Covenant Naples

Have you ever been on a treasure hunt? Did you find the treasure? Our passage today talks about incomparable treasure of the kingdom of heaven and the joy we have when we go “all-in” for Christ.

I. Two Different Paths

i. Path of the Stumbler

ii. Path of the Searcher

II. Response of Joy

Questions:

1) Have you ever stumbled across something really valuable? What was that like? How’d it happen?

2) How would you describe your path to Christ? Stumbling on him one day? Searching for years? Different than these?

3) What kinds of earthly treasures vie for your hearts affections?

4) When was a time you were overwhelmed in joy by Jesus?

5) Why is it so joyful to give up everything for Jesus?

The parables of the mustard seed and the leaven offer important insights into the nature of the growth of the kingdom

of heaven. If we have ears to hear, these insights offer the believer not only hope, but principles for faithful service

to that kingdom.

I. The mustard seed principle offers reassurance and hope to those who have faith in Christ.

II. The leaven principle reminds us of the increasing dominion of Christ over all.

III. The reality of how the kingdom of heaven expands requires patience on the part of its citizens.

The mustard seed and leaven principles should be reflected in our ministry and witness.

Sermon Questions:

1. What are some examples from the Gospels of Jesus’ followers’ impatience with the progress of the Kingdom?

2. Do you have any examples in your own life of the mustard seed growth of the Kingdom?

3. If you understand the principle of the mustard seed and leaven, how does that change your approach to ministry?

4. Do you have examples of things that you only came to understand after you placed your faith in Christ?

5. What are some off the shortcuts we take in our efforts to advance the Kingdom?

In the parable of the Sower, Jesus reveals the different types of responses that people have to the Gospel and invites listeners to consider the condition of their heart to receive and believe the message. The good soil is not manifested by pious words or behavior modification; rather, the evidence of a receptive heart is kingdom fruitfulness.

Outline:

I. Four kinds of heart:

1. The hardened heart

2. The fickle heart

3. The encumbered heart

4. The responsive heart

II. Fruit is a kingdom expectation and the only sure evidence of an understanding and embrace of the Gospel message.

III. A fruitless Christian is an oxymoron.

Questions:

1. When Jesus refers to ‘the word of the kingdom,’ what is he talking about? Could you explain it to someone who knows nothing about it?

2. What are the ‘cares of the world’ that you find most distract you from the things of God’s kingdom?

3. What would consider evidence of fruit in the life of the believer?

4. In what sense are riches ‘deceitful?’

5. Having heard about four types of soil, which type do you think you most closely resemble?

As we embark on our summer series going through the parables of Jesus, we are confronted with many values that are hard to grasp for both those inside and outside the church. In fact, we see the kingdom of heaven valuing the exact opposite of what the world values. Come join us as we begin this journey together where we will experience the spiritual abudnace of the Lord through his word.

I. Parables reveal the mystery of the kingdom of heaven

i. The kingdom of heaven expects humility

ii. The kingdom of heaven expects fruitfulness

II. Parables reveal the disposition of the hearer’s heart

Sermon Questions

1. How familiar are you with the parables of Jesus? If so, what parable have you been drawn to?

2. Have you ever thought about the parables of being purposefully confusing to those whose minds are darkened by sin? What are your thoughts regarding that idea?

3. Are you tempted towards the sin of pride through either self-pity or self-righteousness? How does this passage remind you of God’s grace in the face of pride?

4. Many of the parables expect fruitfulness as a response to Christ, how would you measure your fruitfulness in this season? What should change and what should remain the same?

5. What is the state of your heart right now?

Mark Twain wrote, “The two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out.” What is your why? Why were you born? Why are you on this earth? Most people drift aimlessly on seas of uncertainty, oarless, rudderless, without map, compass, or a port to call home. Our ancestors navigated by fixed stars, but too many folks today chase after the lights of passing ships. St. Paul had a purpose statement in Philippians 3:10&11. It gave direction, the fuel to get there, and a way to measure his progress.

I. Do you have a purpose statement of two or three lines that you could state at a moment’s notice?

II. What are the marks of a purpose that is worthy of both today and eternity?

III. What do you or others pursue that won’t go beyond the grave?

IV. Is the purpose statement of Paul good enough for you to take as your own”

V. What action steps do you need to take going forward?

When you look at your life in light of God’s Word, does it reflect the reality of the transformation Christ has done in you? Do you still see many aspects of your life before Christ intermixed with some changed elements? Join us to discover more about standing firm in our new identity in Christ.

