140216 AM GOD-SHAPED in 2014 What Does It Mean to be Gospel-Empowered
| (GOD-SHAPED in 2014What Does It Mean to be Gospel-Empowered?) A. Empowered: to be given ability or opportunity; to be entrusted, equipped, enabled, or strengthened. B. We’re often encouraged to feel “empowered” when it comes to our rights, physical fitness, past, etc. C. The Father-defined, Christ-centered, and Spirit-led are empowered in ways that truly matter most. I. The _____ : From Self-Centeredness and Shame to Self-Sacrifice and Boldness A. In Mark 9:30-37, we find the apostles arguing amongst themselves as to who was the greatest. B. In Mark 13:9-13, Jesus warns his apostles of very difficult challenges in the years to come. C. In Mark 14:22-31, Jesus warns the same men about difficult circumstances in the hours to come. 1. And just as Jesus had foretold, ‘1hey all left him and ________”(Mark 14:50). 2. Despite his emphatic assurances, Peter swore, “I do ____ not this man” (Mark 14:66-72). D. In Mark 16, on a first day of the week, the bedrock of the gospel began to be proclaimed. 1. In 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus) reminds Christians of the gospel. 2. In 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, he summarizes the appeal of the gospel. 3. In Romans 1:15-17, he describes why he is eager to preach the gospel even in Rome. E. The gospel moved these men from self-centeredness and shame to self-sacrifice and boldness! 1. The example of Peter (Acts 2:36; 3:14-15; 4:12-13; 1 Pet 3:13-15). 2. The example of Paul (Acts 8:1; 9:1-2; 1 Cor 15:8-9; 1 Tim 1:12-17; Acts 28:30-31) F. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 encapsulates the impact of the gospel on the lives of the apostles. 1. Suffering at the hands of men, but ______ in God. 2. In the midst of much conflict with men, but declaring the _____ of God. 3. Shamefully treated by men, but ____ by God. 4. Surrounded by the errors and impurities of men, but entrusted with good _____ from God. 5. Once self-centered and full of shame, now ready to share the gospel and ______. II. “What You Have Heard From Me…Entrust to Faithful Men Who Will Be Able to Teach Others” A. A God-shaped chain (2 Tim 2:1-2) that has extended for centuries. 1. Boldness and confident access through faith in Christ Jesus our Lord (Eph 3:1-12). 2. The Lord’s word sounding forth and faith in God that is going everywhere (1 Thes 1:2-10). B. “Let your light _______ before others … ” (Matt 5:14-16). |