Romans 12

What is Church?

What is Church?

Dave Riddle - 6/09/2024

Key Passages: Acts 2:42-44, 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

“There is no relationship with God apart from His family”

Consumerism is about:

- satisfaction

- Entitlement

- More for me

- Obsession

- Devouring

- We think WE are doing the devouring, but instead IT devours us.

Community is about:

- being on mission

- Responsibility

- Serving others

- Freedom

- Creating

Partnership

- God desires for you to be an active partner, not a passive observer.

- 2 Corinthians 8:23

- Philippians 1:4-5

- Hebrews 10:33

- Philemon 17

- Acts 2:42-44

- koinos: “All things in common” = common; shared by all our several

- koinonos: associate, comrade, companion, sharer, partner

- koinonia: fellowship, association, joint participation, communion, community, the state one has in something, partnership

The mindset of partnership

- 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

- melos: being a living part of an interconnected body/dynamic body.

- Romans 12 & 1 Corinthians 12

- a partner is someone who is engaged with the organization’s mission

What is our focus?

- Privilege or responsibility?

- Get or give?

- Passive or active involvement?

How?

- Philippians 2:3-5

- Love, unity, humility, a common mission…

- A family on mission

We His People - We Belong

We His People - We Belong

Dave Riddle - 9/10/2023

Key Passage: 1 Peter 2:9

We Belong to God

- 1 Peter 2:9

- Deuteronomy 7:6b - Notice the similarities.

- Genesis 17:7 - God kept His promise to Abram.

- John 1:12-13 - Children of God

- 1 John 3:1

- Revelation 21:3 - We Belong to God Forever

We Belong to Each Other

- Romans 12:5 - members of one body

- Philippians 2:3-4 - look to the interests of others.

Brothers & Sisters in Christ

- Are you just attending church, or are you walking in community?

Calling All Calvary - The Universal Calling

Calling All Calvary - The Universal Calling

Dave Riddle - 7/16/2023

Key Passage: 1 Corinthians 12

We are the body of Christ

Spiritual Body

Unity (one) + Diversity (many)

  • 1 Corinthians 12:27

  • We are more than the sum of our parts.

    • Multiplication not addition

You are one

1 Corinthians 12:12-13

We are many

1 Corinthians 12:19-20

Functionality

Romans 12:4-8

  • One body… but we don’t all have the same function

    • We have been given different gifts

    • When we don’t live into those gifts we compromise the functionality of the body

Interconnectedness

1 Corinthians 12:15-16

  • We are connected and interlocked together.

  • We need each other.

  • We need community.

Interdependence 

1 Corinthians 12:17-18, 21

  • We need each other and we need our differences.

Constructed by God

1 Corinthians 12:24-25

  • God has out the body together

  • …so that there would be no division in the body

United In Love

1 Corinthians 12:31

  • And l I will show you an even better way

    • LOVE • 1 Corinthians 13

      • Romans 12:9-10

  • When one suffers, we all suffer. When one is honored, we all rejoice • 1 Corinthians 12:26

  • Philippians 2:4

  • James 2:15-16

  • John 13:35

Growing Up - Spiritual Maturity

Growing Up - Spiritual Maturity

Paul Trulock - 7/2/2023

Key Passage: 1 Peter 3:8-12

We have the knowledge of the Bible

We have the power of the Spirit

We lack willpower

Growing old is a natural process, but growing up doesn’t come easily.

Unity

  • 1 Peter 3:8 - likeminded

  • Unity, not unanimity.

    • We don’t have to agree on everything, but we should be united despite our disagreements.

  • Devoted to the person of Jesus not devoted to programs, causes, or politics.

Sympathetic

  • 1 Peter 3:8 

  • Romans 12:15-16

    • Rejoice with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn.

      • Only possible in and through unity.

      • Does your concern for others outweigh your concern for yourself?

