Shepherd School Season Three (CHURCH/MAN)
training men to shepherd in the home, group, and church
THE LORD WILL BE SANCTIFIED: Leviticus 10:1-3
January 24, 2022 • Brett Baggett • Leviticus 10:1–3
DOCTRINE: If the LORD’s people will not sanctify and glorify Him when they draw near, He will sanctify and glorify Himself upon them. I. WORSHIP OF THE LORD MUST BE OFFERED UP TO HIM ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF THE LORD (v. 1) II. THE GLORY OF THE LORD IS MORE PRECIOUS TO HIM THAN THE LIVES OF MEN (v. 2) Consider Korah’s rebellion in Numbers 16, Uzzah who touched the Ark in 2 Samuel 7, Annanias and Sapphira who lied to the Holy Spirit in Acts 5, and Herod who did not give glory to God in Acts 13. I) The glory of the Lord must be more precious to you than the opinions of men (Galatians 1:10). II) The glory of the Lord must be more precious to you than your own glory (Jeremiah 45:5). III. THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD MUST SANCTIFY HIS NAME IN WORSHIP, OR HE WILL SANCTIFY HIS NAME UPON THEM (v. 3) I) The LORD’s people must draw near to Him by faith in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7:25, 11:6). II) Drawing near to God through faith in Christ, the church then must preach, sing, pray, baptize, feast, give, fellowship, practice discipline, and equip all according to the Word. (I) The Church must preach (and hear) the Word (2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 20:27, James 1:21). (II) The Church must must sing the Word (Ephesians 5:19-20). (III) The Church must pray the Word (Matthew 6:9-13, Psalms, examples of prayers by faithful saints recorded in scripture). (IV) The Church must baptize according to the Word (Acts 8:12). (V) The Church must feast according to the Word (1 Corinthians 11:26). (VI) The Church must give according to the Word (Philippians 4:18, 1 Corinthians 16:2). (VII) The Church must fellowship around the Word (Acts 2:42). (VIII) The Church must practice church discipline according to the Word (Matthew 18:15-18). (IX) The Church must equip the saints with the Word (Ephesians 4:11-12).
CORRUPTED WORSHIP: Exodus 32:1-6
January 31, 2022 • Brett Baggett • Exodus 32:1–6
DOCTRINE: Idolatrous people and weak men will result in corrupt worship. I. THE ISRAELITES WERE QUICK TO FORGET THE LORD AND HIS SALVATION (v. 1) II. AARON WAS WILLING TO GIVE THE PEOPLE THEIR DESIRED IDOLS IN ORDER TO KEEP THEM HAPPY (vv. 2-4a) III. THE PEOPLE LIED ABOUT THEIR IDOL AND ATTRIBUTED TO IT THE WORKS OF THE LORD (v. 4b) IV. AARON BUILT UPON THEIR LIE AND SOUGHT TO SYNC UP WORSHIP OF THIS IDOL WITH WORSHIP OF THE LORD (vv. 5-6a) V. THE GROSSLY IDOLATROUS PEOPLE AND PRIEST CONTINUED ON UNAWARE OF THEIR IMPENDING DOOM (v. 6b) APPLICATION 1 Corinthians 10:11 “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.” I) Because the Lord’s people are quick to forget their God and His salvation, you must stir them up by way of reminder (2 Peter 1:13). 2 Peter 1:13 “I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder…” II) You must never sacrifice even an ounce of truth on the altar of peace (Galatians 1:10). Galatians 1:10 “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” III) If you are not careful, the ways of the world will slide into the worship of the Church (2 Corinthians 6:14). 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 “14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?” IV) God has put safeguards for purity of worship in His Scriptures and you must adhere to them (Exodus 20:4). Exodus 20:4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.” V) It does not matter who you say you are worshiping, if you are offering will-worship it is a substitution for God’s pure worship (Psalm 106:20). Psalm 106:20 “They exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass.” VI) If the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s chosen, does not stand in the breach for you, God’s wrath will not be turned away (1 John 2:1-2). 1 John 2:1-2 “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins…” VII) Though you have a Mediator in Christ Jesus, that does not mean you will be spared from discipline if you do not repent (Proverbs 3:11-12). Proverbs 3:11-12 “11 My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” VIII) Will-worshippers are likely continuing on unaware of their impending doom or discipline—therefore you should pray and labor, within your sphere of influence, to speak the truth of God to those offering false-worship (Hebrews 12:28-29). Hebrews 12:28-29 “Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”
