Introduction A. Learning is a complex process, and sometimes we need to be taught the same lesson repeatedly before we really learn it. B. The most important lessons and skills that we will ever learn are those that we will learn from Jesus (Matthew 11:29). Discussion I. Jesus provides all the tools we need for these important lessons. A. He provides the authority that all true learning requires (Matthew 7:29; 28:18-20). B. He...
Profitable for Instruction in Righteousness
Introduction A. A carpenter will use nails and screws to hold a wall in place once he has it positioned right where it needs to be. B. Once we get our hearts right with God, we need something to hold them in place lest they slip away (cf. 2 Peter 2:15-21). I. If we wish to stay right, we must continue in God’s Word. A. This is precisely what Paul told young Timothy (2 Timothy 3:13-4:5) as well as the church in Ephesus...
Profitable for Correction
Introduction A. There are a lot of people who can tell you what is wrong with the world, but who holds the key to setting things right? B. God’s Word is the only source we can use to rebuke the world of sin, and in it we also find the positive message that the world needs to get on the right track. I. The great reformers all relied on God’s Word for correction. A. When David saw he had done something wrong, he went to the Law to make...
What Loves Does
Introduction
A. Love and faith are much alike: they are both lasting (1 Corinthians 13:13), and yet neither can be perceived by the natural senses.
B. Intangible things like faith and love can only be detected and measured by their effects (James 2:14-26; cf. Hebrews 11).
C. How can you tell if someone loves you? What are love’s effects?
I. Love serves.
A. If we love God, we will serve Him (Matthew 6:24).
B. If we love...
Discipline: A Test of Love
Introduction
A. Although discipline probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of great demonstrations of love, these two are always bound together.
B. True discipline is the training that corrects the mind and molds one’s moral character.
I. Love requires me to discipline my children.
A. This first involves constant instruction from God’s Word (Ephesians 6:4; 2 Timothy 3:13-17).
B. It also involves...