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How Do You Serve One Master? DTR: Part 2 Joshua Robinson 11/09/25 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. The Parable of the Pearl of Great Value “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:44-46 The sower sows the word. And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” Mark 4:14–20 Kingdom of Heaven βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν (basileia tōn ouranōn) - not a realm or place but a rule and reign, God’s saving and redeeming reign now in part and in completion at the second coming. Synonymous with kingdom of god. Cares μέριμνα (merimna) - worries, anxieties, that which consumes your thoughts Deceit ἀπάτη (apaté) - Deception, deceit, delusion Desires ἐπιθυμία (epithumia)- Desire, lust, longing, impulses, coveting DTR: Defining the Relationship with Jesus - How do you serve one Master? Parable of Hidden Treasure/Parable of Fine Pearl In coming to faith and recognizing all that God offers is like . . . What are you willing to give up, sacrifice to live in His kingdom Is it the consuming mission in your life to dwell with God? It begins with DESIRE (A right heart serving the right Master) Colossians 3:2-3 “Set your mind on the things above, not on things on earth” Philippians 2:13 God gives desire and ability I want to live this way and yet I don’t Why is it that desire is not enough? Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13; Mark 4) Seed is the word of God taking hold and transforming a life Four Soils: First two are not followers Road - reject immediately the truth Rocky Ground - hear get excited but no “root” - never took hold Next two are followers (people desiring to buy the field, buy the pearl) Thorns - Hear the Word, even begin to grow and pursue Christ Thorns can be subtle and grow over time Three thorns that keep us from growing, from desire fulfilled Cares of the World Deceitfulness of Riches Desire for other things Good Soil - Hear the word and accept it, bear fruit Good soil needs its weeds/thorns pulled frequently Good soil is a right heart in the right place creates a generous spirit How to have God as Master? Trust God to Meet our Needs Cast all our cares upon Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7) Our Treasure/Abundance is not our Own Use what we have for God’s purposes (Matthew 6:19-24) Desire the Things of God Invest in people, do good with what you have (1 Timothy 6:17-19) A heart with a single minded focus on God will be excited about God’s desires and invest generously in His Kingdom

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 DTR: Define the Relationship with Jesus Joshua Robinson 11/02/25 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. (ESV) Matthew 6:19–24 Treasure θησαυρός (thésauros) - properly, stored-up treasure; collected treasure Heart καρδία (kardia) - the heart, thoughts, feelings; the effective center of our being Eye ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos) - The condition of one’s inner “eye” determines the influx of light or darkness, linking perception to moral orientation. Singleness of eye—undivided loyalty to God—results in an illuminated life. Serve δουλεύω (douleuó) - be in bondage, do service, to be slave, to willingly give over the prerogative to be self-governing Master κύριος (kurios) - Lord, master, supreme in authority; absolute ownership rights DTR: Defining the Relationship with Jesus - Who do you serve? Treasures on Earth vs. Treasure in Heaven Materialism called out Innate to our “self” is a desire to own Jesus challenges that urge by reminding the futility of such a pursuit Your choice dictates where your heart lives Healthy Eye vs. Diseased Eye Controls the amount of light that come in to the body What you allow in matters and effects the entire body Eye focused on Christ is full of light - eye focused on world is darkness What you focus on matters Two Masters Impossible to give yourself fully to two masters They will always be in completion with each other Examples of Masters people serve: Materialism Money Status/Prestige Success Sin (Pride, Lust) You must choose! (Joshua 24:14-15) What does it look like to choose Christ? Pre-Requistes for being a Follower of Christ Must first decide is God (Father, Son, and Spirit) really my Master Cannot be a disciple of Christ without absolute submission to Christ This is settled in your heart between you and God - its a choice You must renounce the other Master’s in your life Telling your previous Masters and pursuits “NO” Taking actions that back up this change Closing Thought Your heart resides with what you love most, love is a choice, what/who will you choose to love

Ephesians 6 Blueprint Part 10 10/26/25 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:10–20 (ESV) Strong ἐνδυναμόω (endunamoó) - strengthened, strong, grew strong, increasing in strength, to make strong, to receive strength, to empower Stand ἵστημι (histémi) - To stand, to set, to establish in a prolonged form Struggle πάλη (palé) - Struggle, wrestling, conflict, an attempt to throw/overthrow another Ephesians 6 Grow in Strength from the Source of Strength We are made strong through God’s power at work in us Be prepared so you may stand firm Spiritual mindset and actions prepare us for battle Our Struggle is not against PEOPLE There is another dimension where your real battle lies Look past the person or situation and address the spiritual Don’t be drawn into the wrong battle Focus on the real enemy Get Prepared to the Real Battle Truth - we must know it, embrace it, allow it to hold us together Righteousness - Choose to act on truth and in obedience live right Gospel of Peace - Wherever we go we bring Christ and peace Faith - No matter what comes our way we hold tight to FAITH Salvation - Protecting our mind with the reality of our new condition Word of God - Internalized, lived out, memorized and used against Satans lies Prayer - Always alert and ever vigilant in seeking God, His Will and plan for us For Gate City Today Especially within the church, fight the real Battle Brothers and Sisters are not enemies Be there to encourage, challenge, and sharpen not to demean and gossip A church that is prepared for Battle wins Battles Satan’s enemy is God’s people - He attacks the church United against the right enemy the church always overcomes We must always be on guard and ready to step up and fight for each other Closing Thought Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. Ephesians 6:24(ESV)

