Sermon Bones, Vol. 9 226yh

Sermon Bones Vol. 9

41 More Tested Expository and Topical Sermon Outlines

Pastor Sam Whittaker

Copyright © 2018 Sam Whittaker

Sermon Bones, Vol. 9 by Sam Whittaker

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the publisher.

Unless indicated otherwise, Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Author’s Note

The following Sermon Outlines were written and delivered in 2018 at Mohawk Community Church in Mohawk, Oregon.

The main series preached consists of 36 sermons and was “Acts for a New Day,” which was an expository series from the biblical book, The Acts of the Apostles. This volume also features a short topical sermon series called, “How to Build Lasting Relationships,” and a stand-alone message called “People Find Jesus with Help.”

Portions of the outlines which are underlined represent words left blank on handout notes which congregational receive in their bulletins and can fill-in while taking notes.

I present them, as with previous volumes, with the hope they will be helpful for Pastors, Sunday School Teachers, Small Group Leaders, or anyone who is interested in sermons and the study of God’s Word.

Accompanying sermon video for nearly all of my sermons (as well as many from previous volumes) can be found on my Youtube channel:

https://www.youtube.com//swhittaker1979

Acts for a New Day #1 – How to Live in a New Day

Some people live the same day over and over. But God has designed a new day for us, with new power.

1. To live in a new day, I need new power from God. Acts 1:4-5

A. “Holy Spirit” supplies power to believers to do God’s works, because nothing else can.

B. Forms of Power from the Holy Spirit: Fruit, Gifts, Inner Strength.

2. To live in a new day, I need a new agenda from God. Acts 1:6-8

A. “will you at this time…” You can’t live in a new day while fulfilling yesterday’s expectations.

B. God’s agenda for His church is that we plug into His power and be His witnesses. How? See again “forms of power” in 1.B above.

3. To live in a new day, I need new hope from God. Acts 1:9-11

A. “He will come in the same way.” Hope assures our future with God.

B. “Why do you stand looking?” Hope motivates our acts for this new day so we don’t just stand around waiting forever.

Action Steps:

1. Slowly read & pray through Galatians 5:16-25, asking God to help cultivate life with and fruit of the Spirit in you.

2. Survey Rom. 12:5-8, 1 Cor. 12:7-11, Eph. 4:11-14 asking God to help you find and understand your Spiritual Gift.

3. Spend time with God, asking Him to help you trust in and live from His power from the Holy Spirit.

Acts for a New Day #2 – How to Be Led

Everyone needs a leader…even leaders need to be led. How are you being led today?

1. I need to be led in patience & prayer. Acts 1:12-14

A. “constantly united.” They had 10 days of serious prayer. How many of us have been impatient with a long lunch prayer?

B. “in prayer.” Jesus instructed them to wait. Prayer, not idleness, is how I wait.

2. I need to be led in seeing my situation in light of the Scriptures. Acts 1:15-20

A. “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled” God gives both Predictions & Prescriptions which need fulfilling.

B. You’ll only become what God wants you to become if you’re hitting up His

Word beyond Sunday morning.

3. I need to be led by new leaders. Acts 1:21-26

A. New leaders are selected with both logical criteria & reliance on God’s choice.

B. Jesus revives & keeps His church alive by rai new (or, renewaloriented) leaders.

Benefits of welcoming new (or renewing) leaders.

1. New leaders bring new perspective & new ideas.

2. New leaders bring different Skills & Spiritual gifts.

3. New leaders can create motivation.

4. New leaders can help build momentum.

Acts for a New Day #3 – How Do I Deal with Critics?

No matter how well life is going there’s always someone who seems to work against you. Today I’m going to help you understand critics from the Bible, and know how to deal with them.

1. Living by God’s power draws critics. Acts 2:2-4 & 12-13 (ESV)

A. “they were all amazed and perplexed” When God goes to work, amazing things begin to happen.

B. “but others mocked” Wherever God is at work, there will always be detractors & critics.

2. No matter what critics say, I must stay on mission Acts 2:14-16 & 32-33. (HCSB)

A. To stay on mission I must address false criticisms.

B. To stay on mission I must redirect to Jesus.

3. When the church obeys God instead of critics, more people get saved. Acts 2:41 (NLT)

A. One of God’s purposes for the church is to thrive on His mission of rescuing lost people.

B. One of the fruit or results of God being at work in His church is that new people get saved.

Four Kinds of Critics & What to Do About Them

1. The Ignorant Critic – Criticize a vision because they misunderstand. Help them by patient education.

2. The Fearful Critic – Criticize a vision because they’re afraid their world will change. Help them by gentle encouragement.

3. The Bitter Critic – Criticize a vision because something (usually in the past) has made them angry. Help them by loving them in their real hurt.

4. The Controlling Critic – Criticize a vision because they’re not happy unless they are in charge. Help them by ignoring them. Proverbs 9:7-8

Acts for a New Day #4 – How Do I Find Life’s Purposes?

Everyone gets frustrated trying to find purpose. But God has designed us to live on purpose, and gave us the Church to define and enable our experience of living a purpose-filled life.

1. Church gives me power to live on. Acts 2:42, 46

Purpose:Worship– Connects me to God as my source of power for purposeful living.

I become like what I worship. Everyone worships something.

2. Church gives me a tribe to live with. Acts 2:46

Purpose:Fellowship– I need interaction that issafe,healthy, andregular.

I can only grow up as much as I grow toward others. Henry Cloud’s “The Power of the Other” Navy SEAL story (pg. 4-5)

3. Church gives me truth to live by. Acts 2:42

Purpose:Discipleship– God designed the church to provide a unique path of growth and maturity.

The Holy Spirit of God uses the Holy Word of God to produce the Holy Child of God.

4. Church gives me work to live out. Acts 2:45

Purpose:Service– God shaped me for particular tasks that no one else should be doing for me.

I’m a special mix (DNA, gifts, skill, & experience) for a special area of service in God’s Church.

5. Church gives me a mission to live for. Acts 2:47

Purpose:Evangelism– In Jesus Christ, God began a rescue mission and creates a role for me to play.

I am sent by God into the world to thrive with Jesus on mission.

Acts for a New Day #5 – How Should I Seize Opportunity?

Have you ever regretted a missed opportunity? Sure, because a seized opportunity can produce great things. Today we learn to seize opportunities.