Brotherly Love

  • 1 Peter 3:8

    • philadelphos: Loving brother or sister. In a broader sense, loving one like a brother

Compassionate

  • 1 Peter 3:8

    • splagchnizomai (Greek: σπλαγχνίζομαι) - to be moved as to one's bowels, hence to be moved with compassion, have compassion (for the bowels were thought to be the seat of love and pity).

      • Deep compassion and tenderheartedness towards others.

Humble

  • 1 Peter 3:8

    • Meekness not weakness

    • “We never mature when we narrow the use of our efforts, talents, and means to our own advantage.”

Forgiveness

  • 1 Peter 3:9

    • Not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult.

    • Bless those who curse you.

  • 1 Peter 2:20-21

    • Called to a life of non-retaliation.

Control the Tongue

  • 1 Peter 3:10

    • Do you want to love life and see good days? Control your tongue.

Purity and Peace

  • 1 Peter 3:11-12

All of this is only possible through diligence, discipline, and community. 

Is Your Faith Worthless?

Is Your Faith Worthless?

Dave Riddle - 6/11/2023

Key Passage: James 1:26-27

If anyone considers themselves religious…

  • James 1:26

  • Religious = thrēskos: fearing or worshipping God; ceremonious in the worship of God

…their religion is worthless

  • James 1:26

  • Worthless, profitless, empty, devoid of value 

    • Same word as 1 Corinthians 15:14

      • If there is no resurrection your faith is “worthless”

…If you don’t keep a tight reign on your tongue…

  • James 1:26

    • We all hold tightly to the resurrection, but how seriously do we take the way we speak?

Pure and undefiled religion…

  • James 1:27

  • Pure = katharos: clean (literally and figuratively). Free from anything that soils or corrupts.

  • Undefiled = amiantos: not defiled. Incorruptible.

Our faith is directly tied to our concern for others

  • James 1:27

    • Pure and undefiled religion means having concern for vulnerable people.

      • Orphans and widows in distress.

      • Doing this requires an investment of time, energy, resources.

  • See also: James 2:15-17, James 2:26, 1 John 3:17-18

Our Allegiance and Devotion

  • James 1:27

    • Keep yourself unstained from the world.

  • Romans 12:2 - don’t be conformed… be transformed…

What is the product of your heart?

  • Luke 6:45

    • What we say and do overflows from our heart.

Your words, actions, and heart are the true indicators of your faith.

  • Repent. Don’t rationalize.

Making the Most of the Time We’re Given

Making the Most of the Time We’re Given

Dave Riddle - 1/15/2023

Key Passage:  Ephesians 5:15-17

Look (Ephesians 5:15)

  • Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk.

    • Literally “look carefully”

    • blepo (Greek: βλέπω) literally: to see. Metaphorically: to see with the mind’s eye. To turn the thoughts or direct the mind to a thing; to look at; to weigh carefully; to examine, consider and/or contemplate.

    • How you walk = peripateo (Greek: περιπατέω) literally: to tread all around, walk at large. Figuratively: to live, to make one’s way, to regulate one’s life, to conduct oneself

  • How? (v. 15)

    • Not as unwise people but as wise

    • sophos (Greek: σοφῷ) - Wise. To have skill or expertise. To best form plans and use the best means for their actual execution. 

  • Proverbs 1:1-7

    • If we don’t pay careful attention to the way we live our lives, then we are living as fools!

Seize (Ephesians 5:16)

  • chronos vs kairos

    • Greek: καιρός: No direct English equivalent 

      • The right time

      • The critical time

      • The opportune moment

    • Implies, not the convenience of the season, but the necessity of the time at hand.

    • “Kairos is when eternity steps into time”

  • To make wise and sacred use of every opportunity for doing good.

Know (Ephesians 5:17) 

  • So don’t be foolish, but understand.

    • syniemi: to put together (mentally) to comprehend, to set or join together in the mind. To understand and act piously. Having the knowledge of those thing which pertain to salvation.

  • How do we know the will of God? 

    • Romans 12:2 

    • Francis Chan: “What is God’s well for my life for the next five minutes?”

    • Jim Elliot: “Wherever you are, be all there; live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.”

