Providence Church of San Diego

Providence Church of San Diego

By Providence ChurchReligion & SpiritualityChristianity
Download on the App Store

Providence Church of San Diego episodes

  • The Mind of Christ

    Text: Philippians 2:5

    The Christian life is marked by _____ and _____ expressed through humble _____.

    Have this mind among yourselves / Have this attitude in yourselves

    The fruit of transformed hearts is love and unity. (2:1-2)

    So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy [2] complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
    b. Unity flourishes through _____. (2:3-4)
    [3] Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. [4] Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
    “The apostle knew that, to create concord, you need first to beget lowliness of mind. Men do not quarrel when their ambitions have come to an end.”
    (C.H. Spurgeon)

    Christ Jesus is our _____ of this attitude of life.

    …which was also in Christ Jesus… (NASB) *Matthew 16:15-16

    Humility is epitomized in Christ’s incarnation. (2:6-8)

    …[6] who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, [7] but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. [8] And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

    3. Christ Jesus is the _____ this life.

    ...which is yours in Christ Jesus (ESV)

    Philippians 1:9–11

    John 17:20-26
    John 15:4–5
    Matthew 11:28–30

    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 what you would say:

    Discussion Questions: What is meant by “the incarnation?” Read Phil. 1:1-2:4 and consider why Christian unity was so important to the Apostle Paul. How should right doctrine drive us to right living? What does it mean that Christ is our example? Define and describe humility (what does it look like?). Consider the implications of Christ’s humility. What does “Christ” mean and why is it important? How is Christ the Source of life? Take time to read Phil. 2:5-11 and meditate on the incarnation of Christ; take time to respond with worship and praise to God.

    56 min
  • Happiness or Holiness?

    Text: Psalm 16:11

    True, supreme, and enduring _____ is found in God alone. (Psalm 16:11)

    Psalm 1:1–2; Psalm 2:12; Psalm 21:6; Psalm 32:1-2; Psalm 40:4; Psalm 106:3; Psalm 112:1; Psalm 119:1–3; Psalm 144:15; Psalm 128:1

    Matthew 5:2–12
    1 Timothy 1:15
    Romans 4:5–8
    Ezekiel 36:26

    The pursuit of _____ is the pursuit of happiness in God. (Psalm 16:1-8)

    Psalm 37:4

    Romans 7:7-25
    Matthew 22:37–40
    John 14:15; John 14:21; John 14:23; John 15:10
    1 John 5:3
    2 John 6
    “The New Testament has lots to say about self-denial, but not about self-denial as an end in itself. We are told to deny ourselves and to take up our crosses in order that we may follow Christ; and nearly every description of what we shall ultimately find if we do so contains an appeal to desire.If there lurks in most modern minds the notion that to desire our own good and earnestly to hope for the enjoyment of it is a bad thing, I submit that this notion has crept in from Kant and the Stoics and is no part of the Christian faith. Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” (C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory)
    “Jesus is ecstasy beyond compare and if new hardships draw us closer to Him, I’m more than content with it.” (Joni Eareckson Tada)

    The fullness of holy-happiness (happy-holiness) is the reward of eternity with _____ guaranteed by His _____. (Psalm 16:9-11)

    Acts 2:30-32

    1 Corinthians 15:20
    2 Corinthians 4:14
    Heb. 12:1–2
    Matthew 25:23
    John 15:1–11
    2 Corinthians 9:15
    2 Corinthians 2:14

    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 what you would say:

    Discussion Questions: How has holiness gotten a bad rap? Do you think of God as happy? Have you been distancing holiness from happiness in your life? How does the Gospel inform our pursuit of holiness and happiness? Read Romans 7:7-25 and discuss the purpose of the Law in relation to sin. Do you agree with C.S. Lewis’ quote in the notes? How is holiness fundamentally a heart issue, not a behavioral issue? Consider how Jesus endured suffering in Hebrews 12:1-2. Why do you look forward to heaven—is it for Christ? Read through and discuss the supplemental handout from Joel Beeke.

    57 min
  • The Pursuit of Holiness

    Text: Hebrews 12:14

    Main Idea: Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no will see the Lord.

    The _____ of the pursuit of holiness.

    Titus 3:5-7

    Galatians 2:20
    Romans 8:1-4
    Hebrews 10:10-14
    2 Peter 1:3-11
    1 Corinthians 15:10

    The _____ of the pursuit of holiness.

    John 5:30

    John 6:38
    John 14:31
    1 Thessalonians 4:3, 8
    Ephesians 4:17-24
    Colossians 3:12

    The _____ of the pursuit of holiness.

    Romans 12:2

    1 Timothy 4:7-8

    The _____ of the pursuit of holiness.

    Hebrews 12:3-5

    "Our worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace." - Jerry Bridges

    The _____ of the pursuit of holiness.

    “We may take comfort about our souls if we know anything of an inward fight and conflict. It is the invariable companion of genuine Christian holiness…Do we find in our heart of hearts a spiritual struggle? Do we feel anything of the flesh lusting against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh…? Are we conscious of two principles within us, contending for the mastery? Do we feel anything of war in our inward man? Well, let us thank God for it! It is a good sign. It is strongly probable evidence of the great work of sanctification…We are evidently no friends of Satan…The very fact that he assaults us should fill our minds with hope.” — J.C. Ryle

    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 what you would say:

    Discussion Questions: Why must we be Biblically precise when defining holiness? How do you define holiness? As you pursue holiness, why is it vital to understand the Source of that pursuit? Review Ephesians 4:17-24 and discuss what it means to put off the old self and put on the new self. Which “means” of pursuit in point 3 do you struggle with most? Why? How do you respond to “the holiness without which no one will see God”? In light of Ryle’s quote under point 5, why should struggling bring our minds hope?

