Text: Romans 8:5-13 In our text, Paul contrasted two different mindsets – one set on the flesh, the other set on the Spirit. These are diametrically opposed to one another, and as Christians, it should be obvious which side we are on. Yet too often, we allow our minds to focus on the flesh instead […]
Point Out These Things to the Brethren
Text: 1 Timothy 4:6 A preacher’s job is not to find some “new” thing to present to his audience every time he preaches. He is to “preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2), which means he will inform, challenge, and remind the brethren. In our text, Paul explained the importance of preachers reminding the brethren. This can […]
Three Indictments
Text: Hebrews 10:29 The Hebrew writer addressed the problem of those who would “go on sinning willfully” (Hebrews 10:26). These were Christians who were forgiven of their sins. Yet in our text, the Hebrew writer made three indictments against them. He was not just indicting them of sin, but of three things they were doing […]
Convicting the World
Text: John 16:7-11 Shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus spoke to His apostles and promised to send the Holy Spirit. He would “convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” This would have a direct impact on the apostles’ teaching, and it should with ours as well. Role of the Holy Spirit Jesus promised the […]
Under the Influence
Text: Ephesians 5:18 Being “under the influence” typically refers to the use of alcohol. In our text, Paul mentioned alcohol, but he also mentioned another influence that can affect our behavior – the Spirit. Paul contrasted them because they both affect our behavior, but in different ways. Alcohol influences us toward the direction of “debauchery” (NIV, […]
The Spirit as a Pledge
Text: 2 Corinthians 5:1-5 In this passage, Paul talked about God giving the Holy Spirit to us “as a pledge.” We might wonder what this means. What is a pledge? Why did God do this? How is the Spirit given? It is helpful to understand what Paul meant here. This was said to provide us […]
Big Words in the Bible (Part 3): Sanctification
Text: Romans 6:16-22 In this series, we are looking at some big words in the Bible. All of them are “big” in terms of importance; but for some of them, we may be unsure of what they mean. In this third lesson, we will be looking at the word sanctification. Jesus’ death on the cross enabled us […]








