1. Home
  2. Bible Teachings
  3. Browse by Topic

The Kosmos

Mike Sullivan
1 John 2:15-17

The apostle John commands his audience not to love the "kosmos" (i.e., the world system). This system includes three primary values: 1) the lust of the eyes (materialism); 2) the lust of the flesh (hedonism); and 3) the boastful pride of life (egotism). These values are authored and promoted by Satan and are designed to keep people away from God. John says believers should reject the kosmos because it stands in the way of our intimacy with God, it is temporal, and because if we do reject it, our investments in this life will last into eternity.

Keywords

{"passage": "1 John 2:15-17","passageabreviated": "1 John 2:15-17","passagetiny": "1Jn 2:15-17","teacher": "Mike Sullivan","teachingDate"...

View

Two Different Operational Motives

Gary DeLashmutt
Galatians 6:11-18

The world system is designed to distract non-Christians from ever coming to Christ and seduce Christians away from following Christ fully. Pride and fear go hand in hand; seeking the approval of men (or avoiding their disapproval) is a dangerous trap. Gary poses some questions to help us personally reflect on the ways this fear can permeate our lives and calls us to trade this fear of people's disapproval for trusting in God's approval instead.

Keywords

{"passage": "Galatians 6:11-18","passageabreviated": "Gal 6:11-18","passagetiny": "Gal 6:11-18","teacher": "Gary DeLashmutt","teachingDat...

View

Keeping in Step with the Spirit

Mike Sullivan
Galatians 5:25-6:5

What distinguishes walking by the Spirit from living by the Spirit? What walking by the Spirit looks like is discussed as an alternative to a life of empty boasting, glory-seeking, or envy.

Keywords

{"passage": "Galatians 5:25-6:5","passageabreviated": "Gal 5:25-6:5","passagetiny": "Gal 5:25-6:5","teacher": "Mike Sullivan","teachingDa...

View

Your True Self

Ryan Lowery
Romans 7

Paul calls on the Ephesians to recognize their new identity because of the grace they have received from God. People have a tendency to want to be their own god and rule their own lives rather than honor their identity of being an eternal child of God. In a secondary passage, Romans 7, Paul expresses his frustration with his old self and the enslaving habits of sin.

Keywords

{"passage": "Ephesians 4:17-24","passageabreviated": "Eph 4:17-24","passagetiny": "Eph 4:17-24","teacher": "Ryan Lowery","teachingDate": ...

View

Focus on God's Mercy

Chris Hearty
Psalms 103

David celebrates the goodness of God. He begins by celebrating the undeserved blessings. David transitions to celebrate God's undeserved mercy and forgiveness. Finally he culminates in a celebration of praise and gratitude for the awesomeness of God.

Keywords

{"passage": "","passageabreviated": "","passagetiny": "","teacher": "Chris Hearty","teachingDate": "12/08/2014"}

View

Power In Weakness

Mike Sullivan
1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Many hold the view that weakness interferes with our service to God. But according to the Bible, spiritual power is found in weakness. Adverse circumstances can actually turn out to be opportunities to experience God's power. Honesty concerning weakness protects us from two pitfalls that can prevent us from receiving spiritual power: self-exaltation and self-sufficiency.

Keywords

{"passage": "2 Corinthians 12:1-10","passageabreviated": "2 Cor 12:1-10","passagetiny": "2Cor 12:1-10","teacher": "Mike Sullivan","teachi...

View

Features of a Transformed Community (Part 4)

Jim Leffel
1 Thessalonians 5:19-21

An important feature of a healthy spiritual community is zeal: the irrepressible desire for the things of God. We are called not to quench the Spirit and to avoid a critical attitude that is insensitive to God's Word or His Spirit. Developing zeal includes searching for a word from God, joining in with the praise of others, and taking risks.

Keywords

{"passage": "1 Thessalonians 5:19-21","passageabreviated": "1 Thess 5:19-21","passagetiny": "1Th 5:19-21","teacher": "Jim Leffel","teachi...

View

Self-Promotion vs. Humility

Gary DeLashmutt
Luke 14:7-14

Jesus uses a unique parable to contract true versus false spirituality to the Jewish religious leaders in His time. The main principle within the parable is that God is opposed to those who exalt and promote self, but pleased and eager to show support towards those who are humble before Him. As we are more sensitized through the Holy Spirit about our tendency to exalt self, God is able to work powerfully to transform us into more radically humble servants in order to please Him.

Keywords

{"passage": "Luke 14:7-14","passageabreviated": "Luke 14:7-14","passagetiny": "Luke 14:7-14","teacher": "Gary DeLashmutt","teachingDate":...

View

God's Judgment

Mike Sullivan
Obadiah 1:1-21

Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament and is considered among the minor prophets of scripture. The primary focus of this letter is to warn of God's coming judgment on the city of Edom. The city of Edom was arrogant and prideful before God and endures judgment from God. These similar attitudes can still creep up in the lives of Christians today, and have similarly damaging affects on our relationship with God. God's ultimately judgment towards people's sin has been taken care through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

Keywords

{"passage": "Obadiah 1:1-21","passageabreviated": "Obad 1:1-21","passagetiny": "Oba 1:1-21","teacher": "Mike Sullivan","teachingDate": "0...

View