The Wittenberg Door

6 May, 2011

Small Group Preparation Worksheet

Workshop on Biblical Exposition

1. What is the skeletal structure of your Biblical text (grammatical, etc.)? How does that

structure shape the emphasis of your sermon?

Colossians 4:2–6

I. [opportunity for Paul] Continue in Prayer

² Continue steadfastly in prayer, (Imperative)

For self] being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

for Paul] ³ At the same time, pray also for us,

opportunity] that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—

clarity] ⁴ that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

II. [opportunity for the Colossians] Walk & Talk ⁵ Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, (Imperative)

a. making the best use of the time.

b. ⁶ Let your speech always be gracious, (no verb) seasoned with salt,

i. so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Alternate, Following the infinitives

1. Pray for opportunities to speak (3)

2. Pray for clarity of speech (4)

3. Prepare for speech

a. Using time for preparation

b. Gracious speech

Alternate II – A progression

1. Prayer: Speech to God

2. Life: Right Walk

3. Answers: Speech to Outsiders

2. How does your text fit within the immediate context and the message of the book?

It is a continuation of chapter 3, but chapter 4 is really the same idea of chapter 3: Christian living. It also concludes the ethical side of the book, and leads into the personal, specific greetings.

3. What is the theme of the passage? (The theme is one sentence stating the ‘big idea’ of this

particular passage.)

Prayer, wisdom, and speech are the preparations for encounters with outsiders.

4. What is the aim of the passage? (The aim is the author’s intended application for the

listener).

The aim is that the reader will pray for Paul’s opportunity and clarity, and that the reader will wisely consider their life and speech, especially as it pertains to the outsiders.

5 May, 2011

Charles Simeon Preaching Workshop (Colossiahs 2:2-15

Below is the first of my two presentation assisgments for the Simeon course today:

Small Group Preparation Worksheet

Workshop on Biblical Exposition

1. What is the skeletal structure of your Biblical text (grammatical, etc.)? How does that

structure shape the emphasis of your sermon?

Colossians 2:5–15 (ESV)

Introduction & Context

⁵ For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see

your good order

and the

firmness of your faith in Christ.

I. ⁶ Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord,

A. so walk in him, (imperative)

1. ⁷ rooted (participle) Stability

2. and built up in him (participle) Increase

3. and established in the faith, just as you were taught, (participle) Consistency

4. abounding in thanksgiving. (participle) Giving Glory & Credit to God

B. ⁸ See to it (imperative) that no one takes you captive

1. by philosophy

2. and empty deceit,

a. according to human tradition,

b. according to the elemental spirits of the world,

c. and not according to Christ.

II. ⁹ For in him

A. the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,

B. ¹⁰ and you have been filled in him,

1. who is the head of all rule and authority.

C. ¹¹ In him also (new circumcision)

1. you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands,

a. by putting off the body of the flesh,

b. by the circumcision of Christ,

i. ¹² having been buried with him in baptism,

1. in which you were also raised with him

a. through faith in the powerful working of God,

i. who raised him from the dead.

2. ¹³ And you,

a. who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh,

b. God made alive together with him,

i. having forgiven us all our trespasses,

1. ¹⁴ by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands.

a. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

b. ¹⁵ He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

2. How does your text fit within the immediate context and the message of the book?

2.1-4 Paul transitions from speaking of himself and his ministry to the immediate knowledge needs of the Colossians.

Vss 16-23 show the freedom from philosophy that Paul successfully argues for.

3. What is the theme of the passage? (The theme is one sentence stating the ‘big idea’ of this

particular passage.)

The Consequences of Being in Him is that we walk aright and are on guard against philosophy. Sermon title: “Watch Where You’re Going.”

4. What is the aim of the passage? (The aim is the author’s intended application for the

listener.)

The readers must understand that their requirement to live a godly life is both demanded by and provided for by Christ. It is both an implication of following Christ and the ability to do so.

6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, Colossians 2:6 (ESV)

30 April, 2011

Pastor, Test Yourself

This is a test one church uses for elders (pastors). Even if you are unable to accomplish the test, it can be used to outline your studies for the next few months!

Here’s another one. These are challenging, and are we somewhat tempted to think that such depth of knowledge is an impractical standard? Do we imagine that we have better things to do? How different would our churches be if we knew some of these things? Would we offer better counsel and teaching?

Just asking!