Making An Idol Out of Stuff You Can't Take With You

Ephesians 5:3-7

November 15, 2009

Pastor Rob Brooks

Ephesians 5:3-7

But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them;

A greedy or covetous person always wants MORE.

Proverbs 27:20

Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man.

Ecclesiastes 5:10

Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

“Do not be partakers with them.”

Application:

1. Remember your PERSPECTIVE. You can’t take it with you.

2. Find your TREASURE in God.

Hebrews 13:5

Keep your lives free from love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

A New Man Who Tells the Truth - Sept. 6

OK, I'm trying to get back on track here.

September 6, 2009

“A New Man Who Tells the Truth”

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Ephesians 4:25

Five reasons people fail to tell the truth to one another:

1. Fear

Isaiah 41:9b-10: “I said, ‘You are my servant’ I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

2. Guilt

1 John 1:9; 1 John 2:2

3. Manipulation

James 4:1-3

4. To avoid discomfort.

5. To preserve the outward appearance.

James 5:16

Addendum: What about the Bible characters who lied & deceived?

There are examples in Scripture of people, even God’s people, lying for various reasons. However, just because the Bible has stories in it where people behave in certain ways doesn’t mean the Bible says those ways are always right. Sometimes the Bible just records accurately what the people did. The story may or may not openly state that the actions were right or wrong. In fact, sometimes you can see the action is wrong even though that particular story doesn’t explicitly say it’s wrong. So just because some Bible stories contain people who lie doesn’t mean the Bible is telling us to lie. We can’t confuse description with prescription.

Also, in order to accomplish His purposes, sometimes God blesses His people despite their sin. That’s not saying God approves of their sin, or that the end justifies the means. For example, there is the case of Jacob, who lies to get his father’s blessing (Genesis 27). He used deception to get it, but the Bible doesn’t say that’s how he should have gotten it. In fact, God could have fulfilled His Word to have Esau serve Jacob, regardless of Isaac’s blessing. Actually, Jacob suffers from other people deceiving him for much of his life. As a young man, he is the deceiver, but later in his life he is the recipient of deception. God blessed Jacob and kept His promises to Jacob, but you can make a fair case that God also disciplined Jacob with a taste of his own medicine. So just because God loves His people and blesses them does not mean He approves of all their methods.

A Worthy Life

Sermon Notes for July 12, 2009           

“A Worthy Life”

Ephesians 4:1-3

What is a calling?

What is a good way to spell humility (besides h-u-m-i-l-i-t-y)? (Answer: S-E-R-V-A-N-T)

Great Example of Humility: Philippians 2:3-8

 

Mark 10:35-36

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to [Jesus]. "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask."

 "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.

 

John 13:34-35

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

 

Devotionals for the Week of July 12 – 18

Day 1:

Read Ephesians 4:1-3

Paul says we are to live a life worthy of the calling we’ve received.

Worthy means, “in a way that’s appropriate, a way that’s fitting, given the privilege God has called you to.”

 

Overall, would you say you are living a life that is appropriate to God’s calling?

If not, what part of your life would you say is not appropriate to that calling?

What would be the first step in changing that behavior? Can you take that step?

Day 2:

Read Philippians 2:3-8.

What is one specific way you could “look out for an interest of others” before your own interests?

What are some characteristics of humility in this passage?

The opposite of humility is pride – being overly concerned with one’s own dignity, rights and reputation. What are some ways you are too concerned with yourself? Ask God to reveal any to you.

Day 3:

Rob said on Sunday that one way to spell humility is S-E-R-V-A-N-T. Are you quick to serve others in situations where that is appropriate?

 

One situation where it is not appropriate to always serve others is when teaching others how to take more responsibility (ie., with children). Sometimes, when we do too much for others, it actually stunts their growth. Have you ever experienced this phenomenon? What happened in that situation?

 

Is there a situation where you actually need to step back from serving in order to allow someone else to serve and grow? What is it?

 

Day 4:

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)

Read 1 Corinthians 1:10-15. What is the problem that Paul’s addressing here?

What does Paul remind the Corinthians of in verse 13? What is the principle here that we can use when church people argue and divide over foolish things?

Day 5:

Read 2 Timothy 2:14, 2:23-24, and Titus 3:9-11. What is another way the unity of the Spirit can be broken? 

Have you ever witnessed a dispute over something trivial that led to disunity in the church? What happened?

As a complement, though, read Titus 2:1. Does Paul consider good doctrine important?

