A LAST CHAPTER KIND OF CHURCH
INTRODUCTION
1. I got this sermon idea from a preacher in an email.
2. As Paul closed each of his letters to churches – he would give them some final word of support and encouragement.
3. Add all of these together and you will get “a last chapter kind of church.”
NEAR THE END OF HIS LETTERS TO CHURCHES PAUL URGES US TO:
1. Romans 16:16-17 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you. 17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
a. Friendly
b. Keep pure from error
2. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.
a. Watch, remain faithful
b. Do everything with love
3. 2 Corinthians 13:5-6 5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified. 6 But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.
a. Do some self-examination
b. Christ is in you
c. Don’t become disqualified
4. Galatians 6:8-9 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart
a. Keep sowing to the Spirit, not the flesh
b. Don’t quit, don’t lose heart, don’t give up
5. Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
a. Be strong
6. Philippians 4:4-5 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
a. Rejoice always
b. Be gentle
7. Colossians 4:5-6 5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
a. Be wise with your time
b. Speak with kindness – season your speech to be tasteful
8. 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.
a. Don’t sleep, keep alert
b. We are of the day, not the night
9. 2 Thessalonians 3:4-5 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. 5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
a. Have confidence in Christ
b. God directs our hearts toward love and patience
10. Hebrews 13:5-6 5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 6 So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
a. Learn to be content
b. God will not forsake us
c. God is our helper
d. There is no need to fear
Conclusion - Pray that we can be this kind of church.