Active Faith: Embracing Transformation and Service

 

Summary

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves grappling with the persistent struggles of sin and temptation. It's a common plea to ask God to simply remove these desires from us, yet the reality is that transformation requires our active participation. The scripture encourages us to "make every effort" towards self-control, reminding us that while the Holy Spirit provides a way of escape, it is up to us to seize it. This partnership with God is not passive; it demands our full engagement and effort.

The joy of this journey is found in the mission God has set before us. It's not about living a life of ease and comfort but about embracing the challenges and sacrifices that come with serving others. True life is discovered in the act of giving, in the joy of seeing lives transformed through our efforts. This is the essence of taking hold of the life that is truly life, as described in 1 Timothy 6.

Moreover, our relationships, whether in marriage or community, thrive when we focus on the mission rather than ourselves. Unity is forged in the shared pursuit of God's work, not in self-centeredness. This steadfastness in mission leads to a deeper, more fulfilling connection with others and with God.

The call to godliness is a call to worship, to live a life that is constantly oriented towards God. In a world filled with distractions, it requires intentional effort to maintain a spirit of worship throughout the day. This involves turning off the noise and focusing on the eternal rather than the transient.

Finally, the pursuit of these qualities—self-control, steadfastness, godliness, and love—ensures that our lives are not ineffective or unfruitful. By focusing on our character, we align ourselves with God's promise that we will not waste our lives. This is the path to a life of impact and significance, a life that looks beyond the immediate and the visible to the eternal and the unseen.

Key Takeaways:

- Active Participation in Transformation: Transformation in our spiritual lives requires active participation. While the Holy Spirit provides a way of escape from temptation, it is up to us to seize it and make every effort towards self-control. This partnership with God is not passive but demands our full engagement. [25:08]

- Joy in Sacrifice and Service: True life is discovered in the act of giving and serving others. The joy of our journey is found in the mission God has set before us, embracing the challenges and sacrifices that come with it. This is the essence of taking hold of the life that is truly life. [28:10]

- Unity Through Mission: Our relationships thrive when we focus on the mission rather than ourselves. Unity is forged in the shared pursuit of God's work, leading to deeper connections with others and with God. This steadfastness in mission leads to a more fulfilling life. [31:04]

- Worship in a Distracted World: The call to godliness is a call to worship, requiring intentional effort to maintain a spirit of worship throughout the day. In a world filled with distractions, it involves turning off the noise and focusing on the eternal rather than the transient. [38:06]

- Character Over Task: By focusing on our character, we align ourselves with God's promise that we will not waste our lives. The pursuit of qualities like self-control, steadfastness, and love ensures that our lives are not ineffective or unfruitful, leading to a life of impact and significance. [42:45]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [24:54] - Struggles with Sin and Temptation
- [25:20] - Making Every Effort
- [26:07] - Exceptions and Effort
- [27:28] - Love for God's Mission
- [28:10] - True Life in Service
- [30:11] - Joy in Sacrifice
- [31:04] - Unity Through Mission
- [32:28] - Steadfastness in Faith
- [34:29] - Godliness as Worship
- [38:06] - Overcoming Distractions
- [39:21] - Brotherly Affection and Love
- [42:11] - Increasing in Character
- [45:08] - Avoiding Nearsightedness
- [49:28] - Worship in Spirit and Truth

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 1 Timothy 6:17-19
- 2 Peter 1:3-8
- 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

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Observation Questions:

1. According to 2 Peter 1:3-8, what has God provided us to live a godly life, and what are we encouraged to add to our faith? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on active participation in transformation? [25:08]

2. In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, what instructions are given to those who are rich, and how does this connect to the sermon’s message about finding true life in service and sacrifice? [28:10]

3. How does 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 describe the relationship between our present struggles and eternal glory? How does this passage support the sermon’s call to focus on the eternal rather than the transient? [46:29]

4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the concept of unity through mission, and how does this align with the biblical call to steadfastness and godliness? [31:04]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon explain the role of self-control in our spiritual journey, and why is it important to make every effort towards it? [25:20]

2. The sermon mentions the joy found in sacrifice and service. How does this perspective challenge common views of success and fulfillment in today’s society? [29:09]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that focusing on the mission rather than ourselves can lead to stronger relationships and community? [31:04]

4. How does the sermon describe the challenges of maintaining a spirit of worship in a distracted world, and what practical steps are suggested to overcome these distractions? [38:06]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a specific area in your life where you struggle with self-control. What practical steps can you take this week to actively participate in your transformation? [25:20]