OUR GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE: Hebrews 12:28-29
February 14, 2022 • Brett Baggett • Hebrews 12:28–29
DOCTRINE: God’s saints, having in Christ received a kingdom that cannot be shaken, are given the privilege of worshipping Him; and they must do so acceptably, reverently, and awfully, free from idolatry, because God is our jealous God (Hebrews 12:28-29). I. WE WHO ARE IN CHRIST HAVE GREAT REASONS TO BE GRATEFUL TO GOD (Hebrews 12:28a) I) The Kingdom of Christ shall not be shaken because the King cannot be moved (Psalm 2:6-8; Psalm 21:7). II) The Subjects of the Kingdom shall not be shaken because their King cannot be moved (Psalm 46:4-7). II. BECAUSE OF CHRIST, BELIEVERS HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE PRIVILEGE OF OFFERING ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP TO GOD (Hebrews 12:28b) Consider the privilege you have been given in Christ, being chosen by God to worship Him (Deuteronomy 7:6-8; 1 Peter 2:9). Think of the privilege of private worship, family worship, and public worship; even that all of life can be lived as worship. I) You and I must worship God acceptably (Hebrews 12:28b) II) You and I must worship God reverently (Hebrews 12:28c) III) You and I must worship God awefully (Hebrews 12:28d) III. WE IN CHRIST MUST OFFER UP THIS ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP TO GOD, FREE FROM IDOLATRY, BECAUSE HE IS OUR JEALOUS GOD (v. 29) CONCLUSION Are you grateful for receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken? Are you humbled and overjoyed by being given the privilege, by Christ’s blood, of worshipping God acceptably? Do you aim to worship Him acceptably in private, in your home, in the assembly of the saints? Do you worship the Lord with shamefacedness? Do you worship the Lord in awe? Do you treasure the fact the He is YOUR GOD, and tremble when considering offering Him acceptable worship?
THIRTEEN MARKS OF CHRIST'S INDESTRUCTIBLE CHURCH: Acts 2:37-47
February 28, 2022 • Brett Baggett • Acts 2:37–47
BIG IDEA: Thirteen marks of Christ’s indestructible church. I. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE A COMMUNITY OF BAPTIZED BELIEVERS IN JESUS CHRIST (Acts 2:37-41) II. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT HOLINESS (Acts 2:37-38; 1 Peter 1:14-16) III. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST RIGHTLY ADMINISTER BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER (Acts 2:41-42; Romans 6:3; 1 Corinthians 11:26) IV. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST HAVE QUALIFIED LEADERS (Acts 2:42-43; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-14; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4) V. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT DOCTRINE (Acts 2:42; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9; 1 Corinthians 2:2) VI. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT FELLOWSHIP (Acts 2:42; Psalm 16:3; Romans 15:32) VII. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT PRAYER (Acts 2:42; Colossians 4:2) VIII. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE A PEOPLE WHO FEAR THE LORD (Acts 2:43a; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Peter 1:7) IX. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT UNITY (Acts 2:44; Ephesians 4:1-3) X. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT THE GREAT COMMANDMENT (Acts 2:45; James 2:8; Galatians 6:10) XI. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST GATHER REGULARLY FOR WORSHIP (Acts 2:46-47; Leviticus 23:3; Hebrews 10:24-25) XII. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE IN EACH OTHERS DAILY LIVES, EVEN PRAISING GOD IN THEIR HOMES (Acts 2:46-47a) XIII. CHRIST’S CHURCH MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT THE GREAT COMMISSION (Acts 2:47b, 40; Romans 10:17)
THE PRIVILEGE AND DUTY OF PUBLIC WORSHIP: Hebrews 10:22-25
March 7, 2022 • Brett Baggett • Hebrews 10:22–25
