What The Bible Says To Know & Do

In this episode of Know and Do, we address common “grey area” questions that arise from a complementarian understanding of men and women in the church. While Scripture clearly teaches distinct yet complementary roles for men and women, many practical questions remain about how those roles play out in ministry, leadership, and daily life. This discussion aims to provide biblical clarity while encouraging unity, humility, and faithful service within God’s design.

Theological Categories for Gender Role Distinctions

• Egalitarianism — The belief that God makes no gender role distinctions in the family or in the church.

• Complementarianism—The belief that God does make gender role distinctions in the family and in the church.

Grey-areas in Complementarianism:

1. Can women teach a small group Bible study? It depends.

A. Teaching men—No

B. Teaching children—Yes

i. 2 Timothy 1:5

C. Teaching women—Yes

i. Titus 2:3–5

D. Teaching teens—Probably not

2. Can women guest-preach? No, but there are other options for women to communicate the gospel.

A. Acts 18:26

B. John 4:28–29

3. Can women participate in the worship service? Yes

4. Can women run companies, run for political office, teach at universities? Yes

A. Proverbs 31:16

B. Acts 16:14

5. Can women teach non-believers the gospel? Yes

6. Can women perform Christian counseling? Yes

7. Can a woman teach/preach when there are no men to do it? Maybe, most almost always no

Application

• Commit to prayer for unity and wisdom.

• Men: Lead faithfully and nurture spiritual growth in the women of the church.

• Women: Serve boldly and faithfully in every biblically affirmed way.

• All believers: Pursue humility, unity, and gospel-centered service.

Handout Link

Does prayer really make a difference? Why does it sometimes feel like God isn’t answering? And what if we pray the wrong way? In this week’s Know and Do—Going Deeper lesson, we dig deeper into what Scripture teaches about why and how prayer in the name of Jesus Christ truly works.

Using 1 Timothy 2:1–2 as our foundation, this episode addresses common frustrations and misunderstandings about prayer, while offering biblical clarity, encouragement, and practical guidance for growing in a faithful prayer life.

I. What difference does prayer make, really?

A. Matthew 7:7–8

B. Matthew 7:9–10

II. Why isn’t God answering my prayer?

A. 1 Corinthians 3:18

B. Romans 11:33

C. 2 Corinthians 12:8–9

III. What if I pray the wrong way?

A. The right way to pray:

i. Start with submission to God

(James 4:6; Prov. 1:7; Acts 2:38; Matt. 4:17; Rom. 8:15; Heb. 4:14–16).

ii. Be reverent (Heb. 12:28).

iii. Seek to pray God’s will (Matt. 6:10; John 14:13–34; Ps. 37:4).

iv. Be honest (Matt. 6:8; Phil. 4:6; James 5:16).

v. Have faith (Rom. 8:26; 1 Tim. 2:5).

vi. Be persistent (Luke 18:1–8; Phil. 4:6; 1 Thess. 5:17; Ps. 27:13–14).

B. The wrong way to pray: Pray to the wrong God (Heb. 11:6).

Prayer is not superstition or wishful thinking. It is real communion with the living God through Jesus Christ. While prayer may not always change our circumstances, it always changes us—and God uses it to accomplish His good and glorious purposes.

Handout Link

In this episode, we take a careful, Scripture-driven look at one of the most misunderstood figures in the Bible: Satan. Building from Paul’s difficult words in 1 Timothy 1:20, we ask the deeper question: Who is Satan, what power does he really have, and how should Christians understand his work in the world today?

Rather than speculation or fear-driven theology, this episode seeks clarity, confidence, and hope rooted in the authority of God’s Word.

I. Satan’s past

A. Genesis 1:31

B. Ezekiel 28:16–17

C. 2 Peter 2:4

D. Colossians 1:16

E. Revelation 19:19–20

F. Matthew 12:29

G. 1 Peter 5:8

II. Satan’s present

A. He can:

1. Deceive—2 Cor. 11:14

2. Tempt—1 Thess. 3:5

3. Accuse—Rev. 12:10

4. Influence Politics—Eph. 2:2; 2 Cor. 4:4; Rev. 13

5. Persecute the Church—Acts 13:10, 1 Pet. 5:8

6. Perform false Signs—Matt. 24:24

7. Oppress and Distract—Job 1–2; 2 Cor. 12:7

B. He cannot:

1. Overpower God—Is. 14:27

2. Pull believers away from Christ—John 10:28; Rom.8:38–39

3. Force Anyone to Sin—James 1:13–15

4. Read minds or Know the Future— Is. 41:21–24

5. He Cannot Prevent the Spread of the Gospel—Matt. 16:18

6. He Cannot Escape Final Judgment—John 12:31

III. Satan’s future

1. Revelation 19:20–21

2. Revelation 20:10

3. Revelation 21:3–4

Handout Link

In this first episode of our Spring 2026 “Going Deeper” series, Pastor Josh expands on Sunday’s sermon from 1 Timothy 1:8–11 and focuses specifically on Paul’s inclusion of homosexuality in the list of lawless behaviors (1 Timothy 1:10).