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 OBEDIENCE AND HUMILITY: SERVING UNDER AUTHORITY Blueprint – Part 9 10/192025 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him. Ephesians 6:1–9 ESV 1. OBEY BECAUSE IT’S RIGHT IN THE LORD Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Ephesians 6:1-3 ESV Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls… Hebrews 13:17 ESV Obedience to authority is obedience to God’s order. 2. LEAD WITH HUMILITY AND PATIENCE (v.4) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 ESV Authority without humility becomes oppression; leadership without patience breeds rebellion. Whoever would be great among you must be your servant. Matthew 20:26 ESV The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil. 2 Timothy 2:24 ESV Correction is vital, but it must always aim at restoration, not humiliation. Humility is the strength of true leadership. 3. SERVE AS IF YOU’RE SERVING CHRIST Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man Ephesians 6:5-7 ESV Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23 ESV Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace… 1 Peter 4:10 NIV The greatest among you shall be your servant. Matthew 23:11 ESV Your obedience to earthly authority is your testimony of heavenly loyalty. 4. TRUST GOD TO REWARD YOUR HUMBLE SERVICE … knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him. Ephesians 6:8–9 ESV “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21 ESV God measures greatness not by position, but by humility in service. God calls us to obey and serve with humility, not because people deserve it, but because Jesus modeled it. Talk About It 1. Why do we naturally resist authority, and how can humility reshape our response? 2. What does it mean to “obey in the Lord” in your current role or season? 3. If you are in a position of authority, how can you reflect Christ’s humility in how you lead? 4. How does serving others as if serving Christ transform your daily work and relationships?

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 HOME IS WHERE WE PRACTICE LOVE Blueprint - Part 8 10/12/25 See: 1 Corinthians 13:1–8 ESV Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Ephesians 5:22–33ESV Submit - ὑποτάσσω (hupotassó) To subject, to subordinate, to submit, to be under obedience; willingly subject oneself to obey Usage: The term ὑποτάσσω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of submission or subordination, often in the context of relationships, authority, and order. It is used both in the sense of voluntary submission and in the context of hierarchical structures. Seen also in family and social relationships: Ephesians 5:22-24 uses ὑποτάσσω to describe the relationship between husbands and wives, where wives are encouraged to "submit to their husbands as to the Lord." This reflects a model of mutual respect and love within the Christian household. Love - ἀγαπάω (agapaó) I love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem; regard the welfare of Usage in NT: Agapé is a term used in the New Testament to describe a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love. It is the highest form of love, often associated with the love of God for humanity and the love that believers are called to have for one another. Unlike other Greek words for love, such as "eros" (romantic love) or "philia" (brotherly love), agapé is not based on emotions or feelings but is an act of the will, characterized by a commitment to the well-being of others. Respect - φοβέω (phobeó) to reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience Usage: Reverence and Respect: Beyond fear, φοβέω can also imply a deep respect or reverence, particularly in relationships. For instance, Ephesians 5:33 advises, "However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Relational Teaching on Love in Marriage LOVE- is the overwhelming concern for the wellbeing of another without regard as to what you get in return Love is a CHOICE Love is an ACTION Love is OUTWARD focused Love is about the BEST for the other person Love requires SACRIFICE Love is a form of WORSHIP directed towards God Love is OBEDIENCE Love doesn’t get to take time off - it is a WAY OF LIFE What you feed grows Love involves acting first - Not waiting to give but giving first because you can Love involves acting intentionally - What speaks to their heart? Love continues to ACT - “never fails” - Not based on emotions but on position Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak, Fast to Forgive and Seek Forgiveness When Arguments/Disagreements happen look past yourself - What does God want? What does God say? Your struggle is not with your spouse - Pray for clarity and understanding Be QUICK to restore relationship - Don’t “ice” the other out - Don’t make your spouse earn what you should give freely Hold tight to each other and embrace that “cord of three strands” - I’m sorry, silence, and holding each other goes a long way Pray together

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 TIME TO SHINE Blueprint - Part 7 10/4/2025 Ephesians 5:1-14 ESV Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. [6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, AWAKE “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” SEIZE YOUR MOMENT TO SHINE Time to take a gut check - words or action Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV God’s Will and Actions of His People are Aligned - ITS TIME TO PROCLAIM Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:17-21 ESV