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The Perfect Sermon

Ever heard or said these? “I’m not a very good teacher, I’m not comfortable teaching Bible classes.” “I don’t know how to talk to others about Christ because I don’t know how to say what I should to reach or convince them.” “I can’t help others because I don’t know what I can do for them.” “I’m not perfect. I’m just doing the best I can.”

One body, many members Romans 12:4-8 – Each member serving different functions. – Having then these gifts, let us use them. – Teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, mercy

For the equipping of the saints… Ephesians 4:7, – Vs. 7 - Gifts from Christ to those in the church. – Vs Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers – Vs We have the equipment for the work to be done. – Vs. 13 – Our example of perfection that we are working towards.

Towards what goal? Spiritual Growth - Ephesians 4: – That we may “grow up” -- No longer children but mature in our understanding and faith. – A whole body, knit together, with every part doing its share grows for edification in love.

“I’m not a very good teacher, I’m not comfortable teaching Bible classes.” An approved worker - 2 nd Timothy 2:15 – Paul guiding Timothy in his growth and direction he was giving to the churches. – Be diligent (NKJV) or study (NKJV) to show yourself approved. – Rightly dividing the word of truth.

“I’m not a very good teacher, I’m not comfortable teaching Bible classes.” Exercise required – Hebrews 5:12-14 – The original audience of Hebrews was lacking in spiritually maturity. – Milk vs. solid food – By reason of use = practice – Having senses exercised to discern good and evil Teaching begins at home – Deut. 6:6-7 – Commandments in our hearts – Teach them diligently to our children.

“I don’t know how to talk to others about Christ…” Our attitude must first be right - Matthew 15 – Approach the situation with compassion for those who are lost. – Many examples of Jesus being moved with emotion about those who were lost. A Reason for our hope - I Peter 3:15 – Always ready to give an answer or defense – With meekness and fear (for them and yourself) Redeem the time - Col 4:5

“I can’t help others because I don’t know what I can do for them.” Attendance – Heb. 10:24-25 – Encouragement just by being here together in worship – To stir up love and good works Sharing our wealth - I John 3: – Early disciples “had all things in common” so that none might lack what was needed – We can share some of what we have to help our fellow brethren through hard times

“I can’t help others because I don’t know what I can do for them.” Doing good, why? – Gal. 6:9-10 – We shall reap eternal reward in Heaven – Rule is to help all but especially our brethren Rebuking sin – Gal. 6:1, James 5:19-20, 2 Tim. 2:24-26 – The impact of this work for each other is tremendous – In gentleness and humility

“I’m not perfect. I’m just doing the best I can.” Increase more - I Thess. 4:9-12 – “Taught by God” to love – More could and should be done It begins with faith and grows from there – 2 Peter 1:5-8 Maintaining a positive attitude about the value our efforts – 1 Cor. 15:58

Obligation to God Obligation to Self Obligation to Children and Each Other Obligation to Brethren Obligation to Sinners Knowledge & Obedience Leading a Spiritual Life Teaching Encouragement, Fellowship, Rebuking Evangelism