September 10, 2023

Clearwater Community Church - FL

Sermons App

September 10, 2023

Simple Obedience and Civic Duty

September 10, 2023 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Matthew 17:22–27

Theme: Simple Obedience and Civic Duty

Passage: Matthew 17:22–27

These scenes teach us two truths concerning human government:

1. God uses human authority to accomplish His purposes (22–23).

2. Believers are God’s children and, therefore, are free to follow Christ (24–26).

Command (27): Pay taxes so that you may not cause offense.

Three Applications from this command:

1. Use your freedom to point others to the true King.

2. Avoid choices that allow people to unnecessarily turn away from Him.

3. Offend with the truth of the Gospel, not the defense of your rights.

Main Idea: God’s children submit their rights to the proclamation of the Gospel.

Application Questions:

· What does this passage teach us about Jesus that should be emulated or pursued in our lives? What can you do to pursue that this week?

· In what ways are believers today offending people in defense of their rights rather than the truth of the Gospel? How is this remedied?

· How can you use your freedom to point others Jesus as King? What is preventing you from doing so?

· What choices are you making that may be allowing people to unnecessarily turn away from Christ? What is this passage challenging you to do in response?

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Matthew 28:16–20

Theme: Simple Obedience to Jesus’ Commission Passage: Matthew 28:16–20 Jesus’ Great Commission to His Followers: 1. Jesus’ plan comes to followers who ... a. Respond (16), b. Worship (17a), c. Yet, Doubt (17b). 2. Jesus’ plan calls His followers to make disciples of the nations. a. Why? Jesus possesses complete authority over everything (18). b. How? (19–20a) i. Get started (19a). ii. Call people to follow (19b). iii. Teach them to obey Christ’s commands (20a). c. What about ...? Jesus will empower you to the very end (20b). Main Idea: Christ followers make followers of Christ. Application Questions: · As a follower, where are you doubtful or weakest in following Christ? What step can you take this week to begin to address this? · What does it mean that Christ has “been given all authority in heaven and on earth?” How does this impact your life and decision-making? · Is Christ’s plan optional for each of his followers? Why do many Christians not involve themselves in His plan to make disciples? · With the gifts and abilities Christ has given you, how are you helping (how can you help) others follow Christ? If you are not involved helping others follow Christ, what can you do to get started?

November 19, 2023

November 19, 2023 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Matthew 26:47–57

Passage: Matthew 26:47–57 Theme: Simple Obedience and Violence Realities of Following Christ: · Betrayal · Violence done against Christ · Injustice Command: “Put your sword back in its place”: There is no place for violence in Christ’s Kingdom Community (51). Reasons for Non-Violent Response: 1. Violence destroys the violent (52). 2. Violent response betrays trust in God’s ability to protect (53). 3. Violent retaliation misses God’s greater purposes for His suffering Servants(s) (54). Main Idea: Christ followers should respond to betrayal, violence, and injustice by displaying Christ through their nonviolent actions. Application Questions: · Why is it that even as believers we are drawn toward violence and violent responses when wronged? What might this indicate about violence and us? · Are there occasions when Christians should respond with violence or act violently? Provide NT examples or teaching. · How does the cross bring about justice for the Christ follower as well as the one who rejects Christ? (See 1 Peter 2:18–25) · How should we apply Jesus’ teaching here to believers regarding self-defense and military service? · What are you doing to counter injustice by displaying Christ through loving actions?

November 12, 2023

November 12, 2023 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Matthew 26:31–46

Passage: Matthew 26:31–46 Theme: Simple Obedience and Failure No matter our intestinal fortitude and spiritual resolve, we will fail on our desire to perfectly follow Christ. Why? 1. Distraction from readiness 2. Lack of prayer 3. Weakness of Flesh Good News: 1. God knows this. 2. He sent his Son to experience this and overcome it for us. Commands: Look to Christ’s example: 1. Remain watchful for Christ (38) 2. Persist in prayer (41) 3. Join Jesus in facing the tests God has allowed in your life (46) Main Idea: Christ followers overcome temptation, opposition, suffering, and even their own failures by repeatedly returning to Christ. Application Questions: · What are the ways or areas in which you think of yourself as a spiritual failure as a Christ follower? · Which reason for failure to follow Christ do you struggle with the most? How do you plan with and through the power of the Holy Spirit in you to address this? · How do (or can) you persist in prayer? What steps do you need to take to create a space for prayer in your daily routine? · How can you help create a culture of readiness and prayer with the believers in your life? · The next time you fail or begin thinking that you are failing in your following Christ, what are you going to do to counter those thoughts? What actions are you going to take to return to Christ?