Sermon Text: Philemon (all verses) Topic: An Unlikely Exchange Discussion Questions: 1) What changed for Onesimus that Paul now called him “his heart” and “useful”? How does this affect how we see fellow Christians? 2) Why does Paul plead instead of command Philemon to receive Onesimus? How does Paul encourage Philemon to receive Onesimus? How does this change how we approach people to act in love? 3) Why would Paul be willing to take on Onesimus’ debts to Philemon? How does this inform the way we see those who are indebted to us? Outline: From a slave to a brother From useless to useful From debt to freedom

Acts 2:22-36

God blessed Samson with great strength to use to help God's people. Judges 15-16

1 Timothy 2:1-7 Ministry for All Peoples Summary: There are so many people in the world who need Jesus! Did you know that God wants to use us, His people to help reach them? Today let's listen to hear how He uses us to pray for the nations and go to tell them the Gospel: Outline: 1. Prayer for all peoples 2. The Gospel is for all peoples 3. We are sent to all peoples Verse: 1 Timothy 1:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus... Discussion Questions: 1. How and why are we to pray as Paul describes in this passage? What are some of the possible results of such prayers? How can you be praying? 2. Why does Paul say that God desires

Hebrews 2:14-18 NRSV

Gideon Trusts in God to defeat the Midianites

1 Timothy 1:8-20 Fight the Good Fight Summary: Last Monday our country celebrated Memorial Day, where we remember our soldiers who have fought and died to protect us. Living the Christian life is much like a solider in battle also! Today in our passage, Paul tells Timothy to fight, but it is a different type of battle. He says fight the good fight of faith! What does this mean? Let's listen to God's Word and find out: Outline: 1. How to fight the good fight of faith 2. How to make shipwreck of your faith (Hint: Don't do this!) Verse: 1 Timothy 6:12 (ESV)12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called... Discussion questions: 1. What is the nature of the charge Paul has entrusted to Timothy? How should that inform our life and ministry? 2. What is the “good warfare” and what does it mean to fight it? 3. What does it mean to make “shipwreck of the faith?” What does it mean to be “handed over to Satan?” How should these things be applied to the church today?

God gave Samuel a message of judgment. Find these words from 1 Samuel 2:23-26 and 4:10-11.

God gave Samuel a message of judgment. Find these words from 1 Samuel 2:23-26 and 4:10-11.

Paul teaches us what real Love is and is not. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8

Chief of Sinners 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Summary: Has someone ever given you something that you knew you did not deserve, like a gift? When that happens, we are usually very humbled and grateful for the gift! The apostle Paul knew that he was a sinful man who deserved nothing from God. He called himself the “chief” (worst) of sinners! But God gives us much amazing grace! Let’s think about it: Outline: 1. An undeserving sinner 2. An overflowing grace 3. A beautiful display Verse: 1 Timothy 1:15 “...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” Discussion Questions: 1. What is the description Paul gives of himself? Can you relate to it at all? 2. Why does Paul call himself the “chief” (foremost) of sinners? Is he really the worst sinner who ever lived? What might change in your relationship to God and to others if you felt this way about yourself? 3. How does Paul describe the Gospel in this passage? How does he describe the reason for God’s grace in His life? What might that mean for us?

When we believe in Jesus we receive his Holy Spirit. The Fruit of the Spirit can be found in Galatians 5:22-23

1 Timothy 2:1-7 NRSV

What Good is the Law? 1 Timothy 1:8-11 Summary: Have you ever felt like there were too many rules in your life? You are not alone! Most of us struggle with this. But God does not give laws in His Word because he wants to steal our joy in life. He wants to keep us safe and actually find joy in Him! So let's think about God's good law for a few minutes together from 1 Timothy 1:8-11. 1. What is the law of God NOT supposed to do? 2. So why is the law GOOD? a. It is a mirror b. It is a muzzle c. It is a map 3. How the law can be used for YOUR good 1 Timothy 1:8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully... Discussion Questions: 1. Read 1 Timothy 1:8-11 again. Which of the descriptions sinful people in vv.9-10 do you associate with? Why? 2. What do you think it means to use the law

Paul and Silas are arrested, spend their time in prison singing hymns and praying, until an earthquake breaks their chains. They explain to the jailer how to be saved.

1 Timothy 1:3-7 Guard the Truth Summary: Why do we make such a big deal about the Bible at our church? It is because God has spoken to us and we want to listen! Let's listen today to hear about how God's Word changes us. Outline: 1. We are called to guard the truth 2. God's truth works true love in us by forming: a. A renewed heart b. An informed conscience c. A sincere faith Verse: 1 Timothy 1:15b ...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. Discussion questions: 1. Where are the dangers of false teaching that are a danger to the church today? Are there temptations you experience to wander from the truth of God's Word? 2. How is the church called to guard the truth? What role do you play in this? 3. What does Paul say is the effect of solid doctrine (v. 5)? What does he mean by

Love, Hatred, Tears and Blessing Romans 12:9-21 Summary: What does real faith look like? How can you and I live in a world of trouble and live out our faith, even when we are sinners in need of grace? Let's take a moment to see what the apostle Paul says about this, as we think about how Jesus lived a life of love, and can give us grace to do the same: 1. The Gospel of Jesus produces genuine love 2. The Gospel of Jesus produces proper hatred 3. The Gospel of Jesus moves us to respond like Jesus 4. The Gospel of Jesus produces people who bring blessing Verse: Romans 12:21 (ESV)21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Discussion Questions 1. How did you respond to the tragedy in Poway last week? What were some of the emotions and thoughts you experienced? 2. How should Christians respond to such tragedy? What is our role with our neighbors and friends? How can we live out the love of Christ, especially when the perpetrator was a member of a Christian church? 3. Which of the commands of Paul do you find it hardest to follow? How do Paul's words embody the Gospel and the life of Jesus? How do you need to pray for God's grace this week to be a loving neighbor?

Romans 1:21-23 NIV

King Herod put Peter in jail for telling people about Jesus. God heard the prayers of Peter's friends and sent an angel to free him from jail. Acts 12:1-19

Luke 24:13-35 Title