Veritas Columbus Sermons

A sermon based on Matthew 5:6 by Aaron Lockhart, preached on May 7, 2017 at Veritas East as part of the "Blessed" series.

A sermon based on Matthew 5:5 by Joe Byler, preached on May 7, 2017 at Veritas Short North as part of the "Blessed" series.

A sermon based on 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 by Nick Nye, preached on April 30, 2017 at Veritas Short North.

A sermon based on Matthew 5:4-5 by PJ Wenzel, preached on April 30, 2017 at Veritas Tri-Village as part of the "Blessed" series.

1. REVIEW: In the Beatitudes, we’re learning about what it means to be “blessed”. What is the typical way in which the world thinks of blessing? How does scripture speak of blessing? (Leaders: To be blessed is to be the recipient of divine approval and intimacy - not just temporary emotional happiness.)

2. The idea of “mourning” is a powerful one. Jesus knows that we have all experienced this emotion, but how does He redirect this idea? In other words, when He speaks of mourning here, what is He wanting us to mourn over? (Leaders: the context of this passage indicates that mourning over our sin is in view)

3. Despite our mourning, what are some of the ways in which we are comforted right now, and in the future?

4. Can you think of a time, and perhaps share with us, when you were comforted in your own mourning over a loved one? (Leaders: the idea here is to allow some interaction and opening up of past times of difficulty; seeing how ingrained the idea of mourning is to us - we have all mourned. Then to show how seriously we must take our sin, and to approach brokenness with the same care and comfort that Christ has for us - remind them of Hebrews 4:15-16 and what Samuel Rutherford says, “Christ chargeth me to believe his daylight at midnight.”).

5. In verse 5, Jesus says the “meek” will inherit the earth. Meekness is an odd word that we don’t use everyday…so what does it mean? (Leaders: meekness variously defined as “power under control” or “having a right view of oneself” or even closely associated with the biblical idea of spiritual weakness and neediness. It would be a great idea to read 2 Corinthians 12 together and be reminded of God’s power perfecting us in our weakness. Share times of weakness together, and how God’s power has been manifested in and through them. Also, John Newton’s hymn stanzas are below for encouragement).

6. How was meekness displayed in the life of our Lord? Read Philippians 2:7-11 discuss what Christ gave up, how He modeled meekness for us, and how we can follow His example. Similarly, can you think of a time in the life of Jesus when He modeled spiritual mourning? (Leaders: think of how Jesus wept over Jerusalem, Luke 19:41-44, and over the death of Lazarus, John 11:35. Sin had brought about unbelief and death. Discuss how serious this is, and how strongly Jesus felt about what he saw).

John Newton’s two stanzas were used to end the preaching time this week:

Now I despond and mourn no more,
I welcome all I fear'd before
Though weak, I'm strong; though troubled, blessed
For Christ's own pow'r shall on me rest.

My grace would soon exhausted be,
But his is boundless as the sea;
Then let me boast with holy Paul,
That I am nothing, Christ is all.

A sermon based on Matthew 5:5 by Wes Thompson, preached on April 30, 2017 at Veritas West as part of the "Blessed" series.

In his sermon, Jeremy mentioned that in our culture, we tend of think of blessing circumstantially or in terms of our happiness. For instance, we say “have a blessed day”, which means have a smooth day with no problems. We talk about having a "blessed life”, which means to have things easy and comfortable. But what does Jesus mean by “blessed"? (Leaders: Jeremy explained that to be “blessed" means to be the recipient of divine favor and approval. This is not simply emotional happiness - though it results in these things. Another way to explain this is that joy comes to those who have favor and intimacy/relationship with God).

Matthew 5:3 says that those who are “poor in spirit” will be blessed. What does Jesus mean when he says “poor”? (Leaders: Jeremy mentioned that the word “poor” here is defined as “abject poverty”, having nothing, and also having no skill or ability to earn. The person’s survival depends completely on others - just as we depend completely on God.)
How does the holiness of God remind us of our spiritual poverty? (Leaders: Jeremy explored the parable of the tax collector and the pharisee in Luke 18, and explained that every person who is poor in spirit sees that the holiness of God exposes the offense of our sin).

Pastor Jeremy highlighted that Jesus says the kingdom “is” (present tense) possessed by those who are poor in spirit. He explained the nature of the kingdom is both future - at the second coming - and also present. But in what ways do the poor in spirit experience this kingdom now? (Leaders: The poor in spirit experience the kingdom now as recipients of grace. They see their desperate state in contrast to the holiness of God and are blessed by His mercy and forgiveness).
As Jeremy mentioned, the kingdom of God has already been inaugurated and has “invaded” our world and our lives through the work of the Spirit since Jesus’ ascension. Can you share of a time when God’s grace seemed to invade your life in a very apparent and obvious way?

Takeaway: How has His grace contrasted and overcome the “old man” of your sinful nature? Is your mindset reflective of pride or spiritual poverty? This week, depend fully on God, knowing that it is those who are spiritually impoverished who are blessed, both now and in the consummated kingdom.

A sermon based on Matthew 5:4 by Wes Thompson, preached on April 23, 2017 at Veritas West as part of the "Blessed" series.

A sermon based on Matthew 5:4 by Chris Lawson, preached on April 23, 2017 at Veritas East as part of the "Blessed" series.

A sermon based on Matthew 5:4 by Joe Byler, preached on April 23, 2017 at Veritas Short North as part of the "Blessed" series.

A sermon based on John 20-21 by Wes Thompson, preached on April 16, 2017 at Veritas West on Easter Sunday.

Discussion Questions:

(1) Why is it significant that Jesus rose from the dead?

(2) How can we better heed Jesus’ call in John 20:21?

(3) Do you relate to Weeping Mary, Doubting Thomas, or Peter?