sermon extra outlines - scripture unionbetanew.scriptureunion.org/ebooks/discoveryextra jfm 2014...

SermonOutlines

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BIBLE READING PUBLICATIONA

Using Discovery with Your Congregation

SU’s Discovery Bible reading guide follows a carefully prepared reading schedule that will take people in yourcongregation through representative portions of every Bible book in four years, reading 10-20 verses per day.That means that if your congregation uses Discovery over any four year period, they’ll cover the entire Bible indepth.

Of course, using Discovery for a four year cycle has distinct advantages for your congregation, but the readingschedule (and sermon outlines) are set up so that both congregations and individual readers can start (or stop)at any time and use it at any and all times of the year. Readings always take note of major days on the Chris-tian calendar such as Christmas, Easter and Pentecost.

Studies have shown that reading and studying the Bible in a community setting such as a church or small groupgreatly aids and motivates people in establishing a pattern of reading and living by God’s Word. The DiscoveryExtra Sermon Outlines which follow are part of an integrated package which also includes the Discovery daily readings and commentary and the weekend Discovery Extra group discussion questions. This package offersa church-wide program in which your people can read the same Bible passages, discuss and share about themin small groups and hear sermons based on these passages, too. It’s a great way to get your entire church en-gaged together and growing in God’s Word.

Extra SERMON OUTLINES

Using the Discovery Extra Sermon Outlines

The Discovery Extra Sermon Outlines are just that…outlines. They give you a basic structure on which to buildyour sermon. They’re developed from carefully chosen passages taken from the prior week’s readings in Discovery.

The outlines are intentionally brief. Why? Because the most important component is what you add, that is, yourown insights, stories and applications. That’s what will make your sermon come alive for your people. Each of The Discovery Extra Sermon Outlines uses the following structure:

Title: The sermon title is meant to indicate the theme of the outline and grab your people’s attention, too. Of course, you should feel free to establish your own title if you wish.

Text: This is a passage or passages from the prior weeks’ reading in Discovery chosen as the basis for the sermon.

Key Thought: This is a statement for you, the pastor. It summarizes the main idea on which the outline is built.

Sermon Outline: This is a brief set of key points you can use to create your sermon.

Again, the most important part of the outline is what you will add. Feel free to customize the outlines by cutting and pasting them into your sermon document. You can do this by using the “text” tool in Adobe® Acrobat® Reader.

Challenge: This is a statement intended for your congregation. It attempts to summarize a key application point in a memorable way.

Extra SERMON OUTLINES

Who Are You?

Text: John 1:19-28 and also Mark 1:1-8

Key Thought: John knew who he was in relationship to Christ. So should we..

Sermon Outline: 1. Background:

a. John was baptizing and preparing the people for the Messiah (Mark 1:4,5,28).b. He was fulfilling the role prophesied by Isaiah (Mark 1:1-8; Isa. 40:3).

2. John knew who he was not (the Messiah) (20).a. He knew “after [him] will come One more powerful” (Mark 1:7a).

b. He knew how unworthy he was (Mark 1:7b).

c. He knew this One had a different, unique ministry (Mark 1:8).

d. He knew he was not Elijah or “the Prophet” (21; Deut. 18:15-18).

3. John did know who he was and what he was called to do.a. He knew he was the one to “Make straight the way for the Lord” (23; Isa. 40:3).

b. He knew his role was to point them to Jesus (27).

4. We too, should know who we are and what we are called to do.a. We are God’s beloved children (1 John 3:1).

b. We are members of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12: 13,27).

c. We are called to be humble servants of Christ and each other (Phil. 2:1-11).

d. We are called to point others to Jesus (2 Cor. 5:18-21).

5. How are/can you live out your identity and calling?a. How is your identity and calling evident in your daily life?

Challenge: Know who you are and what you’re called to do. Then, live accordingly!

Extra SERMON OUTLINE #1

Born Again?

Text: John 3:1-21

Key Thought: It’s vital to know what it means to be “born again” and to know that you are!

