Sunday Sermon Outline: Let Me Never Be Ashamed

“Let me never be ashamed”

Psalm 31

I. Present Refuge vs. 1-6
    “In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be ashamed; in Your righteousness deliver me. 2 Incline Your ear to me, rescue me quickly; be to me a rock of strength, a stronghold to save me. 3 For You are my rock and my fortress; for Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me. 4 You will pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for You are my strength. 5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have ransomed me, O Lord, God of truth. 6 I hate those who regard vain idols, but I trust in the Lord.”

    1 Peter 1:5, “... who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”

    “[God’s] divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).
    “Into Your hand I commit my spirit,” (Luke 23:46).

    “Sanctify them in the truth. Thy word is truth,” (John 17:17).

    Psalm 5:4-6, “You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with You the wicked cannot dwell. 5 The arrogant cannot stand in Your presence; You hate all who do wrong. 6 You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors.” 

    Psalm 119:104, “I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.”

    “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). 

    “"Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord. "AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you"” (2 Corinthians 6:17). 

    “Dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).

II. Past Problems vs. 7-13
    “I will rejoice and be glad in Your lovingkindness, because You have seen my affliction; You have known the troubles of my soul, 8 And You have not given me over into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet in a large place. 9 Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted away from grief, my soul and my body also. 10 For my life is spent with sorrow and my years with sighing; my strength has failed because of my iniquity, and my body has wasted away. 11 Because of all my adversaries, I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbors, and an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. 12 I am forgotten as a dead man, out of mind; I am like a broken vessel. 13 For I have heard the slander of many, Terror is on every side; while they took counsel together against me, they schemed to take away my life.”

    Jeremiah 20:7-11, “I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me. 8 Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the word of the LORD has brought me insult and reproach all day long. 9 But if I say, "I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name," His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot. 10 I hear many whispering, "Terror on every side! Report him! Let's report him!" All my friends are waiting for me to slip, saying, "Perhaps he will be deceived; then we will prevail over him and take our revenge on him." 11 But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten.”
    Matthew 10:28, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

III. Future Hope vs. 14-24
    “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord, I say, “You are my God.” 15 My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me. 16 Make Your face to shine upon Your servant; save me in Your lovingkindness. 17 Let me not be put to shame, O Lord, for I call upon You; let the wicked be put to shame, let them be silent in Sheol. 18 Let the lying lips be mute, which speak arrogantly against the righteous with pride and contempt.”

    “19 How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You, which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You, before the sons of men! 20 You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man; You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues. 21 Blessed be the Lord, for He has made marvelous His lovingkindness to me in a besieged city. 22 As for me, I said in my alarm, “I am cut off from before Your eyes”; nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried to You. 23 O love the Lord, all you His godly ones! The Lord preserves the faithful and fully recompenses the proud doer. 24 Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.”

Conclusion:
    1 Chronicles 28:20, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you …”
    Hebrews 13:5-6, “God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." 6 So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"”

LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: Hebrews 2:1-4

"Drifting Away”
Hebrews 2:1-4

Introduction: Hebrews 1:1-2


I.   The Nature of Drifting  v. 1

     “we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.”

     A. Drifting requires no effort.

     B. Drifting is an unconscious process.

     C. Drifting moves us in one direction.

          2 Peter 3:17-18

     D. Drifting increases our risk.

     E. Drifting is a danger to others.

          Jude 1:12-13; 1 Timothy 1:18-19.

II.  The Signs of Drifting  vs. 2-4

     “For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, [3] how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, [4] God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.”

     A. There is a diminishing desire to study the truth.

          Psalm 1:1-4

     B. There is a diminishing desire to know the truth.

          John 17:17; James 4:4

     C. There is a diminishing desire to share the truth.

          Ephesians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8

     D. There is an increasing desire to be like the world.

          1 John 2:15-17


III. The Prevention of Drifting  v. 1

     “For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.”

