GCC Newton sermon audio

What’s True in the Bible?

How we fight temptation

1. When you are full of the Spirit, you will be tempted in the flesh. (Luke 4:1–2 / Deuteronomy 9:13–20)

2. We fight temptation with a heart and mind full of God’s Word. (Luke 4:3–12 / Psalm 2:7–8; 119:9–11 / John 12:31 / Ephesians 2:2)

3. We fight temptation preemptively and by embracing sacrifice. (Luke 4:5–8; 11:4 / Romans 13:13–14 / 1 Corinthians 10:13)

4. Where we failed, Jesus overcame. (Luke 4:13 / Genesis 3:6–7)

What’s Real in my life?

• How am I filling my heart and mind with God’s Word?

• How does Jesus’ victory encourage my struggle with sin?

• What could God be preparing me for this summer?

What’s Next?

• What boundaries or commitments can I make to prepare me to resist future temptation?

What’s True in the Bible?

How we fight temptation

1. When you are full of the Spirit, you will be tempted in the flesh. (Luke 4:1–3)

What’s Real in my life?

• When am I caught off-guard by temptation?

• How am I filling my heart and mind with God’s Word?

• How does Jesus’ victory encourage my struggle with sin?

What’s Next?

• Do I need to get baptized?

• What boundaries or commitments can I make to prepare me to resist future temptation?

What’s True in the Bible?

1. Preparation begins with repentance. (Luke 3:3–6; 16:16)

2. Repentance produces a godly life. (Luke 3:7–9 / Ezekiel 11:19–20)

3. God wants to transform your life. (Luke 3:10–18 / John 15:8)

What’s Real in my life?

What has prepared me for the message of Christ? How so?

What does repentance look like for me on a practical level?

How does my life communicate the possibility for change in others?

What’s Next?

Privately: What do I need to repent from right now? What does “turning from” that look like?

How can I encourage repentance in those closest to me?

What’s True in the Bible?

1. Motherhood is honored by God. (Ephesians 6:2–3 / Proverbs 23:33 / 1 Timothy 5:2–8)

2. Motherhood is a complex blessing. (1 Samuel 1:2–10, 12–16 / Isaiah 40:11, 41:10 / Psalm 32:8, 34:18 / 2 Corinthians 9:8)

3. Motherhood isn’t only about mothers. (1 Samuel 1:11, 18–28 / Romans 16:13)

What’s Real in my life?

In what ways has my mother been a positive influence in my life?

How have other women been “motherly” to me?

What’s Next?

How can I show appreciation to my mother or the mother of my kinds in a special way this month?

[If you are a woman...] How can I be motherly figure in someone else’s life?

What’s True in the Bible?

How did Jesus grow up?

1. He listened to others and engaged in learning. (Luke 2:46–47 / Proverbs 1:7, 4:7)

2. He embraced his purpose while submitting to authority. (Luke 2:48–51 / John 6:38, 12:49, 14:31 / 1 Peter 2:13–17 / Ephesians 6:1–3 / Titus 3:1)

3. He influenced others without being in charge. (Luke 2:47, 51–52 / 1 Timothy 4:12)

What’s Real in my life?

Have I fully embraced God’s calling on my life?

How do I relate to the authority figures/structures in my life? Does it mimic how Jesus did it?

What’s Next?

What can I do to emulate Jesus’ growth in my context?

How can I faithfully lead others when I’m not in charge? Who would that be?

What’s True in the Bible?

How did Jesus grow up?

1. He listened to others and engaged in learning. (Luke 2:46–47 / Proverbs 1:7, 4:7)

2. He embraced his purpose while submitting to authority.(Luke 2:49–51)

3. He influenced others without being in charge. (Luke 2:47, 51–52 / 1 Timothy 4:12)

What’s Real in my life?

In what area of my life am I trying to grow the most?

When have I averted trouble because I stopped to listen?

Have I fully embraced God’s calling on my life?

How do I relate to the authority figures/structures in my life? Does it mimic how Jesus did it?

What’s Next?

What can I do to emulate Jesus’ growth in my context?

How can I lead others when I’m not in charge? Who would that be?

What’s True in the Bible

1. God blesses me in the midst of conflict. (Psalm 23:5; 45:7; 78:19; 133:2; 141:5 / 2 Samuel 17:27-29 / Luke 7:46 / John 6:51)

2. God’s generosity exceeds my capacity. (Psalm 23:5; 16:5 / Luke 6:38 / Acts 20:35 / 2 Corinthians 8:9; 9:11 / Ephesians 1:3 / Philippians 4:19 / James 1:17)

3. God’s persistent love gives me hope for each day. (Psalm 23:6; 25:7; 27:4; 31:19 / Romans 8:28 / 2 Corinthians 4:16)

What’s Real in my life?

How has God blessed me in the midst of conflict?

Where do I go when my cup is empty?

What gives me hope for today and tomorrow?

What does hope look like in my life?

What’s Next?

How can I remind myself each day of God’s goodness and mercy?

How can I share the blessings and hope that God gives me?

What’s True in the Bible

1. God walks with us through every valley. (Psalm 23:4)

2. God protects us when we’re in danger. (Psalm 23:4)

What’s Real in my life?

Do I really believe that Jesus rose from the dead? Why?

What does belief in His resurrection mean for my life?

Does His resurrection sooth my fear or anxiety? How so?

What’s Next?

How can I trust Jesus to comfort me in my darkest moments?

What godly habit could I cultivate to help me turn to Jesus instead of fear?

What’s True in the Bible?

As a shepherd:

1. God restores my soul. (Psalm 23:3a; 51:12 / Isaiah 53:6 / Ezekiel 34:4 / Luke 15:5 / Romans 4:4)

2. God leads me in righteousness. (Psalm 23:3b; 25:4–5; 31:3; 19:7–8; 119:9–16 / Proverbs 4:10–19)

What’s Real in my life?

When have I wandered away from God or church before? (By the way, we all have!)

Did I try to “restore” myself, or did I lean on God to bring me back?

In what ways do I pursue righteousness?

What’s Next?

How can I better follow the path that God has for me?

How can I enhance my daily habit of listening to God’s Word?

What’s True in the Bible?

As a shepherd:

1. God cares for me personally. (Psalm 23:1a / John 10:11–14)

2. God provides for my needs. (Psalm 23:1b–2, 34:9–10 / Philippians 4:19 / Nehemiah 9:21 / Luke 12:22–32)

What’s Real in my life?

• Who has shown a great deal of care for me in my lifetime? How so?

• How would I describe God’s love and care for me? Is it personal and intimate? Why or why not?

• Do I live and rest as if God will provide for all my needs? Why or why not?

What’s Next?

• What needs to change in my life to reflect a greater trust in God?