ABOUT EKKLESIA MUSKOGEE: 
We are a gospel-centered local church that is focussed on reaching the lost and discipling the saved in the gospel. The gospel is the good news that Jesus has come and succeeded where we've failed, to bring us back to God. Jesus, in his life, death, and resurrection, secured eternal joy for all who would come to believe in him. The gospel is not advice on how to live your life, it's news about how life comes from and through Jesus and what He has done. 

for more information please visit 
www.EkklesiaMuskogee.org

Ekklesia Muskogee

BIG IDEA: What a dishonorable dad looks like. 
 
I. WHAT A DISHONORABLE DAD LOOKS LIKE (1 Samuel 2:22-29). 
 
I) Eli gently rebuked his sons, and only when word spread abroad of their wickedness (1 Samuel 2:22-25a). 
 
(i) A Dishonorable Dad holds off correcting his children until their wickedness has become great. 
 
(ii) A Dishonorable Dad only gently rebukes his children, even when their case warrants severe discipline (Proverbs 23:13). 
 
II) Eli’s rebuke was too little and too late, because the Lord had already decided to put his sons to death (1 Samuel 2:25b). 
 
(i) Dishonorable dads often find themselves with damned sons and daughters, because God’s ordinary means of grace normally travels from parents to their children (Psalm 78:5-7). 
 
(ii) If you hold off correcting your children until their sin becomes great, your correction may be too little, too late (Proverbs 22:15). 
 
By the way, the godly child Samuel is again contrasted with the worthless sons of Eli (1 Samuel 2:26). 
 
III) The LORD rebuked Eli like Eli should have done to his sons (1 Samuel 2:27-28). 
 
(i) Dishonorable dads will eventually find themselves rebuked by the Lord for their leniency and lack of instruction given to their children. Maybe in this life, maybe in the next. 
 
IV) The LORD held Eli responsible for the sins of his sons, because he did not reprove and remove them from their office (1 Samuel 2:29). 
 
(i) Dishonorable dads honor their children above the Lord God. 
 
(ii) Dishonorable dads are held responsible for the sins that grow in their children when they are due to their lack of discipline, training, and instruction. 
 
II. THE CONSEQUENCES OF ELI’S DISHONORABLE PATRIARCHY (1 Samuel 2:30-36). 
 
I) The LORD promised to cut off the strength of Eli’s family (1 Samuel 2:30-33). 
 
II) The LORD promised Eli his sons would be executed on the same day (1 Samuel 2:34). 
 
III) The LORD promised Eli He will raise up a High Priest to replace him and his family (1 Samuel 2:35-36). 
 
TWO CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS 
 
I) See how seriously the LORD takes the treatment of his sacrifice (1 Samuel 2:29; Hebrews 10:28-31). 
 
II) See how seriously the LORD takes those offices that are to reflect His gospel (Father; High Priest). 
 
(i) The LORD takes serious how father discipline and instruct their children, because they are meant to reflect God the Father in their parenting. 
 
(ii) The LORD takes seriously how the High Priest and his subservient priests serve in the Temple, because they are meant to reflect God the Son in their service.

BIG IDEA: What a dishonorable dad looks like. 

I. WHAT A DISHONORABLE DAD LOOKS LIKE (1 Samuel 2:22-29).

I) Eli gently rebuked his sons, and only when word spread abroad of their wickedness (1 Samuel 2:22-25a).

(i) A Dishonorable Dad holds off correcting his children until their wickedness has become great.

(ii) A Dishonorable Dad only gently rebukes his children, even when their case warrants severe discipline (Proverbs 23:13).

II) Eli’s rebuke was too little and too late, because the Lord had already decided to put his sons to death (1 Samuel 2:25b).

(i) Dishonorable dads often find themselves with damned sons and daughters, because God’s ordinary means of grace normally travels from parents to their children (Psalm 78:5-7).

(ii) If you hold off correcting your children until their sin becomes great, your correction may be too little, too late (Proverbs 22:15).

By the way, the godly child Samuel is again contrasted with the worthless sons of Eli (1 Samuel 2:26).

III) The LOR

WHAT A DISHONORABLE DAD LOOKS LIKE: 1 Samuel 2:22-36

I. Worthless men may know about the Lord, but they do not know the Lord (1 Samuel 2:12b). 
 
II. Worthless men create customs according to their own desires rather than submitting to the Law of the Lord (1 Samuel 2:13-14). 
 
III. Worthless men insist on their own way and hate reproof (1 Samuel 2:15-16). 
 
IV. Worthless men disrespect the sacrifice of the Lord (1 Samuel 2:17). 
 
V. Worthless men use women, rather than honor them for the Lord’s glory and their good (1 Samuel 2:22). 
 
VI. Worthless men may find themselves eventually handed over to hardness of heart and to destruction (1 Samuel 2:25).

I. Worthless men may know about the Lord, but they do not know the Lord (1 Samuel 2:12b).

II. Worthless men create customs according to their own desires rather than submitting to the Law of the Lord (1 Samuel 2:13-14).

III. Worthless men insist on their own way and hate reproof (1 Samuel 2:15-16).

IV. Worthless men disrespect the sacrifice of the Lord (1 Samuel 2:17).

V. Worthless men use women, rather than honor them for the Lord’s glory and their good (1 Samuel 2:22). 

VI. Worthless men may find themselves eventually handed over to hardness of heart and to destruction (1 Samuel 2:25).

WHAT WORTHLESS MEN LOOK LIKE: 1 Samuel 2:11-26

INTRODUCTION: The Church of Jesus Christ is likened to a body, a kingdom, a priesthood, the Temple, branches, and a flock. In addition to these, the Church of Jesus Christ is also likened to a family. This last metaphor—the family—is how Paul writes to Timothy in 1 Timothy 5. 
 
CONTEXT: ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭3:14-15‬ “I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.” 
 
DOCTRINE: The church must command the care of widows by their families as well as command widows to be godly, taking care of those who are truly godly widows. 
 
I. THE CHURCH MUST CARE FOR THOSE WHO ARE TRULY WIDOWS (1 Timothy 5:3) 
 
1 Timothy 5:3 “Honor widows who are truly widows.” (c.f v. 17) 
 
II. A WIDOW WHO HAS LIVING RELATIVES IS NOT TRUE WIDOW; THE FAMILY OF WIDOWS MUST CARE FOR THEM (1 Timothy 5:4) 
 
1 Timothy 5:4 “But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.” 
 
Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” 
 
III. WIDOWS MUST BE GODLY, DEVOTING THEMSELVES TO PRAYER AND THEY MUST REFRAIN FROM SELF-INDULGENCE (1 Timothy 5:5-6) 
 
1 Timothy 5:5-6 “5 She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, 6 but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.” 
 
Ezekiel 16:49 “Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.” James 5:5 “You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.” Revelation 3:1 (Sardis) “You have a reputation of believe alive, but you are dead” 
 
IV. THE CHURCH MUST COMMAND THE CARE OF WIDOWS BY THEIR FAMILY AND COMMAND WIDOWS TO BE GODLY, TAKING CARE OF THOSE WHO ARE TRULY GODLY WIDOWS (1 Timothy 5:7) 
 
1 Timothy 5:7 “Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach.” 
 
CONCLUSION 
 
Acts 20:28 “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”

INTRODUCTION: The Church of Jesus Christ is likened to a body, a kingdom, a priesthood, the Temple, branches, and a flock. In addition to these, the Church of Jesus Christ is also likened to a family. This last metaphor—the family—is how Paul writes to Timothy in 1 Timothy 5. 

CONTEXT: ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭3:14-15‬ “I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.”

DOCTRINE: The church must command the care of widows by their families as well as command widows to be godly, taking care of those who are truly godly widows.

I. THE CHURCH MUST CARE FOR THOSE WHO ARE TRULY WIDOWS (1 Timothy 5:3)

1 Timothy 5:3 “Honor widows who are truly widows.” (c.f v. 17)

II. A WIDOW WHO HAS LIVING RELATIVES IS NOT TRUE WIDOW; THE FAMILY OF WIDOWS MUST CARE FOR THEM (1 Timothy 5:4)

1 Timothy 5:4 “But if a widow has children or grandchi

THE SAINTS MUST CARE FOR WIDOWS: 1 Timothy 5:3-7

QUESTION. Why study the book of 1 Samuel? 
 
ANSWER I. The book of 1 Samuel is in the Scriptures, therefore God wants us to know it (Deuteronomy 29:29). 
 
ANSWER II. The book of 1 Samuel is God-breathed, therefore it is profitable (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 
 
ANSWER III. The book of 1 Samuel is the Lord Jesus’ family history (Matthew 1:5-6). 
 
ANSWER IV. The book of 1 Samuel will help us see our need for a true Prophet, Priest, and King (1 Corinthians 10:11). We need a Prophet who lives longer than Samuel, a Priest better than Eli, and a King better than Saul. And we have one; His name is Jesus! 
 
ANSWER V. The book of 1 Samuel will help us delight in Jesus all the more, who is the true King, the true Son of David (John 5:39). Come with me and search the book of 1 Samuel, seeing that it ultimately testifies about Christ! 
 
CONTEXT: The book of 1 Samuel begins about 1140 B.C. and moves us from the time when God’s people had Judges to when they have Kings. The book of Judges repeatedly says, “There was no king in Israel and everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” 1 Samuel shows us the beginning of the founding of the Throne of David, which the LORD promises will have a King whose reign will never end. 
 