    55 min
  • Holiness is Not an Option

    Text: 1 Peter 1:14-16

    Main Idea: God is holy, holy, holy!

    Holiness is not optional for Christians.

    Holiness is rooted in the holiness of God.
    Holiness is a lifestyle. that displays the infinite worth of God's holiness.
    Holiness is the purpose and goal of God's work in the new birth.

    A new calling (vs 13) set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

    A new hope (vs 13) set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
    A new family (vs 14) As obedient children...(vs 17)...you call on Him as Father... (Hebrews 12:3-11)
    A new homeland (vs 17) conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile
    A new knowledge (vs 14b) do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance...(vs 18) knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers
    A new treasure (vs 18) not perishable things such as silver or gold, (vs 19) but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

    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 what you would say:

    Discussion Questions: Do you consider yourself a saint? Why or why not? Does the statement "holiness is not optional" lead you to fear and frustration or to assurance and joy? Examine your daily lifestyle: how does it display the infinite worth of God's holiness? In what ways do you need to change? When it comes to change, where do you look for hope and strength? Review the six implications of the new birth in the sermon and discuss what this means for your growth in holiness (sanctification).

    55 min
  • The Holiness of God

    Text: Isaiah 6:1-8

    Main Idea: God is holy, holy, holy!

    The confrontation. (vs. 1-3)

    The conviction. (vs. 4-5)
    The cleansing. (vs. 6-7)
    The commission. (vs. 8)

    Discussion Questions: What comes to your mind when you hear the word "holiness"? Are your thoughts primarily positive? Negative? Encouraging? Discouraging? Burdensome? Freeing?

    Have you experienced a confrontation with God in which you were overcome by His presence and left feeling "undone"? Isaiah's response to God's holiness was "woe is me!" What is your response? What ways do you need to be "cleansed" by the fire of God's holiness? What aspects of God's holiness cause you to worship Him more fully? How is a biblical understanding of God's holiness essential for service to Him?

    55 min
  • Give Glory to God!

    Text: Acts 12:1-25

    Main Idea: The mission of Jesus continues as God is glorified despite King Herod's attempts to thwart God's glory.

    God is glorified in the suffering of His people. (vs. 1-4)

    Luke 21:12-19

    Matthew 20:20-23
    John 21:18-19
    1 Peter 1:5-6
    Romans 8:18
    2 Corinthians 4:16-18
    Revelation 2:8-11
    1 Peter 2:21-23

    God is glorified in the prayers of His people. (vs. 5)

    Luke 22:44

    John 15:7

    God is glorified in delivering His people. (vs. 6-11)

    Psalm 127:2

    God is glorified in the weakness of His people. (vs. 12-17)

    Romans 8:26

    Despite all opposition, God will be glorified! (vs. 18-25)

    Discussion Questions: Why should Christians expect opposition when seeking to advance the gospel? How does God use opposition to glorify Himself and advance the mission? How does this passage illustrate God’s sovereignty? How does this passage illustrate the importance of prayer? How can we fight against the temptation to glorify self instead of God? How does Herod’s death highlight the centrality of the glory of God? How does this passage provide believers with hope? Read Romans 8: 31-39 in light of this passage. Spend a few moments in worship and prayer. How has Acts 1 –12 given you a greater gratitude to God for sending his Son to die for you, and His Spirit to open your eyes and bring you into the membership of His people? How has Acts 1 –12 given you a greater understanding of and excitement about God’s purposes for you and the church in this life? How is that affecting the way you live each day?

    57 min
  • Marks of a Mission-Minded Church

    Text: Acts 11:19-30

    Main Idea: The mission of Jesus continues as the hand of the Lord blesses the church in Antioch through mission-minded evangelism and discipleship of Gentiles.

    Marks of a Mission-Minded Church:

    The people preach Christ. (vs. 19-21)

    Psalm 127:1

    The empowered encourage others. (vs. 22-24)

    1 Corinthians 1:4

    2 Corinthians 4:6-10, 16-18

    The transformed are taught truth. (vs. 25-26)

    1 Peter 2:2

    Psalm 19:7-11
    1 Peter 4:12-16
    "Do not desire to be the principal man in the church. Be lowly. Be humble. The best man in the church is the man who is willing to be a doormat for all to wipe their boots on, the brother who does not mind what happens to him at all, so long as God is glorified." - C.H. Spurgeon

    The Christians contribute to the mission. (vs. 27-30)

    2 Corinthians 8:1-9

    These early Christians teach us that we do not need wealth to be generous. We simply need to value God's kingdom above our own interests and value our brothers and sisters more than we value the number in our bank account." - Albert Mohler

    Discussion Questions: Look again at what Luke has told us so far in the book of Acts about Barnabas. What would it look like for you to be a Barnabas in Helix Bible Church? The church in Antioch was known for its witness to non-Christians (vs 20-22), for its loyalty to Christ (v 26), and for its generosity toward other believers (v 29). To what extent are these qualities things that our church is known for? How about you personally? Review the four marks of a mission-minded church that we see in this passage and evaluate where, by God's grace, we/you could do better?

    53 min

About Providence Church of San Diego

From the publisher's feed

It's all about Jesus! Providence exists to glorify God by making disciples of all nations.