BIG IDEA: The privileges and duties of those who have Christ as their Great Priest. I. IF CHRIST IS YOUR GREAT PRIEST, DRAW NEAR TO GOD WITH FULL ASSURANCE (v. 22) II. IF CHRIST IS YOUR GREAT PRIEST, HOLD FAST YOUR CONFESSION BECAUSE GOD IS FAITHFUL (v. 23) III. IF CHRIST IS YOUR GREAT PRIEST, LABOR FOR THE EDIFICATION OF OTHER SAINTS (v. 24) IV. IF CHRIST IS YOUR GREAT PRIEST, ASSEMBLE WITH THE SAINTS SO THAT YOU MAY DRAW NEAR, HOLD FAST, AND STIR UP (v. 25) QUESTION 1. Does this mean only the Lord’s Day gathering? A. No, not only the public worship gathering on the Lord’s Day, but, in addition, any lawful meeting of the church as directed by the elders; such as for fellowship (small groups), prayer, or church discipline (1 Cor. 5:4-5). QUESTION 2. Why do some neglect the assemblies of the saints? A1. Fear of suffering. A2. Spiritual sloth. A3. Unbelief working gradually towards the forsaking of all profession. A4. Some neglect the Lord’s Day public worship because they do not love God as they should. These may even like small groups because they love friends but do not want to be a friend of God. A5. Some neglect intentional times of fellowship, such as small groups, because they do not love the saints as they should. These may even like public worship because they love God but they do not want to be known by others or know them. QUESTION 3. How does my participation in public worship serve to encourage fellow saints? A1. By your very presence, reminding other believers they are not alone but have many brothers and sisters who love them and care for them, and also love the Lord. A2. By the fellowship you have with others and conversation before and after the ordinances of public worship. A3. By your participation in hearing the Word, giving a hearty amen to all that is done by God’s Word, praying, and taking of the Lord’s Supper which is all done in communion with one another. A4. By your singing of Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs, which you address both to God and to one another (Ephesians 5). Specifically speaking of public worship on the Lord’s Day, this is nothing but a continuation of what the God’s people in all ages have done! They have assembled themselves together to worship the Lord by His ordinances. This its truth is proved and improved in various ways: I) The Church under the Old Covenant assembled with the saints for public worship weekly on the Sabbath (Leviticus 23:3). II) The Church under the Old Covenant also assembled with the saints for public worship regularly according to the festivals (Numbers 28-29). III) Christ in His incarnation assembled with the saints weekly for public worship in the synagogues (Luke 4:16). IV) The early Church under the New Covenant assembled with the saints for public worship (Acts 2:1-4; Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 11 and 14). (I) Christ launched the New Covenant church on the day of Pentecost and from an assembly of saints which was even on a Sunday, 50 days after the resurrection of Christ, 10 days after His ascension (Acts 2:1-4). (II) The early church devoted themselves to public worship (Acts 2:42). (III) Later churches in the book of Acts also devoted themselves to public worship (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 14, 1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 1:10). V) The Lord forbids His saints from neglecting to meet together (Hebrews 10:25). VI) Missions exists because worship does not (Psalm 67:4-5). VII) Public worship in the assembly of the saints is the most heavenlike thing in the world (Revelation 5:6-14).
CHURCH DISCIPLINE: Matthew 18:15-20
March 14, 2022 • Brandon Allen • Matthew 18:15–20
I. THE DUTY TO DISCIPLINE A WAYWARD BROTHER (vv. 15-17) I) If your brother sins against you, go and correct him privately. II) If he does not listen, take one or two others and go. III) If he does not listen, rally the church to go. IV) If he does not listen, regard him the way the Jews regarded Gentiles and tax collectors. II. MOTIVATIONS UNTO THIS DUTY (vv. 18-20) I) The local Church, visible in this world, has been granted authority to exercise God's discipline. II) The local Church, standing in agreement, has the promise of God that their decision accords with His. III) The local Church, gathered in Jesus' name, has the privilege of having Jesus Christ Himself among them.
