Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ

Colossians 1:15-20 (ESV)
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by[a] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Sermon Outline
We are invited into the reforming and reordering of all things in Christ, who is far greater than we imagine.

1. Christ is first.

• vv17-18 “he is before all things… he is the beginning”

• v15 “he is the image of the invisible God”, v19 “for in Him all the fulness of God was pleased to dwell”

2. Christ holds all things together.

• v17 “in him all things hold together”

• v20 “through him to reconcile all things, whether on earth or in heaven”

3. Christ is above all.

• v15 “the firstborn of creation”, v18 “the firstborn of the dead”

• v18 “he is the head of the body… that in everything he might be preeminent”

Prayer of Confession
Almighty God, our Creator and Redeemer, you who are above all: we admit our sin and shortcomings. With pride we have sought to take the preeminent place. With greed we have been lured into believing there are things greater than you. With corruption we have failed to act honorably toward you or others. With shame we admit that we are broken people and cannot fix ourselves. We thank you that Christ, who gives life to all, has given us new life. We ask for the forgiveness of our sins. Renew us by the Spirit that binds us to Christ, in whom all things are held together. The kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, forever. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. What do you see as “preeminent” in our world?  What do people put first, value most, get most excited about, etc.?

2. Why is it hard to see that Jesus is preeminent?

3. What is meant by the phrase “if you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus”?  What are you supposed to do?

4. How is looking to Jesus like keeping your “eye on the ball”?  How can you keep your eyes on Jesus throughout a typical day?  In extraordinary circumstances?

5. How does Christianity provide meaning in life?  Does life make sense?  Are you experiencing a sense of purpose?   

6. In what areas of your life would you benefit from reordering things with Jesus as your guide and teacher?  Where do you feel like you most need to give attention?

7. Why is it good news that Jesus is above all?  Are you confident Jesus is worthy of that position?  What concerns do you have?

8. What are some implications of Jesus being over all, and all things being accountable to him?

9. Do you ever have a sense of the transcendence and glory of Christ?  What can you be attuned to in order to help you recognize the greatness of Christ?  What can you expect to happen within you if you can more consistently connect with the exalted Christ?

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ

Colossians 1:9-14 (ESV)
9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Sermon Outline
We mature spiritually as we align with God’s will, so we should seek growth in the following areas:

1. Understanding

• v9  “asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding”

2. Action

• v10  “so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God”

3.  Endurance

• v11 “being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience”

4. Attitude

• vv11-12  “with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light”

Prayer of Confession
Our wise God, we don’t want to walk in darkness. We admit we often have the attitude “not thy will be done, but mine.” We have not sought to understand your will. In fact, we have tried to ignore it. We have contradicted it. We have sinned in thought, word and deed. We recognize our ingratitude, and we admit stubborn resistance to rejoice in you. Grant us forgiveness. Fill us with the knowledge of your will so that we walk with wisdom in a manner pleasing to you. Strengthen us with your power, according to your glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. How do you pray for other people?  Aside from specific needs, what do you (or should you) ask God to do in the lives of others? 

2. What does it mean to know God’s will?  What kinds of things should Christians know?  What can we not know?

3. What role does learning play in the Christian life?  What are some ways learning happens?

4. How are actions (what we do) part of the learning process? 

5. What does it look like to draw strength from God?  How can your endurance be with strength that God provides?

6. What is needed to get through periods where you are not experiencing joy?

7. Is it possible to choose to rejoice?  Are there things you can do that are authentic and faithful when you are not feeling joyful?

8. What role does thanksgiving play in the Christian life?  How can prayers of thanksgiving be a more frequent part of your day? 

9. How does the concept of inheritance inform how we can live?  What is implied?  What do you have that you did not earn?  What are you doing with what has been entrusted to you?

10. What does it look like to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord”?  What attitude and posture should you have? 

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ

Colossians 1:3-8 (ESV)
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

Sermon Outline
The gospel message of grace produces life that evidences itself in hope, faith and love.