1. I must be open to unexpected opportunities from God. Acts 3:1-2, 7-9

A. “went to the temple…a man lame from birth” Sometimes our plans need interruptions for better opportunities.

B. “he went into the temple with them” Unexpected opportunities are good because they can enhance current plans.

2. I must use opportunities to create greater opportunities. Acts 3:12, 24-26

A. “saw…opportunity and addressed the crowd” Learn to think of every opportunity as a beginning, not an end in itself.

B. “all the families…he sent him first to you people” Could it be that God desires you to take an opportunity to accomplish His purposes?

3. What are some guiding truths for seizing opportunities?

1. I must seek opportunities in routine events. Acts 3:2

2. I must refine some opportunities. Acts 3:6

3. It must serve my big mission Acts 3:18

4. Some opportunities are best seized when prepared for.

Acts for a New Day #6 – How Can I Be Bold?

Have you ever wished you could be bolder to say what needs to be said? Today the Bible is going to show the necessary ingredients for boldness to say the most important truth.

1. I must know the size of my situation. Acts 4:1-4 (NLT)

A. “Priests, captain, Sadducees” They’re caught in enemy territory by the people in charge.

B. “believers now totaled about 5,000 men” God is still giving them results despite the grim situation.

2. I need power from the Holy Spirit. Acts 4:5-10 (CSB)

A. “by what power?...filled with the Holy Spirit” Boldness requires an unfailing power source.

B. How? 1-Salvation, 2-asking for it, 3-no quenching/grieving the Spirit.

3. I must have Jesus Christ in my corner. Acts 4:13, 18-21 (ESV)

A. “common men” God isn’t only accepting applications from Superstars. He’ll take and transform any kind of person.

B. “had been with Jesus” A relationship with Jesus is what makes the difference.

4. I will call on God the Father for greater boldness. Acts 4:23-31 (NLT)

A. “the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God”

B. “Give us great boldness” Perhaps the most important thing to pray for because it has eternal results.

5. I am at my boldest when I have backup. Acts 4:32-33 (NLT)

A. “united in heart and in mind” I need unity with other believers to be bold.

B. “God’s blessing was upon them all.” The more of us there are, and the more we are together, the more there is for God to bless.

Acts for a New Day #7 – How to Handle Manipulators

It’s frustrating to find out you’ve been manipulated by someone. Today, the Bible shows us how to handle manipulators so you don’t have to be frustrated by manipulation again.

1. The Problem: A balanced life is disrupted by Manipulation. Acts 5:1-2

A. “claiming it was the full amount” Manipulators use false appearances to hijack a good thing for selfish purposes.

B. “wife’s consent” Knowing they can’t work alone, manipulators often build a team of like-minded conspirators.

2. Manipulators need to be Confronted. Acts 5:3-4

A. “let Satan fill your heart…lying to God.” Confrontation begins when we uncover the lie.

B. “The property was yours to sell or not.” Confrontation is complete when we display the truth.

3. Manipulators need serious consequences. Acts 5:5-7

A. “he…died” Why so severe? Be cause he tried to introduce the main weapon of God’s enemy into God’s people: Lies.

B. The most effective consequence I can give is a boundary that limits a manipulator’s influence on me.

4. Some manipulators need opportunity to own up. Acts 5:8-10

A. “is this the price?” She’s given a chance to be truthful.

B. She’s given a chance to change her heart.

5. Be prepared for overflow consequences. Acts 5:11-13

A. “Great fear gripped.” Serious consequences give pause to others.

B. “no one else dared ” This gave some people second thoughts about church. But: What kind of person needs second thoughts?

6. Confrontation and consequences for manipulators means Growth potential for me. Acts 5:14-16 A. “more people believed…crowds came” Some people are dying to be with others who reject manipulation.

B. Willingness to do the hard work of dealing with manipulators sets me up for greater health and growth.

Acts for a New Day #8 – Jealousy and its Cure.

Have you ever been jealous? What about when God seems to do something for someone, but not for you? Was that a good experience?

1. How do I respond when God works in others in ways He doesn’t seem to work in me? Acts 5:17-20

A. “Jealousy” – To be so consumed with what I want, that God’s grace toward others disturbs me.

B. Obedience – Knowing God gave me a mission and getting on with it regardless of what God does for someone else.

2. When I’m jealous of others, I lose power in life. Acts 5:21-25

A. “Perplexed, wondering what this would come to” Participating in jealousy makes me unsure and unable.

B. Jealousy is “me”-centered. It’s not really about someone else doing well. It only asks “Why not me?”

3. When I obey God, I gain power for life. Acts 5:26-32

A. “Holy Spirit” God gives us the power we need to obey and live right lives, fulfilling God’s purposes.

B. “Witnesses” Obedience is mission-centered therefore others-centered. 4. If God raises up a voice of reason, I should listen. Acts 5:33-39

A. “If” God often blesses us with people who have a different perspective. Are we willing to listen?

B. “fighting against God” This is a potential consequence of not listening.

5. Obedience changes my perspective on painful results. Acts 5:40-42

A. The Apostles rejoice to be “counted worthy to suffer” for Jesus.

B. “Jesus is the Messiah.” The Apostles persist on the mission.

Acts for a New Day #9 – Don’t Avoid the Good Pain

We don’t get a choice whether or not we’ll have pain in life. But sometimes we can choose to have good pain rather than bad pain.

1. To experience growth, I will also experience pain. Acts 6:1-2

A. “increasing” Growth – not just about size, but maturity. God made me to increase.

B. “complaint” Maturity brings new kinds of problems & pain. At every level you get a new devil.

2. Growth pains should cause me to think strategically. Acts 6:3-4

A. “pick out…appoint” When growth causes pain, add a strategic structure to resolve it.

B. “We will devote ourselves…” A growth pain is limited to until God’s design is fulfilled.

3. Faithful strategy brings further growth. Acts 6:5-7

A. “increase…multiplied” God uses rightly handled growth pain as a staging area for new growth.

B. “many priests became obedient” God wants to take us to maturity in areas that were previously cut off by roadblocks.

4. Not everyone will be happy when I grow. Acts 6:8-10

A. “Stephen…doing great wonders” A person maturing in Christ will operate at new levels of competence.

B. “Some…rose up and disputed” Some have an allergic reaction to maturity in others and act against it.

5. Whatever anyone says, my job is to radiate Christ’s light. Acts 6:11-15

A. “false witnesses” The only course open to people allergic to maturity is to drag someone down by lying.

B. “face of an angel” The best response is to use the maturing Christ-likeness in you to counteract the lie. The results are in God’s hands.

Acts for a New Day #10 – Will You Resist or Receive?

There are two basic ways to respond to God when He goes to work in my life: I can receive or I can resist.

