My sermon notes for Sunday morning, October 26^th. These notes are not a full sermon manuscript but a listening guide for our Tabernacle Church family, a shortened version of my preaching to help you follow along. I encourage you to take your own notes as you listen each week. The services will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, Prayer List, and other resources on our Church Website.

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1 Samuel 4:1-22

INTRO

• Chapter 2: Hannah praises God for Samuel’s birth. Meanwhile, Eli and his sons sin before the Lord, even as Samuel grows in faithful service.
• Chapter 3: Samuel receives his call from the Lord, and the message of coming judgment on Eli’s household.
• Chapter 4: That judgment is carried out: Israel is defeated, Eli’s sons die, the ark is captured, and the glory departs.

Defeat – God Will Not Be Mocked – vv. 1–11

• Israel suffers defeat (4,000), then grabs the Ark instead of grieving and repenting.
• They seek external ritual over internal obedience—wanting God’s help without God’s holiness.
• Second defeat (30,000) and the Ark captured: God will not be mocked; His power never operates apart from His purity.

Death – God’s Word Comes to Pass – vv. 12–18

• News arrives: defeat, Ark taken, Hophni and Phinehas dead.
• Eli hears of the Ark’s capture, falls, breaks his neck, and dies—the Word is fulfilled.
• God’s warnings are never empty; do not mistake His patience for forgetfulness.

Departure – God’s Glory Is Removed – vv. 19–22

• Phinehas’s wife names her son Ichabod: “The glory has departed.”
• Glory leaves when worship is hollow and obedience disappears.
• Yet judgment is not the end—repentance restores what ritual ruins (chs. 5–7).

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The What Now

• Repent of disobedience. Israel’s defeat, death, and departure warn us: God’s glory will not dwell among an unrepentant people.
• Rest in Christ’s presence. Through Jesus—the true presence of God—the glory has returned; His Spirit indwells all who worship in holiness and truth (John 4:24).
• Look to Christ, our true Ark. In Him, God dwells with us—Immanuel (John 1:14; Heb. 9:11–12).

Here’s our weekly study guide from the men’s small group. Our goal is to learn the Word, discuss it together as men, and live it out for Jesus.

Enjoy the study—and Press On!

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1 Timothy 2:8-10

Paul moves from what the church should pray for (vv. 1–7) to how believers should live and worship. Worship is not a performance—it’s a reflection of the gospel.

Men are called to lead in prayer with clean hearts and unity. Women are called to display godliness through modesty, humility, and good works. Together, the church’s worship should show the holiness and beauty of Christ.

Outline

Men Must Lead with Purity (v. 8)

• Paul calls men to lead publicly in prayer, “lifting holy hands,” a symbol of moral purity and sincerity. His instruction to pray “without anger or quarreling” confronts the tendency toward pride, division, and domination that can undermine godly leadership.
• John MacArthur notes that holy hands represent a holy life — the posture of the body must reflect the posture of the heart. The ESV Expository Commentary observes that unity in worship begins with repentance and reconciliation among men in the congregation.
• A man’s influence in the church is strengthened not by his position, but by his purity.

Women Must Display Modesty (vv. 9–10a)

• Paul’s instruction to women addresses attitude more than attire. The focus is modesty (a sense of honor before God) and self-control (inner discipline and balance). In the Roman world, elaborate hairstyles and costly jewelry often signaled status or immorality.
• The ESV Study Bible explains that Paul is calling women to reject the world’s standards of beauty and to embrace the quiet strength of holiness. The gospel redefines worth — not by appearance or possessions, but by a heart shaped by grace.
• True worship flows from inward godliness, not outward display.

True Beauty Is Found in Good Works (v. 10b)

A heart transformed by grace is always more radiant than anything that can be worn.

Paul concludes that what properly adorns a woman who professes godliness is “good works.” Character, service, and compassion are the true ornaments of a Christian woman.

