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The Song of Zechariah (Luke 1:5-25, 57-80)

11/27/2020

I. Intro
Big Idea: God’s provision is greater than we can imagine. Malachi 4:5-6; Ephesians 3:20-21
II. Chosen
A. God had a plan for Zechariah and Elizabeth. Luke 1:5-7
B. Zechariah thought life couldn’t get better. Luke 1:8-10
III. In the Presence of God
A. Zechariah’s son would announce the coming of the Messiah. Luke 1:11-17
B. Zechariah’s judgement was silence. Luke 1:18-25; Romans 3:23
IV. Joy
A. Jesus came to take away our disgrace. Matthew 11:11; Luke 1:57-63
B. Jesus came to forgive our sin. Luke 1:64-66
V. Redemption
A. Zechariah made much of Jesus. Luke 1:67-75
B. Worship is never wasted. Zephaniah 3:16; Luke 1:76-80; Revelation 5:9

The Next Step

What’s one of your favorite Christmas carols?
What’s something you found important, meaningful, or confusing about Luke 1:5-25, 57-80?
What does it tell us about Zechariah and Elizabeth that they were faithful to the Lord even though they had not achieved their dream?
Why do you think people are always afraid when they see an angel in the Bible?
Why did Zechariah deserve the judgment he received from Gabriel?
What do we learn from Zechariah singing mostly about the coming of the Messiah when he regained his ability to speak?
How can you respond to Luke 1:5-25, 57-80 this Advent season?

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Love (Ephesians 5:1-5)

11/18/2020

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I. Intro
Big Idea: Our desire to imitate God shows we belong to Him.
II. Loved
A. Children imitate. Ephesians 5:1a
B. Loved kids grow. Ephesians 5:1b
III. Sacrifice
A. Imitating Christ leads to sacrifice. Ephesians 5:2a
B. Faithfulness makes a difference. Ephesians 5:2b
IV. Improper
A. Character reflects identity. Ephesians 5:3
B. Everyone knows God’s standard. Ephesians 5:4a
V. Thanksgiving
A. God reveals a better way. Ephesians 4:4b
B. Let’s claim our inheritance. Ephesians 4:5

The Next Step

How do you learn? Are you someone who learners best by listening, watching, doing things hands-on, or reading and writing?
In what specific way are we to learn from God? What does that look like?
According to Paul, what’s our motivation for imitating God?
The Bible often depicts having a relationship with God as walking. Why is that an apt description?
Read John 13:34-35. What’s at stake if we don’t love one another in a sacrificial, or holy way?
In talking about love, the New Testament writers often reference how we speak? Why is that so important?
What’s a way you have not been living up to the standard of God’s love lately?
How is God calling you to respond to Ephesians 5:1-5?

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Holiness (Ephesians 4:17-32)

11/14/2020

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I. Intro
Big Idea: We either harden our hearts to or become new people in Christ.
II. Separated
A. We’re born separated from God. Ephesians 4:17-18
B. We’re not interested in God. Ephesians 4:19
III. Way of Life
A. God makes us learners of Him. Ephesians 4:20-21
B. Holiness begins in the mind. Ephesians 4:22-24
IV. Put Off
A. We can become our anger. Ephesians 4:25-27
B. Work is a gift. Ephesians 4:26
V. Redemption
A. God builds us up together. Ephesians 4:29-30
B. Forgiveness delivers. Ephesians 4:31-32; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

The Next Step

What’s something you value about church?
According to Paul, why are Gentiles darkened in understanding and alienated from God? What’s the result of this separation?
Do our thoughts or our actions have more influence over us? Why?
What happens to us when we hardened our hearts? Also consider Exodus 7:13.
What’s the difference between the old self and the new self? Why are we made new?
How has God been making you new lately? How is He changing your thoughts and actions?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to respond to what you’ve learned in Ephesians 4:17-32?

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Body (Ephesians 4:7-16)

11/6/2020

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I. Intro
Big Idea: God makes us a body to make much of Christ.
II. Apportioned
A. All Christians have a gift. Ephesians 4:7
B. Our gifts are a gift. Ephesians 4:8
III. To Fill
A. Christ’s ascension signaled ultimate victory. Ephesians 4:9-10
B. Christ gave distinctive gifts. Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-14; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Peter 4:10-11
IV. To Equip
A. Our different gifts reveal our oneness. Ephesians 4:12; 1 Peter 2:9
B. The goal is to grow up together. Ephesians 4:13
V. In Love
A. Serving together galvanizes us in the gospel. Proverbs 27:17; Ephesians 4:14
B. Growth together magnifies Christ’s love. Ephesians 4:15-16

The Next Step

What’s skill or talent you admire in others?
What do you think your gift(s) are? How are you using them, or how might you use them, to build up the body of Christ?
How can we be immature in the use of our gifts?
How can using our gifts help us to grow in our knowledge of, or relationship with, Christ?
Why is it important to remember our gifts are meant to be used to reach out and make disciples?
What’s a way you could encourage someone at church in his or her gift?
How is God calling you to respond to Ephesians 4:7-16?

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SERMONS

The Song of Zechariah (Luke 1:5-25, 57-80)

Love (Ephesians 5:1-5)

Holiness (Ephesians 4:17-32)

Body (Ephesians 4:7-16)

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