Shady Grove Sermons

The Heart of the Matter Proverbs 4:20–27 Big Idea: The heart of the matter is always the matter of the heart. Key Verse: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) Context & Setting • Third parental discourse in Proverbs 4 (vv. 1–9: what not to do; vv. 10–19: what to do; vv. 20–27: how to do it) • Solomon speaking as a father to his son / a king to his heir / an older man to a younger man • Wisdom is not merely intellectual or merely spiritual—it is an embodied way of life (“the anatomy of discipleship”) • Body parts mentioned: ears, eyes, flesh, heart, mouth/lips, feet—yet the primary concern is the heart Sermon Structure Three Ways to Guard Your Heart 1. Guard Your Heart Attentively (vv. 20–22) a. Be attentive to my words — Listen carefully (difference between hearing and listening) b. Incline your ear — Lean in to hear God’s Word (cf. Psalm 116:2) c. Let them not escape from your sight — Keep your eyes on wisdom; rea...

The Practice of Unceasing Prayer 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Hearers of the Word: From the heart of prayer to the habits of prayer. The same command now shapes daily practice. 1. Pray Regularly Put God on the calendar — morning, evening, check-ins Establish prayer triggers (car, class change, phone calls, medication) Daniel’s custom (Dan. 6:10) — pray before the crisis so you know where God is in the crisis 2. Pray Spontaneously Discipline + natural response Prayer that interrupts the schedule Greek term for "without ceasing" = medical term for a persistent cough — prayer you can’t shake 3. Pray Persistently Luke 11 & 18 parables — always pray and not lose heart PUSH — Pray Until Something Happens Chinese bamboo tree — five years of watering before sudden growth 4. Pray Actively Prayer is not passive — put feet on your prayers "Pack and pray at the same time" Matthew 9 — Jesus told them to pray, then sent them; life itself becomes prayer 5. Pray Confidentl...

 The Heart of Unceasing Prayer: PRAYING WITHOUT CEASING 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Big Idea: It is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you that you pray without ceasing. Primary Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 — "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Introduction 1. The Janice Gravely illustration — changing radio channels while calling for help 2. The danger of changing channels before help arrives 3. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 as the standing orders of the church 4. Thesis: It is the will of God that you pray without ceasing (Luther quote) What Does It Mean to Pray Without Ceasing? 1. Pray Constantly a. The Greek term is the most comprehensive word for prayer (talking to God) b. Emphasis is on when, not how c. Illustration: Checking our phones throughout the day — so we should check in with God 2. Pray Dependently a. Not "do nothing but pray," but "do nothing with...

Hearing God: A Pure Heart Matthew 5:6 The Grove | August 9, 2026 Introduction Main question: How do we hear God? How do we develop a hunger for Him? Remember: God speaks Spirit to spirit (John 16:13) Warning: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:7-8, 15; 4:7) I. The Danger of a Hard Heart A. Murmuring and complaining B. Unbelief C. Disobedience (the 10 spies vs. Joshua and Caleb) D. Key truth: Obedience keeps the heart soft; God desires obedience more than repeated worship II. Developing a Hearing Ear A. The ability is given at new birth; the skill must be developed B. First secret: Hearing God must become vital to you C. Second secret: It requires exercise (F.I.T.) Frequency – deliberately set your mind on God Intensity – purposeful, regular time with Him Time – bring every thought captive until it becomes reflex D. There is no substitute (books, conferences, podcasts, counseling cannot replace direct hearing) III. A Pure and Undivided Heart A. Defini...

Shepherds, Sheep, and the Roaring Lion  1 Peter 5 Hearers of the Word Theme:  In suffering, God calls His shepherds to faithful, willing, humble service and His people to humble dependence and vigilant faith, all while holding fast to our unfading hope in the Chief Shepherd. I. Instructions for Shepherds (Elders/Pastors) – vv. 1–4 a. Three charges to shepherds: i. Shepherd Faithfully – Feed, lead, love, protect God’s flock  (not “my” flock) -  Reference to John 21 ii. Serve Willingly – Not by compulsion but eagerly  (Reference  2 Cor 9:7) iii. Lead Humbly – Not lording over, but as examples  (Reference Mark 10:42–45). II. Instructions for the Flock (All Believers) – vv. 5–7 a. Key Elements: i. Younger submit to elders; all submit to one another. ii. Clothe yourselves with humility iii. Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you  III. Warning & Encouragement: The Enemy & the God of All Grace – vv. 8–11 a. Ke...

  Hope in Prayer, Love, Service and Suffering 1 Peter 4:7-19 The Grove; July 12, 2026 Hearers of the Word: Essential Marks of a Believer: I.   Arm Yourselves with the attitude of Christ {verse 1-6} II.   Serious Prayer (v. 7) III.   Continual, Fervent Love (v. 8) IV.   Faithful Serving (vv. 9-11) V.   Expected Suffering (vv. 12-19) Suffering as Saints   (vv. 12-14, 16) Suffering for Sin & Dying to Self (v. 15;   see Galatians 5:24) Suffering from Satan (preview — ch. 5:8-11) Doers of the Word 1.   Prayer & Urgency: In what ways does the truth that “the end of all things is at hand” change how you approach your prayer life? What would it look like for you to be more “serious and watchful” in prayer this week? 2.   Love & Offenses: Share a time when choosing to “overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11) brought freedom. Why is fervent agape love so powerful in a church family, and where do you struggle most with this? 3. ...