Sermon Outline: 1. Introduction.

a. Nicodemus is an important religious leader (1).b. He came at night (2), probably out of fear (the Pharisees opposed Jesus).c. He knew there was something special about Jesus (2).

2. Jesus got right to the point (“you must be born again”) (3).

a. Jesus’ teaching was confusing to Nicodemus (4). He took it literally.b. Jesus explained that he was speaking in spiritual terms, not physical (5-8).c. Jesus knew how hard it was for Nicodemus to understand him (10-12).

3. Jesus explained more of who he is and why he came.a. He is the “Son of man” from heaven (13).b. He came to die on the cross (to save) (14).c. He is the source of true, everlasting life (15,16) for all who believe.d. He was sent by God to save the world, not condemn it (17).

4. Jesus is the Light of the world (19; 8:12).a. Those who recognize the truth (Jesus) come to Jesus and live in him (21).b. Sadly, others “hate the Light” and will not come to him (20).

5. Understand what Jesus is saying.a. He’s the only source of truth and life.b. Take him seriously: You must be born again.

Challenge: There’s no getting around it. If you want the life Jesus offers, you must be born again.

Extra Sermon Outline #2

Reasons to Believe

Text: John 4:43-54

Key Thought: The Bible’s miracles point us to faith, but it’s even more blessed to believe without them.

Sermon Outline: 1. Background:

a. Jesus has begun to show his divine power (water into wine in ch. 2, Samaritan woman, 4:39-42).

b. He now returns to Cana in Galilee (scene of his first miracle) (46).c. The Galileans welcomed him, impressed by the “signs” he’d performed in Jerusalem (45).

2. A royal official begs Jesus to heal his son (47).a. His son was about to die (47).

b. Jesus seems frustrated at the lack of faith of the Galileans (needed signs andwonders to believe) (48).

c. Nevertheless, Jesus says the official’s son will not die (50).

d. The official “took Jesus at his word” (50).

3. Jesus performs another miracle.a. The servants confirmed that the boy was now well (51).

b. The servants confirmed that he was healed at the time when Jesus had said, “Yourson will live” (52).

c. As a result of this miracle, the father and his household all believed in Jesus (53).

4. Are miracles necessary for faith?

a. The account of miracles in the Bible is intended to prompt faith (20:31).b. “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (20:29).c. We can and perhaps should take Jesus “on faith” without asking for miracles.

5. Why do you believe?a. What reasons do you have to explain your faith in Jesus? (give examples).b. Would you be able to defend your faith to a skeptic?

Challenge: There are plenty of good reasons to believe in Jesus. It doesn’t take a miracle.


But Sometimes It’s Hard to Believe

Text: John 6:60-71

Key Thought: Some of Jesus’ teachings may be hard to accept, but he still calls us to believe.

Sermon Outline: 1. Background.

a. Jesus had just finished giving one of his “hard teachings” (35-59).b. Even his disciples found it hard to accept (60).c. Some disciples were “grumbling” and offended by his teaching (61).

2. Jesus issues them a challenge to believe.a. “What if you saw the Son of man ascend?” (62).b. His words are “life” (63) and can be apprehended by those to whom the Spiritreveals them (65).

3. Some disciples still refuse to believe.

a. Jesus knew all along that some would not believe (64).b. His “hard teachings” turned many away (66).

4. The Twelve remained with him.

a. They knew that no one else held the key to eternal life (68).b. They believed that Jesus was, indeed, the “Holy One of God” (69).c. Jesus had chosen them, even Judas (70,71).

5. What does this say to us?a. What “hard teachings” of Jesus do you wrestle with or find offensive?b. What do you believe about Jesus that helps you hold on to your faith?c. What reasons do you have to believe in Jesus?

Challenge: Some of his teachings may be “hard,” but there’s no other and no better one to trust.


Listening for God

Text: 1 Samuel 3:1—4:1

Key Thought: The Lord spoke to Samuel and Samuel listened. We, too, must prepare to listen to God.


a. Hannah was childless and very forlorn (1:1-8).b. One day in the temple, Hannah prayed for a son, and made a vow to God (1:9-18).c. “The Lord remembered her” and Samuel was born (1:19,20).d. Hannah kept her vow and gave Samuel to the Lord (1:21-28) to serve in the temple with Eli, the Priest.