Quote of the day:

In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, love.

-Rupertus Meldenius, 17^th century Lutheran theologian

What Can You Imagine, For God's Glory?

Ephesians 3:20-21

July 5, 2009

 

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

 

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9

 

1. If You’re Doing God’s Will, Don’t Lose Faith.

Matthew 17:14-20 (parallel accounts in Mark 9:14-32 and Luke 9:37-45)

The Healing of the Boy with Demonic Seizures

 

“Modern-Day Miracle in Benin”

2. Offer Yourselves to God and Renew Your Mind.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:1-2

 

3. It Can Be Good to Dream.

 

Devotionals for the Week of July 5-11

 

Day 1:

Read 2 Peter 3, about the return of Christ.

 

Have you ever wondered why God doesn’t “invade” sooner? Why He permits so much evil to take place before He returns? Does this chapter provide any answers?

 

Do you recognize any contemporary attitudes toward the return of Christ in this chapter, especially in verses 3-5?

 

Day 2:

Read Matthew 17:14-20.

Have you ever lost your faith that God would come through? What happened?

Can you identify with the disciples in this story at all? In what way?

Day 3:

Read Romans 12:1-2.

Do you offer yourself and your body daily to God for Him to use, as a living sacrifice? If not, why not?

Do you ever feel that you conform to the pattern of this world? In what way(s)?

 

Are you regularly spending time reading and thinking about Bible truths, in order to renew your mind?

Day 4:

Do you have any dreams or ideas that you feel God has placed on your heart? What are they (describe in some detail)?

 

Have you offered these to God, for His wisdom, direction, blessing, or correction?

 

Have you taken steps to see about the fulfillment of them? If not, why not?

Day 5:

Read Ephesians 3:20-21.

Do you believe that God can do more than we ask or imagine, according to His power within us (the Holy Spirit)?

 

Is there an area you’d really like to see God use His power to deal with, either in your own life or in someone else’s life? What is it?

Have you prayed consistently and asked God to deal with that situation?

June 28 Sermon Notes & Devotional

Really Knowing Christ’s Love                                             June 28, 2009

Ephesians 3:16-19

Sermon Notes

At first sight it seems strange for Paul to pray that Christ may dwell in the hearts of believers. Did he not already live within them? In answer, it is noted that the focus of this request is not on the initial indweeling of Christ but on his continual presence. The verb [“dwell”] used in this prayer is a strong one, signifying a permanent indwelling rather than some temporary abode.

-Peter O’Brien, The Letter to the Ephesians, 259

 

“My Heart, Christ’s Home” by Robert Boyd Munger

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

-Jesus, John 16:33

“The Tragic End of Michael Jackson” by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach

 

Sermon Devotionals for June 28-July 4

 

Day 1:

Do you regularly pray that God strengthens you with power in your inner person?

 

Have you experienced the power of the Christian life as something more than just self-discipline and education? Can you remember a specific time when you experienced more?

 

What happened during that time?

 

 

 

Day 2:

Read “My Heart Christ’s Home” online if you can. Using Robert Munger’s illustration, think of your life as a house. The Study is what you spend your time thinking about & meditating on. The Dining Room is the room of “appetites and desires” – what you really want. The Living Room is your personal prayer & Bible study time. The Work Room is what you are producing for God’s kingdom. The Rec room is what you do for entertainment. The Hall Closet is a place where you keep your dark secrets.

 

What room(s) have you allowed Jesus to “come into” – meaning, given Jesus authority to tell you what to do in that area of your life?

 

What room(s) have you kept Jesus out of – meaning, you are still firmly in control of that area of your life?

 

Day 3:

Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-15.

Robert Munger talks about giving Christ the “Title Deed to the House” – turning over ownership of our lives to Jesus Christ, so that He may use our lives for His goals and purposes.

 

What is hard about taking this step?

 

 

Why should Christians all get to the point of turning over the Title Deed of their lives to Christ?

 

 

Have you done this in your life? Why or why not?

 

 

 

Day 4:

Do you believe God really and personally loves you? Why or why not?

 

 

What do you go to in order to remind yourself that God really does love you? Does it work?

 

 

Read Romans 5:8, 1 John 3:16 and 1 John 4:7-10. What do these verses point to as a real reminder that God loves you?

 

 

Read 1 John 4:11-12.             What is another sign of God’s love?

 

Read 1 John 5:10. What are we really doing when we deny God’s love for us, as manifested in Jesus Christ?

