truth:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 1:7)
In other words: true wisdom begins with a right relationship with God.
That is why Proverbs 3:5–6 is one of the most loved and well-known passages in the Bible. It speaks directly into moments of uncertainty, transition, decision-making, and future direction.
And that makes this passage especially fitting today as we celebrate our graduates.
Many of them are standing at a major crossroads:
decisions about school
work
relationships
calling
identity
future direction
And Proverbs reminds all of us — graduates and non-graduates alike — that our greatest need is not simply a good plan, but wholehearted trust in God." -ChatGPT
We just spend 9 weeks learning that our journey is shaped by our belief/unbelief in God's promises. We said that God's promises (rightly believed) shape our journey for good.
Proverbs 3 seems like the next right step.
Why? Because it tells us how to walk God's way in God's world. Our journey.
“Wisdom is where knowledge and love kiss each other.”
“Power is simply operating in Christ’s authority with his resources.”
Father (King Solomon) is discipling his Prince son. Parents, are you paying attention here?
“Genesis showed us God’s promises in the journey. Proverbs teaches us how to walk wisely in that journey.” -ChatGPT
Or
Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world.
CONTEXT
What are the key traits of the book of Proverbs?
"Proverbs as wisdom literature" #wisdom #promises
"Solomon/father-to-son framework" #relationships #discipleship
"Fear of the Lord theme"
"Connection to Jesus as wisdom incarnate" #incarnation
-ChatGPT
"We're in Proverbs and that means wisdom literature. Why does that matter? Well, we read wisdom literature differently from other types of literature like narrative or didactic.
Wisdom literature often communicates general patterns.
Gospel and covenant texts often communicate definitive redemptive promises.
In other words, Proverbs teaches us the normal pathways of wisdom. Jesus announces the guaranteed promises of the kingdom."
-ChatGPT
Genesis showed us Abraham learning to trust God's audible voice with the big story of their lives.
Proverbs teaches us how to walk wisely with God's written word in everyday decisions.
“This is generally true now and will always prove true later.” -Daniel Akin
"Proverbs describes the normal moral order of God’s world,
but the fullness of these blessings is ultimately eschatological." -ChatGPT
Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world.
OUTLINE (influenced by Danny Akin)
In the early 90s, Anita and I lived in Tampa Florida. Our time included joining Bell Shoals Baptist Church, where I was baptized. This is where I responded to Ministry. This is where I heard the preaching of Danny Akin for the first. I had never heard preaching like this before. It so impressed and influenced me that summer, that I went to the seminar where he was Dean of students. (SEBTS) He's now the president of the seminary. Today's outline is influenced by him and his son's efforts in a commentary I read this past week.
I. We Should Keep the Covenant PROVERBS 3:1,3,5,7,9
The odd verses give the obligations that we are called to live up to if we
are in a covenant relationship with the Lord.
II. God Blesses Covenant-Keepers PROVERBS 3:2,4,6,8,10
The even verses give the divine partner’s obligations.
III. This Is Generally True Now and Will Always Prove True Later
Proverbs 3:11-12
The proverbs are generally true now, but they are always ultimately true.
IV. Jesus Kept the Covenant for You
"The good news is that he represents us before the Father in this covenant relationship. He lived up to our obligations for us, and then
he took the curses of covenant breaking in our place." -Daniel Akin
CONCLUSION
Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world.
From ChatGPT:
The Pilot Through the Clouds (Excellent for “straight paths”)
One of the most dangerous moments for a pilot is flying through thick clouds without visual reference points.
Everything in the body starts lying:
up feels down,
left feels right,
motion feels still.
Pilots are trained not to trust their feelings in that moment. They must trust the instruments.
Some pilots have crashed perfectly good airplanes because they trusted their instincts more than the guidance system.
Proverbs 3 says: “Lean not on your own understanding.”
There will be seasons where:
your emotions will mislead you,
your instincts will fail you,
your understanding will be incomplete.
In those moments, wisdom means trusting the Lord more than yourself.
I found the incident you’re referring to, though the pilot’s name appears to have been spelled Vinson Kyle Perdue in newspaper reporting, not “Purdue.” The crash occurred in August 1981 near Dorchester Road in the Summerville area.
What I could verify:
He was a young Air Force pilot from Summerville.
The jet crashed during a routine training mission near Dorchester Road.
The crash happened close to the Kings Grant area you mentioned.
I could not verify from available sources that vertigo/disorientation was officially determined as the cause, though your memory of local reporting may absolutely be correct. Spatial disorientation/vertigo is a well-known factor in military aviation crashes, especially during instrument conditions.
For sermon purposes, I would be careful not to state definitively:
“The crash was officially caused by vertigo…”
unless you locate a direct source confirming that.
But you can still use the illustration powerfully and honestly by framing it like this:
When I was growing up in Summerville, there was a military jet crash near Dorchester Road across from Kings Grant where we lived.
I still remember how sobering that was as a kid.
And one of the things pilots are trained to understand is that when visibility disappears and disorientation sets in, your senses can begin lying to you.
Up can feel down. Motion can feel still. Your instincts can become dangerous.
That’s why pilots are trained to trust their instruments more than their feelings.
Proverbs 3 says something very similar spiritually:
“Lean not on your own understanding.”
There are moments in life where:
your emotions will mislead you,
your instincts will fail you,
your understanding will be incomplete.
Wisdom means learning to trust God more than yourself.
That keeps:
the local authenticity,
the emotional weight,
the aviation imagery,
and the pastoral application—
without overstating what can be historically verified.
And honestly, because this is tied to your own childhood memory in Summerville, it will likely land much harder emotionally than a generic illustration ever could.
From Claude.ai
What Was Found on Vinson Kyle Perdue
The primary verified source is a newspaper clipping from The Greenville News, dated August 26, 1981 — a clipping published in The Greenville News on August 26, 1981, mentioning Vinson Kyle Perdue in Greenville, South Carolina. That confirms the name spelling (Perdue, not Purdue) and the August 1981 date align with newspaper reporting. The Newspapers.com record exists but sits behind a paywall, so the full text of the article wasn’t accessible — which means we can confirm existence of reporting but not the article’s specific content on cause of death.
No publicly accessible official USAF accident investigation report for this specific crash surfaced. The Aviation Archaeological Investigation & Research database (which houses USAF accident reports from that era) exists but didn’t return this specific crash in searches.
Bottom line on the Perdue crash: Name, date, and general location are confirmed by newspaper record. Cause of death (vertigo/spatial disorientation) remains your childhood memory of local reporting — plausible and consistent with the era, but not independently verifiable from open sources right now.
What Was Found on Spatial Disorientation — and Why It Strengthens Your Illustration
This is where the research gets genuinely useful for your sermon. The data on spatial disorientation (SD) as a cause of military aviation fatalities is extensive and striking:
• Spatial disorientation accounted for 11% of all USAF crashes, with a crash fatality rate of 69% — and the SD rate was significantly higher in fighter/attack aircraft and helicopters than in training and transport aircraft. At night, 23% of all crashes were SD-caused.
• Even as overall military aviation accidents per flight hour decreased dramatically from 1958–1992, the rate of SD-caused crashes remained nearly constant — actually increasing as a percentage of all crashes, from 6% in 1958–1971 to 16% in 1972–1992. Technology didn’t solve it. The problem is human physiology.
• Over a 21-year period (FY1993–2013), there were 72 spatial disorientation mishaps in the USAF, resulting in the loss of 101 lives, 65 aircraft, and $2.32 billion.
Spatial disorientation occurs when a pilot’s response to false sensations — of attitude, motion, velocity, acceleration, or position — causes the pilot to misinterpret his or her position in flight relative to the earth or other aircraft. The instruments tell the truth. The pilot’s body lies to him.
How This Serves the Sermon
You don’t need the Perdue crash to be officially documented as an SD case to use SD as the theological hinge of your illustration. Here’s why: the statistics above are so overwhelming that you can say with complete accuracy:
“Spatial disorientation — where a pilot’s senses tell him up is down and motion is stillness — is one of the leading causes of military aviation fatalities. The pilot feels completely confident. His body is lying to him. That’s why pilots are trained to trust their instruments over their instincts.”
Then the transition to Proverbs 3 is natural and devastating: “Lean not on your own understanding” isn’t just piety — it’s survival logic. The human perceptual system is not reliable in conditions of low visibility and high stress. Neither is the unregenerate heart.
The local crash becomes the emotional anchor. The SD research data gives it theological weight that doesn’t depend on what you can or can’t verify about that specific August morning in 1981.
Pray
Questions (Write this down) - grab an index card and pen
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
Write this down on the index card in the seat pockets.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
NOTES
Proverbs 3:5-6 outline by Stephen Olford, Windows of Wisdom, pp. 17-19
The decision of trust must be foremost in our lives.
Starting point
"All" "to cling to"
Focal - lean NOT on anyone or anything else
The devotion of trust must be fostered in our lives.
We must live in the scriptures (Rom 10:17)
We must lean on the Spirit (Gal 5:22)
Acknowledge = "To consciously know or recognize"
The direction of trust must be followed in our lives.
He makes the best way forward clear by
Removing obstacles
Giving clear instructions/directions
Immediate obedience to his word demonstrates total and focal trust
5 Capitals that we are in charge of stewarding for God's kingdom as disciples of Jesus:
Spiritual Capital
How much spiritual equity do we have to invest?
The currency is wisdom and power.
Relational Capital
How much relational equity do we have to invest?
The currency is family and friends.
Physical Capital
How much time and energy do we have to invest?
The currency is hours and health.
Intellectual Capital
How much creativity and knowledge do we have to invest?
The currency is concepts and ideas.
Financial Capital
How much treasure do we have to invest?
The currency is money.
YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“Proverbs,” by Ray Ortland, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
Exalting Jesus in Proverbs, Daniel Akin
Windows of Wisdom, Stephen Olford
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
Series: Walking Wisely
Title: "How to Walk God's Way in God's World"
Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-12 NIV
James 1:5-6
Hebrews 11:6 "Without faith [trust] it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." NIVish
Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
NOTES
YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION
MAIN REFERENCES USED
My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.
Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world.
OPENING STORY
A few years ago, our youth group had Pastor Ed Newton speak to them at camp. They loved him! Well, I at some point started following him on Twitter (back then) but X and had saved this tweet/post in my files. This was his quote:
"God's will? Find where you have been given favor, then follow favor, then be faithful to the place that God gave you favor!"
So this resonated with me. So I posted a question asking him the source of that inspiration. He replied Proverbs 3.
"Over the past several months, we walked through Book of Genesis in our series God’s Promises, Our Journey.
In Genesis, we watched God call imperfect people to trust Him with their future:
Abraham leaving home not knowing where he was going
Isaac learning to trust God’s covenant promises
But that raises an important question:
How do we actually walk that journey day by day?
That is where Book of Proverbs comes in.
If Genesis teaches us to trust God with the big story of our lives, Proverbs teaches us how to walk wisely with God in everyday life.
Proverbs is not primarily a book of random sayings or good advice. It is a father teaching his children how to live skillfully in God’s world.
Wisdom in Proverbs is not merely intelligence, information, or success. Wisdom is learning to see life from God’s perspective and walk in God’s ways.
At the center of Proverbs is this foundational truth:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 1:7)
In other words: true wisdom begins with a right relationship with God.
That is why Proverbs 3:5–6 is one of the most loved and well-known passages in the Bible. It speaks directly into moments of uncertainty, transition, decision-making, and future direction.
And that makes this passage especially fitting today as we celebrate our graduates.
Many of them are standing at a major crossroads:
decisions about school
work
relationships
calling
identity
future direction
And Proverbs reminds all of us — graduates and non-graduates alike — that our greatest need is not simply a good plan, but wholehearted trust in God." -ChatGPT
We just spend 9 weeks learning that our journey is shaped by our belief/unbelief in God's promises. We said that God's promises (rightly believed) shape our journey for good.
Proverbs 3 seems like the next right step.
Why? Because it tells us how to walk God's way in God's world. Our journey.
“Wisdom is where knowledge and love kiss each other.”
“Power is simply operating in Christ’s authority with his resources.”
Father (King Solomon) is discipling his Prince son. Parents, are you paying attention here?
“Genesis showed us God’s promises in the journey. Proverbs teaches us how to walk wisely in that journey.” -ChatGPT
Or
Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world.
CONTEXT
What are the key traits of the book of Proverbs?
"Proverbs as wisdom literature" #wisdom #promises
"Solomon/father-to-son framework" #relationships #discipleship
"Fear of the Lord theme"
"Connection to Jesus as wisdom incarnate" #incarnation
-ChatGPT
"We're in Proverbs and that means wisdom literature. Why does that matter? Well, we read wisdom literature differently from other types of literature like narrative or didactic.
Wisdom literature often communicates general patterns.
Gospel and covenant texts often communicate definitive redemptive promises.
In other words, Proverbs teaches us the normal pathways of wisdom. Jesus announces the guaranteed promises of the kingdom."
-ChatGPT
Genesis showed us Abraham learning to trust God's audible voice with the big story of their lives.
Proverbs teaches us how to walk wisely with God's written word in everyday decisions.
“This is generally true now and will always prove true later.” -Daniel Akin
"Proverbs describes the normal moral order of God’s world,
but the fullness of these blessings is ultimately eschatological." -ChatGPT
Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world.
OUTLINE (influenced by Danny Akin)
In the early 90s, Anita and I lived in Tampa Florida. Our time included joining Bell Shoals Baptist Church, where I was baptized. This is where I responded to Ministry. This is where I heard the preaching of Danny Akin for the first. I had never heard preaching like this before. It so impressed and influenced me that summer, that I went to the seminar where he was Dean of students. (SEBTS) He's now the president of the seminary. Today's outline is influenced by him and his son's efforts in a commentary I read this past week.
I. We Should Keep the Covenant PROVERBS 3:1,3,5,7,9
The odd verses give the obligations that we are called to live up to if we
are in a covenant relationship with the Lord.
II. God Blesses Covenant-Keepers PROVERBS 3:2,4,6,8,10
The even verses give the divine partner’s obligations.
III. This Is Generally True Now and Will Always Prove True Later
Proverbs 3:11-12
The proverbs are generally true now, but they are always ultimately true.
IV. Jesus Kept the Covenant for You
"The good news is that he represents us before the Father in this covenant relationship. He lived up to our obligations for us, and then
he took the curses of covenant breaking in our place." -Daniel Akin
CONCLUSION
Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world.
From ChatGPT:
The Pilot Through the Clouds (Excellent for “straight paths”)
One of the most dangerous moments for a pilot is flying through thick clouds without visual reference points.
Everything in the body starts lying:
up feels down,
left feels right,
motion feels still.
Pilots are trained not to trust their feelings in that moment. They must trust the instruments.
