Shady Grove Sermons

God Will Supply Your Needs Philippians 4:19   Context: Philippians 4:10–20 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:19 (ESV) Big Idea: God pledges to meet every legitimate need of His generous, believing children from His glorious riches, and He signs that pledge in Christ Jesus. You cannot out-give God, and you cannot have an unmeetable need. Aim: To help hearers stop measuring the size of the need and start measuring the size of their God—then respond with trust, generosity, and doxology. Opening Hook • Thomas Hansen (1978) sued his parents for $350,000 for “malpractice of parenting” after a rebellious adolescence. • The case and the appeal were dismissed for lack of evidence. • Transition: Would anyone here sue God for neglect of deity? • That would be a frivolous lawsuit. Philippians 4:19 is God’s unfailing answer. Context in Brief • Paul is under house arrest in Rome. • The Philippian church, ...

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. ...

Living in Hope: God’s Will in a Hostile World Text: 1 Peter 4:1-6 Date: The Grove, July 5, 2026 (Week 16) HEARERS OF THE WORD THEME: Even when the world around us is difficult or hostile, Peter urges us to arm ourselves with the same attitude as Christ—who suffered in the flesh—so that we no longer live for evil human desires, but for the will of God. 1. Introduction & Prayer  o Welcome  o Opening prayer for hearts to be encouraged and challenged. o Brief series recap: Making our way through 1 Peter 2. Historical & Contextual Background  o Setting: ~64 AD, severe persecution under Nero after the burning of Rome. o Peter writes with empathy from firsthand experience; he and Paul will soon be martyred. o Suffering as a major theme (17 uses of “suffer” forms in 1 Peter). o Application to us: We enjoy comfort now—thank God, but don’t grow lazy. Be bold because the cost is currently low. Many believers worldwide still face life-or-death choices. 3. ...

Hope in Doing Good Text: 1 Peter 3:13-22 Date: June 28, 2026 | The Grove I. Introduction – The Context of Suffering (1 Peter 3:13-17) Peter writes to believers facing a hostile world and persecution. The letter addresses practical living under pressure, with suffering as a central theme. Good behavior does not guarantee ease, but Peter insists it ultimately leads to victory. Pragmatic question many ask: “Why does God allow evil to persist?” Key principle: It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil (v. 17). Christ is the model – He suffered for us, leaving an example (see also 2:21). II. The Call to Preparation and Bold Hope (3:15-16) Do not fear oppressors; instead, honor Christ the Lord as holy by being ready to give a defense for the hope within you. This readiness flows from holy living, not just mental attitude — daily confession and fearless witness. Backed by Jesus’ words (Matthew 10:26-33): Fear God, not those who can only kill the body. Sustained by the living ho...

 Hope in Harmony 1 Peter 3:13-22    Opening Prayer God, as we open Your Word, open our minds that we might know You, open our hearts that You might speak to us, and open our hands that we might serve You. Amen. Introduction There’s so much in our lives that needs to be challenged and smoothed by God’s Word. Only by His Word can we overcome the flesh, the world, the enemy, and life’s trials. In our study of 1 Peter, we’ve been in a section summed up by one word: Harmony. Peter shows us how to live in harmony in four key areas: 1. Harmony in the world (submission to government) – 1 Peter 2:13-17 2. Harmony in the workplace – 1 Peter 2:18-end 3. Harmony in the home (marriage) – 1 Peter 3:1-7 4. Harmony in heaven – 1 Peter 3:13-22 (today) Biblical harmony assumes differences among people brought together in unity under Jesus Christ, the Master Composer. Diversity adds richness — the challenge is turning differences into harmony instead of conflict. Practical Atti...

 Christians in a Hostile Society 1 Peter 3:8-12 The Grove, June 11, 2026 Hearers of the Word First-century Christians lived under growing pressure and false accusations in a pagan culture. Today, we face a similar reality: a society that increasingly views Christians as narrow-minded, judgmental, and problematic. We are called to live faithfully in this hostile environment. Peter wrote to believers facing trials, reminding them of their secure hope: they are born again into an imperishable inheritance kept by God’s power (1 Peter 1:3-5). In chapter 2, he urged them to live honorably among the Gentiles through good works, submit to authorities (except when they contradict God), and show respect even to harsh masters, unbelieving spouses, and difficult relationships. In 1 Peter 3:8-12, Peter summarizes how Christians should respond: I. Christian Relations with One Another (v. 8) Harmonious / Like-minded: Share unity in biblical truth (soteriology, Christology, orthodoxy, and orthopra...

