April 21, 2024

Today's Order of Worship
Washed In The Blood/I’ll Fly Away
Trading My Sorrows

Scripture Reading: James 4:5-8

Just A Closer Walk
Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me

Worship & Giving
Please place your general, love, and parking lot offering in the box in the foyer or online at www.etbc.church/giving. Thanks for partnering!

God’s Word Speaks To Our Need
1 Corinthians 4:1-13
"Breaking the Idol of Worldly Leadership"
Pastor Ron Christiansen

Closing
Happy Day

Sermon Notes:

What is an Idol? And how do people idolize leaders in society and even in the church? Why is it dangerous for the integrity of the country or organization to idolize a particular leader?

Today's Theme:

Godly Leaders Serve His People with a Humble Chirst-like Lifestyle

Godly Leaders Steward God's Wisdom (4:1-7)

A. Serving in Light of Eternity (v. 3-5)
B. Serving with Teachable Hearts (v. 6)
C. Serving the Gospel Only (v. 6)
D. Serving without Ego (v. 6)
E. Serving without Competition (v. 6)
F. Serving with Humility (v.7)

Godly Leaders Serve God's People (4:8-13)

Godly Leaders Serve Because they Want to:
A. Help God's People Grow (v.8-10)
B. Help God's People Transform (v. 10-13)

Paul's leadership mirrors the life, teaching, and work of Jesus.

Leaders are not measured by their accomplishments or talent; rather, they are measured by their similarity to Jesus. As Paul notes in 4:5, this is true for all Christians. All of us will be known for this on the Day of the Lord.

Application Questions

It is easy to get caught up in the hype and energy of worldly things in a church. It is easy to follow an influencer or dynamic leader. But that is not what church is about. It isn't about the things we most often want in a church.

How does Paul's example mirror Christ in his commitment to the gospel?

How does Paul's example mirror Christ in his humble self-sacrifice for the benefit of others?

1. Do your pastor, elders, and deacons resemble these traits?
2. How do you model these two traits to your family if you are a mother, father, or grandparent?
3. How do you model these to co-workers, classmates, or others in your church family? Are you investing in helping others grow in their knowledge of Jesus and living out the life of Jesus in front of them?
4. Paul often indicates the imminent return of Christ in this letter. Would your commitment to the gospel and a Jesus-like lifestyle be found in your life on the Day of the Lord?

What steps could you take to help others know Jesus this week? Please list those you can treat like royalty and serve them with the goodness of the Gospel.
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2.____________________________
3.____________________________

How will you live and talk the gospel with them this week?
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