BIG IDEA OF 1 SAMUEL 1:1-20: What a gracious woman looks like. 
 
I. A GRACIOUS WOMAN MAY STILL BE A SUFFERING WOMAN (1 Samuel 1:1-2). As Psalm 34:19 says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” 
 
II. A GRACIOUS WOMAN SUFFERS ONLY BY THE GRACIOUS PROVIDENCE OF THE LORD (1 Samuel 1:3-5). Job said in Job 6:4, “For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.” Yet he said in Job 5:18, “For he wounds, but he binds up; he shatters, but his hands heal.” 
 
III. A GRACIOUS WOMAN MAY STILL BE A GRIEVOUSLY PROVOKED WOMAN (1 Samuel 1:6-7). God may allow suffering to come upon and even others to vex you (Job 4:7-8). Job’s friend Eliphaz wrongly concludes that those who suffer are always to blame for their suffering when he says, "Remember: who that was innocent ever perished? Or where were the upright cut off? As I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same.” 
 
IV. A GRACIOUS WOMAN CANNOT BE FULFILLED BY ANY MERE MAN; SHE CAN ONLY BE FULFILLED BY THE LORD (1 Samuel 1:8). Asaph sings in Psalm 73:25-26, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Hannah sings the same. 
 
V. A GRACIOUS WOMAN RUSHES TO THE THRONE OF GRACE IN HER WEEPING AND DISTRESS (1 Samuel 1:9-10). God will use your suffering to drive you to His throne of grace (Hebrews 4:15-16). “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” 
 
VI. A GRACIOUS WOMAN PETITIONS THE LORD TO ENABLE HER TO GLORIFY HIM MORE (1 Samuel 1:11). Eli calls this vow a “petition” in verse 17. Hannah’s petition has to do not with getting from the Lord in order to keep, but, rather, her petition has to do with getting from the Lord so she can give to him for his glory. 
 
VII. A GRACIOUS WOMAN CAN RECEIVE A REBUKE, EVEN WRONGFULLY SO, AND RESPOND WITH HUMILITY (1 Samuel 1:12-15). 
 
VIII. A GRACIOUS WOMAN, EVEN WHEN SHE IS SUFFERING, PROVOKED, ANXIOUS, AND VEXED, DOES NOT POUR OUT SUBSTANCES INTO HER BODY; RATHER, SHE POURS OUT HER SOUL TO THE LORD (1 Samuel 1:15-16). 
 
IX. A GRACIOUS WOMAN CHEERS HERSELF WITH THE INTERCESSION OF GOD’S HIGH PRIEST (1 Samuel 1:17-18). How much greater of a High Priest do we have in Christ? Let us, like Hannah, cheer ourselves with the intercession of our High Priest Christ, who always lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). “Consequently, [Christ] is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” 
 
X. A GRACIOUS WOMEN WORSHIPS THE LORD IN THE MIDST OF HER SUFFERING (1 Samuel 1:19-20). All your sufferings and vexations will only result in increased joy once your redemption is realized (Romans 8:18). “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

QUESTION. Why study the book of 1 Samuel?

ANSWER I. The book of 1 Samuel is in the Scriptures, therefore God wants us to know it (Deuteronomy 29:29).

ANSWER II. The book of 1 Samuel is God-breathed, therefore it is profitable (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

ANSWER III. The book of 1 Samuel is the Lord Jesus’ family history (Matthew 1:5-6).

ANSWER IV. The book of 1 Samuel will help us see our need for a true Prophet, Priest, and King (1 Corinthians 10:11). We need a Prophet who lives longer than Samuel, a Priest better than Eli, and a King better than Saul. And we have one; His name is Jesus!

ANSWER V. The book of 1 Samuel will help us delight in Jesus all the more, who is the true King, the true Son of David (John 5:39). Come with me and search the book of 1 Samuel, seeing that it ultimately testifies about Christ! 

CONTEXT: The book of 1 Samuel begins about 1140 B.C. and moves us from the time when God’s people had Judges to when they have Kings. The book of Judges repeatedly says, “There 

WHAT A GRACIOUS WOMAN LOOKS LIKE: 1 Samuel 1:1-19

EXPOSITION 
1) You must know that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19a) 
2) You must know that our body is a gift from God (1 Corinthians 6:19b) 
3) You must know that our body belongs to Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:19c) 
4) You must know that our body was purchased by Christ (1 Corinthians 6:20a) 
5) You must have God glorified in it (1 Corinthians 6:20b) 
 
APPLICATION 
1) We Must Take Care to Fuel our Body Well 
2) We Must Take Care to Exert our Body Well 
3) We Must Take Care to Rest our Body Well

EXPOSITION
1) You must know that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19a)
2) You must know that our body is a gift from God (1 Corinthians 6:19b)
3) You must know that our body belongs to Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:19c)
4) You must know that our body was purchased by Christ (1 Corinthians 6:20a)
5) You must have God glorified in it (1 Corinthians 6:20b)

APPLICATION
1) We Must Take Care to Fuel our Body Well
2) We Must Take Care to Exert our Body Well
3) We Must Take Care to Rest our Body Well

THE GODLY MAN'S BODY: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

DOCTRINE: The Lord’s people praise His name by recounting his wonderful deeds of terror to persistent sinners and deeds of protection to His saints. 
 
I. THE LORD’S PEOPLE PRAISE HIM BY RECOUNTING HIS WONDERFUL DEEDS (Psalm 9:1-2) 
 
The LORD’s people praise Him: 
I) By giving thanks to Him for His wonderful deeds (Psalm 9:1a). 
II) In Gladness for His wonderful deeds (Psalm 9:2a). 
III) Through song for His glory (Psalm 9:2b). 
 
II. THE LORD’S PEOPLE PRAISE HIM BY RECOUNTING HIS WONDERFUL TERRORS TO PERSISTENT SINNERS (Psalm 9:3-6) 
 
The LORD is a terror to persistent sinners because: 
I) He is holy and they are not (Psalm 9:3). 
II) He is a righteous judge and they are guilty (Psalm 9:4). 
 Nahum 1:3 “The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.” 
III) They have tried to steal God’s glory, and He will share it with no one (Psalm 9:5-6). 
 Isaiah 42:8 “I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other,” 
 
III. THE LORD’S PEOPLE PRAISE HIM BY RECOUNTING HIS WONDERFUL PROTECTION OF HIS SAINTS (Psalm 9:7-10) 
 
The LORD protects His saints: 
I) Because He is our just King (Psalm 9:7-8). 
II) Like a stronghold for wear Christian soldiers (Psalm 9:9). 
 Proverbs 18:10 “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” 
 2 Tim 1:12 “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.” 
 Psalm 119:114: “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.” 
III) Because their faith is in Him (Psalm 9:10). 
IV) He will never forsake them (Psalm 9:10b). 
 
Hebrews 13:5 “He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”

DOCTRINE: The Lord’s people praise His name by recounting his wonderful deeds of terror to persistent sinners and deeds of protection to His saints.

I. THE LORD’S PEOPLE PRAISE HIM BY RECOUNTING HIS WONDERFUL DEEDS (Psalm 9:1-2)

The LORD’s people praise Him: 
I) By giving thanks to Him for His wonderful deeds (Psalm 9:1a).
II) In Gladness for His wonderful deeds (Psalm 9:2a).
III) Through song for His glory (Psalm 9:2b).

II. THE LORD’S PEOPLE PRAISE HIM BY RECOUNTING HIS WONDERFUL TERRORS TO PERSISTENT SINNERS (Psalm 9:3-6)

The LORD is a terror to persistent sinners because: 
I) He is holy and they are not (Psalm 9:3).
II) He is a righteous judge and they are guilty (Psalm 9:4).
     Nahum 1:3 “The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.”
III) They have tried to steal God’s glory, and He will share it with no one (Psalm 9:5-6).
     Isaiah 42:8 “I am the Lor

I WILL RECOUNT ALL OF YOUR WONDERFUL DEEDS: Psalm 9:1-10

DOCTRINE: The Lord’s Supper is an institution of Christ wherein we remember and proclaim His death, and it must be received in the way Christ commands. 
 
I. THE LORD’S SUPPER IS AN INSTITUTION OF CHRIST HIMSELF (1 Corinthians 11:23a) 
 
II. IN THE LORD’S SUPPER, THE SAINTS EAT THE BREAD TO REMEMBER CHRIST’S BODY THAT WAS WILLINGLY GIVEN FOR THEM (1 Corinthians 11:23b-24) 
 
III. IN THE LORD’S SUPPER, THE SAINTS DRINK THE CUP TO REMEMBER CHRIST’S BLOOD THAT WAS WILLINGLY SHED FOR THEM TO PURCHASE THE NEW COVENANT (1 Corinthians 11:25) 
 
IV. IN THE LORD’S SUPPER, THE SAINTS ARE PREACHING A VISIBLE SERMON OF CHRIST CRUCIFIED (1 Corinthians 11:26) 
 
V. IF YOU TAKE THE LORD’S SUPPER IN AN UNWORTHY MANNER, IT IS AS EVIL AS NAILING CHRIST TO THE CROSS (1 Corinthians 11:27) 
 
QUESTION: What does it mean to take the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner? 
 