    • MLK Jr. “It does not matter how long you live, but how well you do it.“ & “We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always right to do right”

Humble Service

House Rules - Service

Dave Riddle - 11/13/2022

doulos (Greek: δοῦλος): a slave, bondman, man of servile condition

It’s What Jesus Did

  • Matthew 20:28

  • Acts 10:38

  • Philippians 2:7

We’re (re)created for it and called to it

  • 1 Peter 2:21

  • Philippians 2:3-5

  • Ephesians 2:10

  • Galatians 6:10

  • Matthew 20:26-27

It Demonstrates Love

  • Galatians 5:13-14

  • Romans 12:9-10

  • Romans 13:8

It Strengthens the Household

  • 1 Corinthians 14:12

  • Ephesians 4:11-13

  • 2 Peter 1:5-8

  • James 2:15-16

  • 1 Peter 4:8-11

It’s Pleasing to, and Rewarded by, God

  • Matthew 25:21 & 23, 34-36


Wholehearted Worship

House Rules - Worship

Dave Riddle - 10/30/2022

Key Passage: Psalm 95

Wholehearted Worship

  • …developing lips, hearts, and lives that acknowledge and celebrate the glory and goodness of God

  • Worship = proskyneo (Greek: προσκυνέω) - to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence

  • latreia (Greek: λατρεία): to serve in a sacrificial manner. Used in reference to religious practices and rituals. Divine priestly service.

  • leitourgeo (Greek: λειτουργία): to do public service, (by analogy) to preform religious or charitable functions. Worship, obey, minister.

Singular

  • Psalm 95:1 - Shout joyfully to the Lord the rock of our salvation

  • Psalm 63:1a - You are my God I worship you

    • 1st Commandment

Personal

  • Psalm 63:1-2 - You are MY God.

Collective

  • Psalm 95:1, 6 - “Come let us…”

Truth 

  • Psalm 95:3-5 - We sing truth.

  • Our worship is a response to the truth of who God is and the truth of the transformation He is working in our lives.

Joyful Celebration

  • Psalm 95:1-2 - Shout joyfully to the Lord. Shout triumphantly…

  • rānan (Hebrew: רָנַן): to cry out, shout for joy

  • rûaʿ (Hebrew: רוּעַ): to shout, cry out, give a blast

    • Joshua 6:20 (Jericho)

    • 1 Samuel 4:5 (shouts that shake the ground)

Intimacy

  • Psalm 95:6

  • 1 John 3:1

  • Psalm 63:3-5

Obedience

  • Psalm 95:7b-9

  • Roman 12:1 - present your bodies as a living sacrifice

What’s Your Next Step?

What’s your next step?

Phil Woodman - 9/11/22

Key Passage: Deuteronomy 6:4-9

The Shema Prayer

  • Deuteronomy 6:4-9

    • Hear/Listen!

  • A fresh start

Where is your focus/commitment? 

  • Joshua 24:14-15

    • How will you live?

    • Who will you serve?

What’s your next step?

Bible Reading

  • Romans 12:2

    • Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

  • Set manageable goals

  • Pick a plan and finish it

  • Share it with someone

Find Connection

  • Hebrews 10:24

    • We weren’t made to walk alone

  • Join an ABF or Bible Study

  • Find a smaller group that will encourage and challenge.

Find a Place to Serve

  • 1 Peter 4:10

    • Use the gifts you’ve been given to serve others!

  • Serve the church body

  • Serve our community

  • Discover your gift and use it

Share Your Faith

  • 1 Corinthians 11:1

  • 1 Peter 3:15

    • Do people know you’re a believer?

    • Share your story.

    • Ask Questions.

What Does Jesus Say About Hate?

Hate The World?

Dave Riddle • 05/22/2022

Key Passage: John 15:18-16:4

The “World” Hates Jesus

  • John 7:7 (CSB): The world cannot hate you, but it does hate me because I testify about it—that its works are evil.

    • Compare to John 15:18-19

A message for those of us who don’t want to be hated.