This conversation approaches the topic intentionally, biblically, and compassionately—addressing both the most common cultural arguments in favor of same-sex relationships and the most common Scriptural arguments used to reinterpret or discredit the Bible’s teaching.

The goal is not to win debates, but to think biblically, respond lovingly, and remain anchored to truth.

I. Argument from logic and nature

1. Same sex relationships provide an actual good.

A. 1 Corinthians 10:31.

B. Answer: Man’s highest good is to glorify God.

2. Same sex relationships do no harm.

A. Links:

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/health-issues-for-gay-men/art-20047107

• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/gay-and-bisexual-mens-health-issues

B. Philippians 2:4

C. 1 Corinthians 6:18

D. Answer: Everything you do has an effect on others and not all effects are immediately evident.

3. Same sex attracted people were born that way.

A. Psalm 51:5

B. Romans 3:23

C. Romans 5:12

D. Answer: All people are born into sin and all sinful actions are held in account.

4. Same sex attraction exists in the animal kingdom.

A. Romans 8:22

B. Genesis 1:27–28

C. Answer: God made us superior to the animals.

5. Procreation is not a basis for morality.

A. Answer: The possibility of procreation is inextricable from God’s design for sex.

II. Argument from Scripture

1. Biblical prohibition is about abusive relationships.

A. 1 Cor. 6:9; 1 Tim. 1:9–10

B. Answer: An honest reading of Scripture prohibits all same-sex, sexual relationships.

2. God continues to reveal himself in new ways.

A. Ephesians 2:20

B. Answer: God has not given new revelation since the first century.

3. Jesus did not speak on/condemn same sex relationships.

A. Matthew 19:4–6

B. Answer: Jesus spoke in concert with Old and New Testament authors, recognizing proper martial relations as only between one man and one woman.

4. LGBTQ-affirming communities are fuller of love and acceptance than non-affirming communities.

A. Matthew 22:39

B. Answer: Christians are commanded by Christ to show the truth in love to everyone.

Handout Link

In this final lesson on biblical ecclesiology, we explore how Scripture defines true discipleship—not merely activity, events, or fellowship, but the Christ-commanded, Spirit-empowered work of making and maturing followers of Jesus. In Matthew 28, Jesus gives His church both the mission and the means: proclaim the gospel, baptize new believers into the life of the church, and teach them to obey all that Christ commanded. In this episode, we break down what discipleship is, how the church participates in it, and why Christ’s authority and presence guarantee its success.

I. Making Disciples

A. "And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted." (v. 17)

B. Help others see Jesus.

i. By being actively involved in a local church.

a. John 17:20–23

b. John 13:34–35

ii. By finding ways to expose non-believers to the work of the church

iii. By praying for non-Christians you know.

a. 1 Timothy 2:1–4

iv. By telling others about Jesus.

a. 1 Peter 3:15

b. Colossians 4:5–6

c. Acts 1:8

C. Two responses:

i. Some doubt/don’t believe

ii. Some worship him/believe

II. Growing Disciples

A. Matthew 28:18–20

B. Four ways to grow disciples:

i. Large group

ii. Small group

iii. One-to-one

iv. Family

Therefore:

Be a disciple—and commit yourself to a local church where you can both be discipled and make disciples.

Handout Resource

Most Christians agree that God cares that we worship Him. But far fewer stop to ask how He wants to be worshiped. In today’s episode, we explore what Scripture actually teaches about corporate worship—worship gathered with the body of Christ—and why our worship must be shaped by God’s Word rather than cultural preferences or personal tastes.

Drawing from Scripture and guided by the insights of Ligon Duncan’s Does God Care How We Worship?, we’ll walk through three major pillars: the sufficiency of Scripture, God’s deep concern for His worship, and the helpful framework known as the regulative principle.

I. The sufficiency of Scripture 

A. Scripture, not preference, must shape our worship.

B. 2 Timothy 3:16–17

C. 1 Corinthians 4:6

II. God cares deeply about how he is worshiped.

A.    Worship must be willing, God-centered, and ordered.

B.    God cares about the attitude behind worship.

C.    Worship was the purpose of the Exodus (Ex. 3–5)

D.   Worship is tied to the first Two Commandments (Ex. 20)

E.    Bad Worship Examples

• Golden Calf (Ex. 32) 

• Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10) 

• King Saul (1 Sam. 13)

F.    Jesus and Paul care about worship. 

• Pharisees (Matt. 15:3; 23:23)

• Woman at the well (John 4)

• Paul to Colossae (Col .2)

• Paul to Corinth (1 Cor. 14)

III. The regulative principle of worship.

A.    Substance — what worship Is made Of

B.    Elements — what we are commanded to do

• Read the Word (1 Tim. 4:13)

• Preach the Word (2 Tim. 4:2)

• Pray the Word (Matt. 21:13)

• Sing the Word (Col. 3:16)

• See the Word — baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 11:26)

C.    Forms — how we carry out the elements

D.   Circumstances — practical logistics

Know & Do Application

• Sometimes the knowing is the doing.

• Know what Scripture teaches about worship.

• Find a church that worships biblically—and join joyfully in giving God the glory due His name.

