Prepare for Sunday, 3/25/12

This Sunday we are studying the second part of fighting temptation to sin. Last Sunday we meditated on vv. 13-15 and on how we can't blame God for sin (because he's holy and doesn't tempt anyone), where sin comes from (our inner desires), and where sin leads us (death). I pray that it was helpful. Feel free to comment here about last week's sermon or post a question, or email me personally.

We need to fight sin because it wages war on our souls. We need to help each other. God is speaking directly to this battle this weekend again as we meditate on James 1:16-18. I'm encouraged by this passage and find strength and joy in God as I study it. Read and pray over it a few times this week, pray for yourself and our church members, and share thoughts about this passage or last week's message with me and others.

SERMON TITLE: Destroy Deception with Theological Truth

SCRIPTURE: James 1:16-18 (read vv. 12-18 for the context)

MAIN POINT: Destroy the deception that leads to sin by knowing God’s truth.

OUTLINE:

1 – Destroy the deception about fulfillment (vv. 13-17)

2 – Destroy the Deception about life and the future (v. 18)

Titus 3:1-7 Gospel Living Toward Outsiders

In this sermon we looked at what it means to live consistently with the gospel toward the outsiders (the government and all people) and the reason behind this lifestyle (our conversion). So there were two main points, (1) Remember how to live toward outsiders and (2) Remember your conversion by the Spirit's power. The second point is an extended meditation on the gospel and our conversion with an emphasis on the Holy Spirit's role regenerating us.

I was encouraged by the lavish grace of God that he would pour his Spirit out on us so abundantly.

Here's the text and sermon video:

1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2 to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people. 3 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another. 4 But when the goodness of God and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us — not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6 He poured out this Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that having been •justified by His grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life. [Titus 3:1-7 HCSB]