Sermons on Spiritual Growth (Page 4)
Jesus, King of Angels
Exploring the wonder that Jesus became a little lower than the angels to bring many to glory, while also now having greater glory than both the angels and humanity. Hebrews 1:5-14 SERMON OUTLINE “For to which of the angels did God ever say, ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father’?” (Hebrews 1:5a) The Son, Greater than the Angels in Relationship to the Father (Hebrews 1:5-6) Psalm 2:7 – enthroned as Son 2 Samuel 7:14 – the promised…
Practices for a New Year from the Psalms
A sermon for the end of the year, rooted in spiritual practices we find in the Psalms. SERMON OUTLINE Spiritual Practices for a New Year from the Psalms: Thanksgiving – Psalm 136 Lament – Psalm 13 Repentance (Confession & Turning Away) – Psalm 51 Focus on God – Psalm 63 An Undivided Heart – Psalm 86 Praise – Psalm 150 Looking Back: What am I most thankful for from the past year (5-10 items)? How have I most seen God…
Prayer as Power for Mission with God
Most everyone is familiar with the Apostle Paul’s passion to proclaim Christ and plant churches around the Mediterranean. Near the end of his letter to the Roman church, Paul shares his plans to head to Spain to continue his mission. However, he doesn’t stop with his plans, but with the request that the church join him in the ministry prayer. Key Passage: Romans 15:23-33 SERMON OUTLINE “I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the…
A Crash Course in Christlike Living
In this longest section of the series, Paul walks through a depiction of Christlike living – “a life worthy of the calling you have received” (4:1) – framed as putting off the old self and putting on the new self (4:20-24). The old self was marked by darkened understanding and impure living. The new self is marked by renewal of the mind and holiness. Paul applies this to our internal desires, the words we speak toward others, our sexuality, and…
A Crash Course in Church Growth
Pivoting from theological discussion into life application, Paul urges the readers to “live a life worth of the calling you have received” (4:1). This section offers a theological framework for individual spiritual growth that fits within a framework for corporate spiritual growth. The individual parts of the body grow as the entire body grows through focused cultivation of unity, active use of spiritual graces, and formation by God toward maturity in Christ. Ephesians 4:1-16 SERMON OUTLINE “I urge you to…
Prayer as Soul-Shaping with God
This week we continue our series, “Power in Prayer,” by looking at Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9-14. Prayer is essentially our link into the face-to-face relationship with the Living God, who is ultimate love. SERMON OUTLINE “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you.” (Colossians 1:9) Shaped by Praying Regularly for Others (Colossians 1:9) Shaped by Praying for Knowledge of God’s Will (Colossians 1:9b) Shaped by Praying to Live Worthy of…
Prayer of Surrender: Mary
Mary’s prayer stands out as one of the strongest expressions of faith in the entire Bible. She is humble yet bold, meek yet strong. Her words become a model for all of us on how to live a life surrendered to God. Main passage: Luke 1:26-38; 46-55 Sermon OutlinE “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38) Surrendering to God’s Word (Luke 1:26-38) Mary receives the angel Gabriel (1:26-28) Mary receives God’s…
Prayer that Listens: Elijah
Elijah’s wonderful victory over the prophets of Baal turns into a fearful flight for his life. Running to the mountain of God, Elijah has a powerful encounter with God that transforms him. He speaks and listens, and is sent out by God renewed in 1 Kings 19:1-18. Sermon OutlinE “The word of the Lord came to him: ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’” (1 Kings 19:9) The Exhaustion of Success (1 Kings 18-19) The thrill of success (1 Kings 18:20-46)…
Prayer of Repentance: David
David’s adultery with Bathsheba leads to a rebuke from the prophet Nathan. David, this ‘man after God’s own heart,’suddenly finds his life crashing down because of his sin. We can learn from David’s prayer of repentance how we also might turn to God in prayer when we sin. Key Passages: 2 Samuel 12:15-23; Psalm 51 Sermon OutlinE “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my…
Transforming Faith: Prayer
Pastor Jim Caler brings the first part in a two-part miniseries on Transforming Faith, with a message on reading the Bible in a transformational way. SERMON OUTLINE “Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my…
Blessing and Rescue
Joseph’s story ends in Genesis 47-50 with his family together, his relationships restored, and the hope of a future for himself and God’s people. Our stories are stories of blessing for us and for others, but find their deepest meaning in the story of God’s blessing intended for all the peoples of earth. Sermon Outline You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Joseph’s words…
Joy that Grows
This week, Pastor Matt unpacks Philippians 3:15-4:3 and explores themes of spiritual growth in relation to joy. Sermon Outline “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters.” (Philippians 3:17) Paul’s Example of Growth (3:10-14) Knowing Christ fully, in His death and resurrection Forgetting the past and straining for what is ahead Unfinished but pressing on for the prize The Right Mindset for Growth (3:15-21) The maturing mindset (3:15-16) Learning from good examples (3:17) Turning from bad examples (3:18-19) Looking…