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We need elders because… 1. Watch out! There are MANY false teachers who… (v10-16) a. Don’t submit to Paul’s Gospel… (v10-12) b. …but instead promote religious rituals… (v10, 14 & 15) c. …so that they can live however they please! (v12-13; 16) 2. What is to be done about false teachers like this? We need elders to… a. Silence them! (v11) b. And rebuke them! (v13)

Intro: Jesus’ startling story: meet Mr A. Richman, EH9 1. Beware: there is more to life than accumulating wealth (13-15) The man in the crowd: Blinded by his bank accounts 2. Beware: it’s foolish to seek security in wealth, not God (16-21) The man in the story:Blinded by his bigger-barn ambitions 3. Fear not: God really does provide for his people’s needs (22-31) The followers of Jesus: Consider your Father’s care for you Conclusion: where will you find lasting security?

v5 and 7 Every church needs multiple elders to oversee and steward God’s people v6 Elders must be above reproach in their home life v7-8 Elders must be above reproach in their own conduct and character v9 Elders must believe and teach the Scriptures, rebuking those who contradict them Applications: Pray for your elders, giving thanks for them Pray for people in churches where elders have behaved badly Pray for elders like this to be raised up across Scotland

The freedom we want The freedom we don’t realise we’ve lost The way to be truly free

How do we respond when God speaks? 1. AHAB (v 1-8) Wants to be affirmed, not challenged 2. MICAIAH (v 9-28) Faithful to the truth, whatever it costs 3. JEHOSHAPHAT (v 29-53) Wants to listen, but fails to act God in his sovereignty is working out his purposes through these kings, and pointing us to the perfect King. How will we respond?

Introduction: Nervous? Indifferent? Clueless? etc. 1. First, come and see for yourself. 2. Then, bring others to come and see for themselves… 3. …that they may follow Him.

1. Look at what happens when God’s word is ignored… (v1-7) …there is great injustice!! (v8-16) 2. Does God care? ________________________________________ (v17-24) 3. Why does God not act straight away? Because____________(v25-29)

What can John the Baptist teach us about evangelism? It’s telling people about Jesus, the … … Scripture promised (v23) … Superior (v27,v30) … Spirit-filled (v32-33) … Son of God (v34) It’s telling people of the sin-atoning sacrifice of Jesus (v29)