ANSWER I: Paul is not only talking about receiving the Lord’s Supper when you are not a Christian, though that would of course be included. He is talking to Christians. ANSWER II: Paul is not saying that the worthiness or the unworthiness is dependent upon your feelings before or after. ANSWER III: It is an unworthy receiving of the Lord’s Supper when evil dispositions and beloved sins are not laid aside and forsaken. ANSWER IV: It is an unworthy receiving of the Lord’s Supper when you do not prepare yourself to remember and celebrate Christ’s costly death in your place. ANSWER V: It is an unworthy receiving of the Lord’s Supper when you do not partake of the supper with the assembly of the saints, but go on ahead without regard to the rest of the body. (1 Corinthians 11:20-22). ANSWER VI: It is an unworthy receiving of the Lord’s Supper when you do not act faith in Christ, but somehow are depending on your own righteousness. 
 
VI. YOU MUST EXAMINE YOURSELF BEFORE YOU EAT THE BREAD AND DRINK THE CUP (1 Corinthians 11:28) 
 
VII. IF YOU EAT AND DRINK IN AN UNWORTHY MANNER, YOU EAT AND DRINK THE JUDGEMENT OF GOD ON YOURSELF (1 Corinthians 11:28-32) 
 
QUESTION: How should we take of the Lord’s Supper? ANSWER I: By adequately preparing ourselves individually beforehand by self-examination, repentance, and by acting faith in Christ and Him crucified as we partake (1 Corinthians 11:20-32). ANSWER II: By ridding ourselves of any distractions that would lead us away from thinking on Christ’s death as we partake (1 Corinthians 11:29). ANSWER III: By taking of the Lord’s Supper together, at the same time, as we commune both with Christ and one another (1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 1 Corinthians 11:33-34). 
 
Therefore, given these truths of Scripture, moving forward we are going to partake of the Lord’s Supper on the Lord’s Day after the singing and before the catechism and benediction, so that we can all partake together, and so that we will be free from any distractions in our minds or hearts. 
 
CONCLUSION (2 things for you to see) 
 
I) See the blessing of the Lord’s Supper. 
 
(I) God has invited us to His dinner table in order to feast on His Lamb that was sacrificed in our place. (II) Christ has invited us to His banquet to commune with Him in a mystical way by partaking of the symbols of His body and blood. (III) Christ could have left us with the Scriptures only and that would been sufficient to help us remember and celebrate His death for us, but He loved us enough to give us this visible sermon of His bleeding mercy. 
 
What a blessing the Lord’s Supper is. Never neglect it! Never partake in an unworthy manner! Partake in the way He says, and it will be food for your souls. In the Lord’s Supper Christ says, “Take and eat; take and drink.” Can you imagine looking Him in the eyes and refusing to take what He offers? or refusing to partake in the manner which He says to partake? May we all do as He bids and simply respond with, “Thank you.” 
 
II) See the preciousness of the body and the blood of Christ. 
 
So valuable is the Lamb of God that those who profane even the symbols of His death have the vengeance of the Lord engaged against them, causing weakness, sickness, and even death. So valuable is the Lamb of God that His death could redeem ten million worlds. But His blood was not spilt for ten million worlds; His blood was spilt for you, believer. For me. For us.

DOCTRINE: The Lord’s Supper is an institution of Christ wherein we remember and proclaim His death, and it must be received in the way Christ commands.

I. THE LORD’S SUPPER IS AN INSTITUTION OF CHRIST HIMSELF (1 Corinthians 11:23a)

II. IN THE LORD’S SUPPER, THE SAINTS EAT THE BREAD TO REMEMBER CHRIST’S BODY THAT WAS WILLINGLY GIVEN FOR THEM (1 Corinthians 11:23b-24)

III. IN THE LORD’S SUPPER, THE SAINTS DRINK THE CUP TO REMEMBER CHRIST’S BLOOD THAT WAS WILLINGLY SHED FOR THEM TO PURCHASE THE NEW COVENANT (1 Corinthians 11:25)

IV. IN THE LORD’S SUPPER, THE SAINTS ARE PREACHING A VISIBLE SERMON OF CHRIST CRUCIFIED (1 Corinthians 11:26)

V. IF YOU TAKE THE LORD’S SUPPER IN AN UNWORTHY MANNER, IT IS AS EVIL AS NAILING CHRIST TO THE CROSS (1 Corinthians 11:27)

QUESTION: What does it mean to take the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner?

ANSWER I: Paul is not only talking about receiving the Lord’s Supper when you are not a Christian, though that would of course be included. He is talki

THE LORD'S SUPPER, A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH: 1 Corinthians 11:23-32

DOCTRINE: We have a real need for spiritual fathers in Christ. Spiritual fathers who will admonish us, love us, set an example for us, raise us up and send us out, and who will teach us. 
 
I. YOU NEED SPIRITUAL FATHERS WHO WILL ADMONISH YOU AS BELOVED CHILDREN (1 Corinthians 4:14) 
 
II. YOU NEED SPIRITUAL FATHERS WHO ARE MORE THAN INSTRUCTORS; YOU NEED FATHERLY LOVE AND CARE (1 Corinthians 4:15) 
 
III. YOU NEED SPIRITUAL FATHERS WHO WILL SET AN EXAMPLE FOR YOU (1 Corinthians 4:16) 
 
IV. YOU NEED SPIRITUAL FATHERS WHO WILL RAISE YOU UP AND SEND YOU OUT (1 Corinthians 4:17a) 
 
V. YOU NEED SPIRITUAL FATHERS TO TEACH YOU DOCTRINE AND DEVOTION (1 Corinthians 4:17b) 
 
APPLICATION 
 
I) Spiritual fathers do more than instruct your minds or train your hands with the Law; Spiritual fathers feed your soul with the gospel. 
 
Spiritual fathers want you to know of, (I) Christ’s sin-free life in perfect obedience to God the Father, by which He counts you righteous by faith; (II) Christ’s sin-paying death on the cross, by which all of your sins can be forgiven; (III) Christ’s death-defeating resurrection, by which He guarantees your resurrection; (IV) Christ’s ever-living intercession for you at God’s right hand, by which you are forever righteous, forever forgiven, and forever welcome to the throne in prayer; (V) Christ’s soon-coming reward and judgement, by which He will utterly save those who eagerly wait for Him and eternally damn those who remain in their sins. 
 
II) Spiritual fathers want you to not only know about Christ; Spiritual fathers want you to know Christ Himself (Philippians 3:8; Matthew 13:44-46). 
 
(I) We want you not only to know of his nailed-scared hands, we want to hold them. (II) We want you not only to believe that His side was pierced, we want to walk next to it as you obey Him. (III) We want you not only to glory in the lips that uttered “my God my God why have you forsaken me?” we want those lips to kiss your head. (IV) We want you not only to walk where his feet walked, we want you to kiss His feet in repentance and faith every day. (V) We not only want you to go to Heaven and then The New Earth, we want you to go there to be with The King, and we with you. 
 
Oh the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord! We know Him but dimly now through the Bible and the help of the Spirit, but one day we will know Him face to face. 
 
CONCLUSION 
 
Now, 1 Corinthians 4:14-17 is specifically dealing with Paul as a spiritual father as pastor and apostle. But it is not only spiritual fathers that we need; we also need spiritual mothers, in Christ (1 Timothy 5:1-2; Titus 2:3-5). 
 
Therefore, when we consider the whole of Scripture, this passage applies to all of us. YOUNGER MEN: You need spiritual fathers. YOUNGER WOMEN: You need spiritual mothers. OLDER WOMEN: You need to be spiritual mothers to younger women. OLDER MEN: You need to be spiritual fathers to younger men. ALL OF YOU: You need spiritual fathers in the immediate sense that Paul is speaking of, as pastors.

DOCTRINE: We have a real need for spiritual fathers in Christ. Spiritual fathers who will admonish us, love us, set an example for us, raise us up and send us out, and who will teach us.

I. YOU NEED SPIRITUAL FATHERS WHO WILL ADMONISH YOU AS BELOVED CHILDREN (1 Corinthians 4:14)

II. YOU NEED SPIRITUAL FATHERS WHO ARE MORE THAN INSTRUCTORS; YOU NEED FATHERLY LOVE AND CARE (1 Corinthians 4:15)

III. YOU NEED SPIRITUAL FATHERS WHO WILL SET AN EXAMPLE FOR YOU (1 Corinthians 4:16)

IV. YOU NEED SPIRITUAL FATHERS WHO WILL RAISE YOU UP AND SEND YOU OUT (1 Corinthians 4:17a)

V. YOU NEED SPIRITUAL FATHERS TO TEACH YOU DOCTRINE AND DEVOTION (1 Corinthians 4:17b)

APPLICATION

I) Spiritual fathers do more than instruct your minds or train your hands with the Law; Spiritual fathers feed your soul with the gospel. 

Spiritual fathers want you to know of, (I) Christ’s sin-free life in perfect obedience to God the Father, by which He counts you righteous by faith; (II) Christ’s sin-paying death on

THE NEED FOR SPIRITUAL FATHERS: 1 Corinthians 4:14-17

BIG IDEA: The duty, how to, motives, arguments, and blessings of family worship. 
 
Question: What is meant by family worship? Answer: Family worship is the daily use of prayer, Scripture, catechism, and song by a family, led by the head of the household, to worship the one true God for His glory and your good. 
 