HOW WE MUST LISTEN TO THE WORD PREACHED: James 1:19-25
March 21, 2022 • Brett Baggett • James 1:19–25
DOCTRINE: The happiest people on earth are those who meekly receive the Word in faith and practice the Word in obedience. I. YOU MUST RECEIVE THE WORD WITH MEEKNESS, AND TEACH OTHERS TO DO THE SAME (vv. 19-21) II. YOU MUST PRACTICE THE WORD IN OBEDIENCE, AND TEACH OTHRES TO DO THE SAME (vv. 22-24) I) If there is a truth or principle, believe it and submit to it. II) If there is a command, obey it. III) If there is a good example, follow it. IV) If there is a bad example, avoid it. V) If there is a warning, heed it and flee from whatever it warns against. VI) If there is a promise, trust it. III. IF YOU BOTH RECEIVE AND PRACTICE THE WORD, AS WELL AS TEACH OTHERS TO DO THE SAME, YOU AND THEY WILL BE HAPPY (v. 25)
WHY, WHAT, AND HOW THE SAINTS SING: Ephesians 5:19-20
March 28, 2022 • Brett Baggett • Ephesians 5:19–20
BIG IDEA: Why the saints are to sing; what the saints are to sing; and how the saints are to sing. I. WHY MUST THE SAINTS SING? (v. 19) I) The saints sing because the great example laid out to us in the Scriptures is that the Lord’s people are singing people (Exodus 15—Revelation 15). II) The saints sing because God commands it and therefore it glorifies Him (Ephesians 5:19-20). III) The saints sing because Christ has redeemed them (Revelation 5:9). Day and night the angels never cease to sing, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD God almighty.” In heaven the perfected saints sing, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!” Join the song! II. WHAT MUST THE SAINTS SING? (v. 19) I) The saints are commanded to sing Psalms (v. 19b). II) The saints are commanded to sing Hymns (v. 19b). III) The saints are commanded to sing Spiritual Songs (v. 19b). Joel Beeke, in his pamphlet titled Why Should We Sing Psalms, gives nine further reasons we should sing from the songbook of the Bible. I commend these also to you: 1. God Gave the Psalms for Israel and All Nations to Sing. 2. The Psalms Reveal Christ in His Sufferings and Glory. 3. Christ and the New Testament Church Sang the Psalms. 4. Singing the Psalms Causes the Word of Christ to Dwell in Us Richly. 5. Singing the Psalms Helps Us to Be Filled with God’s Spirit. 6. Singing the Psalms Enables Us to Worship God in Every Experience. 7. The Psalms Unite Us with Believers of All Times. 8. The Psalms Lift Up Our Eyes to the Hope of Glory. 9. The Psalms Keep God Supreme in Our Worship. III. HOW MUST THE SAINTS SING? (v. 19-20) I) The saints must sing, addressing one another and so admonish and encourage one another (v. 19a). II) The saints must sing, making melody to the LORD each with our individual hearts (v. 19c). III) The saints must sing to the Lord Jesus Christ as the chief audience (v. 19c). IV) The saints must sing, giving thanks always for everything (v. 20a). (I) Think of the Pardon Christ gives you at His bloody expense as your priest! (II) Think on the Promises Jesus has given you in His word as your prophet! (III) Oh think of the Provision, Protection, and Perfection that the Lord Jesus Christ has guaranteed to all who belong to Him as their king! V) We must sing, giving thanks to God the Father through Jesus our High Priest (v. 20b). All your praise both from the heart and through the lips must be tendered up through faith in Jesus Christ or else it is vain and even despicable to God. But if your songs be truly a sacrifice of praise from a heart that rests in Christ alone and makes no peace with sin, then your lips reach the ears of heaven, and you can be sure a smile is given in response!
WATER BAPTISM’S SIGNS, RECIPIENTS, MODE, AND DUTY: Romans 6:1-4
April 4, 2022 • Brett Baggett • Romans 6:1–4