2. Eli’s sons, also priests, were corrupt.

a. They “had no regard for the Lord” (2:12).b. “Their sins were very great.” “They were treating the Lord’s offering with contempt” (2:17) and sleeping with women other than their wives (2:22).

c. They refused to listen to Eli’s rebuke (2:25).

3. Meanwhile, Samuel “grew up in the presence of the Lord” (21).

a. He was ministering before the Lord alongside Eli (18).b. He grew “in stature and in favor with the Lord and with men” (26).

4. The Lord spoke to Samuel.

a. The Word of the Lord was “rare” (3:1) so Eli wouldn’t expect to hear from the Lord or recognize his voice.

b. The Lord “called” Samuel (4), but Samuel thought it was Eli (5).c. Samuel “did not yet know the Lord” so wouldn’t recognize his call (7).d. Finally, Eli realized the Lord was calling Samuel and told him what to do (3:8,9).e. Samuel did as he was told and the Lord spoke to him (11).f. The Lord told Samuel of the judgment that would come to Eli and his sons (11-14).

5. Questions for today.a. Does the Lord still speak to his people today? If so, how?b. How do we recognize the Lord’s voice in the midst of so many others?c. How can we prepare to recognize and listen to God? How can we block our hearing?

Challenge: The Lord still speaks today. Are you, like Samuel, listening?


“Why Me, Lord?”

Text: 1 Samuel 9:1-27 and also Exodus 3:1-12

Key Thought: It’s common to feel inadequate when God calls, but God provides what we need to obey.

Sermon Outline: 1. Introduction.

a. The people of Israel demanded that Samuel anoint them a king (8:4).b. This was not a rejection of Samuel but of God (8:7).c. The people disregarded Samuel’s warnings and insisted on a king (8:10-18).

2. The Lord chose Saul as Israel’s first king.

a. He would deliver the people from the Philistines (16).b. The Lord revealed to Samuel that he had chosen Saul to be king (17).

3. Samuel and Saul.

a. “To whom has all the desire of Israel turned, if not to you…?” (20).b. Saul questions how it could be him: “Why do you say such a thing to me?”i. He’s from the smallest of Israel’s tribes (Benjamites) (21).ii. He’s from the smallest clan in the tribe (21).

c. Later, Samuel anoints Saul as king (10:1).4. Implications for us now.

a. It’s not unusual to feel inadequate to God’s call.i. Even Moses and Gideon felt that way (Exod. 3:11; Judg. 6:15).

b. When God calls, he’ll provide what we need to obey.i. He promises his presence (Exod. 3:12; Judg. 6:16).ii. He provides the resources (Exod. 4:1-11; Judg. 7).

c. What is God calling you to do for him? Will you trust him and go forward?

Challenge: When God calls, just trust and obey. His presence and power are more than enough.


Betrayed and Overwhelmed!

Text: Psalm 55:1-23

Key Thought: David’s reaction to overwhelming fear and betrayal is a model for us.


a. David is in some (unknown to us) great danger (3,4a).b. He is terrified, afraid he may die (4b,5).c. His first thought is to wish he could flee to somewhere peaceful (6-8).

2. He expresses his fear, anger and frustration to the Lord.

a. There are “destructive forces” all around him (11).b. He’s been betrayed by a close friend (12-14).c. He requests for his enemies what they threaten him with (Deut. 19:19).

3. He calls on the Lord.

a. He knows it is ultimately God who will save him (16).b. His prayer is repeated and disciplined (17; Matt. 7:7; Luke 11:9).c. He expresses his faith in God’s faithfulness to him and to justice (18,19).

4. He trusts in the Lord.

a. He calls himself and us to “cast [our] cares on the Lord” (22).b. He renews his trust in God, despite his circumstances (23).

5. Implications for us.a. When we face situations of overwhelming fear or betrayal, David’s reactionis a model for us.

b. In persistent, disciplined prayer we can “cast our cares on the Lord” and trust him (Psa. 34:14).

