The Armor of God and Our Daily Battles

Ephesians 6:10-24

Sermon Notes:

Ephesians 6:10-24 “The Armor of God and Our Daily Battles”

1. The Armor that God Supplies | 10-20

a. The enemy | 10-13

b. The armor | 13-17

c. The army | 17-20

2. The Daily Battles God’s People Face | 21-24

a. Itineraries and encouragement | 21-22

b. Incorruptible blessings | 23-24

Reflection questions:

1) Do you think verses 10-20 are meant to be an encouragement to the weak and struggling, or a warning to those who are self-confident and self-assured?

2) While Paul uses many metaphors in this passage, what types of activities (or spiritual disciplines) are clearly encouraged or commanded? In which areas are you most consistent? In which areas could you improve? What’s one step you could take to improve in one of those areas?

3) Paul uses the word “stand” several times in this passage. (See verses 11, 13, 14, as well as “withstand” in verse 13.) Based on how often he uses that word, do you think spiritual perfection or everyday faithfulness is what he expects?

Family Matters

Ephesians 6:1-9

Sermon Notes:

Four lessons about authority:

1) Children, obeying authority brings long life | 1-3

2) Fathers, teach your kids to fear God more than you | 4

3) Men under authority, God will repay your labor | 5-8 (cf Mt 8:9-11)

4) Masters, God will call you to account, too | 9

Reflection questions:

1. Children, when is the last time you disobeyed your parents? Does God’s promise to you (in 3) make the idea of obedience seem easier?

2. Parents, when is the last time you were harsh with one of your children? Did you apologize to them for your harshness? Do they know that God has expectations for both of you?

3. What are the various authorities in your life? Which ones are the hardest for you to obey?

4. What power and authority do you have in your life? Do you use it to threaten others, or do you use it in a way that honors your Master?

Imitators of God in Sacrificial Love

Ephesians 5:18-33

Sermon Notes:

1) The Universal Submission that Christ Requires | 18-21

2) The Unique Submission that Shows Respect | 22-24, 33

3) The Loving Sacrifice that Sanctifies Another | 25-30

4) The Great Mystery that Displays the Gospel | 31-33

Reflection questions:

1) If we as Christians are being filled with the Spirit, what type of behavior should we expect to see? VV. 18-21.

2) Why does Paul include the words, “as to the Lord,” in v.22? Consider this explanation from John Calvin: “Not that the authority is equal, but wives cannot obey Christ without yielding obedience to their husbands.”

3) How does Paul instruct husbands to love their wives? (Consider, from Calvin: “No man can love himself without loving his wife. Therefore, the man who does not love his wife is a monster.”)

4) How is marriage a picture of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? If you’re married, how you can love your spouse in a way that displays a picture of the love of Christ?

The DNA of God's Family

Colossians 3:12-4:6

Sermon Notes:

1. The Essence of God's Family

2. The Work of God's Family

3. The Purpose of God's Family

Reflection Questions:

1. Who we are in Jesus has changed us to our core. Our nature is fundamentally different than what it used to be, and different from those around us in the secular world. Why do we need to hold on to that identity and live out of that identity? What should our new identity change in the practice of how we live?

2. There are many things Paul could have said to the various family (and secular) rolls to exhort them in godliness. Why do you think that Paul summarized the calling of these rolls in the ways that he did? In your own roles in God's family, how does your new identity in Christ empower your calling?

3. Why do you think Paul concludes his exhortation to the family of God by urging them to be continually in prayer, and always exercising wisdom? How does the ongoing brokenness in our relationships necessitate our need for prayer and wisdom?

Be imitators of God in love, in light, in wisdom, and in thanksgiving

Ephesians 5:1-22

Sermon Notes:

We’re called to imitate God in the world because…

1) God’s people are children of love, not lust | 1-4

2) Unholy people will not enter His Kingdom | 5-7

3) God’s people are children of light, not shameful secrets | 8-14

4) God’s people live in evil days | 15-17

5) God’s people exude godliness when they’re filled with the Spirit | 18-22

Reflection questions:

1. Read vv. 3-7, is your speech “fitting” for a Christian? Are there any types of jokes that you need to eliminate from your vocabulary?

2. Read vv. 7-14 – Are there ways that you need to discern what is pleasing to the Lord in your life? Are there patterns of living that conform too closely to the world around you and do not exhibit a clear expression of goodness, righteousness, and truth?