Some pilots have crashed perfectly good airplanes because they trusted their instincts more than the guidance system.
Proverbs 3 says: “Lean not on your own understanding.”
There will be seasons where:
your emotions will mislead you,
your instincts will fail you,
your understanding will be incomplete.
In those moments, wisdom means trusting the Lord more than yourself.
I found the incident you’re referring to, though the pilot’s name appears to have been spelled Vinson Kyle Perdue in newspaper reporting, not “Purdue.” The crash occurred in August 1981 near Dorchester Road in the Summerville area.
What I could verify:
He was a young Air Force pilot from Summerville.
The jet crashed during a routine training mission near Dorchester Road.
The crash happened close to the Kings Grant area you mentioned.
I could not verify from available sources that vertigo/disorientation was officially determined as the cause, though your memory of local reporting may absolutely be correct. Spatial disorientation/vertigo is a well-known factor in military aviation crashes, especially during instrument conditions.
For sermon purposes, I would be careful not to state definitively:
“The crash was officially caused by vertigo…”
unless you locate a direct source confirming that.
But you can still use the illustration powerfully and honestly by framing it like this:
When I was growing up in Summerville, there was a military jet crash near Dorchester Road across from Kings Grant where we lived.
I still remember how sobering that was as a kid.
And one of the things pilots are trained to understand is that when visibility disappears and disorientation sets in, your senses can begin lying to you.
Up can feel down. Motion can feel still. Your instincts can become dangerous.
That’s why pilots are trained to trust their instruments more than their feelings.
Proverbs 3 says something very similar spiritually:
“Lean not on your own understanding.”
There are moments in life where:
your emotions will mislead you,
your instincts will fail you,
your understanding will be incomplete.
Wisdom means learning to trust God more than yourself.
That keeps:
the local authenticity,
the emotional weight,
the aviation imagery,
and the pastoral application—
without overstating what can be historically verified.
And honestly, because this is tied to your own childhood memory in Summerville, it will likely land much harder emotionally than a generic illustration ever could.
From Claude.ai
What Was Found on Vinson Kyle Perdue
The primary verified source is a newspaper clipping from The Greenville News, dated August 26, 1981 — a clipping published in The Greenville News on August 26, 1981, mentioning Vinson Kyle Perdue in Greenville, South Carolina. That confirms the name spelling (Perdue, not Purdue) and the August 1981 date align with newspaper reporting. The Newspapers.com record exists but sits behind a paywall, so the full text of the article wasn’t accessible — which means we can confirm existence of reporting but not the article’s specific content on cause of death.
No publicly accessible official USAF accident investigation report for this specific crash surfaced. The Aviation Archaeological Investigation & Research database (which houses USAF accident reports from that era) exists but didn’t return this specific crash in searches.
Bottom line on the Perdue crash: Name, date, and general location are confirmed by newspaper record. Cause of death (vertigo/spatial disorientation) remains your childhood memory of local reporting — plausible and consistent with the era, but not independently verifiable from open sources right now.
What Was Found on Spatial Disorientation — and Why It Strengthens Your Illustration
This is where the research gets genuinely useful for your sermon. The data on spatial disorientation (SD) as a cause of military aviation fatalities is extensive and striking:
• Spatial disorientation accounted for 11% of all USAF crashes, with a crash fatality rate of 69% — and the SD rate was significantly higher in fighter/attack aircraft and helicopters than in training and transport aircraft. At night, 23% of all crashes were SD-caused.
• Even as overall military aviation accidents per flight hour decreased dramatically from 1958–1992, the rate of SD-caused crashes remained nearly constant — actually increasing as a percentage of all crashes, from 6% in 1958–1971 to 16% in 1972–1992. Technology didn’t solve it. The problem is human physiology.
• Over a 21-year period (FY1993–2013), there were 72 spatial disorientation mishaps in the USAF, resulting in the loss of 101 lives, 65 aircraft, and $2.32 billion.
Spatial disorientation occurs when a pilot’s response to false sensations — of attitude, motion, velocity, acceleration, or position — causes the pilot to misinterpret his or her position in flight relative to the earth or other aircraft. The instruments tell the truth. The pilot’s body lies to him.
How This Serves the Sermon
You don’t need the Perdue crash to be officially documented as an SD case to use SD as the theological hinge of your illustration. Here’s why: the statistics above are so overwhelming that you can say with complete accuracy:
“Spatial disorientation — where a pilot’s senses tell him up is down and motion is stillness — is one of the leading causes of military aviation fatalities. The pilot feels completely confident. His body is lying to him. That’s why pilots are trained to trust their instruments over their instincts.”
Then the transition to Proverbs 3 is natural and devastating: “Lean not on your own understanding” isn’t just piety — it’s survival logic. The human perceptual system is not reliable in conditions of low visibility and high stress. Neither is the unregenerate heart.
The local crash becomes the emotional anchor. The SD research data gives it theological weight that doesn’t depend on what you can or can’t verify about that specific August morning in 1981.
Pray
Questions (Write this down) - grab an index card and pen
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
Write this down on the index card in the seat pockets.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
NOTES
Proverbs 3:5-6 outline by Stephen Olford, Windows of Wisdom, pp. 17-19
The decision of trust must be foremost in our lives.
Starting point
"All" "to cling to"
Focal - lean NOT on anyone or anything else
The devotion of trust must be fostered in our lives.
We must live in the scriptures (Rom 10:17)
We must lean on the Spirit (Gal 5:22)
Acknowledge = "To consciously know or recognize"
The direction of trust must be followed in our lives.
He makes the best way forward clear by
Removing obstacles
Giving clear instructions/directions
Immediate obedience to his word demonstrates total and focal trust
5 Capitals that we are in charge of stewarding for God's kingdom as disciples of Jesus:
Spiritual Capital
How much spiritual equity do we have to invest?
The currency is wisdom and power.
Relational Capital
How much relational equity do we have to invest?
The currency is family and friends.
Physical Capital
How much time and energy do we have to invest?
The currency is hours and health.
Intellectual Capital
How much creativity and knowledge do we have to invest?
The currency is concepts and ideas.
Financial Capital
How much treasure do we have to invest?
The currency is money.
YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“Proverbs,” by Ray Ortland, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
Exalting Jesus in Proverbs, Daniel Akin
Windows of Wisdom, Stephen Olford
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
Why Pray for the Peace and Prosperity of the City? | Jeremiah 29:4-7 | Darien Gabriel
Series: "For the City" (Vision), Jeremiah 29:4-7 #FTC
Title: “Why pray for the peace and prosperity of the city?"
Subtitle: "Our plan for loving God and loving people in our city and beyond."
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:4-7; Mark 4:26-29; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
Go: John 17:20; Luke 10:1-11
Gospel: Acts 17:32-34 (4 responses/traffic light)
Grow: Matthew 22:37-39; 28:18-20 + 411 + Commands of Christ
Gather: Acts 2:36-47 + Commands of Christ
3/3rds groups; DBS; Hi/Lo; Follow & Fish; etc.
Guide: (MAWL)
Bottom line: We pray for and seek the peace and prosperity for our city because it's God's missionary plan for loving God and loving people.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.
INTRODUCTION
I love coffee cups.
I don't drink coffee.
I know, I know, that's weird on multiple levels. Let me tell you how hopeless I am. I don't drink coffee (and hot chocolate on a little), but I love to shop for coffee cups.
Now, I do have a pet peeve about coffee cups. When we get our theology from coffee cups.
Coffee cup theology can be misleading. I mean, there's just no room for context on that shiny cup of ceramic goodness.
It's not like the coffee cup with Jeremiah 29:11 on it (“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” NIV) has room to say that Israel was told this by God while living in exile in the capital city of their arch enemy the Babylonians because they were spiritually unfaithful to him. Not sure that would sell well either.
Transition:
“Have you ever found yourself somewhere you didn’t want to be, facing a situation you didn’t choose?
That’s where the Israelites found themselves—exiled in Babylon. And yet, God speaks into their situation, not with an escape plan, but with a call to pray for and to seek the peace and prosperity of the place in which they’re stuck.”
Understanding Exile
Definition (Jeremiah 29 context):
In this passage, exile refers to the forced relocation of the people of Judah from Jerusalem to Babylon after its conquest by King Nebuchadnezzar in 597–586 BC. It wasn’t just geographic—it was spiritual, cultural, and emotional dislocation.
They were living among people who didn’t share their faith, customs, or values—a godless empire with strange idols and foreign tongues. Yet God didn’t say, “Escape.” He said, “Engage.”
Key insight:
Exile is not just displacement; it’s God’s discipline with a redemptive purpose.
It reminds us that home isn’t always where we are, but where God is.
OUTLINE
WHY we should pray for the peace and prosperity of our city:
Because the Lord told us to. (29:4) Our faith is that simple.
A. Either we trust and obey the Lord, or
B. We don't. To not trust and obey is sin.
Because it's part of God's way of rescuing his people from the kingdom of darkness.
He tells Israel to settle down and live their lives in the midst of their (and his) enemies. But to do it with an eye to the crowds (the harvest) and the clouds (his return) for their transformation. This requires prayer. Abiding in Christ.
The crowds, in this case, happen to be his enemies--the Babylonians.
The clouds, in this case, refer to the end of their exile in 70 years.
WHAT does this look like?
We "bloom where we're planted." We settle in to our circles of influence and accountability.
Influence--those circles of people we interact with where we live, work, learn and play.
Accountability--we will stand before God one day and answer for how we did or didn't do this; for how we led or didn't lead our family to do this.
God planted you at your address for a reason. For this season, you're to be Jesus to those around you there.
We multiply.
We build our career and homestead as if we're going to be here a while. For Israel, it was in the midst of their enemy, Babylon. For us, it is in America and in the midst of enemies of God. (29:5)
We build our family. (29:6)
This includes our biological family. (Kids, grandkids)
Can include extended family.
Can include adopted family. (Formally and not)
Certainly includes your spiritual/church family.
We do this until our "70 years" are over. Then we go home; back to Jerusalem/Zion. Cf. Revelation 21:1-8
We pray for the peace and prosperity of our city where we live, work, learn and play. (7)
We do this as we go about our lives.
Why?
Because it benefits us and our family tangibly.
Because it benefits us, and family and our world spiritually/eternally.
We do not believe those who live for other gods. (29:8-9)
We do this until he takes us home. This is his plan for us.
HOW we pray for the peace and prosperity of our city: "A Vision For the City: Jesus & Paul's Strategy Illustrated by 4 Fields of Kingdom Growth" (Optional)o
Go together:
John 17:20 - that we may be one as we pray and go into the city
Luke 10:1-11 - How Jesus trained his disciples to go:
Pray for workers for the harvest
Be a worker in the harvest
Be prepared to suffer in the harvest
Go empty-handed so you'll depend on the Lord
Look for people of peace; they unlock many more
Bless them and then receive what they offer
Heal the sick; proclaim the good news that the kingdom of God is near
Leave when not welcomed; tell them why you're moving on
Gospel: Acts 17:32-34 (4 responses)
Share the gospel wherever you go
Some will mock you--move on
Some will want to know more (or pretend to want to know more) - give them more
Some will trust Christ--give them more & train them up
Some will already know Christ--offer to train them up
Grow: Matthew 28:18-20 + 411 + Commands of Christ
Learn the words, ways and works of Jesus Christ
Lead others in the words...
Gather: Acts 2:36-47 + Commands of Christ - Shows us how to live as the church
3/3rds groups; DBS; Hi/Lo; Follow & Fish; etc.
A church does not have to look like what we see most visibly in America
It doesn't require a seminary degree
It doesn't require bricks and mortar
To say you follow Jesus but don't actively engage as a member of a church is not the NT way
Guide: (MAWL) We lead others to follow us as we follow Jesus by
Modeling for them
Assisting them
Watching them
Leaving them to do it and lead others to do it
CONCLUSION
Consider sharing the story of why Neal McGlohon started the Cypress Project here (see notes).
So the Lord Jesus calls his disciples to keep their eyes on the clouds and the crowds. Keep your eyes on the people you see where you live, work, learn and play each day. For he has you there on purpose for a purpose.
Also, keep your eyes on the clouds. For this is not all there is. This is not our home. Our home awaits us. Our exile in this world is temporary. We will go and stand before our Creator one day. And as his kids we'll be welcomed home with great zeal from our Lord and Savior.
However, if we do known him as Lord and Savior, we'll simply meet him as Lord. And that means we'll be forever separated from him. And that will be eternal misery.
But if you're here today, know that God has surrounded you with people who have their eyes on the crowds and the clouds. As we await his return to take us home, we are looking for opportunities to show and tell the good news about a great kingdom and exalted king. A king who forgives and blesses beyond anything we could ever deserve.
He calls you to himself right now. Will you believe and receive his mercy and grace today?
Bottom line: We pray for and seek the peace and prosperity for our city because it's God's missionary plan for loving God and loving people.
Will you believe apart of that plan?
INVITATION
What about you?
Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:
““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” Acts 2:36-39 NIV
How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:
Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.
[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.
Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)
Pray
NOTES
🎯The Context of the Babylonian Exile (Jeremiah 29)
📜When and Why It Happened
The Babylonian Exile occurred in stages (605, 597, and 586 BC) as Babylon defeated Judah and deported its people.
The first wave included nobles, artisans, and young elites (like Daniel and his friends, cf. Daniel 1).
The final blow came in 586 BC with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
🏘️Where and How They Lived in Babylon
🟢Freedoms:
The Jewish exiles were not slaves in chains or in prison camps. They lived under imperial control, but with considerable day-to-day freedom:
Area
Reality in Babylon
Housing
They could build and live in their own houses (Jer. 29:5).
Families
They were allowed to marry and have children (Jer. 29:6).
Work & Trade
Many became landowners, traders, and craftsmen. Archaeological records (like the Murashu Tablets) show Jewish names doing business.
Travel
Travel was limited but not impossible. They were not “locked down” but couldn’t return freely to Judah.
Religion
They couldn’t offer sacrifices (no temple), but they could gather, pray, teach Torah (e.g., synagogues emerged in exile).
Civic Engagement
God even told them to pray for Babylon’s peace—suggesting participation in civic life (Jer. 29:7).
It was forced relocation, not slave labor—more like deported citizens under imperial rule with monitored freedoms.
🧑🤝🧑Did They Live Mixed or Separate?
Many Jewish exiles lived in Jewish communities, but not in ghettos or prison camps.
For example, they settled in areas like Tel Abib along the Chebar Canal (cf. Ezekiel 1:1–3).
They had elders and leaders (Jer. 29:1) and maintained internal governance to some degree.
Some assimilated; others remained faithful (like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego).
They were among the people, not of the people—able to engage but called to remain distinct.
💰Economy & Taxes
They worked in agriculture, commerce, banking, and crafts.
