As believers, we are called to be stewards of God’s mysteries, training ourselves in godliness with the same discipline an athlete trains their body. In Godliness – The Gospel Scheme, Duane Sheriff lays the foundation for understanding one of Christianity’s most profound truths: the mystery of godliness. This mystery encompasses the entire gospel scheme God’s divine plan, once hidden in Him and now revealed to those who seek Him. Godliness is not a religious activity but a living connection to the power of the gospel. Drawing on 1 Timothy 3:16, Duane reveals how this mystery unfolds in six powerful movements: God manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and received up into glory. Each phrase connects us to Christ’s life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension releasing supernatural power. When we understand this mystery, godliness becomes more than effort we experience the full power of the gospel that breaks addictions, transforms hearts, and makes us a blessing everywhere we go.
Key Points
• The church is the pillar and ground of truth, a sanctuary city for God's truth in a dark world
• Godliness means the "gospel scheme" God's plan, design, and underhanded plot hidden from the devil but revealed to those who fear Him
• The mystery of godliness encompasses Jesus's incarnation, justification by the Spirit, angelic witness, worldwide preaching, faith response, and ascension.
• Godliness is the gospel scheme God's complete plan to save, deliver, change, and transform believers.
• Old Testament saints like Abel, Enoch, Abraham, Moses, and the prophets all saw and believed the hidden gospel mystery
Scripture References
• 1 Timothy 3:14-16
• 1 Timothy 4:7-8
• 1 Corinthians 4:1-2
• Matthew 5:13-14
• 1 Timothy 6:6-10
• Galatians 3:8
Godliness - The Gospel Scheme
February 15, 2026
[Part 1]
Discussion Questions
• How does understanding the gospel as a 'divine secret' that was hidden from the devil but revealed to those who feared God change your perspective on Old Testament figures like Abel, Abraham, and Moses?
• What does it mean practically to 'exercise yourself in godliness' rather than just having a head knowledge of spiritual truths, and how can you implement this in your daily life?
• Paul describes the church as 'the pillar and ground of the truth' and a 'sanctuary city for truth.' How should this identity shape the way we gather, worship, and engage with our culture?
• What are the dangers and temptations that come with material prosperity, and how can contentment protect us from being 'drowned' by wealth or the pursuit of it?
• How does the statement 'God has hidden everything for us, not from us' challenge common misconceptions about why people struggle to understand spiritual mysteries?
• What does it mean that 'godliness with contentment is great gain,' and how can you cultivate contentment in your current circumstances while still believing God for growth and increase?
• How does understanding that we are 'stewards of the mysteries of God' and that faithfulness, not perfection, is required change the way you approach your spiritual responsibilities and calling?
Godliness - The Gospel Scheme
God Manifest in the Flesh - February 22, 2026
[Part 2]
key points
Message Summary
God’s plan of redemption was a divine design strategically concealed throughout the ages and unveiled in Jesus. In Part Two of Godliness – The Gospel Scheme, Duane Sheriff unveils the mystery of godliness by focusing on the first and foundational truth of the gospel: God manifest in the flesh. This mystery, once hidden, is now fulfilled as Christ entered our humanity. God did not remain distant from His creation He entered humanity through Christ to restore what was lost and fulfill the gospel scheme hidden for generations. Through the virgin birth, the cross, and the resurrection, Jesus accomplished what no mere man could do, defeating sin and reclaiming authority for mankind. Christ became part of our humanity so we could share in His righteousness and life. As believers grasp this revelation, they come to recognize their identity as members of Christ’s body on earth, empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill God’s purpose. Godliness is no longer just doctrine it becomes a living reality through Christ in you.
Key Points
• The church is the pillar and ground of truth, a sanctuary city for God's truth in a dark world
• Godliness means the "gospel scheme" God's plan, design, and underhanded plot hidden from the devil but revealed to those who fear Him
• The mystery of godliness encompasses Jesus's incarnation, justification by the Spirit,
• We cannot live godly or holy lives independent of the gospel and the cross.
• The virgin birth is non-negotiable and essential to faith Jesus had to be God made flesh, not just a good man.
