Sermon Guide: The Character of Church Leadership

September 8, 2024: Titus 1:5-9

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?

Key Takeaways:

1. Church leadership (eldership) is about character, not just ability or strategy.

2. The qualifications for elders apply to all believers as goals for Christian maturity.

3. The gospel has the power to dramatically change lives and communities.

Discussion Questions:

• Being an elder is a call to servanthood, not power. How does this contrast with leadership in the world? How can we cultivate servant leadership in our own lives?
• Discuss the qualification "blameless" for elders. How is this different from being perfect? How can we strive for blamelessness in our daily lives?
• Spiritual gifts are equally available to men and women. How can we better encourage and utilize the gifts of all members in our church community?
• How does the interpretation of "faithful children" challenge common misconceptions about elders' families? How can we support church leaders and their families?
• Which of the elder qualifications mentioned (e.g., not arrogant, not hot-tempered, hospitable) do you find most challenging personally? Why?
• In your own words,  how would you explain the "faithful message” of the gospel?
• How has the gospel changed your own story? Share experiences of how you've seen the gospel transform lives or communities.

Practical Applications:

• Choose one elder qualification to focus on developing in your own life this week. Share your choice with the group and plan to report back next time.
• Reflect on how you can use your spiritual gifts to serve others in the church or community. Make a plan to put this into action.
• Write a note of encouragement to a church leader, acknowledging their service and character.
• Share the "faithful message" of the gospel with someone this week, emphasizing God's grace and transformative power.

 Sermon Guide: The Character of Church Leadership

September 15, 2024: Nehemiah 3

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?

Key Takeaways:

1.Every person has a role in building God's kingdom, no matter how small it may seem.

2. We should focus on being faithful with the "brick" (gifts, talents, opportunities) God has given us.

3. Serving others and building relationships are crucial parts of our Christian walk.

Discussion Questions:

• The sermon mentions the high priest and fellow priests getting their hands dirty immediately (Nehemiah 3:1). How does this contrast with the nobles who wouldn't help (3:5)? What does this teach us about leadership in God's kingdom?
• We see people like goldsmiths and perfumers working on the wall. How does this encourage you to step out of your comfort zone to serve God and others?
• Many people in the passage worked on the wall near their own homes. How can we apply this principle to serving God in our daily lives?
• The sermon mentions Shallum and his daughters working together (3:12). How can families serve God together? Why is this important?
• Discuss the significance of the "dung gate" (3:14). How does this teach us about the importance of every task in God's work?
• The wall was completed in 52 days despite numerous obstacles. What obstacles do we face in serving God, and how can we overcome them?

Practical Applications:

• Identify Your Brick: Take some time to reflect on the gifts, talents, or opportunities God has given you. How can you use these to serve others and build God's kingdom?
• Serve Your Neighbor: Choose one way to serve or build relationships in your immediate sphere of influence (home, work, school, etc.) this week.
• Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Volunteer for a task or ministry at church that you wouldn't normally consider.
• Family Service Project: If applicable, plan a way for your family to serve together, following the example of Shallum and his daughters.
• At School and Work: Reflect on how you can better represent Christ in your work or at school. Choose one specific action to implement this week.
• Prayer for Others: Start asking people in your daily life how you can pray for them, and follow up on those prayers.

Sermon Guide

September 22, 2024: Titus 1:10-16

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?

Key Takeaways:

1. Legalism is an attempt to add anything to the finished work of Jesus Christ.

2. Damaged doctrine destroys people and households.

3. Our standing with God is secured by our position as children of God, not our performance.

4. Right morals and good works alone cannot change hearts; only Jesus can.

Discussion Questions:

• What is legalism, according to the sermon? How have you seen or experienced legalism in your own life or in the church?
• Legalism can lead to spiritual pride or personal despair. Have you ever struggled with either of these? How so?
• How does understanding our position as children of God impact our daily walk with Christ?
• Verse 15 says, "To the pure, all things are pure." What does this mean in the context of the message? How can this truth be misunderstood or misapplied?
• Why is it dangerous to add anything to the gospel of Jesus Christ? Can you think of examples where you've seen this happen?
• How can we balance living morally and doing good works while still anchoring our hope solely in Christ?
• We often get more enraged over people not living right than heartbroken over their rejection of Jesus. Do you agree? How can we shift our perspective?

Practical Applications:

• This week, reflect on areas in your life where you might be relying on your own efforts rather than Christ's finished work. Pray for God to help you trust fully in Him.
• Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. Pray for an opportunity to share it with them this week.
• Examine your heart: are you more concerned with external behaviors or internal heart change? Ask God to align your priorities with His.

Scripture to Meditate On:

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

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Sermon Guide

September 29, 2024: Titus 2:1-10

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?

Key Takeaways:

1. The gospel should change more than just our eternal destiny; it should transform how we live daily.
2. God's grace covers our past, guarantees our future, and empowers our present.
3. Our lives should demonstrate evidence of being "attacked by the lion" (transformed by Christ).
4. Living out the gospel looks different for various age groups and life stages, but all are called to reflect Christ.

Discussion Questions:

• Christians are often known for "being the same as the world." How can we ensure our lives truly reflect Christ's transforming power?
• Discuss the challenges and opportunities of living out the gospel specific to your age group or life stage (older men, older women, young women, young men).
• How does the concept of "self-control" apply to your current life circumstances? Why is it emphasized so much in the passage?
• The sermon touches on submission in marriage. How can we understand and apply this concept in a way that honors God and respects both spouses?
• How can we "adorn the teaching of God our Savior" in our workplaces or daily responsibilities?
• What areas of your life still need to be transformed by the gospel? How can you invite God to work in those areas?

Practical Applications:

1. Choose one area of your life where you need more self-control. Develop a plan to grow in this area with God's help.
2. If you're married, discuss with your spouse how you can better reflect Christ's love in your relationship.
3. At work this week, consciously try to "adorn the gospel" through your attitude and actions. Note any differences in your interactions or productivity.
4. Identify someone in a different life stage than you (older/younger) and seek their perspective on living out the gospel. What can you learn from each other?
5. Reflect on areas where you might be conforming to the world rather than being transformed by Christ. Pray for God's guidance in those areas.