Some became quite wealthy—suggesting they paid taxes like any other imperial subject.
Babylon benefited economically from the skills of exiled peoples (including Jews).
✈️Could They Travel?
Return to Judah was forbidden without imperial permission (hence Jeremiah’s promise of 70 years in exile).
Local movement within Babylon was possible—people could travel for work, trade, or community gatherings.
Travel to other provinces of the empire was probably limited and required authorization.
📚Supporting Sources
The Bible
Jeremiah 29, Ezekiel 1–3, Daniel 1–6, Psalm 137 (emotional view), 2 Kings 24–25
Archaeology & History
The Murashu Archive: Babylonian business tablets with Jewish names, showing participation in economic life.
Al-Yahudu Tablets: Letters and contracts involving Jewish families in Babylon during and after exile.
Jewish Tradition
This period birthed synagogue life, oral Torah emphasis, and eventually the Talmudic tradition—spiritual roots planted in exile.
🧠 Summary: Life in Exile Was…
Disorienting (loss of temple, land, national identity)
Restrained, but not enslaved
Culturally pressured, but with space to remain faithful
Economically active, not destitute
A test of faithful presence in a foreign world
OUTLINE
See above
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg
The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce
John, RC Sproul
John, Köstenberger
The Gospel According to John, DA Carson
Let's Study John, Mark Johnston
The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)
The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com
Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion
ChatGPT AI
Grok AI
Google Gemini AI
Series: "For the City" (Vision), Jeremiah 29:4-7 #FTC
Title: “Why pray for the peace and prosperity of the city?"
Subtitle: "Our plan for loving God and loving people in our city and beyond."
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:4-7; Mark 4:26-29; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
Go: John 17:20; Luke 10:1-11
Gospel: Acts 17:32-34 (4 responses/traffic light)
Grow: Matthew 22:37-39; 28:18-20 + 411 + Commands of Christ
Gather: Acts 2:36-47 + Commands of Christ
3/3rds groups; DBS; Hi/Lo; Follow & Fish; etc.
Guide: (MAWL)
Bottom line: We pray for and seek the peace and prosperity for our city because it's God's missionary plan for loving God and loving people.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.
INTRODUCTION
I love coffee cups.
I don't drink coffee.
I know, I know, that's weird on multiple levels. Let me tell you how hopeless I am. I don't drink coffee (and hot chocolate on a little), but I love to shop for coffee cups.
Now, I do have a pet peeve about coffee cups. When we get our theology from coffee cups.
Coffee cup theology can be misleading. I mean, there's just no room for context on that shiny cup of ceramic goodness.
It's not like the coffee cup with Jeremiah 29:11 on it (“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” NIV) has room to say that Israel was told this by God while living in exile in the capital city of their arch enemy the Babylonians because they were spiritually unfaithful to him. Not sure that would sell well either.
Transition:
“Have you ever found yourself somewhere you didn’t want to be, facing a situation you didn’t choose?
That’s where the Israelites found themselves—exiled in Babylon. And yet, God speaks into their situation, not with an escape plan, but with a call to pray for and to seek the peace and prosperity of the place in which they’re stuck.”
Understanding Exile
Definition (Jeremiah 29 context):
In this passage, exile refers to the forced relocation of the people of Judah from Jerusalem to Babylon after its conquest by King Nebuchadnezzar in 597–586 BC. It wasn’t just geographic—it was spiritual, cultural, and emotional dislocation.
They were living among people who didn’t share their faith, customs, or values—a godless empire with strange idols and foreign tongues. Yet God didn’t say, “Escape.” He said, “Engage.”
Key insight:
Exile is not just displacement; it’s God’s discipline with a redemptive purpose.
It reminds us that home isn’t always where we are, but where God is.
OUTLINE
WHY we should pray for the peace and prosperity of our city:
Because the Lord told us to. (29:4) Our faith is that simple.
A. Either we trust and obey the Lord, or
B. We don't. To not trust and obey is sin.
Because it's part of God's way of rescuing his people from the kingdom of darkness.
He tells Israel to settle down and live their lives in the midst of their (and his) enemies. But to do it with an eye to the crowds (the harvest) and the clouds (his return) for their transformation. This requires prayer. Abiding in Christ.
The crowds, in this case, happen to be his enemies--the Babylonians.
The clouds, in this case, refer to the end of their exile in 70 years.
WHAT does this look like?
We "bloom where we're planted." We settle in to our circles of influence and accountability.
Influence--those circles of people we interact with where we live, work, learn and play.
Accountability--we will stand before God one day and answer for how we did or didn't do this; for how we led or didn't lead our family to do this.
God planted you at your address for a reason. For this season, you're to be Jesus to those around you there.
We multiply.
We build our career and homestead as if we're going to be here a while. For Israel, it was in the midst of their enemy, Babylon. For us, it is in America and in the midst of enemies of God. (29:5)
We build our family. (29:6)
This includes our biological family. (Kids, grandkids)
Can include extended family.
Can include adopted family. (Formally and not)
Certainly includes your spiritual/church family.
We do this until our "70 years" are over. Then we go home; back to Jerusalem/Zion. Cf. Revelation 21:1-8
We pray for the peace and prosperity of our city where we live, work, learn and play. (7)
We do this as we go about our lives.
Why?
Because it benefits us and our family tangibly.
Because it benefits us, and family and our world spiritually/eternally.
We do not believe those who live for other gods. (29:8-9)
We do this until he takes us home. This is his plan for us.
HOW we pray for the peace and prosperity of our city: "A Vision For the City: Jesus & Paul's Strategy Illustrated by 4 Fields of Kingdom Growth" (Optional)o
Go together:
John 17:20 - that we may be one as we pray and go into the city
Luke 10:1-11 - How Jesus trained his disciples to go:
Pray for workers for the harvest
Be a worker in the harvest
Be prepared to suffer in the harvest
Go empty-handed so you'll depend on the Lord
Look for people of peace; they unlock many more
Bless them and then receive what they offer
Heal the sick; proclaim the good news that the kingdom of God is near
Leave when not welcomed; tell them why you're moving on
Gospel: Acts 17:32-34 (4 responses)
Share the gospel wherever you go
Some will mock you--move on
Some will want to know more (or pretend to want to know more) - give them more
Some will trust Christ--give them more & train them up
Some will already know Christ--offer to train them up
Grow: Matthew 28:18-20 + 411 + Commands of Christ
Learn the words, ways and works of Jesus Christ
Lead others in the words...
Gather: Acts 2:36-47 + Commands of Christ - Shows us how to live as the church
3/3rds groups; DBS; Hi/Lo; Follow & Fish; etc.
A church does not have to look like what we see most visibly in America
It doesn't require a seminary degree
It doesn't require bricks and mortar
To say you follow Jesus but don't actively engage as a member of a church is not the NT way
Guide: (MAWL) We lead others to follow us as we follow Jesus by
Modeling for them
Assisting them
Watching them
Leaving them to do it and lead others to do it
CONCLUSION
Consider sharing the story of why Neal McGlohon started the Cypress Project here (see notes).
So the Lord Jesus calls his disciples to keep their eyes on the clouds and the crowds. Keep your eyes on the people you see where you live, work, learn and play each day. For he has you there on purpose for a purpose.
Also, keep your eyes on the clouds. For this is not all there is. This is not our home. Our home awaits us. Our exile in this world is temporary. We will go and stand before our Creator one day. And as his kids we'll be welcomed home with great zeal from our Lord and Savior.
However, if we do known him as Lord and Savior, we'll simply meet him as Lord. And that means we'll be forever separated from him. And that will be eternal misery.
But if you're here today, know that God has surrounded you with people who have their eyes on the crowds and the clouds. As we await his return to take us home, we are looking for opportunities to show and tell the good news about a great kingdom and exalted king. A king who forgives and blesses beyond anything we could ever deserve.
He calls you to himself right now. Will you believe and receive his mercy and grace today?
Bottom line: We pray for and seek the peace and prosperity for our city because it's God's missionary plan for loving God and loving people.
Will you believe apart of that plan?
INVITATION
What about you?
Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:
““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” Acts 2:36-39 NIV
How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:
Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.
[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.
Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)
Pray
NOTES
🎯The Context of the Babylonian Exile (Jeremiah 29)
📜When and Why It Happened
The Babylonian Exile occurred in stages (605, 597, and 586 BC) as Babylon defeated Judah and deported its people.
The first wave included nobles, artisans, and young elites (like Daniel and his friends, cf. Daniel 1).
The final blow came in 586 BC with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
🏘️Where and How They Lived in Babylon
🟢Freedoms:
The Jewish exiles were not slaves in chains or in prison camps. They lived under imperial control, but with considerable day-to-day freedom:
Area
Reality in Babylon
Housing
They could build and live in their own houses (Jer. 29:5).
Families
They were allowed to marry and have children (Jer. 29:6).
Work & Trade
Many became landowners, traders, and craftsmen. Archaeological records (like the Murashu Tablets) show Jewish names doing business.
Travel
Travel was limited but not impossible. They were not “locked down” but couldn’t return freely to Judah.
Religion
They couldn’t offer sacrifices (no temple), but they could gather, pray, teach Torah (e.g., synagogues emerged in exile).
Civic Engagement
God even told them to pray for Babylon’s peace—suggesting participation in civic life (Jer. 29:7).
It was forced relocation, not slave labor—more like deported citizens under imperial rule with monitored freedoms.
🧑🤝🧑Did They Live Mixed or Separate?
Many Jewish exiles lived in Jewish communities, but not in ghettos or prison camps.
For example, they settled in areas like Tel Abib along the Chebar Canal (cf. Ezekiel 1:1–3).
They had elders and leaders (Jer. 29:1) and maintained internal governance to some degree.
Some assimilated; others remained faithful (like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego).
They were among the people, not of the people—able to engage but called to remain distinct.
💰Economy & Taxes
They worked in agriculture, commerce, banking, and crafts.
Some became quite wealthy—suggesting they paid taxes like any other imperial subject.
Babylon benefited economically from the skills of exiled peoples (including Jews).
✈️Could They Travel?
Return to Judah was forbidden without imperial permission (hence Jeremiah’s promise of 70 years in exile).
Local movement within Babylon was possible—people could travel for work, trade, or community gatherings.
Travel to other provinces of the empire was probably limited and required authorization.
📚Supporting Sources
The Bible
Jeremiah 29, Ezekiel 1–3, Daniel 1–6, Psalm 137 (emotional view), 2 Kings 24–25
Archaeology & History
The Murashu Archive: Babylonian business tablets with Jewish names, showing participation in economic life.
Al-Yahudu Tablets: Letters and contracts involving Jewish families in Babylon during and after exile.
Jewish Tradition
This period birthed synagogue life, oral Torah emphasis, and eventually the Talmudic tradition—spiritual roots planted in exile.
🧠 Summary: Life in Exile Was…
Disorienting (loss of temple, land, national identity)
Restrained, but not enslaved
Culturally pressured, but with space to remain faithful
Economically active, not destitute
A test of faithful presence in a foreign world
OUTLINE
See above
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg
The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce
John, RC Sproul
John, Köstenberger
The Gospel According to John, DA Carson
Let's Study John, Mark Johnston
The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)
The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com
Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion
ChatGPT AI
Grok AI
Google Gemini AI
Whose Voice Do You Trust in the Chaos? | John 10:1-21 | Darien Gabriel
Series: Signs & Glory
Title: “Whose Voice Do You Trust in the Chaos?”
Subtitle: "
Scripture: John 10:1-21
Numbers 27:15-16
Ezekiel 34:1-16
Bottom line: Jesus, as the good shepherd, is the voice we should listen to and follow because he loves us personally, practically, and sacrificially.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.
INTRODUCTION
Our world is chaotic.
Not only are there things happening beyond our control but seemingly beyond anyone's control.
Where were you on 9/11? Talk about a day when we felt out of control.
`
Opening Story (recognizing a voice that brings calm in the noise)
During 9/11, amid the smoke and confusion inside one of the Twin Towers, a group of people huddled together trying to figure out where to go. Some were frozen. Some were frantic. But one man—blind from birth—knew exactly what to do. His guide dog, Roselle, led him down 78 floors through darkness, crowds, and debris.
Michael Hingson couldn’t see a thing, but he listened intently to Roselle’s steady movement. Later he said, “I had to trust the one who had always guided me before.” And that trust saved his life.
In a world filled with competing voices—some loud, some deceptive—we need to know who to trust. In John 10, Jesus says there’s a voice that can cut through all the noise. A voice that calls your name. A Shepherd who knows you and will lead you to life. But not all voices are safe. Not all gates lead to life. So how do we know which voice is worth following?
Bottom line: Jesus, as the good shepherd, is the voice we should listen to and follow because he loves us personally, practically, and sacrificially.
OUTLINE
Therefore, as his weak, vulnerable, needy, high-maintenance and wandering people, we listen to and follow the Good Shepherd by:
I. Resting in his personal love, despite what he knows about us. (1-6)
This knowledge is complete including our darkest secrets.
This knoweldge is familiar. He calls us sheep because like sheep we are
Defenseless
Dumb
Needy for help
Prone to wander
High maintenance
II. Resting in his practical provision and protection. (7-10)
He protects us in the day, when we stay near to him.
He protects us in the night by guarding the door/gate.
He abundantly provides for us as we stay near to him.
All this in contrast to the shepherds in his day.
III. Resting in his sacrificial love where he lays down his life for his people. (11-21)
We see this in the cross as the ultimate expression of his love. cf. Romans 5:8
We see this validated by the Father in the resurrection.
We see this in contrast to the way of the world's leaders.
We see this in contrast to how they treated the blind man healed.
We do this for the world to see and respond by following us as we listen to and follow the good shepherd.
CONCLUSION
Bottom line: Jesus, as the good shepherd, is the voice we should listen to and follow because he loves us personally, practically, and sacrificially.
“The Shepherd Who Stayed” (trust rooted in sacrificial love)
In war zones, shepherds often flee with the threat of danger. But there’s a story from Syria of a man who was both a literal shepherd and a village pastor. When ISIS forces were approaching, his friends begged him to flee. But he refused, saying, “If I leave, who will guide the people? If I run, what will they think of Christ?” He stayed—caring for the flock, sharing food, praying with them in secret. He was eventually killed. But his witness and courage led many to follow Christ. They said, “He was the one who showed us what God must be like.”
That’s what Jesus does in John 10—only greater.
He’s not a hired hand. He doesn’t flee in danger. He runs toward it. And He lays down His life not just to protect His sheep, but to save them.
So the question isn’t just, “Do you believe He’s the Good Shepherd?”
The real question is: “Will you follow His voice for the rest of your life?”
INVITATION
As we prepare to come to the Lord’s table, we’ve just heard the story of a shepherd who refused to flee—who stayed with his people even when it cost him everything.
