Providence Church of San Diego

Main Idea: The gospel of grace leads to unity through holiness and sacrificial love for others.

The purposeful pursuit of ___________________ in the gospel of grace brings encouragement to the church (vs. 22-27).

Christian liberty in the gospel of grace is the freedom to pursue ____________________________ before God and __________________ for others (vs. 28-29).

“God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from human doctrines and commandments that are in any way contrary to His Word or not contained in it. So, believing such doctrines, or obeying such commands out of conscience, is a betrayal of true liberty of conscience. Requiring implicit faith or absolute and blind obedience destroys liberty of conscience and reason as well” [London Baptist Confession of Faith (chapter 21-paragraph 2)]

*Romans 13:8; Galatians 5:1-6, 13-18; 1 Corinthians 8; Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 6:12

Unity, holiness, and love rooted in the gospel of grace leads to true ____________ and ____________________ (vs. 30-35).

Today’s Key Insight! If you were to share a key insight from today’s sermon with a friend, what would you say?

Today’s Lunch Discussion: Why is unity in the church important? Is unity the root or a fruit of the gospel of grace? How did the Jerusalem council communicate with the gentiles, and why is that significant? How should we pursue unity? What is significant about the four things the gentiles were asked to abstain from? How would the unity of the Antioch church benefit from “keeping themselves” from the things in the letter? Why is it vital that we not devalue nor ignore any part of the Old Testament? What is the whole Bible about? How does understanding the main premise of the Bible being the surpassing significance of Jesus Christ and His salvation bring the various parts of the Bible together? Do you view the pursuit of holiness as freedom? Do you tend to drift more towards legalism or license? How does grasping the gospel of grace deliver us from both? Is your joy increasing? Pray right now for your rejoicing to increase as you grasp more clearly the gospel of grace.

Main Idea: Sinners are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, apart from works of the law.

1. The debate of grace (vs. 1-5).

2. The defense of grace (vs. 6-18).

References: Acts 10:20, 44, 47l 2:1-4, 16; Psalm 95:8–9; Ephesians 2:5; Ephesians 2:8; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 2:11; Titus 3:7; Romans 3:24; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; Isaiah 2:2; 12:15; 45:11, 20-23; Jer.12:15-16; Hos.3:4-5; Zech. 2:11, 8:22; Amos 9:11-12

3. The display of grace (vs. 19-21).

Points of Application:

1. The gospel our ______________ to ___________ on.

2. Scripture is our final ______________________.

*2 Peter 1:16–21

3. The law of _______________ is our guide for practical living.

Today’s Key Insight! If you were to share a key insight from today’s sermon with a friend, what would you say?

 Today’s Lunch Discussion: Why do people have a difficult time embracing the message of grace? What “Jesus-plus” gospels have you heard taught? How might this passage help you formulate a response to them? What about Peter’s speech most resonates with you? Who is James, and what sort of role does he play in the council? Why is the use of Scripture important for mediating issues? Why does James give these four restrictions to the Gentiles? Why is the law of love necessary for Christian unity? Read through the book of Galatians and list some of the issues there that are also found here in Acts 15. Take a moment to pray for occasions to share the gospel of grace with others.

Main Idea: The grace of God in the gospel leads to perseverance for the sake of the gospel.

1. Christian perseverance is ________. (vs 19)

* Ephesians 4:14; 2 Corinthians 11:25; 2 Timothy 3:10–12;

2. Christian perseverance is ________ by the gospel. (vs. 20-21)

*Acts 20:24; Acts 21:13; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15;

3. Christian perseverance requires a healthy ________. (vs. 22-23)

a) ________.

b) ________.

c) ________ on God

4. Christian perseverance is a gift of ________. (vs. 24-28)

*Philippians 3:7-4:1

Today’s Key Insight! If you were to share a key insight from today’s sermon with a friend, what would you say? 

Today’s Lunch Discussion: What key lessons did you take away from this first missionary of journey (Acts 13-14)? Why do we need to hear this story of grace-enabled perseverance? As a gift of grace, how is the Christian life costly? How do you struggle with “paying the price?” If we have God’s power, why is it difficult to persevere? How does the gospel fuel perseverance? What do Paul’s return visits teach us about discipleship? Why is it vital for perseverance to be a part of a healthy church? How is perseverance a gift of grace? Do you know anyone making the gospel known in a difficult place? Take a moment and pray for them now.

The transforming truth about Jesus reveals His _________________________. (vs. 17-27)

[17] Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. [18] Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, [19] and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. [20] So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. [21] Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. [22] But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” [23] Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” [24] Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” [25] Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, [26] and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” [27] She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

The extensive emotions of Jesus reveal His _____________. (vs. 28-37)

[28] When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” [29] And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. [30] Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. [31] When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. [32] Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” [33] When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. [34] And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” [35] Jesus wept. [36] So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” [37] But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?”

The amazing act of raising Lazarus reveals Jesus’ ____________________. (vs. 38-44)

[38] Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. [39] Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” [40] Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” [41] So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. [42] I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” [43] When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” [44] The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

The substitutional sacrifice of Jesus reveals His infinite _________________________. (vs. 45-53)

[45] Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, [46] but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. [47] So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. [48] If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” [49] But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. [50] Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” [51] He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, [52] and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. [53] So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.

Main Idea: As the gospel is powerfully proclaimed in Iconium, it arouses opposition, and transforms the lives of those who believe.

