River Oaks Church Sermons

A sermon on the heavenly song(s) around the throne of the Father and the Son in heaven by Rev. Dr. David Camera
Application questions:
Why do/should Christians sing together? Brainstorm a list of reasons. 
You have heard of the phrase, “He/she sings your praises.” Why do people praise? What does praise reveal about us? 
Look at the 3 verses of this heavenly song. Who is the subject? Why is the Lamb praised? 
Who is the subject of praise in 4:11? Now compare 4:11 with 5:12 and 5:13. What is surprising/amazing about who is praised and how they are praised in these verses? 
What can we conclude about the Lamb? 
Is verse 13 past, present or future? Who is singing in this verse? 
If the endgame of the universe is the uniting of heaven’s praise with all creation, what role does singing in the present play? 
Why is it important that the content of our songs be biblical? 
What impact does singing have on us? 
What are some of your favorite Christian songs and why? 
Try listening to Christian songs every day this week and see how they impact you. 
Find out more at www.riveroakschurch.com.

A sermon on the "great commission" to multiply, fill, and subdue the earth as God's image-bearers, by Rev. Dr. Matt Newkirk
Application questions:
We were created for mission
What does it mean to be an "image-bearer" of God? 
When do you feel most validated as God's image-bearer? How does this passage change that system of worth for you?
We need each other for that mission
Why is the whole church needed for missions? Do you tend to think of mission work as limited to super-Christians who go abroad? 
What is the importance of being a 'sender'?
How does v27 impact the way you view men and women as part of God's purposes?
We are called to fulfill that mission to the end of the earth
How can you, your family, or your small group play a role in representing God throughout the world?
What specific actions could you take? 
Find out more at www.riveroakschurch.com

Sermon on the early Christian confession in 1 Tim 3:16 by Pastor Cody Brobst
Application questions:
As a group, share any recent moments you wish you could take back or re-write! 
How do you think about the difference between worldy embarrassment and Gospel exposure? Consider Jesus’s own trial (their goal vs. God’s goal) 
Read 1 Timothy 3. What do you notice from this full list of godly behaviors? 
Especially given how 1 Timothy 4 begins, how does 1 Tim. 3:16 inform the way we interpret the point of the whole—specifically 1 Tim. 3:15?  
Hint: think about the role of the church through the lens of sola scriptura (by Scripture alone) to uphold the truth rather than to be the source of truth. 
When you’ve heard things like “the mystery of godliness” in the past, what has naturally come to mind? Read Eph. 3:3-9 and Col. 1:26-27 for clear definitions. 
How is the idea here distinct from theological/spiritual paradoxes that we won't fully understand in our Earthly life? 
Briefly, visit each of the hymn’s six phrases. What aspect of the good news of Jesus Christ does that particular line highlight?  
Why might it have been so important to the early Christians to sing about that repeatedly? 
Where are you tempted to pretend you have it all together when you go to church?  Additionally, where might you be tempted to forget the weight of being at church? 
As the Gospel is proclaimed and believed, are you more prone to get louder and market the Gospel? Just the opposite?
Find out more at www.riveroakschurch.com

Sermon on the "Christ-poem" in Col 1:15-20 by Pastor David Camera
Application questions:
Finish this sentence: “The purpose of life is...” Or try this one, “The most important things in life are...” 
Why did you answer the way you did? How do others you know answer these questions? 
So, here is the point, do your priorities in life reflect the answers you gave above? Why or why not? 
How does Colossian 1:15-20 answer these questions? 
Who is supreme in Creation and in the new creation? 
Who created all things, including people? 
Why do all things exist? 
What qualifies Jesus to hold the place of highest importance in everything? 
Who is he and what has he accomplished? 
Considering all that we see here, what would be the most rational and fulfilling way to live? 
How can we align our answers and our priorities with Paul’s teaching here in Colossians? 
What are the dangers we face in life if we think we are the most important character and the plot revolves around us? 
Are there areas of your life where Christ is not preeminent? 
Are you satisfied with those areas of your life? 
What is keeping you from placing them under the Lordship of Jesus? 
Do you struggle to believe that if you lived under the Lordship of Jesus your life would be more satisfying? 
Find out more at www.riveroakschurch.com

