First Irving Sermons

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. (1 Tim 3:15)

Main Point. God protects his church through the functional roles of his created order.

Driving Question. How does God protect his Church from false teaching?

1. God protects his Church by having the men pray (not divide) (8)

Application.

1. Are you more quarrelsome or passive?

2. Men, lift your hands and pray.

3. Men, lead your families to worship God.

4. Men, love your God.

5. Women, encourage your husbands and the men of the church to lead and pray.

2. God protects his Church by having women dress in godliness (and not distract) (9–10)

Application.

1. Ask yourself, why are you wearing what you are?

2. Nurture your heart, before your hair.

3. Brothers, encourage your sisters when you see godliness and good works in them.

3. God protects his Church by preserving his created order (11–14)

Application.

1. Ladies, come to the church to grow in intimacy with God and to learn theology.

2. Ladies, look to Christ who taught us to submit to the Father’s will.

Two common objections:

Objection 1. Paul was misogynistic.

Paul is not saying. (as Satan would tempt you to believe):

Women don’t ever have a teaching responsibility in the church (Titus 2; Matt 28:18–20; Col 3:16).

Men can’t learn from women (Acts 18:24–26; 2 Tim 1:5).

Women are not less intelligent or gifted, or significant.

Objections 2. This was Ephesus’ cultural moment.

But look where Paul roots his argument: Creation.

4. God protects his Church by the Seed of the woman (15)

Response.

This is a call for us to trust God’s word over our own.

This is a call for us to walk in God’s good design.

This is a call of reminder that our value is in Christ.

Main Idea: The Triune God created man and woman in His image to exercise dominion over the earth through distinct and complementary roles. Yet, because of sin, a curse came upon the world that distorted God’s design until Christ came to reverse the curse.

1. Delighting in our Designer - Gen. 1

Our God is a Trinitarian God

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Our God is a Trinitarian God

-Equality in the Trinity

-Distinction in the Trinity

-Creates out of the overflow of His fullness, goodness, and generosity.

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2. Delighting in His Design - Gen. 2:15-25

-Equality of man and woman

(Man and woman created in God’s image)

-Man and woman have equal value and dignity, and both reflect His glory

-Man and woman both given Creation Mandate

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-Distinction between man and woman

(God’s design for man):

-The Lord formed the man first as representative of the human race (2:7-8)

-The Lord formed the man “from the dust of the ground” and put him in the garden to “work it” and “keep it.” (2:15)

-Adam was given the responsibility to maintain the holiness of the garden (2:16)

(God’s design for woman):

-The Lord formed the woman "from the man" to be “a helper fit for him.” Or “a helper corresponding to him.” (v. 18-21)

-Adam names his wife “woman” (ishshah) showing equality and interdependence (3:23)

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3. Distortion in His Design

God-given roles and differences are distorted at the fall, but not created.

The curse is reversed by the One who would crush Satan’s head (3:15)

God’s design re-created and renewed only in Christ

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Response:

1. "Taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8)

-Be with Him daily in His word.

2. Seek ways to flourish in the design and roles that God has given to you.

-Men: as humble, diligent, loving, initiative-taking servants who are zealous to protect and uphold God’s Word.

-Women: as life-giving, strong, compassionate helpers.

Main Point. We pray that all people be saved through Christ, who gave His life as a ransom and is the only Mediator between God and man.

Driving Question. Why do we pray for all people when we come together for worship?

1. Because the Church can live a peaceful and godly life (1–2)

Application.

How are we doing in this as a church?

Are you taking advantage of God’s common grace as you live in a free society?

Notice the order of importance: worship God through prayer, then disciple/evangelize.

Our lives are to be godly and dignified (2).

2. Because these prayers please God (3)

3. Because God desires all people to be saved and know the truth (4)

Application.

Rest in the loving heart of God who desires all men to be saved.

Rest assured that every type of man will be saved, but don’t rest from telling every man.

Do you struggle with wanting certain sinners, or types of sinners, to be saved?

4. Because Jesus Died as a Ransom For All (5–6)

Application.

We pray for people to know and trust this One Mediator.

Responses.

The Church is to worship God our Savior and Christ our Mediator.

The Church is to pray with purpose that is aligned with our God.

