Emmanuel Presbyterian Church Emmanuel Presbyterian Church

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Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Joined Together, Growing Together
Ephesians 6:13-18, Hebrews 11:1-3, 6  (ESV) 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Sermon OutlineFaith in God protects us, minimizing damage when evil comes into our lives.
1. Understanding
v3 “by faith we understand…”
v1 “faith is… the conviction of things not seen”
v3 “the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible”
2. Reactivity
v6  “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
3. Protection
vv1-2  “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for… For by it the people of old received their commendation.” 
Prayer of ConfessionOur Father, good, wise and merciful: we are assembled to seek you.  We are drawing near despite our unworthiness.  We have failed to trust you.  We have trusted in things that have failed us.  We have been vulnerable to evil and its influences.  Instead of resisting temptation, we have cooperated with it.  We have helped spread damage instead of containing it.  In our weakness we have done what we ought not do.  We are guilty of sin.  Forgive us.  We look to Jesus who is faithful and trustworthy.  We confess faith in you, our rock and our shield.  Amen.
Questions for Reflection
What are your top 2-3 core beliefs/convictions?  What do you most deeply believe, and how does that shape how you understand and interpret life?
What makes belief in the God of the Bible hard for you?  What influences have shaped you so that you are evaluating all things, even God, by them?
What attitudes, thoughts or behaviors come out when you are not feeling well, when you have failed, when others have harmed you, when too much is going on, etc.?  What patterns do you notice in your reactivity?
How do difficulties make wise/ethical choices and actions harder?  What will help you do the right thing when you don’t want to, or it feels too hard?
What practices help you seek God?  What beliefs do you need to hold on to for the on-going seeking of God and deepening with God?
What does Jesus reveal about the Father that makes clear God is good and trustworthy?  How does standing firmly on the conviction of God’s goodness offer protection?
How can hope in God’s good promises protect you from falling away in the present? 
What steps would help you become more confident in God?  How does God become your rock, shield, strength?

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Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Joined Together, Growing Together
Ephesians 6:13-18, John 14:25-27  (ESV) 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Sermon OutlineChrist calls us to a path of peace through a world where many slip, stumble and fall.
1. Jesus’ way is different from the world
John 14:27 “not as the world gives do I give to you”
2.  We are disciples learning as we go
v26 “The Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and bring to remembrance…”
v25 “I have spoken while I am still with you”
3. We have a helper who is with us
v26 “… the Father will send in my name”
v27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”
v27 “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Prayer of ConfessionOur generous God, you do not give as the world gives.  You do not treat us as our sins deserve.  We have been people of enmity, hostility and alienation.  We have been takers, not givers.  We have promoted division.  Our hearts have not been at peace; we have suffered the pains of selfish thoughts and desires.  We have acted as though we know what is best, only to demonstrate our foolishness.  We have not had proper regard for you or others.  Forgive our many sins.  We thank you for mercy and grace.  Amen.
Questions for Reflection
What is the gospel of peace?  Why is peace so central in the Christian message?
How does Jesus give differently than how the world gives?
What are some indicators we don’t have peace? 
How does God teach and lead His people today?  What should Christians do to mature in light of what Jesus says in John 14:25-27?
If Jesus gives us peace, why do we still experience difficulties? 
How does temptation always serve to separate us from God?  How can understanding temptation ready us to hold to Christ’s ways of peace where they seem insufficient?
What assurance comes with the message that peace is given to us by Jesus?  How can you get more grounded so you experience more that peace?

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Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Joined Together, Growing Together
Ephesians 6:13-18, Philippians 3:3-11  (ESV)13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Sermon OutlineThere is a form of righteousness that not only advances good, but uniquely protects what is vital.
1. Confidence in the Flesh
v3 “put no confidence in the flesh”
v4 “if anyone thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more”
v9 “a righteousness of my own that comes from the law”
2. Righteousness from God that Depends on Faith
v10 “that I may know him… becoming like him in his death”
v8 “gain Christ”
v9 “be found in him”
v8 “surpassing worth of knowing Jesus”
v3 “worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus”
Prayer of ConfessionHoly and righteous God, we all fall short of your glory. In our efforts to attain a form of righteousness apart from you we have only proven how flawed we are. Our best efforts are insufficient, yet we are arrogant. Our failings have isolated us in shame, instead of driving us to you. Forgive our misplaced confidence. Forgive all sin and unrighteousness. We are not claiming confidence in ourselves; we are trusting in Christ and his righteousness. Cleanse and renew us by the power of your Holy Spirit so that we may glory in Christ. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
What struggles are part of life in the “flesh”?  What are key ways you try to address (fix, control, manage, etc.) these struggles?
Why are disciplines, commands and effort necessary?  How are they insufficient?  What can’t they do?
What gives you confidence you are ok?  When you feel secure, what is your foundation?
Is righteousness a weapon or armor?  When you are striving to be right, is it to stand firm, or to put others down?
How can you be right about many things, and yet not right with God? 
How does Jesus reveal God’s righteousness?  When you look at him, what do you see?  What about God’s righteousness is put on display when Jesus is crucified?
How does faith put us “in Christ”?  What is the nature of Christian faith that makes it powerful to affect genuine change in us? 
How is the right