• If Jesus were only a perfect man, He could only die for one person; as Creator God, His life is worth all creation.
Scripture References
• 1 Timothy 3:14-16
• 1 John 2:2, 4:3
• John 1:1-14
• 1 Corinthians 1:18
• Matthew 1:23
• Romans 1:16
Godliness - The Gospel Scheme
God Manifest in the Flesh - February 22, 2026 [Part 2]
Discussion Questions
• How does understanding that Jesus was God made flesh, rather than merely a good man, fundamentally change the way we approach prayer and our relationship with the Father?
• The mystery of godliness was hidden from Satan so he would crucify Jesus. What does this reveal about God's wisdom and strategy in accomplishing redemption?
• In what ways does recognizing that our authority on earth comes through our physical bodies help us understand our role in spiritual warfare and advancing God's kingdom?
• What are the dangers and temptations that come with material prosperity, and how can contentment protect us from being 'drowned' by wealth or the pursuit of it?
• Duane explains that Jesus had to be born of a virgin to avoid inheriting a sin nature through an earthly father. How does this biological and spiritual reality strengthen your confidence in Christ's ability to be our perfect sacrifice?
• What does it mean practically that Christ is now the head of His body, the church, and how should this reality change the way we function as believers in the world today?
• How does the fulfilment of the Law by Jesus, including dietary, ceremonial, and sacrificial laws, free us to focus on what truly matters in our relationship with God?
• Why do you think Christians struggle with feeling unworthy to approach God in prayer, and how does understanding our righteousness in Christ address this issue?
Godliness - The Gospel Scheme
March 1, 2026 – Two Men
[Part 3]
key points
Message Summary
Two men changed the destiny of every human being Adam and Jesus. In Part 3 of Godliness
– The Gospel Scheme, Duane Sheriff teaches the mystery of godliness by exploring the connection between the first Adam and the last Adam. Adam, the first man, brought sin, death, and spiritual separation into the world through his disobedience, losing the dominion God originally entrusted to mankind. But God's answer was another Man. Jesus, the second man and last Adam, came as God in the flesh through the virgin birth, bypassing the sin nature passed on through human fathers. Creator God, in human form, reclaimed the dominion Adam lost through His perfect obedience, death, and resurrection. Salvation is not achieved through human effort but is received through the new birth in Christ. Millions of believers now carry Christ's life and authority on earth. Adam brought the fall but Jesus brought the comeback. Through faith in Christ, we move from defeat to dominion, from brokenness to victory, and from death into the life God intended from the beginning.
Key Points
• Adam’s sin was not merely eating forbidden fruit but high treason against God, costing humanity dominion, authority, and partnership with God
• Godliness is inseparable from understanding the gospel of Jesus Christ; it is the foundation for holy living
• The sin nature is transmitted through the father's seed, which is why Jesus had to be conceived of the Holy Spirit through a virgin birth.
• Jesus is called the "second man" and "last Adam" because He represents all humanity, just as Adam did.
• In Adam, all died and fell into sin; in Christ, all can be made alive and righteous
Scripture References
• 1 Timothy 3:16
• Romans 5:12-10
• Hebrews
• 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, 45-47
• Matthew 6:13-19
Godliness - The Gospel Scheme
March 1, 2026 – Two Men
[Part 3]
Discussion Questions
• How does understanding that Adam's sin was 'high treason' rather than simply eating fruit change your perspective on the depth of what Jesus redeemed us from?
• In what ways do you see believers today not fully grasping the authority and dominion that Jesus bought back for us through His sacrifice?
• Duane explains that revelation of who Jesus has come from the Father, not from human teaching. How have you experienced this personal revelation in your own spiritual journey?
• What does it mean practically for you that 'whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven' and how might you be underutilizing this authority in your daily life?
• How does the concept of being 'born into sin' through Adam versus being 'born again' through Jesus challenge the modern emphasis on self-improvement and good works?
• The sermon contrasts being 'a chip off the old block' with Jesus being 'the massive rock.' How does this distinction affect your understanding of your role in the church versus Christ's role??
• How does understanding that Jesus had to be fully human (without a sin nature) to defeat Satan as a man impact your view of spiritual warfare and victory?
