Foundations: Sound Practice - SERMON NOTES

Intro: (1) recap of foundations, previous sermon (2) “worshipers in community engaged in ministry”

Worshipers
1. Corporate (2:9-11, 4:18): (1) one picture given of eternity is of a multitude worshiping the Lord (cf. Revelation 7, OT temple) (2) now happens when local congregations gather for corporate worship (3) different elements → greeting, scripture, prayer, singing, testimonials, giving (cf. 4:18), baptism, communion, ministry teams (cf. Levites) (5) worship guide as tool for the week

2. Individual (3:3, 2:17): (1) worship as daily life lived unto God → giving something highest value (cf. security, control, achievement, family, career) (3) 3:3 → Spirit-based life of worship is valuing Christ most, not putting identity/confidence elsewhere (cf. picking up kids from practice) (4) 2:17 → daily worship is sacrificing for sake of others (cf. parenting small kids, caring for aging parents)

In Community
1. Love (1:8-9, 2:3-5, 14-15): (1) 1:8-9 → viewing others with affection, growing in love (2) opposed by dismissal, disagreement, disgruntledness (3) 2:3-5 → humility the foundation for loving others, only possible through Christ (4) die to preferences → SS offerings, temp in building, songs we sing, food in shepherding group (5) 2:14-15 → key to mission (cf. John 13:34-35)

2. Unity (1:27, 2:1-2): (1) 1:27 → “worthy” → representative of where you live (cf. 3:20) (2) we are to display unity through being equally in need of Christ (3) 2:1-2 → these traits only possible through gospel (4) things we can NOT rely on for unity → politics, race, parenting formulas, similar personalities (5) secondary doctrine (cf. truths, convictions, opinions)

Engaged in Ministry
1. Service (2:19-20, 25-26): (1) two examples of service (2) Timothy (v.19-20) → encouraged Paul by sharing what he saw in Philippi, genuinely concerned for others (cf. DD) (3) Epaphroditus (v.25-26) → active/present despite struggle (cf. serving through presence) (4) variety of ways → Sunday morning ministry teams, pioneer clubs, work days, hospitality

2. Mission (1:12-14, 2:9-10): (1) all of the previous ingredients combine to fuel mission (2) God’s kingdom always meant to be expanding (end of Matthew, Acts) (3) 1:12-14 → even apparent setbacks intended to advance mission (4) 2:9-10 → our ultimate goal (cf. intntl singing) (5) six ways → go, mobilize, welcome, pray, send, learn

Conclusion: bakery picture