The Pursuit of God

The Pursuit of God

Philippians 3:2-16

 

 

Theme:  For the believer of Jesus Christ to set their mind and heart for the greatest pursuit in all the universe.  What is that activity?   Life’s greatest pursuit is the knowledge of God.

 

 

POINT TO PONDER:

The most important thought you'll ever think, is what you think, when you think about God.  Because what you think, when you think about God, will impact everything you think. So, think right thoughts about God as you think.

 

I.               True Grace Creates Desire for More Grace 

 

 

Statement of Truth:

The Spirit is not deadening; he is addicting.

 

Four Reasons Why We Must Pursue After God {THE WHY}

         

A.   We must Pursue God, in order to know Him v7-8

B.   We must Pursue God, to confirm our justification v8-9

C.   We must Pursue God, because we are so imperfect v12

D.   We must Pursue God, because He has made us His own v 12

 

Three Steps in Pursuing After God  {THE HOW}

A.    Develop a holy dissatisfaction

B.    Forget the things which lie behind

C.    Strain forward to what lies ahead

 

The Knowledge of God

 The Knowledge of God Wk2

2 Peter 1:1-5

 

 

Theme:  
Knowing God is so important.  There are many aspects to knowing God.   Today, we will learn that the knowledge of God isn't just a set of facts that we learn; it is something that grows within us as we experience the almighty. 

 

POINT TO PONDER:

The most important thought you'll ever think, is what you think, when you think about God.  Because what you think, when you think about God, will impact everything you think. So, think right thoughts about God as you think.

 

Statement of Truth:

You cannot grow beyond what you know

 

I.               Keys to Expanding Your Knowledge of God: 

 

1.      Moral excellence / virtue

2.     Knowledge

3.     Self-Control

4.     Perseverance

5.     Godliness  

6.    Brotherly love

7.     Love

 

THE MOST IMPORTANT THOUGHT

THE MOST IMPORTANT THOUGHT

2 Peter 1:1-5

 

 

Theme:  People think they can manage anything from their diet to their desires with enough self-control. In this study we will learn that growing in the knowledge of God is the only real hope we have.

 

 

POINT TO PONDER:

The most important thought you'll ever think, is what you think, when you think about God.  Because what you think, when you think about God, will impact everything you think. So, think right thoughts about God as you think.

 

 

Statement of Truth:

Grace is all that God is free to do because of what Jesus Christ has done

 

 

I.              GOD WANTS TO MULTIPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF HIM

 

A.    Everything you need to meet all of life’s demands have been given to you

B.    The everything is in seed form

 

 

Question to Consider:

Why can’t we find the things we desperately look for?

 

Answer:  

 

 

C.    The location of the everything, is found in the understanding of the Divine Nature of God

 

 

II.            THE OBSTACLES TO THINKING RIGHTLY ABOUT GOD

A.    Our souls have been distorted by sin

                                   i.     The corruption of the world

                                  ii.     Self-corruption

 

 

III.         THE REAL REMEDY

You have to set your mind toward spiritual growth

122720AM ODF SERMON NOTES Faith Over Fear

Faith Over Fear

Mark 4:35-41

 

Hearers of the Word:

Theme:  Every student learns very quickly what a test is. We also learn what the importance of a test is.  Every teacher knows the right test material will further instruct the student.  In God’s kingdom He tests his children too.  We should learn not to begrudge these tests but accept them as an affirmation that we might be are ready for the next chapter in life.

 

Point to Ponder:  
We must learn to exercise our faith over fear.

 

Statement of Truth:

While Satan temps you to do wrong. God will test you to make you strong.

 

Word Study:  There is a Greek word in verse 37 “lilac”.   Lilac is a fierce windstorm that disturbs and disrupts everything.

 

Statement of Truth:

They were in the storm while they were in the will of God.

 

I.                Three Types of Storms we face:

a.      There was the external storm

b.     There was an internal storm

c.      There was a spiritual storm

Statement of Truth:

You have to know who you are dealing with!