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Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: Joined Together, Growing Together
Ephesians 6:10-20  (ESV)10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Sermon Outline
Why do we need the belt of truth?
What does the belt of truth do?
Where do we get the belt of truth from?
Prayer of ConfessionGracious God, you created the entire universe to be very good.  But the dark spiritual forces have tainted this goodness and make us doubt your goodness.  Forgive us for believing these lies.  We easily succumb to the antics of the evil one.  We confess that we fail to trust in your truths and promises.  We need your belt of truth to secure in us what is true and good and beautiful.  May your truths silence the whispers of the evil one.  Amen.
Questions for Reflection
What connected with you from the sermon or the passage?
When have you questioned God’s character? What seeds of doubt have you struggled with?
What negative scripts have you received? Which ones may have you handed down to others?
Describe a time when you’ve been confident in the face of adversity. What helped you gain that confidence and stability?
How have you been able to apply God’s truth in situations when you’ve doubted and struggled in your faith?
What truth do you long to hear from others and from God?
What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

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Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Joined Together, Growing Together
Ephesians 6:10-13  (ESV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Sermon OutlineLife is fraught with challenges and to stand firm we need:
 1. Awareness
v11 “the schemes of the devil”
vv12-13 “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against…”
 2. Armor
v11 “Put on the whole armor of God… able to stand…” (v13)
 3.  Strength
v10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might”
Prayer of ConfessionOur mighty God: we are vulnerable, weak, and guilty of sin. We have not walked in the ways of Christ. We have not stood firm against temptation. We have failed to face the dark forces with courage and faith. We have fought with those we have been called to love. We have not trusted you. Forgive our many sins. Work your Spirit in us so we know the hope to which you have called us and have the strength to stand firm. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who secured salvation by defeating the powers of darkness. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
How do you experience “wrestling” in life?  What feels like a battle for you?
What are some attributes of the “schemes of the devil”?  How can you tell when something more deeply problematic is at work?  What forms of temptation are difficult for you?
How can you keep from becoming obsessed with evil?  Why is it important to remain focused on what is good, and not solely on addressing what is bad?
How are the ways of Christ protective?  Which teachings of Jesus strike you as particularly helpful for navigating life?
Why is it important to put on the “whole” armor of God?  What makes it “God’s” armor?
Where is strength evident in the life of Jesus?  What did Jesus uniquely face and accomplish?
How is being strong in the Lord different from being a strong person?  How does God’s strength work in the lives of His people?

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Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Joined Together, Growing Together
Ephesians 6:5-9  (ESV)5 Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. 9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.
Sermon OutlineLife in Christ transforms people so everything they do, including work, is shaped by their walk with God.
 1. Who and How You Serve
v6 “doing the will of God”, v7 “service with a good will as to the Lord”
v5 “with a sincere heart”, v6 “from the heart”
v5 “as you would Christ”, v6 “as bondservants of Christ”
 2. Why This Needs to Be Clarified
v9 “there is no partiality with him”
v6 “not by the way of eye-service, as people pleasers”
v9 “stop your threatening”
 3.  What the Gospel Changes
v5 “your earthly masters”, v9 “their master and yours is in heaven”
v8 “whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord”
Prayer of ConfessionAlmighty God, you rule the heavens and the earth with wisdom, authority, and love.  We admit our failings.  We have arrogantly strived to be masters, neglecting the way of service, and eager to have others serve us; yet we do not even have mastery over ourselves.  Forgive us our manipulation, and all acts superficially meant to impress and please others.  Forgive our threats and every effort to coerce.  Forgive our sinful partiality.  We thank you that Christ came to serve, and in taking the form of a servant, laid down his life for us.  We appeal for grace and look to him in faith.  Amen.
Questions for Reflection
What does it (or can it) look like for you to do your particular work “rendering service with a good will as to the Lord?”  What in the teachings and pattern of Christ can shape how you do whatever work/responsibilities you do?
If you have a boss/supervisor, what principles direct how you relate to that supervisor?  How would God have you interact with their instructions/requirements?  How should the way of Christ frame how you relate in the various kinds of interactions you have with your supervisor?
If you do not report to anyone in the work you do, how does (or can) service to God shape the way you do what you are responsible for?
Why is it a problem to work as a people-pleaser, in order to be seen?  What corrections do you need in this area?
Why do people in positions of authority threaten those under them?  Is this something you do?  Why?  How can you improve?
What difference does it make that all people are ultimately responsible to God? 
How can faithfulness to God help you navigate a corrupt situation?  What motivates you to be steadfast in doing good?
Do you believe that God will somehow return to you the good that you have done?  Why or why not?
If you had complete confidence that in the future God will make things right, how would that change how you relate to difficult people?  Navigate unfair situations?  Manage your own discouragement?