Sermons on Subtle:

Jesus Diaries - The Poor Little Rich Church Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 7, 2002

Laodicea has always been known as the "luke warm" church. But what caused them to be so nauseating to Jesus. Their sin was subtle but just as dangerous as any that the other churches suffered from.

OPEN: I once heard of the skipper of boat that was sinking in the ocean who frantically radioed for help. Finally, the Coast Guard answered his plea. The Coast Guard replied: "We’re on our way. What is your position? Repeat, what is your position?" The yachtsman responded: "I’m executive vice ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Perspectives, Priorities And Personal Choices

Contributed by Samuel Wilder on Jun 1, 2004

I used this as a subtle stewardship sermon to get people thinking about how they look at "stuff," what they make as priority in their lives and how their choices affect them, their world and even the church.

I think there are three things that will determine the way we live and the way that we give: Our perspective – how we not only look at things but how we see them. Our priorities – what we place as of utmost importance in our lives (and, often, in our world). Our personal choices – what we hang to, ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Spot The Servant Series

Contributed by Ewen Huffman on Jun 3, 2005

How do we spot someone who is a true servant of God? Is it immediately obvious? Can it be spotted from what they do...? (indirectly this is a subtle challenge to be the right kind of servants of God)

"Spot the servant". 2 Cor 6:1-13. WBC 5 May 2005 am Thought you’d like this! "I’m going away for a while. Please could you water my pot plants for me when I’m gone. Once a day should be fine. (PPT after reading out to reveal "please water my plants while away.jpg" in My pictures\illustrations ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Verdict On Judgment Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Feb 23, 2022

We all make judgments practically every day. Some are quick and quite subtle, while others are more deliberate and obvious. Believers must ensure their judgments are biblical, and measured with grace.

The Verdict on Judgment Matthew 7: 1-5 We have come to a new chapter in our study of the Sermon on the Mount, but it is just a continuation of the thoughts of our Lord. We have considered and discussed many practical subjects that deal with human life and practice in our study and we continue to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

The Sneakiness Of Pride Series

Contributed by Kevin Evans Tay on Aug 8, 2020

Pride can be sneaky. It can affect you in a very subtle way without you noticing it. We are going to learn from the Life of King Uzziah about the issue of pride.

THE SNEAKINESS OF PRIDE INTRODUCTION: • Welcome back to the House of God and welcome to those of who you are tuning in online. • Today we’re in the third part of the series I called it SOP. • I talked about the Source of Perseverance three weeks ago. • And last week, I talked about the Sacrifice ...read more

Turning Towards  Truth Series

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on May 15, 2007

The lies are subtle, and they go deep down. They are rooted in painful experiences of hurt, of rejection, and the antidote is to discover what God’s truth says to those lies, and to hear that truth speak to those experiences.

Turning Towards  Truth April 9, 2006 (Palm Sunday) John 18:28-38 Intro: Today is Palm Sunday, where we celebrate Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, where the people welcomed Him and celebrated Him as a King, singing hosanna’s, laying palms and even their cloaks on the ground for His donkey to ...read more

Scripture: John 18:28-38

Denomination: Baptist

Offence: The Bait Of Satan

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jun 26, 2025

Offence is one of Satan’s most dangerous and subtle traps. It can cripple a person spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. But God gives us the grace to overcome offence through the power of love, humility, and forgiveness.

OFFENCE: THE BAIT OF SATAN By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Luke 17:1 Supporting Texts: Proverbs 18:19, Matthew 24:10, 2 Timothy 2:24–26, Hebrews 12:14–15, 2 Corinthians 2:10–11 INTRODUCTION: Jesus made it clear in Luke 17:1 that “it is impossible but that offences will come.” This truth ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:1

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Prayer Keys - Repentance And Confession Series

Contributed by Mark Stepherson on Dec 8, 2011

Subtle sin hinders our prayer as surely as the blatant ones. It does not have to be blatant. It does not have to be an outward action. It does not have to be anything anyone else knows about. If we regard iniquity in our hearts the Lord will not listen.