     A. Keep rowing.

          2 Peter 1:5-7, 10

     B. Watch out for undercurrents.

          1 Peter 2:11; Hebrews 12:1-2

     C. Prepare to row against the tide.

          Matthew 7:13-14

      D. Attach yourself to a strong anchor.

          Colossians 2:6-7


Conclusion: Philippians 2:15; Hebrews 10:25

Sunday Sermon Outline: Hebrews 1

“The First Word … and the Last”
Hebrews 1:1-12

I. The Witness of God's Word vs. 1-4

“God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, [2] in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. [3] And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, [4] having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they."

Matthew 17:1-8; John 1:14, 17-18


II. The Worship of God's Word vs. 5-7

"For to which of the angels did He ever say, “YOU ARE MY SON, TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU”? And again, “I WILL BE A FATHER TO HIM AND HE SHALL BE A SON TO ME”? [6] And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says, “AND LET ALL THE ANGELS OF GOD WORSHIP HIM.” [7] And of the angels He says, “WHO MAKES HIS ANGELS WINDS, AND HIS MINISTERS A FLAME OF FIRE.""

Matthew 2:11; John 9:38; Matthew 14:33; 28:9; John 20:28


III. The Weight of God's Word vs. 8-14
 
"But of the Son He says, “YOUR THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER, AND THE RIGHTEOUS SCEPTER IS THE SCEPTER OF HIS KINGDOM. [9] YOU HAVE LOVED RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HATED LAWLESSNESS; THEREFORE GOD, YOUR GOD, HAS ANOINTED YOU WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS ABOVE YOUR COMPANIONS.” [10] And, “YOU, LORD, IN THE BEGINNING LAID THE FOUNDATION OF THE EARTH, AND THE HEAVENS ARE THE WORKS OF YOUR HANDS; [11] THEY WILL PERISH, BUT YOU REMAIN; AND THEY ALL WILL BECOME OLD LIKE A GARMENT, [12] AND LIKE A MANTLE YOU WILL ROLL THEM UP; LIKE A GARMENT THEY WILL ALSO BE CHANGED. BUT YOU ARE THE SAME, AND YOUR YEARS WILL NOT COME TO AN END.” [13] But to which of the angels has He ever said, “SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET”? [14] Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?”

Matthew 28:18; Hebrews 13:8; Philippians 2:10-11; Revelation 19:15; Hebrews 10:26-27; John 1:1

Sunday Sermon Outline: 2 Peter 3

"Holding Fast to True Knowledge"
2 Peter 3

I. Stand Fast! vs. 1-10


A. Stand fast in the Scriptures. vs. 1-2

“This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles.”

Matthew 7:24-25


B. Stand fast against the world. vs. 3-7

“Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, 4 and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation." 5 For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, 6 through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. 7 But the present heavens and earth by His word are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.”


C. Stand fast for Christ's coming. vs. 8-10

“But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.”


II. Be Holy! vs. 11-18


A. Be holy before the church. vs. 11-13

“Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, on account of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! 13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.”

Hebrews 3:12-14


B. Be holy before God. vs. 14-16

“Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, 15 and regard the patience of our Lord to be salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, 16 as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.”


C. Be holy before the world. vs. 17-18

“You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall from your own steadfastness, 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”


Conclusion: 2 Peter 1:2-4; Philippians 2:16

Sunday Sermon Outline: 2 Peter 2

“The Danger of Abandoning True Knowledge”
2 Peter 2

Introduction: 1 Samuel 15:29


I. The Incursion of Error vs. 1-3

“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; 3 and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.”

2 Peter 3:9; John 3:36



II. The Examples of Error vs. 4-10a

“For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6 and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly thereafter; 7 and if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men 8 (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day with their lawless deeds), 9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority. …”


III. The Activities of Error vs. 10b-19

“…Daring, self-willed, they do not tremble when they revile angelic majesties, 11 whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord. 12 But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed, 13 suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong. They count it a pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are stains and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, as they carouse with you, 14 having eyes full of adultery and that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children; 15 forsaking the right way they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, 16 but he received a rebuke for his own transgression; for a dumb donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet. 17 These are springs without water, and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved. 18 For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, 19 promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved.”

