Introduction

• Matthew 22:37

Talk about God all the time.

• Deuteronomy 6:5-6
• Spiritual discussions should be something that happen all the time. A spiritual view should be our default perspective on the news of the day.
• Hebrews 13:15
• Deuteronomy 6:10-13 – God warned Israel not to be distracted with blessings.
• Philippians 2:21
• Ephesians 5:23; 6:4 – Men, lead your family spiritually!

Think of ourselves as slaves.

• Luke 17:7
• Romans 6:16, 22
• The self-esteem movement has caused narcissism. We shouldn’t build ourselves or others up artificially.

Teach kids to respect authority.

• II Corinthians 5:10
• Hebrews 12:7-12
• Matthew 25:41, 46
• We can give our kids a tremendous boost by teaching them discipline and respect for authority because one day they will stand before God.
• Romans 1:29

Introduction

• Romans 1:16

Overview of salvation: Romans

• Condemnation (Romans 1-3) – All of us are guilty of sin and justly condemned by God.
• Christ (Romans 4-5) – Thankfully, we are justified through faith in Jesus Christ.
• Choice (Romans 6-8) – We must choose to die to sin, a system of perfect law-keeping, and the flesh.
• Children (Romans 9-11) – ALL people can be children of God, whether Jews or Gentiles.
• Conduct (Romans 12-16) – Given God’s love, His people ought to conduct themselves accordingly.

Condemnation (Romans 1-3)

• Romans 1:18
• Romans 3:23
• Romans 1:7
• Romans 8:1
• Romans 1:20-32 – Something bigger than me exists! Giving approval to sin is just as bad as sinning.
• Romans 2:1-3 – If you know to do better, but do not do better, you are guilty.
• A sin is a sin, no matter who you are!

Christ (Romans 4-5)

• Romans 5:1
• By ourselves, there is nothing we can do to fix sin. God’s grace saves us if we meet His conditions.
• Romans 5:9
• Romans 3:24 – Salvation is a gift.
• This should bring humility on our part.
• Romans 5:1-2, 12 – All men are guilty because all sinned.
• Romans 4:3 – Abraham believed and it was credited to him as righteousness. Even he did not earn salvation.
  • James 2:21-24
  • Hebrews 11:8
  • Romans 5:9

Choice (Romans 6-8)

• Romans 6:1-2
• Romans 6:12-13, 4-5 – We should be a new person!
• Romans 6:11 – We must be dead to sin.
• Romans 6:17

Introduction

• Genesis 3:19
• Psalms 90:1-4, 10, 12
• Ecclesiastes 7:2-4 – The reason it is better to go to a house of mourning is because it reminds us of our own death.

Death humbles us.

• Psalms 39:4-7 – David was a famous king, but he also died.
• Acts 2:29
• Ecclesiastes 9:4
• No amount of wealth and power can save us from death.
• Job 7:6; 9:25-26
• Psalms 49:1, 10-12
• Ecclesiastes 8:8
• James 4:13-17

Death prompts us to take action NOW.

• Job 16:22
• Hebrews 9:27 – We die once and then the judgment.
• II Samuel 18:33
• Ecclesiastes 9:10-11 – Work and do well NOW.
• Is there something I need to stop procrastinating about?
• I Corinthians 15:53

Death focuses us.

• Luke 12:16-21 (II Thessalonians 3:10) – It is okay (and required) that you make a living, but don’t lose focus on God.
• I Timothy 6:7

Death causes us to turn to God’s promises for comfort.

• I Thessalonians 4:13-18
• I Peter 1:24-25

Matthew 15

Matthew 15:1-9 – Pharisees and tradition

• In areas where God has given us liberty, we must be careful how we express our opinions and not force them on others. Don’t teach as doctrine the commandments of men (Matthew 15:9). See Matthew 6:25, 27, 31.

Matthew 15:10-20 – What goes in the mouth vs. what comes out of the heart

• Matthew 15:11 – This is a not-but passage. It is possible to defile yourself by consuming certain things like alcohol or drugs, but that is not the most important thing. The more important thing is our motivation – where our heart is.

Matthew 15:21-28 – The Canaanite woman

• This woman sought Jesus out and showed great faith in Jesus. She ignored cultural norms to address Jesus. She even argued with Jesus, but did so in a humble manner.

Matthew 15:29-31 – Jesus heals the crowds

Introduction

• Joshua 22:16, 21-24, 27, 29-30

Take God’s word seriously

• Deuteronomy 12:5-6, 13-14
• God had strict laws concerning His place of worship.
• How seriously do we take God’s word today?
• The Bible must be taken in its entirety.
• God still expects us to worship Him as He has commanded today.

Address error immediately

• Joshua 22:12-14
• In issues with our brothers and sisters
  • Matthew 18:15-17 – Go talk to the person you have a problem with!
• Within the church
  • Ezekiel 22:29-31 – Address the problem out of love.

Handle confrontation correctly

• Joshua 22:22-29
• Don’t get defensive
  • James 1:19
• Don’t be prideful
  • Proverbs 9:8-9
• Thank the one who comes to you