GCC Newton sermon audio

What’s True? What do I see in the Bible?

God’s Design for Women

1. Designed for Holiness. (Titus 2:3)

2. Designed to Nurture. (Titus 2:3)

3. Designed for Freedom. (Titus 2:3 / Romans 6:11-18)

4. Designed to Teach. (Titus 2:3)

5. Designed to Lead. (Titus 2:4-5 / 2 Timothy 1:5, 3:14-15)

6. Designed for Ministry. (Romans 16:1-2)

What about female pastors/elders? Come next week for part 2!

What’s Real? What do I see in my life?

• Describe a woman who has had a significant influence in your life. What did I appreciate most about her?

• Why is it important for me to understand God’s design for women?

• Which women in my life need encouragement to enjoy God’s intended design for their lives? How will I encourage them this week?

What’s Next? Write a prayer and practical step in light of truth.

I. Let’s define ‘inspiration.’ What is it?

· Verbal – every WORD is inspired
· Plenary – ALL PARTS are inspired
· Inspiration – God GUIDED the process
· Inerrancy – there are no ERRORS in Scripture
· Infallibility – Scripture cannot be WRONG

II. What pulls us OFF TRACK on our journey to God? (3:1-10)

A. Growing focus on SELF, v. 1-4

B. Empty RELIGION, v. 5-9
1. A religion without the GOSPEL, v. 5
2. A MANIPULATIVE religion, v. 6-9

III. What keeps us ON TRACK on our journey to God? (3:10-17)

A. Follow GODLY LEADERS, v. 10-13

B. “CONTINUE in what you have learned…” v. 14-15

Why follow the Scriptures?

· The Bible leads us to GOD
· The Bible declares the GOSPEL
· The Bible keeps us from SHIPWRECK
· We’re losing our KIDS

What’s True? What do I see in the Bible?

Pray like it matters!

1. Bring your pain to God. (James 5:13 / Luke 22:44 / Matthew 26:36-46 / 1 Peter 5:6-7)

2. Lift your praise to God. (James 5:13 / 1 Corinthians 14:26 / Colossians 3:16)

3. Don’t suffer alone. (James 5:14, 16 / Colossians 3:12-14 / Luke 18:9-14 / 1 John 1:9)

4. Remember, God’s power makes the difference. (James 5:14-18 / Luke 22:43)

What’s Real? What do I see in my life?

• Who do I normally talk to when I’m sad or hurting? Why?

• What is my favorite way to praise God? Is that a normal part of my prayer life?

• The elders at Grace are available to pray with the sick. (‘Connect with Us’ at gcc-online.org) Would I feel comfortable going to them for prayer? Why?

• How often do I pray for others who are hurting? What difference does that make?

• Do I allow my “sins or weaknesses” to stop me from praying? Why? Does the Bible tell me to avoid God when I’ve done wrong? If not, why do I?

What’s Next? Write a prayer and practical step in light of truth.

What’s True? What do I see in the Bible?

A Faith of Integrity

1. Do not swear. (James 5:12 / Matthew 5:33-36 / Leviticus 19:12 / Hebrews 6:13-16)

2. Uphold your word. (James 5:12 / Matthew 5:37; 23:16-22 / Mark 14:71 / Proverbs 10:19 / John 8:44)

3. Trust God’s Word. (Hebrews 6:17-20 / John 8:31-32 / Deuteronomy 8:2-3 / Proverbs 30:5 / Psalms 12:6, 18:30, 56:4, 62:8)

What’s Real? What do I see in my life?

• Have you ever been hurt by somebody who didn’t keep his/her word? How did that affect your relationship or opinion of him/her?

• Have you ever said “I swear...”? Why?

• How is swearing (an oath; not cuss words) a substitute for integrity?

What’s Next? Write a prayer and practical step in light of truth.

What’s True? What do I see in the Bible?

Patience in the Midst of Difficulties

1. Our Foundation for Patience (James 5:7-8 / 1 Thessalonians 3:13, 5:14 / 1 Corinthians 13:4)

2. Our Alternatives to Patience (James 5:9 / Deuteronomy 11:13-17)

3. Our Examples of Patience (James 5:10 / Acts 7:52 / Hebrews 11:32-38)

4. God’s Purpose for Patience (James 5:11 / Job 1:21-22, 2:10, 42:10-17 / Matthew 5:12 / Hebrews 6:12-15 / Isaiah 40:30-31 / 1 Timothy 1:16 / 2 Peter 3:9)

What’s Real? What do I see in my life?

