Getting a Grip on the Gospel
“The Power of God for Salvation”
Romans 1:14-17
“We were well-pleased to impart to you not only the Gospel of God but also our own lives…” 1 Thess. 2:8
I. Core Value #1 – Biblical Authority
Like the Early Church, we must “continually devote” ourselves to the “Apostles ___________.” cf. Acts 2:42 Paul commanded Timothy to “preach the ________ in season & out of season.” cf. 2 Tim. 4:2-4; 1 Tim. 4:16 The Bible is God’s specific or special ______________ to us. cf. 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 1:1-3; Jn. 17:17 God’s Word is our ultimate & ________ authority, which means we submit to it alone. i.e. Sola Scriptura
II. Core Value #2 – Biblical Discipleship
God’s Plan is for His Kingdom to expand as His Word __________ & His Disciples increase. cf. Acts 6:7; 12:24; 19:20 – progress reports The Great Commission involves a _____________ to “make disciples of all the nations.” cf. Mt. 28:18-20 Discipleship is the relationally-driven ___________ of the local church by which believers in Jesus Christ grow from spiritual infancy to maturity, so that they, in turn, can reproduce the process in others.
“Discipleship is an urgent work that cannot be ignored, but a slow work that cannot be hurried.” Bill Hull
God’s Model Servants are:
F ____________ A ____________ T___________
III. Core Value #3 – Biblical Leadership
The contemporary church is not being _____________ about leadership development. i.e. Win…Build…Equip… The Biblical ________________ of leaders must be taken seriously. cf. 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Tit. 1:5-9 Leaders in Christ’s church are humble ____________ & committed ____________, not CEOs. cf. Mk. 10:45 We must be committed to identifying and training ___________ leaders. cf. 2 Tim. 2:2
Practical Application:
- Submission – Can I submit to God’s Word?
- Reproduction – Am I sharing My Life?
- Multiplication – Are we developing New Leaders?
Appointments with God
“When God CALLS”
Monday, February 14th
Meditate upon the Sovereignty of God’s Call on your life:
- Romans 8:28-30
Note you were “called according to His purpose” and that your calling originated in predestination! Spend time praising God for His gracious choice!
Tuesday, February 15th
Meditate upon the Complexity of God’s Call on your life:
- 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
Note the words “chosen you from the beginning.” He called us that we might “gain the glory…” Wow-Thank God for the “Gospel” that was shared with you! Pray for 1 Person to share it with today.
Wednesday, February 16th
Meditate upon the Uniqueness of God’s Call on your life:
- 1 Cor. 1:22-31
How is God’s choice of people He calls different than the world’s? Why does He do this? Why did He choose you? Confess your sin of pride to God!
Thursday, February 17th
Meditate upon the Certainty of God’s Call on your life:
- 2 Peter 1:5-11
Note the long list of character qualities that are to be “yours and increasing” as a believer. What does it mean to “make certain His calling?” Ask God’s Spirit to search your heart & show you your sin!
Friday, February 18th
Meditate upon the Mercy of God in calling you:
- 1 Timothy 1:12-16
Note that God “put Paul into service.” Paul said “I found mercy.” Spend time praising God for all the ways He has had mercy on you in calling & giving you a specific gift and area of service!
Saturday/Sunday, Feb. 19-20
Meditate upon the Adequacy of God’s Call on your life:
- 2 Cor. 2:16; 3:4-6; 1 Thess. 5:24
Did Paul feel adequate to serve in ministry? Where did His adequacy come from? Recommit yourself & your gifts to God for Him to use you today!
[audio:http://www.marshalltownefc.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/21-Getting-a-Grip-on-the-Gospel-Romans-1_14-17.mp3|titles=21 Getting a Grip on the Gospel (Romans 1_14-17)]21 Getting a Grip on the Gospel (Romans 1_14-17)
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