Handout Resource

Serving in the church isn’t optional—it’s a beautiful expectation for every Christian. God equips each believer with spiritual gifts and then places us together in a local body to advance His mission: spreading the good news of Christ. Those who embrace this calling with the right heart find lifelong joy in service; those who approach it self-centeredly often find only frustration.

Today, we turn to 1 Peter 4:7–11 to understand how Scripture shapes our approach to serving: our attitude, our method, and ultimately, the point of all our service.

I. The proper attitude of service (vv. 7–8)

1. Keep the end in mind.

2. Keep yourself controlled.

3. Keep your heart attuned to love.

II. The proper method of service (vv. 9–11a)

1. Elevate the person over the task.

2. Be a good steward of your gifts.

• Speaking—11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God;

• Serving— whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies

III. The proper point of service—God’s glory (v. 11b)

Final Encouragement

Serving isn’t about fulfilling personal dreams or finding the spotlight. It’s not about guilt or self-importance. It is about joyfully, humbly offering yourself to God in the context of His church.

So—plug into a local church. Serve for God’s glory.

Resource Handout

We all need encouragement. In today’s episode, we’re discussing how Christians can build one another up in the church—strengthening, restoring, and encouraging each other in both challenging seasons and the everyday rhythms of life.

I. Encouraging Others in Hard Situations (Galatians 6:1–2)

II. Encouraging Others in Everyday Life

A. Be intentional:

i. Plan to encourage other Christians (Heb. 10:24).

ii. Be present with other Christians (Heb. 10:25).

iii. Invite Christians into your home (1 Pet. 4:9).

iv. Make peace with Christians (Rom. 14:19).

B. Be sacrificial:

i. Serve Christians (1 Pet. 4:10).

ii. Love Christians (1 Cor. 8:1).

C. Be bold and patient:

i. Exhort Christians (Heb. 3:13).

ii. Rebuke laziness, energize tiredness, strengthen weakness (1 Thess. 5:14).

iii. Be patient (1 Thess. 5:14). be patient with them all.

iv. Build with your words; do not tear down (Eph. 4:29).

D. Be mindful:

i. Be encouraged by other’s faith in Christ (Rom. 1:11–12).

ii. Remember what Christians are (Eph. 2:21).

Challenge for the Week:

Think of someone in your church who could use encouragement. Reach out this week—and do it again next week. Build up the body of Christ one person at a time.

Encouragement is not optional—it’s essential. It’s how we reflect Christ to one another and display His love to the world.

Handout Resource

Every organization has standards that define who belongs—and the church is no different. But unlike the world, when the church practices discipline, it’s not about punishment—it’s about love, protection, and restoration. In this episode, we examine Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 5 to understand how church discipline operates, its necessity, and what it reveals about God’s heart for His people.

I. The Church Is Commanded to Discipline Wayward Members (vv. 1–5)

Paul confronts a case of open sin in the Corinthian church—something even unbelievers found shocking. Paul reminds them that the loving response is not to ignore sin but to address it. Jesus gave the same instruction in Matthew 18: if someone refuses to repent after patient correction, the church must separate from them. The purpose isn’t punishment but restoration—“so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.” Church discipline is an act of love that protects both the sinner and the church from greater harm.

II. If We Try to Spare the One, We Damage the Many (vv. 6–8)

Paul warns, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” Just as yeast spreads through dough, unchecked sin spreads through a congregation. Allowing sin to continue sends the message that holiness doesn’t matter. But because Christ, our Passover Lamb, has already cleansed us, we’re called to live as people of sincerity and truth. Confronting sin isn’t about shame—it’s about helping one another live in the freedom Jesus purchased for us.

III. The Church Must Be Identified by What It Condones (vv. 9–13)

Paul draws a clear line between the world and the church: we don’t judge outsiders, but we are responsible for one another inside the body. When practiced rightly, church discipline strengthens the church’s witness, protects its members, and displays God’s holiness to the world.

Handout Resource

What does godly leadership look like in the church—and how are we called to respond to it?

In this episode, we’re continuing our series, Understanding the Church, by discussing what it means to respond to leadership biblically. Because when leadership isn’t clearly defined, confusion sets in. But when pastors lead like Christ and the church responds with humility and faith, the whole body thrives.

We’ll walk through 1 Peter 5 and Hebrews 13 to see what Scripture says about:

I. What we should expect from church leaders

1. What should they do (v. 2)? Shepherd

2. Who should they shepherd (v. 2)? The flock of God among you

3. How should they shepherd (vv. 2–3)?

• With authority

• Not under compulsion but willingly

• Not for shameful gain but eagerly

• Not domineering but being an example

4. To whom are they ultimately accountable (v. 4)? The chief Shepherd

• John 13:14–17

• Mark 10:45

II. How we should respond to that leadership

1. Imitate them. “imitate their faith”

2. Obey them. “Obey your leaders”

3. Submit to their leadership. “submit to them”

4. Recognize the great responsibility they bear. “they are keeping watch over your souls”

5. Hold them accountable. “, as those who will have to give an account”

6. Encourage them. “Let them do this with joy and not with groaning”

7. Pray for them “Pray for us”

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