BIG IDEA: The signs, recipients, proper mode, and duty following water baptism, as revealed by God in the Scriptures. I) The Scriptures speak of John’s Water Baptism of repentance, to prepare the way for Christ (Matthew 3:11a; Matthew 3:5-6). II) The Scriptures speak of Holy Spirit Baptism, which Christ will give to all who come to faith in Him (Matthew 3:11b). III) The Scriptures speak of Judgement Baptism, which Christ will give to all who remain in their sins (Matthew 3:11c-12). IV) The Scriptures speak of Christ’s Water Baptism (Matthew 3:13-17). V) In addition, the Scriptures speak of a Baptism of Suffering (Mark 10:35-40). VI) The Scriptures also speak of Christian Water Baptism (Matthew 28:19). I. WHAT IS WATER BAPTISM A SIGN OF? (Romans 6:3-4; Acts 22:14-16; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:18) I) Water baptism is a sign of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). II) Water baptism is also a sign of the saints’ union with Christ by faith in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4) III) Water baptism is also a sign of the saints’ old self—which was a sinner in Adam—being buried with Christ, and our new self—which is now righteous in Christ—being alive by the working of the Triune God (Romans 6:3-4). IV) Water baptism is also a sign of our sins being washed away by faith in Christ (Acts 22:14-16; Acts 2:38). V) Water baptism is also a sign of our rescue from the wrath of God by faith in Christ (1 Peter 3:21). II. WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED IN WATER? (The Baptist Catechism Q.101-102). Q.101. To whom is Baptism to be administered? A. Baptism is to be administered to all those who actually profess repentance towards God, faith in, and obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ; and to none other. (Acts 2:38; Matt. 3:6; Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12, 36; Acts 10:47-48) Q.102. Are the infants of such as are professing believers to be baptized? A. The infants of such as are professing believers are not to be baptized; because there is neither command nor example in the Holy Scriptures, or certain consequence from them, to baptize such. (there are no Scriptures cited, for reasons detailed in the answer) III. HOW SHOULD WE BAPTIZE IN WATER? (The Baptist Catechism Q.103) Q. 103. How is Baptism rightly administered? A. Baptism is rightly administered by immersion, or dipping the whole body of the person in water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (Matt. 3:16; John 3:23; Acts 8:38-39) IV. WHAT IS THE DUTY OF THOSE WHO ARE RIGHTLY BAPTIZED IN WATER? (The Baptist Catechism Q.104) Q. 104. What is the duty of those who are rightly baptized? A. It is the duty of those who are rightly baptized to give up (join) themselves to some visible and orderly church of Jesus Christ, that they may walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. (Acts 2:46-47; Acts 9:26; 1 Peter 2:5; Heb. 10:25; Rom. 16:5)
THE LORD'S SUPPER + Q&A: 1 Corinthians 11:23-29
April 11, 2022 • Brett Baggett • 1 Corinthians 11:23–29
DOCTRINE: The Lord’s Supper is an institution of Christ wherein we remember and proclaim His death, and it must be received in the way Christ commands. I. THE LORD’S SUPPER IS AN INSTITUTION OF CHRIST HIMSELF (1 Corinthians 11:23a) II. IN THE LORD’S SUPPER, THE SAINTS EAT THE BREAD TO REMEMBER CHRIST’S BODY THAT WAS WILLINGLY BROKEN FOR THEM (1 Corinthians 11:23b-24) III. IN THE LORD’S SUPPER, THE SAINTS DRINK THE CUP TO REMEMBER CHRIST’S BLOOD THAT WAS WILLINGLY SHED FOR THEM TO PURCHASE THE NEW COVENANT (1 Corinthians 11:25) IV. IN THE LORD’S SUPPER, THE SAINTS ARE PREACHING A VISIBLE SERMON OF CHRIST CRUCIFIED (1 Corinthians 11:26) V. IF YOU TAKE THE LORD’S SUPPER IN AN UNWORTHY MANNER, IT IS AS EVIL AS NAILING HIM TO THE CROSS (1 Corinthians 11:27) VI. YOU MUST EXAMINE YOURSELF BEFORE YOU EAT THE BREAD AND DRINK THE CUP (1 Corinthians 11:28) VII. IF YOU EAT AND DRINK WITHOUT PROPERLY PREPARING, YOU EAT AND DRINK THE JUDGEMENT OF GOD ON YOURSELF (1 Corinthians 11:29-32) CONCLUSION: So valuable is the Lamb of God that those who profane even the symbols of His death have the vengeance of the Lord engaged against them, causing sickness and even death (see 1 Corinthians 11:27-32). See how precious is the body and the blood of Christ! So valuable is the Lamb of God that His death could redeem ten million worlds! But His blood was not spilt for ten million worlds; His blood was spilt for you, believer. For you! Therefore sing from your heart with the saints in heaven, “Worthy is the Lamb! Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!” (Revelation 5).