Main Point. We wage the good warfare by holding to Christ, our safeguard from spiritual shipwreck.

Driving Question. How do we wage 'the good' warfare?

1. Remember your calling to the fight (18)

Application.

Wage the “good” warfare (18).

Defend the revealed truth of God against those who distort it (3).

Christian ministry is more than proclamation; it’s also combat.

2. Use the weapons given for the fight (19)

a. Holding faith.

b. [and] A good conscience.

Application.

How does confessing and repenting cultivate a good conscience?

Are you nurturing a tender conscience before the Lord according to the teaching of his word?

3. Take heed of the warning in the fight (19–20)

But there is a purpose to this: That they may learn not to blaspheme.

A few things to consider about excommunication:

Just because you know it’s been done wrongly, doesn’t mean it can’t be done rightly.

We are to avoid the ditches on both sides of the road; passive neglect and action which harms.

The aim is love and restoration… filled with grace.

Takeaways.

Though we defend the doctrine and fight for the church, it’s Christ who assures the defense (Matt 16).

Though we are to hold the faith and a good conscience, it is Christ who holds us (Jn 10:28, 29; Phil 3:12).

Though our aim is love, we are to remember the loving patience of God toward us and others.

Main Point. Christ came to save sinners, and His great mercy leads to the praise of God our King.

Three Driving Questions today.

1. What is the very center of Christianity?

2. What can we learn about God?

3. How do we respond?

1. What is the very center of Christianity?

Observations of this “saying” (the gospel).

The saying is trustworthy.

The saying is deserving of full acceptance.

The saying is about Jesus Christ.

The saying is for sinners.

Apply.

Humble yourself and have an accurate view of your own sinfulness.

Relish in the truth that Christ came to save.

Memorize these nine words and trust them.

Repent and trust in Jesus, for He alone can reconcile sinners to God.

Two reasons Paul receives this mercy.

1. Paul was ignorantly in unbelief.

2. Paul receives mercy that God might display his perfect patience.

2. What do we learn about God from this passage?

1. He is King (17)

- Immortal

- Invisible

- The Only God

And because of these things… he is Worthy of Eternal Glory and Honor

2. He Providers (strength) (12)

3. He Appoints (whoever he wants) (12)

4. He Gives Mercy (to the ignorant zealot) (13)

5. He Overflows with Grace (even for the dreadful sinner) (13-14)

6. He is Patient (even with the most vile) (15)

7. He is Savior (and it’s trustworthy) (15)

3. How are we to respond?

1. Thanksgiving (13).

2. Testifying (14–16).

3. Humbly(16)

4. Praising Him (17)

Main Point. The Church’s charge is to guard sound doctrine by faith, promote Christlike love, and use God’s law to reveal sin and lead us to the gospel.

Driving Question. Why is it essential that we guard the sound doctrine?

1. Because sound doctrine protects the church from false teachers (3–7)

1 Cor 4:1–2 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

2 Peter 1:2–4 2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

1 Cor 13:13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

2 Corinthians 3:18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

2. Because sound doctrine promotes the true purpose of the law and the gospel (8–11)

How does one use the law lawfully?

By recognizing the intended function of the law is to point out our sin.

Takeaways.

We need the law everyday to show us our sin.

We need the gospel everyday to remind us that Christ’s righteousness fulfilled the law for us, and the reminder that he paid the penalty of the law for us because of our unrighteousness.

We need the gospel every day in order to love God and love people (which fulfills the law).

We need to realize that the gospel (and the law) lead us to live a life aimed at the glory of the blessed God.

The why” of 1 Timothy. (1 Tim 3:14–15) 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.

Driving Question. What is the foundation of the Church of the Living God?

Main Point. The Church is established on God our Savior’s command and the hope we have in Christ.

1. The Church is Rooted in God our Savior’s Command [1–2a]

(John 16:13): 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

(John 14:25–26): 25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

(1 Cor 15:7–9): 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

Paul’s purpose in apostleship: (2 Tim 2:10): Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

What does God save us from? (1 Thess 1:9–10): 9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Application:

The church’s identity is rooted in the God who saves.

The church is a place of hope and salvation.

The Church is Resourced by God our Father through Christ [2b]

Application.

Don’t pass over the meaning of biblical words.

Live in the abundance of God’s grace, mercy, and peace.