That’s powerful. But Jesus, our Good Shepherd, goes even further. He didn’t just risk His life—He gave it. He laid it down willingly so we could be saved, forgiven, and brought home.
When we take the bread and the cup, we remember the Shepherd who stayed. The one who didn’t abandon us in our weakness but met us in it. The one who didn’t just die for the sheep but with us in mind, by name.
So if you’ve heard His voice today—if you’re trusting in Him—come. Rest in His personal, practical, and sacrificial love. Feed on His grace. And commit again to listen to his voice and follow Him… not just for a moment, but for a lifetime.
What about you?
Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:
““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” Acts 2:36-39 NIV
How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:
Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.
[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.
Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)
Pray
NOTES
OUTLINE
See above
NOTES
Modern-Day Shepherding Parallel
Talk about how a shepherd today still knows sheep individually—calls them, corrects them, protects them.
Sheep were kept in pens usually made of stone walls with one opening where a gatekeeper or shepherd would sleep in as the gate or door.
Some pens were communal meaning that sheep from multiple shepherds would rest there in the night. This would create a problem in the morning of sorting out the sheep unless there were shepherds that the sheep recognized (their voice). He would then walk among them, calling them by name, and then leading them out into pasture the next day.
Compare it to a good parent or mentor who sacrifices and leads with love.
Voice Recognition
A baby knows her mother's voice.
A dog knows it's master's voice and tone.
C. The Hireling
Someone who’s just doing a job vs. someone who’s deeply invested. A substitute teacher vs. a lifelong educator who builds relationships.
A hireling shepherd will run when the wolf shows up vs. a good shepherd that will defend the sheep even if it costs him his life.
The Fence, door or the Gate?
The gatekeeper is the one who sleeps in the opening to the pen so that no one can get in unless they go through him.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg
The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce
John, RC Sproul
John, Köstenberger
The Gospel According to John, DA Carson
Let's Study John, Mark Johnston
The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)
The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com
Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion
ChatGPT AI
Grok AI
Google Gemini AI
Series: Signs & Glory
Title: “Whose Voice Do You Trust in the Chaos?”
Scripture: John 10:1-21
Numbers 27:15-16
Ezekiel 34:1-16
Bottom line: Jesus, as the good shepherd, is the voice we should listen to and follow because he loves us personally, practically, and sacrificially.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.
INTRODUCTION
Our world is chaotic.
Not only are there things happening beyond our control but seemingly beyond anyone's control.
Where were you on 9/11? Talk about a day when we felt out of control.
`
Opening Story (recognizing a voice that brings calm in the noise)
During 9/11, amid the smoke and confusion inside one of the Twin Towers, a group of people huddled together trying to figure out where to go. Some were frozen. Some were frantic. But one man—blind from birth—knew exactly what to do. His guide dog, Roselle, led him down 78 floors through darkness, crowds, and debris.
Michael Hingson couldn’t see a thing, but he listened intently to Roselle’s steady movement. Later he said, “I had to trust the one who had always guided me before.” And that trust saved his life.
In a world filled with competing voices—some loud, some deceptive—we need to know who to trust. In John 10, Jesus says there’s a voice that can cut through all the noise. A voice that calls your name. A Shepherd who knows you and will lead you to life. But not all voices are safe. Not all gates lead to life. So how do we know which voice is worth following?
Bottom line: Jesus, as the good shepherd, is the voice we should listen to and follow because he loves us personally, practically, and sacrificially.
OUTLINE
Therefore, as his weak, vulnerable, needy, high-maintenance and wandering people, we listen to and follow the Good Shepherd by:
I. Resting in his personal love, despite what he knows about us. (1-6)
This knowledge is complete including our darkest secrets.
This knoweldge is familiar. He calls us sheep because like sheep we are
Defenseless
Dumb
Needy for help
Prone to wander
High maintenance
II. Resting in his practical provision and protection. (7-10)
He protects us in the day, when we stay near to him.
He protects us in the night by guarding the door/gate.
He abundantly provides for us as we stay near to him.
All this in contrast to the shepherds in his day.
III. Resting in his sacrificial love where he lays down his life for his people. (11-21)
We see this in the cross as the ultimate expression of his love. cf. Romans 5:8
We see this validated by the Father in the resurrection.
We see this in contrast to the way of the world's leaders.
We see this in contrast to how they treated the blind man healed.
We do this for the world to see and respond by following us as we listen to and follow the good shepherd.
CONCLUSION
Bottom line: Jesus, as the good shepherd, is the voice we should listen to and follow because he loves us personally, practically, and sacrificially.
“The Shepherd Who Stayed” (trust rooted in sacrificial love)
In war zones, shepherds often flee with the threat of danger. But there’s a story from Syria of a man who was both a literal shepherd and a village pastor. When ISIS forces were approaching, his friends begged him to flee. But he refused, saying, “If I leave, who will guide the people? If I run, what will they think of Christ?” He stayed—caring for the flock, sharing food, praying with them in secret. He was eventually killed. But his witness and courage led many to follow Christ. They said, “He was the one who showed us what God must be like.”
That’s what Jesus does in John 10—only greater.
He’s not a hired hand. He doesn’t flee in danger. He runs toward it. And He lays down His life not just to protect His sheep, but to save them.
So the question isn’t just, “Do you believe He’s the Good Shepherd?”
The real question is: “Will you follow His voice for the rest of your life?”
INVITATION
As we prepare to come to the Lord’s table, we’ve just heard the story of a shepherd who refused to flee—who stayed with his people even when it cost him everything.
That’s powerful. But Jesus, our Good Shepherd, goes even further. He didn’t just risk His life—He gave it. He laid it down willingly so we could be saved, forgiven, and brought home.
When we take the bread and the cup, we remember the Shepherd who stayed. The one who didn’t abandon us in our weakness but met us in it. The one who didn’t just die for the sheep but with us in mind, by name.
So if you’ve heard His voice today—if you’re trusting in Him—come. Rest in His personal, practical, and sacrificial love. Feed on His grace. And commit again to listen to his voice and follow Him… not just for a moment, but for a lifetime.
What about you?
Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:
““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” Acts 2:36-39 NIV
How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:
Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.
[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.
Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)
Pray
NOTES
OUTLINE
See above
NOTES
Modern-Day Shepherding Parallel
Talk about how a shepherd today still knows sheep individually—calls them, corrects them, protects them.
Sheep were kept in pens usually made of stone walls with one opening where a gatekeeper or shepherd would sleep in as the gate or door.
Some pens were communal meaning that sheep from multiple shepherds would rest there in the night. This would create a problem in the morning of sorting out the sheep unless there were shepherds that the sheep recognized (their voice). He would then walk among them, calling them by name, and then leading them out into pasture the next day.
Compare it to a good parent or mentor who sacrifices and leads with love.
Voice Recognition
A baby knows her mother's voice.
A dog knows it's master's voice and tone.
C. The Hireling
Someone who’s just doing a job vs. someone who’s deeply invested. A substitute teacher vs. a lifelong educator who builds relationships.
A hireling shepherd will run when the wolf shows up vs. a good shepherd that will defend the sheep even if it costs him his life.
The Fence, door or the Gate?
The gatekeeper is the one who sleeps in the opening to the pen so that no one can get in unless they go through him.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg
The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce
John, RC Sproul
John, Köstenberger
The Gospel According to John, DA Carson
Let's Study John, Mark Johnston
The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)
The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com
Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion
ChatGPT AI
Grok AI
Google Gemini AI
Can You See What Jesus Is Doing? | John 9 | Darien Gabriel
Series: Signs & Glory
Title: “Can you see what Jesus is doing?"
Subtitle: "From Blindness to Belief”
Scripture: John 9
🎯 Bottom line: True sight doesn’t come from your eyes—it comes from humbling yourself & believing that Jesus is who he says he is and that he's doing all he promised to do.
Or put another way: Jesus gives sight to the blind—but those who think they see without Him remain blind.
This chapter isn’t ultimately about physical healing—it’s about spiritual vision. The man born blind receives both physical sight and spiritual insight as he responds to Jesus in faith. In contrast, the Pharisees, though physically able to see, are exposed as spiritually blind because of their pride and refusal to believe.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.
INTRODUCTION
Mammoth Cave
We're all born in a spiritual Mammoth Cave. Pitch dark...
How to Avoid Spiritual Infections
Joseph Lister, the nineteenth-century medic, is known as ‘the father of antiseptic surgery’. Lister was disturbed by the high proportion of patients who died from post-operative infections. He became convinced that infinitesimal microbes, invisible to the naked eye, were causing the infections. He began to develop a number of antiseptic solutions with which to treat the wounds. Sure enough, the proportion of patients dying from infections decreased.
In a similar way, there are evil spiritual forces at work in our world today. They cannot be seen, but they wreak havoc in people’s lives, causing them to fall into temptation, moving evil people into positions of national power, manipulating people’s emotions, tearing them apart and destroying them.
But just as Lister’s contemporaries dismissed his theory of destructive microbes, many people today are ignorant or dismissive of spiritual realities. Yet you have the powerful spiritual ‘antiseptic’ to use against these destructive forces. It is vital that you learn to do so.
Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel: Day 335 • Devotional
🎯 Bottom line: True sight doesn’t come from your eyes—it comes from humbling yourself & believing that Jesus is who he says he is and that he's doing all he promised to do.
Man with the world's highest IQ: 'Jesus Christ is God'
By Ryan Foley, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, June 19, 2025
The man with the world’s highest IQ has proclaimed that “Jesus Christ is God,” building on his previous contention that belief in the afterlife is consistent with science.
YoungHoon Kim, who identifies himself on his X profile as “the World’s Highest IQ Record Holder” and lists his intelligence quotient as 276, proclaimed his Christian faith in a statement posted to X on Tuesday. “As the world’s highest IQ record holder, I believe that Jesus Christ is God, the way and the truth and the life,” he wrote.
In replies to posts reacting favorably to his embrace of Christianity, Kim vowed to “use this opportunity to lead many souls to God and declared, “Christ is my logic.” In a March 18 post, Kim wrote, “One of the best things I have ever done in my life is earning a BA degree in Christian Theology (nondenominational) from Yonsei University, # 1 private university in Asia.”
He referred to theology as “the ultimate discipline of all fields of study.”
🧱 Outline
1. A Setup, Not a Screw-Up (John 9:1–7)
Truth: Suffering isn’t always punishment—it can be a platform for God’s glory.
Takeaway: God uses our pain as a stage for His purpose. The man’s blindness was not a result of sin, but a setup for a miracle.
Illustration: "Amy Carmichael, the quiet, but greatly used missionary to India, was impelled into service by a disturbing dream. In the dream she saw hundreds of unreached people plunging over a cliff to their deaths, while Christians sat and made daisy chains!" -Mark Johnston, p. 133
2. Opposition from the Religious (John 9:8–34)
Truth: Religious people often resist what they can’t control or explain.
Takeaway: True sight threatens false religion. The Pharisees were more concerned with rules than rejoicing in restoration.
3. Revelation and Response (John 9:35–41)
Truth: Spiritual sight begins with recognizing Jesus and responding in faith.
Takeaway: The once-blind man worships Jesus; meanwhile, the seeing remain blind. Belief opens our eyes, but pride keeps us in the dark.
✅ Primary Applications (Direct, Universal, and Central to the Text)
` purpose in your suffering.
Application: Don’t assume hardship means punishment. Sometimes suffering is a stage for God’s glory (v. 3).
Let Jesus heal your deepest need—even if it’s uncomfortable or unconventional.
Application: Respond in obedience even when the method (mud and spit!) doesn’t make sense (v. 6–7).
Bear witness to what Jesus has done, even when you’re pressured to back down.
Application: Like the healed man, speak simply and boldly: “I was blind, but now I see” (v. 25).
Reject fear of people and stand firm in your testimony.
Application: The man’s parents feared the Pharisees, but he did not (v. 18–23 vs. v. 24–34). Be like the son, not the parents.
Move from physical sight to spiritual sight—through belief in Jesus.
Application: Jesus invites personal faith (v. 35–38). Salvation is not just about healing but about believing and worshiping.
Recognize that spiritual pride leads to blindness.
Application: The Pharisees’ refusal to admit their need kept them blind (v. 39–41). Humility opens the eyes of the heart.
🔁 Secondary Applications (Contextual, Indirect, and Supportive)
Be cautious of religious systems that prioritize rules over restoration.
Application: Systems that suppress God’s work in people often mask spiritual blindness (v. 16, 28–29).
Don’t expect everyone to celebrate your healing or growth.
Application: Spiritual transformation invites both opposition and misunderstanding (v. 8–12, 26).
God works in people before they can fully articulate faith.
Application: The blind man obeyed before he knew who Jesus really was (v. 11, 35–38). Obedience can precede understanding.
Your personal story is powerful. Use it.
Application: You may not have theological credentials, but your testimony is undeniable (v. 25).
Faith grows as we respond to increasing light.
Application: The man moved from calling Jesus “the man” → “a prophet” → “from God” → “Lord” and worshiped (v. 11, 17, 33, 38).
Isolation for Jesus’ sake is a refining fire.
Application: When he was cast out (v. 34), Jesus found him again (v. 35). Rejection for Christ often leads to deeper revelation.
CONCLUSION
Illustration:
“For a moment, imagine your inner life as having a window.
Windows accomplish two things.
First, a window allows light from the outside to enter a room. This would have been especially important in the ancient world before the age of electricity. Without any windows, a person would live in relative darkness.
But secondly, a window also allows someone in the room to look through it to see outside of the house.
Thus, a window allows us to see both inside and outside.
But if the window is never cleaned, and grime is allowed to accumulate to the point that it eventually becomes caked over with filth, it will no longer serve any useful function. One will live in darkness and will be unable to see through to the outside. What we learn from Jesus' interaction with these religious experts is that the grime that accumulates on the window of the soul is not just any particular sin. It is the joint sins of hypocrisy, judgmentalism, and religious pride that keep us in spiritual blindness.
One of these confrontations occurs after an amazing miracle of Jesus healing a man who was blind from birth.
In that culture, it was commonly assumed that one who is blind must be bearing God's judgment for some grievous sin. When some of the Pharisees learn of this man's healing, they attempt to discredit Jesus and even call him as a sinner. In response, Jesus declares, "I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind."
This entire incident illustrates Jesus' point. The man who was born blind now has new sight, both physically and spiritually.
Yet, the Pharisees who claim to have pristine spiritual perception, cannot identify the very Son of God who stands right in front of them.
Once the virus of religious hypocrisy takes root in one's heart, it has the potential to thoroughly destroy that person's ability to perceive and cooperate with the work of God on earth. What makes this virus particularly insidious is that as it grows within one's inner life, everything may look exactly right on the outside. Yet all along, the incongruence between the interior and exterior life only continues to worsen.”