Challenge: When tough times come, get going to God. David knew what to do and so do we.


Effective Witness, Stiff Opposition

Text: Acts 14:1-7

Key Thought: Effectively witnessing to our faith may mean effectively facing opposition, too.


a. Called by the Holy Spirit, Paul and Barnabas were commissioned in Antiochfor missionary service (13:1-3).

b. They had traveled to a number of cities preaching the Gospel and were nowin Iconium (13:4-51).

2. They preached boldly and effectively in Iconium.

a. Following their “custom” (strategy?), they went to preach in the Synagogue (1).b. Many Jews and Gentiles believed their witness (2).c. God confirmed their preaching with “miraculous signs and wonders” (3).

3. Their preaching also stirred significant opposition.

a. Some Jews refused to believe and tried to turn the Gentiles away, also (2).

b. The people of the city were divided for or against the apostles (4).

c. Some plotted to hurt or even kill Paul and Barnabas (5).

d. The apostles had to flee for their lives (6).

e. Having fled to other cities, they continued to preach the Good News (7).

4. Questions and challenges for us.

a. What makes for bold and effective faith sharing?

b. Do we expect to encounter opposition when we share or stand up for our faith?

c. What kind of opposition might we expect to face?

d. If we never encounter any kind of opposition, what does that say?

e. How are we prepared or preparing to share our faith effectively and face anyopposition?

f. How do or will we react when we face opposition?

Challenge: Effective faith-sharing is necessary, but can be dangerous, too. Be prepared!


Is Christianity a Burden?

Text: Acts 15:22-35 and also Matthew 11:28-30

Key Thought: We must “guard the Gospel” to keep it free of unnecessary burdens.

Sermon Outline: 1. Background.a. Some were teaching that it was necessary to obey the Law to be saved (1,2).b. Paul and Barnabas sharply disagreed (3).c. Paul, Barnabas and some others went to ask the apostles and elders in Jerusalem to settle this dispute (2).

d. Peter affirmed how God had given Gentiles the Holy Spirit and that salvationis through grace alone (7-11).

e. Paul and Barnabas testified to God’s work among the Gentiles (12).f. The council decided “we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God” and to write to them accordingly (19-21).

2. The letter from the council to the Gentiles.a. Paul, Barnabas and some others were chosen to take the letter to Antioch (22).b. “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you…” (28).c. There are some things “you would do well to avoid” (29).

3. Not “burdens” or “requirements” but “you would do well to avoid.”a. These things were not necessary for salvation but would mark the Gentilesas “changed.”

b. They would make it possible for Jews and Gentiles to associate and eattogether freely without giving Jews offense (Rom. 14:1-12).

4. Questions and challenges for us.a. Do we impose unnecessary requirements (“burdens”) on new Christians or seekers?

b. How can we best welcome and encourage all believers to fellowship togetherwithout giving unnecessary offense or “stumbling blocks” to any?

c. What are the “essentials” of our Gospel (Acts 16:31; Rom. 10:9)?d. Is Christ’s yoke really “easy” and his “burden” light for you (Matt. 11:30)?

Challenge: Who are the “Gentiles” in your community or church? Don’t be a burden to them!


There’s No Excuse!

Text: Romans 1:18-32

Key Thought: Knowledge of God is plain for all to see. Ignoring it is terribly dangerous.

Sermon Outline: 1. A holy God reveals his wrath and anger.

a. Against godlessness and wickedness (18).

b. Because people “suppress the truth by their wickedness” (18; give contemporaryexamples of this).

c. As a result people are unable and unwilling to see the truth.

2. But God has made knowledge of him plain to all (19).

a. His “eternal power and divine nature” are clearly seen through creation (20).

b. This is called “general revelation,” accessible to all people.

c. So there is “no excuse” for denying God and his ways (20).

3. Yet, knowing all this, people still ignore or reject God.

a. They neither worship or thank God (21).

b. Their minds and hearts become “darkened” and “depraved” unable to functionand discern properly (21,22,28).

c. They worship created things rather than the Creator (23,25).