The ESV Expository Commentary adds that Paul’s focus is not on restriction but redirection — away from temporary beauty and toward the lasting beauty of a Christ-shaped life. Holiness outshines appearance; godliness is the true glory of the church.

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Takeaway

• Worship starts with the heart. God cares more about holiness than outward performance.
• Men—lead with purity. Pray with clean hands and humble hearts; unity begins with you.
• Women—reflect Christ. Show the beauty of the gospel through humility and good works.
• The church’s power is its purity. When we worship with order and integrity, the world sees Jesus.

My sermon notes for Sunday morning, October 12^th. These notes are not a full sermon manuscript but a listening guide for our Tabernacle Church family, a shortened version of my preaching to help you follow along. I encourage you to take your own notes as you listen each week. The services will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, Prayer List, and other resources on our Church Website.

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1 Samuel 2:12-36

Intro

In this passage, we see two kinds of servants, both active in worship, but only one faithful before God. The contrast between Eli’s sons and Samuel reveals the difference between outward service and inward devotion.

Worthless and True Worship – vv. 12–21

• Eli’s sons were worthless men who did not know the Lord—marked by hypocrisy, greed, and corruption.
• Samuel served faithfully and humbly before the Lord.
• God cares more about the heart behind our worship than the actions themselves.

Warning and Blessing – vv. 22–26

• Eli’s sons sinned openly; Eli knew but failed to act.
• Samuel grew in favor with God and man.
• Ignoring sin leads to ruin. God blesses those who walk in obedience even when others compromise.

Judgment and Promise – vv. 27–36

• God rebuked Eli for honoring his sons above Him—judgment would fall on his house.
• Yet God promised to raise up a faithful priest, fulfilled in Zadok (1 Kings 2:35) and ultimately in Jesus Christ, our eternal High Priest. Hebrews 7:25–28
• God’s holiness demands justice, but His grace provides a Savior—Christ, the faithful Priest who never fails.

The What Now

• God examines the heart of our worship—not just the form.
• He exposes what is worthless, blesses what is true, and fulfills His promise through Jesus Christ, our faithful Priest and eternal King.
• Let your worship flow from a heart devoted to Him alone.

Sharing What Matters Most

Intro

Every man talks about what he loves sports, work, family, hobbies. But when was the last time you spoke about Christ? Evangelism isn’t reserved for pastors or missionaries, it’s the daily calling of every believer who has been changed by the gospel.

This post is part of a leadership series inspired by Donald Whitney’s Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Whitney unpacks timeless practices that train believers for godliness. Just as athletes train daily, men must practice these disciplines to grow in Christlikeness and lead with integrity.

📖 Whitney’s Book (GET THE BOOK AND READ THE BOOK)

Chapter 4 Overview

Whitney explains that evangelism is a spiritual discipline because it requires intentional obedience. It’s not about perfection but faithfulness, sharing the message of Christ in love and truth. He reminds us that God saves, but He uses faithful men who are willing to speak.

Leadership Application – Sharing What Matters Most

A man who loves Jesus will talk about Him. Evangelism is not about being persuasive, it’s about being faithful. Your words may plant the seed, but God brings the growth. If you lead others in life, lead them toward Christ.

The GO and DO + Resources

Pray for one person by name this week, and look for an opportunity to share your faith. Start by mentioning where you go to church. Share your testimony and how God has worked in and through your life. Point them to Jesus and the hope you have in Him.

—always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15).

Don’t just live the gospel—share it. Be the man God uses to point someone to Christ this week.

Essentials to Evangelism

5 Things to Know about Evangelism

A Cowards Guide to Evangelism

Here’s our weekly study guide from the men’s small group. Our goal is to learn the Word, discuss it together as men, and live it out for Jesus.

Enjoy the study—and Press On!

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1 Timothy 2:1–7 (Week 6)

Big Idea: Because God saves through the one Mediator, we pray for all people to know the truth. Prayer fuels the mission and points hearts to Christ.