  • James 4:4 - Friend of the world = enemy of God

A message for those of us who enjoy looking for a fight

  • Romans 12:18 - as much as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

We need to live in the tension between these two passages.

Expect Persecution

  • John 15:20

  • Matthew 5:10

    • Persecution is a blessing!

  • Matthew 5:11-12

    • Rejoice!

    • A blessed inheritance

Hating Jesus = Hating God

  • John 15:21-24

    • Jesus makes a claim of divinity.

      • John 10:22-38

  • Why did they hate Jesus? For no reason.

    • John 15:25

Jesus sends help!

  • John 15:26-27

  • The Holy Spirit

    • More on this next week.

“Fall away”

  • John 16:1-2

    • Fall away, stumble, be trapped

    • skandalizō - to put a stumbling block or impediment in the way, upon which another may trip and fall. to offend

Outcasts

  • John 16:1-2

    • Outcasts: put out of your religious community, academic community, social community.

      • Did it happen? Yes.

        • Acts 26:9-11 - Paul’s testimony.

Why do they do this?

  • Because they don’t know Jesus or the Father

    • John 16:3-4

      • Jesus doesn’t want his followers to be caught off guard.

Upside Down Worship

Upside Down Worship
03/06/2021 - Dave Riddle 
Key Passages: Psalm 95, Psalm 63

Worship begins with an invitation from God

Our Worship Must Be SINGULAR

  • Psalm 95:1

  • Psalm 63:1a

  • Exodus 20:1-11

Our Worship Must Be PERSONAL and COLLECTIVE

  • Psalm 63:1a - “I seek you”

  • Psalm 95:1 - “Let Us”

Our Worship Must Be A VOCAL & LIVELY CELEBRATION

  • Psalm 95:1-2 - shout, sing

    • rānan - to cry out, shout for joy, give a ringing cry.

    • rûaʿ - to shout, raise a sound, cry out, give a blast.

      • Joshua 6:20

      • 1 Samuel 4:5

      • 2 Samuel 6

    • Why? Because we have a lot to celebrate!

Our Worship Must Be Centered on TRUTH

  • Psalm 95:3-5

Our Worship Must Be Filled With REVERENCE

  • Filled with Joy & Bowed in Reverence

  • Joy & Awe

  • Wow & Woe

  • Revelation 7:9-12 - Celebration & Awe.

Our Worship Must Have a Deep Level of INTIMACY & PASSION

  • Psalm 63:3-5 - “Your love means more than life to me…”

    • Not ambivalent or neutral.

Our Worship Should Lead to OBEDIENCE

  • Psalm 95:7b-9

  • Exodus 17:7

  • Romans 12:1

Upside Down Greatness

Message starts around the 29-minute mark

Upside Down Greatness

02/27/2021 - Dave Riddle 

Key Passage: Matthew 18:1

Who is the greatest?

  • Matthew 18:1

Jesus turns the tables

  • strephō: to twist, turn around, reverse (literally or figuratively). To change one’s mind.

    • Matthew 18:3

Childlike trust, reliance, and dependence 

  • Matthew 18:2-3

Humility

  • Matthew 18:4

  • Humble = tapeinoō: literally to depress, figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart). Abase, bring low, humble oneself.

    • The opposite of pride

  • Romans 12:3

    • If humility isn’t there then most likely obedience and service aren’t there either.

  • Matthew 23:11-12

    • ...All who exalt themselves will be humbled…

    • Greatness is found in servanthood

Jesus is the example

  • Philippians 2:3-8

United in Heart & Mind

Message begins around the 24-minute mark

United in Heart & Mind
01/23/2021 - Dave Riddle 
Key Passage: 1 Corinthians 1:10-11

You are all one in Christ Jesus

  • A theological scriptural fact

    • Acts 4:32

    • Galatians 3:23

    • 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

  • This is what Jesus prayed for.