Jesus People, pp. 149-151
🎯 Bottom line: True sight doesn’t come from your eyes—it comes from humbling yourself & believing that Jesus is who he says he is and that he's doing all he promised to do.`
INVITATION
What about you?
Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:
““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” Acts 2:36-39 NIV
How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:
Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.
[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.
Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)
Pray
NOTES
I saw a tweet last week that showed me both sides of this pride/humility dynamic.
The first picture is of a line of 900 people hiking along a ridge to summit Mt. Everest. Most paying $50k to have a Sherpa (a Himalayan with exceptional mountaineering expertise and skill often hired to help others summit Mt Everest) personally help them succeed. Many doing this for personal glory (competition/pride). The comment by the tweeter was that the huge numbers put more people at risk to death than ever before.
The second picture is of Gelje Sherpa leading his client towards the top when he comes across someone laying on the ground dying. He’s only 500 yards from the summit. This Sherpa, on a job helping his client survive the same climb, runs over, wraps the man in a sleeping mattress, gives him oxygen (of which his client might need), put him on his back, and then hiked him down the mountain, a trip that took 6 hours.
The first picture is one of pride. The second, one of humility. We don’t know how many people walked past the guy on the ground. And I’m guessing few of those people could have carried anyone down with the incredible challenge that it is just to summit and descend Mt Everest without dying yourself. But to add the weight of a full grown man to your load…
I think of the parable of the Good Samaritan. Who didn’t walk past the dying man on the road but instead, at great personal cost and risk of life, helped this man recover. He saw this man and humbly saw his neighbor in need and helped him.
OUTLINE
See above
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg
The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce
John, RC Sproul
John, Köstenberger
The Gospel According to John, DA Carson
Let's Study John, Mark Johnston
The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)
The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com
Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion
ChatGPT AI
Grok AI
Perplexity AI
Google Gemini AI
Series: Signs & Glory
Title: “Can you see what Jesus is doing?"
Subtitle: "From Blindness to Belief”
Scripture: John 9
🎯 Bottom line: True sight doesn’t come from your eyes—it comes from humbling yourself & believing that Jesus is who he says he is and that he's doing all he promised to do.
Or put another way: Jesus gives sight to the blind—but those who think they see without Him remain blind.
This chapter isn’t ultimately about physical healing—it’s about spiritual vision. The man born blind receives both physical sight and spiritual insight as he responds to Jesus in faith. In contrast, the Pharisees, though physically able to see, are exposed as spiritually blind because of their pride and refusal to believe.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.
INTRODUCTION
Mammoth Cave
We're all born in a spiritual Mammoth Cave. Pitch dark...
How to Avoid Spiritual Infections
Joseph Lister, the nineteenth-century medic, is known as ‘the father of antiseptic surgery’. Lister was disturbed by the high proportion of patients who died from post-operative infections. He became convinced that infinitesimal microbes, invisible to the naked eye, were causing the infections. He began to develop a number of antiseptic solutions with which to treat the wounds. Sure enough, the proportion of patients dying from infections decreased.
In a similar way, there are evil spiritual forces at work in our world today. They cannot be seen, but they wreak havoc in people’s lives, causing them to fall into temptation, moving evil people into positions of national power, manipulating people’s emotions, tearing them apart and destroying them.
But just as Lister’s contemporaries dismissed his theory of destructive microbes, many people today are ignorant or dismissive of spiritual realities. Yet you have the powerful spiritual ‘antiseptic’ to use against these destructive forces. It is vital that you learn to do so.
Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel: Day 335 • Devotional
🎯 Bottom line: True sight doesn’t come from your eyes—it comes from humbling yourself & believing that Jesus is who he says he is and that he's doing all he promised to do.
Man with the world's highest IQ: 'Jesus Christ is God'
By Ryan Foley, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, June 19, 2025
The man with the world’s highest IQ has proclaimed that “Jesus Christ is God,” building on his previous contention that belief in the afterlife is consistent with science.
YoungHoon Kim, who identifies himself on his X profile as “the World’s Highest IQ Record Holder” and lists his intelligence quotient as 276, proclaimed his Christian faith in a statement posted to X on Tuesday. “As the world’s highest IQ record holder, I believe that Jesus Christ is God, the way and the truth and the life,” he wrote.
In replies to posts reacting favorably to his embrace of Christianity, Kim vowed to “use this opportunity to lead many souls to God and declared, “Christ is my logic.” In a March 18 post, Kim wrote, “One of the best things I have ever done in my life is earning a BA degree in Christian Theology (nondenominational) from Yonsei University, # 1 private university in Asia.”
He referred to theology as “the ultimate discipline of all fields of study.”
🧱 Outline
1. A Setup, Not a Screw-Up (John 9:1–7)
Truth: Suffering isn’t always punishment—it can be a platform for God’s glory.
Takeaway: God uses our pain as a stage for His purpose. The man’s blindness was not a result of sin, but a setup for a miracle.
Illustration: "Amy Carmichael, the quiet, but greatly used missionary to India, was impelled into service by a disturbing dream. In the dream she saw hundreds of unreached people plunging over a cliff to their deaths, while Christians sat and made daisy chains!" -Mark Johnston, p. 133
2. Opposition from the Religious (John 9:8–34)
Truth: Religious people often resist what they can’t control or explain.
Takeaway: True sight threatens false religion. The Pharisees were more concerned with rules than rejoicing in restoration.
3. Revelation and Response (John 9:35–41)
Truth: Spiritual sight begins with recognizing Jesus and responding in faith.
Takeaway: The once-blind man worships Jesus; meanwhile, the seeing remain blind. Belief opens our eyes, but pride keeps us in the dark.
✅ Primary Applications (Direct, Universal, and Central to the Text)
` purpose in your suffering.
Application: Don’t assume hardship means punishment. Sometimes suffering is a stage for God’s glory (v. 3).
Let Jesus heal your deepest need—even if it’s uncomfortable or unconventional.
Application: Respond in obedience even when the method (mud and spit!) doesn’t make sense (v. 6–7).
Bear witness to what Jesus has done, even when you’re pressured to back down.
Application: Like the healed man, speak simply and boldly: “I was blind, but now I see” (v. 25).
Reject fear of people and stand firm in your testimony.
Application: The man’s parents feared the Pharisees, but he did not (v. 18–23 vs. v. 24–34). Be like the son, not the parents.
Move from physical sight to spiritual sight—through belief in Jesus.
Application: Jesus invites personal faith (v. 35–38). Salvation is not just about healing but about believing and worshiping.
Recognize that spiritual pride leads to blindness.
Application: The Pharisees’ refusal to admit their need kept them blind (v. 39–41). Humility opens the eyes of the heart.
🔁 Secondary Applications (Contextual, Indirect, and Supportive)
Be cautious of religious systems that prioritize rules over restoration.
Application: Systems that suppress God’s work in people often mask spiritual blindness (v. 16, 28–29).
Don’t expect everyone to celebrate your healing or growth.
Application: Spiritual transformation invites both opposition and misunderstanding (v. 8–12, 26).
God works in people before they can fully articulate faith.
Application: The blind man obeyed before he knew who Jesus really was (v. 11, 35–38). Obedience can precede understanding.
Your personal story is powerful. Use it.
Application: You may not have theological credentials, but your testimony is undeniable (v. 25).
Faith grows as we respond to increasing light.
Application: The man moved from calling Jesus “the man” → “a prophet” → “from God” → “Lord” and worshiped (v. 11, 17, 33, 38).
Isolation for Jesus’ sake is a refining fire.
Application: When he was cast out (v. 34), Jesus found him again (v. 35). Rejection for Christ often leads to deeper revelation.
CONCLUSION
Illustration:
“For a moment, imagine your inner life as having a window.
Windows accomplish two things.
First, a window allows light from the outside to enter a room. This would have been especially important in the ancient world before the age of electricity. Without any windows, a person would live in relative darkness.
But secondly, a window also allows someone in the room to look through it to see outside of the house.
Thus, a window allows us to see both inside and outside.
But if the window is never cleaned, and grime is allowed to accumulate to the point that it eventually becomes caked over with filth, it will no longer serve any useful function. One will live in darkness and will be unable to see through to the outside. What we learn from Jesus' interaction with these religious experts is that the grime that accumulates on the window of the soul is not just any particular sin. It is the joint sins of hypocrisy, judgmentalism, and religious pride that keep us in spiritual blindness.
One of these confrontations occurs after an amazing miracle of Jesus healing a man who was blind from birth.
In that culture, it was commonly assumed that one who is blind must be bearing God's judgment for some grievous sin. When some of the Pharisees learn of this man's healing, they attempt to discredit Jesus and even call him as a sinner. In response, Jesus declares, "I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind."
This entire incident illustrates Jesus' point. The man who was born blind now has new sight, both physically and spiritually.
Yet, the Pharisees who claim to have pristine spiritual perception, cannot identify the very Son of God who stands right in front of them.
Once the virus of religious hypocrisy takes root in one's heart, it has the potential to thoroughly destroy that person's ability to perceive and cooperate with the work of God on earth. What makes this virus particularly insidious is that as it grows within one's inner life, everything may look exactly right on the outside. Yet all along, the incongruence between the interior and exterior life only continues to worsen.”
Jesus People, pp. 149-151
🎯 Bottom line: True sight doesn’t come from your eyes—it comes from humbling yourself & believing that Jesus is who he says he is and that he's doing all he promised to do.`
INVITATION
What about you?
Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:
““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” Acts 2:36-39 NIV
How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:
Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.
[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.
Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)
Pray
NOTES
I saw a tweet last week that showed me both sides of this pride/humility dynamic.
The first picture is of a line of 900 people hiking along a ridge to summit Mt. Everest. Most paying $50k to have a Sherpa (a Himalayan with exceptional mountaineering expertise and skill often hired to help others summit Mt Everest) personally help them succeed. Many doing this for personal glory (competition/pride). The comment by the tweeter was that the huge numbers put more people at risk to death than ever before.
The second picture is of Gelje Sherpa leading his client towards the top when he comes across someone laying on the ground dying. He’s only 500 yards from the summit. This Sherpa, on a job helping his client survive the same climb, runs over, wraps the man in a sleeping mattress, gives him oxygen (of which his client might need), put him on his back, and then hiked him down the mountain, a trip that took 6 hours.
The first picture is one of pride. The second, one of humility. We don’t know how many people walked past the guy on the ground. And I’m guessing few of those people could have carried anyone down with the incredible challenge that it is just to summit and descend Mt Everest without dying yourself. But to add the weight of a full grown man to your load…
I think of the parable of the Good Samaritan. Who didn’t walk past the dying man on the road but instead, at great personal cost and risk of life, helped this man recover. He saw this man and humbly saw his neighbor in need and helped him.
OUTLINE
See above
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg
The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce
John, RC Sproul
John, Köstenberger
The Gospel According to John, DA Carson
Let's Study John, Mark Johnston
The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)
The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com
Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion
ChatGPT AI
Grok AI
Perplexity AI
Google Gemini AI
The 4th Man Always Finds His People | Daniel 3:1-30
The 4th Man Always Finds His People - Daniel 3:1-30
Babylonian records indicate there was a revolt against the king at his 10-year mark of rule, so it is possible Ch 3 may have been a loyalty test.
Gold Statue (image) 90 feet tall, 9 feet wide. Could have been of false gods Marduk or Nabu or maybe even the king himself.
Officials summoned to the plain of Dura, ordered by rank.
Commanded to worship at the sound of the music.
Music to persuade, furnace to enforce compliance.
Possible jealous rivals, accused the Jews of not bowing in worship to the image.
Following God will not always be popular. Decide ahead of time who we will follow.
The question, "Who is the god who will save you from my power?"
God will answer him by miraculously saving the three, who were not willing to break the 1st Commandment and worship the image.
King was alarmed by the 4th man in the furnace. Angel or pre-incarnate Jesus? Don't know for certain but I believe it was Jesus.
God rewards faith.
The 4th Man Always Finds His People - Daniel 3:1-30
Babylonian records indicate there was a revolt against the king at his 10-year mark of rule, so it is possible Ch 3 may have been a loyalty test.
Gold Statue (image) 90 feet tall, 9 feet wide. Could have been of false gods Marduk or Nabu or maybe even the king himself.
Officials summoned to the plain of Dura, ordered by rank.
Commanded to worship at the sound of the music.
Music to persuade, furnace to enforce compliance.
Possible jealous rivals, accused the Jews of not bowing in worship to the image.
Following God will not always be popular. Decide ahead of time who we will follow.
The question, "Who is the god who will save you from my power?"
God will answer him by miraculously saving the three, who were not willing to break the 1st Commandment and worship the image.
King was alarmed by the 4th man in the furnace. Angel or pre-incarnate Jesus? Don't know for certain but I believe it was Jesus.
God rewards faith.
Is the Glory of God Revealed in Today's World? | John 1:14-18 | Ken Dorrity
Is the Glory of God Revealed Today John 1:14-18
The Fantastic 4 - Genesis 1:1, John 1:1, John 1:14, John 3:16
The Ministry of the Pre-incarnate King (1:1-18)
The Ministry of the Incarnate King (1:19-19:42)
The Ministry of the Risen King (20:1-21:25)
“Became flesh” – incarnation - God entered into human history through Jesus Christ, 100% God and 100% man.
Matthew, Mark, and Luke started with the humanity of Jesus.
John started with the divinity of Jesus.
“Dwelt” this word translated “pitched His tent” or “tabernacled” or “tented."
If Jesus remained God and did not become a man:
then he could not be tempted.
then he could not be an example.
then he could not die.
Is the Glory of God Revealed Today John 1:14-18
The Fantastic 4 - Genesis 1:1, John 1:1, John 1:14, John 3:16
The Ministry of the Pre-incarnate King (1:1-18)
The Ministry of the Incarnate King (1:19-19:42)
The Ministry of the Risen King (20:1-21:25)
“Became flesh” – incarnation - God entered into human history through Jesus Christ, 100% God and 100% man.
Matthew, Mark, and Luke started with the humanity of Jesus.
John started with the divinity of Jesus.
“Dwelt” this word translated “pitched His tent” or “tabernacled” or “tented."
If Jesus remained God and did not become a man:
then he could not be tempted.
then he could not be an example.
then he could not die.
How to Live Faithfully in These Last Days | 2 Timothy 3:1-9
Series: Guard the Treasure
Title: “How to live faithfully in these last days”
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-9 NIV (Read from 3 different translations)
Acts 20:28-31, Rev 2:2-5; Exodus 7:10-12; Acts 2:36-39 (Invitation)
All these are NIV
Bottom line: We love in the last days by humbling ourselves, living generously and with integrity from the inside out because we trust who first loved us.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
INTRODUCTION
We used to play a game with our youth group to see how long they could go through the next hour without saying “I,” “me,” or “my”. They were dropping like flies within 60 seconds. We are consumed with ourselves. Few are consumed with the Lord.