2. Consider a recent situation where you had the opportunity to serve others. How did it impact your sense of fulfillment and joy? How can you seek out more opportunities for service in your daily life? [28:10]

3. Think about a relationship in your life that could benefit from a shared mission or purpose. How can you initiate a conversation about working together towards a common goal? [31:04]

4. Identify one distraction that frequently pulls your attention away from worship. What specific action can you take to minimize this distraction and focus more on the eternal? [38:06]

5. Reflect on the qualities listed in 2 Peter 1:3-8. Which one do you feel most called to develop in your life right now, and what is one tangible step you can take to grow in that area? [42:45]

6. How can you incorporate moments of worship into your daily routine, even amidst a busy schedule? Share one idea with the group and commit to trying it this week. [38:06]

7. Consider the concept of being nearsighted and blind to the eternal, as mentioned in the sermon. What is one way you can shift your focus from the immediate to the eternal in your daily decisions? [45:08]

Devotional

Day 1: Active Engagement in Spiritual Growth
Transformation in our spiritual lives is not a passive process. It requires our active participation and effort. While the Holy Spirit provides a way of escape from temptation, it is up to us to seize it and make every effort towards self-control. This partnership with God demands our full engagement, as we are called to actively pursue a life that aligns with His will. The journey of faith involves a conscious decision to resist sin and embrace the path of righteousness, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. [25:08]

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love." (2 Peter 1:5-7, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you need to exercise more self-control? How can you actively partner with God to make progress in this area today?


Day 2: Finding Joy in Sacrifice and Service
True life is discovered in the act of giving and serving others. The joy of our journey is found in the mission God has set before us, embracing the challenges and sacrifices that come with it. This is the essence of taking hold of the life that is truly life. By focusing on serving others, we align ourselves with God's purpose and experience the fulfillment that comes from living a life of significance. The sacrifices we make in service to others are not burdens but opportunities to reflect God's love and grace. [28:10]

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:16, ESV)

Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can serve today, and what specific action can you take to show them God's love through your service?


Day 3: Unity Through Shared Mission
Our relationships thrive when we focus on the mission rather than ourselves. Unity is forged in the shared pursuit of God's work, leading to deeper connections with others and with God. This steadfastness in mission leads to a more fulfilling life, as we find common ground in our commitment to God's purpose. By prioritizing the mission over personal desires, we cultivate a spirit of unity and cooperation that strengthens our relationships and glorifies God. [31:04]

"Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." (Philippians 2:2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you contribute to unity in your community or family by focusing on a shared mission? What steps can you take to prioritize this mission over personal preferences?


Day 4: Cultivating Worship in a Distracted World
The call to godliness is a call to worship, requiring intentional effort to maintain a spirit of worship throughout the day. In a world filled with distractions, it involves turning off the noise and focusing on the eternal rather than the transient. By cultivating a heart of worship, we align our lives with God's eternal purposes and find peace amidst the chaos. This intentional focus on worship transforms our daily routines into opportunities to glorify God and deepen our relationship with Him. [38:06]

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2, ESV)

Reflection: What is one distraction in your life that you can minimize or eliminate to create more space for worship? How can you intentionally focus on God's eternal purposes today?


Day 5: Prioritizing Character Over Task
By focusing on our character, we align ourselves with God's promise that we will not waste our lives. The pursuit of qualities like self-control, steadfastness, and love ensures that our lives are not ineffective or unfruitful, leading to a life of impact and significance. This focus on character development transforms our actions and decisions, allowing us to live in a way that reflects God's love and truth. By prioritizing character over task, we invest in what truly matters and leave a lasting legacy. [42:45]

"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:23, ESV)

Reflection: What is one character trait you feel God is calling you to develop further? How can you intentionally work on this trait in your daily interactions and decisions?

