Gifted To Minister

1 Peter 4:7-11 New King James Version (NKJV)

7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the [a]oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the [b]dominion forever and ever. Amen.

SERMON NOTES:

Introduction: Peter wrote to suffering believers who were scattered in some other parts of the world then. His challenge was not for them to withdraw into their own cocoon but to find ways to serve one another. He reminded them that they have been gifted to do so. Let’s consider the theme in 3 ways:

1. The _________________ of the Gift (v10a) “each one”

2. The _________________ of the Gift (10c) “manifold”

3. The _________________ for the Gift (10b) “minister“

Thanksgiving - A Psalm of the Thankful

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 New King James Version (NKJV)

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

Psalm 100 New King James Version (NKJV)

100 Make a joyful shout to the Lord, [a]all you lands!

2 Serve the Lord with gladness;

Come before His presence with singing.

3 Know that the Lord, He is God;

It is He who has made us, and [b]not we ourselves;

We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

And into His courts with praise.

Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

5 For the Lord is good;

His mercy is everlasting,

And His truth endures to all generations.

SERMON NOTES:

1. The L _________________ of the Thankful

2. The T _________________ of the Thankful

3. The D ________________ of the Thankful

Jesus Christ in the Lord’s Supper

Matthew 26:19-30

19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”

22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”

23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”

Jesus answered, “You have said so.”

26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the[a] covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

SERMON NOTES:

Introduction: There are a number of names that are given to describe the ordinance that we are celebrating today. The most familiar and widely used is “the Lord’s Supper” which shows that the celebration is focused on our Lord alone. As we participate, let us be reminded anew that Jesus Christ is:

1. The ___________________ of the Lord’s Supper

2. The _________________ in the Lord’s Supper

3. The _________________ expressed in the Lord’s Supper

Paul's Collection for the Poor

2 Corinthians 8:1-7 New King James Version (NKJV)

8 : 1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency [a]that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. 7 But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.