If you’ve been following the SBC convention news you are likely to conclude that they spend a lot of time arguing. Now I know that they do a lot of good things. They support thousands of missionaries around the world who are sharing the gospel message faithfully because these churches cooperate financially and otherwise. But they argue a lot.
It’s worse online. People are just more comfortable speaking their mind (to a fault) than in person. People will say things to someone online they’d never say to that person face to face. Sometimes that’s because they are not godly people. They are not true Christians.
Kent Hughes tells the story of how a group of people decided to start a new church. “It started when several members of a church sensed a need for increased Bible knowledge and began attending a community Bible study, where they learned that their pastor’s denials of Christ’s virgin birth and resurrection were at variance with what the Bible actually taught. They came to see that, though their church weekly said the Apostles’ Creed, their pastors had personally redefined the terms so they could repeat the words without actually believing them. Their leaders viewed the incarnation and resurrection of Christ as metaphors for God’s presence and a life-giving source, not actual historical events. When parishioners protested, they were told they were bringing dishonor to the Body of Christ by their divisiveness. The intimidation worked, and they quieted down. After all, they were only laypeople.
But the situation reheated when one of the pastors was discovered to be an active pedophile, and it was further learned that the local church authorities knew it and had been covering it up! This time their parishioners would not be put off. They demanded changes.
Again the response was that they were dividing Christ’s Body and must no longer meet for Bible study or else. So it was that Bible-believing, creed-confession, Biblically-orthodox Christians (whose great offenses were believing in the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ and in his ethical teachings) were kicked out of their church. Unbelievable! Sadly, ‘having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power; (v. 5) is nothing new.” -Hughes, p. 241
CONTEXT
In light of the continuous onslaught of false teaching throughout the church of Ephesus, Paul helps Timothy identify them and encourages him
Acts 20:28-31 written c. AD 57
2 Timothy written c. AD 67 (10 later)
Revelation 2 written c. AD 97 (30 years after that)
SERMON
Q. What do I want them to know?
A. How to live faithfully in these “last days”
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A. Because we will be bombarded by false messages in these last days
Let’s look at 2 Tim 3:1-9 together…
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A. 1. Mark this: last times = terrible days
Avoid this = ungodly people in the church
Rest in this = their folly will become clear to everyone
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A. Because this is how you stay faithful in terrible times
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A. Answer some questions:
Questions we should be asking according to Merida:
What kind of person are you, godless or godly? (Notice no inbetween)
What kind of person are you becoming?
Whom are you following?
Paul says to avoid following ungodly people and to follow godly examples.
Merida and several other young pastors had the chance to talk to Rick Warren once and he shared a strong warning about the temptations of Satan. “Pastor Rick said that pastors must prepare for three main temptations that plunge leaders into ruin: narcissism, hedonism, and materialism. He said the first temptation is the temptation “to be” (narcissism), the second is the temptation “to feel” (hedonism), and the third is the temptation “to have” (materialism). He said that every moral failure of pastors is due to one of these three traps. He added that virtually every television commercial is aimed at one of these three temptations. He said he used to ask his kids after each commercial, ‘Which of the three temptations was that commercial?’”
“Pastor Rick said that leaders must fight these three temptations by pursuing the opposite of each: humility (in contrast to narcissism), integrity (in contrast to hedonism), and generosity (in contrast to materialism). Indeed we are to be ‘lovers of God’ ultimately. Out of the overflow of love for God, we can live lives of humility, integrity, and generosity.” -Merida, p. 186
“These two groups of sins, misdirected loves and corrupt relationships, reveal that the underlying failure in fallen humanity is disobedience to the Great Commands (Matt 22:36-40): they love neither God nor people.” -Merida, pp. 186-187
“The Bible is full of examples of religious showmen, those who have an appearance of godliness but are actually ungodly. Through the prophet Isaiah, God gave a mighty rebuke to the people of Judah. He urged them to wash themselves, remove evil, and repent. Why? They had big religious feasts, prayers, and worship services but were not doing good, seeking justice, correcting oppression, defending the fatherless, or pleasing for the widow (Isaiah 1:14-17). At which point God says, ‘I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood’ (1:15). In contrast, James writes that ‘pure and undefined religion’ in God’s sight involves caring for those in need, like widows and orphans in their affliction (James 1:27).” -Merida, p,. 187
CONCLUSION
Matthew 22:36-40
1 John 4:7
Romans 5:8
Revelation 2:4-5
Bottom line: We love in the last days by humbling ourselves daily, living generously and with integrity from the inside out because we trust who first loved us.
““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” Acts 2:36-39 NIV
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Pray
NOTES
Merida says 3:1-9 is ungodly examples and 3:10-13 is godly example.
I. Avoid Ungodly Examples
A. Their lives are totally self-centered (3:2-4)
B. Their religion is a show (3:5)
C. Their proselytizing is evil (3:6-9)
Love of self = narcissism
Love of money = materialism
Love of pleasure = hedonism
This excessive and inverted love is not good and leads people to love what is not good. It’s idolatry and God hates idolatry. (No other gods before me)
that God’s love will carry them through to the other side of all of this.
The Great Commandment and Jesus’ warning to the church of Ephesus in Revelation remind us that God’s love is undefeated and will forever be so.
Paul encourages Timothy to be aware and avoid those who live ungodly lives and disciple ungodly disciples.
Merida summarizes: “Timothy and others were to
Avoid these men
And these practices
They must avoid
Self-centered lives
With misdirected loves
Corrupt relationships
Religious forms devoid of Christ’s power
The evil tactics of false teachers
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Questions we should be asking according to Merida:
What kind of person are you, godless or godly? (Notice no inbetween)
What kind of person are you becoming?
Whom are you following?
Paul says to avoid following ungodly people and to follow godly examples.
Other questions always worth considering:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Let’s ask some summary sermon questions:
Q. What do I want them to know?
A. How to live in the “last days”
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A. Because we will be bombarded by false messages
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A. 1. Mark this: last times = terrible days
Avoid this = ungodly people in the church
Rest in this = their folly will become clear to everyone
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A. Because this is how you stay faithful in terrible times
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A. Answer some questions:
Questions we should be asking according to Merida:
What kind of person are you, godless or godly? (Notice no inbetween)
What kind of person are you becoming?
Whom are you following?
Paul says to avoid following ungodly people and to follow godly examples.
OUTLINES
Hughes outline
I. The False Teachers—Their lives (1-5); Last days = from resurrection until Christ returns; couplets from here:
A. Their inverse love. (2-4) This is the main point—they lost their first love (Christ, who died for them so that they could live); love of God replaced by love of self
“Lovers of themselves, lovers of money” cf. Matthew 22:37-39 Great Commandment
“Boastful, proud”
“Abusive, disobedient to their parents”
“Ungrateful, unholy”
“Without love, unforgiving”
“Slanderous, without self-control”
“Brutal, not lovers of the good”
“Treacherous, rash” rash = traitor, like Judas Iscariot
“Conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God”
B. Their bogus godliness. (5)
Experts on externals
Masters of asceticism
No marriage
No to certain foods
Legalisms—Rules for everything
Myths and genealogies
II. The False Teachers—Their “Ministries” (6-9)
A. Their disciples. (6-7) Specifically, a group of weak “little women”
Gullible
Burdened with sin
Easily swayed
B. Their futility. (8)
Outline Bible (Willmington) SECTION OUTLINE THREE (2 TIMOTHY 3)
Paul warns of the coming great apostasy.
I. THE PERVERSIONS (3:1-9)
A. The evil (3:1-5)
1. People will love only themselves and their money (3:1-2a).
2. They will be proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and unholy (3:2b).
3. They will be without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, and brutal (3:3).
4. They will be treacherous and will be lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (3:4).
5. They will have a form of godliness but will deny its power (3:5).
B. The examples (3:6-8): Paul lists two types of people involved in apostasy.
1. Sexually weak-willed, sin-burdened women (3:6-7)
2. Depraved men who will oppose God as Jannes and Jambres once opposed Moses (3:8-9)
—
OUTLINES
Outline by Merida
I. A Gospel-Centered Letter
II. A Gospel-Centered Leader (1:1-7)
A. Paul: Called by the will of God (1:1)
The origin of Paul’s apostleship (1:1b)
The purpose of Paul’s apostleship (1:1c)
B. Timothy: Shaped by the grace of God (1:2-7)
A personal mentor (1:2-4)
A godly mother (1:5)
The Spirit and the gifts (1:6-7)
OUTLINE by WW
Key theme: Preparation for the ministry in the last days
Key verses: 2 Timothy 1:13–14
III. THE PROPHETIC APPEAL—chapter 3
A. Turn away from the false—3:1–9
B. Follow those who are true—3:10–12
C. Continue in God’s Word—3:13–17
IV. THE PERSONAL APPEAL—chapter 4
A. Preach the Word—4:1–4
OUTLINE by BKC
V. Predictions of Faithlessness (3:1–9)
VI. Challenge to Faithful Preaching (3:10–4:8)
A. Faithfulness in the face of opposition (3:10–13)
B. Faithfulness to God’s Word (3:14–4:5)
C. Faithfulness of Paul (4:6–8)
VII. Reminder of God’s Faithfulness in Paul’s Adversity (4:9–18)
A. Paul’s enemies and friends (4:9–16)
B. Paul’s deliverance by the Lord (4:17–18)
VIII. Final Greetings (4:19–22)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“1 - 2 Timothy,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
“1 & 2 Timothy” by John Stott
Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
“The Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn
Series: Guard the Treasure
Title: “How to live faithfully in these last days”
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-9 NIV (Read from 3 different translations)
Acts 20:28-31, Rev 2:2-5; Exodus 7:10-12; Acts 2:36-39 (Invitation)
All these are NIV
Bottom line: We love in the last days by humbling ourselves, living generously and with integrity from the inside out because we trust who first loved us.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
INTRODUCTION
We used to play a game with our youth group to see how long they could go through the next hour without saying “I,” “me,” or “my”. They were dropping like flies within 60 seconds. We are consumed with ourselves. Few are consumed with the Lord.
If you’ve been following the SBC convention news you are likely to conclude that they spend a lot of time arguing. Now I know that they do a lot of good things. They support thousands of missionaries around the world who are sharing the gospel message faithfully because these churches cooperate financially and otherwise. But they argue a lot.
It’s worse online. People are just more comfortable speaking their mind (to a fault) than in person. People will say things to someone online they’d never say to that person face to face. Sometimes that’s because they are not godly people. They are not true Christians.
Kent Hughes tells the story of how a group of people decided to start a new church. “It started when several members of a church sensed a need for increased Bible knowledge and began attending a community Bible study, where they learned that their pastor’s denials of Christ’s virgin birth and resurrection were at variance with what the Bible actually taught. They came to see that, though their church weekly said the Apostles’ Creed, their pastors had personally redefined the terms so they could repeat the words without actually believing them. Their leaders viewed the incarnation and resurrection of Christ as metaphors for God’s presence and a life-giving source, not actual historical events. When parishioners protested, they were told they were bringing dishonor to the Body of Christ by their divisiveness. The intimidation worked, and they quieted down. After all, they were only laypeople.
But the situation reheated when one of the pastors was discovered to be an active pedophile, and it was further learned that the local church authorities knew it and had been covering it up! This time their parishioners would not be put off. They demanded changes.
Again the response was that they were dividing Christ’s Body and must no longer meet for Bible study or else. So it was that Bible-believing, creed-confession, Biblically-orthodox Christians (whose great offenses were believing in the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ and in his ethical teachings) were kicked out of their church. Unbelievable! Sadly, ‘having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power; (v. 5) is nothing new.” -Hughes, p. 241
CONTEXT
In light of the continuous onslaught of false teaching throughout the church of Ephesus, Paul helps Timothy identify them and encourages him
Acts 20:28-31 written c. AD 57
2 Timothy written c. AD 67 (10 later)
Revelation 2 written c. AD 97 (30 years after that)
SERMON
Q. What do I want them to know?
A. How to live faithfully in these “last days”
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A. Because we will be bombarded by false messages in these last days
Let’s look at 2 Tim 3:1-9 together…
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A. 1. Mark this: last times = terrible days
Avoid this = ungodly people in the church
Rest in this = their folly will become clear to everyone
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A. Because this is how you stay faithful in terrible times
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A. Answer some questions:
Questions we should be asking according to Merida:
What kind of person are you, godless or godly? (Notice no inbetween)
What kind of person are you becoming?
Whom are you following?
Paul says to avoid following ungodly people and to follow godly examples.
Merida and several other young pastors had the chance to talk to Rick Warren once and he shared a strong warning about the temptations of Satan. “Pastor Rick said that pastors must prepare for three main temptations that plunge leaders into ruin: narcissism, hedonism, and materialism. He said the first temptation is the temptation “to be” (narcissism), the second is the temptation “to feel” (hedonism), and the third is the temptation “to have” (materialism). He said that every moral failure of pastors is due to one of these three traps. He added that virtually every television commercial is aimed at one of these three temptations. He said he used to ask his kids after each commercial, ‘Which of the three temptations was that commercial?’”
“Pastor Rick said that leaders must fight these three temptations by pursuing the opposite of each: humility (in contrast to narcissism), integrity (in contrast to hedonism), and generosity (in contrast to materialism). Indeed we are to be ‘lovers of God’ ultimately. Out of the overflow of love for God, we can live lives of humility, integrity, and generosity.” -Merida, p. 186
“These two groups of sins, misdirected loves and corrupt relationships, reveal that the underlying failure in fallen humanity is disobedience to the Great Commands (Matt 22:36-40): they love neither God nor people.” -Merida, pp. 186-187
“The Bible is full of examples of religious showmen, those who have an appearance of godliness but are actually ungodly. Through the prophet Isaiah, God gave a mighty rebuke to the people of Judah. He urged them to wash themselves, remove evil, and repent. Why? They had big religious feasts, prayers, and worship services but were not doing good, seeking justice, correcting oppression, defending the fatherless, or pleasing for the widow (Isaiah 1:14-17). At which point God says, ‘I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood’ (1:15). In contrast, James writes that ‘pure and undefined religion’ in God’s sight involves caring for those in need, like widows and orphans in their affliction (James 1:27).” -Merida, p,. 187
CONCLUSION
Matthew 22:36-40
1 John 4:7
Romans 5:8
Revelation 2:4-5
Bottom line: We love in the last days by humbling ourselves daily, living generously and with integrity from the inside out because we trust who first loved us.
““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” Acts 2:36-39 NIV
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Pray
NOTES
Merida says 3:1-9 is ungodly examples and 3:10-13 is godly example.