3. Are you consciously trying to make the best use of your time, v16, in all areas of life? What’s one way you can better “redeem” the time? 4. What is the ultimate reason to walk in love? The ultimate reason to forgive others? See Eph 4:32-5:1.

Basic Criteria for Biblical Community

Ephesians 4:29-32

Sermon Notes:

How can you build better unity in your Biblical Community?

1) Speak to build up, not tear down | 29

2) Eagerly maintain unity of Spirit; don’t grieve the Spirit | 30 (cf 4:3)

3) Get rid of malice and its friends | 31

4) Freely give the grace of forgiveness | 32a

5) Remember who forgave you | 32b

Reflection questions:

1) How often do you un-ironically, un-sarcastically compliment someone? How often do you ask what word might best fit the occasion and give to your hearer(s)? Who is someone to whom you can speak grace (and make grace come alive) today?

2) Is malice (and her evil friends, v.31) something that grieves (v30) the Holy Spirit? Read v.30-31; which one of these evil friends do you need to put away today?

3) Is God asking us to do the impossible in Ephesians 4:29-32? Is God asking us to do anything more than He has already done for us?

Giant Serpents and Conquering Kings

1 Samuel 17

Sermon Notes:

Finding Our Place in The Story of Redemption

1. The Raging Giant | 1 Sam. 17:1-11

2. The True King | 1 Sam. 17:26, 32-37, 43-51

3. The Victorious Army | 1 Sam. 17:52-53

Reflection Questions:

1. What did you find helpful or surprising about this new look at a familiar passage?

2. Can you think of more ways that King David points to Jesus from this story?

3. In what areas of your life are you challenged by the call to boldly and joyfully follow Christ?

4. How might the fact of your salvation in Christ embolden you in areas of life beyond your faith?

Worthy

Revelation 5

Sermon Notes:

1. Who is Worthy?

2. The Worthy Gives Worth

3. The Work Proceeding from Hope

Reflection Questions:

1. Why did Jesus give John a vision instead of just telling him what was to come? What does this narrative in Revelation 5 convey about God's glory and power, and how might that be an encouragement to God's people who are waiting for Jesus' return?

2. John was overwhelmed with grief when there was no one who was worthy to open the scroll, but hope is found in the Lion who is the Lamb of God. It can be hard for us to see our dependance on Christ so clearly, like John is able to here. What ideas distort our perspective so that we do not see our dependance? How might you practice patient reliance on Jesus more in your everyday life?

3. Out of the three main activities that the Elders display here in Revelation 5 (Speaking Comforting Truth, Offering Prayer, and Worship), which one do you struggle with most? What is a practical way you can exercise that weakness? Who will keep you accountable to growing in that way?

Who is Jesus? The King of Kings

Matthew 2:1-12

Sermon Notes:

Main Point: Jesus, alone, is the King of kings.

1. The Jewish Heart was not Ready (vv.1-3)

2. Forsaking Plausible Deniability (vv. 3-8)

3. How the Magi were Right (vv. 9-11)

4. How Herod was Right (v.12)

Reflection Questions:

1. What does Herod's antagonism against the messiah teach us about mankind? Sin?

2. What do you make of the star phenomena in Matthew 2? What conceptions are challenged by this miracle?

3. How might we benefit from more precisely meditating on Christ's reign as the King of kings this Christmas?

4. What application to our lives today can be made from the reminder that rulers who rage against Christ, like Herod, will be subjected to the King of kings?

Who is Jesus? The Savior of Sinners

Matthew 1:18-25

Sermon Notes:

1) No good deed unpunished | 18-19

2) No good thing withheld | 20-23 (Ps 84:11)

3) No temptation not common | 24-25 (1 Cor 10:13)

Reflection questions:

1) “Christians believe in the virgin birth of Jesus. Atheists believe in the virgin birth of the universe.” - Glen Scrivener. Which miracle has more evidence? What does the miraculous birth of Jesus tell you about God’s purpose in sending His Son to earth?

2) Matthew 1:21 says that Jesus “will save his people from their sins?” Does God promise to save us from our sins? Does God promise to save us from the sins of others on this side of heaven? Are we promised inner renewal, enabling us to be salt and light in a dark world? Or are we promised more than that until Jesus returns?

3) When difficulties happen to you, are you quick to accuse God of “withholding” His goodness? Read the following passages (Ps 84:11; Phil 4:19; 1 Cor 10:13; 2 Peter 1:3; Ps 73) and ask how we should view of God’s provision to us?