Unity is our Calling

  • 1 Corinthians 13:11

  • Romans 12:16-18

  • Romans 14:19

  • Philippians 2:2

  • Ephesians 4:3

  • 1 Peter 3:8

  • Hebrews 12:14

  • 1 Corinthians 1:10

Undivided

  • 1 Corinthians 1:10

    • There should be no schism, split, gap, divide…

  • 1 Corinthians 1:11

    • There are quarrels among you

  • 1 Corinthians 1:10 - Made complete, perfectly joined together.

Is Unity in this church possible?

  • The redeemed live as one… are we?

    • Galatians 3:23

  • What is God’s calling for me? Not for my brother or sister, but for me.

  • Repentance seems to be rare, almost non-existent.

    • How is God calling us to respond?

    • Can we be agents of unity rather than division?

The Impact of Peace

The Impact of Peace

12/26/2021 - Dave Riddle 

Jesus is…

Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace

  • Peace = shalowm (Hebrew: שָׁלוֹם) - a very broad term that means health, security, tranquility, good condition, success, comfort, and more.

    • it has layers of meaning related to peace.

    • Widely used in the Hebrew Bible, shalowm clearly depicts a satisfied condition, an unconcerned state of peacefulness.

Luke 2:13 – 14 - Peace on Earth

  • Peace = eirēnē (Greek: εἰρήνη) - a state of tranquility, harmony, and safety. In a Christian context: the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation.

(Re)Connection

  • Peace with God Himself

    • Romans 5:1

Confidence

  • John 16:33

    • Peaceful confidence provides escape from anger, worry…

Rest

  • Matthew 11:28

    • Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest….

A Gift

  • John 14:27

    • Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you…

      • Something only Jesus can give.

      • An invitation, a gift.

  • Philippians 4:7

    • A peace He gives to us, not something we develop

    • A peace that is so great we can’t understand it!

A Spiritual Orientation

  • Galatians 5:22 - fruit of the Spirit.

    • You are peaceful now live in peace.

      • A reality and a challenge

A Calling

  • Colossians 3:15

    • Let peace of Christ rule in your heart.

  • Romans 12:16

    • As much as it depends on you…

  • Hebrews 12:14

    • Strive for peace with everyone.

Surrender your will to the will of the Father

Pray and ask for the peace of Christ to rule our hearts

A Struggle

  • Matthew 10:34

    • Jesus becomes the dividing line

    • There is no peace without him.

Blessing

  • Matthew 5:9

    • Blessed are the peacemakers.

Reflect, Encourage, Share Peace

Why Celebrate? Grad Sunday

Why Celebrate?

Grad Sunday 6/6/21 - Phil Woodman

Why do we celebrate?

It’s a Natural Response

  • Luke 15

    • Celebrate finding what was lost

    • Celebrate the returned prodigal

God Tells us to

  • Romans 12:15

    • Rejoice with those who rejoice!

Celebration is central to all the Spiritual Disciplines. Without a joyful spirit of festivity the disciplines become dull, death-breathing tools in the hands of modern Pharisees.

  • Richard Foster - Celebration of the Disciplines

To Recognize God’s Work in our Lives

  • 3 John 3-4

    • I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth

  • Philippians 1:3-6

    • Paul celebrates the work of God in the lives of these believers.

  • Milestones

    • Stones from the river

    • Nehemiah and the wall

  • Supportive community

    • We don’t celebrate alone.

Motivation to keep us going

  • Philippians 3:12 - I have not yet reached my goal.

    • Press on.

  • Hebrews 10:23-25

Why Child Dedication?

Why Child Dedication?
Baptism Sunday 5/9/21
Key passage: Psalm 127

Child dedication is not a baptism

  • we practice believer’s baptism. (See last week)

Child dedication is not a guarantee 

  • not a guarantee of salvation

Why child dedication?

It reminds us of both the miracle and value of human life.

  • Genesis 2:7 - humanity was created by God Himself.

  • Genesis 1:26-28 - humanity was created in the image of God.

We’re recognizing and affirming that children are a gift from God

  • Psalm 127:3 - a special reward

  • Psalm 127:5 - a blessing

To acknowledge the challenge and responsibility of being a parent

  • Deuteronomy 4:9 - teach them and model for them.