1. I must be careful to not inherit stubbornness. Acts 7:51-53

A. “resist the Holy Spirit…disobey the law…receive it from angels” Resisters think they’re doing right, while breaking God’s law.

B. “your ancestors” Much of who we are is from family of origin. Some of it must be overcome if we’re to receive from God.

2. A receiver connects with God when others around do not. Acts 7:54-56

A. “full of the Holy Spirit” I am meant to receive God Himself.

B. “saw Jesus standing” Jesus is our defense attorney.

3. Resisters refuse to listen. Acts 7:57-58

A. “Covered ears…shouting” Resisters will rely on immature tactics to avoid hearing.

B. Rooted in fear: Afraid of seeing their ideas tested against others.

4. Receivers are received by God. Acts 7:59-60

A. “receive my spirit” What God wants most from you is yourself.

B. Elsewhere God uses words like chosen & treasured describing us.

C. We are meant to be energized by the hope of being received into God’s eternal kingdom. All the resistance in the world has nothing better to offer.

Acts for a New Day #11 – Does My Pain Have Purpose?

Our biggest questions about purpose & meaning often come from our biggest hurts. Today we’ll see what God thinks and does about my pain.

1. Sometimes God will allow great pain in my life for a great purpose. Acts 8:14

A. “Persecution, scattered” God not only allowed, but ordained this. God is in our pain.

B. “Preached everywhere” God used this persecution to push the gospel outside of Jerusalem to the rest of the world.

2. My pain is a pathway to great joy. Acts 8:5-8

A. “lame were healed” My pain may be the key to unlock someone else’s problems.

B. “great joy” Jesus’s gospel teaches us joy comes connected with embraced pain, not avoided pain. Heb. 12:1-2

3. What I need most to guide my pain are God’s instructions. Acts 8:26-29

A. “Angel of the Lord said…Holy Spirit said” God’s Word provides a frame of reference to understand God’s purpose in pain.

B. Without God’s instructions, pain will teach the wrong lessons.

4. My pain creates new opportunities for God to work through me. Acts 8:30-40

A. “heard him reading Isaiah” God lays the groundwork in people’s hearts. Our ministry is response to that groundwork.

B. “proceeded to tell him the good news…beginning with that Scripture” Our ministry to others is defined by their story’s setting.

C. “Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away” While God gives opportunity, He will

also limit it according to His design.

Acts for a New Day #12 – God Reaches Unexpected People

Sometimes churches get used to a certain kind of person attending and things begin to look normal. But God may want to break the mold.

1. God wants to reach people in my life I don’t expect. Acts 9:1-9

A. “Saul” who would have expected God to reach him? God placed unexpected people in your life, too. Have you wondered why?

B. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” For unexpected to people to be reached, they must be introduced to the real Jesus.

2. Though I feel unlikely, God may use me to reach unexpected people. Acts 9:10-16

A. “I have heard from many” Do the unexpected people in your life have a reputation you can’t get over?

B. “he is a chosen instrument of mine” God’s election of a person must overcome our concerns about reputation.

3. God changes people in unexpected ways. Acts 9:17-21

A. “he began preaching…all who heard him were amazed.” Saul goes from the church’s biggest threat to it best defender.

B. Mike’s (from Michigan) story of conversion and amazing change.

4. When people are reached & changed, I must extend a relationship. Acts 9:2228

A. “Afraid of him” It’s easy to be afraid of people unlike us, or those with a history. But God can even reach “those” kinds of people.

B. “Barnabas” God uses some people to step out and befriend the unfriendly. Are you a Barnabas for someone?

5. When God changes unexpected people, He builds His church. Acts 9:29-31

A. “preaching boldly” New believers tend to be more on fore for the gospel and have more unsaved friends with which to share it.

B. “the church built up, multiplied” Adding unlikely people is just one of the ways God builds His church.

Acts for a New Day #13 – Can You Spot a Counterfeit?

1. To spot a counterfeit, I must first be able to spot what is genuine. Acts 8:4-8

A. “paid attention” There’s a lot out there that grabs attention, but what is most hoped for in the spectacular is something real.

B. “saw the signs” Before the New Testament was composed, God used authenticating signs. (Why doesn’t He now?)

C. Our tools: God’s Word, the internal witness of the Spirit, good sense, wise counsel.

2. Spotting counterfeits can be difficult because they mimic the genuine. Acts 8:9-13

A. “Simon, magic, amazed, somebody great” Similar to entertainment magic today, meant to trick by imitating power.

B. “Phillip, gospel, baptized, believed, amazed” Genuine truth must be put forth strongly & publicly to show the counterfeits for what they are.

3. When genuineness is questionable, confirmation is needed. Acts 8:14-17

A. “Apostles, Peter & John” The apostles are the authority. If there’s a question of counterfeits, bring in a trustworthy outside party. Today, apostolic authority is found in God’s Word.

B. “had not yet received” God appears to withhold the Spirit here so the Apostles will personally confirm the genuine belief of the Samaritans.

C. “laid hands, received the Holy Spirit” This is special confirmation during the apostolic period that happens one other place.

Acts for a New Day #14 – Can You Spot a Counterfeit (pt. 2)

1. Counterfeit belief exists because of misunderstood truth. Acts 8:18-19

A. “offered money” Simon thinks he can buy his way into God’s power. He applies his old understanding of magic to the gospel.

B. “give me this power also” Simon us after power, not surrendering to the Holy Spirit.

C. “anyone on whom I lay my hands” Simon seeks to be at the center of importance, making others dependent on him.

2. Counterfeit belief exists because of misdirected hearts. Acts 8:20-24

A. “your heart is not right…gall if bitterness” Counterfeits may change the surface reality but keep the same old heart reality.

B. “repent…pray” Misdirected hearts must be called to by and to

genuine truth.

C. “pray for me” Simon tries to place the responsibility back on them. His heart rejects repentance.

3. Genuine belief seeks to advance the gospel, to expand the kingdom. Acts 8:25

A. “testified, spoken, preaching” Genuine Truth requires activity.

B. “many villages of the Samaritans” The activity of Genuine truth requires the gospel going where it’s never gone before.

Acts for a New Day #15 – Jesus Christ Serves His Church

1. Jesus Christ has an ongoing ministry of service to His church. Acts 9:32-35

A. “saints who lived at Lydda” The focus shifts briefly from the mission to the unbelieving world, to how Jesus cares for His church.

B. “Jesus Christ heals you” Jesus is doing the ministry through Peter.

2. Jesus serves His church by sending the right people at the right time. Acts 9:36-38

A. “hearing that Peter was there, sent two men” While the ministry is Christ’s, the people involved are hand-selected by Jesus.