 
Will you join with the saints and worship the Lord with your families? God deserves it! 
 
II. THE HOW TO OF FAMILY WORSHIP (Deut 6; Job 1; Heb. 6; Rom. 6:17; Ps. 118:15-16) 
 
Plan. Be disciplined. It will not happen if you do not plan and stay disciplined. Set a time and make it happen. Richard Cecil said, “Let family worship be short, savory, simple, plain, tender, and heavenly.”‬ It does not need to be more than 10-20 minutes. Start somewhere and improve as you go. 
 
I) Pray, thanking God and interceding on behalf of your family (Job 1:5). 
 
II) Read the Scriptures, explaining and applying to the best of your ability (Deuteronomy 6:4-7). 
 
III) Catechize, memorizing the most important questions and answers you can ask (Hebrews 6:1; Romans 6:17; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:15). 
 
IV) Sing, lifting your voices in praise with a Psalm, Hymn, or Spiritual Song (Ps. 118:15-16, Eph. 5:18). 
 
III. MOTIVES FOR FAMILY WORSHIP (Thomas Doolittle) 
 
Thomas Doolittle (1630-1707) in his sermon “How May the Duty of Daily Family Prayer be Best Managed for the Spiritual Benefit of Every one in the Family?” 
I) You should pray to God daily in your families because we receive every day family-mercies from the hand of God (Ps. 68:9). II) Because there are sins committed every day in your families (Ps. 51:3). III) Because you have many daily family-needs, which none can supply but God (Matt. 6:11). IV) Because of your families’ daily employments and labors (Ps. 127:1-2). V) Because you are all every day liable to temptations (1 Pet. 5:8). VI) Because all in your families are liable to daily hazards, casualties, and afflictions (Jn. 16:33). VII) You must pray to God in your families daily, or the very Heathen will rise up against you Christians and condemn you. 
 
I would simply add, VIII) You must worship God daily in your families because He is worthy of worship! 
 
IV) ARGUMENTS FOR FAMILY WORSHIP 
 
Oliver Heywood (1630-1702) in his book “The Family Altar”: 
 
I) Suppose a grave and pious minister, or Christian friend lodge with you, would you not reach him a bible, and desire him to go to prayer with you, lest he should suspect you to be prayerless at other times? And will not God's authority and presence have the like influence, and awe upon your spirits? 
 
II) Suppose your friends and relations should quite disown, and disclaim you, unless you would pray in your family, would you not make a hard shift to do something that way, rather than be accounted unworthy of human society? And shall that prevail more than God's disclaiming you, or disowning converse with you? 
 
III) If your landlord should turn you out of your house, or your father should disinherit you, if you set not up this family altar, could you be content to suffer both, rather than do it? And shall a threatening of your Father in heaven, or great landlord, to reject or eject you out of heaven avail nothing? 
 
IV) If a law were imposed upon you to pay five shillings every time that you neglect prayer in your family, would you forfeit that sum as oft as you go prayerless to bed ; would you not fear that would beggar you? And shall not greater losses and heavier penalties deter you from this omission? 
 
V) If the king or a nobleman should promise you five pounds every time that you call your family together, read a chapter, sing a psalm, kneel down and pray to God, would you not strain hard to procure that money? And will not a greater profit from Almighty God prevail with you to perform this exercise to obtain a reward ? 
 
VI) Suppose a brand were set upon your foreheads, like Cain's, or a dreadful trembling should seize upon your bodies for such a neglect…would not this shame you out of your criminal omission? 
 
VII) Suppose the next time you go prayerless to bed, your loveliest child and darling should be snatched away by a sudden stroke of death, as it was in Egypt, when the first-born of Pharaoh and others died, and there was a great cry.* Would not this move you into a better course? Oh, but a greater evil befalls you, your own precious souls are endangered by neglect. 
 
VIII) Suppose a red cross, with a “Lord have mercy upon us," were set upon your doors, and the pestilence were within your house, seizing on you, one after another, and you had nothing else to do but to get ready to die would you not spend some time in prayer with yourselves and families? Behold a worse plague is upon you, the plague of sin, and will you not pray?

BIG IDEA: The duty, how to, motives, arguments, and blessings of family worship. Question: What is meant by family worship?

FAMILY WORSHIP: Joshua 24:14-15

DOCTRINE: The Christian life is war, therefore you and I must be watchful, stand firm, act like men, and, being strengthened by Christ, we must wage war out of love for God and love for neighbor. 
 
I. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS WAR, THEREFORE BE WATCHFUL (v. 13a) 
 
J.C. Ryle, in his little book, “Thoughts for Young Men,” outlines 5 special dangers men need to be warned against: 
 
I) You and I must watch out for pride. 
II) You and I must watch out for the love of pleasure. 
III) You and I must watch out for thoughtlessness and inconsideration. 
IV) You and I must watch out for contempt of spiritual disciplines. 
V) You and I must watch out for fear of man’s opinion. 
 
II. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS WAR, THEREFORE STAND FIRM IN THE FAITH (v. 13b) 
 
I) You must stand firm in the faith by devoting yourself to Private Worship. 
II) You must devote yourself to Family Worship if you would stand firm in the faith. 
III) You must devote yourself to Christian Fellowship if you would stand firm in the faith. 
IV) You must stand firm in the faith by devoting yourself to Public Worship in the assembly of the saints. 
 
III. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS WAR, THEREFORE ACT LIKE MEN (v. 13c) 
 
I) You and I must act like men by refusing to act like women (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NASB95). 
 
(I) Women are the weaker vessel (1 Peter 3:7); Men must be strong. 
(II) Women are softer (1 Peter 3:7), Men must be firm. 
(III) Women are designed and commanded to follow and submit; Men are designed and commanded to exercise authority and lead (Ephesians 5:22-25). 
 
II) You and I must act like men by refusing to act like children (1 Corinthians 13:11). 
III) You and I must act like men by fleeing from temptations to sin (1 Corinthians 10:13-14). 
IV) You and I must act like men by fleeing from sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:8). 
V) You and I must act like men by providing for our families both physically and spiritually (1 Timothy 5:8). 
 
(I) Men physically provide (1 Timothy 5:8). 
(II) Men spiritually provide (Wives in Ephesians 5; Children in Ephesians 6 and Deuteronomy 6). 
 
VI) You and I must act like men by protecting our families, our church, and our neighbors (Genesis 2:15; Numbers 1:2-3; Ephesians 5:25). 
 
(I) It was Adam that was to protect Eve in the garden (Genesis 2:15). 
(II) It was men who were go to war in Israel (Numbers 1:2-3). 
(III) It is husbands who are to lay down their lives for their wives (Ephesians 5:25). 
 
VII) You and I must act like men together (1 Corinthians 16:13). 
 
IV. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS WAR, THEREFORE GET STRENGTH FROM CHRIST BY FAITH AND PRAYER (1 Corinthians 16:13d; Ephesians 6:10; 1 Samuel 30:6) 
 
V. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS WAR, AND ALL THE WARFARE WE WAGE MUST BE DONE IN LOVE (1 Corinthians 16:14) 
 
I) Question 1. What if you and I are faithful to “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men,” and “be strong” but we have not love? 
A. If we do not have love, everything else is useless (1 Corinthians 13:1-3 
 
II) Question 2. What does love look like in general? 
A. God defines what love looks like in general in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. 
 
III) Question 3. What does love look like in specific in regard to 1 Corinthians 16:13? 
A. God defines what love looks like in specific in 1 John 3:16. 
 
The good news is that though we fight in these battles, Christ has already won the war. We are engaged in conflicts that will one day be over! 
 
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20).

DOCTRINE: The Christian life is war, therefore you and I must be watchful, stand firm, act like men, and, being strengthened by Christ, we must wage war out of love for God and love for neighbor.

I. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS WAR, THEREFORE BE WATCHFUL (v. 13a)

J.C. Ryle, in his little book, “Thoughts for Young Men,” outlines 5 special dangers men need to be warned against: 

I) You and I must watch out for pride.
II) You and I must watch out for the love of pleasure.
III) You and I must watch out for thoughtlessness and inconsideration.
IV) You and I must watch out for contempt of spiritual disciplines.
V) You and I must watch out for fear of man’s opinion.

II. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS WAR, THEREFORE STAND FIRM IN THE FAITH (v. 13b)

I) You must stand firm in the faith by devoting yourself to Private Worship.
II) You must devote yourself to Family Worship if you would stand firm in the faith.
III) You must devote yourself to Christian Fellowship if you would stand firm in the faith.
IV) Yo

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS WAR, THEREFORE ACT LIKE MEN: 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

DOCTRINE: If you strive to glorify Christ in word and deed, you will be slandered for His name’s sake; and when you are slandered, you must entreat. 
 
I. IF YOU STRIVE TO GLORIFY CHRIST IN WORD AND DEED, YOU WILL BE SLANDERED FOR HIS NAME’S SAKE (1 Corinthians 4:13a) 
 
I) You and I have to be prepared to be slandered for Christ’s sake so that we can be prepared to to respond in holiness (1 Corinthians 4:13a) 
(I) You may be slandered when you do not participate in the sins those outside of Christ are swimming in (1 Peter 4:4). 
(II) You may be slandered when striving to obey and enjoy Christ (1 Corinthians 10:30). 
(III) You may be slandered when you expose false teachers (2 Peter 2:2,10,12; Jude 8,10). 
(IV) You may be slandered when you preach the gospel to unbelievers (Acts 13:45). 
(V) You may be slandered when you preach the free and sovereign grace of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:8). 
 
