Part 1 Jonah 1:1-3 “Running from God” Our story begins with the main character being called by God to a special mission. But instead of following God’s clear command, Jonah runs from God. What would cause a prophet like Jonah to run from God? What causes us to run from God? The answer to both questions is the same: we don’t like the plans God has for us. So just like Jonah, we run from God. We think that if we can distance ourselves from His commands and plans, we’ll be better off. WRONG!!!! Today, we learn from a man who found out that no matter who you are or where you find yourself, God’s commands are to be obeyed, regardless of our feelings. Our tendency to run from God is remedied by: 1. Recognizing our similarities to a certain man who was called by God. These similarities involve: Our common backgrounds. The baggage we all carry. Our belligerence towards God. 2. Responding biblically to the clear mandate that God gives. This mandate calls us to: Action. Engage in a particular activity. Stand against sin. God’s commands are to be obeyed, no matter how difficult or dangerous they may be. 3. Realizing the trouble that can result from our miscalculations about God. These miscalculations: Are deliberate. Come as a result of being deceived. May bring God’s discipline.
Part 4 The Single Life “Single and Focused” 1 Corinthians 7:7-8, 26-40 Four common myths: Marriage is the only God-ordained lifestyle. The grass is greener for those who are married. My life + someone else = happiness. Singleness produces loneliness, while marriage brings intimacy. In light of these myths, it is imperative that we understand: 1. How the Bible defines the single life. There are two categories of singles: Those single by circumstance. Those single by choice. 2. How the Bible defends the single life. Our text reminds us that singleness is: Allowable. Acceptable. 3. The possible dangers to living as a single. These include: Sexual sin. Seclusion. Self-centeredness. 4. The biblical duties for God’s people. For singles: Remember and utilize the advantages of being single. Realize that no matter your marital status, you are complete in Christ. Recognize that you are an important part of the family of God. For the rest: Accept unconditionally those who are single. Don’t assume that singles want to be separate from others. For all: Show affection to one another
Part 3 Marriage “God’s Design for Marriage” 1 Corinthians 7:1-6 God’s design involves: 1. Elevating marriage to be a special relationship. Paul speaks about: An attack that destroys. An awareness that must be developed. 2. Experiencing marriage as a spiritual relationship. This means that we must, as a couple: Commit to spiritual matters. Communicate spiritual matters. 3. Enjoying marriage as a satisfying relationship. While discussing this satisfaction, Paul addresses both: The waiting. The wedded.
Part 2 Marriage “From Gridlock to Wedlock” Ephesians 5:22-33 If couples want to experience God’s blessings: 1. Both spouses must commit to God’s plan for the home. This plan calls spouses to be: Certain of their salvation. Cleansed from any sin. Controlled by the Spirit. Committed to their spouse. 2. Men must cultivate godly priorities for husbands. These priorities involve being: Leaders Lovers Laborers 3. Women must celebrate the godly position of being helpmates. This position involves a proper: Role Respect Realization
Part 1 Parenting “The World’s Greatest Job” Deuteronomy 6:1-9 Successful Parents: 1. Live the right way. This involves a proper: · Reverence · Response 2. Love the right way. This means God must be our: · Focus · Fixation 3. Lead the right way Parents are called to: · Store up God’s truth. · Share God’s truth. This is done by: Calling your children to obedience. Comforting your children with your love. Challenging your children to be Christlike. Points to Ponder: _______________________________________________________ Children: Are designed by God. Are different from each other. Are sometimes disobedient. Must be disciplined.
The Peace of the Cross Part 6 Colossian 1:20-21 We experience peace when: 1. We remember the reasons we need it. The reasons include: • The testimony of the scriptures • Our troubled consciences • The turmoil in our relationships with others 2. We receive the reconciliation that brings it. This reconciliation: • Involves a process between God and people. • Required a punishment on the cross. • Pleased God. 3. We respond by reflecting the peace of the cross to others. To do so: • Is a mark of Christianity. • Requires a certain mindset toward others. • Involves us in a ministry of peace.
The Peace of the Cross Part 6 Colossian 1:20-21 We experience peace when: 1. We remember the reasons we need it. The reasons include: • The testimony of the scriptures • Our troubled consciences • The turmoil in our relationships with others 2. We receive the reconciliation that brings it. This reconciliation: • Involves a process between God and people. • Required a punishment on the cross. • Pleased God. 3. We respond by reflecting the peace of the cross to others. To do so: • Is a mark of Christianity. • Requires a certain mindset toward others. • Involves us in a ministry of peace.