I. Avoid Ungodly Examples
A. Their lives are totally self-centered (3:2-4)
B. Their religion is a show (3:5)
C. Their proselytizing is evil (3:6-9)
Love of self = narcissism
Love of money = materialism
Love of pleasure = hedonism
This excessive and inverted love is not good and leads people to love what is not good. It’s idolatry and God hates idolatry. (No other gods before me)
that God’s love will carry them through to the other side of all of this.
The Great Commandment and Jesus’ warning to the church of Ephesus in Revelation remind us that God’s love is undefeated and will forever be so.
Paul encourages Timothy to be aware and avoid those who live ungodly lives and disciple ungodly disciples.
Merida summarizes: “Timothy and others were to
Avoid these men
And these practices
They must avoid
Self-centered lives
With misdirected loves
Corrupt relationships
Religious forms devoid of Christ’s power
The evil tactics of false teachers
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Questions we should be asking according to Merida:
What kind of person are you, godless or godly? (Notice no inbetween)
What kind of person are you becoming?
Whom are you following?
Paul says to avoid following ungodly people and to follow godly examples.
Other questions always worth considering:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Let’s ask some summary sermon questions:
Q. What do I want them to know?
A. How to live in the “last days”
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A. Because we will be bombarded by false messages
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A. 1. Mark this: last times = terrible days
Avoid this = ungodly people in the church
Rest in this = their folly will become clear to everyone
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A. Because this is how you stay faithful in terrible times
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A. Answer some questions:
Questions we should be asking according to Merida:
What kind of person are you, godless or godly? (Notice no inbetween)
What kind of person are you becoming?
Whom are you following?
Paul says to avoid following ungodly people and to follow godly examples.
OUTLINES
Hughes outline
I. The False Teachers—Their lives (1-5); Last days = from resurrection until Christ returns; couplets from here:
A. Their inverse love. (2-4) This is the main point—they lost their first love (Christ, who died for them so that they could live); love of God replaced by love of self
“Lovers of themselves, lovers of money” cf. Matthew 22:37-39 Great Commandment
“Boastful, proud”
“Abusive, disobedient to their parents”
“Ungrateful, unholy”
“Without love, unforgiving”
“Slanderous, without self-control”
“Brutal, not lovers of the good”
“Treacherous, rash” rash = traitor, like Judas Iscariot
“Conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God”
B. Their bogus godliness. (5)
Experts on externals
Masters of asceticism
No marriage
No to certain foods
Legalisms—Rules for everything
Myths and genealogies
II. The False Teachers—Their “Ministries” (6-9)
A. Their disciples. (6-7) Specifically, a group of weak “little women”
Gullible
Burdened with sin
Easily swayed
B. Their futility. (8)
Outline Bible (Willmington) SECTION OUTLINE THREE (2 TIMOTHY 3)
Paul warns of the coming great apostasy.
I. THE PERVERSIONS (3:1-9)
A. The evil (3:1-5)
1. People will love only themselves and their money (3:1-2a).
2. They will be proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and unholy (3:2b).
3. They will be without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, and brutal (3:3).
4. They will be treacherous and will be lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (3:4).
5. They will have a form of godliness but will deny its power (3:5).
B. The examples (3:6-8): Paul lists two types of people involved in apostasy.
1. Sexually weak-willed, sin-burdened women (3:6-7)
2. Depraved men who will oppose God as Jannes and Jambres once opposed Moses (3:8-9)
—
OUTLINES
Outline by Merida
I. A Gospel-Centered Letter
II. A Gospel-Centered Leader (1:1-7)
A. Paul: Called by the will of God (1:1)
The origin of Paul’s apostleship (1:1b)
The purpose of Paul’s apostleship (1:1c)
B. Timothy: Shaped by the grace of God (1:2-7)
A personal mentor (1:2-4)
A godly mother (1:5)
The Spirit and the gifts (1:6-7)
OUTLINE by WW
Key theme: Preparation for the ministry in the last days
Key verses: 2 Timothy 1:13–14
III. THE PROPHETIC APPEAL—chapter 3
A. Turn away from the false—3:1–9
B. Follow those who are true—3:10–12
C. Continue in God’s Word—3:13–17
IV. THE PERSONAL APPEAL—chapter 4
A. Preach the Word—4:1–4
OUTLINE by BKC
V. Predictions of Faithlessness (3:1–9)
VI. Challenge to Faithful Preaching (3:10–4:8)
A. Faithfulness in the face of opposition (3:10–13)
B. Faithfulness to God’s Word (3:14–4:5)
C. Faithfulness of Paul (4:6–8)
VII. Reminder of God’s Faithfulness in Paul’s Adversity (4:9–18)
A. Paul’s enemies and friends (4:9–16)
B. Paul’s deliverance by the Lord (4:17–18)
VIII. Final Greetings (4:19–22)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“1 - 2 Timothy,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
“1 & 2 Timothy” by John Stott
Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
“The Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn
What Matters Most: Character or Competency? | 2 Timothy 2:20-26
Series: Guard the Treasure
Title: What matters most: character on competency?
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:20-26 NIV
Bottom line: Honorable vessels are used for honorable purposes. People with Christlike character will be used by God for kingdom purposes.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
INTRODUCTION
I remember in the early 90’s, in the wake of the Monica Lewinsky scandal, the argument about whether or not President Clinton’s character mattered regarding him being able to lead the country. One argument is that we’re not electing him to be our pastor or priest but our president.
This doesn’t have to be an either-or argument, first of all. Competency (skillfulness) matters, of course. But the case that Paul makes here is that in ministry, character is paramount. It’s essential. I’m making the case that it’s paramount in all leadership.
While I realize that there are some jobs that it matters less in, I think we still underestimate its importance.
Some would say do you want a surgeon with competency or character? Well, for starters, again, it’s not an either-or. I want both. But I think when dealing with life and death decisions in the moment I want someone with character that does the right thing every time. (At least strives for this) There are many ways that a doctor can be tempted to compromise on the operating table for their own benefit instead of for the person on the table.
And the President is certainly making moral and ethical judgments every day in that job.
Yes, character matters most. It’s not really close.
CONTEXT
Paul makes the point here with Timothy (regarding guarding the treasure) that character doesn’t just matter for those in ministry but it’s everything! (Hughes)
The making of his vessel/person requires a radical cleansing (purifying), so it can be used for honorable purposes.
The maintenance of his instrument involves intense flight and intense following—flight from youthful passions, impatience, quarreling, and harshness and the pursuit of profound virtues.
The ministry of his vessel must not be quarrelsome but pastoral—kind to all, teaching, enduring evil, gently correcting.
The hope of such a servant is the eternal blessing of his enemies. (Hughes)
Bottom line: Honorable vessels are used for honorable purposes. People with Christlike character will be used by God for kingdom purposes.
SERMON
Outline heavily influenced by Kent Hughes (see below)
I. The Making of a Noble Instrument (20-21) or How we get clean.
A. Honorable/noble/special articles/utensils/instruments—Believers in good standing with the Lord. When these cleanse themselves from the dishonorable, God
Honors them
Sets them apart (sanctifies)
Makes them useful
Prepares them (makes them ready for use)
B. Dishonorable/ignoble/common instruments—non-believers and false teachers within the church far from the Lord
II. The Maintaining of an Instrument for Noble Purposes (22) or How we stay clean.
Flee the evil desires of youth
Pursue
Righteousness
Faith
Love
Peace
Along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (therefore, remain at peace here too)
III. The Ministry of a Noble Instrument (23-26) or How we serve the Lord cleanly.
Don’t have stupid arguments, leads to fights
Lord’s Servant must
Not be quarrelsome
Be kind to everyone
Able to teach (rebuke, correct, train)
Able to be treated wickedly without resentment
Gently instruct/correct opponents with the goal
Repentance
Leading to knowledge of that truth
Why? So that they will
escape traps and
gladly submit to the Lord
CONCLUSION
Last week we talked about how to shepherd well. (2 Tim 2:14-19) This requires Christlike character, for sure.
“I watched the father who sat in front of us today (in church) manage his squirrelly kids by not reprimanding them, but rearranging the seating so he was sitting in the middle of them, and they all just leaned into him and relaxed, and there’s just a whole sermon there.” @GretchenRonnevik
It’s unlikely that these children would relax this way if this father didn’t have Christlike character. They felt safe with him. This is the fruit of Christlike character. It makes us better shepherds.
(I would add that sometimes 2 parents tackle this differently. The point is that the kids relaxed and submitted when they felt loved with boundaries.)
Bottom line:
Pastors, elders and deacon teams should take note here on how to lead the church in ministry.
Churches should pray for, care for, and provide for their leaders as they engage this essential work.
We should all seek to lead our spiritual household (oikos) well shepherding the flock under our care starting with ourselves and moving to the ends of the eart.
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.
[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Pray
NOTES
Gangrene
Okay, I'll try to explain gangrene in a way that's easy to understand for a middle school student.
Gangrene is a serious condition that can happen when part of your body doesn't get enough blood supply. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients that all parts of your body need to stay healthy and alive.
Imagine your body is like a house plant. If you don't water the plant, it will start to wilt and die. That's kind of what happens with gangrene. If an area of your body isn't getting enough blood flow, the cells in that area start to die off.
There are a few different reasons why blood flow might get blocked or reduced:
1) An injury that damages blood vessels and cuts off circulation.
2) Diabetes or other diseases that affect blood flow.
3) Severe infections that clog up blood vessels.
When cells start dying from lack of blood/oxygen, that area can turn black, green, or become smelly. It's your body's way of showing that part is dying.
If gangrene isn't treated quickly by doctors, it can spread to more areas of the body and become life-threatening. Treatments may involve giving antibiotics, surgically removing the dead tissue, or in severe cases, amputating the affected limb to stop it from spreading.
The best way to avoid gangrene is to take good care of any injuries, manage diseases like diabetes properly, and see a doctor right away if you notice any areas of discolored, smelly, or decaying skin or tissue.
Does this help explain what gangrene is in simpler terms? Let me know if you need any part clarified further.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Let’s ask some summary sermon questions:
Q. What do I want them to know?
A.
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A.
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A.
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A.
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A.
OUTLINES
Outline Bible (Willmington)
—
OUTLINE (by WW)
“The essentials for a successful ministry have not changed: courageous enthusiasm, shameless suffering, and spiritual loyalty.” -WW
THE PASTORAL APPEAL—chapter 1
A. Courageous enthusiasm—1:1–7 4 Encouragements:
Paul’s love. (1-2)
Paul’s prayers. (3-4)
Paul’s confidence in Timothy. (5)
God’s gift to Timothy. (6-7)
B. Shameless suffering—1:8–12
Be not ashamed of the Lord’s testimony. (8-10)
God gives us power. (8)
2 Timothy 1:8 (The Bible Exposition Commentary): “Years ago, I read about a Christian who was in prison because of his faith. He was to be burned at the stake, and he was certain he would never be able to endure the suffering. One night, he experimented with pain by putting his little finger into the candle flame. It hurt, and he immediately withdrew it. “I will disgrace my Lord,” he said to himself. “I cannot bear the pain.” But when the hour came for him to die, he praised God and gave a noble witness for Jesus Christ. God gave him the power when he needed it, and not before.” (WW)
God has called us by his grace. (9)
Christ has defeated death. (10)
Four reasons not to be ashamed of his association with Paul, the prisoner:
Paul was called by God. (11)
A herald—official messenger of the king
An apostle—one sent with a commission
A teacher—shepherd to the local church
Paul was confident in Christ. (12)
C. Spiritual loyalty—1:13–18
Be loyal to God’s word. (13-14)
Be loyal to God’s servant. (15-18)
Outline by Merida
I. A Gospel-Centered Letter
II. A Gospel-Centered Leader (1:1-7)
A. Paul: Called by the will of God (1:1)
The origin of Paul’s apostleship (1:1b)
The purpose of Paul’s apostleship (1:1c)
B. Timothy: Shaped by the grace of God (1:2-7)
A personal mentor (1:2-4)
A godly mother (1:5)
The Spirit and the gifts (1:6-7)
OUTLINE by WW
Key theme: Preparation for the ministry in the last days
Key verses: 2 Timothy 1:13–14
I. THE PASTORAL APPEAL—chapter 1
A. Courageous enthusiasm—1:1–7
B. Shameless suffering—1:8–12
C. Spiritual loyalty—1:13–18
II. THE PRACTICAL APPEAL—chapter 2
A. The steward—2:1–2
B. The soldier—2:3–4, 8–13
C. The athlete—2:5
D. The farmer—2:6–7
E. The workman—2:14–18
F. The vessel—2:19–22
G. The servant—2:23–26
III. THE PROPHETIC APPEAL—chapter 3
A. Turn away from the false—3:1–9
B. Follow those who are true—3:10–12
C. Continue in God’s Word—3:13–17
IV. THE PERSONAL APPEAL—chapter 4
A. Preach the Word—4:1–4
OUTLINE by BKC
I. Salutation (1:1–2)
II. Call to Faithfulness (1:3–18)
A. Thanksgiving for Timothy (1:3–7)
B. Call to courage (1:8–12)
C. Call to guard the truth (1:13–14)
D. Examples of unfaithfulness and faithfulness (1:15–18)
III. Challenge to Endurance (2:1–13)
A. Enduring hardship for Christ (2:1–7)
B. Christ’s example of endurance (2:8–10)
C. A faithful saying (2:11–13)
IV. Marks of a Good Workman (2:14–26)
A. Faithfulness in ministry (2:14–19)
B. A clean instrument (2:20–21)
C. Faithfulness in conduct (2:22–26)
V. Predictions of Faithlessness (3:1–9)
VI. Challenge to Faithful Preaching (3:10–4:8)
A. Faithfulness in the face of opposition (3:10–13)
B. Faithfulness to God’s Word (3:14–4:5)
C. Faithfulness of Paul (4:6–8)
VII. Reminder of God’s Faithfulness in Paul’s Adversity (4:9–18)
A. Paul’s enemies and friends (4:9–16)
B. Paul’s deliverance by the Lord (4:17–18)
VIII. Final Greetings (4:19–22)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“1 - 2 Timothy,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
“1 & 2 Timothy” by John Stott
Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
“The Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn
Series: Guard the Treasure
Title: What matters most: character on competency?
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:20-26 NIV
Bottom line: Honorable vessels are used for honorable purposes. People with Christlike character will be used by God for kingdom purposes.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
INTRODUCTION
I remember in the early 90’s, in the wake of the Monica Lewinsky scandal, the argument about whether or not President Clinton’s character mattered regarding him being able to lead the country. One argument is that we’re not electing him to be our pastor or priest but our president.
This doesn’t have to be an either-or argument, first of all. Competency (skillfulness) matters, of course. But the case that Paul makes here is that in ministry, character is paramount. It’s essential. I’m making the case that it’s paramount in all leadership.