B. “Please come to us without delay” The timing is perfect.

3. Jesus serves His church by providing an example. Acts 9:39-41

Mark 5:21-43 Implored earnestly, “Come” (vs. 23) People weeping loudly (vs. 38) He put them all outside (vs. 40) Taking her by the hand, “Talitha cumi” (vs. 41)

Acts 9:39-41 “Please come without delay” (vs. 38) Widows weeping (vs. 39) Peter put them all outside (vs. 40) He gave her his hand and raised her up (vs. 41) “Tabitha, arise” (vs. 40)

4. Jesus’ service to His church overflows to outsiders. Acts 9:42-43

A. “many believed in the Lord” (also vs. 35) Even though Jesus serves the church, outsiders receive benefit.

B. “Simon the Tanner” considered unclean work.

Acts for a New Day #16 – God Expands the Mission (Part 1)

1. God seeks to expand His mission into new territory. Acts 10:1-8

A. “Caesarea, Cornelius, centurion.” We’re firmly in Gentile territory now.

B. “feared God” Not converted to Judaism but operating in the community. Still an outsider, but with some benefits.

C. “he saw a vision” God prepares the mission field to receive.

2. When God expands His mission, He expands me in order to fulfill it. Acts 10:9-16

A. “Rise, Peter, kill and eat.” To prep me for a mission expansion, God may stretch me in peripheral matters first.

B. “I have never eaten anything that is uncommon” My initial reaction may be to try to step away from being expanded.

C. “What God has made clean, do not call common” I must be careful not to reject God’s ministry because it makes me uncomfortable.

3. When God expands His mission, I may struggle to keep up. Acts 10:17-23

A. “inwardly perplexed” I’m frequently not going to understand what God is doing. That’s by design and it’s okay.

B. “the men…stood at the gate” God doesn’t always wait for us to be ready. Flexibility is a necessary character trait for expanding well.

C. “He invited them” When God uncomfortably expands me and the mission to which He calls me, it’s to just roll with it.

Acts for a New Day #17 – God Expands the Mission (Part 2)

1. The mission of God is accomplished in the presence of God. Acts 10:24-33

A. “worshiped him…I too am a man” Peter directs worship to God.

B. “God has shown me” God initiates mission through revelation. One reason we have the Scriptures is so God and not the new situation will to spur us to action.

C. “We are all here in the presence of God.” God’s work can’t be done without Him being intimately involved the whole way through.

2. God may expand His mission, but He keeps the gospel the same. Acts 10:3443

A. “God shows no partiality.” Always the plan, seldom the practice.

B. “Peace through Jesus Christ…you know what happened” In expanded mission, we tell the same gospel story to new people.

C. “everyone who believes receives forgiveness of sins” In expanded mission we explain the gospel results to new people.

3. The gospel anchors us to faithful action in new situations. Acts 10:44-48

A. There’s a temptation to allow new situations to change our agenda. But when the gospel and Christian life are the agenda, we must be faithful to God’s biblically revealed way.

B. “can anyone withhold water for baptizing?” Baptism is the logical next step for new believers. But because they’re uncircumcised Gentiles, some of the Jews will have questions about what’s necessary for this step.

C. “They asked him to remain for days” It’s not enough to take new believers through first steps and leave them to their own devices.

Acts for a New Day #18 – Can I Defend Myself?

1. Not everyone will easily get on board with what God is doing. Acts 11:1-3

A. “heard” Hearing about work is not the same as working. Leads to natural misunderstanding & questions.

B. “the circumcision party” Some tenaciously hold onto the past because that’s all they know.

C. “criticized him” Criticism calls for a sound defense and answer (not to defeat the other, but to help them). 2 Cor. 10:3-5

2. A sound defense lets the truth speak for itself. Acts 11:4-18

A. “Peter…explained it to them in order” When criticism is in the water, dilute it by pouring the entire truth on it.

B. “And I ed the word of the Lord” A sound defense connects daily experience to God’s revealed Word.

C. “who was I to stand in God’s way?” Sound defense ultimately rests in letting God speak for Himself and not getting in His way.

3. The method of our defense matters as much as the content of our defense. 1 Peter 3:15-17

A. “in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy” Good defense begins with hearts that regularly practice reverence to God.

B. “ready” Think about how to answer ahead of time. “gentleness” A defense isn’t meant to overpower. “respect” Treat the critic like a person.

C. “having a good conscience” Conduct yourself so that you are obviously unworthy of the criticism.

Acts for a New Day #19 – How to Stay on Target

1. A change in situation does not change our target. Acts 11:19-21

A. “scattered…persecution” A lot can happen (both negative & positive) to change our situation.

B. “preaching the Lord Jesus” Our target is always primarily people without Christ.

2. Staying on target requires the right qualifications. Acts 11:22-24

A. “exhorted them all to remain faithful” An essential qualification is seeing how your gifts strengthen the church and then using them.

B. “full of holy spirit, faith” There’s no staying on target without meeting these qualifications.

3. Staying on target requires the right partnerships. Acts 11:25-26

A. “Tarsus to look for Saul” Barnabas seeks another person who has different qualifications than himself to reach the target.

B. “for a whole year…taught” Together, they strengthen the church, which itself is to be a place of partnership.

4. Staying on target requires ing the needs of the mission elsewhere. Acts 11:27-30

A. “great famine” God’s purposes for needs: To help us build our “mission muscles”

B. “everyone according to his ability, send relief” All ingredients for targeted mission are present: New situation – need – partnership – qualifications.

Acts for a New Day #20 – When Life Gets Really Hard

1. When life gets really hard, prayer is my first line of defense. Acts 12:1-5

A. “violent hands, killed, arrest” Life is filled with pain of varying degrees. Sometimes God ordains seriously hard things to happen.

B. “earnest prayer” Seriously hard things ought to drive us to deeper connection & dependence on God. This is what prayer is for.

2. When life gets really hard, I should obey God’s solutions (even if I struggle to understand) Acts 12:6-11

A. “He did not know [it] was real” Despite his misunderstanding, he knows better than to disobey. Has he learned since the sheet vision?

B. “Now I am sure” We do better in life when we are sure God’s solutions are the best ones. Sometimes it only comes AFTER.

3. When God delivers me from difficulty, I should tell someone about it. Acts 12:12-19

A. “he described to them how the Lord…” Learn to discern God’s work in your life, then don’t keep it a secret.

B. “tell these things to James and to the brothers” The testimony of God at work in us can be what others need to remain steadfast.