THE LOCAL CHURCH IS COMPRISED OF SAINTS, OVERSEERS, AND DEACONS: Philippians 1:1
April 18, 2022 • Brett Baggett • Philippians 1:1
DOCTRINE: Local churches are comprised of saints, deacons, and overseers. Saints are the covenant body, Deacons the appointed servants, and Overseers the entrusted leaders, with Christ Jesus Himself as the Chief Shepherd. I. CHIRST HIMSELF IS THE CHIEF SHEPHERD OF THE CHURCH (Philippians 1:1a). II. LOCAL CHURCHES ARE COMPRISED OF SAINTS (Philippians 1:1b) III. LOCAL CHURCHES HAVE DEACONS (Philippians 1:1d) DOCTRINE: If disciples are going to be and the saints cared for, local churches must have qualified Deacons, who are appointed to serve the body alongside the Pastors. 6 points on Deacons. I) The word Deacon means simply means “Servant” (Philippians 1:1, etc.). II) Every Christian is to be a “servant” but there are some appointed as “Servants” of local churches (Mark 10:42-45). III) Deacons are not the same thing as Elders, Pastors, Overseers (1 Timothy 3:1-13). IV) Deacons must meet the qualifications laid out for them in Scripture (1 Timothy 3:8-13). V) Churches approve Deacons, and Pastors appoint them (Acts 6:6; Titus 1:5). VI) The job description of deacons is simply to serve and care for the church in ways that enable the Pastors to care for the church through the Word and prayer (Acts 6:4; Acts 6:7). IV. LOCAL CHURCHES HAVE OVERSEERS (Philippians 1:1c) 6 points on Overseers. I) The words overseer, elder, and pastor are used interchangeably in the New Testament (1 Peter 5:1-2). II) There must be a plurality of pastors (Acts 20:17, etc.). III) Pastors must train up pastors (2 Timothy 2:2). IV) Women are not pastors (1 Timothy 2:12). V) Pastors must meet the God-breathed qualifications and be appointed by the current pastors (selected Scriptures). VI) Pastors must labor to fulfill their God-breathed duties as laid out in the Scriptures (selected Scriptures). (I) Prayer and the study of scripture (Acts 6:4). (II) Ruling and leading the church (1 Tim. 5:17). (III) Managing the church (1 Tim. 3:4-5). (IV) Caring for the members of the church (1 Pet. 5:2-5). (V) Living exemplary lives (Heb. 13:7). (VI) Rightly using the authority God has given them (Acts 20:28). (VII) Teaching the Bible correctly (Eph. 4:11; 1 Tim. 3:2). (VIII) Preaching (1 Tim. 5:17). (IX) Praying for the sick (James 5:13-15). (X) Teaching sound doctrine and refuting false teachings (Tit. 1:9). (XI) Working hard (1 Thess. 5:12). (XII) Rightly using money and authority (1 Pet. 5:1-3). (XIII) Protecting the church from false teachers (Acts 20:17-31). (XIV) Overseeing the discipline of unrepentant members (Matt. 18:15-17, Gal. 6:1-5). (XV) Obeying the secular laws as a legal ruling body of a corporation (Rom. 13:1-7). (XVI) Giving account to God for the church (Heb. 13:17). (XVII) Training other leaders and teachers (Eph. 4:11-16; 2 Tim. 2:1-2).
WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR OVERSEERS, PASTORS, ELDERS: 1 Timothy 3:1-7
April 25, 2022 • Brett Baggett • 1 Timothy 3:1–7, Titus 1:6–9, 1 Peter 5:2–4
DOCTRINE: Overseers must have the necessary I) desire, II) character, III) diligence, IV) experience, V) reputation, and VI) giftedness to fulfill the noble task of shepherding the flock of God. I. OVERSEERS MUST HAVE THE NECESSARY DESIRE TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (1 Timothy 3:1) I) Being an overseer is a noble task because pastors must set an example to Christ’s flock (1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:7; Hebrews 13:7; 1 Peter 5:2-3). II) Being an overseer is a noble task because pastors will be judged more strictly (James 3:1). III) Being an overseer is a noble task because pastors will give an account for how they have cared for Jesus’ flock (Hebrews 13:17). IV) Being an overseer is a noble task because pastors must ultimately aim to please the Lord Jesus not man (Galatians 1:10; Galatians 4:16; 1 Peter 5:4). II. OVERSEERS MUST HAVE THE NECESSARY CHARACTER TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (1 Timothy 3:2-3) III. OVERSEERS MUST HAVE THE NECESSARY DILIGENCE TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (1 Timothy 3:4-5) I) A pastor must first be a faithful pastor of his wife (Ephesians 5:25-26). II) A pastor must also first be a faithful pastor of his children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Ephesians 6:4). IV. OVERSEERS MUST HAVE THE NECESSARY EXPERIENCE TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (1 Timothy 3:6) V. OVERSEERS MUST HAVE THE NECESSARY REPUTATION TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (1 Timothy 3:7) VI. OVERSEERS MUST HAVE THE NECESSARY GIFTEDNESS TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (1 Timothy 3:2b) I) A pastor’s primary duty is to pray and preach, and so feed Christ’s flock (selected Scriptures). II) As a pastor fulfills His primary duty, he must have good doctrine and be willing