1. Hope

• vv3-4  “We always thank God… since we heard…”

• v5 “because of the hope laid up for you in heaven”

2.  Faith

• v4 “since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus”

• v6 “you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth”

3.  Love

• v4  “and of the love that you have for all the saints”

• v8  “has made known to us your love in the Spirit.”

Prayer of Confession
Our God and Father, we need your grace. Forgive our misplaced hopes. We have deep longings, yet we seek satisfaction apart from you. We have many firm convictions and opinions, yet insufficient faith in you. Our love always falls short. Our actions evidence corruption, and fail to evidence being alive in your Spirit. True grace has come in Christ, so in him we appeal for forgiveness and mercy. Revive us as we look to the hope laid up for us in heaven. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. What is the gospel?  What are the key components of this message, that is described as “the grace of God in truth.”

2. What are your deepest desires?  What, most basically, do you really want?  What do you absolutely need?

3. What are your hopes?  What things do you look to in order to realize those hopes?  What are the top 3 things where you think “if I had that, I would be satisfied”?

4. How is Christian hope “laid up in heaven”?  What does that mean? 

5. How is faith the “instrument” of salvation?  What saves us?  How does one connect with what saves?

6. What happens when faith is weak?  How can your faith be strengthened?

7. How are faith and love connected to hope?  What are some ways hope feeds faith and love?

8. What changes when you truly believe that God loves you?

9. Why does the work of the Spirit in a person have to manifest itself in love?

10. Which of the three – faith, hope, love – do you need to give particular attention to in this season of life?

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ

Colossians 1:1-8 (ESV)
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

Sermon Outline
With Christ as our guide we can enter Colossians with expectations of maturing and fruitfulness.

1. Who is this letter from?

• vv5-6  “the truth, the gospel, which… is bearing fruit”

• v1 “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God”

2. Who is this letter for?

• v2 “To the saints and faithful brothers”

• v2 “Grace to you and peace from God our Father”

• v2 “in Christ at Colossae”

Prayer of Confession
Our Father, forgive us. We have squandered the grace and peace you have granted to us. We have not lived holy lives. Forgive every corrupt thought, word or action. Forgive us for how we have not honored you or our neighbors. We thank you for eternal life that is ours in Christ, for the forgiveness of all that is past, and our hope for all that is ahead. Sanctify us by your grace. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. As we enter the book of Colossians, what do you hope you can gain from the book?  How might time in this particular book help you grow?

2. What power does the Gospel message have?  How is it that the “good news” about Jesus can be transformative?  Can you think of any examples of the gospel “bearing fruit”?

3. What can you infer about Colossians from Paul identifying himself as a messenger of Christ?  Are these simply his thoughts?  How can you learn from Christ as you read the book?

4. What practices could enhance what you get from a sermon?  What things can you do prior to church?  What can you do during the sermon?  What might you do after the sermon?

5. How do your own attitudes and expectations shape how you engage reading the Bible?  What changes if the reader understands themselves to be a saint, set apart and part of the family of God?

6. What does the greeting “grace and peace from God our Father” convey?

7. What does it mean to be “in Christ”?  How are Christians “in Christ” while also being in a particular physical location?  What are some implications of being “in Christ” wherever you are?

8. How can you experience eternal life today?  How is the gospel enough for today’s needs, and how can you be more present, with God, in each moment?

9. Are there ways you are stuck in the past?  How can the gospel free you?

10.  Are you anxious about the future?  How does Christ provide strength for today?  How can you live wisely in the moment without be overwhelmed with trying to control the future?

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ

Colossians 1:24-2:7 (ESV)
24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

2:1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Sermon Outline
The way to a truly fruitful life is to mature in the grace of Christ.

