Sermon Study Guide

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Pausing to Praise the One Who Never Wavers A Look Back at God’s Work in 2018 2 Corinthians 1:20

December 30, 2018 BIG IDEA The Apostle Paul reminds us that all of the blessings and promises of God have their foundation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. We can move into the future with courage. We can move through hardship with a purpose. We can trust every promise of God even when it seems impossible. God’s promises find their “Yes” in Jesus!

THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURE Context: There was an apparent change of plans in Paul’s itinerary. Paul wanted to see the Corinthians as often as possible. But apparently, plans for this particular trip had changed and his opponents used the opportunity to accuse Paul of being unreliable. Later in this chapter, he would explain the reason for his change in plans, but for the moment he was more concerned with the accusation that his gospel-centered message was undependable. So, Paul did not vacillate in his plans or the gospel, using the term “yes” as an affirmation regarding the truthfulness of his message. 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

DISCUSSION & APPLICATION 1. Christ is the Groundwork for All of the Promises of God 2 Corinthians 1:20a – For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. By the phrase “promises of God” Paul means the promises of the gospel that is received as a gift of God’s redemptive grace. John Calvin would say they are “testimonies of divine grace.”

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Ephesians 2:8-9 – For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. a. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul describes faith as the key element that activates God’s grace. It’s also a gift from God. Do you desire more faith? Have you ever asked God for it? How would your life change if you walked by a greater measure of faith?

b. Why is it important to live with an understanding that we are only saved by God’s grace? What do non-believers respond to more: Christians that are confident in their own righteousness or those that deeply understand their brokenness? Why?

c. If the “promises of God” are the gospel of grace, why are you so hard on yourself? Why do you strive to be a “better Christian?” Wouldn’t it be better to simply enjoy Christ? Talk about this with the group.

2. God’s Promises Are Based on His Grace 2 Corinthians 1:20a – For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. Let’s stop pretending that we can muscle our way through the Christian life or that we have anything to offer God. We are in no way acceptable to him, other than when we are clothed in Christ’s righteousness. When we truly understand and accept the doctrine of desperately-needed grace, we can be motivated to tell others. a. Does your desire to share the gospel with others come out of gratitude for what Jesus has done for you or out of a sense of duty? If it is out of a sense of duty, do you find joy or guilt when you think about witnessing? How would gratitude change this equation?

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b. Is it too harsh to say we have “nothing to offer God” outside of Christ? Read Romans 5:12 below. Defend your answer. Romans 5:12 – Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.

3. God’s Adopted Children Enjoy His Promises 2 Corinthians 1:20a – For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. Adoption is an amazing doctrine. In my opinion, this is one of the most misunderstood truths in the Bible. The cause and root of adoption is Christ—because God is not a Father to any that are not followers of Jesus. Everything flows out from this source. God promises so much to us because he loves us. That’s why we can be sure that all the promises of God are ratified and confirmed in Christ. a. Use your Bible and list some promises of God that are made to believers. Did this encourage you?

b. Adopted children are heirs of their parents’ fortune. We are heirs of God’s kingdom. That’s an amazing thought. This truth is found in Romans 8:16-17. How does knowing that this is your future change how you live now? Romans 8:16-17 – The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

4. God Worked in Amazing Ways at Ridgewood Church in 2018 2 Corinthians 1:20b – That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. Paul urged the congregations of his time to receive the incredible gift of salvation by grace, with an “Amen” at the end of their praise and prayer. It is an exclamation point

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on the fact that we know Jesus, believe Jesus, and that we are thankful for everything that he has done for us personally and in our church! Here is a list of just some of things God did in 2018: Financial Health  Exceeding our budget goal in 2018  Will likely exceed our budget goal again in 2019  4 million dollar projection for Illuminate Children  20% growth in Sunday morning attendance from 2017-2018  Growth in MOPS and 100 children biweekly  Successful VBS (8 children received Christ)  11 children became believers in 2018 Youth  Successful kick-off event in 2018 with 55 students attending  80 students and leaders attended the Pulse event (5 students received Christ)  Several students have made decisions for Jesus Community Groups  23 Community Groups are now operating  30+ Community Group attendees do not attend our church  Several new believers Women  Many successful events including 100 women attending the Christmas Coffee  Growing Women’s Bible Study  Addition of Evening Women’s Bible Study Men  

Successful Men’s Breakfasts Amazing times together, including camping and Twins games

New Members  22 New Members This Year New Believers!  God Answered Our Prayer for 52 for New Believers!

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5. A Wonderful and Impactful Future Awaits Us Ridgewood church is moving. God is leading us forward. Here are some of the amazing forward-moving initiatives that God has laid on our heart and that I can’t wait to dialogue with you about in the new year. Annual Meeting – a time to cast vision and pray Sunday, January 27th – 4:00 pm Some of the areas that we’ll cover include: The Road Ahead - Building Restoration Update - Community Groups - Multiplication/Leadership/Planting - Residency Program - Global Missions Focus - Congregation-Wide Bible Reading Plan - Partnerships with Other Churches - Move Toward the Family - Greater Move Toward the Community Until then: Please Pray!!!!! PRAY Lord, thank you for all that you’ve done. We are grateful that you lead us. I ask that you would continue to do so. Please bring many more people into your kingdom through the ministry of Ridgewood Church. Give us all wisdom and humility. Amen.

DIG DEEPER For further study this week:  

The Promises of God: Discovering the One Who Keeps His Word – a book from R.C. Sproul The Jesus Person Pocket Promise Book: Over 800 Promises from the Word of God – a book from David Wilkerson

NEXT WEEK’S BIG IDEA New Series! Learning Jesus in the Gospel of John January 6: The Pre-Existent Relationship of Jesus to His Father (John 1:1-2) Ridgewood Church www.myrwc.org

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