4. When life gets really hard, I will trust God to deliver justice at the right time. Acts 12:20-25

A. “struck him down because he did not give glory to God” Every enemy of Christ is on borrowed time.

B. “the word of God increased and multiplied” God increases the fruitfulness of His people when they trust Him for justice.

Acts for a New Day #21 – I am Set Apart for a Mission

1. God set me apart with special work. Acts 13:1-3

A. “prophets and teachers” It takes all kinds of people to work the mission of God.

B. “worshiping, fasting” In pursuit of special work, I must be careful to balance special skills with common spiritual practices.

C. “set apart for me…for the work” Am I looking for God’s special work through me, or am I too content? Eph. 2:10

2. God set me apart to tackle special problems. Acts 13:4-8

A. “proclaimed in the synagogues” Special work usually occurs in the context of regular work. Don’t wait for something special to come along – get involved in the regular work of the church.

B. “they came upon a Jewish false prophet” Special work often presents special obstacles & problems.

C. “Sergius Paulus, proconsul, summoned” God is at work ahead of you in the hearts of people who receive your special work.

3. I must trust God to guide both work and problems to meet for the purpose of His mission. Acts 13:9-12

A. “filled with the Holy Spirit” I must surrender to the Spirit in order to do the work to which He guides me.

B. “the hand of the Lord” God guides my problems into the presence of His solutions.

C. “believed, astonished at the teaching” The salvation of the lost is the focus of the mission – I must never lose sight of this.

Acts for a New Day #22 – How Do I Fit in God’s Plan?

1. I find how I fit when I understand my own story. Acts 13:13-18

A. “reading law & prophets” To understand my story, I turn to God’s Word to interpret my past.

B. “listen” A posture of listening, rather than deciding, is essential because I don’t choose how I fit, I discover God’s vision for my life.

2. I find how I fit when I intersect with Jesus’ story. Acts 13:26-28, 30-39

A. “to us has been sent the message of this salvation” The salvation of others won’t concern us unless we keep our own salvation as a major part of our identity with Jesus.

B. “promised to the fathers, fulfilled to us” My life in Jesus must be understood as the result of God’s faithfully kept promise.

C. “through this man forgiveness proclaimed to you” My story isn’t mine anymore. It belongs to Jesus now.

3. I find how I fit when my story benefits others. Acts 13:44-49

A. “Since you thrust it aside” I must be careful that others benefit because of me, not in spite of me.

B. “they began rejoicing, glorifying” One of my great aims for the lives around me must be producing joy.

C. “the word spread through the whole region” What God does to my story must be taken beyond my personal borders.

Acts for a New Day #23 – I Can’t Be Everyone’s Best Friend

1. We all want to be loved, but we won’t be loved by all. Acts 14:1-2, 4, 8-11, 14-15, 18-20

A. A life lived for God produces a rollercoaster of relational responses. Some will be quite negative.

B. I must be careful not to fall into the trap of being a people-pleaser. Galatians 1:10

2. There are many reasons you can’t be everyone’s best friend when you’re on mission with Jesus.

A. There are only so many slices of my pizza. I don’t have enough time or energy for everyone. Even Jesus didn’t.

B. Some just won’t understand. Not everyone will get what I’m doing with God.

C. Some are externalizing their own issues. It’s not me, it’s them.

D. Sometimes I have unresolved issues preventing healthy relationships. Do I deal with my own junk?

E. Jesus told us some will reject us. No matter how hard I try to overcome this, God has revealed I can’t be everyone’s best friend.

3. Even though I won’t be loved by all, I must remain focused on the end-game. Acts 14:26-28 (NIV)

A. “Antioch, completed” They’ve come full circle by completing they’re mission despite loads of opposition.

B. “Gathered the church” It’s important to reconnect with our true best friends for encouragement and inspiration.

Acts for a New Day #24 – How to Stand Together

1. We must stand together in the face of Disagreement. Acts 15:1-11

A. “gathered together to consider” This is not a free-for-all, but it is 1) well-led, and 2) well-reasoned meeting.

B. “He made no distinction” In well-led & well-reasoned disagreement, the core of the matter must be exposed & be the north star of the discussion.

2. We must stand together on God’s Word. Acts 15:12-21

A. “words of prophets…as it is written” Ask: Am I guided by God’s Word in my part of the disagreement? (Not merely proof-texting)

B. “Moses is read…” The Scriptures must be affirmed as our only infallible rule of faith and practice, even when it surprises us.

3. We must stand together publicly. Acts 15:22-35

A. “Sent men with the letter” The well-led, well-reasoned, biblically-oriented agreement must be announced as the official direction.

B. “rejoiced because of encouragement” Joy from encouragement.

4. Sometimes, we will have to stand apart. Acts 15:36-41

Four Conditions for Permissible Separation:

When separation (in a non-essential) cannot beovercome. “Sharp disagreement” When separation allowsdelegationoflabor. “Barnabas & Mark: Cyprus…Paul & Silas: Syria and Cilicia” When separation refuseshatred.No mudslinging or cursing. When separation keeps the door open forfuture collaboration.2 Tim. 4:11

Acts for a New Day #25 – Thank God for Failure

1. God gives failure & frustration as a gift. Acts 16:6-10

A. Personal failure and frustration & the will of God for us are not mutually exclusive. This is HARD.

B. Failure can only be a gift when I turn to God’s Word as my guide through it.

2. God sometimes introduces failure into our lives to nudge us in a better direction. Acts 16:11-15

A. “Philippi, leading city, Roman colony” – God moves them into a major center of influence.

B. “place of prayer” – There’s no synagogue, which is always Paul’s first stop. This is a different kind of place.

B. “Lydia, a seller of purple” – God maneuvers an influential person into their

path. 3. God won’t be finished giving you failure any time soon. Acts 16:16-24

A. “greatly annoyed, it came out” – Sometimes God moves us to serve Him by giving us annoying circumstances.

B. “Seized, dragged before the rulers, inflicted, prison” – Sometimes we receive difficult consequences for doing the right thing.

4. Failure is a gift because it’s often the seedbed of success. Acts 16:25-40

A. “praying & singing hymns” – They focus on God, not the apparent failure. This also witnesses to the prisoners and the jailer.

B. “what must I do to be saved?” Their imprisonment has led to the salvation of an entire household.

C. “Roman citizens, came and apologized” – They take advantage of the resources and opportunities God has given them.

D. “encouraged them and departed” – The real success we must seek in the midst of apparent failure is to build up others in Christ.

