2018 September Sermons

• 09/02/18
• 09/09/18
• 09/16/18
• 09/23/18
• 09/30/18

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Pure
James 1:19-27

Discussion:

• V. 19 Who is James addressing in this passage?
• V. 20 Why can’t our anger produce righteousness?
• V. 21 What sort of salvation is James describing in this verse?
• Vv. 22-24 How are knowledge, identity and actions tied together?
• V. 25 What does it take to experience freedom and blessings?
• V. 26 Why does James mention the tongue as a means of measuring religion?
• V. 27 What happens if we don’t look after people in distress, or keep ourselves from being polluted by the word?
  

Application:

• What’s something you forget to do in response to hearing God’s Word?
• How has God spoken to you through this passage today?
• What changes in belief, attitude, or actions do you need to make (with the help of God and others) based on what we’ve found in this passage?
• Pray for an opportunity to share the truths of this passage with someone?

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Appointed

Romans 1:1-7

I. Intro
Big Idea: We can live for God’s glory together by experiencing His grace.

II. Called
A. Paul saw himself as a slave. Romans 1:1
B. Paul represented Christ’s interests, not his own. Romans 1:1

III. The Gospel
A. Jesus is the greatest King offering the greatest gift. Romans 1:2-3
B. The gospel is something God accomplished. Psalm 49:7-9; Romans 1:4

IV. Belong
A. Christianity is a way of life that’s all about death. Romans 1:5; 1 John 4:19
B. We’ve been called to belong. Romans 1:6

V. Holy People
A. Pray for the faith to make God’s glory the goal of your life. Romans 1:7
B. Our life of faith invites others to obedient trust in Christ. Romans 1:7

​The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• What’s one of the most memorable gifts you’ve ever received?
• What was something from Sunday’s message that was meaningful to you, or that you struggled with?
• Why is it hard for people to view themselves as slaves to Christ? Or to view Christ as Master?
• Many churches communicate that they’re “gospel-centered,” or “Christ-centered” (as we do at First Baptist Elma). What in the world does that even mean?
• Read Matthew 10:37-39. How can such teaching by Jesus be considered Good News?
• How can belonging to Christ, as members of a church, shape our lives?
• What’s a way you’d like to be more faithful in Christ?
• What’s something going on in your life that you’d like to see Christ glorified in? Pray for one another.

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Living 
Romans 1:8-17

I. Intro 
Big Idea: We can live unashamed lives.

II. At All Times 
A. We tend to compartmentalize. Romans 1:8
B. Paul knew God heard his prayers. Romans 1:9-10

III. Mutual Encouragement 
A. We never stop needing to trust. Romans 1:11-12
B. The gospel draws us out of isolation. Romans 1:13

IV. Obligated and Eager 
A. The gospel makes us gracious. Romans 1:14; James 1:19-27
B. Grace makes us eager to engage in gospeling. Romans 1:15

V. The Power of God 
A. Humble yourself. Romans 1:16
B. Trust in God’s grace, for His glory. Romans 1:17

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• If you didn’t have to sleep what would you do with your extra time?
• Why do you think Paul included the content in Romans 1:8-17 at this point in his letter?
• How are prayer and faith related?
• What are ways God’s love for you in Christ has helped you move out of isolation?
• How can the gospel make us more gracious?
• Why was Paul so driven to proclaim the gospel? Can you relate? If so, how? If not, why not?
• What’s a specific way we can be gracious as a church that will bring God glory?
• What’s an area in our life right now that you need to the gospel to touch? Pray for one another.

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Wrath
Romans 1:18-32

I. Intro
Big Idea: We either suppress or rejoice in the truth. Psalm 11:5; Matthew 5:45; 1 Timothy 2:3-4

II. Suppressing the Truth
A. People suppress the truth by living like there is no God. Romans 1:18-19
B. We have seen and understand that God exists. Psalm 14:1; Romans 1:20

III. Futile and Degrading
A. The real issue is accountability. Romans 1:21-23
B. There’s a pattern to being turned over to God’s wrath. Romans 1:24-25

IV. Sinful Desires
A. Experiencing God’s wrath is the natural consequences of pursuing life on our terms. Romans 1:26-27
B. Condoning sin celebrates death. Romans 1:28-32

V. Listen and Follow
A. Deliverance begins by trusting God. Psalm 81:11-14
B. We can walk together in the light. John 8:1-11; 1 John 1:5-7

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would it be?
• Why do you think it was necessary for Paul to include Romans 1:18-32 in his letter, especially in the place it appears?
• What’s a way we can be tempted to suppress the truth?
• How are “God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature” (Romans 1:20) clearly seen?
• Why do people tend to look at others’ sins with a microscope and our own with a telescope?
• Finish this sentence: Instead of condoning homosexuality, Christians should…
• Read 1 John 1:5-7. What’s something you’ve been struggling with lately that you need to bring into the light? Pray for one another.

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Riches 
Romans 2:1-16
​
I. Intro
Big Idea: God’s judgement is a good thing.

II. Contempt
A. Knowing God’s Law should make us less judgmental, and humbler! Roman 1:18; 2:1-3
B. Judging others shows we take grace for granted. Romans 2:4

III. No Favoritism
A. A good judge is just. Romans 2:5-7
B. No one gets away with anything. Romans 2:8-11; 2 Corinthians 5:10

IV. Declaration
A. God’s truth is self-evident. Psalm 15:4; Romans 2:12-15
B. If we believe, we will never be put to shame. Mark 7:20-22; Romans 2:16,10:11; Ephesians 2:8-9
​
V. Repent and Be Baptized
A. Turn to Christ as your Judge. Acts 2:38-39; 1 Corinthians 4:2-4
B. Proclaim Christ’s riches. Acts 2:38-39; James 2:12

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• If you were to plan your own funeral, what would you include?
• What’s something that struck you as important or stuck with from Sunday’s message?
• Do you think Christians are more critical or judgmental than the rest of the population? Why or why not?
• How has reading the Bible made you humbler?
• Why is it good news that God is a just Judge who is aware of everything?
• Read 2 Corinthians 5:6-10. How will Christ’s justification change the way we’re judged for the things we’ve done, good or bad?
• What’s a specific way we can proclaim the riches of Christ?
• What’s a way you can apply Romans 2:1-16? Pray for one another?

August
2018
​sermons

October
2018
​sermons