4. So God “gives them over” to “follow their hearts” (24).

a. To sexual impurity and degrading activities (24).

b. To all kinds of “lusts,” “unnatural” relations and indecency (26,27).

c. To believing and living a lie—about God and themselves (25).

5. The results are terrible to contemplate.a. They have depraved minds (28).b. Their lives are filled with “every kind of wickedness” (see the list in 29-31).c. Knowing they deserve God’s wrath (2:8), they continue to flaunt their sin.

6. For them and us, there is only one hope.a. The gracious gift of God (Rom. 6:23) in Christ.

Challenge: Speak up! Who will you be a “spiritual mentor” for?


Justified and Joyful!

Text: Romans 5:1-11 and also James 1:1-4

Key Thought: Faith in Christ brings many rich blessings—and calls forth a response.

Sermon Outline: 1. The blessings of faith.

a. We’re justified before God (1,9).

b. We’ve been saved from God’s wrath (9).

c. We have peace with God (1; Col. 1:20-22).

d. We have access to God’s grace (2).

2. The cause for rejoicing.

a. “In the hope of the glory of God” (2).

b. In “our sufferings” (3).

i. Which produce perseverance, leading to maturity in Christ (Jas. 1:4).

ii. Which produces character (4).

iii. Which produces a sure Christian hope (4,5).

c. God’s love demonstrated in Christ (8).

i. Through whom we’ve been reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:18,19).

3. How shall we respond?

a. Offering ourselves as “living sacrifices” in worship to God (12:1).

b. Living as Christ’s ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:20).

c. Other responses?

Challenge: The blessings of faith are cause for great rejoicing—and great sacrifice and service.


“Don’t Know, Don’t Care”

Text: Exodus 5:1-21

Key Thought: Pharaoh, like many today, claimed not to know the Lord or need to obey him.


a. The people of Israel are captive slaves in Egypt.b. God sent Moses to demand that the Pharaoh “let my people go” (1,3,10).

2. The arrogant Pharaoh simply ignored God.

a. He did not “know” or acknowledge the Lord (2).b. He refused to obey (2).c. He made matters worse for the slaves (6-19).d. He should have known better than to ignore God (“without excuse,” Rom. 1:20).

3. People still ignore God today.

a. They say they don’t believe in God (what reasons do they give?).b. They don’t “know” God, have serious misconceptions about God (give examples).c. They refuse to obey God.d. They should know better (Rom. 1:19,20).

4. How can we help people know God or know God better?

a. Through our lives (Matt. 5:16).b. Through our words (Rom. 10:14; 2 Cor. 5:20).c. Other ideas?

Challenge: People may not ever really know the Lord unless we “show and tell” them.


“Stop Your Complaining!”

Text: Exodus 5:22—6:12

Key Thought: Moses complained to God and God responded graciously. We can expect the same.


a. Moses went to Pharaoh to demand that he “let my people go” (1).

b. Pharaoh refused and imposed a greater burden on the slaves (6-19).

2. Moses complained to the Lord.

a. That the Lord was responsible for the trouble, not Moses (22).

b. That the Lord had not kept his word and rescued the people (23).

3. The Lord responds to Moses.

a. Without any rebuke for Moses’ complaining (1).

b. He reaffirms his promise to deliver his people (1).

c. He reaffirms his covenant (5).

d. He sends Moses to the people with further encouragement (6-8).

i. He will deliver and free them (6).

ii. He will be their God and they will be his people (7).

iii. He will bring them to the “promised land” (8).

4. The people remain discouraged and Pharaoh remains unmoved.

5. What encouragement does this give us?

a. God graciously hears and understands our complaints (see many examplesin the Psalms).

b. Despite appearances, God can be counted on to keep his word.

c. Bring your frustrations and complaints to God, and then trust him to respond.

.

Challenge: Complain if you must, but then be sure to trust.


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Discovery is the quarterly Bible Reading Guide that takes youthrough all the books of the Bible in a five year cycle reading approximately 10-20 verses per day. It includes life-relatedexplanations of each passage, prayers, applications and more.To get your copy, contact your church or Scripture Union: 1-800-621-LAMP (5267), www.ScriptureUnion.org. Thanks!

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