The Gospel Transforms us to Pursue Godliness . . .

I. False Teaching has Evil Impact from an Evil Source and is delivered by Evil People! (1-5)

II. Sound Doctrine leads from Identity to the Hard Work of Progressive Sanctification! (6-10)

Practical Implications

o Should we take minor false teachings majorly serious? Why/Why not?

o How can we expose ourselves to gospel truth more? Place it in other believers lives more?

o Where can you see flesh efforts taking over grace efforts in growth process? How can we tell?

Leaders with Integrity are Essential for Church Health . . .

I. Deacons Oversee the Serving Ministries & Physical Needs of the Church! (Acts 6:1-7)

II. All Work Is Spiritual, Requiring Leaders to Walk with God in Integrity! (8-12)

III. Serve Well; Influence and Assurance Are the Reward ! (13)

Application Questions

o What Motivates Your Service? Recognition or Your Serving the Savior?

o What Areas of Character Do You Need to Cultivate? Next Step to Grow Here?

o What Areas of Serving Are You Gifted for/Passionate About? What Steps toward Service Can You Take?

Leaders with Integrity are Essential for Church Health . . .

I. Elders Oversee the Shepherding of People and the Purity of Doctrine! (1 Pet 5:1-4; Ac 28:17-31; Ti 1:5-9; Heb 13:7-9)

II. Desire to be Someone God can Elevate to Elder (or Deacon)! (1)

III. Value Character more than Competence in Qualifying for Leadership! (2-7)

Practical Implications

o How can/should you pray for and support leaders?

o What keeps you from faithfulness in serving the Lord somewhere?

o What qualities do you need to cultivate? Which ones first?

Let Your Way of Life in Community Display Christ Well . . .

I. Because we are God’s Family and the Guardians of Truth! (14-15)

II. Because we have Christ-Centered Good news of Grace-Based Godliness! (16)

Practical Implications

o How can your lifestyle affect the lost around you (+/-)?

o What difference should it make in your life that you are in God’s family? Others around us are part of same family?

o Why does it matter that we protect and proclaim the truth?

An Introduction:

Male and Female He Created them . . .  

I.   Men and Women are Equal Image Bearers! (Gen 1)

II. Men and Women are Given Distinct Roles in the Home

III. The Fall turns Partnership into a Power Struggle;

IV. Women Cultivate a Love for your God Given Value and Role,

Practical Implications

1.       What struggles or distortions do you see in yourself as it relates to biblical manhood/womanhood?

2.       What are some consequences/effects of failed manhood/ womanhood in yourself, family, extended family?

3.       What redemptive effects could you see coming from a personal commitment to biblical manhood/womanhood?

Definitions

Manhood: Loving, humble, and Christ displaying leadership= “At the heart of mature masculinity is a sense of benevolent responsibility to lead, provide for, and protect women in ways appropriate to a man’s differing relationships.” – Piper/Grudem

Quotes

She is to help carry his leadership through according to her gifts; “This is not because she’s merely decorative, but because she is the thing that makes her good man great. She transforms a promising bachelor into a purposeful, respected husband. . . . In this transformative role, whether single or married, a woman mimics her Savior. Like him, she submits to another’s will

Danvers Statement Affirmation 6.1–2:

In the family, husbands should forsake harsh or selfish leadership and grow in love and care for their wives; wives should forsake resistance to their husbands’ authority and grow in willing, joyful submission … In the church, redemption in Christ gives men and women an equal share in the blessings of salvation; nevertheless,

An Introduction to Biblical Manhood and Womanhood:

Male and Female He created them . . .

I. Men and Women are Equal Image Bearers! (Gen 1)

II. Men and Women are Given Distinct Roles in the Home

III. The Fall turns Partnership into a Power Struggle;

IV. Women Cultivate a Love for your God Given Value and Role,

 Implications

A.    What struggles or distortions do you see in yourself as it relates to biblical manhood/womanhood?

B.     What are some consequences/effects of failed manhood/ womanhood in yourself, family, extended family?

Avoid Distractions to the Glory of Jesus and His Gospel . . .

I. Men Lead the Church to Praise/Prayer from a Heart of Holiness and a Desire for Peace! (8)

II. Women Prioritize Internal, not External Beauty! (9-10)

3 Principles:

1. Focus on the Glory of Christ, not Distract from it:

2. Prioritize Inner Beauty/Godliness more than Outer:

3. Express Love and Concern for Bro/Sis in Christ:

III. Women Cultivate a Love for your God Given Value and Role, not Cultural Expectations! (11-15)

Practical Implications

o Where do you see anger show up in your life/relationships?

o Which of the three principles are real temptations/struggles for you?

o What do you struggle to understand or believe about this passage?

Pray for and Pursue the Salvation of ALL People . . .

I. Ask for Circumstances and Lifestyles that Give the Gospel its Best Chance to be Heard! (1-2)

II. Because it Pleases the Lord and Aligns with His Will to Save People! (3-4)

III. Because God is Worthy and People have no other Hope! (5-7)

Practical Implications

o Who and where are you praying for regularly?

o What are some ideas on how you could serve, engage, eat with lost in your circles?

o How much do you care/think about salvation of all people?

Jesus Came to Save Sinners by Sheer Grace . . .

I. Jesus’ Grace leads to Praise b/c it Stretches all the Way to the Worst of Sinners! (12-17)

II. Jesus’ Grace Encourages and Warns us in our Fight of Faith! (18-20)

Practical Implications

o What is your honest heart view of “really” sinful people?

o When you think deeply about it, how does your salvation affect you?

o What are some reasons you would give for gospel truth being worth fighting for?

Fight for Gospel Truth . . .

I. We have an Authoritative Truth; there is no Need for Speculations! (3-4)

II. The Goal of Truth is Outward Love that Expresses an Inward Faith! (5-7)

III. The OT Law is Useful to Convict the Lost, but not as the Standard for Believers! (8-11)

Practical Implications

o Commit to believing this is God’s word, and it is right, true, and best!

o What evidence of growth in love for God and others do you see in your life?

o Where does a performance or legalism mentality show up in your life?