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?