Sermon20121118

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Sermon20121111

2 Corinthians 4:1-6
Paul’s Apostolic Ministry
1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart,
2 but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,
4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
5 For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond- servants for Jesus’ sake.
6 For God, who said, “ Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

Introduction:

Theme: Ten characteristics of the gospel ministry so you will understand its grace and glory.

I. Five Characteristics of the Gospel Ministers 4:1-2
A. They embrace the gospel ministry as their own.
B. They acknowledge being recipients of mercy
C. They do not grow discouraged
D. They renounce dishonest ministry practices
E. They appeal to the conscience of others.

II. Five Characteristics of the Gospel Message 4:3-6
A. It is good news
B. It is hidden to the perishing
C. It is about Christ, not the messengers
D. It is given by __________
E. It shines the __________ of God’s glory.

Questions for Application:

Read 2Corinthians 4:1-6

1. Do you ever grow discouraged in your own ministry in the church? How can remembering you are a recipient of God’s mercy help you overcome your discouragement?
2. How important is honesty in ministry? Have you ever observed dishonesty? What were the results?
3. Read vv.3-4. How can recognizing the helpless state of unbelievers as blinded by Satan, help us have compassion in witnessing to them?
4. Why is it important to keep the content of the gospel message w/Jesus as Lord, our constant theme?

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Sermon20121104

2 Corinthians 3:12-18
12 Therefore having such a hope, we use great boldness in our speech,
13 and are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not look intently at the end of what was fading away.
14 But their minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ.
15 But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart;
16 but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

Introduction:

Theme: four key provisions of the Spirit’s ministry so you will recognize the great transformation taking place in your life.

I. The ministry of the Spirit provides a basis for bold speech vv.12
II. The ministry of the Spirit provides for the removal of spiritual blindness vv.13-16
III. The ministry of the Spirit provides freedom vs. 17
IV. The ministry of the Spirit provides the fundamental transformation into Christlikeness vs.18

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Sermon20121027

2 Corinthians 3:12-18
12 Therefore having such a hope, we use great boldness in our speech,
13 and are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not look intently at the end of what was fading away.
14 But their minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ.
15 But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart;
16 but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

Introduction:

Theme: four key provisions of the Spirit’s ministry so you will recognize the great transformation taking place in your life.

I. The ministry of the Spirit provides a basis for bold speech vv.12
II. The ministry of the Spirit provides for the removal of spiritual blindness vv.13-16
III. The ministry of the Spirit provides

from the laws vs. 17
IV. The ministry of the Spirit provides the fundamental into Christlikeness vs.18

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Sermon20121014

2 Corinthians 3:7-11

7 But if the ministry of death, in letters engraved on stones, came with glory, so that the sons of Israel could not look intently at the face of Moses because of the glory of his face, fading as it was,
8 how will the ministry of the Spirit fail to be even more with glory?
9 For if the ministry of condemnation has glory, much more does the ministry of righteousness abound in glory.
10 For indeed what had glory, in this case has no glory because of the glory that surpasses it.
11 For if that which fades away was with glory, much more that which remains is in glory.

Introduction:

Review:

Theme: Three features of Moses’ ministry of the old covenant so you can better appreciate the surpassing glory of the new

I. The old covenant was a ministry of death, yet came about with glory vv 7-8

II. The old covenant was a ministry of condemnation, yet had continuing glory vv 9-19.

III. The old covenant was a ministry which progressively fades in glory, yet the glory of the new remains. vs.11

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Sermon20121007

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Sermon20120930

2 Corinthians 3:1-6
CHAPTER 3
Ministers of a New Covenant
1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some, letters of commendation to you or from you?
2 You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men;
3 being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
4 Such confidence we have through Christ toward God.
5 Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God,
6 who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Introduction:

Theme: Four important insights into the New Covenant Ministry

I. Standard commendation is of minimal value vs.1
Two kinds of commendation:
A. Self commendation
B. Letters of commendation

II. Supernatural

transformation

is a work of the Spirit of God vv. 2-3
Seven features of this letter:
A. A letter written in Paul’s heart
B. A letter of Christ
C. Cared for by us
D. Not written in ink
E. Written in the Spirit
F. Not on tablets of stone
G. Written on hearts

III. Sufficiency for the

servants

of this covenant is granted by God vv.4-6a

IV. Supremacy of the

New Covenant

is evident in that it gives life vs. 6b

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Sermon20120923

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Sermon20120916

2 Corinthians 2:12-13

12 Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ and when a door was opened for me in the Lord,
13 I had no rest for my spirit, not finding Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I went on to Macedonia.

Introduction:

Theme: Three aspects of Gospel ministry that are always true, so you can prepare for distress in the ministry.

I. Gospel Ministry is always an

adventure

vs.12

II. Gospel Ministry is always

centered on

the gospel vs.12

III. Gospel Ministry is always a

challenge

vs.13

The Gospel is all about Jesus
The Gospel is the daily grace we stand in…
The Gospel is…
The Gospel is what people we love need, other wise they will go to hell.
The Gospel is ….
The Gospel should make us eager to fulfill the Great Commision
The Gospel is ..
The Gospel is all Paul is concerned with.
The Gospel is….

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Sermon20120909

2 Corinthians 2:5-11

5 But if any has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow not to me, but in some degree— in order not to say too much—to all of you.
6 Sufficient for such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the majority,
7 so that on the contrary you should rather forgive and comfort him, otherwise such a one might be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.
8 Wherefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.
9 For to this end also I wrote, so that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things.
10 But one whom you forgive anything, I forgive also; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ,
11 so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.

Introduction:

Theme: Four guidelines governing church discipline so it might be effective.

I. It is conducted in the sphere of the local church vv5-6
A. Church discipline arises from offenses in the church, which are inevitable (cf. Matt. 18:15) vs 5
B. Church discipline may require participation of the whole church (cf. Matt. 18:17) vs 6

II. It is concerned with the good of the offender vv7-8
A. Church discipline requires that we forgive and comfort the repentant offender (cf. Matt 18:15, 35; Luke 17:3-4) vv. 7,10
B. Church discipline moves us to love the repentant offender vs 8

III. It is contingent upon the

fidelity

of the church vs 9
Church discipline tests the obedience of a church
Five steps for confrontation
1 turn to scripture and b
2 prayerfully examine your own heart in the matter
3 prayerfully determine the right place to confront the individual
4 approach the person with the right attitude.
5 be ready for the response

IV. It is cognizant of the

threat

of the enemy vv10-11

Church Discipline leads to forgiveness

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