 

Day 5:

In Ephesians 3:19 Paul talks about being filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. The idea is that when we get power to grasp God’s love for us, we start to get filled up with love and joy, and it just spills over onto other people.

 

Would you say that is generally characteristic of your life?

 

If not, can you pinpoint a reason why not? Have you prayed about it?

 

Read 1 John 3:18-20. What does this say we should do even when we don’t “feel” God’s love?

 

Are our emotions always an indicator of whether God loves us or not?

Father's Day Sermon Notes & Devotional

“A Dad Who…”

June 21, 2009

Ephesians 3:14-15

 

1. God our Father is a Dad who knows our ________________.

Matthew 6:8, 31-33

 

2. God our Father is a Dad who is ___________________________.

Luke 6:36

Colossians 3:21

 

3. God our Father is a Dad who _________________________ His ______________________________.

Joshua 21:45

Psalm 145:13

 

4. God our Father is a Dad whose _______________________________ doesn’t _______________________.

James 1:17

1 John 1:5

 

Recommended Resources:

Ed T. McGlasson, The Difference a Father Makes 

Josh McDowell, The Father Connection

 

 

SERMON DEVOTIONALS FOR JUNE 21 – 27

 

Day 1

Read Matthew 6:25-34

This passage seems very “unrealistic”. In fact, it is only realistic in the context of knowing a Father who is all-powerful, all-loving and who actively intervenes in our lives. But Jesus always tells the truth, and so He knows what He is talking about, so it must be possible to obey these commands.

What is your immediate reaction to being told not to worry about things like food & clothes? Do you normally worry about them?

 

What do you normally worry about financially (if anything)?

 

In your life, what would it mean to trust God to provide you with basic necessities?

 

What does Jesus say to focus our attention on (see v. 33)? What do you think this means practically?

 

Does this mean we shouldn’t work (see 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 and 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10)? But what should our attitude be about our work, given Jesus’ commands in Matthew 6?

 

Day 2

One of the ways God has shown us His mercy is by forgiving our sins. Read Matthew 18:21-35. In this story, the King represents God and the servants represent us, His people. Note that 10,000 talents represents millions of dollars and a hundred denarii represents a few dollars.

 

Some have said that verse 34 points to the natural consequences of unforgiveness – bitterness, hatred, and even demonic oppression as the “torture” described. Whether or not this is true, it’s clear that if we do not forgive, our walk with God will suffer.

Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to forgive someone? What makes it difficult to forgive?

 

Have you ever refused to forgive someone? What happened? Have you forgiven them by now?

 

Forgiveness is not minimizing the offense, or trying to find an adequate excuse for it. Forgiveness means looking squarely at it, calling it for what it is (a sinful choice), and choosing to not hold it against the person any more. Forgiveness means giving up the “right” to punish the person (even in our thoughts, by refusing to forgive them), and handing that right over to God (see Romans 12:19-20). Forgiveness is always possible by God’s grace, if we are willing.

 

Day 3

In general, do you keep your promises?

When you’ve broken a promise, what was the reason you broke it?

 

Has anyone made a promise to you that they didn’t keep, resulting a lot of hurt? What was it?

 

In your heart of hearts, do you believe that God always keeps His promises? Why or why not?

 

Day 4

Read James 1:17 and 1 John 1:5. When someone’s character doesn’t change, we have a better idea of how they will react in a given situation.

Read Psalm 103.

Write down seven things the psalm tells us about God. Pick one and spend your free moments thinking about it throughout the day.

 

Day 5

Which one of these four characteristics (from the sermon) is hardest for you to:

                  1. Believe about God?

                  2. Carry out yourself?

Why is it hard for you to believe that about God?

 

 

Why is it hard for you to be that way? What usually trips you up?

 

 

If you want to improve in any of these four areas, the best way of transformation (generally speaking) involves:

                  1. connecting to God through prayer, worship services, Bible reading

                  2. connecting to a small group of other Christians so you can talk and pray together

                  3. serving others

 

If you’d like information about any of these, and how you can get involved, please talk to the church office or email me: rob@universitybiblechurch.com.

A Prisoner of Jesus - Ephesians 3:1-13

“A Prisoner of Jesus” – Ephesians 3:1-13

2 Corinthians 5:14 – “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.”

Peter & unclean food/Gentiles – Acts 10

James & John ask for the prime spots in Jesus’ kingdom: Mark 10:35-45