Overview

Paul shifts from defending the gospel in chapter 1 to showing how the church must live out the gospel in chapter 2. The first order of business: prayer. He urges believers to pray for all people, including rulers, so that the church might live godly lives that commend the gospel. This honors God, whose heart is to bring people from every walk of life to saving faith in Christ.

Paul grounds this command in the uniqueness of Christ. There is one God and one Mediator, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself as a ransom for all. The gospel, revealed at the proper time, is for every nation. Paul himself was appointed as a herald and teacher of this message, showing that the church’s mission is to take Christ to all people everywhere.

Outline

• Pray for All People – The church’s first responsibility is prayer. (vv. 1–2)
• God Saves Sinners – Prayer reflects God’s desire to redeem all kinds of people. (vv. 3–4)
• Christ Is the Mediator – Jesus alone reconciles us to God through His sacrifice. (vv. 5–6)
• The Gospel Must Be Proclaimed – Paul’s calling shows the mission extends to every nation. (v. 7)

Digging Deeper  – “God desires all to be saved” (Verse 4)

Paul isn’t teaching universal salvation but revealing God’s compassionate heart. God genuinely delights in saving sinners, He takes no pleasure in their destruction (Ezek. 33:11). His saving desire is broad in scope but specific in effect.

In context, “all” means all kinds of people, Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, rulers and citizens, not every individual without exception. God’s grace knows no class or cultural boundaries.

From a biblical view of God’s sovereignty, this verse reveals His will of desire, His gracious invitation for all to repent through the gospel. At the same time, His will of purpose, His sovereign plan, ensures that those who come to faith are those whom He powerfully draws to Himself (John 6:37; Ephesians 1:4–5).

Therefore, we pray for all and proclaim the gospel to all, trusting that God will save through the one Mediator, Jesus Christ.

Word Study

• Intercessions (v. 1); bold petitions offered on behalf of others.
• Mediator – (v. 5); one who reconciles two parties. Christ alone bridges God and humanity.
• Ransom – (v. 6); a substitutionary payment, Christ’s death for sinners.

The What Now

Prayer is not optional; it is foundational for the mission of the church. We pray because God saves through Christ, the one Mediator, who gave Himself as a ransom for all. And we proclaim because the gospel is for all peoples, to the glory of God.

My sermon notes for Sunday morning, October 5^th. These notes are not a full sermon manuscript but a listening guide for our Tabernacle Church family, a shortened version of my preaching to help you follow along. I encourage you to take your own notes as you listen each week. The services will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, Prayer List, and other resources on our Church Website.

1 Samuel 1:21-2:11

Intro

• Hannah’s story moves from barrenness to blessing through God’s faithfulness.
• Her response reveals what genuine worship looks like—gratitude and prayer.
• Even in waiting or rejoicing, God’s plan is unfolding for His glory.
• Through Hannah’s faith, we see the faithfulness of God fulfilled in Christ, our Chosen King.

Responding to God’s Faithfulness – 1:21–28

• Elkanah’s example
  • Faithful and obedient. He is leading his family to worship in every season.
• Hannah’s surrender:
  • Brings young Samuel to the house of the Lord (2–3 years old).
  • Fulfills her vow with gratitude, not grief.
  • I have lent him to the Lord. Given him back.

Rejoicing in God’s Salvation- 2:1–11

Her joy is in the Lord – v. 1

• She rejoices in His salvation; God is her strength and deliverer.

He is holy and unchanging – v. 2

• No one compares to Him; He is our Rock.

He considers the heart – v. 3

• The Lord knows and weighs every action.

He humbles and exalts – vv. 4–7

• God reverses circumstances: the proud fall, the humble rise.

He is Creator and Sustainer – v. 8

• The pillars of the earth belong to Him; He rules over all.

He protects the faithful – v. 9

• Victory is not by human strength but by God’s power.