Acts for a New Day #26 – How to be a Troublemaker for Jesus

1. Be a creature of holy habit. Acts 17:1-4

A. “as was his custom” develop regular practices that position you to influence someone else with the gospel.

B. “explaining and proving” Make a habit of simple gospel explanation. (develop key phrases you can reuse)

2. Speak the message that turns the world upside-down. Acts 17:5-9

A. “jealous, formed a mob” The gospel provokes righteous trouble. Two dangers: 1) Back down & 2) abrasive, mean-spirited tactics.

B. “there’s another king, Jesus” Trouble must result because we belong to another kingdom, with a different kind of king and culture.

3. Work among the eager. Acts 17:10-12

A. “more noble, received with eagerness” 1) Strategically focus on people who are more open. 2) Become more eager ourselves.

B. “many therefore believed” Results are always better among the interested.

4. Know when to move on. Acts 17:13-15 A. “immediately sent Paul on his way” There’s a clear line between causing righteous trouble and just being jerks.

B. “Silas and Timothy remained” Make sure to leave a situation seeded with a gospel witness of some kind. Offer future discussion, recommend books, give away Bibles, write down helpful websites, etc.

Acts for a New Day #27 – How to Be Triggered

1. If you’re going to be triggered, be provoked by something that actually matters. Acts 17:16-17

A. “provoked” He can’t accept it. When triggered, do we 1) moan, or are we 2) motivated?

B. “city full of idols” In a world full of diverse beliefs it’s necessary we maintain the exclusivity of Christ.

C. “reasoned” Being triggered is a primarily emotional thing. But we can’t stay there, we have to move into the realm of reason.

2. When triggered, be weird. (Sam, weird already!) Acts 17:18-21

A. “babbler, foreign divinities, strange things” We face a temptation to blend in.

B. “telling/hearing something new” Some people are readier than we realize to

hear the gospel. We do a disservice by blending in.

3. When triggered, respond with solid gospel truth in an understandable way. Acts 17:22-31

A. “unknown, this I proclaim to you, your poets” Find gospel echoes in their experience.

B. “all people everywhere to repent” Point out a decision must be made.

4. As always, be prepared for mixed results. Acts 17:32-34

A. “some mocked” There’ll always be hard, resistant hearts.

B. “some ed and believed” God can produce good fruit in any situation when we’re faithfully on mission.

Acts for a New Day #28 – When God Brings New People

1. Pay attention to the different kinds of people God puts in your life, not just those like you. Acts 18:1-11

A. “Aquila, Priscilla, Titius, Crispus.” Is it easy or hard for people unlike you to get close to you? The gospel is for every kind of person.

B. “I have many in this city.” Judging by Paul’s letters to Corinth, this was a strange group with lots of problems. Different kinds of people will bring different kinds of mess.

2. God sometimes brings new people for defense. Acts 18:12-17

A. “Paul was about to open his mouth” Sometimes we need to shut up and let God defend us through someone else’s mouth.

B. “Sosthenes” God uses conflict to bring about opportunity for kingdom advancement.

3. God sometimes moves me on from people’s lives so they can carry on the work you both started. Acts 18:18-23

A. “Priscilla & Aquila” God sometimes brings people into my life as close companions.

B. “he left them there” Paul has a habit of collecting people and placing them in strategically helpful places.

4. God sometimes bring new people for correction. Acts 18:24-28

A. “explained to him the way of God more accurately.” Apollos is good, but needed adjustment.

B. “he greatly helped” Humility facilitates improved kingdom productivity.

Acts for a New Day #29 – What to Know When You Grow

1. Growth in Christ may provoke anger in those who refuse to grow. Acts 19:110

A. “We have not even heard, they were baptized” When you discover a gap in your discipleship, grow by filling it in.

B. “continued in unbelief, speaking evil” Rather than fill their gaps, some will defend them and lash out at those who grow.

C. “reasoning daily, hall of Tyrannus, two years” Find a good environment to grow, and keep at it a long time.

2. Growth in Christ cannot be faked by outward appearance. Acts 19:11-20

A. “Jesus who Paul proclaims” Notice the distance in this phrasing. These are not themselves connected to Jesus. They are fake.

B. “fled naked and wounded” Faked growth has disastrous consequences.

3. Growth in Christ disturbs ungodliness in the real world. Acts 19:21-31

A. “this trade of ours, goddess Artemis may be deposed” Growing in godliness puts godlessness out of business.

B. “enraged and crying out” Do the peddlers of godlessness cry out on of us?

4. Growth in Christ will not be understood by unregenerate minds. Acts 19:3241

A. “confusion, most of them did not know why they’d come together” Unregenerate minds will grasp at any reason to reject the gospel in defense of what they already believe and think and feel.

B. “we are in danger of being charged with rioting” Unregenerate minds can lose control when their faulty foundations are exposed.

C. The unregenerate minds cannot grasp gospel without the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor. 1:13-14

Acts for a New Day #30 – What Makes a Good Leader?

1. A good leader stays the course. Acts 20:22-24

A. “constrained by the Spirit” It won’t even matter what your course is if you’re not calling on and bending your knee to the Holy Spirit.

B. “finish my course and ministry” This takes precedence. Ask if what you’re doing now will help you end well later.

2. A good leader does not shrink from proclaiming the whole Bible. Acts 20:2527

A. “I did not shrink” Shrinking is the act of being preemptively intimidated. When you say, “Oh, they won’t like this” so you don’t.

B. “the whole counsel of God” Some things in the Bible are controversial, even among believers. Don’t downplay God’s truth.

3. A good leader battles wolves. Acts 20:28-30

A. “overseers” God appointed the office of elder as the oversight to care for and defend the church. John Calvin: A pastor must have two voices – One for gathering sheep, one for driving away wolves.

B. “fierce wolves” Churches should expect predators who come from both outside and inside the church.

4. A good leader seeks for others to be built up. Acts 20:31-32

A. “God and the word of his grace, build you up” Leaders don’t grow people. God does through serious engagement with His Word.

B. “and give you an inheritance” God rewards all believers a basic inheritance. He also rewards beyond that according to the life lived.

Acts for a New Day #31 – When People Don’t Get Your Faith

1. Stand on what God has clearly said. Acts 21:3-14

A. “through the Spirit, urged Paul not to go” They interpret emotionally. Same as Paul says in 20:23, but wrong understanding.

B. “I am ready even to die” Be prepared to accept every possible consequence of standing on God’s side.

C. “Let the will of the Lord be done” Setting the example of standing with God creates an environment friendly to other’s belief.

