Philippians 1:12-21

See II Corinthians 11:23. Inspiration to boldly speak the gospel can be drawn from the examples of others. From the confident expectation (hope) that Christ will be exalted, further promoted, further spread, in whatever circumstances I face.

I Thessalonians 2:3-13

Being focused on pleasing God rather than men. Loving other people

Romans 1:11-17

See Romans 3:24. Realizing the gospel is important. Acts 18:24-28 – Apollos was fervent in his teaching.

Boldness and accuracy

Boldness alone results in false teaching.

Accuracy alone is not fully effective. It is unconvincing because it shows lack of faith.

Both boldness and accuracy are needed for effective teaching.

Ephesians 6:13-20

Ephesians 6:20 – “ought” – Something that is necessary.

Romans 10:13-15

Necessity brought on by circumstances or by the conduct of others toward us.

What is necessary to attain some end.

Made necessary by law and command, duty, equity.

Matthew 10:32-33

Matthew 28:18-20

Matthew 5:14-16

How to develop boldness

Acts 4:13-22 – Peter and John threatened and released.

Acts 4:23-31 – They recognized God’s power and prayed that they might speak with boldness and confidence.

Boldness

Freedom in speaking, unreserved in speech.

Openly, frankly, i.e. without concealment

Without ambiguity or circumlocution

Free and fearless confidence

The behaviors/manners by which one becomes conspicuous or secures publicity.

Sources of boldness

Acts 4:19-20, 29-31

Having greater love and respect for God than for people.

Being fully confident that the gospel of Christ is the truth.

II Corinthians 3:7-18

Being fully confident that the gospel of Christ is the truth and provides salvation.

Ephesians 3:1-12

Realize this is part of the purpose God has for me as part of His collection of redeemed people.

Love other people: Therefore want them to know God, choose to love and obey Him so they can have salvation.

God does not change:

Hebrews 13:8

John 8:58

John 10:30, 37-38

Ephesians 5:1-2

Proverbs 6:16-19 – Things that the Lord hates

As children of God, we need to learn to be “haters”

Pride

Matthew 23:12; Mark 7:20-23 – Pride is still a sin!

II Corinthians 7:2-4 – Paul showed the right kind of pride.

Lying

I John 3:15

“Feet that make haste to run to evil”

“A false witness that breathes out lies”

Exodus 20:16

Matthew 19:18

“One who sows discord among brothers”

Do we hate like God hates?

Ephesians 3:1-7

Fellow heirs, members, partakers

Ephesians 3:6

Gentiles can be fellow partakers in Christ through the gospel.

Acts 10:28, 34

Acts 22:20-21

Galatians 3:14, 28

The gospel calls us above all prejudice and bias.

James 2:1-4, 8-9

John 4 – Jesus talked to the Samaritan woman.

The gospel is for all … even you!

Luke 5:1-9 – Peter didn’t feel worthy to be near Jesus.

Luke 22:31-32 – Peter could repent from this sin.

Nothing in your life disqualifies you from serving God.

Luke 9:23 – We can do this!

When you read you can understand.

Ephesians 3:3-4

Exodus 24:3; Joshua 1:8; 8:35 – Joshua read God’s word to the people. When they stopped reading, they fell away.

II Kings 22:8-11; 23:1-3

Ezra 7:10

Nehemiah 8:1-3

I Timothy 4:13

Acts 13:1-14:7

Acts 13:14-41 – Paul’s sermon in Antioch of Pisidia

Acts 13:17-25 – Israel’s history leading to Christ

Acts 13:26-37 – Jesus is the one we’ve been waiting for!

Acts 13:38-41 – Believe and take heed!

Acts 13:42-52 – The Jews were happy when it was primarily the Jews hearing the gospel, but became jealous when the Gentiles were involved.

Acts 13:48 – This verse is not saying, “They believed because they had been appointed to eternal life.” Those who refused the gospel judged themselves unworthy (Acts 13:46). Accepting the gospel appoints you to eternal life!

Acts 14:1-7 – Apparently the same thing that happened in Antioch of Pisidia happened again at Iconium. Paul and Barnabas did not move on until their lives were at risk.

Psalms 78:5-8

Let’s start with some encouragement for parents

Worship

Praying

Matthew 6:5-13

Prayer is a great privilege to have.

Preaching

Deuteronomy 31:10-13 – It was important for the children to hear the Word of God.

Joshua 8:33-35

Singing

Giving

I Corinthians 16:1-2

Kids can be involved in giving also, either with their parents’ money of their own money.

Lord’s Supper

I Corinthians 11:23-26

Exodus 12:24-27; 13:14; Joshua 4:6-7, 21 – Memorials are a good way to get kids to ask questions. That’s part of the reason God set them up!

Make sure the focus is on God, not self or kids.

I Thessalonians 1:2-8 – The church at Thessalonica was a working church.

Paul remembered three things:

Their work of faith

Their labor of love

Their patience of hope

The cause of a working church:

The effect of a working church

A good church is made up of people that have faith, love, and hope.

The effect: I Thessalonians 1:6-7

People who follow Christ

People who sound forth the Word of Christ

Works that all can do

Develop yourself in the faith

Hebrews 6:1; I Peter 2:2

Philippians 2:3-4; Galatians 6:1

Helping others develop themselves

Philippians 2:4; Ephesians 4:15-16

Ephesians 4:11-12; 3:16; Hebrews 10:24-25

It’s hard to help others if you are only concerned with self.

Philippians 2:19, 5-8

We must do what we can.

We can all do the little things.

Show hospitality to visitors.

Visit the sick. Matthew 10:42

Romans 6:4, 16

I Thessalonians 1:9-10 – This church turned from idols to serve.

Matthew 25:15

There is work that you can do!