II) You and I have to look to Christ in faith who was slandered as He lived and died to redeem us. 
(I) Christ was slandered because He made great claims about Himself (Luke 22:63-64). 
(II) Christ was slandered while He was on the cross, bleeding and bearing the wrath of God for your sin, believer (Matthew 27:39-40). 
 
II. WHEN YOU ARE SLANDERED, YOU MUST ENTREAT (1 Corinthians 4:13a) 
 
I) First of all, you need to notice that you are forbidden from slandering even when you are slandered (1 Peter 3:9; Proverbs 20:22). 
 
II) When you are slandered for Christ’s sake, you must entreat by preaching the gospel and pleading with people to turn to Christ (Luke 15:28). 
(I) John the Baptist entreated by preaching the gospel (Luke 3:18). 
(II) Peter entreated by preaching the gospel (Acts 2:40). 
(III) Barnabas entreated by preaching the gospel (Acts 11:23). 
(IV) Paul entreated by preaching the gospel (2 Corinthians 5:20). 
 
III) When you are slandered, pray. 
 
Listen to Charles Haddon Spurgeon: “The best way to deal with slander is to pray about it: God will either remove it, or remove the sting from it. Our own attempts at clearing ourselves are usually failures; we are like the boy who wished to remove the blot from his copy, and by his bungling made it ten times worse.” 
 
IV) When you are slandered for Christ’s sake, you must rejoice (Matthew 5:11-12). 
 
When you are catching flack for Christ you must be over the target! The closer you get to Christ, the more the world who hates Him will hate you! If they slandered Him, they will slander you. Rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven!

DOCTRINE: If you strive to glorify Christ in word and deed, you will be slandered for His name’s sake; and when you are slandered, you must entreat.

I. IF YOU STRIVE TO GLORIFY CHRIST IN WORD AND DEED, YOU WILL BE SLANDERED FOR HIS NAME’S SAKE (1 Corinthians 4:13a)

I) You and I have to be prepared to be slandered for Christ’s sake so that we can be prepared to to respond in holiness (1 Corinthians 4:13a)
(I) You may be slandered when you do not participate in the sins those outside of Christ are swimming in (1 Peter 4:4).
(II) You may be slandered when striving to obey and enjoy Christ (1 Corinthians 10:30).
(III) You may be slandered when you expose false teachers (2 Peter 2:2,10,12; Jude 8,10).
(IV) You may be slandered when you preach the gospel to unbelievers (Acts 13:45).
(V) You may be slandered when you preach the free and sovereign grace of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:8).

II) You and I have to look to Christ in faith who was slandered as He lived and died to redeem us.
(I)

YOU WILL BE SLANDERED AND YOU MUST ENTREAT: 1 Corinthians 4:13

DOCTRINE: Overseers must have the necessary I) desire, II) character, III) diligence, IV) experience, V) reputation, and VI) giftedness to fulfill the noble task of shepherding the flock of God. 
 
I. OVERSEERS MUST HAVE THE NECESSARY DESIRE TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (1 Timothy 3:1) 
 
I) Being an overseer is a noble task because pastors must set an example to Christ’s flock (1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:7; Hebrews 13:7; 1 Peter 5:2-3). 
 
II) Being an overseer is a noble task because pastors will be judged more strictly (James 3:1). 
 
III) Being an overseer is a noble task because pastors will give an account for how they have cared for Jesus’ flock (Hebrews 13:17). 
 
IV) Being an overseer is a noble task because pastors must ultimately aim to please the Lord Jesus not man (Galatians 1:10; Galatians 4:16; 1 Peter 5:4). 
 
II. OVERSEERS MUST HAVE THE NECESSARY CHARACTER TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (1 Timothy 3:2-3) 
 
III. OVERSEERS MUST HAVE THE NECESSARY DILIGENCE TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (1 Timothy 3:4-5) 
 
I) A pastor must first be a faithful pastor of his wife (Ephesians 5:25-26). 
 
II) A pastor must also first be a faithful pastor of his children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Ephesians 6:4). 
 
IV. OVERSEERS MUST HAVE THE NECESSARY EXPERIENCE TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (1 Timothy 3:6) 
 
V. OVERSEERS MUST HAVE THE NECESSARY REPUTATION TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (1 Timothy 3:7) 
 
VI. OVERSEERS MUST HAVE THE NECESSARY GIFTEDNESS TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (1 Timothy 3:2b) 
 
I) A pastor’s primary duty is to pray and preach, and so feed Christ’s flock (selected Scriptures). 
 
II) As a pastor fulfills His primary duty, he must have good doctrine and be willing and able to rebuke those who contradict it (Titus 1:9). 
 
(I) The preaching of the gospel is primary because it is the only way sinners can know how to be forgiven of their sins (Ephesians 1:7). 
 
(II) The preaching of the gospel is primary because it is the primary way saints are strengthened to keep killing their still indwelling sin and therefore grow in holiness (Colossians 3:3-5). 
 
(III) The preaching of the gospel is primary because believers need to be constantly reminded of their position in Christ (Romans 8:1). 
 
(IV) The preaching of the gospel is primary because it is the only way saints can adequately put to death their sinful worries and anxieties (1 Peter 5:7; Romans 8:32). 
 
(V) The preaching of the gospel is primary because it reminds suffering saints of the eternal weight of glory that they will experience one day with Christ (Romans 8:18). 
 
(VI) The preaching of the gospel is primary because it assures those in Christ of God’s love for them (1 John 4:10; Romans 8:35-39). 
 
(VII) The preaching of the gospel is primary because it the chief way that God stirs up praise in His people (Hebrews 13:14-15). 
 
CONCLUSION: We need men like this! Therefore pray. 
 
Luke 10:2 “[Christ] said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

DOCTRINE: Overseers must have the necessary I) desire, II) character, III) diligence, IV) experience, V) reputation, and VI) giftedness to fulfill the noble task of shepherding the flock of God.

I. OVERSEERS MUST HAVE THE NECESSARY DESIRE TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (1 Timothy 3:1)

I) Being an overseer is a noble task because pastors must set an example to Christ’s flock (1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:7; Hebrews 13:7; 1 Peter 5:2-3).

II) Being an overseer is a noble task because pastors will be judged more strictly (James 3:1).

III) Being an overseer is a noble task because pastors will give an account for how they have cared for Jesus’ flock (Hebrews 13:17).

IV) Being an overseer is a noble task because pastors must ultimately aim to please the Lord Jesus not man (Galatians 1:10; Galatians 4:16; 1 Peter 5:4).

II. OVERSEERS MUST HAVE THE NECESSARY CHARACTER TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (1 Timothy 3:2-3)

III. OVERSEER

WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR OVERSEERS, PASTORS, ELDERS: 1 Timothy 3:1-7

INTRODUCTION: If you desire and strive to live a godly life in Christ Jesus, your joys in Christ will increase, the saints will love you and be more encouraged by you, God will be more and more pleased with your life, and the world will hate you more and persecute you because of your Christlikeness. “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). 
 
When you are persecuted, you must bless (Romans 12:14) and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44), as well as rejoice because your reward is great in heaven (Matthew 5:10-12). 
 
I. WHEN YOU ARE PERSECUTED FOR CHRIST’S SAKE, YOU MUST ENDURE (1 Corinthians 4:12c) 
 
1 Corinthians 4:12bc “When persecuted, we endure.” 
 
TWO SOBERING TRUTHS CONCERNING ENDURANCE 
I) False Christians will not endure to the end, but will fall away from the Word when persecution comes (Matthew 13:20-21). 
 
Matthew 13:20-21 “20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.” 
 
II) You must endure, believer (Matthew 10:22). 
 
Matthew 10:22 “You will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” 
 
2 Timothy 2:12 “If we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us. . .” 
 
Therefore, I say to you all what God says through John in Revelation 14:12: 
 
“Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus” (Revelation 14:12). 
 
THREE HELPFUL TRUTHS CONCERNING ENDURANCE 
I) The enduring love of God for you in Christ will help you endure, believer, even in the midst of persecution (Psalm 51:2). 
 
Psalm 52:1 “Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The steadfast love of God endures all the day.” 
 
II) Love is a great crutch to help you endure (1 Corinthians 13:7). 
 
1 Corinthians 13:7 “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 
 
(I) Love for Christ is a crutch that will help you endure. Christ was persecuted for you and endured, can you not endure persecution for Him out of love for Him? 
 
(II) Love for sinners is another crutch that will help you endure. “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Do you love sinners, even pitying them in their blind state? Or do you think you are somehow better than them because Christ has saved you and not yet them? “What do you have that you did not receive?” 
 
III) The Lord will rescue you from all persecutions and sufferings, therefore let that encourage you to endure in the meantime (2 Timothy 3:11). 
 
2 Timothy 3:11 “Persecutions and sufferings...happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me.” 
 
THREE DIRECTIONS CONCERNING ENDURANCE 
I) The Word of God will endure forever, therefore tie yourself to this mast and you will be able to endure (Psalm 19:8-10). 
 
Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God endures forever. . .” 
 
Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” 
 
II) If you would endure, pray to God to strengthen you for all endurance (Colossians 1:11). 
 
In Colossians 1:11, Paul prays that the saints in Colossae would be “strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy. . .” 
 