2. Do your part to work with people for understanding. Acts 21:17-24, 22:22-25

A. “take these men, purify, expenses” Sometimes we need to take steps to display proof of our genuine belief to those who doubt.

B. A quick summary of what happens next. (21:25-22:21)

Paul follows these instructions 7 days into it, Asian Jews recognize him & riot A Roman tribune intercedes and rescues Paul Paul addresses the crowd and retells his story Paul concludes with: “And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” (Acts 22:21 ESV)

C. “Up to this point they listened” You’re not responsible for whether or not people listen and believe to the Gospel. Your job is simply to announce it.

3. Resolve that some are determined to not get your faith, no matter what. Acts 23:12-16, 23-24, 31-35

A. “bound themselves by oath” Don’t underestimate the wickedness of the human heart and the lengths it will go to undermine truth.

B. “bring him safely to Felix” God sovereignly safeguards the deposit of His gospel even in the midst of suffering.

C. “I will give you a hearing” Take a hearing wherever it comes from, for it is

the providence of God.

Acts for a New Day #32 – Cut Through Lies with Truth

Have you ever been in the presence of someone you knew was lying about someone else? Has anyone ever lied about you? What do we need to know and do in such situations?

1. Lies come packaged in attractive wrapping. Acts 24:1-9

A. “High priest, elders” Two groups normally at odds (see 23:8)

B. “peace, reforms” Flattering words serve as the wrapper which delivers the package of the lies they’re telling.

C. “plague, riots” The lie is a charge of sedition, a very serious charge. Romans don’t tolerate rebels.

2. One of the best ways to dismantle a lie is to appeal to truth. Acts 24:10-21

A. “you can ” Finding an easily verifiable truth which contradicts the lie will turn the lie into a house of cards.

B. “take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.” In order to wiled the truth, you must associate with the truth.

C. “resurrection” Cutting through lies gets us to the real issue. All denial of truth is a denial of Jesus, because He IS the truth.

3. Whatever happens, make the best use of a hard situation. Acts 24:22-27

A. “kept in custody, some liberty, friends attending needs” Be watchful for the ways God comforts in suffering.

B. “speak about faith in Christ Jesus” Paul turns his arrest into an opportunity for the gospel.

C. “Felix left Paul in prison” When God prolongs our hard situations, He also prolongs our opportunities to share truth.

Acts for a New Day #33 – Never Compromise Truth

1. As long as you serve God, you will be opposed. Acts 25:1-5

A. “asking a favor against Paul” Even after 2 years, his enemies have not given up. You cannot hope opponents will forget about you.

B. “ambush to kill him” The human heart is capable of surprising depravity. We’re often one choice away from a string of bad choices.

2. The most common temptation in the face of opposition is compromise. Acts 25:6-12

A. “wishing to do the Jews a favor” Doing someone else a favor is sometimes about making it easier on ourselves out of fear.

B. “If I am a wrongdoer…I do not seek to escape death.” Here is an example of owning the truth & its consequences.

3. Refusal to compromise serves a foot in the door to witness to others. Acts

25:13-22

A. “Agrippa, Bernice” The Herod family. God keeps bringing the gospel into their powerful presence.

B. “the emperor” This is Paul’s great end-game, to get the gospel in front of the most influential man in the world.

4. Uncompromising truth tellers can stand up in the presence of fantasy. Acts 25:23-27

A. “great pomp” Literally “fantasy,” making a big show of power & importance. But it’s fake, like a Hollywood set.

B. “I have nothing definite to write” The people who are supposed to be in charge have no clue. 1 Corinthians 1:18-24

Acts for a New Day #34 – God Changes Lives to Use Them

1. God desires to change all kinds lives, even those of his enemies. Acts 26:1-11

A. “according to the strictest party…I lived as a Pharisee” God can take the most entrenched person and change them.

B. “in raging fury against them I persecuted them” God desires to take His enemies and make them His allies and servants.

2. When God changes a life, He makes it useful for His purposes. Acts 26:12-18

A. “for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant” Every saved person has a purpose in God’s plan.

B. “that they may receive forgiveness of sins” God’s purpose for you today will have eternal significance.

3. God wants to use you to testify to someone else. Acts 26:19-23

A. “declared, testifying to both great and small” God’s purpose for changed lives will somehow serve and Gospel proclamation.

B. “I have had the help that comes from God” We never testify alone. God is always with us in our testimonies.

4. At the heart of usefulness to God is learning a missionary heart. Acts 26:24-32

A. “In a short time would you persuade me?” Paul’s defense of himself is really about getting the Gospel in front of others.

B. “I would to God that not only you but all who hear me” Let us never forget: we’re part of a rescue operation. We’re not here for ourselves only.

Acts for a New Day #35 – How to Make the Best of a Cruddy Situation

1. We make the best of cruddy situations by listening to wise advice. Acts 27:1, 9-12

A. “Paul advised them: Sirs, I perceive” Paul had the best insider info: God’s own Word. God’s Word can be trusted.

B. “the majority decided” Even if you have the best advice, understand not everyone agrees, and you may get outvoted.

2. We make the best of cruddy situations by learning from our mistakes. Acts 27:13-26

A. “Men you should have listened to me” Mistakes are perfect opportunities to revisit better choices.

B. “Yet now I urge you to take heart” Gain new resolve. Don’t wallow in your mistakes and allow them to continually defeat you.

3. We make the best of cruddy situations by not losing heart. Acts 27:27-38

A. “seeking to escape” Losing heart undercuts good solutions.

B. “Take some food, it will give you strength” A sensible practical solution creates space for godly wisdom to take root.

4. We make the best of cruddy situations by cutting our losses and keeping our heads. Acts 27:39-44

A. “cast off anchors, left them in the sea” We must let go of some things we value in order to survive and thrive.

B. “those who could swim, the rest on planks” God gave us minds so we’d use them. Problem solving is a godly extension of wisdom.

Acts for a New Day #36 – Living on Mission with God

1. Living on mission with God means we’re in it to change people’s minds. Acts 28:1-10

A. “Justice has not allowed him to live” We live in a world of mistaken assumptions and misguided beliefs.

B. “they changed their minds” While they’re not there yet, God draws them through a process of change.

2. Living on mission with God requires we get recharged with fellowship. Acts 28:11-16

A. “There we found brothers.” The mission is not to be attempted alone.

B. “Paul thanked God and took courage” This is why we gather for worship: the presence of others in Christ is a source of strength.

3. Living on mission with God means calling God’s people to reformation. Acts

28:17-22

A. “he called together the local leaders of the Jews” God’s people often need reforming and reorienting around what God’s doing.