1. Beginning

• 2:6 “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord”

• 2:2-3  “all the riches… which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures…”

• 2:7 “abounding in thanksgiving”

2. Continuing

• 2:6  “so walk in him”

• 2:7 “rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught”

Prayer of Confession
Our loving Father, you have been so good to us. Your kindness and generosity should stir us to grateful stewardship of all you have entrusted to us; yet we take so much for granted. We don’t abound with thanksgiving. We are marked instead by grumbling, envy, and all the characteristics that evidence we need your forgiveness. We are guilty of complacency. We have done much wrong. There is much we have failed to do. With honesty and humility, we admit our failings and appeal to you for mercy. We turn to you, in Christ, whom you have given to us and through whom you give us all things. As we renew our commitment to walk in him, lead us in maturing in him in this next season. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. How does the Christian life begin?

2. Why is it important to recognize that God gives and we receive?  What is your understanding of grace and how it works?

3. What riches and treasures do you recognize in Christ?  What in his character, in what he teaches, in what he has done, or in what he gives is of great value?  How can you grow in discerning and taking hold of even greater things in Christ?

4. When do you give thanks?  Do you have any routine or habits of pausing to take stock of what you have and celebrating whatever is good?  How can thanksgiving be a more regular part of your daily life?

5. Does maturity automatically happen?  How does one mature spiritually?  Are there ways to tell if you are growing?

6. What can you expect to experience in the process of maintaining a simple faith in Christ while engaging an increasingly complex world?  Does Christianity equip you for all of life?

7. Have you been neglecting any of the areas of the five practices of Acts 2: Fellowship, the Word, Prayer, Sacraments, Mission (FWPSM)?  How can these practices be a “means of grace”, habits that nourish and sustain you?

8. What could be next for Emmanuel?  How can our church grow, improve, deepen, become more fruitful?

We apologize, there is no video of this week’s sermon.

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Imagining the Church

John 15:1-11 (ESV)
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Sermon Outline
The deep union between Jesus and his church is unique in its life-giving nature.

1. Unite

• v2 “every branch in me”, v4 “in me, and I in you”

• v1 “I am the true vine”

• v5 “apart from me you can do nothing”

2. Remain

• v4 “abide”

• v2 “every branch that does bear fruit he prunes”

3. Prove

• v7 “My words abide in you”

• v8 “bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples”

• v9 “abide in my love”

• v11 “that your joy may be full”

Prayer of Confession
Our Father, you have called us to abide in Christ, the true vine, that our lives may bear good fruit. Yet we confess that we have often wandered from him. We have tried to grow apart from your grace, trusting our strength rather than your Spirit. We have resisted your pruning, clinging to habits and desires that do not give life. We have sought joy in passing things instead of abiding in your love. Forgive us, O Lord. Cut away all that is dead within us, and cleanse us from every fruitless work. Teach us to remain in your love and to keep your commands with joy, so that our lives may glorify you and our joy may be complete in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. What does the vine and branches metaphor teach about the relationship of Jesus and his people?

2. What do you think Jesus means when he says “apart from me you can do nothing”?

3. How do we get the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self control)?

4. How can the framework of “pruning” offer a perspective that can help you remain in Christ when enduring difficult periods?

5. Why is it important for Christian community to be based on our spiritual bond and our faith in Christ?  How can our natural hopes for community become a problem in the church?

6. What kinds of meaningful support should mark Christian relationships?  How can we sustain one another through the ups and downs of life?

7. What does it look like to keep Jesus’ command to love?  Why is love meant to be consistent and regular in the Christian life?

8. Do you believe that the Christian life is the path to true joy?  What questions do you have?  What can you pray for to grow in this season?