• Why do you think many Christians focus more on the death and sin that came through Adam than on the superior life and righteousness that came through Jesus?
Godliness - The Gospel Scheme
March
8,
2026 – Justified in the Spirit
[Part 4]
key points
Message Summary
What if your relationship with God depended on just one event in history the resurrection of Jesus? In Part 4 of Godliness – The Gospel Scheme, Duane Sheriff explores the mystery of godliness found in 1 Timothy 3:16. At the heart of this mystery is the resurrection of Jesus Christ and what it means accomplished for every believer. Scripture reveals that two men shaped the destiny of mankind Adam and Jesus. Through Adam, sin, death, and condemnation came into the world and affected every person born into the family of man. But through Jesus, called the last Adam, God offers redemption, justification, and new life to all who believe. Jesus did more than just die for our sins. He became our representative. When He died, we died with Him. When He was buried, our old life was buried too. And when He rose from the dead, we were raised with Him into a new identity and made right with God. The resurrection proves that we are justified and is the foundation of our victory as believers. Because Christ lives, we are no longer condemned. Instead, we are alive in Him and share in His triumph, authority, and new life.
Key Points
• Jesus was justified in the Spirit both in His sinless life and in His resurrection from the dead.
• Godliness in the original language means "the gospel scheme" and represents the power and wisdom of God revealed in the cross.
• All humanity is either in Adam (the family of man) or in Christ (the family of God).
• Jesus did three things: what we could not do (keep the law), paid for what we did do (break the law), and did what the law could not do (make us righteous)
• Our righteousness, blessings, and standing before God come entirely from Christ's work, not our own efforts
Scripture References
• 1 Timothy 3:16
• Romans 4:22-25
• Romans 8:1-4, 13
• 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
• Matthew 6:13-19
• Romans 6:1-2
Godliness - The Gospel Scheme
March 8, 2026 –
in the Spirit [Part 4]
Discussion Questions
• How does understanding yourself as being 'in Christ' rather than 'in Adam' change the way you view your identity and daily struggles with sin?
• What does it mean practically that Jesus didn't just die for you, but died as you, and how does this distinction impact your understanding of salvation?
• In what ways do you see Christians today confusing the blessings that come from the gospel with the gospel itself, and why is this distinction important?
• What would change in your prayer life and worship if you truly believed that God will never condemn, punish, or pour out wrath on you because of Christ's resurrection?
• Duane mentions that Abraham had faith in the same gospel we do, seeing it through promises and sacrifices. How does this reshape your understanding of Old Testament faith and God's consistency?
• If Jesus kept the law on your behalf, paid for your breaking of the law, and made you righteous in ways the law never could, how should this affect your approach to holy living?
• When you experience condemnation from your own conscience, other people, or the enemy, how can you practically apply the truth that God is greater than your heart and knows all things?
Godliness - The Gospel Scheme
March
15, 2026 – Seen
of Angels
[Part 5]
key points
Message Summary
Are you aware that the church is a spiritual portal - a supernatural gateway between heaven and earth? Just as Jacob saw angels ascending and descending at Bethel, believers today are living stones being built into God’s spiritual house with Christ as the cornerstone. In Part 5 of Godliness – The Gospel Scheme, Duane Sheriff focuses on the phrase "seen of angels" and shows how angelic involvement is woven throughout God’s redemptive plan from Genesis to Revelation. Angels intervene in human affairs by protecting God's people, delivering God’s messages, and ministering to those who serve Him. Scripture reveals angels taking part in God’s plan, such as guarding the tree of life, saving Lot, helping Elijah, announcing the birth of Jesus, helping Christ in the wilderness, and being at the empty tomb. We are not alone. When believers gather together as the church, they become the house of God through worship, prayer, and obedience, where heaven touches earth, and angels minister in accordance with God’s purposes.
Key Points
• The mystery of godliness is the gospel scheme God's salvation plan executed through Jesus Christ.
• Angels have been actively involved in God's redemptive plan throughout all of scripture, from guarding the tree of life to ministering to Jesus.
• Jacob’s encounter at Bethel establishes the foundational truth that God's house is a portal between heaven and earth where angels ascend and descend.
• Angels are fellow servants assigned to minister to heirs of salvation, protecting & serving God's purposes.
Scripture References
• 1 Timothy 3:14-16
• 1 Peter 2:4-10
• Genesis 3:4, 28:10-22
• Exodus 25:8
• John 1:47-51, 2:13-21
• Psalm 34:7, 91:11
Godliness - The Gospel Scheme
March
15, 2026 – Seen of
Angels
[Part 5]
Angels in Scripture
Old Covenant
• The Garden: Genesis 3:24 (Protect the tree of life).
- Acts 12:4-7 (Angel appeared in Peter’s prison cell and breaks his chains).
Godliness - The Gospel Scheme
March 22, 2026 – The Roles Of Angels
[Part 6]
key points
Message Summary
Angels are involved in your life more than you realize. From Genesis to Revelation, they have guarded, delivered, and ministered to God’s people and they are still active today. In Part 6 of Godliness – The Gospel Scheme, Duane Sheriff teaches from 1 Timothy 3:16, "seen of angels," revealing how angels are woven throughout God’s redemptive plan. From Christ’s incarnation and earthly ministry to the ongoing work of salvation, angels continually participate in God’s unfolding purpose. When the church comes together, heaven meets earth. Angels worship with us, help us, and serve God’s purposes in our lives. Discover the authority we carry as God’s house and how faith, prayer, and worship open the door for heaven’s power to move on earth.
Key Points
• Angels are fellow servants with believers in God's redemptive plan, not objects of worship or prayer.
• The house of God serves as an open door between heaven and earth where angels minister
• Angels are present during corporate worship, joining believers in crying "holy" unto the Lord
• Angels is either in Adam (the family of man) or in Christ (the family of God).
• Angels are ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14).
• Angels provide protection from demonic assault and physical danger.
Scripture References
• 1 Timothy 3:14-16
• Genesis 28
• John 1:51
• Hebrews 1:5-14, 12:18-24
• Acts 5, 8, 10, 12
• 1 Peter 1:10-12
Godliness - The Gospel Scheme
March
22, 2026
– The Roles Of Angels [Part 6]
Discussion Questions
• How does understanding the house of God as an open door between heaven and earth change the way you approach corporate worship and prayer?
• In what ways might we be tempted to 'worship worship' rather than worshiping God, and how can we guard against this in our personal and corporate spiritual lives?
• Duane mentions that angels are 'ministers of flames of fire' representing God's holiness. How does this understanding of God's holiness differ from cultural or legalistic definitions you may have encountered?
• Hebrews 12 contrasts Mount Sinai with Mount Zion, describing how we now come to God through grace rather than law. How should this reality affect our confidence in approaching God despite our weaknesses?
• Duane shares that Israel's biggest mistake was asking Moses to be a mediator instead of hearing directly from God. In what ways do we sometimes create unnecessary mediators between ourselves and God today?
• The sermon states that angels are 'fellow servants' with us in God's redemptive plan. What does it mean practically to partner with angelic ministry without praying to or worshiping angels?
• How might a greater awareness of angelic presence and activity in the church impact the way we conduct ourselves during worship services and ministry times?
Godliness - The Gospel Scheme
March 29, 2026 – Preach & Believed
[Part 7]
key points
Message Summary
Angels are involved in your life more than you realize. From Genesis to Revelation, they have guarded, delivered, and ministered to God’s people and they are still active today. In Part 6 of Godliness – The Gospel Scheme, Duane Sheriff teaches from 1 Timothy 3:16, "seen of angels," revealing how angels are woven throughout God’s redemptive plan. From Christ’s incarnation and earthly ministry to the ongoing work of salvation, angels continually participate in God’s unfolding purpose. When the church comes together, heaven meets earth. Angels worship with us, help us, and serve God’s purposes in our lives. Discover the authority we carry as God’s house and how faith, prayer, and worship open the door for heaven’s power to move on earth.
Key Points
• Faith comes by hearing the word of God, but hearing alone is insufficient faith must be mixed with the word to profit us.