Rest from the Storm Galatians 6:1-10 The Grove; June 7, 2026 Hearers of the Word Theme: Let Us Not Grow Weary: Finding Rest and Renewal in God While Doing Good Key Verse: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 I. The Reality of Weariness II. The Call: Do Not Grow Weary in Doing Good Statement of Truth: There is a crucial difference between resting from good works and resting in order to do good works.  III. The Promise: You Will Reap a Harvest Two Anchors: 1. “At the proper time”  2. “If we do not give up”  Finding Rest in God: • View Physical Rest as Stewardship • Seek Mental and Emotional Rest • Spiritual Rest is Abiding in Christ • Learn to Lean on Community Rest Doers of the Word: •   Where are you most weary right now—physically, mentally, or spiritually? • Is there a “good work” God has called you to that you are tempted to quit because you are tired? •  ...

 Eyes on Jesus in the Storm Matthew 14:22-33 Big Idea / Thesis: Storms are not always punishment or accidents—sometimes Jesus sends us straight into them. The difference between sinking and standing is where we fix our eyes. Three Points of Application  1. Jesus Sometimes Sends Us Into the Storm (Obedience Precedes Peace) • Text: “Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side” (v. 22). • Application: Obeying Jesus does not guarantee calm seas. Sometimes the next step of obedience is directly into difficulty (a tough calling, a season of waiting, conflict, loss, etc.). • Series Tie-in: This is the “storm” we’re sent into, not the one we choose. • Challenge: Where is Jesus telling you to “get in the boat” right now even though the wind is already rising? • Illustration: The disciples left a miraculous high (5,000 fed) only to row into exhaustion. 2. Faith Starts Strong but Must Stay Fixed on Jesus (The Danger of Looking at the Wave...

Facing the Storm     Mark 4:35-41 HEARERS OF THE WORD Theme : It is important for the follower of Jesus Christ to know what to do in the midst of the storm. Main Idea Storms are inevitable in life, but followers of Jesus can endure them by remembering three key truths about Christ: His Promises, His Presence, and His Power. These truths strengthen faith when the enemy tries to shake it. Introduction & Personal Context openly share how major storms shook my own faith: • His father-in-law’s sudden death in 2005. • The sudden death of a church member on a mission trip in Peru 2008. These experiences left him not wanting to pray, read the Bible, or even go to church. He emphasizes that everyone — regardless of age, profession, or spiritual maturity — will face storms (divorce, death, rejection, financial trouble, etc.). The Biblical Text Jesus and the disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee when a fierce storm arises. Jesus is asleep on a cushion. The terrified disc...

Title: The Greatest Advice A Mother Can Give Text: John 2:1-11 Date: May 10, 2026 AM (Mother’s Day) Overview: Today's Mother’s Day sermon from John 2:1-11 celebrates Mary’s simple yet powerful words at the wedding in Cana—“Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5)—as the greatest advice any mother can give. John paints the scene of a first-century wedding crisis (running out of wine meant public shame) and shows how Mary, instead of panicking, turned to Jesus and then directed the servants to obey Him completely. Today we will learn two clear lessons: (1) Mary’s advice models the most important thing mothers (and all believers) can teach—obey Jesus above every cultural pressure or expectation; and (2) the servants’ radical obedience, even when it looked foolish (filling purification jars with water and serving it), opened the door for Jesus’ first miracle. The water-to-wine sign is not merely a party trick; it pictures Jesus replacing the “dirty water” of the law with the sweet w...

Choosing Harmony 1 Peter 3:1-7 Hearers of the Word Theme:  Because we are chosen by God and called into His light, we are called to live differently — by living in harmony with God’s wise design, but you must make a choice. Introduction   In our ongoing study of 1 Peter, we have seen how believers are called to live as “elect exiles” by submitting to God’s orderly design in every sphere of life—for the Lord’s sake and the sake of our witness. This week’s message, “Choosing Harmony” from 1 Peter 3:1-7, brings that same principle close to home into our home.  Peter shows that true harmony in marriage flows not from demanding our rights but from inner beauty, mutual honor, and Christ-centered love. Wives are urged to win even unbelieving husbands through faithful conduct and a gentle, quiet spirit, while husbands are commanded to dwell with their wives with understanding, honoring them as co-heirs of God’s grace, entering their world and serving them as Christ served the chu...