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Imagining the Church

Revelation 19:6-10 (ESV)
6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,

“Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God
    the Almighty reigns.
7 Let us rejoice and exult
    and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
    and his Bride has made herself ready;
8 it was granted her to clothe herself
    with fine linen, bright and pure”—

for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” 10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Sermon Outline
The picture of the church as a bride (v7) helps us see that the message of God’s love is profound (and includes commitment, sacrifice, joy)

1. The Marriage Supper

• v9 “blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper…”

• v6 “the Lord, our God… reigns”, v7 “for the marriage… has come”

2. The Lamb

• v7 “marriage of the lamb” (cf v9)

• v10 “the testimony of Jesus”

• v10 “he fell down to worship”

3. The Linen Garment

• v7 “the bride has made herself ready”

• v8 “it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen… the righteous deeds of the saints”

• v7 “let us rejoice”

Prayer of Confession
Our loving God, you have been faithful to us, but we have not been faithful to you. We have taken you for granted. We have assumed a contractual relationship where we have served you in exchange for things we want from you. We have presumed upon your patience by persisting in what you have warned us not to do. We have failed to trust you. We have sinned in ways that have dishonored people whom you have made. Forgive all of our sins. Wash us clean. Show us again your grace and favor, as we strive to put off the old ways and put on what is fitting for those awaiting the great celebration you have invited us to. We pray this through Christ, the one who loved us and who alone is worthy. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. Do you find the message of God’s love appealing?  What skepticism, cynicism, fear or incredulity do you have towards this message?  Why?

2. Does it feel like you relate to God under a contract (a practical relationship, a sense of duty, a foundation of exchange, etc.) or a covenant (a personal commitment, a desire to be faithful, a foundation of love)?  How does your framework shape your expectations, your experience of God, your interpretation of life events, etc.?

3. Does love typically include joy, commitment and sacrifice?  Are all three necessary?  Are they always present?  What else does real love need?

4. Why is it important to recognize that God is patient and faithful with unfaithful people?

5. Why is Jesus pictured as a lamb in the book of Revelation?  What other passages of the Bible help you understand why Jesus is the “lamb of God”?

6. How is a marriage celebration a helpful image for understanding where God is leading history? 

7. What does the metaphor of the church as a bride imply about how we are to live?  What does it look like to get changed/dressed if the garment is “righteous deeds”?

8. Do you believe the future is hopeful, and that a joyous occasion awaits?  Why or why not?  How are you currently affected by what you believe about the future?

Speaker: Rev. Tim Chang
Sermon Series: Imagining the Church

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (ESV)
12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

Sermon Outline
1. We are unique members

•  [12] For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ…[14] For the body does not consist of one member but of many... [20] As it is, there are many parts, yet one body... [27] Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

•  [22] the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, [23] and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, [24] which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it

•  [15] If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. [16] And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body.

 2. We belong to the body of Christ

•  [13] For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

•  [25] …that the members may have the same care for one another. [26] If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

•  [21] The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”

 3. This is God’s design

•  [18] God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose

•  [24] God has so composed the body

•  Genesis 2:23 - Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.”

Prayer of Confession
Almighty God, you created us for connection, not isolation. You arranged every member of Christ’s body as indispensable, and your design is beautiful. Yet we confess our sins. We bring division, we measure people’s worth wrongly, we see ourselves too highly and others too lowly. Instead of strengthening the body, we weaken it. Forgive us, O Lord. Turn our eyes to Jesus, whose body was broken to make us whole. May we live each day assured that we belong to him, for we are bone of his bones and flesh of his flesh. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. What connected with you from the sermon or the passage?

2. Paul says each member of the body of Christ has value and worth, not just usefulness. Why do you think it’s hard for us to believe this about ourselves or others?

3. Describe a time when you felt overlooked or undervalued in the church or elsewhere? How did that affect you?

4. What’s the most meaningful encouragement you’ve ever received, and why did it resonate with you?  How might we grow our church’s culture of encouragement?

5. Think of a time when someone “suffered with you” or “rejoiced with you.” How did that experience shape your sense of belonging?

6. We may not be best friends with everyone in church, but what’s one simple step you could take to connect more meaningfully with someone you don’t know well?

7. What if the song that Adam sung to Eve (“This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh”) is being sung over us by Jesus? How might that encourage you to know that you are intimately tied to Jesus?