• How would you describe patience?

• Share a story of when somebody was outstandingly patient with you. How did that make you feel?

• What circumstances or personalities make it hard for you to be patient?

• What can you do in the “waiting room of life” to show your trust and hope in God?

What’s Next? Write a prayer and practical step in light of truth.

What’s True? What do I see in the Bible?

A Self-Indulgent Heart:

1. Loves money. (James 5:1 / Matthew 6:21-24 / 1 Timothy 6:9-10 / Hebrews 13:5-6)

2. Hopes in possessions. (James 5:2-3 / Proverbs 11:28 / Matthew 6:19-20 / Luke 12:15-21)

3. Exploits people. (James 5:4 / Leviticus 19:13 / Deuteronomy 24:15)

4. Lives in excess. (James 5:5 / 1 Timothy 5:5-6)

5. Hurts others. (James 5:6 / James 4:2)

A Rich Faith:

1. Is humble before God. (1 Timothy 6:17)

2. Is hopeful in God. (1 Timothy 6:17)

3. Uses wealth to do good. (1 Timothy 6:18)

4. Uses wealth to be generous. (1 Timothy 6:18 / Proverbs 19:17)

5. Finds its treasure in God. (1 Timothy 6:19)

What’s Real? What do I see in my life?

• After reading James 5:1-6, what do you think is God’s reason(s) for warning “the rich?”

• Where are you most tempted to “live in excess?” Why?

• “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” In light of those words from Jesus, where would we find your heart? In other words, what is your treasure?

• How can you use your “wealth” to do good or be generous this month?

What’s Next? Write a prayer and practical step in light of truth.

What’s True? What do I see in the Bible?

A False Assurance:

1. Presumptuous (James 4:13-14)

2. Pretentious (James 4:13-14 / Psalm 144:4)

3. Proud (James 4:13, 16 / Proverbs 27:1)

A Present Faith:

1. Commits to what God wants. (James 4:15 / Isaiah 45:19 / Proverbs 3:5-6, 16:9 / Matthew 6:33)

2. Obeys what He says. (James 4:17 / John 14:21)

What’s Real? What do I see in my life?

• Have you ever been so sure of the future, only to be let down or mistaken?

• Where do you find your assurance for tomorrow ? (Money, job, economy, savings, relationships, etc.)

• Is there something in the future that you haven’t placed in God’s hands? How can you trust God with that?

• What habits help you humbly plan for your future while relying on God?

What’s Next? Write a prayer and practical step in light of truth.

What’s True? What do I see in the Bible?

Because Christ alone is the author and ruler of all creation... (Colossians 1:15-18)

he is able to reconcile you to God... (Colossians 1:19-22)

so that you persevere in the faith. (Colossians 1:23)

What Real? What do I see in my life?

What false teaching do you encounter that you are sometimes tempted to believe?

What is your story of being transformed from alienated, hostile in mind, and doing evil deeds to being presented as holy, blameless, and above reproach?

What rhythms and habits do you have to build your life on the solid rock of truth instead of the shifting sands of false teaching?

Why does being reconciled to God change the way you interact with your neighbors?

What Next? Write a prayer and a practical next step in light of truth.

What’s True? What do I see in the Bible?

1. Crying

a. From the depths (v. 1)

b. With pleas for mercy (v. 2)

2. Knowing

a. We are sinners (v. 3)

b. God’s forgives (v. 4)

3. Waiting

a. With confidence (v. 5)

b. With expectation (v. 6)

4. Hoping

a. In His steadfast love (v. 7)

b. In His plentiful redemption (v. 8)

What’s Real? What do I see in my life?

▪ Describe a time when you were in the depths.

▪ How does forgiveness lead to the fear of God?

▪ What habits do you have to practice “Knowing” truth?

▪ What does waiting with confidence and expectation look like?

▪ What redemption and hope have you experienced waiting for the Lord that you could use to encourage someone else?

What’s Next? Write a prayer and practical step in light of truth.