Someone once said, “the heart is a factory of idols”. An idol is something we look to for security, for identity or for satisfaction. It’s something that competes with God. Idols are often good things that simply occupy too much of our hearts. This is the very last sermon in the 1John series and Scott expounds mainly on the exhortation mic drop at the end of the book “keep yourselves from idols”. The message is an explanation of what idolatry is, what modern idols look like, how to identify them and how to deal with them. The greatest remedy for idolatry is to develop a burning vision of the beauty, majesty and glory of Jesus Christ.
Staying Strong
According to the Apostle John, “the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” In this message, we take a look at some of what the “world” or common culture encourages that is contrary to what Scripture states. How do followers of Christ live without fear and stay strong in the midst of these pressures? The answers are found in knowing our identity as children of God, knowing that Jesus protects us from the evil one and knowing we need the church.
Praying for Others
In this generation it is quite common for Christians to struggle intensely with sin. Many are losing the battle in their private lives or in their marriages. For those who are healthy and strong it’s hard not to notice the struggles of brothers and sisters in Christ. What can be done? In this message out of 1 John 5:16-17 Pastor Scott sets forth a clear call to earnest intercession. The promise from God is that if we pray for our struggling brothers God will release life to them! Prayer works! There’s also some side discussion in this message about the very difficult phrase found in the text “sin leading to death”. Toward the end there are some specific takeaways for struggling believers, for those persisting in sin and for those who are strong and want to make a difference in the lives of others.
Confidence in Prayer
Prayer is a great struggle for many Christians in this generation. Some are so discouraged about prayer that they have drifted into almost complete prayerlessness. In light of what God promises for those who pray, it is shocking that Christians pray so little. 1 John 5:14-15 tell us that whatever we pray for in God’s will will be done. God answers the prayers of his children! If prayer really works, and the promises to those who pray are so abundant, then why do so few Christians have a strong, vibrant, effective prayer life? This message addresses some of the underlying reasons that prayer has become so lame for many.
Our Story is His
While good doctrine and apologetics are vital in our walk with Christ, we must not underestimate the great power of sharing our personal testimonies or “stories” of how God has rescued us from sin and death. In this message we look at how and why we share our stories — to remind us to be thankful, to build our faith, and to offer those who do not believe in the gospel of Jesus a tangible example and reason to believe. Ultimately, the heart of this passage is focused on something better. While our stories may be good and compelling, they are all founded upon the greatest story: God the Father’s testimony about the Son.
Victorious
So many Christians live a defeated life. Sometimes they hide their defeat really well but secretly or inwardly they struggle with various addictions or bondages. Sin crouches at our door and wants to control us but God provides everything we need for victory. Pastor Scott unpacks 1John 5:1-5 and specifically focuses in on the idea of God’s commands not being burdensome. With human effort alone we will be crushed by sin and overwhelmed by the daunting high standard of God’s holiness. But through faith we can be victorious! Scott gives some clarity in the last half of the message on what it actually means to have faith. This sermon is for those who desperately want to live a life of victory but struggle to overcome sin. There is hope.
Blessed Assurance
This message is very specifically designed for the person who is an authentic Christian but struggles to enjoy assurance of salvation. This doubt of being accepted is usually rooted in feelings of unworthiness, an aware of inward sin and a disposition of insecurity. Pastor Scott takes us through the last section in 1John 4 and points out the marks of divine love in the true Christian to help those doubting to recognize that they really do belong to God.
Strong Love
Most Christians know that love is important and should be the distinguishing feature of the Christian life. The problem is living out the fullness of this love. Christians can be unloving, unforgiving, petty, competitive, rude, selfish, passive aggressive, bitter and so on. Many Christians love until they are wronged, hurt or offended in some way. They have a fragile love easily quenched. What is the secret to having a strong love that isn’t shaken by the wrongs done to us? How can we live out the teachings of Jesus to love our enemies and do good to those who spitefully use us? Scott expounds on 1John4:7-11 and explores the importance of cultivating a change of mind in order to love like Christ. There are some ideas communicated about the sovereignty of God that, if understood, could revolutionize the whole way we respond to mistreatment against us.
Caring for the Incarnation
In 1 John 4:1-6 the apostle John warns the leaders of the church not to believe every “spirit” that comes into their community claiming to hear from God. For many “false prophets” are in the world. By looking back to chapter one, we re-examine what is the context of this letter and how it’s related to the warning in chapter four specifically relating to those who are denying the incarnation of Jesus. Why is the apostle so vigilant about fighting for this tenet of the faith? Because believing God came in the flesh is not just a doctrine that defines what Christians ought to believe, but it’s essential to who we are and how we are able to relate to God today. We also examine what it means to us that “he who is in us is greater than than he who is in the world.” While we are to watch out for the enemy’s schemes, we need not fear him.
Love is a Verb
From 1 John 3:16-18 this message speaks of the wonder of God's love for us demonstrated in the sacrificial death of Jesus. When this love is made real to us it has a way of deeply affecting our hearts and moving us in practical ways to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. The message is a wonderful reminder of the otherworldly love packed into the act of Christ giving his life.