Sermons from 2018 (Page 9)
Dealing with False Teachers (Titus 1:10-16)
Introduction Paul is writing to fledgling churches scattered across the island of Crete. He’s left Titus there to appoint elders. And this letter serves to assist him in accomplishing that task. He needs to help the church identify qualified men who will lead the church. But why is this so urgent? Read Titus 1:10-16 False teachers don’t destroy churches, they defile them with their influence until the whole place is rotten. Establishing elders was the most pressing need because there…
The Character of an Elder (Titus 1:7-9)
Introduction Skipping his typical thanksgiving, Paul’s urgent need is to instruct Titus to appoint elders. An elder’s ability to shepherd his home reveals his ability to shepherd the church. Similarly, his ability to manage himself reveals his ability to manage the church. As Paul delineates the qualifications for elder, he specifies several vices and virtues that apply to all of us to varying degrees. Read Titus 1:5-9 Early on, a church needs biblically qualified leaders. How will we choose? What…
The Compassion of Jesus (Luke 4:38-44)
Introduction Jesus began his ministry being accepted and praised by many who heard him teach, but also rejected and run off by people in his hometown of Nazareth. Having returned to Capernaum, he has just finished casting out a demon from a man in the synagogue. Read Luke 4:38-44 Why did Jesus heal anyone? Why didn’t he heal everyone? His healing ministry supported his purpose, namely to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God. We must keep this…
The Elder in His Home (Titus 1:5-6)
Introduction Research continues to reveal that today’s children are less stable than previous generations. That is true physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. The primary reason children are unstable is because their parents are unstable. 46% of children live with mom and dad in first marriage. 96% of children live in a dysfunctional family (at least one member has addiction > neglect). What’s the solution? Godly men who lead their homes well, then equip other men to do the same. Paul’s…
The Authority of Jesus (Luke 4:31-37)
Introduction Jesus began his ministry with high praise, but his rejection in his hometown is where we left off last week. Here we see the recognition of his authority. Read Luke 4:31-37 This is the first of five accounts Luke provides of Christ healing on the Sabbath. It is significant that the day of rest and worship included great acts of mercy and compassion. This was radically different from the religious norm. When we picture authority today, it is often…
Introduction to Titus (Titus 1:1-4)
Introduction There are a thousand different strategies from a thousand different denominations all advocating some unique selling proposition that the church MUST consider TODAY! It’s not only confusing, but it’s often at odds with the simple instruction provided in the Word of God. The great Easter Egg drop of 2014. 7,000 candy-filled plastic eggs were dropped from a helicopter. “You may ask, well, what does dropping an egg from a helicopter have to do with the resurrection? Uh, Absolutely nothing.…
The Rejection of Jesus (Luke 4:14-30)
Introduction Jesus begins his public ministry with great reception, then faces intense challenge upon returning to the place of his upbringing, Nazareth. Read Luke 4:14-30 Previously, Jesus went from affirmation > temptation, now he experiences acclamation > Persecution. This is the second time Jesus found himself staring down from a dizzying height. He escaped 1x through overcoming the devil’s temptation. The 2x he was indeed protected from harm. It seems like an overreaction from the crowd doesn’t it? What did…
Vanity of Vanities (Ecclesiastes 12:8-14)
Introduction We have spent the past six months looking at a book that contains many things that are difficult to understand. It’s a book you should continue to read and meditate upon. It’s truths are appropriate for all ages, but especially postmodern Westerners. 12:8 summarizes the Preacher’s thoughts. If Ecclesiastes ended at 12:8, our interpretation would have been different. Read Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 Ryken If there is no God, then there is no Judge. If there is no Judge, then there…
The Temptation of Jesus (Luke 4:1-13)
e filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. Introduction Jesus has been empowered by the Holy Spirit for the ministry he is about to begin. The baptism was followed by a genealogy that concludes significantly (3:38). He wasn’t an alien (part God, part man). His temptation confirms his humanity. Great Privilege > Great Trial. Read Luke 4:1-13 Docestism = Jesus merely seemed human. If Jesus was going to suffer and obey in our place, his temptation…