and able to rebuke those who contradict it (Titus 1:9). (I) The preaching of the gospel is primary because it is the only way sinners can know how to be forgiven of their sins (Ephesians 1:7). (II) The preaching of the gospel is primary because it is the primary way saints are strengthened to keep killing their still indwelling sin and therefore grow in holiness (Colossians 3:3-5). (III) The preaching of the gospel is primary because believers need to be constantly reminded of their position in Christ (Romans 8:1). (IV) The preaching of the gospel is primary because it is the only way saints can adequately put to death their sinful worries and anxieties (1 Peter 5:7; Romans 8:32). (V) The preaching of the gospel is primary because it reminds suffering saints of the eternal weight of glory that they will experience one day with Christ (Romans 8:18). (VI) The preaching of the gospel is primary because it assures those in Christ of God’s love for them (1 John 4:10; Romans 8:35-39). (VII) The preaching of the gospel is primary because it the chief way that God stirs up praise in His people (Hebrews 13:14-15). CONCLUSION: We need men like this! Therefore pray. Luke 10:2 “[Christ] said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH: Matthew 28:18-20
May 2, 2022 • Brett Baggett • Matthew 28:18–20
INTRODUCTION: What is the mission of the visible Church? DOCTRINE: Christ, who has all authority, chooses the mission of the visible church. The mission is to make disciples of all nations by baptizing and teaching, as we commune with Christ. I. JESUS HAS ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH (Matthew 28:18) Matthew 28:18 “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’” II. JESUS HAS ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH, THEREFORE HE CHOOSES THE MISSION OF THE VISIBLE CHURCH (Matthew 28:19a) Matthew 28:19a “Go therefore” III. THE MISSION OF THE VISIBLE CHURCH IS TO MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS (Matthew 28:19b) Matthew 28:19b “and make disciples of all nations,” 4 QUESTIONS Q1. Did Christ give us a losing mission? A. “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18). Q2. How has the church faired the past two thousand years? A. “In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120)” (Acts 1:15). Q3. What did Christ teach us to pray for? A. “Your kingdom come. . .” (Matthew 6:10). WESTMINSTER LARGER CATECHISM: Q. 191. What do we pray for in the second petition (of the Lord’s Prayer)? A. In the second petition (which is, Thy kingdom come). . .we pray, that. . .the gospel propagated throughout the world, the Jews called, the fullness of the Gentiles brought in. . .that Christ would rule in our hearts here, and hasten the time of his second coming, and our reigning with him forever: and that he would be pleased so to exercise the kingdom of his power in all the world, as may best conduce to these ends. Q4. What did Christ teach us to expect? A. Matthew 13:31-33 “31 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” 33 He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.” Psalm 72:19 “Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!” Habakkuk 2:14 “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Isaiah 11:9 “They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” IV. THE MISSION OF THE VISIBLE CHURCH IS TO BAPTIZE ALL NATIONS (Matthew 28:19c) Matthew 28:19c “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” V. THE MISSION OF THE VISIBLE CHURCH IS TO TEACH OBEDIENCE TO ALL NATIONS (Matthew 28:20a) Matthew 28:20a “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” VI. THE MISSION OF THE VISIBLE CHURCH WILL SUCEED BECAUSE CHRIST WILL BE WITH THE CHURCH ALL THE DAYS (Matthew 28:20b) Matthew 28:20b “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 1 Corinthians 10:16 “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?” CONCLUDING EXHORTATION Habakkuk 2:14 “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Go do your every day duties and watch Christ fulfill this promise!
WHY ARE WE DOING SHEPHERD SCHOOL? 2 Timothy 2:1-6
January 17, 2022 • Brett Baggett • 2 Timothy 2:1–6
WHY WE ARE DOING SHEPHERD SCHOOL: 2 Timothy 2:1-6 Big idea: Why are we doing Shepherd School? I. We are doing Shepherd School so that you would be strengthened by grace (v. 1) II. We are doing Shepherd School so that you would be taught the truth (v. 2a) III. We are doing Shepherd School so that you would be equipped to teach others (v. 2b) IV. We are doing Shepherd School so that you would be a good soldier of Jesus Christ (v. 3) V. We are doing Shepherd School so that you would please your King (v. 4) VI. We are doing Shepherd School so that you would live your life according to the the rules and so be rewarded (v. 5) VII. We are doing Shepherd School so that you would exhaust yourselves in planting and watering, and therefore most enjoy the fruit that God grows (v. 6)