October 15, 2023

Clearwater Community Church - FL

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October 15, 2023

Simple Obedience with Wealth

October 15, 2023 • Pastor Josh Kee • Matthew 19:13–15

Matthew 19:16-30 Sermon Information

Series: Simple Obedience

Title: “Simple Obedience with Wealth” 

The rich man (16-22)

The man’s request (16) - “What good thing must I do?”

Contrasted with “little children” (19:14)

Reveals a diminished understanding of righteousness and goodness (16, 20)

Jesus’ response (17-19)

Jesus challenges his understanding of goodness by pointing to the Law – only God is good (17)

Goodness = Moral Perfection (5:48)

The man’s reply (20) – Looks beyond God’s Law

Jesus’ command (21) – “Go”, “sell”, “give”, “come and follow”

Jesus is more concerned with devotion than possession

Jesus confronts the man’s true treasure and calls him to exchange it for greater treasure

The man’s response (22) – “he went away sorrowful”

The man proves that he loves his wealth more than the kingdom (eternal life)

All he possesses is unable to satisfy his longing for blessing

Jesus’ warning (23-26)

The danger of wealth (23-24)

Entrance into God’s Kingdom requires forsaking all other gods

Wealth is perceived as blessing, but often proves to be a curse (24)

The disciples’ confusion (25)

The disciples held the common belief that wealth was evidence of God’s favor

This man was “righteous” according to the Law (externally) but was devoted to a false god

Jesus points to humanity’s hope for salvation (26)

No one can be saved apart from God’s grace

Only God’s grace changes our hearts to love him more than money

Turn from every other god and follow Christ

The Reward for following Jesus (27-30)

Peter’s concern (27)

Jesus’ promise to the disciples (28)

Jesus’ promise to all who follow him (29)

The reversal of status in God’s kingdom (30)

“There are more excellent things than the things of this world. There be things that the eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor the soul conceived; and these be the joys of heaven. Is not this desperate folly, to venture the loss of the best things, of the most transcendent things, that are above the capacity of the greatest reaches of the world? Will I lose all for petty poor things that are within my own reach?” (Richard Sibbes, A Glance of Heaven)

Main Point:

God’s grace in Christ transforms our hearts to love him more than wealth. The treasures of earth cannot compare to the treasure of eternal life and the Kingdom of God.

The Christian life is, at its core, a life of giving up lesser treasures, that are destined to perish, for greater and enduring treasure. It is fundamentally a life of faith – preparing for a world we cannot see, but believe exists by the Word of God.

Only grace received from the fullness of Jesus can change our hearts so we love the things of God more than the things of the world.

Discussion Questions:

What was wrong with the rich man’s understanding of righteousness and goodness?

Why is wealth such a hindrance to the kingdom of God? How are you tempted to be preoccupied with wealth?

What is the difference between possession of wealth and devotion to wealth? How do you discern the difference?

How does God’s grace enable us to gain or lose wealth without having our hope and joy disrupted?

How’s does Jesus’ promise in 19:29-30 transform our relationship with money and possessions? Why can you have joy in giving up the worlds treasures? Does this mark your life?

Is there any area regarding money where you need to confess and repent of preoccupation with wealth?

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?