B. “we desire to hear from you” A mark of a good church is willingness to receive instruction in the things of God.

4. Living on mission with God means setting our sights on the world. Acts 28:23-31

A. “this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles” God has a big vision for the world, bigger than any one church can accomplish.

B. “welcomed all who came to him” The church truly on mission with God displays a welcoming posture.

Series: How to Build Lasting Relationships

1. How to Not Be Alone 2. How to Work with Your Emotions 3. How to Deal with Toxic People 4. How to Speak & Listen

How to Build Lasting Relationships #1 – How to Not Be Alone

1. God created me for relationships. Genesis 2:18a

A. “not good…to be alone” The desire for connection is woven into the fabric of our very nature.

B. This applies to every kind of relationship: Spouse, friendship, military units, business partnerships, etc.

2. God created me for healthy relationships.

Corner 1. Disconnected. 1 Kings 19:9-10 Feel: unheard, misunderstood, unappreciated, unable to impact the other.

Corner 2. Bad Connection. 1 Samuel 1:1-2, 6-7. Feel unworthy & unlovable.

Corner 3. Fake Connection. 1 Kings 22:7-8. Feel: Never enough, all about them, shallow, need to medicate, eventual regret.

Corner 4. True Connection. Col. 3:12-14. Feel: Accepted, loved, forgiven, a useful member of the community.

Loneliness is cured by true connection in a forgiven/forgiving, loving community.

3. My most important relationship is with God. Ephesians 2:12-13

A. “separated from Christ” Our default is disconnection with God.

B. “brought near by the blood of Christ” Jesus death, burial, & resurrection puts us in God’s corner.

How to Build Lasting Relationships #2 – How to Work with Your Emotions

1. I work with my emotions as part of my witness about God.

A. Gen 1:26a. God gave us emotions to reflect God’s own character.

B. Col. 1:15-16. Jesus perfectly expresses this design for humanity.

C. Rom. 8:29. Our purpose is to become more like Jesus.

2. I must ask: How did Jesus display emotions?

A. Joy. Luke 10:20-21 Have I surrendered my emotions to the Holy Spirit like Jesus did?

B. Comion. Matthew 10:35-38 Are my emotions attuned to the needs of others like Jesus’ emotions were?

C. Sadness. John 11:33-35 Can I acknowledge the truth of my pain to others like Jesus did without stuffing, hiding or pretending?

D. Anger. Mark 3:4-5 Do I channel even my strongest emotions into good action like Jesus did?

3. I must sanctify my emotions with love. 1 Cor. 13:4-7

A. “rejoices, bears, believes, hopes, endures” A radical proposal: Love isn’t merely an emotion. It’s is a mindset leading to decision & action.

B. John 3:16. God’s love for broken, sinful humanity caused Him to decide to save us by grace through faith: He acted by sending Jesus to die & rise for us.

How to Build Lasting Relationships #3 – How to Deal with Toxic People

1. Toxic People: People whose words & behavior damage personal and community peace. Jude 1:10-13

A. “Cain, Balaam, Korah” – Toxic not just because they’re personally bad, but because they lead others astray.

B. “Reefs, shepherds, clouds, trees, waves, stars” – Things in nature that appear good, but are dangerous & disappoint.

C. Toxic people don’t think what they’re doing is wrong. They’re so fixed on their desires, they often cannot see their toxic effects.

2. I can limit my exposure to toxicity. Matt. 18:15-17

A. “tell him…others…church” Limit toxicity by calling it out in a process of confrontation.

B. “Let him be as…” When someone refuses reasonable discussion, stop playing their game. Titus 3:10-11

3. What about forgiveness? Matt. 18:21-22

A. Note: Context is vv 15-17. Forgiveness in these verses require the successful process described earlier.

B. Forgiveness isn’t a free at bad behavior. It requires sorrowful ownership of one’s sins and surrender to the Holy Spirit for change.

4. Repentance & Restitution are necessary for reconciliation.

A. Repentance. Luke 17:3-4. way more than saying “sorry.” It’s real when changes become apparent.

B. Restitution. Lev. 6:1-5. If someone has brought damage into your life, part of reconciliation has to involve restitution.

How to Build Lasting Relationships #4 – How to Speak & Listen

1. Lasting relationships require that when I speak, I must balance truth and love. Ephesians 4:15

A. “Speak the truth” We don’t hold back on reality but we deal in the real. We don’t tell each other what we want to hear.

B. “in love” Both the motive and method that helps people hear.

C. This ability is a 1) mark of and 2) facilitator of maturity in Christ. Often those who claim “tell it like it is” excuse loveless immaturity.

2. Lasting relationships require that I know how to listen. Proverbs 19:20

A. “Listen…accept” This requires a posture of receiving what I lack. I must share control of a relationship to listen.

B. “that you may gain wisdom” Listening puts us in position to understand and

deal with the hard things of life.

C. Principle: We listen to understand first and respond second.

3. We look to the Gospel of Jesus Christ to teach us how to relate. Philippians 2:3-11

A. “selfish…vain” Me-centeredness kills relationship & communication with God and others. I become unsafe.

B. “humility” Highlight the value of others (without degrading yourself).

C. “God…servant…confess.” The gospel both saves us for a relationship with God and trains us for relationships with each other.

People Discover Jesus with Help

1. Leaders help people find Jesus. John 1:35-37

A. “John was standing with two of his disciples” God puts leaders in our lives to help direct us.

B. “Behold, the Lamb of God” The nest leaders help us discover and think deeply about Jesus.

C. “they followed Jesus” Good leaders are concerned that people follow Jesus, not themselves. Later John said “I must decrease, He must increase.”

2. Jesus helps people find Him. John 1:38-39

A. “What are you seeking?” Jesus meets people at their point of unreadiness in order to lead them to Himself.

B. “Where are you staying?” When we truly follow Jesus, we are willing to go

where He leads.

C. “Come and see” Jesus seldom reveals His plans to us all at once, but gradually reveals them as the steps come.

3. We must help people find Jesus. John 1:40-42

A. “Andrew” He’s not well-known. While we sometimes dream of doing great things for God, not all of us are designed to be well known by others. It’s more than enough to be well-known by God.

B. “He first found his own brother Simon” , without Andrew (less known) there’d be no Peter (well known).

C. “He brought him to Jesus” There is no greater privilege or honor in life than to bring someone to Jesus.

Questions for Reflection

1. Do you truly know Jesus?

2. Who are the people Jesus used to bring you to Himself? How can their example inspire you to help someone else?

3. Is there someone in your life, work, school, neighborhood, you could help bring to Jesus?