 

Doers of the Word:

1.      Describe the Lilac/Storm that you face today?

2.      What is your initial response to your lilac?

3.      Have you ever asked: Why God?   Have you ever accused God of not caring or being absent or asleep? Think through the hurt and trouble in your life.  {Hint:  Give an honest assessment of your emotional and mental battle.}

4.     Do you feel God cares for you?  Have you been tempted to lose your faith?   What would have to happen for you to understand that God really does have your best in mind?

5.      In what ways do you speak “christianese” to a world hurting around you?  Do you think they understand your heart?  What might we do or what are the things we can say differently to communicate the most important message of all time?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

121320AM ODF SERMON NOTES THE MEANING OF THE MAGI

 The Magi’s Meaning

Matthew 2:1-11

 

Hearers of the Word:

 

Theme:  For the believer to have a greater understanding and appreciation for the wise men from the east. 

 

I.                Who Are These Magi?

a.     The Myths

b.     The Purpose:  

                                               i.     Worship

                                              ii.     King Makers

Keynote: The Magi were the king makers, and no one could become king unless they appointed them king.                 

II.             Jesus deserves Royal honor

 

III.            Jesus receives Royal honor

 

Doers of the Word:

 

1.       Explain in your own words the myths you have heard concerning the Magi?

 

2.      In your personal study this week study the magi.  Pay special attention to the biblical accounts of them.  Helpful studies include the journey, origins, and gifts.   These men provide the royal honor that is due Jesus.  

3.     In your personal study this week study Matthew 2.  Read also Jeremiah 39,  Daniel chapters 2, 4, 5 and 6.   Esther 1; Acts 8; Acts 13.

112920AM ODF SERMON NOTES A Theology of Christmas

 A Theology of Christmas

Philippians 2:5-11

 

Hearers of the Word:

 

Theme:  For each of us to embrace the real story of the birth of Christ and to make no mistake about the genuine significance of it. 

 

I.               He Abandoned A Sovereign Position v6

 

II.             He Accepted a Slave’s Place v7

 

III.             He Associated with Sinful People v7-8

 

IV.            He Adopted Selfless Posture V 8

 

V.             He Ascended a Supreme Prince v 9-11

 

Doers of the Word:

 

1.       Explain in your own words the condescension of Jesus Christ?

 

2.      In your personal study this week read 2 Corinthians 8:9. Consider the riches of Christ and what He gave up for your sake.  Write in your own words and knowledge exactly what Christ gave up  in surrender so that we might gain salvation?

 

 

2a.  How does that make you feel?

2b.  How should you respond in light of the condescension of Jesus Christ?

3.      In your personal study this week read John 15:20.   Pastor Steven taught us that Jesus came to earth and accepted a slave’s place. Jesus taught that his disciples are no better than the master. So, what does this say about your spiritual walk and goals as a follower of Jesus?

 

3a.  Are you growing as a servant of the Lord?

3b.  How can you approach a new year and give more than you get?  Can you lift your eyes and see what Jesus sees?

110820AM ODF SERMON NOTES As IN The Days of Noah

 As In The Days of Noah

MATTHEW 24:36-51

 

I.       THOSE WHO MIGHT BE EXPECTED TO KNOW

 

a.    HUMAN BEINGS WILL NOT KNOW

b.     ANGELS BEINGS DO NOT KNOW

c.      THE SON OF MAN DID NOT KNOW

 

Statement of Truth:  
While we cannot know the exact time we must be ready all the time

 

II.        Attitudes that hinder preparation for the Second coming

a.      Jesus warns against a cavalier attitude  v37-42

 

b.     Jesus warns against a careless attitude v43-44

 

Statement of Truth: 
Make sure you're ready by always being ready

 

c.      Jesus warned against a calloused attitude v 45-51

 

Dive Deeper:

As you study seek to answer the following:

 Summarize why you believe God has concealed the “day and hour” of Christ’s second coming. {see Matthew 24:36}

Go back and read Genesis chapter 6.  Pay special attention to verses 17 through 22.  

In terms of “what” and “when,” what did God tell Noah; and what did God not tell Noah? {verse 17}

What was Noah’s responsibility in light of what he was commissioned to do? {see verses 14-16}

What are some questions Noah might have had that went unanswered?

What two word phrase in Hebrews 11:7 describes what drove Noah, by faith, to prepare for the coming judgment?