Text: Galatians 4:1-7

Introduction:

The inheritance of the believer is settled because of his standing in Christ.  As a child of God we are heirs in Jesus Christ through the Spirit of adoption.

1. The Adolescents of God (v1-3)

A. The Standing of the Child– “Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a    servant, though he be lord of all;”

B. The Season of the Child– “But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.”

C. The Similarity of the Child– “Even …

Philippians 4:4-9

Introduction:

The entire thrust and theme of Philippians is joy.  It is fitting that Paul would conclude this epistle with the subject of contentment.  He gives four basic elements of finding contentment regardless of our circumstance.

1. Contentment and Praise (v4-5)

A. The Command of Praise- “Rejoice in the Lord”

B. The Condition of Praise- “Rejoice in the Lord alway:”

C. The Continuation of Praise- “and again I say, Rejoice.”

2. Contentment and Prayer (v6)

A. The Anxiety of a Believer– “Be careful for nothing;”

B. The Approach of a Believer- “but …

Text: Matthew 20:20-28

Introduction:

The mother of James and John approached Jesus with an unusual request regarding the position and authority of her two sons.  Christ explained to her that service  is the key to positional greatness.

1. The Request of the Mother (v21-22)

A. In Relation to the Sons– “grant that these my two sons”

B. In Relation to the Sitting– “sit on thy right and left”

2. The Reply of the Master (v23-24)

A. The Insight was Revealed- “it is not mine to give, it is prepared by God the Father”

B. The …

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Introduction:

Many criticized the apostle Paul, and Paul invited those to examine his life and evaluate his motives.  As a good steward he lived unto God and not unto men; therefore he lived with a clean conscience.

I. The Accountability of Paul the Steward (v1-2)

A. A Steward Holds a Ministry–

“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ”

B. A Steward Heralds a Mystery–

“…and stewards of the mysteries of God.”

C. A Steward Has a Mandate–

“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man …

Text: Ephesians 5:11-18

Introduction:

Paul contends that the Christian life is a battle; therefore, to obtain victory the believer must be properly dressed for war.  This great passage details the armor of God, and our responsibility to get suited up and fight.

I. THE WARFARE OF THE SOLDIER (v11-12)

A. The Equipment we Find-

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

B. The Enemy we Fight-

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of …