III) Look to Christ in faith who endured the cross for you and you will be able to run this race with endurance (Hebrews 12:1-3). 
 
Hebrews 12:1-2 “1 Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” 
 
TWO MOTIVATIONS TO ENDURANCE 
I) Sinners may be saved through your endurance (Stephen and Paul in Acts 7 and 9). 
 
II) Christ’s face will make up for all the persecution the world can chase you down with, therefore endure for His sake (2 Corinthians 4:17). 
 
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 “This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,” 
 
CONCLUSION: “Your life is short, your duties many, your assistance great, and your reward sure. Therefore faint not, hold on and hold up, in ways of well-doing, and Heaven shall make amends for all” (Thomas Brooks). 
 
However heavy and painful the crown of thorns is that you wear in this life for Christ’s sake, the crown of glory you wear in heaven will be heavier—Christ’s joys shall make up for the world’s pain.

INTRODUCTION: If you desire and strive to live a godly life in Christ Jesus, your joys in Christ will increase, the saints will love you and be more encouraged by you, God will be more and more pleased with your life, and the world will hate you more and persecute you because of your Christlikeness. “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).

When you are persecuted, you must bless (Romans 12:14) and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44), as well as rejoice because your reward is great in heaven (Matthew 5:10-12).

I. WHEN YOU ARE PERSECUTED FOR CHRIST’S SAKE, YOU MUST ENDURE (1 Corinthians 4:12c)

1 Corinthians 4:12bc “When persecuted, we endure.”

TWO SOBERING TRUTHS CONCERNING ENDURANCE
I) False Christians will not endure to the end, but will fall away from the Word when persecution comes (Matthew 13:20-21).

Matthew 13:20-21 “20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately 

YOU MUST ENDURE: 1 Corinthians 4:12

DOCTRINE: The Lord’s Supper is an institution of Christ wherein we remember and proclaim His death, and it must be received in the way Christ commands. 
 
I. THE LORD’S SUPPER IS AN INSTITUTION OF CHRIST HIMSELF (1 Corinthians 11:23a) 
 
II. IN THE LORD’S SUPPER, THE SAINTS EAT THE BREAD TO REMEMBER CHRIST’S BODY THAT WAS WILLINGLY BROKEN FOR THEM (1 Corinthians 11:23b-24) 
 
III. IN THE LORD’S SUPPER, THE SAINTS DRINK THE CUP TO REMEMBER CHRIST’S BLOOD THAT WAS WILLINGLY SHED FOR THEM TO PURCHASE THE NEW COVENANT (1 Corinthians 11:25) 
 
IV. IN THE LORD’S SUPPER, THE SAINTS ARE PREACHING A VISIBLE SERMON OF CHRIST CRUCIFIED (1 Corinthians 11:26) 
 
V. IF YOU TAKE THE LORD’S SUPPER IN AN UNWORTHY MANNER, IT IS AS EVIL AS NAILING HIM TO THE CROSS (1 Corinthians 11:27) 
 
VI. YOU MUST EXAMINE YOURSELF BEFORE YOU EAT THE BREAD AND DRINK THE CUP (1 Corinthians 11:28) 
 
VII. IF YOU EAT AND DRINK WITHOUT PROPERLY PREPARING, YOU EAT AND DRINK THE JUDGEMENT OF GOD ON YOURSELF (1 Corinthians 11:29-32) 
 
CONCLUSION: So valuable is the Lamb of God that those who profane even the symbols of His death have the vengeance of the Lord engaged against them, causing sickness and even death (see 1 Corinthians 11:27-32). See how precious is the body and the blood of Christ! So valuable is the Lamb of God that His death could redeem ten million worlds! But His blood was not spilt for ten million worlds; His blood was spilt for you, believer. For you! Therefore sing from your heart with the saints in heaven, “Worthy is the Lamb! Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!” (Revelation 5).

DOCTRINE: The Lord’s Supper is an institution of Christ wherein we remember and proclaim His death, and it must be received in the way Christ commands.

I. THE LORD’S SUPPER IS AN INSTITUTION OF CHRIST HIMSELF (1 Corinthians 11:23a)

II. IN THE LORD’S SUPPER, THE SAINTS EAT THE BREAD TO REMEMBER CHRIST’S BODY THAT WAS WILLINGLY BROKEN FOR THEM (1 Corinthians 11:23b-24)

III. IN THE LORD’S SUPPER, THE SAINTS DRINK THE CUP TO REMEMBER CHRIST’S BLOOD THAT WAS WILLINGLY SHED FOR THEM TO PURCHASE THE NEW COVENANT (1 Corinthians 11:25)

IV. IN THE LORD’S SUPPER, THE SAINTS ARE PREACHING A VISIBLE SERMON OF CHRIST CRUCIFIED (1 Corinthians 11:26)

V. IF YOU TAKE THE LORD’S SUPPER IN AN UNWORTHY MANNER, IT IS AS EVIL AS NAILING HIM TO THE CROSS (1 Corinthians 11:27)

VI. YOU MUST EXAMINE YOURSELF BEFORE YOU EAT THE BREAD AND DRINK THE CUP (1 Corinthians 11:28)

VII. IF YOU EAT AND DRINK WITHOUT PROPERLY PREPARING, YOU EAT AND DRINK THE JUDGEMENT OF GOD ON YOURSELF (1 Corinthians 11:29-32)

CONC

THE LORD'S SUPPER + Q&A: 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 - Shepherd School

DOCTRINE: If you, believer, labor to glorify Christ in word and deed, you will be persecuted for Christ’s sake, and you must endure. 
 
I. SAINTS WHO LABOR TO GLORIFY CHRIST IN WORD AND DEED WILL BE PERSECUTED FOR HIS NAME’S SAKE (1 Corinthians 4:12c) 
 
3 FOUNDATIONAL TRUTHS CONCERNING PERSECUTION (QUICKLY) 
 
I) Paul persecuted believers before God saved him (Acts 22:4, 26:11). 
 
Acts 22:4 “I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women,” 
 
II) Paul experienced persecution for Christ’s sake (1 Corinthians 4:12c). 
 
III) Christ Himself was persecuted (John 5:16). 
 
John 5:16 (after He healed a man at the pool of Siloam on the Sabbath) “And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath.” 
 
4 SOBERING TRUTHS CONCERNING PERSECUTION 
I) All of you who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12). 
 
2 Timothy 3:12 “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. . .” 
 
II) Christ promised that you would be persecuted if you belong to Him (John 15:20). 
 
John 15:20 “Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.” 
 
III) False teachers avoid persecution by avoiding the offense of the cross and telling people they can be justified by their works (Galatians 6:12). 
 
Galatians 6:12 “It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.” 
 
IV) False Christians will avoid persecution at all costs (Matthew 13:20-21). 
 
Matthew 13:20-21 “20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.” 
 
2 COMFORTING TRUTHS CONCERNING PERSECUTION 
 
I) When you are persecuted, you are not forsaken (2 Corinthians 4:8-10). 
 
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 “8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.” 
 
II) When you are persecuted, Christ takes it as if He Himself is persecuted (Acts 9:4-5). 
 
Acts 9:4-5 “4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” 
 
3 DIRECTIONS CONCERNING PERSECUTION 
 
I) When you are persecuted, you must bless those who persecute you (Romans 12:14). 
 
Romans 12:14 “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” 
 
II) You must pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). 
 
Matthew 5:44 “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” 
 
III) When you are persecuted, rejoice because your reward is great in heaven (Matthew 5:10-12). 
 
Matthew 5:10-12 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” 
 
Q. Why are you blessed when you are persecuted? A. Persecution is one of the main tools Christ providentially uses to scrape the love of the world off our souls, in order to get us rejoicing for heaven.

DOCTRINE: If you, believer, labor to glorify Christ in word and deed, you will be persecuted for Christ’s sake, and you must endure.

I. SAINTS WHO LABOR TO GLORIFY CHRIST IN WORD AND DEED WILL BE PERSECUTED FOR HIS NAME’S SAKE (1 Corinthians 4:12c)

3 FOUNDATIONAL TRUTHS CONCERNING PERSECUTION (QUICKLY)

I) Paul persecuted believers before God saved him (Acts 22:4, 26:11).

Acts 22:4 “I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women,”

II) Paul experienced persecution for Christ’s sake (1 Corinthians 4:12c).

III) Christ Himself was persecuted (John 5:16).

John 5:16 (after He healed a man at the pool of Siloam on the Sabbath) “And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath.”

4 SOBERING TRUTHS CONCERNING PERSECUTION
I) All of you who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12).

2 Timothy 3:12 “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will 

YOU WILL BE PERSECUTED AND YOU MUST ENDURE: 1 Corinthians 4:12

11 Be not far off, for grief is near, 
 and none to help is found. 
12 Bulls many compass me, strong bulls 
 of Bashan me surround. 
 
13 Their mouths they open’d wide on me, 
 upon me gape did they, 
 Like to a lion ravening 
 and roaring for his prey. 
 
14 Like water I’m pour’d out, my bones 
 all out of joint do part: 
 Amidst my bowels, as the wax, 
 so melted is my heart. 
 
15 My strength is like a potsherd dry’d; 
 my tongue it cleaveth fast 
 Unto my jaws; and to the dust 
 of death thou brought me hast. 
 
