Maybe you’ve heard the old saying, “Good fences make good neighbors.” That’s probably true! In a spiritual context, good fences make stronger believers. When God places a fence or boundary in our life, it’s not to steal our joy or restrict us from something good. God’s boundaries protect us from ourselves, from others, from sin and great harm. As believers, we’re called to live within certain boundaries that flow from the holiness of God, the authority of Scripture, and love for our neighbor. When we break the boundary, we pay the price. In this series, we will explore key boundaries that lead to spiritually healthy believers and stronger relationships.
April 12, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#1 in series)
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Joshua 1:8; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Series Truth #1: God’s boundaries bring __, protection, __ and blessing.
In Scripture, God gives us…
• Responsibility Boundaries that define a person’s God-given load and responsibilities.
• __ Boundaries that protect us from others and others from us
• Moral Boundaries that lead to holiness while limiting the influence of the world, the flesh and the devil.
• __ Boundaries that guide our happiness, sadness, fear, disgust, anger and love.
• Sexual Boundaries that keep intimacy within God’s design.
• __ Boundaries that guard our tongue and encourage edifying speech.
• Work/Rest Boundaries that set the healthy rhythms of work, rest and worship.
• __ Boundaries that establish love, discipline, honor and provision within the home.
Series Truth #2: When God establishes a boundary, it’s because He’s __ you well by __ what’s His.
“When you __ the Bible, the Bible __ you.” –Adrian Rogers
How does Scripture create a good boundary for believers?
1. Scripture __ our speech, transforms our minds, and __ our actions. (Joshua 1:8a)
2. Scripture shows us God’s path for __ and successful living. (Joshua 1:8b)
3. Scripture is inspired by God and __ for us. (2 Timothy 3:16a)
4. Scripture __, reproves, corrects and __ us. (2 Timothy 3:16b)
5. Scripture __ us for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:17)
Response and Reflection:
• Where are you currently living outside the boundary of Scripture? What’s keeping you from living inside the boundary?
• Is Scripture on your lips, in your mind, and seen through your actions? If not, what can you do to change that?
• Are you meditating on Scripture? If so, what is God teaching you?
• As you read the Word, what reflection do you see more (who you were by nature or who you can be by grace)?
• Take some time to read about the benefits of Scripture in Psalm 119. As you read that chapter, write down the benefits.
April 19, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#2 in series)
Download a PDF of the sermon notes by clicking here.
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Matthew 22:39; Romans 12:18; Matthew 7:12
Matthew 22:39: “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (NIV)
Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (NIV)
Matthew 7:12: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (NIV)
Series Truth #1: God’s boundaries bring clarity, protection, direction and blessing.
Series Truth #2: When God establishes a boundary, it’s because He’s loving you well by protecting what’s His.
Key Truth 1: When relating to others, God’s general boundaries are to __ people, pursue __ and do __.
• Love People: (Matthew 22:39)
• Pursue Peace: (Romans 12:18)
• Do Good: (Matthew 7:12)
Key Truth 2: When relating to others, God’s specific and circumstantial boundaries give greater __, limit deceptive __ and provide additional __.
God tells us not to associate with certain people. Who are those people?
• Habitually sinful or __ “believers” (1 Corinthians 5:9-13)
• Divisive and __ people (Romans 16:17-18; Titus 3:9-11)
• False __ and deceivers (1 Corinthians 15:33; Romans 16:17; Galatians 1:8-9; 2 John 1:10-11)
• People marked by last-days __ (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
• Habitual __ and scoffers (Proverbs 13:20)
• __ and hot-tempered people (Proverbs 22:24-25; James 1:19-20)
• Chronic __ and those who sow strife (Proverbs 20:19, 20:3, 16:28, 17:9, 6:16-19; Romans 1:29)
Response/Reflection:
• Where are you currently living outside God’s relational boundaries?
• Ask God if you are loving people, pursuing peace, and doing good to others. Journal what He shares.
• Could you be characterized by any of the categories on the “do not associate” list? If so, what’s holding you back from repentance?
• Where is God calling you to establish one of His relational boundaries in your life?
• What is your greatest fear of standing on a relational boundary?
• Think back over major points of relational division in your life. Would adherence to one of these boundaries have protected you from that pain?
• If our ability to relate well to others is based on our knowledge of God’s Word and reliance upon the Holy Spirit, how are you growing in each discipline?
April 26, 2026
Dalton Moore
(#3 in series)
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1 Peter 1:13-16
Series Truth: When God establishes a boundary, it’s because He’s
loving us well by protecting what’s His.
Key Truth: For the follower of Christ, all of life is meant to
bear __ to His __and His __.
A Holy Mindset: (v.13)
• prepared and __
• __ and self-controlled
• has its hope fully set on __
God’s children must choose __ over __. (v.14)
Two Holy Filters:
1. What does the __ say?
2. If something cannot be done to the __ of God, then we can be sure it must be __ the will of God.
Holiness is not __ gratitude, but the necessary outworking of __ itself. (v.15-16)
Reflection Questions:
1. Where has culture pressured you to blur God’s boundaries?
2. What “net” is Christ asking you to drop for holy living?
3. How does fixing your hope on Christ’s return reshape daily decisions?
4. What fence has God placed in your life that you’re tempted to resist and/or cross?