Sermon Theme: We must know and understand what God’s purpose is for the local church, and together strive to excel in fulfilling that purpose for His glory.
The “Fantastic 4” of God’s purpose(s) for the local church:
8 Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper, 9 yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—since I am such a person as Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus—10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I fathered in my imprisonment, 11 who previously was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me. 12 I have sent him back to you in person, that is, sending my very heart, 13 whom I wanted to keep with me, so that in your behalf he might be at my service in my imprisonment for the gospel; 14 but I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness would not be, in effect, by compulsion, but of your own free will. 15 For perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. 17 If then you regard me as a partner, accept him as you would me.
Outline: 1. For the sake of love (v. 8-9) 2. For the sake of the church (v. 10-14) 3. For the sake of Christ (v. 15-17)
6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel, 7 which is not just another account; but there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, even now I say again: if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!
10 For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:29-30 (NASB)
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29 so that no human may boast before God. 30 But it is due to Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,
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Outline:
1) Sola Scriptura 2) Sola Fide 3) Sola Gratia 4) Solus Christus 5) Soli Deo Gloria
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Sermon Theme: The Church should be full of thankful Christians who are completely governed by and focused on their Lord Jesus Christ.
Outline: We are called as Christians and as a Church to lives overflowing with thanksgiving and marked by 3 Christ-centered priorities:
1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument. 5 For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.
The Big Idea: A Pastor/Shepherd’s love for God’s people should reflect the love that our Good Shepherd Jesus has for His people.
Outline: 3 Characteristics of a Pastor’s love for the Church that should be encouraging to your faith in Christ (2:1-5)
Theme: Christians should know clearly from the Bible what our purpose and part is in the local church, so that we can stay focused on the mission and move forward together under God’s direction.
Outline: The “Big 3” of God’s purpose for the local church, which must be our purpose as a church, in order to glorify Him:
Be a Worshiping Community – To Exalt the Lord
Be a Working Community – To Edify & Equip the Saints
Be a Witnessing Community – To Evangelize the Lost
Theme: Christians should know clearly from the Bible what our purpose and part is in the local church, so that we can stay focused on the mission and move forward together under God’s direction.
Outline: The “Big 3” of God’s purpose for the local church, which must be our purpose as a church, in order to glorify Him:
