Sermon Outline Text: God’s Revelation to the Church
Text, Theme, Big Idea
Text: Proverbs 29:18
Theme: God’s Vision for His Church is His Revealed Biblical Plan for the Church
Big Idea: God blesses the church that follows His revealed vision — to honor Christ’s lordship, make disciples, live as faithful stewards, and walk in loving fellowship.
1. The Meaning of Vision in Scripture (Proverbs 29:18)
a. The word vision in Scripture has two meanings — a supernatural revelation and a prophetic revelation through God’s Word.
b. The book of Revelation is an example of a supernatural vision given to John on the isle of Patmos.
c. The other meaning refers to following God’s revealed will — His Word — which gives direction and purpose to His people.
d. This kind of vision is what Proverbs 29:18 speaks of: God’s plan for His people, His church, and His world.
a. Churches often confuse goals with vision — a building project may be a goal, but God’s vision is what happens inside the church after it’s built.
b. God’s vision is the people who live out His Word; you can replace a building, but you can’t replace the people God uses to fulfill His plan.
2. God’s Vision Must Guide the Church (Proverbs 29:18)
a. Many want to know a pastor’s personal vision, but the greater question is: What is God’s vision for this church?
b. God’s vision never changes — it centers on the gospel of Jesus Christ.
c. The message must always be about what Jesus said, not what we think.
d. When the church walks in that vision, it will be blessed and fruitful.
a. Personal preferences must never override divine purpose. God’s vision for Sand Hill Creek may be bigger — or smaller — than ours, but it will always be better.
b. Our task is to obey and align with His plan so that His purpose is fulfilled in this community.
3. The Danger of Losing God’s Vision (Proverbs 29:18)
a. “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Without divine direction, people drift and lose spiritual vitality.
b. When God’s Word is ignored, the result is apathy, confusion, and decline.
c. But happy are those who keep His law — they flourish and find joy.
d. A church that lives by God’s standards will thrive; one that neglects them will fade away.
a. Many churches that once flourished have perished because they lost sight of God’s Word and will.
b. When a congregation grows weary of obedience, the blessing departs; when it clings to God’s truth, the blessing returns.
c. We must stay alert, prayerful, and focused so that God’s vision continues at Sand Hill Creek for generations to come.
4. Solomon’s Example of Vision and Priority (1 Kings 6:1-14)
a. Solomon understood that the nation needed God’s direction to prosper.
b. Early in his reign, he organized the kingdom and then built the temple — putting God first.
c. His success, peace, and wisdom flowed from following God’s vision.
d. When God is first, everything else falls into its proper place.
a. Solomon’s life teaches that you accomplish more by placing God’s priorities ahead of your own.
b. Our church should follow that same order — God first, self second, service always.
5. God’s Vision for His Church Today (Philippians 2:9-11; Matthew 28:19-20; Matthew 25:14-30; Acts 2:42)
a. The Lordship of Christ: Jesus’ name is above every name; He is to be honored and exalted in all we do.
b. The Discipleship of Believers: We are commanded to teach and train others to observe all that Jesus commanded.
c. The Stewardship of the Saints: Be faithful stewards of the time, talents, and treasures God has entrusted to us.
d. The Fellowship of the Faithful: Fellowship among believers is part of God’s vision — a source of joy, unity, and strength.
a. When we honor Christ, make disciples, serve faithfully, and love one another, we fulfill God’s vision for His church.
b. Filling the building is man’s vision; building up the body of Christ is God’s vision.
Illustration / Example
A new church building is not the vision; it’s the vessel. The real vision is the people who will gather inside it — worshiping, growing, serving, and loving as one body in Christ.
Alliterated Main Points
1. Revelation – God’s Word reveals His vision.
2. Regulation – God’s commands guide His people.
3. Restoration – Obedience revives the church.
4. Reformation – Putting God first renews purpose.
5. Realization – Living out His plan fulfills the vision.
Conclusion / Invitation
The Lordship of Christ, the Discipleship of believers, the Stewardship of the saints, and the Fellowship of the faithful — this is God’s true vision for His church.
When we follow that vision, God blesses the work of our hands and fills His house with unity and joy. Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus and our hearts in His will so that His vision lives on through us.