“If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” Psalms 66:18 Before writing, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” before becoming a leader of the Reformation, before his 95 Theses, Martin Luther was a Catholic priest. One thing that did not change for ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 66:18

Denomination: Baptist

The Broken Altar - When Worship Becomes Work Series

Contributed by Barry Tallis on May 2, 2025

The first in a four part series confronts the subtle drift from passionate devotion to empty religious routine, challenging believers to recognize the cracks in their spiritual foundations and commit to rebuilding authentic altars of worship in their daily lives.

INTO: Today we're kicking off a brand-new series that's going to challenge your spiritual comfort zone and reignite your relationship with God. We're talking about being SET APART in a world that wants you to fit in! Have you ever felt like your relationship with God has become more ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 29:13, 1 Kings 18:30, Romans 12:1

Go! And Pray In The Spirit Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Dec 3, 2025

The 21st century believer is bombarded on every side — temptations, anxieties, cultural pressures, distractions, spiritual deception, and the subtle erosion of biblical conviction. Into this battlefield Paul gives us a clear command to pray in the Spirit.

Go! And Pray in the Spirit Introduction – Gripped by a Call to Battle Church, if there were ever a time when the people of God must awaken to the reality of spiritual warfare, it is now. The 21st century believer is bombarded on every side — temptations, anxieties, cultural pressures, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, Matthew 26:41, Colossians 4:2-3, Hebrews 4:16, Romans 10:13, Ephesians 2:1, Isaiah 59:2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

An Eye For An Eye - Matthew 5:38-39 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 20, 2024

It’s surprising to discover how many subtle ways we take revenge on those who hurt us. This message will help you discover them and show you the remedy Jesus gave us.

Matthew 5:38-42 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-42

Reformation Series

Contributed by Steve Lawson on Jan 5, 2004

The real enemy to the Christian today is not “the liberals”, abortion, or no prayer in school. The real enemy to the Christian today is subtle sins like pride, envy, jealousy, selfishness, lust and greed, that infiltrate the Christian’s life and the chur

Reformation Nehemiah 13:15-31 “It is the nature of fire to burn out” 1. Recommitment to Separation A. A Mixed Multitude (vs. 1-3) A “Mixed Multitude” is when a Christian lets sin enter his life and does not treat it as his enemy. A “Mixed Multitude” is when the church does not teach the ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 13:15-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Things You Don’t Expect A Vicar To Say: I Agree With Isis.

Contributed by Fr Mund Cargill Thompson on Nov 22, 2015

Of course there are a few subtle differences on tactics but on the two key points I agree with ISIS. Loyalty to God always comes before loyalty to my country. I believe in destroying the enemies of God. Shocked? Read on....

Things you don’t expect a vicar to say: I agree with ISIS. Of course there are a few subtle differences on tactics but on the two key points I agree with ISIS. - Loyalty to God always comes before loyalty to my country. - I believe in destroying the enemies of God. Let’s start with ...read more

Scripture: John 18:33-37, Daniel 7:9-14, Matthew 5:43-48, Matthew 5:38-40, Luke 6:27-38, Revelation 1:4-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

The Devil's Strategies

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 14, 2025

The devil’s strategies are subtle, but as believers, we must not be ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). We must remain spiritually alert, grounded in God's Word, and filled with the Holy Spirit.

THE DEVIL'S STRATEGIES By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." Supporting Texts: 2 Corinthians 2:11, Ephesians 6:11-12, John 10:10 INTRODUCTION The devil is ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8, 2 Corinthians 2:11, Ephesians 6:11-12, John 10:10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Problem And Solution Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 2, 2021

Our Christian faith and values are always being flavored by the culture. It is so subtle that we do not even realize it, and that is why the Bible often has to be so radical to jar us awake to the fact that we are to be different from the world.

William Stidger, the great preacher, was in France during World War I, and he visited the city of Marseilles where he saw the aqueduct that all visitors are guided to see. The story of this source of water to the city goes back to the old man who became known as the miser of Marseilles. He walked ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11