While I realize that there are some jobs that it matters less in, I think we still underestimate its importance.
Some would say do you want a surgeon with competency or character? Well, for starters, again, it’s not an either-or. I want both. But I think when dealing with life and death decisions in the moment I want someone with character that does the right thing every time. (At least strives for this) There are many ways that a doctor can be tempted to compromise on the operating table for their own benefit instead of for the person on the table.
And the President is certainly making moral and ethical judgments every day in that job.
Yes, character matters most. It’s not really close.
CONTEXT
Paul makes the point here with Timothy (regarding guarding the treasure) that character doesn’t just matter for those in ministry but it’s everything! (Hughes)
The making of his vessel/person requires a radical cleansing (purifying), so it can be used for honorable purposes.
The maintenance of his instrument involves intense flight and intense following—flight from youthful passions, impatience, quarreling, and harshness and the pursuit of profound virtues.
The ministry of his vessel must not be quarrelsome but pastoral—kind to all, teaching, enduring evil, gently correcting.
The hope of such a servant is the eternal blessing of his enemies. (Hughes)
Bottom line: Honorable vessels are used for honorable purposes. People with Christlike character will be used by God for kingdom purposes.
SERMON
Outline heavily influenced by Kent Hughes (see below)
I. The Making of a Noble Instrument (20-21) or How we get clean.
A. Honorable/noble/special articles/utensils/instruments—Believers in good standing with the Lord. When these cleanse themselves from the dishonorable, God
Honors them
Sets them apart (sanctifies)
Makes them useful
Prepares them (makes them ready for use)
B. Dishonorable/ignoble/common instruments—non-believers and false teachers within the church far from the Lord
II. The Maintaining of an Instrument for Noble Purposes (22) or How we stay clean.
Flee the evil desires of youth
Pursue
Righteousness
Faith
Love
Peace
Along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (therefore, remain at peace here too)
III. The Ministry of a Noble Instrument (23-26) or How we serve the Lord cleanly.
Don’t have stupid arguments, leads to fights
Lord’s Servant must
Not be quarrelsome
Be kind to everyone
Able to teach (rebuke, correct, train)
Able to be treated wickedly without resentment
Gently instruct/correct opponents with the goal
Repentance
Leading to knowledge of that truth
Why? So that they will
escape traps and
gladly submit to the Lord
CONCLUSION
Last week we talked about how to shepherd well. (2 Tim 2:14-19) This requires Christlike character, for sure.
“I watched the father who sat in front of us today (in church) manage his squirrelly kids by not reprimanding them, but rearranging the seating so he was sitting in the middle of them, and they all just leaned into him and relaxed, and there’s just a whole sermon there.” @GretchenRonnevik
It’s unlikely that these children would relax this way if this father didn’t have Christlike character. They felt safe with him. This is the fruit of Christlike character. It makes us better shepherds.
(I would add that sometimes 2 parents tackle this differently. The point is that the kids relaxed and submitted when they felt loved with boundaries.)
Bottom line:
Pastors, elders and deacon teams should take note here on how to lead the church in ministry.
Churches should pray for, care for, and provide for their leaders as they engage this essential work.
We should all seek to lead our spiritual household (oikos) well shepherding the flock under our care starting with ourselves and moving to the ends of the eart.
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.
[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Pray
NOTES
Gangrene
Okay, I'll try to explain gangrene in a way that's easy to understand for a middle school student.
Gangrene is a serious condition that can happen when part of your body doesn't get enough blood supply. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients that all parts of your body need to stay healthy and alive.
Imagine your body is like a house plant. If you don't water the plant, it will start to wilt and die. That's kind of what happens with gangrene. If an area of your body isn't getting enough blood flow, the cells in that area start to die off.
There are a few different reasons why blood flow might get blocked or reduced:
1) An injury that damages blood vessels and cuts off circulation.
2) Diabetes or other diseases that affect blood flow.
3) Severe infections that clog up blood vessels.
When cells start dying from lack of blood/oxygen, that area can turn black, green, or become smelly. It's your body's way of showing that part is dying.
If gangrene isn't treated quickly by doctors, it can spread to more areas of the body and become life-threatening. Treatments may involve giving antibiotics, surgically removing the dead tissue, or in severe cases, amputating the affected limb to stop it from spreading.
The best way to avoid gangrene is to take good care of any injuries, manage diseases like diabetes properly, and see a doctor right away if you notice any areas of discolored, smelly, or decaying skin or tissue.
Does this help explain what gangrene is in simpler terms? Let me know if you need any part clarified further.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Let’s ask some summary sermon questions:
Q. What do I want them to know?
A.
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A.
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A.
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A.
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A.
OUTLINES
Outline Bible (Willmington)
—
OUTLINE (by WW)
“The essentials for a successful ministry have not changed: courageous enthusiasm, shameless suffering, and spiritual loyalty.” -WW
THE PASTORAL APPEAL—chapter 1
A. Courageous enthusiasm—1:1–7 4 Encouragements:
Paul’s love. (1-2)
Paul’s prayers. (3-4)
Paul’s confidence in Timothy. (5)
God’s gift to Timothy. (6-7)
B. Shameless suffering—1:8–12
Be not ashamed of the Lord’s testimony. (8-10)
God gives us power. (8)
2 Timothy 1:8 (The Bible Exposition Commentary): “Years ago, I read about a Christian who was in prison because of his faith. He was to be burned at the stake, and he was certain he would never be able to endure the suffering. One night, he experimented with pain by putting his little finger into the candle flame. It hurt, and he immediately withdrew it. “I will disgrace my Lord,” he said to himself. “I cannot bear the pain.” But when the hour came for him to die, he praised God and gave a noble witness for Jesus Christ. God gave him the power when he needed it, and not before.” (WW)
God has called us by his grace. (9)
Christ has defeated death. (10)
Four reasons not to be ashamed of his association with Paul, the prisoner:
Paul was called by God. (11)
A herald—official messenger of the king
An apostle—one sent with a commission
A teacher—shepherd to the local church
Paul was confident in Christ. (12)
C. Spiritual loyalty—1:13–18
Be loyal to God’s word. (13-14)
Be loyal to God’s servant. (15-18)
Outline by Merida
I. A Gospel-Centered Letter
II. A Gospel-Centered Leader (1:1-7)
A. Paul: Called by the will of God (1:1)
The origin of Paul’s apostleship (1:1b)
The purpose of Paul’s apostleship (1:1c)
B. Timothy: Shaped by the grace of God (1:2-7)
A personal mentor (1:2-4)
A godly mother (1:5)
The Spirit and the gifts (1:6-7)
OUTLINE by WW
Key theme: Preparation for the ministry in the last days
Key verses: 2 Timothy 1:13–14
I. THE PASTORAL APPEAL—chapter 1
A. Courageous enthusiasm—1:1–7
B. Shameless suffering—1:8–12
C. Spiritual loyalty—1:13–18
II. THE PRACTICAL APPEAL—chapter 2
A. The steward—2:1–2
B. The soldier—2:3–4, 8–13
C. The athlete—2:5
D. The farmer—2:6–7
E. The workman—2:14–18
F. The vessel—2:19–22
G. The servant—2:23–26
III. THE PROPHETIC APPEAL—chapter 3
A. Turn away from the false—3:1–9
B. Follow those who are true—3:10–12
C. Continue in God’s Word—3:13–17
IV. THE PERSONAL APPEAL—chapter 4
A. Preach the Word—4:1–4
OUTLINE by BKC
I. Salutation (1:1–2)
II. Call to Faithfulness (1:3–18)
A. Thanksgiving for Timothy (1:3–7)
B. Call to courage (1:8–12)
C. Call to guard the truth (1:13–14)
D. Examples of unfaithfulness and faithfulness (1:15–18)
III. Challenge to Endurance (2:1–13)
A. Enduring hardship for Christ (2:1–7)
B. Christ’s example of endurance (2:8–10)
C. A faithful saying (2:11–13)
IV. Marks of a Good Workman (2:14–26)
A. Faithfulness in ministry (2:14–19)
B. A clean instrument (2:20–21)
C. Faithfulness in conduct (2:22–26)
V. Predictions of Faithlessness (3:1–9)
VI. Challenge to Faithful Preaching (3:10–4:8)
A. Faithfulness in the face of opposition (3:10–13)
B. Faithfulness to God’s Word (3:14–4:5)
C. Faithfulness of Paul (4:6–8)
VII. Reminder of God’s Faithfulness in Paul’s Adversity (4:9–18)
A. Paul’s enemies and friends (4:9–16)
B. Paul’s deliverance by the Lord (4:17–18)
VIII. Final Greetings (4:19–22)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“1 - 2 Timothy,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
“1 & 2 Timothy” by John Stott
Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
“The Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn
What Are You Pursuing Most? | 1 Timothy 6:3-10
Series: Guard the Treasure
Title: What are you pursuing most?
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:3-10; Matthew 6:19-34 NIV
Bottom line: What we pursue most tells us what we really treasure in life. But true contentment is only found in pursuing/treasuring Christ and his community on mission.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
INTRODUCTION
Treasure principle
Working for this life instead of the next
“When John D Rockefeller died, his aide was asked how much he left behind. The man wisely answered, ‘He left it all behind.’”
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE (influenced by Willmington)
PAUL'S WORDS TO THE PEOPLE (6:1-10): Paul addresses four types of individuals.
A. The workers (6:1-2): Paul urges Christian servants to render faithful service to their masters, lest the name of God be slandered.
B. The wicked (6:3-5)
1. They deny the faith (6:3-4a).
2. They are conceited and argumentative (6:4b).
3. They cause confusion, envy, and friction (6:4c).
4. They use spiritual things for financial gain (6:5).
C. The wise (6:6-8): They realize that godliness with contentment is great gain.
D. The wealthy (6:9-10)
1. The desire (6:10): "The love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil."
2. The destruction (6:9): This kind of greed, if unchecked, will result in ruin and destruction.
CONCLUSION
“…the story of a king who was suffering from a persistent malady and was advised by his wise men that he would be cured if the shirt of a contented man were brought for him to wear. The search began for a contented man, but none could be found. So emissaries were sent to the edge of the realm, and after a long search a man was found who was truly content. But he had no shirt!“ -Kent Hughes, pp. 157-8
“Contentment is a constant feast, He's richest who requires the least.“ -Barnes
The “treasure principal” says that you can’t take it with you but you can send it ahead. This is Randy Alcorn‘s take on Matthew six versus 19 through 24.
Bottom line: What we pursue most tells us what we really treasure in life. But true contentment is only found in pursuing/treasuring Christ and his community on mission.
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.
[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Pray
NOTES
Let’s ask some summary questions:
Q. What do I want them to know?
A.
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A.
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A.
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A.
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A.
OUTLINES
Outline Bible (Willmington)
SECTION OUTLINE SIX (1 TIMOTHY 6)
Paul addresses the workers, the wicked, the wise, and the wealthy.
He closes his letter with some final instructions for Timothy.
I. PAUL'S WORDS TO THE PEOPLE (6:1-10): Paul addresses four types of individuals.
A. The workers (6:1-2): Paul urges Christian servants to render faithful service to their masters, lest the name of God be slandered.
B. The wicked (6:3-5)
1. They deny the faith (6:3-4a).
2. They are conceited and argumentative (6:4b).
3. They cause confusion, envy, and friction (6:4c).
4. They use spiritual things for financial gain (6:5).
C. The wise (6:6-8): They realize that godliness with contentment is great gain.
D. The wealthy (6:9-10)
1. The desire (6:10): "The love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil."
2. The destruction (6:9): This kind of greed, if unchecked, will result in ruin and destruction.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process:
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions: Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“1 - 2 Timothy,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
“1 & 2 Timothy” by John Stott
Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
“The Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn
Series: Guard the Treasure
Title: What are you pursuing most?
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:3-10; Matthew 6:19-34 NIV
Bottom line: What we pursue most tells us what we really treasure in life. But true contentment is only found in pursuing/treasuring Christ and his community on mission.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
INTRODUCTION
Treasure principle
Working for this life instead of the next
“When John D Rockefeller died, his aide was asked how much he left behind. The man wisely answered, ‘He left it all behind.’”
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE (influenced by Willmington)
PAUL'S WORDS TO THE PEOPLE (6:1-10): Paul addresses four types of individuals.
A. The workers (6:1-2): Paul urges Christian servants to render faithful service to their masters, lest the name of God be slandered.
B. The wicked (6:3-5)
1. They deny the faith (6:3-4a).
2. They are conceited and argumentative (6:4b).
3. They cause confusion, envy, and friction (6:4c).
4. They use spiritual things for financial gain (6:5).
C. The wise (6:6-8): They realize that godliness with contentment is great gain.
D. The wealthy (6:9-10)
1. The desire (6:10): "The love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil."
2. The destruction (6:9): This kind of greed, if unchecked, will result in ruin and destruction.
CONCLUSION
“…the story of a king who was suffering from a persistent malady and was advised by his wise men that he would be cured if the shirt of a contented man were brought for him to wear. The search began for a contented man, but none could be found. So emissaries were sent to the edge of the realm, and after a long search a man was found who was truly content. But he had no shirt!“ -Kent Hughes, pp. 157-8
“Contentment is a constant feast, He's richest who requires the least.“ -Barnes
The “treasure principal” says that you can’t take it with you but you can send it ahead. This is Randy Alcorn‘s take on Matthew six versus 19 through 24.
Bottom line: What we pursue most tells us what we really treasure in life. But true contentment is only found in pursuing/treasuring Christ and his community on mission.
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.
[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Pray
NOTES
Let’s ask some summary questions:
Q. What do I want them to know?
A.
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A.
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A.
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A.
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A.
OUTLINES
Outline Bible (Willmington)
SECTION OUTLINE SIX (1 TIMOTHY 6)
Paul addresses the workers, the wicked, the wise, and the wealthy.
He closes his letter with some final instructions for Timothy.
I. PAUL'S WORDS TO THE PEOPLE (6:1-10): Paul addresses four types of individuals.
A. The workers (6:1-2): Paul urges Christian servants to render faithful service to their masters, lest the name of God be slandered.
B. The wicked (6:3-5)
1. They deny the faith (6:3-4a).
2. They are conceited and argumentative (6:4b).
3. They cause confusion, envy, and friction (6:4c).
4. They use spiritual things for financial gain (6:5).
C. The wise (6:6-8): They realize that godliness with contentment is great gain.
D. The wealthy (6:9-10)
1. The desire (6:10): "The love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil."
2. The destruction (6:9): This kind of greed, if unchecked, will result in ruin and destruction.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process:
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions: Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“1 - 2 Timothy,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
“1 & 2 Timothy” by John Stott
Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
“The Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn