Sunday Sermon Outline: The Productivity of God's Word

“The Productivity of God’s Word”

Psalm 19:7-11

Psalm 19:7-11, “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. 10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.”

I. God’s Word Provides Restoration v. 7a
    “The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul”

Acts 3:17-21, “"Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what He had foretold through all the prophets, saying that His Christ would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that He may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you--even Jesus. 21 He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as He promised long ago through His holy prophets.”

Psalm 23:1-3a, “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, 3 He restores my soul.”

Psalm 51:10-12, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
 

II. God’s Word Provides Wisdom v. 7b
    “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”

Matthew 11:25-26, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.”

John 4:29, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?”

Matthew 16:16-17, “Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by My Father in heaven.”
 

Mark 6:2-3, “When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were amazed. "Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What's this wisdom that has been given Him, that He even does miracles! 3 Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't His sisters here with us?" And they took offense at Him.” 

 

Matthew 7:24, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
 

III. God’s Word Provides Joy v. 8a
    “The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;”

John 15:10-11, “If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father's commands and remain in His love. 11 I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

Acts 13:46-49, “Then Paul and Barnabas answered [the Jews] boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" 48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. 49 The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.”

 
IV. God’s Word Provides Understanding v. 8b
    “The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.”

John 1:6-9, “There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.”

2 Corinthians 4:2-6, “… by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

Psalm 119:104-105, “I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”

V. God’s Word Provides a Clear Conscience v. 9a
    “The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever.”

Job 27:6, “I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live.” Psalm 119:80, “May my heart be blameless toward Your decrees, that I may not be put to shame.” Proverbs 19:23, “The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.”

2 Corinthians 1:12, “Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace.”

John 15:3, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.”
 

VI. God’s Word Provides Righteousness v. 9b
    “The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.”

Psalm 119:137-138, “Righteous are you, O LORD, and your laws are right. 138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.”

Hosea 4:9, “Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.”

1 John 2:29, “If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of Him.” 1 John 3:7, “Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous.”
 

Conclusion:
    vs. 10-11, “They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.”

Hebrews 12:25, “See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from Him who warns us from heaven?”



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Sunday Sermon Outline: Happiness Is

“Happiness Is …” 

 

Introduction:

 

“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

 

Hebrews 13:5, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” 

 

“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

I. Happiness is not found in material riches.

Ecclesiastes 2:11, “When I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.” 

 

“godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:6-10).

Joshua 7:1,18-26; Matthew 19:22; 27:3-5; Acts 5:1-11

 

“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15).

II. Happiness is not found in worldly power.

“Should you then seek great things for yourself?” “Seek them not” (Jeremiah 45:5).

 

“The power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous” (Psalm 37:17). 

III. Happiness is not found in fame and glory.
 

“All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord stands forever” (1 Peter 1:24-25).

IV. Happiness is not found in worldly pleasure.
 

“I thought in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good." But that also proved to be meaningless. 2 "Laughter," I said, "is foolish. And what does pleasure accomplish?" 3 I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly … 8 I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired men and women singers, and a harem as well – the delights of the heart of man. … 10 I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. 11 Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 2:2-3, 8, 10-11).

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:15-17).

V. Happiness is found in submission to God.

“To the man who pleases Him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner He gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God” (Ecclesiastes 2:26).

Ecclesiastes 12:13, “Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”
 

Conclusion:

John 13:17, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” 

 

Acts 8:39; 16:34

 

“I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

 

 

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Sunday Sermon Outline: Our Great Joy

Jude 1:24-25
Our Great Joy

Introduction:
     Jude 1:24-25, "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy,25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen."

I. A Present Help v. 24a
     "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling ..."

     Luke 17:1, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come!"
     John 11:9-10, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”
     John 16:1, “These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling."
     "These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an advantage" (v. 16).
     "These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit" (v. 19).
     2 Peter 1:5-10, "applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge,6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;"

II. A Future Hope v. 24b
     "... and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy;"

     2 Peter 1:3-11, "His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, " ... "as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you."
     Philippians 2:12-16, "work out your salvation with fear and trembling;13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing;15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,16 holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain."
     Colossians 1:21-23, "although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds,22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach—23 if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard"
     "Our citizenship is in heaven" (Phillipians 3:20)

III. An Everlasting Head v. 25
     "to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen."

     Psalm 50:14-15, “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving and pay your vows to the Most High; 15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.”
     John 5:23, "He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him."
     Romans 4:19-22, "Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb;20 yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,21 and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.22 Therefore it was also credited to him as righteousness."
     Psalm 145:3-5, "Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable. 4 One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts. 5 On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate." 
     1 Chronicles 29:11, "Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all."

Conclusion:
     Jude 1:1-2, "To those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:2 May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you."




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Sunday Sermon Outline: A Plastic Fruit Generation

A Plastic Fruit Generation

Galatians 5:22-23, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”


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Sunday Sermon Outline: John 16:16-33

“From Sorrow to Joy”
John 16:16-33

Introduction: Matthew 26:31


I. The Resurrection in Prophecy vs. 16-24
     “"In a little while you will see Me no more, and then after a little while you will see Me." 17 Some of His disciples said to one another, "What does He mean by saying, 'In a little while you will see Me no more, and then after a little while you will see Me,' and 'Because I am going to the Father'?" 18 They kept asking, "What does He mean by 'a little while'? We don't understand what He is saying." 19 Jesus saw that they wanted to ask Him about this, so He said to them, "Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, 'In a little while you will see Me no more, and then after a little while you will see Me'? 20 I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21 A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. 23 In that day you will no longer ask Me anything. I tell you the truth, My Father will give you whatever you ask in My name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

Luke 9:22; 18:31-33


II. The Resurrection in Fact vs. 25-30
     “"Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about My Father. 26 In that day you will ask in My name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27 No, the Father Himself loves you because you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father." 29 Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now You are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that You know all things and that You do not even need to have anyone ask You questions. This makes us believe that you came from God."”

Matthew 27:63-64; 28:13, 7-8; Luke 24:52-53


III. The Resurrection in Belief vs. 31-33
     “"You believe at last!" Jesus answered. 32 "But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave Me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for My Father is with Me. 33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."”


Conclusion: Hebrews 13:8


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Sunday Sermon Outline: Jeremiah 31

Jeremiah 31
The Benefits of Redemption

I.  Grace vs. 1-6
     ““At that time,” declares the LORD, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people.” [2] Thus says the LORD, “The people who survived the sword Found grace in the wilderness— Israel, when it went to find its rest.” [3] The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness. [4] “Again I will build you and you will be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel! Again you will take up your tambourines, And go forth to the dances of the merrymakers. [5] “Again you will plant vineyards On the hills of Samaria; The planters will plant And will enjoy them. [6] “For there will be a day when watchmen On the hills of Ephraim call out, ‘Arise, and let us go up to Zion, To the LORD our God.’””

1 Peter 1:10-12; Hebrews 12:22


II. Joy vs. 7-20

     A. Salvation vs. 7-11 
     “[7] For thus says the LORD, “Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, And shout among the chief of the nations; Proclaim, give praise and say, ‘O LORD, save Your people, The remnant of Israel.’ [8] “Behold, I am bringing them from the north country, And I will gather them from the remote parts of the earth, Among them the blind and the lame, The woman with child and she who is in labor with child, together; A great company, they will return here. [9] “With weeping they will come, And by supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk by streams of waters, On a straight path in which they will not stumble; For I am a father to Israel, And Ephraim is My firstborn.” [10] Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, And declare in the coastlands afar off, And say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him And keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.” [11] For the LORD has ransomed Jacob And redeemed him from the hand of him who was stronger than he.”

     B. The Spirit vs. 12-14
     "[12] “They will come and shout for joy on the height of Zion, And they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD — Over the grain and the new wine and the oil, And over the young of the flock and the herd; And their life will be like a watered garden, And they will never languish again. [13] “Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance, And the young men and the old, together, For I will turn their mourning into joy And will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow. [14] “I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance, And My people will be satisfied with My goodness,” declares the LORD.”

     C. Hope vs. 15-17
     “[15] Thus says the LORD, “A voice is heard in Ramah, Lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; She refuses to be comforted for her children, Because they are no more.” [16] Thus says the LORD, “Restrain your voice from weeping And your eyes from tears; For your work will be rewarded,” declares the LORD, “And they will return from the land of the enemy. [17] “There is hope for your future,” declares the LORD, “And your children will return to their own territory.”

Romans 15:13

     D. Mercy vs. 18-20
     “[18] “I have surely heard Ephraim grieving, ‘You have chastised me, and I was chastised, Like an untrained calf; Bring me back that I may be restored, For You are the LORD my God. [19] ‘For after I turned back, I repented; And after I was instructed, I smote on my thigh; I was ashamed and also humiliated Because I bore the reproach of my youth.’ [20] “Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he a delightful child? Indeed, as often as I have spoken against him, I certainly still remember him; Therefore My heart yearns for him; I will surely have mercy on him,” declares the LORD.”

Luke 1:57-58 (NIV)


III. Blessings vs. 21-40

     A. A Savior vs. 21-22
     “[21] “Set up for yourself roadmarks, Place for yourself guideposts; Direct your mind to the highway, The way by which you went. Return, O virgin of Israel, Return to these your cities. [22] “How long will you go here and there, O faithless daughter? For the LORD has created a new thing in the earth— A woman will encompass a man.””

     B. A City vs. 23-28
     “[23] Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, “Once again they will speak this word in the land of Judah and in its cities when I restore their fortunes, ‘The LORD bless you, O abode of righteousness, O holy hill!’ [24] “Judah and all its cities will dwell together in it, the farmer and they who go about with flocks. [25] “For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes.”
     [26] At this I awoke and looked, and my sleep was pleasant to me.”
     “[27] “Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man and with the seed of beast. [28] “As I have watched over them to pluck up, to break down, to overthrow, to destroy and to bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant,” declares the LORD.”

     C. A Covenant vs. 29-34
     “[29] “In those days they will not say again, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, And the children's teeth are set on edge.’ [30] “But everyone will die for his own iniquity; each man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth will be set on edge. [31] “Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, [32] not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. [33] “But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the LORD, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. [34] “They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares the LORD, “for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

     D. A Future vs. 35-40
     “[35] Thus says the LORD, Who gives the sun for light by day And the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar; The LORD of hosts is His name: [36] “If this fixed order departs From before Me,” declares the LORD, “Then the offspring of Israel also will cease From being a nation before Me forever.” [37] Thus says the LORD, “If the heavens above can be measured And the foundations of the earth searched out below, Then I will also cast off all the offspring of Israel For all that they have done,” declares the LORD. [38] “Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when the city will be rebuilt for the LORD from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate. [39] “The measuring line will go out farther straight ahead to the hill Gareb; then it will turn to Goah. [40] “And the whole valley of the dead bodies and of the ashes, and all the fields as far as the brook Kidron, to the corner of the Horse Gate toward the east, shall be holy to the LORD; it will not be plucked up or overthrown anymore forever.”” 


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Sunday Sermon Outline: Ecclesiastes 11

Sow With a View to Righteousness
Ecclesiastes 11

Introduction: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. [14] For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”

 Hosea 10:12


I.   Work Wisely  vs. 1-2
     “Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days. [2] Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth.”

 Matthew 6:19-21


II. Work Trustingly  vs. 3-6
     “[3] If the clouds are full, they pour out rain upon the earth; and whether a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, wherever the tree falls, there it lies. [4] He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap. [5] Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things. [6] Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good.”

 Psalm 37:3-18


III. Work Joyfully  vs. 7-10
     “[7] The light is pleasant, and it is good for the eyes to see the sun. [8] Indeed, if a man should live many years, let him rejoice in them all, and let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. Everything that is to come will be futility. [9] Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things. [10] So, remove grief and anger from your heart and put away pain from your body, because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting.”

Ecclesiastes 9:10; John 9:4; Hebrews 12:1; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; 2 Corinthians 6:16 – 7:1


Conclusion: Hosea 10:12


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Sunday Sermon Outline: James 1

“Consider It All Joy!”
James 1

Introduction: Jeremiah 6:13-14

James 1:1, "James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings"

Acts 8:1, 4; 11:19; 1 Peter 1:1


I.   Dealing with trials  vs. 2-4 
     “[2] Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, [3] knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. [4] And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”


II.  Asking for wisdom in dealing with trials  vs. 5-8
      “[5] But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. [6] But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. [7] For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, [8] being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

1 Corinthians 3:3


III. Considering our position in light of trials  vs. 9-11
      “[9] But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; [10] and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. [11] For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.”

Matthew 19:24; Luke 18:25; 1 Timothy 6:9


IV.  Understanding the purpose of trials  vs. 12-18
      “[12] Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. [13] Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. [14] But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. [15] Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. [16] Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. [17] Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. [18] In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.”

1 Peter 4:12; 1 John 5:4; Ephesians 4:4-6; Philippians 3:19-21; Matthew 25:1-13


V.   Speaking and doing right while under trials  vs. 19-27
      “[19] This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; [20] for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God [21] Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. [22] But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. [23] For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; [24] for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. [25] But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. [26] If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. [27] Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”

Ephesians 4:4-6


Conclusion: 2 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Corinthians 10:4; John 3:19; Matthew 6:19-20, 31-33


LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Midweek Lesson Outline: 1 Samuel 2

“Rejoicing in the Lord”
1 Samuel 2:1-10

Introduction: 1 Samuel 1



I. The Goodness of God v. 1

“My heart exults in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD, my mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.”

Psalm 34; Romans 8:28


II. The Greatness of God vs. 2-3

“There is no one holy like the LORD, indeed, there is no one besides You, nor is there any rock like our God. [3] Boast no more so very proudly, do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and with Him actions are weighed.”
1 Samuel 2:12; 3:13; Jeremiah 11:20; Hebrews 4:12-13; Psalm 95:1-3


III. The Government of God vs. 4-8

“The bows of the mighty are shattered, but the feeble gird on strength. [5] Those who were full hire themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry cease to hunger. Even the barren gives birth to seven, but she who has many children languishes. [6] The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. [7] The LORD makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts. [8] He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap To make them sit with nobles, and inherit a seat of honor; for the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and He set the world on them.”

Psalm 47:7-8; Revelation 19:6


IV. The Glory of God vs. 9-10

“He keeps the feet of His godly ones, but the wicked ones are silenced in darkness; for not by might shall a man prevail. [10] Those who contend with the LORD will be shattered; against them He will thunder in the heavens, the LORD will judge the ends of the earth; and He will give strength to His king, and will exalt the horn of His anointed.”

Acts 17:31; Isaiah 9:6-7; Hebrews 13:5; Psalm 95:6-7; 5:4-8; 2:12; 128:1


Conclusion: 1 Samuel 2:21; Mark 10:29-31; Ephesians 1:3; Revelation 18:2, 4-5, 20;
Luke 14:11; 1 Peter 5:5-6; Revelation 19:16; Ephesians 1:10; Revelation 1:5-6