Sunday, September 15, 2024 - Brookfield Church of Christ - 10:30 a.m.
Bend The Knee
September 15, 2024
Ephesians 3:14–19 (ESV)
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Central Idea of the Sermon
The sermon, Bend the Knee, emphasizes the power of prayer in strengthening believers spiritually, deepening their understanding of God’s love, and leading them to experience the fullness of God. Through prayer, Christians receive divine empowerment, inner transformation, and a closer relationship with God.
Keywords Used in the Sermon
1. Prayer
2. Strength
3. Inner being
4. Love of Christ
5. Spiritual maturity
6. Fullness of God
7. Divine power
8. Faith
9. Comprehension
10. Wisdom
Outline Objectives
Bible References in the Sermon
Study Questions & Answers
True or False
1. True or False: According to Philippians 4:13, we gain strength independently from Christ.
2. True or False: Engaging in prayer can lead to a deeper understanding of God’s love.
Multiple Choice
3. What does Ephesians 3:18 suggest about comprehending the love of Christ?
a) It is limited to our understanding
b) We need to be rooted and grounded in love
c) It can only be understood through biblical knowledge
d) None of the above
4. What is the primary benefit discussed in Colossians 1:9-10 regarding prayer?
a) Gaining material wealth
b) Being filled with the knowledge of God’s will
c) Attracting friends
d) Avoiding mistakes
Fill in the Blank
5. Romans 5:5 states that God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the ______.
6. According to 2 Corinthians 12:9, Christ’s power is made perfect in our ______.
Short Essay Question
7. Discuss the significance of being “filled with the fullness of God” as described in Ephesians 3:19 and apply it to personal spiritual practices.
September 15, 2024
Ephesians 3:14–19 (ESV)
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Central Idea of the Sermon
The sermon, Bend the Knee, emphasizes the power of prayer in strengthening believers spiritually, deepening their understanding of God’s love, and leading them to experience the fullness of God. Through prayer, Christians receive divine empowerment, inner transformation, and a closer relationship with God.
Keywords Used in the Sermon
1. Prayer
2. Strength
3. Inner being
4. Love of Christ
5. Spiritual maturity
6. Fullness of God
7. Divine power
8. Faith
9. Comprehension
10. Wisdom
Outline Objectives
- To highlight the necessity of divine strength that comes through prayer.
- To explain how prayer deepens our understanding of Christ’s love.
- To encourage believers to seek spiritual maturity through a consistent prayer life.
- To connect Paul’s prayers in Ephesians and Colossians with the concept of being filled with God’s fullness.
- To show how prayer enables believers to withstand trials and grow in faith.
- To challenge the congregation to prioritize prayer as a way to grow in knowledge and bear spiritual fruit.
Bible References in the Sermon
- Ephesians 3:14–19 – The foundational passage, emphasizing strength through prayer and comprehension of Christ’s love.
- Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
- Romans 5:5 – “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.”
- John 10:10 – “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
- Colossians 1:9-10 – A prayer for believers to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will.
Study Questions & Answers
True or False
1. True or False: According to Philippians 4:13, we gain strength independently from Christ.
2. True or False: Engaging in prayer can lead to a deeper understanding of God’s love.
Multiple Choice
3. What does Ephesians 3:18 suggest about comprehending the love of Christ?
a) It is limited to our understanding
b) We need to be rooted and grounded in love
c) It can only be understood through biblical knowledge
d) None of the above
4. What is the primary benefit discussed in Colossians 1:9-10 regarding prayer?
a) Gaining material wealth
b) Being filled with the knowledge of God’s will
c) Attracting friends
d) Avoiding mistakes
Fill in the Blank
5. Romans 5:5 states that God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the ______.
6. According to 2 Corinthians 12:9, Christ’s power is made perfect in our ______.
Short Essay Question
7. Discuss the significance of being “filled with the fullness of God” as described in Ephesians 3:19 and apply it to personal spiritual practices.
Sunday, September 15, 2024 - Brookfield Church of Christ 5:00 p.m.
