My sermon notes for Sunday morning, March 1^st. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon.  They are provided to help you follow the sermon as we walk through the Word each week.  To see the sermon each week or subscribe to the weekly sermon podcast please visit http://www.fbcap.net

 

The Church – Why are we here?

(part 2 as we kick off our study in SS on “The Deliberate Church”)

 

2 Timothy 1:14 – guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

2 Timothy 2:1–2 – [1] You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, [2] and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

Entrusted, Deposited.

As a true believer a GOOD DEPOSIT has been made in each of us.

• The treasure of the great news of redemption through Jesus Christ as revealed in Scripture.
• In each one of us

 

Based on these verses… Why are we here? (individually and corporately)

• To be good stewards of the good deposit
• To pass along what we have with others… who will then pass along to others
• As a servant… to share the unsearchable riches of Christ

 

Ephesians 3:7–13

[7] Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. [8] To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, [9] and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, [10] so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. [11] This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, [12] in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. [13] So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. (ESV)

 

The Church and her precious and glorious ministry– vv. 7-13

 

v. 7 – As a believer we are MADE A MINISTER (servant) OF THE GOSPEL

• According to God’s grace
• By the working of His power
• We are SAVED and CHANGED (Grace/Power)
• We are SERVANTS OF THE GOSPEL.

 

v. 8 – As servants WE PREACH – THE UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF CHRIST – THE GOSPEL / THE WORD

 

Too often church becomes about us.

• Our needs, expectations, our availability.

 

Yet, the church …HIS CHURCH is about the Gospel.

• The Gospel is more than… just believe in Jesus, join the church, then go to heaven when you die.
• The Gospel is the transforming message that Jesus has redeemed fallen man and made them new creations. The Gospel is about forgiveness and newness of life.
• The Gospel is transforming and sustaining.
• The Gospel is progressive and on-going

 

I/We need the Gospel every second of every day.

• The Gospel is what allows us to:
  • love our wife (spouse)
  • Raise our kids in a Godly home
  • Be a person of biblical friendships.
  • Live a fulfilling life and know we have accomplished much as we have lived for Him.

 

v. 9 – As servants WE bring to light – The goodness of the Gospel – to bring the light to all men.

• Preach the Word
• We sing the Word
• We speak the Word
• We live the Word
• Share / Witness the Word
  • Encourage those God has placed into our life to know Christ and place their trust in Him.
    • (Acknowledge, Repent, Live)
  • Live it out the Word
    • Our Christlike Character. (WHO WE ARE)
    • How we live. How we treat others.

 

SO THAT THE CHURCH

vv. 10-13 – By doing this WE MAKE KNOWN HIS GLORY

• The Church makes known the manifestation wisdom of God.
  • WE ARE HOUSE OF GOD
  • THE LIGHT IN A DARK WORD
  • THE PEOPLE OF HOPE
• This is God’s eternal purpose
  • we have boldness
  • access and confidence
    • His presence, promises, power
  • Therefore, we do not lose heart
    • Keep going
    • Keep trusting
    • Keep Glorifying God

 

 

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Scripture References –

2 Timothy 1:13–14 – [13] Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. [14] By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

 

2 Timothy 2:1–7 – [1] You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, [2] and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. [3] Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. [4] No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. [5] An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. [6] It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. [7] Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. (ESV)