16 For dogs have compass’d me about: 
 the wicked, that did meet 
 In their assembly, me inclos’d; 
 they pierc’d my hands and feet. 
 
17 I all my bones may tell; they do 
 upon me look and stare. 
18 Upon my vesture lots they cast, 
 and clothes among them share. 
 
19 But be not far, O Lord, my strength; 
 haste to give help to me. 
20 From sword my soul, from pow’r of dogs 
 my darling set thou free. 
 
21 Out of the roaring lion’s mouth 
 do thou me shield and save: 
 For from the horns of unicorns 
 an ear to me thou gave. 
 
22 I will shew forth thy name unto 
 those that my brethren are; 
 Amidst the congregation 
 thy praise I will declare.

11   Be not far off, for grief is near,
          and none to help is found.
12   Bulls many compass me, strong bulls
          of Bashan me surround.

13   Their mouths they open’d wide on me,
          upon me gape did they,
     Like to a lion ravening
          and roaring for his prey.

14   Like water I’m pour’d out, my bones
          all out of joint do part:
     Amidst my bowels, as the wax,
          so melted is my heart.

15   My strength is like a potsherd dry’d;
          my tongue it cleaveth fast
     Unto my jaws; and to the dust
          of death thou brought me hast.

16   For dogs have compass’d me about:
          the wicked, that did meet
     In their assembly, me inclos’d;
          they pierc’d my hands and feet.

17   I all my bones may tell; they do
          upon me look and stare.
18   Upon my vesture lots they cast,
          and clothes among them share.

19   But be not far, O Lord, my strength;
          haste to give help to me.
20   From sword my so

Psalm 22:11-22 (1650 Scottish Psalter) Auld Lang Syne

I. THE APOSTLES GAVE UP WHATEVER NECESSARY TO GAIN AND GLORIFY CHRIST (1 Corinthians 4:10-12a) 
 
I) The Apostles gave up their reputation in the eyes of men for Christ’s sake (v. 10a). 
II) The Apostles gave up their self-righteousness for Christ’s sake (v. 10b). 
III) The Apostles gave up their positions among men for Christ’s sake (v. 10b). 
IV) The Apostles gave up food and drink for Christ’s sake (v. 11a). 
V) The Apostles gave up clothing for Christ’s sake (v. 11b). 
VI) The Apostles gave up their personal safety for Christ’s sake (v. 11c). 
VII) The Apostles gave up their personal property for Christ’s sake (v. 11d). 
VIII) The Apostles gave up their personal energy for Christ’s sake (v. 12a). 
 
II. THE APOSTLES GAVE UP WHATEVER NECESSARY TO GAIN AND GLORIFY CHRIST, BECAUSE OF CHRIST’S SURPASSING WORTH (Philippians 3:8) 
 
I) Beloved, there is more ascribed glory Christ is owed, therefore give up whatever you must to magnify His name. 
 
(I) Magnify Christ in your personal life! in your vocation, in your private worship, in your personal holiness, in the good works you do and the words you speak. (II) Magnify Him in your family life! In the ordering of your home, in your family worship, husbands in leading and loving your wives; wives in submitting to and loving your husbands; parents in the ways you train up your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (III) Magnify Christ in public worship! In the hearing of the word and meekly receiving it in faith, in putting what you hear into action, in praying prayers, in singing of Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual songs to praise His name, in giving of offerings, in baptism, in taking the Lord’s supper. (IV) Magnify Him in fellowship with other saints! In praying together; in studying and applying the Scriptures together; in breaking bread together; in singing together; in engaging in holy conversation; in confessing your sins to one another; in spurring one another on to love and good works; in bearing one another’s burdens and so fulfilling the law of Christ. (V) Magnify Christ in the public square! In proclaiming His Law as well as His gospel to sinners and saints alike; in speaking up for the preborn and rescuing those being taken away to death; in calling your governing authorities to bend the knee to Christ; in proclaiming the good news and Lordship of Christ in a chaotic society filled with sinners who need the Prophet, Priest, and King. 
 
II) Dear saints, there is more of Christ to be gained, therefore give up whatever you must to most enjoy Him. 
 
Give yourself to feasting on the Scriptures by both hearing and reading them. If you labor to understand, meditate upon, and put into practice what you hear and read, you will grow in your enjoyment of Christ. If there is a truth or principle, believe it and submit to it. If there is a command, obey it. If there is a good example, follow it. If there is a bad example, avoid it. If there is a warning, heed it and flee from whatever it warns against. If there is sin exposed in you, confess it, repent of it, and praise God for Christ’s blood that cleanses you from all sin. If there is a promise, trust it. 
 
III. CHRIST PAYS FAR MORE THAN HE COSTS (1 Corinthians 4:10-12a) 
 
I) The world will consider you a fool, believer, but Christ has become your wisdom, and He is the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:30). 
II) The world will consider you weak, beloved, but Christ has become your strength (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). 
III) The world will dishonor you, believer, but Christ has made you a kingdom of priests to God (Revelation 1:5). 
IV) You may hunger in this life, beloved, but Christ has given you bread to eat that will give you eternal life (John 6:51). 
V) You may thirst in this life, believer, but Christ will give you continual drink from the waters of life (John 4:14). 
VI) You may go poorly dressed in this life, beloved, but Christ has given you His righteous robes to wear before God (Philippians 3:9). 
VII) You may be buffeted in this life, believer, but Christ has promised He and His Father will embrace you with tenderness (Luke 15:10). 
VIII) You may be homeless in this life, beloved, but Christ has promised He is preparing a place for you (John 14:1-3). 
IX) You will labor in this life, believer, and Christ has promised a sabbath rest remains for the people of God (Hebrews 4:9).

I. THE APOSTLES GAVE UP WHATEVER NECESSARY TO GAIN AND GLORIFY CHRIST (1 Corinthians 4:10-12a)

I) The Apostles gave up their reputation in the eyes of men for Christ’s sake (v. 10a).
II) The Apostles gave up their self-righteousness for Christ’s sake (v. 10b).
III) The Apostles gave up their positions among men for Christ’s sake (v. 10b).
IV) The Apostles gave up food and drink for Christ’s sake (v. 11a).
V) The Apostles gave up clothing for Christ’s sake (v. 11b).
VI) The Apostles gave up their personal safety for Christ’s sake (v. 11c).
VII) The Apostles gave up their personal property for Christ’s sake (v. 11d).
VIII) The Apostles gave up their personal energy for Christ’s sake (v. 12a).

II. THE APOSTLES GAVE UP WHATEVER NECESSARY TO GAIN AND GLORIFY CHRIST, BECAUSE OF CHRIST’S SURPASSING WORTH (Philippians 3:8)

I) Beloved, there is more ascribed glory Christ is owed, therefore give up whatever you must to magnify His name.

(I) Magnify Christ in your personal life! in your vocat

THE COST AND PAY OF BELONGING TO CHRIST: 1 Corinthians 4:10-12

THEME: The prideful compared to the humble and the faithless compared to the faithful. 
 
I. THOSE WHO ARE PROUD THINK HIGHLY OF THEMSELVES (v. 8) 
 
I) Those who are proud do not hunger and thirst after righteousness nor the Word of God (v. 8a) 
 
II) Those who are proud do not see themselves as beggars at the Lord’s table but as possessors of everything they need (v. 8b) 
 
III) Those who are proud do not see themselves as lowly slaves of Christ, owing their gifts to the mercy of God; they rather see themselves as accomplished kings among men (v. 8c) 
 
II. THOSE WHO ARE HUMBLE THINK LOWLY OF THEMSELVES (v. 9) 
 
III. THOSE WHO ARE PRIDEFUL AND UNFAITHFUL WILL PAY LOW COSTS IN THIS WORLD FOR CHRIST (v. 10) 
 
IV. THOSE WHO ARE HUMBLE AND FAITHFUL WILL PAY HIGH COSTS IN THIS WORLD FOR CHRIST (v. 10) 
 
Consider the high costs Paul paid in this world for Christ! (2 Corinthians 11:24-27) 
 
Consider also the high costs Moses paid in this world for Christ! (Hebrews 11:24-26) 
 
Consider now the high costs Christ Himself paid in this world! (Isaiah 53:3-4) 
 
If you are humble and faithful to Christ you will have high costs in this life. Oh! but Christ pays more than it costs to follow Him. 
 
Consider Paul and what He received though he paid high costs for Christ! (2 Timothy 4:8) 
 
Consider Moses and what He received though he paid high costs for Christ! (Hebrews 11:26) 
 
Consider Christ and what He received for the high costs He paid! (Hebrews 12:2-3) 
 
CONCLUDING EXHORTATIONS: 
 
I) Humble yourself in your sanctification, hungering and thirsting after righteousness (Matthew 5:6). 
 
II) Humble yourself concerning your need for spiritual food, longing for the pure spiritual milk of the Word of God (1 Peter 2:2-3). 
 
III) Humble yourself concerning your state in this world, being content to simply be a slave of Christ (Galatians 1:10). 
 
IV) Pay whatever cost you must in this life in order to trust in and submit to Christ (Philippians 3:18-21). 
 
V) Look at the wealth of Christ and His promises, and press on in faith (Hebrews 11:26).

THEME: The prideful compared to the humble and the faithless compared to the faithful.