Galatians 6:7; Revelation 2:16; John 8:36


IV. The Danger of Error vs. 20-22

“For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 It has happened to them according to the true proverb, "A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT," and, "A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire."”

Luke 12:47; Hebrews 6:4-6; Hebrews 10:25-27; Proverbs 26:11

Sunday Sermon Outline: 2 Peter 1

“The Nature of True Knowledge”
2 Peter 1

I. Authority vs. 1-4

“Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.”

Romans 10:1-3; 1:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 John 1:3


II. Maturity vs. 5-15

“Now for this very reason also, 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; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. 12 Therefore, I shall always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. 13 And I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you may be able to call these things to mind.”

Ephesians 4:14-15; 1 Timothy 5:24-25; 1:6-7; 2 Timothy 3:6-9; Matthew 15:14; Philippians 3:13-20; Hosea 4:6


III. Certainty vs. 16-21

“For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, "This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased"-- 18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. 20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

Luke 6:40; Psalm 119:104-105


Conclusion: Genesis 2:16-17; Genesis 3:1-5; 2 Corinthians 11:3

Sunday Sermon Outline: 1 Peter 5

“The Unfading Crown of Glory”
1 Peter 5

Introduction: 1 Peter 4:2; Romans 8:16-17; Philippians 3:14-15; 1 Peter 4:19


I. Glory for those who lead vs. 1-4

“Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

John 21:15-17


II. Glory for those who follow in humility vs. 5-7

“You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.”

Matthew 20:28; 1 Corinthians 10:5-11; Matthew 7:19


III. Glory for those who are alert to the enemy vs. 8-12

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. 10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 11 To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen. 12 Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!”

2 Timothy 3:12-15; Hebrews 12:4; Matthew 13:20-21


Conclusion, vs. 13-14: “She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, Mark. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ.”


1 Peter 1:2; Revelation 2:10; 1 Peter 4:13-14

Sunday Sermon Outline: 1 Peter 4

Here is the outline for tomorrow's message. It accompanies the audio sermon, found in the sermon files section of this page.

“Glorifying God in All Things”
1 Peter 4

Introduction: 1 Peter 3:17-18


I. Submitting to the Will of God vs. 1-6

“Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousals, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. 4 And in all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excess of dissipation, and they malign you; 5 but they shall give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.”

A. Consider your purpose, vs. 1-2

Philippians 2:5; 2 Timothy 2:11-12; Romans 6:6-7; Romans 6:2; 1 Peter 3:21

B. Consider your pursuits, v. 3

C. Consider your partners, vs. 4-5

Matthew 12:36-37

D. Consider your preaching, v. 6

John 12:48; Hebrews 4:12


II. Serving the People of God vs. 7-11

“7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. 8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

A. Prayer, v. 7

Mark 14:37-38

B. Love, v. 8

Proverbs 10:12; Isaiah 43:25

C. Hospitality, v. 9

Matthew 25:37-40

D. Gifts, vs. 10-11


III. Suffering like the Son of God vs. 12-19

“12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER? 19 Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.”
Proverbs 17:3

A. The Test of Fire, v. 12

Matthew 5:11-12; 1 John 3:13

B. The Test of Joy, vs. 13-14

Romans 8:17; Philippians 3:10; John 15:19-20; James 1:2-3; Mark 13:13

C. The Test of Conscience, vs. 15-18

Matthew 10:28; James 1:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10

D. The Test of Faith (Conclusion), v. 19

“Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.”
(1) Entrust yourselves to God. Luke 23:46

(2) Continue to do what is right. Deuteronomy 13:17-18

Audio Sermons

Some have asked for regular access to audio recordings of the Sunday messages. That feature is now available, and will be updated weekly (at least by Saturday evening).

On the right hand column (you might need to scroll down just a bit) is a gadget called Sermons. The most recent message will always be at the top of the list. You may either click on it to begin listening to the recording, or right-click on it and hit Save As to download it to your computer for future listening.

The link has been checked on the PC as well as the iPhone. If anyone has a problem with the sound file - or with accessing it - please let me know.