Such a powerful gospel deserves to be __________________ proclaimed. (vs. 1)

*Galatians 3:1; 1 Corinthians 2:1–5; 1 Corinthians 1:21-25

The gospel arouses vicious opposition and __________________________. (vs. 2, 4-6)

* Matthew 10:34–39; 2 Corinthians 2:15–16; Titus 2:11

The gospel has incomprehensible supernatural power to _________________________ lives. (vs. 1b, 3, 6-7)

…[6] they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, [7] and there they continued to preach the gospel.

Power to ______________

*1 Corinthians 1:18; Ephesians 1:18-21; James 1:5; 2 Timothy 3:10–15; Philippians 1:20–30; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Psalm 42:5-6; Romans 8:31-38

Today’s Key Insight! If you were to share a key insight from today’s sermon with a friend, what would you say?

Today’s Lunch Discussion: What is the gospel? Do you truly believe the gospel? Are you ever ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16)? Why? What does it mean to powerfully proclaim the gospel? Why would a faithful proclamation of the gospel arouse opposition? How does the gospel divide? Discuss the power of the gospel to transform lives. How is Paul an example of perseverance in the gospel? Does the gospel have first importance in your heart? How could you preach the gospel to yourself today?

NOTE: Audio is distorted from 27:54 - 33:30

The gospel is proclaimed by people but is from ___________. (vs. 44-46a)

[44] The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. [45] But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. [46] And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life…

The gospel is exclusive, yet for ___________ peoples. (vs. 46b-47)

…behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. [47] For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

Because God is sovereign, the gospel demands a __________________________. (vs. 48-52)

              [48] And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. [49] And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. [50] But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. [51] But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. [52] And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

“The particular antinomy which concerns us here is the apparent opposition between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, or (putting it more biblically) between what God does as King and what He does as Judge. Scripture teaches that, as King, He orders and controls all things, human actions among them, in accordance with His own eternal purpose. Scripture also teaches that, as Judge, He holds every man responsible for the choices he makes and the courses of action he pursues. Thus, hearers of the gospel are responsible for their reaction; if they reject the good news, they are guilty of unbelief. Man without Christ is a guilty sinner, answerable to God for breaking His law. That is why he needs the gospel. When he hears the gospel, he is responsible for the decision that he makes about it. It sets before him a choice between life and death, the most momentous choice that any man can ever face... When we preach the promises and invitations of the gospel, and offer Christ to sinful men and women, it is part of our task to emphasize and re-emphasize that they are responsible to God for the way in which they react to the good news of His grace.” (J.I. Packer, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God , pages. 22, 25-26)

Today’s Key Insight! If you were to share a key insight from today’s sermon with a friend, what would you say?

Today’s Lunch Discussion: Why are we tempted to “draw people in” with man-made schemes? Why does the gospel breed opposition? What are the dangers of jealousy? What are the only two responses to the gospel? Why? Why does true evangelism bring division? How does God’s sovereignty in salvation give us confidence to proclaim the gospel? What is the fruit of unbelief and belief in Christ? Are you filled with joy? Why, or why not?

Main Idea: The mission of Jesus advances into new territory as Paul proclaims the grace of God through redemptive history culminating in Christ.  

The gospel advances into new and difficult territory through those _______________________ by grace. (Vs. 13-15) (Dt. 7:6-8)

Today’s Key Insight! If you were to share a key insight from today’s sermon with a friend, what would you say? 

Today’s Lunch Discussion: How does God’s grace motivate you to make personal sacrifices in order to reach people who need to hear the good news? What about Paul’s sermon in this text resonates most with you? Discuss God’s grace to His people throughout redemptive history. Why is faith in Jesus the only appropriate response to the gospel promises and warnings? Why is grace necessary for Christian endurance? Who is one person you could invite to church this Easter Sunday (April 21st)? Pray for them right now.

Main Idea: As the gospel is faithfully proclaimed there will be opposition, yet God will prevail and transform hearts through the gospel.

The gospel proclaimed. (vs. 4-5)

[4] So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. [5] When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them.

The gospel proposed. (vs. 6-8)

The gospel prevailing. (vs. 9-11)

 [9] But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him [10] and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? [11] And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.

The gospel transformed. (vs. 12)

[12] Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

Application: 

There will be opposition

Today’s Key Insight! If you were to share a key insight from today’s sermon with a friend, what would you say? In a sentence or two, what you would say?

Today’s Lunch Discussion: Who “sent out” Barnabas and Saul, and why is that significant? What was their primary task? Who is your “Sergius Paulus?” (Who is in your life that God might be drawing to Himself?) What opposition have you faced as you proclaim the gospel to others? How did the gospel prevail in your life? How does this text highlight the overcoming power of the gospel and the Spirit? How should Paul’s ministry to Sergius Paulus encourage us in our witness to others?

Hebrews 10:23-24

The Introduction:

The Commitments:

Conflict is inevitable in the church. (Romans 8:28-29;

By God's grace, you can use conflict to:

_______________________ God

The 4 G’s of biblical peacemaking (Ken Sande):

__________________ God. (1 Cor. 10:31; Prov. 3:4-6; John 14:15; Eph. 5:1).

The Benediction:

Today’s Key Insight! If you were to share a key insight from today’s sermon with a friend, what would you say? In a sentence or two, write down here what you would say:

 Today’s Lunch Discussion: 1. What are some reasons for why Christians do not remain faithful to a local church? 2. Is church membership optional? Why or why not? 3. What are some of the responsibilities of church membership? 4. What are some of the benefits of church membership? 5. What is church discipline? 6. Why is church discipline important? 7. Are you a member of HBC? Why or why not?