Posts tagged bible-believing church

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
1. What does this story tell me about God?
2. What does this story tell me about people?
3. 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

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Darien GabrielJune 29, 2025Grace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, bible-believing church, Grace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, non denominational church, John 10, Signs & Glory, trust

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:

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
1. What does this story tell me about God?
2. What does this story tell me about people?
3. 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

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity AI

Google Gemini AI

Darien GabrielJune 22, 2025Grace Christian FellowshipGrace Christian Fellowship, ladson, SC, John 9, Signs & Glory, non denominational church, bible-believing church

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.

Ken DorrityMay 18, 2025Grace Christian FellowshipKen Dorrity, Daniel, bible-believing church, Ladson, Grace Christian Fellowship, non denominational church

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.

Ken DorrityDecember 22, 2024Grace Christian FellowshipJohn 1, Signs and Glory, non denominational church, bible-believing church, Ladson, SC, Ken Dorrity

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.

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

AnswerThePublic.com

Wikipedia.com

“The Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn

Darien GabrielJune 16, 2024Grace Christian Fellowshipnon denominational church, bible-believing church, Darien Gabriel, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, guard the treasure

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.

-Claude.ai

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?

Q. Why do I want them to know it?

Q. What do I want them to do about it?

Q. Why do I want them to do it?

Q. How can they begin to do this?

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

AnswerThePublic.com

Wikipedia.com

“The Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn

Darien GabrielJune 9, 2024Grace Christian Fellowshipnon denominational church, bible-believing church, Ladson, Grace Christian Fellowship, Darien Gabriel, 2 Timothy, Guard this treasure

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?

Q. Why do I want them to know it?

Q. What do I want them to do about it?

Q. Why do I want them to do it?

Q. How can they begin to do this?

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

AnswerThePublic.com

Wikipedia.com

“The Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn

Darien GabrielApril 28, 2024Grace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, 1 Timothy 6, pursue, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, bible-believing church, non-denominational church, guard this treasure

Sermons