Takeaways.

Be certain you know God our Savior.

Be convinced of the authority of Scripture.

Be committed to God our Savior’s Church.

Be a true child of the faith.

Main Idea. How we manage our resources reveals our true devotion to Christ and eternal perspective.

Question. What can we learn from the manager's foresight and shrewdness, despite his dishonesty?

Jesus teaches 3 lessons to his disciples.

Lesson 1: Use Worldly Wealth with Eternal Perspective (8b–9).

Applications.

Invest in the Kingdom of God and make friends.

Lesson 2: Faithfulness in Little Things Matters (10–12).

Questions.

In what "small" areas of your life can you demonstrate greater faithfulness?

Do you desire to be entrusted with the truer things?

Lesson 3: You Cannot Serve Two Masters (13).

A.W. Pink: These orders [love for God and love for money] are diametrically opposed. The one commands you to walk by faith; the other to walk by sight. The one to be humble; the other to be proud. The one to set your affections on things above; the other to set them on the things that are on the earth. The one to look at the things unseen and eternal; the other to look at the things seen and temporal. The one to have your conversation in heaven; the other to cleave to the dust. The one to be careful for nothing; the other to be full of anxiety. The one to be content with such things as you have; the other to enlarge your desires. The one to be ready to distribute; the other to withhold. The one to look at the things of others; the other to look at one’s own things. The one to seek happiness in the Creator; the other to seek happiness in the creature. Is it not plain? There is no serving two such masters.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. (1 Tim 6:10, 17–19).

Applications.

Seek contentment in Christ.

Do your financial decisions reflect devotion to God or to wealth?

Gospel-Takeaways.

1. Perfected by Christ, the Perfect Steward.

2. Empowered by Grace for Faithful Service

3. Motivated by the “Truer” things.

Responses.

Do not think that your stewardship or shrewdness purchase God’s favor and remove your sins.

Do not ignore the principal teaching that Jesus is giving us.

Move quickly, like the dishonest manager did.

Pray for grace and wisdom to use God's gifts more effectively.

Main Point: Jesus is and brings a glorious hope to all nations.

I. Jesus is the hope of Israel (v.17-23)

II. Jesus is the hope of the Gentiles. (v.24-28)

III. Jesus is the hope His disciples proclaim (v.30-31)

Takeaways from the book of Acts:

Jesus is the Resurrected King

There is not neutrality

Jesus commissions His disciples to be His witness

It’s a mission given to the church

It’s a worldwide mission, to every people, nation and tongue

It’s a mission guided by God’s providence and His promises

It's a mission for the glory of God and the advancement of the Kingdom

The Holy Spirit is the Helper who empowers

The Spirit empowers the church in its witness

The Spirit empowers the Word to bring life

The Spirit empowers the Christian to endure

Main Idea. Holdfast to Christ in the storm, for He not only makes promises but faithfully keeps them.

Driving Question. In what ways can God’s word be trusted during difficult storms?

1. He Makes Promises of Passage Through the Storm (13–26)

Applications.

Hold tight to the Lord’s words and promises despite living in seasons where you succumb to injury or loss.

Remember the Lord who rules the sea.

2. His Promises Consist of Provision During the Shipwreck (27–44)

Consider the Lord’s provision in this shipwreck.

He provides his promise again of protection and life (34).

He provides the bread for strength to swim, which they thank God for (34–36).

He provided land at the perfect time (39).

He provides a piece of wood to float on (44).

Paul’s fourth shipwreck! (2 Cor 11).

3. His Promises Include Protection In the Serpent’s Bite (28:1–10)

Gospel Takeaways.

1. Jesus is the reason we can take courage, for no one’s life will be lost who believes his word (Jn 3:16).

2. Jesus is the protection from the ultimate storm, the wrath of God against sin (Matt 24:37–39; Rom 5:9).

3. Jesus provides deliverance and new land (Rev 21:5).

4. Jesus is the bread from heaven for which we give thanks (Jn 6:22–59).

5. Jesus is the antidote for the snake bite (Gen 3:15; Gal 3:13; Gal 4:4).

Response.

1. Obey, and do not be idle.

2. Trust, and hold to his word.

3. Identify specific promises in Scripture and apply them.

4. Practice giving thanks daily for his provision.