• The gospel is inclusive and universal, meant for Jews and Gentiles alike every nation, tribe, tongue, and people
• The Great Commission calls believers to disciple entire nations, not just individuals
• The gospel is personal but not private it must be shared within community and beyond church walls.
• Christianity is not limited to any ethnic group; God loves everyone everywhere.
Scripture References
• 1 Timothy 3:16
• Matthew 28:18-20
• Mark 16:15
• Hebrews 4:1-3, 10:24-25
• Revelation 5:9, 7:9
• Romans 10:13-17
Godliness - The Gospel Scheme
March 29, 2026 – Preach & Believed
[Part 7]
Discussion Questions
• How does understanding that the gospel is for all nations, not just a select group, change the way you view your responsibility to share your faith with others?
• In what ways have you seen the power of the gospel transform not just individuals, but families and communities, and where might you be limiting its power to only personal salvation?
• Paul writes that faith comes by hearing, but the word does not profit us unless it is mixed with faith. What does it practically look like in your daily life to mix faith with the word of God you hear??
• The message distinguishes between holiness as external religious rules versus holiness as the fruit of relationship with God. How have you experienced this difference in your own spiritual journey??
• Duane says that while our relationship with Jesus is personal, it is not private. How does this challenge the modern tendency toward individualistic faith that avoids community and accountability?
• In what ways have you seen the power of the gospel transform not just individuals, but families and communities, and where might you be limiting its power to only personal salvation?
• Why do you think many Christians withhold sharing the gospel out of fear of rejection?
Godliness - The Gospel Scheme
April 5,
2026
– The Ascension
[Part 8]
key points
Message Summary
What if what we celebrate isn’t just a moment in history but a living reality that empowers your life today? In Godliness – The Gospel Scheme, Duane Sheriff teaches that the gospel is more than Jesus’ death and resurrection it includes His ascension and the promise it fulfilled. Jesus didn’t just rise from the grave; He ascended to the Father so the Holy Spirit could be sent, empowering believers to live transformed, godly lives. Through the ancient Jewish feasts of Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, and Pentecost, we discover powerful prophetic shadows fulfilled in Christ. Passover reveals Jesus as our ultimate sacrifice, bearing God’s wrath in our place. The Feast of Unleavened Bread unveils the stunning truth that we are now unleavened in God’s sight our sin buried with Christ and left in the grave. First Fruits declares Jesus as the firstborn of the resurrection, guaranteeing our new life and eternal future.
Key Points
• Jesus fulfilled the three spring feasts: Passover (His crucifixion), Unleavened Bread (burial of our sins), and First Fruits (His resurrection).
• The ascension of Jesus was necessary and advantageous because it enabled the Holy Spirit to come
• Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers can do the works of Jesus and even greater works.
• Jesus is the Passover Lamb whose blood causes God's wrath to pass over us.
• The Holy Spirit convicts the world of one sin: unbelief in Jesus Christ.
Scripture References
• Leviticus 23
• Matthew 5:17
• Acts 1:4-11
• 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, 15:20-23
• Exodus 12:1-20
• John 14:10-12, 16:7-11
Godliness - The Gospel Scheme
April 5, 2026 – The Ascension [Part 8]
Discussion Questions
• How does understanding Jesus as our Passover Lamb change the way you approach communion and your daily walk with God?
• What does it mean to you personally that God sees you as unleavened through Christ, and how does this truth impact how you deal with sin in your life?
• Jesus said it was to our advantage that He go away so the Helper could come. In what ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit making Jesus more real to you than if Jesus were physically present?
• What does it mean that Christ in you is the hope of glory, and how should this truth influence the way you live and the works you do?
• Duane mentioned that we celebrate a person, not just an event. How does this distinction change your perspective on Easter and your relationship with Jesus??
• Jesus said that the Father dwelling in Him did the works, and that we would do even greater works because He went to the Father. What keeps us from walking in this same dependence on the Holy Spirit?
• How does celebrating the fulfillment of the Feasts of Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, and Pentecost in Jesus deepen your understanding of the complete gospel?
• Duane teaches that we are first fruits of the new creation, raised to die no more. How does this resurrection reality impact your view of trials, suffering, and mortality?