He anoints His King – v. 10

• God will exalt His Anointed—fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

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The What Now

• Be faithful in every season…like Elkanah.
• Surrender every gift in worship…like Hannah.
• Rejoice in the Lord who keeps His promises.
  • Ultimately in His Anointed King…JESUS
• God’s faithfulness calls for our faithfulness.

Worship: Keeping the Glory Where It Belongs

Intro

Every man gives glory somewhere—career, family, success, self. True worship redirects glory to God alone. Worship isn’t just a Sunday event; it’s the daily posture of the heart.

This post is part of a leadership series inspired by Donald Whitney’s Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Whitney unpacks timeless practices that train believers for godliness. Just as athletes train daily, men must practice these disciplines to grow in Christlikeness and lead with integrity.

📖 Whitney’s Book

Chapter 3 Overview

Whitney explains that worship is both private and corporate. Private worship fuels your personal walk; corporate worship strengthens the body of Christ. Worship is not about preference but about ascribing glory, honor, and obedience to God. Without worship, the Christian life becomes self-centered and shallow.

Leadership Application – Keeping the Glory Where It Belongs

A man who forgets to worship will live for his own praise. Worship keeps you humble, dependent, and focused on Christ. Leaders who worship rightly lead others toward God, not themselves.

Practical Step

Prepare for Sunday worship before you walk in the door. Read the sermon text, pray through a psalm, and ask God to fix your heart on Him.

Call to Action

Don’t chase your own glory. Give God His. Make worship your first response and your lasting legacy.

Here is our weekly study guide on our passage for the week—insight that goes beyond our Sunday discussion. Let it encourage you, challenge you, and sharpen your walk with Christ.

Let’s Dig In and Press On!

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1 Timothy 1:18–20 (Week 5)

Theme: Hold fast to faith and a good conscience to fight the good fight and avoid spiritual shipwreck.

Paul reminds Timothy that ministry is a battle, not a pastime. To “fight the good fight” means holding fast to faith and a good conscience. To neglect either is to risk spiritual shipwreck, as seen in the tragic examples of Hymenaeus and Alexander. The Christian life demands vigilance, integrity, and courage, but even discipline aims at restoration.

Outline

1. The Entrusted Charge — Fight the Good Fight (v. 18)
   • Ministry is a divine assignment, not a personal hobby.
   • Prophecies confirmed Timothy’s call.
   • The Christian life is warfare requiring endurance.
2. The Weapons of Faithfulness — Faith and Conscience (v. 19a)
   • Faith = trusting Christ and holding to gospel truth.
   • Good conscience = integrity and obedience to the truth.
   • Both are essential for finishing the fight well.
3. The Warning of Shipwreck — Rejecting Truth (v. 19b)
   • To reject faith and conscience is willful rebellion.
   • Shipwreck is the devastating picture of a ruined life.
   • Drifting from obedience ends in spiritual collapse.
4. The Discipline of Rebels — A Sobering Example (v. 20)
   • Hymenaeus and Alexander abandoned truth.
   • “Handed over to Satan” = removal from church protection.
   • The aim of discipline is correction, not condemnation.

Word Study

• “Wage warfare” (v. 18). To serve as a soldier; stresses endurance and readiness.
•  “Shipwreck” (v. 19). To suffer ruin; vivid picture of faith abandoned.
• “Rejecting” (v. 19). To thrust away deliberately, not passively neglect.

Application

• Personal: Guard both your faith and conscience — small compromises can lead to disaster.
• Family: Model integrity at home, showing your children that belief shapes behavior.
• Church: Pray for your leaders to stay faithful in doctrine and conscience.
• Mission: Remember you’re in a fight — stay armed with God’s truth and live with integrity.

The Go and Do

Paul’s charge to Timothy is the same for us: Fight the good fight by holding fast to faith and a good conscience. To compromise truth is to risk shipwreck, but to persevere is to glorify Christ and protect His church.