Burwood Presbyterian Church Burwood Presbyterian Church

Introduction:
1. What is the Gospel?
- The Gospel is about God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
- In Christ, God loves you to death.
- We can’t save ourselves—God must come to us.

2. Paul, an Apostle you can Trust (v1-2, v10)
- He serves the Risen Jesus.
- He is not a man-pleaser.

3. A Prayer of Grace and Peace (v3-5)
- Grace: God’s good will toward us, and his good work upon us—making us to be more like Jesus.
- Peace: The soul-comfort of every faithful Christian.
- Telling your story—testimonies and Gospel outlines.

4. Recognising the Lie (v6-9)

It’s a false Gospel if it:
- Focuses on something other than Jesus.
- Underestimates the seriousness of sin.
- Promises things that God doesn’t promise.
- Demands things that God doesn’t demand.

Conclusion:
You need to know the Gospel!
- The truth of the Gospel is a matter of life and death.
- People need to know the Lord.
- There is only ONE Gospel that is powerful to save.
- Know it, share it, live it, guard it.

Introduction:

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

Trust and Obey

The Message

Conclusion:

Introduction:
This section is near the end of the last words Paul ever wrote. He’s passing the baton
to the next generation, something applicable to all generations.

1. The Key Is the Regular Proclamation of God’s Word.
2 Tim. 4:1-2 - In one sense we all preach the word all the time (see Acts 8:4). But this is
referring to the regular and authoritative proclamation of God’s Word on the Lord’s
Day by those God has appointed.
See Ex. 24:3-7; Deut. 31:9-13; Neh. 8.
This pattern is continued into the NT – e.g. 1 Tim. 4:11-13.

2. Beware of Being Turned Aside to Myths
2 Tim. 4:3-4 - This might be the greatest temptation in our time.
One of the key instructions in scripture for elders is to protect the flock from false
teaching. See Acts 20:29-31; Titus 1:7-9.

3. Elders are to Be Sober Minded in Everything
2 Tim. 4:5 Paul gives four final exhortations to Timothy.
(1) Exercise self-control - ‘Keep your head’ (NIV); ‘Sober-minded’ (ESV). c/f Jam. 3:1-2.
(2) Endure hardship.
(3) Do the work of an evangelist. c/f Eph 4:11; Acts 21:8; Philip the Evangelist (Acts 8)
(4) Fulfill your ministry. See Ex. 32:1-2.

Conclusion:

We live in a generation which has moved away from definition other than for purposes
of making money, staying healthy, travelling safely. Yet in the area of belief we are
often asked to depend on feelings. The Bible is a book of facts. Psalm 48 presents a
picture of who God is & what he does. The writer does not speak of an idol shaped in
the image of man. He presents the creating, sustaining sovereign of all things. ‘The
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.’

v14 “This GOD is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even unto death.”

# He is the God [v1] “who is great and worthy of praise”
# He is “the great King” [v2] Power and authority belong to him
# This God, who in himself, appears so terrible in power and majesty reveals himself as
a safe place to hide from our enemies [v3]. It is precisely because he is in complete
control that he can provide absolute protection.
# His very existence causes his enemies to tremble [v6]
# He is immovable. He cannot be overwhelmed or troubled [v8] “God establishes his
city for ever”. Tranquillity and stability are the marks of his rule.
# His loving kindness is available to all who will come to him. He came in Person -
Jesus the Son. He spoke in Person - saying, “Come follow me”. Jesus wept over
earthly Jerusalem when he came as the promised Messiah of Israel. [Matt 23:37] [v10]
His name demands praise “unto the ends of the earth”. We are called to obey.

1 THIS GOD IS OUR GOD
# He created us. Rain falls on just & unjust. Sun shines on all who inhabit the earth
Psalm 145:15; 33:18; 34:15
# He gave His Son to die on the Cross for us and He raised him to life
# He is our God because he calls us to follow the Risen Jesus
He is the Lord God. By faith he becomes our Lord God.

2 THIS GOD IS OUR GUIDE [EVERY DAY] EVEN UNTIL DEATH
You won’t need a guide in Heaven. Some people choose the level of obedience which
they find comfortable. They are like the man Jesus describes in Luke 12: The fool. It
is the desperate hanging on to the Word of the Guide which keeps us safe, and leads
to the summit of life. Those who want to enjoy the presence of the Lord in glory must
practise seeking that presence every moment now.

Introduction:
- What encouragement is there today for world-weary saints?

1. The Faith that Endures (Psalm 125)
- The Character of Saving Faith (v1-2).
- The Blessings of Saving Faith (v3-5).
2. The Hope that Sustains (Psalm 126)
- Looking Back: The Joy of Hope Fulfilled (v1-3).
- Looking Forward: The Promise of Hope to Come (v4-6).

Conclusion:
- Just keep walking – one step at a time!
- Saving faith clings to God and never lets go.
- God’s love for his people is all-encompassing.
- The sceptre of the wicked is still active in the world, and will be until Christ
returns.
- Be faithful in prayer, and continue to do good.
- Love your enemies; trust God for the final outcome.
- The joy of salvation – every believer ought to remember and gain
encouragement.
- The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy

Introduction:
- Do you want to meet the Risen Lord?
1. The Guarded Tomb (27:62-66).
2. The Empty Tomb (28:1-7).
3. Meeting the Risen Lord (28:8-10).

Conclusion:
- Jesus is alive! It’s true!
- Stop doubting start believing.
- Jesus is the King who Saves.
- Meet him NOW (as Saviour)
- Meet him LATER (as Judge)