February 20 , 2022
Today ➔
Good morning! We’re so glad you’ve joined us for worship today, whether it be in-person or online. Today, Christian Burkhardt (elder & equipping pastor) is continuing our series through the book of 1 Thessalonians (you can find sermon notes & questions below).
For information on upcoming events and happenings, please scroll further down.
New to Cornerstone?
If you’re new here to Cornerstone, we would love to connect with you! Feel free to ask any of our ushers or greeters to direct you to our pastors or staff members before or after service. You can also fill out our online connect card below and we’ll do our best to get in touch with you as soon as we are able!
sermon notes & questions:
“Holiness: Walking in a Way that Pleases God” | Christian Burkhardt, Elder & Equipping Pastor
Synopsis: In 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Paul reminds us of our holy calling to conduct our lives in a way that pleases God (v. 1) and reflects his character to those around us (v. 12). In particular, Paul talks about what it means to pursue holiness in our sexual conduct. God’s good design for human sexuality is for the pleasure and union of one man and one woman within the covenant of marriage (Gen. 2:1-2; Prov. 5:15-19; 1 Cor. 7:1-5; Heb. 13:4). As sinful humans, we all experience sexual desires and temptations that go against God’s good design (v. 5; James 1:14). But thanks be to God, he has given the Holy Spirit to us (v. 8) to cleanse us from sexual sin (1 Cor. 6:9-12) and to guide us toward sexual holiness in three ways:
To abstain from “sexual immorality” (v. 3), which is a broad term referring to all sexual activity outside of God’s design for marriage between one man and one woman (and even includes ways that husbands and wives can sin against each other within their marriage).
To learn to control our bodies and sexual desires in holiness and honor (v. 4).
To not sin against each other but grow in genuine, holy love for our brothers and sisters in Christ, as we’ll see in next Sunday’s passage (vv. 9-12).
Questions (from this week’s community guide):
Work through the following discussion questions as a Community:
Note to leaders: Given the sensitive nature of the topic, it might be wise to break into smaller discussion groups by gender (men with men, women with women). The goal is to create a safe environment for honest discussion, confession, prayer, and encouragement. But make sure not to put pressure on anyone who is not comfortable sharing. If an urgent issue comes up in one of the groups, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of the pastors or elders to assist you.
In v. 4, Paul calls each one of us to know (or learn) to control our bodies in holiness and honor. If this applies to each one of us, where do you see your need to learn sexual self-control? Are there areas of your life where you have already seen growth in sexual self-control? Keep in mind that self-control is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:23), so don’t forget to praise him for how you’ve grown and to ask him for continued growth.
In Galatians 6:1-2, Paul speaks about how we are to help someone who is caught or struggling with their sin: In dependence upon the Holy Spirit, we seek to restore them in a spirit of gentleness, while also watching out for temptation ourselves (whether that’s temptation to engage in the same sin, or the temptation to be prideful, judgmental, or engage in gossip about someone else’s struggle, etc.). How does this passage help you think through how to support each other going forward?
Finally, in calling us to pursue sexual holiness, Paul also directs us to put our hope in God, who will “establish our hearts blameless in holiness…at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (3:18; also 5:23-24). How does this promise give you hope right now, even as you continue to battle with sexual temptation?
For our group discussion guides related to each sermon, please see our community guides below:
Events & happenings ➔
Core 4 Intro Classes – Sunday Evenings (once a month) • 6:30-8:30 PM
January 23 – Overview of Core 4 ✓
February 13 – Biblical Story ✓
March 20 – Gospel Transformation
April 10 – Basic Doctrine
May 15 – Mission & Evangelism (Date changed from May 22)
What is Core 4? Core 4 is foundational discipleship for the people of Cornerstone. The four key components are comprised of the Biblical Story, Gospel Transformation, Basic Doctrine, and Mission & Evangelism.
As followers of Jesus, we are always seeking to learn more of God's story, the truth it communicates, how this truth changes us, and how to share it with others. We are inviting you to join us for these foundational equipping classes because Core 4 is an essential part of how we are seeking to BE and MAKE disciples together. We hope you can come!
Visit our Core 4 page below for more information & class video archive.
High school students: Come learn how to share your faith. Faith Talks runs through March, and we will be meeting Sundays from Noon-1:30pm in (Children’s Ministry) Room 11.
*Lunch will be provided*
We will be talking through the book Sharing Jesus without Freaking Out, and having conversations about how to share our faith, as well as providing outings to do so. This class is welcome to all High School Students.
Dates we will not be meeting: 2/13, 2/20, 2/27
Monthly rhythms at Cornerstone ➔
Elder Prayer Night • 7:00 - 8:00 PM • every second Tuesday • MPR
[If you are struggling with illness or feel disheartened, overwhelmed, etc., — we invite you to join the elders so that they can pray over you.]
Worship Night • 6:30 - 8:00 PM • every second Wednesday • Main Sanctuary
[Join us every second Wednesday for a time of worship through song, prayer, and scripture]
Gatherings & Meetings ➔
Cornerstone Communities: We have several community groups that gather each week. If you’re interested in joining a group, see our community page for more information. We’d love to connect with you and get you plugged in!
Student Ministries: Impact (Middle School) and The Rock (High School) meet Wednesday nights. Meeting locations vary. Visit our student ministries and events pages for more information on time and location!
Resources ➔
Our Cornerstone Simi Podcast allows you to listen to Sunday sermons and episodes of Beyond Sunday. Learn more and find the podcast archive below.
Need prayer? We would love to know how to pray for you.
Baptism is a physical act and visual representation that communicates the inward change of believers who have come to faith by grace in Jesus Christ. If you’re interested in getting baptized, fill out our form below!
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At Cornerstone, we believe that God has given you talents, skills, and interests for the edification of the church and to contribute to His mission in making disciples. Click below to learn more about volunteer opportunities and different ministries you can get involved in.