I. THOSE WHO ARE PROUD THINK HIGHLY OF THEMSELVES (v. 8)

I) Those who are proud do not hunger and thirst after righteousness nor the Word of God (v. 8a)

II) Those who are proud do not see themselves as beggars at the Lord’s table but as possessors of everything they need (v. 8b)

III) Those who are proud do not see themselves as lowly slaves of Christ, owing their gifts to the mercy of God; they rather see themselves as accomplished kings among men (v. 8c)

II. THOSE WHO ARE HUMBLE THINK LOWLY OF THEMSELVES (v. 9)

III. THOSE WHO ARE PRIDEFUL AND UNFAITHFUL WILL PAY LOW COSTS IN THIS WORLD FOR CHRIST (v. 10)

IV. THOSE WHO ARE HUMBLE AND FAITHFUL WILL PAY HIGH COSTS IN THIS WORLD FOR CHRIST (v. 10)   

Consider the high costs Paul paid in this world for Christ! (2 Corinthians 11:24-27)

Consider also the high costs Moses paid in this world for Christ! (Hebrews 11:24-26)

Consider now the high cost

THE PRIDEFUL COMPARED TO THE HUMBLE: 1 Corinthians 4:8-10

Think on these fourteen truths about pride from the Scriptures: 
 
I) Pride is thinking of yourself more highly than you ought to think (Romans 12:3). II) It is pride that is at the root of much of the disunity and disfunction in the church (1 Corinthians 4:6; 5:2; 11:22). III) Pride leads to disgrace and foolishness (Proverbs 11:2). IV) Pride produces destruction and falling (Proverbs 16:18). V) Pride is the root of Atheism (Psalm 10:4). VI) Pride is deceitful (Obadiah‬ 1:3‬). VII) Pride is the root of sinful anxiety (1 Peter 5:6-7). VIII) Pride is Demonic (1 Timothy 3:6). IX) Christ hates pride (Proverbs 8:13). X) Pride opposes God’s glory so God opposes the proud (1 Peter 5:5). XI) The wicked wear pride like a necklace (Psalm 73:6). XII) Those who do not repent of their pride and humble themselves before the Lord Jesus Christ will be utterly thrown down on the day of judgement (Isaiah 2:11-12). XIII) Not one place in the entirety of God’s Word are we told to “Be humble.” We are commanded to “Humble ourselves” (1 Peter 5:5). XIV) It was not pride, but humility that saved all we who believe! Christ humbled Himself by becoming a man, dying in place of sinners like you and me, and even dying in the most horrific way imaginable—becoming the curse of God for sin spiritually and being slaughtered on a cross physically (Philippians 2:5-8). 
 
DOCTRINE: The way to kill pride is to constantly remind yourself that everything you have, both spiritually and physically, is a sovereign gift of God. 
 
I. PRIDE-KILLER TRUTH ONE: IF YOU ARE IN CHRIST, YOU ARE SAVED BY GOD’S GRACE ALONE (1 Corinthians 4:7a) 
 
Think of all the gifts of salvation God has given you, believer: 
 
I) The election of God was a gift that God gave you by grace alone (Ephesians 1:4). II) The atonement of Christ was a gift you received by God’s grace alone (John 10:11,18). III) The calling of the Holy Spirit you experienced was a gift that you received by God’s grace alone (1 Corinthians 1:23-24). IV) The regeneration of the Holy Spirit you experienced was a gift that you received by God’s grace alone (John 3:8). V) The conversion you experienced by repenting of sin and trusting in Christ was a gift that you received by God’s grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). VI) The justification you had pronounced to you by God the Father was a gift you received by God’s grace alone (Titus 3:7). VII) The adoption by God the Father you experience even now is a gift you received and by grace alone (Galatians 4:4-5). VIII) The sanctification of the Holy Spirit you experience even now is a gift you continually receive by God’s grace alone (Philippians 2:12-13). IX) The preservation you experience, waking up every day believing on Christ, is a gift you receive by God’s grace alone (1 Peter 1:5). X) The glorification you will experience one day is a gift you will receive by God’s grace alone (Romans 8:30). 
 
II. PRIDE-KILLER TRUTH TWO: EVERYTHING YOU HAVE IS A GIFT FROM GOD THAT YOU DO NOT DESERVE (1 Corinthians 4:7a) 
 
I) Let me first apply this physically: 
 
(I) What talents or abilities do you have? (II) What family do you have? (III) Are you disciplined? (IV) Do you have a keen Intellect? (V) How is your Memory? (VI) Are you good at organization? (VII) What possessions do you have? (VIII) Do you have wealth? (Deuteronomy 7:1 7-18). (IX) Do you have good health? All these are gifts given to you by God that you do not deserve. 
 
II) Secondly, let me apply this spiritually: 
 
(I) What fruit of the Holy Spirit is being produced in your life? “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control.” (II) What progress has your soul made in sanctification? (III) What spiritual gifts do you have? These too are gifts given to you by God that you do not deserve. 
 
III) Though in 1 Corinthians 4:7 Paul is specifically talking about the good, in order to humble us, let me thirdly also apply this concerning evil: 
 
(I) Do you have sickness? (II) Do you have afflictions? (III) Are you being persecuted? Even these are gifts given to you by God that He will use for His glory and your good. 
 
III. PRIDE-KILLER TRUTH THREE: PRIDE CAN ONLY FLOURISH IN A HEART THAT IS ACTING LIKE THE GOSPEL IS NOT TRUE (1 Corinthians 4:7c) 
 
 
Use these truths to kill your pride and humble yourself before God! 
Can you say with Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:30, “Because of [God I am] in Christ Jesus, who became to [me] wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption”? 
 
Can you, believers, say with Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:10, “By the grace of God I am what I am…”? 
 
Can you who are in Christ say with the Psalmist in Psalm 115:1, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!”?

Think on these fourteen truths about pride from the Scriptures: 

I) Pride is thinking of yourself more highly than you ought to think (Romans 12:3). II) It is pride that is at the root of much of the disunity and disfunction in the church (1 Corinthians 4:6; 5:2; 11:22). III) Pride leads to disgrace and foolishness (Proverbs 11:2). IV) Pride produces destruction and falling (Proverbs 16:18). V) Pride is the root of Atheism (Psalm 10:4). VI) Pride is deceitful (Obadiah‬ 1:3‬). VII) Pride is the root of sinful anxiety (1 Peter 5:6-7). VIII) Pride is Demonic (1 Timothy 3:6). IX) Christ hates pride (Proverbs 8:13). X) Pride opposes God’s glory so God opposes the proud (1 Peter 5:5). XI) The wicked wear pride like a necklace (Psalm 73:6). XII) Those who do not repent of their pride and humble themselves before the Lord Jesus Christ will be utterly thrown down on the day of judgement (Isaiah 2:11-12). XIII) Not one place in the entirety of God’s Word are we told to “Be humble.” We are comma

HOW TO KILL PRIDE: 1 Corinthians 4:7

BIG IDEA: 13 marks of Christ’s indestructible church. 
 
I. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE A COMMUNITY OF BAPTIZED BELIEVERS IN JESUS CHRIST (Acts 2:37-41) 
 
II. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT HOLINESS (Acts 2:37-38; 1 Peter 1:14-16) 
 
III. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST RIGHTLY ADMINISTER BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER (Acts 2:41-42; Romans 6:3; 1 Corinthians 11:26) 
 
IV. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST HAVE QUALIFIED LEADERS (Acts 2:42-43; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-14; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4) 
 
V. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT DOCTRINE (Acts 2:42; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9; 1 Corinthians 2:2) 
 
VI. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT FELLOWSHIP (Acts 2:42; Psalm 16:3; Romans 15:32) 
 
VII. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT PRAYER (Acts 2:42; Colossians 4:2) 
 
VIII. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE A PEOPLE WHO FEAR THE LORD (Acts 2:43a; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Peter 1:7) 
 
IX. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT UNITY (Acts 2:44; Ephesians 4:1-3) 
 
X. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT THE GREAT COMMANDMENT (Acts 2:45; James 2:8; Galatians 6:10) 
 
XI. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST GATHER REGULARLY FOR WORSHIP (Acts 2:46-47; Leviticus 23:3; Hebrews 10:24-25) 
 
XII. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE IN EACH OTHERS DAILY LIVES, EVEN PRAISING GOD IN THEIR HOMES (Acts 2:46-47a) 
 
XIII. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT THE GREAT COMMISSION (Acts 2:47b, 40; Romans 10:17)

BIG IDEA: 13 marks of Christ’s indestructible church.

I. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE A COMMUNITY OF BAPTIZED BELIEVERS IN JESUS CHRIST (Acts 2:37-41)

II. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT HOLINESS (Acts 2:37-38; 1 Peter 1:14-16)

III. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST RIGHTLY ADMINISTER BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER (Acts 2:41-42; Romans 6:3; 1 Corinthians 11:26)

IV. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST HAVE QUALIFIED LEADERS (Acts 2:42-43; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-14; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4)

V. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT DOCTRINE (Acts 2:42; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9; 1 Corinthians 2:2)

VI. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT FELLOWSHIP (Acts 2:42; Psalm 16:3; Romans 15:32)

VII. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT PRAYER (Acts 2:42; Colossians 4:2)

VIII. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE A PEOPLE WHO FEAR THE LORD (Acts 2:43a; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Peter 1:7)

IX. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT UNITY (Acts 2:44; Ephesians 4:1-3)

X. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT THE GREAT COMMAN

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