  • Ephesians 6:4 - train and instruct

  • Deuteronomy 6:5 - a personal practice that you pass down.

Child dedication places children in the context of a larger family… God’s!

  • The church has a responsibility (you, all of us)

  • Philippians 2:3-4 - we are a family

  • Romans 12:10 - be devoted to one another in brotherly love.

It’s an opportunity for parents to surrender their child to God’s will and mission.

  • what is it that you want most for your daughter or son?

  • 1 Samuel 1 - Hannah and Samuel

Peace - God in Our Midst

Peace - God in Our Midst
12/27/20 - Dave Riddle
Key Passage: Isaiah 9:6

Prince of Peace

  • Shalom: a very broad term that means health, security, tranquility, good condition, success, comfort and more. An unconcerned state of peacefulness.

    • Matthew 10:34-39 - do not suppose that I have come to bring peace...

      • Jesus is our number one priority, and that will lead to division.

  • eirene: a national state of tranquility, harmony, and safety. In a Christian context: the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation

Confidence

  • John 16:33 - you are going to have suffering, but you can have confidence because Jesus has conquered the world!

Rest

  • Matthew 11:29 - Take up my yoke and you will find rest.

(Re)Connection

  • Romans 5:1 - since we have been justified we have peace with God through Jesus.

Invitation (A Gift)

  • John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.

  • Philippians 4:7 - peace that surpasses all understanding.

Challenge (A Calling)

  • Colossians 3:15 - let the peace of Christ rule in your heart, as members of one body you were called to peace.

  • Romans 12:18 - as much as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

  • Hebrews 12:14 - pursue peace with everyone.

Orientation (A Fruit) 

  • Galatians 5:22-23 - peace is a fruit of the Spirit, not something we can create or attain on our own.

Peace be with you!



Romans - Government Matters

Romans - Government Matters

Dave Riddle - 1/05/20

Key Passage: Romans 13:1-7

The Authority of the State

  • Romans 13:1 - let everyone submit

  • “Submit” - hypotassō (Greek: ὑποτάσσω) to place; arrange under; to post under; to subject; to be obedient, to carry a burden

    • Luke 2:51 - Jesus submitted to his parents’ authority.

    • Ephesians 5:21 - submit yourself to one another

    • John 19:11 - you would have no authority over me if it had not been given to you from above.

The Function of the State

  • Romans 13:3-4

    • We know that this isn’t always true.

    • Paul is expressing the ideal.

      • 1. The state should exist to restrict and punish evil.

      • 2. The state should promote and reward goodness

    • Is wrong to speak out against authority? No!

      • We have a right and a responsibility to do so when the state isn’t living up to these ideals.

Our Relationship with the State

  • Romans 13:5

    • Therefore, you must submit.

      • What about when the will of the state is at direct odds with the will of God?

      • Acts 5:27-29

        • We must obey God rather than men.

    • Romans 12:18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone

  • Romans 13:6-7

    • what do we owe?

      • Tangible - tolls and taxes

      • Intangible - respect and honor

The Will of God

The Will of God

Charles Bai - 10/13/19

Key Passage: Romans 12:2

Romans 12:2

  • The will of God... is good acceptable and perfect

    • Good: Luke 18:19 - no one is good except God alone.

    • Acceptable: Matthew 3:17 - This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.

    • Perfect: Revelation 4:11 - all things created by the will of God

Matthew 6:9-13

  • When we pray we need to think about three things.

    • The name of God

      • Holy

    • The Kingdom of God

      • Will come

    • The Will of God

      • On Earth as it is in Heaven

Matthew 7:21

  • Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven.

    • So, what IS the will of God?

1 Thessalonians 4:3

  • For this is the will of God, your sanctification...

    • Sanctification

      • To be made holy

      • To be set apart

How are we sanctified?

  • by the Holy Spirit

    • Romans 15:16

  • Through the truth of God’s word

    • John 17:15-17

      • Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

    • Read the word of God!

Ephesians 4:24/Colossians 3:10

  • “Put on the new self/new man...”