Series: N/A

Service: Sun AM Worship

Type: Sermon

Speaker: Phillip Shumake

Summary Single Minded

Date & Time:

2025-08-03 Sunday AM Worship

Preacher:

Phillip Shumake

Duration:

approximately 28 minutes

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 11

Topics Covered:

• Single-mindedness vs. double-mindedness in the New Testament
• Biblical definitions and usage of single-mindedness (haplates)
• Personal and congregational applications of being single-minded in faith
• Dangers of false teaching and double-mindedness
• New Testament church practices and apostolic authority
• Oversight and financial stewardship in the local church
• Encouragement to commit single-mindedly to Christ

Key Points or Explanations:

• Single-mindedness means sincere, simple, and pure devotion to Christ without hypocrisy.
• Paul compares devotion to Christ to a marriage commitment.
• Single-mindedness leads to diligent work and generous giving.
• Double-mindedness arises from tolerating false teachings and weighing pros and cons against apostolic teaching.
• Apostles are the true experts in church management, not modern consultants.
• Local elders should oversee only the local church, not extended ministries or institutions.
• Financial support in the New Testament was given directly from local churches to needs, not centralized through one church.
• Being single-minded brings stability and peace; double-mindedness causes instability and anxiety.
• The importance of choosing what is right over what is easy or popular.
• Call to personal commitment and repentance in Christ.

Important Definitions/Concepts:

• Haplates (Strong's 572): Single-mindedness, sincerity, simplicity, mental honesty free from pretense or hypocrisy.
• Double-mindedness: Being unstable and divided in loyalty or belief, leading to spiritual instability.
• Apostolic authority: The unique authority of Christ’s apostles as the foundation for church teaching and practice.

Preacher’s Answers/Clarifications:

• Clarified the meaning of haplates and its biblical usage.
• Emphasized the importance of apostolic teaching over modern opinions or consultants.
• Explained why local elders should limit oversight to local congregations based on New Testament patterns.
• Addressed the dangers of tolerating false teachers and teachings.