Sermon on the "Christ-poem" in Phil 2:5-11 by Pastor Greg Lanier
Application questions:
Reflect on the hypothesis that this passage may be a kind of early Christian confession that pre-dates Paul’s letter to Philippians?  
What does that possibility reveal about the state of theology in the very early Church? 
How does verse 6 teach the “preexistence” of the Son of God? Why does that matter theologically? 
How do verses 6b-8 reach the humiliation of Jesus in the flesh? How did the Son “empty himself”? What does "subtraction by addition” mean? 
What is “hypostatic union” and how does it show up in this passage? 
If Christ was already perfectly divine, what does it mean that he was “exalted” in verses 9-11?  
How does Paul apply these glorious truths to a situation of conflict? How can you apply it to similar situations in your own life? 
Reflect on the main idea: "Big thoughts about God impact even our littlest problems.” What are some situations in your own life where deep theology can help? 
Find out more at www.riveroakschurch.com

Sermon on Simeon's Song (Luke 2:22-35) by Pastor David Camera
Application questions:
Brainstorm together a biblical definition of peace. 
List some issues we face that rob of of peace in this life? 
How many of those issues you listed are under your control? 
What gave Simeon peace from this passage? 
How can we draw peace from the same reality that Simeon did? 
How does God’s faithfulness to his Word and the promise of salvation in Jesus address the issues that rob us of peace in this life? 
Look back to Luke 1:79 and 2:14. Do we have to wait for heaven to experience peace? 
How can we know peace now? 
What is required of us to know peace in this life according to Simeon’s song? 
How would you answer the objection raised by many that Jesus can’t be the only means of salvation from this passage? 
Why does the message of salvation in Jesus cause some to stumble and others to speak against him?  
Find out more at www.riveroakschurch.com

Sermon on Zechariah's Benedictus (Luke 1:67-79) by Pastor David Camera
Application questions:
Can you share a time when you were facing difficult circumstances and you were delivered?
How did you respond? Who did you tell? 
What was the situation in Zechariah’s life that preceded his praise of God? (1:8-23) 
Have you ever prayed for something or someone but over time doubted God would answer? Share examples with group. 
What caused your doubt? 
Did God answer, if so, how and how did you respond? 
What is Zechariah blessing God for in his psalm? 
Why does Zechariah rejoice at the hope of redemption?  
Why does God redeem His people according to the Psalm? 
How does your answer above change the way you view the purpose of your salvation? 
How could you use Zechariah’s psalm as a model for prayer and praise? 
Zechariah’s song was birthed out of God’s discipline in his life for his doubt.  
How does his experience help you in your present circumstances? 
Find out more at www.riveroakschurch.com

Sermon on Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) by Pastor Cody Brobst
Application questions:
How is our worldview like putting on a pair of glasses? How does that affect how we come to the Bible and even celebrate its message? 
In verse 47, Mary rejoices in “God my Savior.” What do we learn about Mary from that alone?  
Is there anywhere else in Scripture you can think of where God is referred to as “Savior”? Anywhere that Jesus is referred to as “Lord”? 
What are the two reasons Mary gives for her rejoicing? Keep the Psalms in mind. 
List again the ways that Mary is considered lowly (of humble estate). 
What are the issues with having too high a view of Mary? 
Luke tends to bring out an “upside down Gospel.” What might we mean by that? 
How can physical & cultural norms inform us about spiritual realities? 
What is so unexpected about the coming birth of the Messiah? 
Take a look at 1 Samuel 2 (Hannah’s song) as a group and list the similarities in both the content of the songs and their situations. 
Why do you think Israel is referred to as “His servant” in verse 54? 
How can remembering God’s works in the past empower the present? 
Considering verses 48, 50 & 55, why does so much of Mary’s song focus on God’s work through different generations?  
As you grow in your own walk with Jesus, where do you see a need for more grateful joy, more quiet humility or more confident trust? 
Find out more at www.riveroakschurch.com

Find out more about this sermon series on the OT book of Exodus at https://riveroakschurch.com/exodus-redeemed-for-worship/

Find out more about this sermon series on the OT book of Exodus at https://riveroakschurch.com/exodus-redeemed-for-worship/