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

The Power of the Holy Spirit

Acts 1 & 2

May 31, 2009 – Pentecost Sunday

 

Pentecost: from the Greek word meaning “fiftieth day,” it was the Jewish feast that occurred 50 days after Passover. Also called Shavuot or the Feast of Weeks.

 

2 Jews for Jesus articles on Pentecost/Shavuot:

http://tinyurl.com/n3wrr4

http://tinyurl.com/nveer7

 

Today’s key passages:

Acts 1:1-9

Acts 2:1-4

Acts 2:36-39

 

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

 

Yes, I want to know the Holy Spirit better. Right now, I’m deciding to (check any & all that apply):

Pray. Ask God to reveal more of His Spirit’s work in me.

 

Read about Him in a concordance or at the following Bible Gateway search: http://tinyurl.com/m7kqmj

 

Ask a mature Christian, who knows the Holy Spirit’s work in his/her life, for help in discerning the Spirit’s work in your life.

 

Be more willing to share my faith with others.

 

Attend our “Sharing Your Faith Naturally” class starting on June 7 at 6pm, here at the church.

Reconciliation

Reconciliation

Ephesians 2:11-18

May 24, 2009

 

There’s a difference between the ceremonial law and the moral law. The moral law shows moral standards that are for all time – the 10 Commandments, for example. The ceremonial law consisted of things like circumcision, clean and unclean foods, and washings. Some examples of the ceremonial law are found in Leviticus chapters 11-15.

 

Ceremonial Law No Longer Binding on Christians:

Colossians 2:16-17

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

 

Galatians 6:15

Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.

 

Mark 7:18-19

Are you so dull?" [Jesus] asked. "Don't you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him 'unclean'? For it doesn't go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body." (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods "clean.")

 

Acts 10 – Peter & Cornelius

 

“A Forbidden Peace” by Naomi Rothstein:

 

If We're Saved by Grace, Why Does It Matter What We Do?

Ephesians 2:10

As Christians, why do we do good works?

1. We are God’s workmanship.

2 Corinthians 5:16-17

2. It is God’s plan for us to do good works.

3. It glorifies God for us to do good works.

Matthew 5:14-16

Three main categories of good works:

1. Long-term planned (Titus 3:14)

            Career

            Taking care of family (1 Timothy 5:4-8)

Giving generously & wisely (Ephesians 4:28)

2. Short-term planned (1 Peter 4:10)

Volunteering in a ministry

            Mission trips (Ghana in Sept. for example)

            Special events

3. Daily situations

Acts 8:26-40, especially verse 29

John 10:27

Read “Teaching Servanthood” by Carolyn MacInnis

What Grace Means (Part 2)

“What Grace Means (Part 2)”

Ephesians 2:8-10

May 10, 2009

 

8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)

 

What does “salvation” mean?

Greek “sozo” translated as “to save”, means to rescue from danger or destruction, to keep or preserve, to heal or restore to health.

 

Romans 6:1-2, 14, 23

 

Faith is a belief with a personal commitment.

 

Not that our faith merits the salvation in any way; it is simply the faculty by which we accept the salvation that God’s free grace has procured for us. –F.F. Bruce

 

What are some implications of salvation by grace?

1. All systems of trying to earn your salvation by being a good person or by keeping certain commands are ineffective.

2. The salvation that God offers can save anyone at any time.

3. God’s salvation is not by works, but works are an important part of the Christian life.

“Grace is opposed to earning, not effort.” –Dallas Willard

 

Contact me: rob -then the "at" symbol- universitybiblechurch.com

April 26, 2009 "What Grace Means (Part 1)"

“What Grace Means (Part 1)”

Ephesians 2:4-7

April 26, 2009

 

 

 

1. Grace originates in God’s heart, not our beliefs or actions.

Jesus and Matthew the tax collector: Matthew 9:9-13

 

2. Grace truly meets our need.

Romans 6:4, 6:13

 

3. God’s grace accomplishes more than we ever could accomplish.

Colossians 3:1-4

 

“remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare…”

-C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory

 

4. God’s grace lasts forever.

 

 

The Living Dead - April 19, 2009

Ephesians 2:1-5

Definition of Dead:

Webster: “Deprived of life, no longer alive... Lacking power to feel, move or respond... No longer producing or functioning.”

(source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dead)

The spiritually dead:

Matthew 8:22

Luke 15:24, 32

John 5:24-25

Romans 8:6

Colossians 2:13

Jude 1:12

Also (not on the handout):

John 12:40 - God has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, because they would not believe

1 Timothy 5 – the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives 

This world (meaning the sinful world systems, not the good things in the world that God created):

Does not know God (John 17:25)

Hates Jesus (John 7:7)

Is full of corruption (2 Peter 1:4 & 2:20)

Listens to false teachers (1 John 4:5)

Is under Satan’s control (1 John 5:19)

 

Don’t Be Conformed to or Love The Ways of This World

John 15:18-20

Romans 12:1-2

1 John 2:15-17

James 4:4

Also see Genesis 11:1-9 - a world system united together against God.

 

The Ways of Satan:

Accuser – Zechariah 3:1; Revelation 12:10

Murderer and Liar – John 8:44

Arrogance & Greed - Isaiah 14:12-22

Pride/Self-Worship – Ezekiel 28:17 

Easter Sunday April 12, 2009

Notes from Sunday's sermon plus some more thoughts:

More about Jesus' resurrection:

Josh McDowell's article for Leader U

Click here for the Got Questions article on the Resurrection.

Scriptures on Resurrection:

Isaiah 26:19

Daniel 12:2

John 5:28

John 6:39

John 6:54

Acts 24:15

Romans 8:23

Scriptures On First Fruits:

Leviticus 23:9-14

Deuteronomy 26:1-11

The Jews for Jesus article on First Fruits:

Some Effects of Jesus' Resurrection:

1. Jesus cannot die again, death no longer has mastery over him (Rom. 6:9). In the same way, when we are resurrected, we will not be able to die again.

2. We are "in Christ." We have already been raised with Him spiritually (Eph. 2:6), so we do not have to fear that we won't be raised with new bodies.

3. We have been given spiritual life. We are made alive spiritually, but we have to wait for our "adoption" to be complete, and the redemption of our bodies. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23). 

4. Jesus is at the right hand of God (the place of power and authority) and is interceding (praying) for us (Romans 8:34).

5. Death is not able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:38), but it would have, if Jesus had not been raised.

6. God has proved Jesus' credentials as Messiah by raising him from the dead. As a result, God will judge the world through Jesus, and commands everyone to repent (Acts 17:29-31).