INTRODUCTION: Read Philippians 3:4-11

A. Many businesses issue periodic profit-and-loss statements

1. Profit and losses are listed to show whether or not a company made money

2. Jewish rabbis used this kind of accountant terminology to compare what was important and what was not

3. Jesus used a similar approach, Matthew 16:26

B. In our text of study Paul included his own profit-and-loss statement, Philippians 3:7-8

C. As we investigate the text before us, we will see what mattered to Paul and what did not.

D. Each of need to ask, “What is truly important to me?”

INTRODUCTION: Numbers 6:1-21

1. God anticipated that there would be those in Israel who would want to go beyond the average.

2. God provided a way for them to do so.

3. They were to make a voluntary vow to God.

4. Not just any vow but one that God would specify.

5. I believe this to be a fore-shadowing of the Christian walk which is closer to God than the walk of any previous dispensation.

DISCUSSION: The Nazarite vow was…

Scripture ref: Luke 16:19-23

SUBJECT: Covetousness

TITLE: The Rich Man and Lazarus

Type: Expository

PROPOSITION: To study the story of the rich man and Lazarus and notice: 1) The characters, 2) The circumstances, 3) The cries of the rich man, 4) The conclusions of the story.

OBJECTIVES:Each listener should be able to understand the story, repeat it, and explain it.

AIM:To familiarize everyone with this story and teach its lessons so as not to fall into similar circumstances as the rich man.

INTRODUCTION:

1. Read: Luke 16:19-23

2. About the Text:

1) Context starts in Luke 16:13ff

2) Contrast between serving God and mammon (v.13).

3) Covetous Pharisees overhead (v.14).

INTRODUCTION:

1. Open your Bible please to Colossians 1:16-17.

2. In our earlier lesson we discussed Colossians 1:15-16b.

3. In this lesson we will discuss Colossians 1:16c-17.

1) In these verses the focus is still on Christ as Creator.

2) In addition to the emphasis of Christ being Creator, emphasis is also about Christ keeping the entire universe and everything within it functioning and orbiting properly.

3) Without the power and management of Christ everything would collide and there would be utter chaos.

4. Let’s go to Colossians 1:16c-17 and learn things that will impress us to remain in awe about Christ.

INTRODUCTION:

1. Open your Bible please to Colossians 1:12-14.

2. In Colossians 1:12-14 Paul speaks of five things that Christians are to be thankful for.

3. Thankfulness should be characteristic in the life of every Christian.

INTRODUCTION:

1. Open your bible please to Colossians 1:24-29.

2. In Colossians 1:24-29 Paul continues to amaze his readers when he speaks of rejoicing in his sufferings.

3. Most people think of many reasons to complain when they experience sufferings.

4. Paul, earlier in life had been beaten and stoned due to his faithfulness to Christ.

5. Paul, as he wrote the letter to those of Colossae was in prison in Rome.

6. Let’s discuss things that Paul says in Colossians 1:24-29 that help us to understand why Paul would rejoice in his sufferings.

Introduction: Read John 4:43-54

1. A nobleman stood at the bedside of his son. Son dying. Doctors helpless. Mother weeping.

2. Father is out of options. Needs a miracle. Thinks “water to wine” (John 2:1-11). “I know where there is a miracle working man.” Government keeps track of those that cause a ruckus in Jerusalem (John 2:13-25). Doesn’t send servant, goes himself.

3. Finds Jesus in Cana, an uphill journey from Capernaum. Asks Him to come down.

4. Jesus changes the subject, v. 48.

1) Reveals that He is concerned more for the soul of the nobleman than for the life of the child. …of such is the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 19:14).

2) Jesus’ purpose is to seek and save the lost.