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Pulpit Curriculum
October 15th – October 21th, 2023
Sermon Summary
Today, there are many who still try to bind the old law upon Christians, imposing holy days and food regulations as well as those who insist on Old Testament practices such as a separate priesthood. Such religious beliefs and practices are merely cul-de-sacs that take you nowhere, though they appear to have benefits for the believers in Christ. It must be noted that cul-de-sacs are dead end streets that lead nowhere other than on that street. Similarly, religious cul-de-sacs are dangerous, as they give the appearance of advancement yet there is none. As we live the Christian life, seeking to mature spiritually, we must be careful and watchful of any doctrine or teaching of man that suggests we need more than Jesus Christ! If you practice spiritual disciplines in a way that is rooted firmly in the finished work of Christ, then you are free to practice these things in a beneficial way. Believing the gospel is the most important thing. We should do so with the clear understanding that we must not allow others to impose legal regulations and mystical practices on us as they can lead us into religious cul-de-sacs.
Verse of the Week
Colossians 2: 20-22
20Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.
Going Deeper
Review Colossians 2: 16 – 23
1a) Comparatively analyze the dangers of physical cul-de-sacs with religious cul-de-sacs.
b What are some legalistic practices in the Christian community that bear the characteristics of cul-de sacs?
c List useful strategies that best protect against false teachings and ideologies.
2) What spiritual disciplines would enable Christians to have a quality life in Christ?
3) In today’s message mysticism is defined as ‘the belief that a person can have an immediate experience with the spiritual world, completely apart from the Word of God or the Holy Spirit’. Other than Colossians 2:18-19, identify scriptures refences that warn believers about mysticism.
4) What are some practical ways that we can elevate the supremacy of Christ over rituals and regulations?
5) Using scripture, what tips would you share with someone to guide them to the word of God as the ‘ultimate self-help book’ rather than the many books which may promote self-reliance?
Assess Your Life
1) Reflect on the amount of time you spend with God that fosters a genuine relationship with Him compared to time spent adhering to human commands and teachings.
2) What adjustments can you make in the coming week to fill any voids that you have discovered ?
Application
1) Identify three(3) religious cul-de-sacs that you need to shift your focus away from.
a)
b)
c)
2) How will you work intentionally this week to deal with these cul-de-sacs?
Sermon Main Points
Religious cul-de-sacs are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. As you seek to mature spiritually, be careful and watchful of any doctrine or teaching of man that suggests you need more than Jesus Christ. Specifically, make sure to:
1) Avoid the cul-de-sac of Legalism. (2: 16 – 17)
2) Avoid the cul-de-sac of mysticism. (2: 18 – 19)
3) Avoid the cul-de-sac of self-made religion.(2: 20 – 23)
Sermon Reflection
What stood out for you in this sermon?
What is something I can do to remember this?
We are not called to argue with those who insist on a specific day; we are called to honor God every day.
Elevate the supremacy of Christ over rituals and regulations and emphasize the importance of a genuine relationship with God rather than adherence to human commands and teachings.
Self-made religion is a rejection, whether intentionally or otherwise, of the sufficiency of Christ in matters of salvation.
5 Day Study Plan
Use the Inductive Bible Study method to study these scriptures this week and remember to share with someone else.
Follow these steps
1. Observe the text.
(What do you see in the text? Look for answers to questions like: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?)
2. Interpret the text.
(What did God and the human author of the text want the original people reading this text to understand/do? Why?)
3. Apply the text.
(How do I need to change in my thinking, my affections, my attitudes, and/or my actions?)
Day 1 - 2 Corinthians 3: 1-6
Day 2 - Matthew 5:17-20
Day 3 - 1 Corinthians 2: 12-16
Day 4 - 1 John 4:1
Day 5 - 2 Timothy 4:1-5
For best results, this content should be read and prepared privately and then discussed in your small group or with family / friends. We were not created to do life alone - get connected with a small group and grow together.
Harvest Bible Chapel Barbados - 2023