8. What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Imagining the Church

1 Timothy 3:14-16 (ESV)
14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:

He was manifested in the flesh,
    vindicated by the Spirit,
        seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
    believed on in the world,
        taken up in glory.

Sermon Outline
The church, as a household (v15), is the family of God.

1. Church of The Living God (v15)

2. The Mystery of Godliness (v16)

3. How To Behave (v15)

Prayer of Confession
Our gracious heavenly Father, we are assembled before you, the living God.  With honesty and humility, we confess our sins.  We have not displayed the family likeness.  We have not followed the ways of Christ.  We have wandered and walked in the ways of the slanderer, the deceiver, the accuser, the liar, the murderer.  We have compromised the truth.  We have not acted with honor towards those in the household of faith, nor our neighbors.  Forgive us.  We thank you that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.  In this family gathering, renew us, nourish us, cleanse us, lead us.  Amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. In what ways is a church like a family?  Are there ways in which a church is not like a family? 

2. Why is the weekly pattern of assembling in the presence of the living God an essential part of the Christian life? (the word for “church”, ekklesia, also means an assembly)

3. How is a Sunday worship service like a family gathering? 

4. How do falsehood and deception bring ruin?  How do they turn people against God and one another?

5. How is God’s plan for all things held together in Christ?  What makes Jesus the way, the truth, and the life?

6. What can we do to keep focused on the things God has chosen to reveal?  What things can we do while there is still much we don’t understand?

7. Why is it important that Christians get clear on how they are to behave? 

8. What are some of the characteristics of the family of God?  What are some traits that all members of God’s household should have?

We apologize, the recording encountered a glitch. At about the 42:35 mark there is a jump. The missing segment was about 20 seconds.

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Imagining the Church

1 Peter 2:1-12 (ESV)
1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture:

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
    a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,

“The stone that the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone,”

8 and

“A stone of stumbling,
    and a rock of offense.”

They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Sermon Outline
What does it mean that the church is a “priesthood”?

1. A Spiritual House

• v5  you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood

• v11 I urge… to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul

• vv1-2   put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander… long for… spiritual milk, that… you may grow up…

2. A People Called with Mercy

• v7 “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”

• v9 you are a chosen race… him who called you… out of darkness

• v10 Once you were not a people… but now you have received mercy

3. Those Offering Sacrifices

• v3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

• v5 …offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ

• v9 that you may proclaim the excellencies…

• v12 Keep your conduct… honorable…

Prayer of Confession
Almighty and most merciful Father, without your help we will lose the war against our souls.  We confess our weakness.  We have ignored or justified envy when we should have recognized it and turned from it.  We are guilty of malice, deceit, hypocrisy and slander.  As a church, we have been weak in proclaiming your excellencies and our good works have been insufficient.  Forgive every sin.  We thank you for the mercy we receive through Christ, who offered himself as a sacrifice on our behalf.  Empower us with your Spirit to offer spiritual sacrifices that bring you glory.  Amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. Do you ever experience “war against your soul”?  What feelings or experiences drain you (or feel like they are killing you)?

2. What is your experience with envy?  How does envy function in your life?  Are you always aware when envy is at work within you?

3. How does envy keep people stuck in misery?  Why is it so hard to get free from envy?

4. How is envy connected to malice, hypocrisy, slander and deceit?

5. Why is it so important that God is merciful?  How do we know God is merciful?

6. How does God use the rejection of Jesus Christ to turn us from lifeless rocks to living stones?  How does the resurrected Jesus call us out of darkness and into his marvelous light?

7. Have you tasted that the Lord is good?  Has your soul had any stirrings of life because of some connection with the goodness of God?

8. What does it look like to make spiritual sacrifices through Christ? 

9. How does “proclaiming the excellencies of him who called you” (praise to God) help safeguard against envy?

10. How does God use the church to fill the world with worship and good works?  Where is the church failing in this calling?  What can the church be doing in this period of time?