The Importance of Spiritual Legacy
September 15, 2024
2 Corinthians 12:14 (ESV)
14 Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
Summary of the Sermon: “The Importance of Your Spiritual Legacy”
The central idea of the sermon is that a meaningful life is measured by the intentional and positive spiritual legacy we leave behind. This legacy shapes future generations through our influence on human hearts and lives. The sermon emphasizes that everyone leaves a legacy—whether intentional or not—and that it is crucial to be deliberate in shaping a legacy that reflects faithfulness to God.
Keywords from the Sermon
• Spiritual Legacy
• Influence
• Intention
• Biblical Principles
• Future Generations
• Impact
• Faithfulness
• Integrity
• Righteousness
• Consequences
Outline Objectives
Six Bible References in the Sermon
Study Questions and Answers
True or False
1. True or False: A spiritual legacy can be measured in tokens or trophies.
2. True or False: Once your legacy is established, you cannot change it.
Multiple Choice
3. What was the initial headline of the obituary Alfred Nobel read?
a) The Explosives Merchant is Dead
b) The Merchant of Death is Dead
c) The Creator of Dynamite is Dead
d) The Philanthropist is Dead
4. What is a potential consequence of being passive about your spiritual legacy?
a) It can result in a legacy filled with mixed messages and limited impact.
b) It guarantees a positive and influential legacy.
c) It ensures your legacy won’t affect future generations.
d) It leads to immediate recognition and praise from others.
Fill-in-the-Blank
5. According to Exodus 20, God warns that the iniquities of one generation affect ____.
6. Proverbs 20:7 states, “The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his ____ after him.”
Short Essay
7. Reflect on the significance of Alfred Nobel’s realization after reading his mistaken obituary. How did this moment act as a turning point in his life and legacy?
September 15, 2024
2 Corinthians 12:14 (ESV)
14 Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
Summary of the Sermon: “The Importance of Your Spiritual Legacy”
The central idea of the sermon is that a meaningful life is measured by the intentional and positive spiritual legacy we leave behind. This legacy shapes future generations through our influence on human hearts and lives. The sermon emphasizes that everyone leaves a legacy—whether intentional or not—and that it is crucial to be deliberate in shaping a legacy that reflects faithfulness to God.
Keywords from the Sermon
• Spiritual Legacy
• Influence
• Intention
• Biblical Principles
• Future Generations
• Impact
• Faithfulness
• Integrity
• Righteousness
• Consequences
Outline Objectives
- Define what a legacy is, including both physical and intangible legacies.
- Explain that everyone leaves a legacy, whether by action or inaction.
- Provide biblical examples of both positive and negative legacies.
- Highlight the lasting impact of our choices on future generations.
- Present historical figures as case studies of legacy.
- Encourage intentionality in shaping a positive spiritual legacy.
- Call for self-reflection and action to ensure one’s legacy aligns with biblical values.
Six Bible References in the Sermon
- Leviticus 25:25-34 – God’s instructions to Israel about maintaining family land as a legacy.
- 2 Corinthians 12:14 – Paul’s principle that parents should leave a legacy for their children.
- 1 Kings 22 – The contrasting legacies of Jehoshaphat (righteous) and Ahaziah (evil).
- Matthew 23 – Jesus’ critique of the Pharisees for following negative ancestral legacies.
- Exodus 20 – God’s warning about the consequences of sin affecting future generations.
- Proverbs 20:7 – The righteous leave blessings for their children.
Study Questions and Answers
True or False
1. True or False: A spiritual legacy can be measured in tokens or trophies.
2. True or False: Once your legacy is established, you cannot change it.
Multiple Choice
3. What was the initial headline of the obituary Alfred Nobel read?
a) The Explosives Merchant is Dead
b) The Merchant of Death is Dead
c) The Creator of Dynamite is Dead
d) The Philanthropist is Dead
4. What is a potential consequence of being passive about your spiritual legacy?
a) It can result in a legacy filled with mixed messages and limited impact.
b) It guarantees a positive and influential legacy.
c) It ensures your legacy won’t affect future generations.
d) It leads to immediate recognition and praise from others.
Fill-in-the-Blank
5. According to Exodus 20, God warns that the iniquities of one generation affect ____.
6. Proverbs 20:7 states, “The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his ____ after him.”
Short Essay
7. Reflect on the significance of Alfred Nobel’s realization after reading his mistaken obituary. How did this moment act as a turning point in his life and legacy?