Sermon Outline:

I. Because we are new creations in Christ, we must no longer live like we used to do.

i. Apart from Christ, we live in the dark.

ii. Apart from Christ, we are dead to God.

iii. Apart from Christ, we are calloused in conscience.

II. Because we are new creations in Christ, we must live like Christians.

i. Christians must live in light of truth.

ii. Christians must live in the reality of our new identity.

iii. Christians must live in the process of continual renewal.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. What we believe shapes how we experience reality. Can you think of examples from your own life where your beliefs significantly impacted your experiences or perceptions?

2. It is possible to callous our consciences by repeatedly ignoring moral convictions. What are some ways you have experienced or seen this happening in your own life or others’ lives?

3. Paul uses the imagery of “putting off” the old self and “putting on” the new self in Christ. Having put off the old self at our conversion, what practical steps can we take to continually put to death the remnants of our old nature?

4. Christians are to be continually “renewed in the spirit of our minds” as we live out our new identity in Christ. What spiritual disciplines or practices are particularly helpful in renewing your mind? How would you describe your intentionality in being renewed in the spirit of your mind?

5. If someone close to you looked at your life, would they see evidence that you have truly “put on” a new identity in Christ? What old attitudes or practices betray your new identity? In what areas do you want to be more intentional about living out your new identity?

The church is comprised of many disparate parts and yet called to function together as one body. When each member does its part, we grow up into the fullness of what God is creating us to be. What is your part?

Sermon outline:

I. The Gift Giver

II. The Gifts He Gives

III. The Goal of the Gifts

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. What stuck out to you most from the sermon about the variety of spiritual gifts given to the church? How have you seen different gifts at work within our church body?

2. The gifts are given to equip the saints for ministry and build up the body of Christ. What avenues for ministry and service are you currently involved in or feel equipped to get involved in?

3. Why is it important that we strive for maturity and not remain spiritual “children” easily swayed by false teachings or deceitful schemes? How can we grow in discernment?

4. Paul writes that we are to “speak the truth in love.” Why is maintaining both truth and love crucial? How do you tend to prioritize one over the other personally?

5. What is your attitude towards the role and responsibilities God has given you within the church? How can we foster an appropriate eagerness to do our part in the body of Christ?

The Lord has brought each one of us into this fellowship from a different place and background: we’re different ages, we speak different languages, we have a variety of theological and political views, and we often have our own ideas of how things should be done. Occasionally these issues erupt because living in unity with other sinful people is difficult. But if the gospel is true, and it is, then living in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ is imperative.

Sermon outline:

I. The Call to Christian Unity

II. The Qualities of Christian Unity

III. The Foundation of Christian Unity

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. Humility, gentleness, and patience are important virtues for maintaining unity in the church. Which of these do you find most challenging to live out? Why? How can we grow in these areas?

2. Do you have relationships in your life currently that require you to “put up with one another in love”? If so, how is it going? If not, why might that be the case?

3. How does remembering the “one hope” we have in Christ’s return and making all things new help us to live at peace with one another amidst our differences and disagreements?

4. The sermon highlights the foundational unity we have as Christians—one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, and Father. Which of these resonates most with you as an important basis for our unity? Why?

5. What are some ways we can intentionally cultivate being “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit” in our church family? What might this look like practically in how we relate to one another?

How would your life be different if you could comprehend the power of God and the love of God for you? Join us to find out!

Sermon Outline:

I. Strengthened for Indwelling

II. Strengthened for Comprehension

III. Strengthened for God’s Glory

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. It can be difficult for some of us to receive love, even God's love. Why do you think that is? What fears or hesitations might someone have in fully accepting God's love?

2. Paul talks about being “rooted and grounded” in God's love. What are some practical ways we can go deeper in understanding and experiencing God’s love for us?

3. Paul prays that believers would comprehend the vast dimensions of God’s power and love. Why is it important to grasp the immensity of God’s power and love? How might that change the way we live?

4. The statement was made: “We will not live as God's holy ones until we know that we are God's beloved ones.” Do you find it difficult to see yourself as God's beloved? Why or why not?

5. Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that God is able to do “far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.” What are some areas of your life or family where you need to ask God to work in powerful ways beyond what you can imagine? Take some time to ask him now.