Quotes



The scripture doesn't say that it's just going to happen without you doing anything that it's some sort of paive thing otherwise why is he say make every effort why you say make every effort towards self-control cuz he knows man there's going to be times when you're on that phone it's like man I just want to push that button I just want to look at that one website it's going to take every ounce of self-control where you make every effort you go no no I'm just going to go running you know I'm just going to do something to get my mind off of this and it's something where we work in conjunction with the Holy Spirit where he gives you a way of escape and go I'm just going to take it. [00:25:05]

I love being a part of his mission don't you don't you just love like okay good I get to put some effort into this thing I I got some skin in the game you know like that's why I was showing you the pictures like from from from our anniversary trip it's like this is so fun to me this is what he talks about in 1 Timothy 6 the you know when he tells the rich which is all of us you know that that you know what be generous give do these good works be be good and because I want you to take hold of the life that is truly life I want you to get that I want you to just enjoy take hold of that real life. [00:28:10]

What is better than taking a kid who's starving that's going to die within a few days and nurse him back to health and tell them why you're there and then tell them about the things of God and To See Him worship God what's better than what's better than rescuing a girl that's just man you should have heard this one girl at her graduation you know that came out of the red light district and went through all of our training and Vocational first words out of her mouth she goes I used to be a toilet a place where guys just relieve themselves and then go and then to talk about who she is now in Christ this new creation filled with the spirit full of joy. [00:28:46]

It's lifegiving to think about others that's what Jesus was saying if you guys would just die to yourselves and your life and man you would find this Greater Life I think that's what was so fun about this anniversary trip is like we just didn't think about our eles you know there's so much you know people that have these miserable marriages sometimes it's not because they they ignore their marriages sometimes it's because they focus on their marriages too much rather than focusing on the mission rather than focusing on the things of God I'm telling you that has been the Saving Grace for my wife and I the reason why we are so tight as a family we just don't think about ourselves that much. [00:30:11]

When you're in a mission together the unity just happens you've seen it you guys have been on mission trips remember when you showed up the first day and you're like I'm going with these guys and you thinking I have nothing in common with anyone that's going to be terrible and what happens by the end of the trip you're like crying like I I'm gonna have to leave you I missed that old lady that I couldn't stand it for why did was it because you sat around and did group building exercises and said no let's love each other no you just get busy about the work man I noticed when we started this ministry in San Francisco where we're knocking on doors I was in love with all the people that went with me. [00:31:04]

The word for godliness is really interesting it it's actually about worship it it's it's the idea of a person who worships all day long and and and again it's something the Holy Spirit puts into you that that wants to worship God but nonetheless do you know how hard it is to have that Spirit of worship all day long that I mean that's what a spirit spirit filled person does he's singing he makes melody in his heart all day long all day long to the Lord that's what this word godliness is but that doesn't just happen you have to consciously think why am I thinking about all these other things the these things are not true honorable right pure excellent praiseworthy God is oh yeah let me get my mind back worshiping him. [00:34:29]

God says you know what I'm not going to let you be tempted beyond what you can handle even with all that noise in the world you can focus on me there's this Do Not Disturb button on there you know you don't have to look at this you it's just it's going to take work you may have to make more effort than you did 20 years years ago but you make every effort towards being a Godly person which means you're worshiping throughout the day you turn off the noise you block yourself out you may have to drive a little farther to isolate yourself and get your mind right at times I think Retreats are more important than ever nowadays a place where everyone just leaves their phone and just go you know what this is the way people used to live you know and trust the sovereignty of God. [00:38:06]

If these qualities are yours and are increasing they will keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ list I I think you're all here because you want to do something with your life right and you go gosh I want to make a difference I want to have an impact and what this scripture says is if these qualities are yours and you keep increasing in all of these character qualities you are not going to live an ineffective life see so many people get it backwards and they get so focused on I want to do this Mission I want to save a whole tribe I want to do this I want to do that and they neglect their character and I've seen it so many times where people work on their gifting work on this strategy work on this skill but they neglect their own character and everything falls apart. [00:42:45]

The Bible says if you would focus on being this right person he promises you will not be ineffective it's a guarantee I'm not going to waste my life I'm going to do great things why because I have these qualities in increasing measure again this is focused on let's get to the ends of the Earth but I'm just telling you if you're the right person you'll get to the ends of the Earth you'll do amazing things in your lifetime he promises you will not be unfruitful sometimes we go when we pursue the the task and not realizing we could totally fail it's just like those who say I want to find the perfect wife why don't you work on being the perfect guy why why would she even want to be with you it's just this whole like it's let me focus on my character and God says as you do this and you make every effort towards these things I promise you will not waste your life on the earth. [00:43:48]

Whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins therefore brothers be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure for if you practice these qualities you you will never fall he says if you lack these things he goes you're so nearsighted that you're blind nearsighted we all get it sometimes it's like if I'm if I've got my phone and I accidentally drop it and I I crack the screen like maybe some of you guys did that this weekend accidentally crack the screen you ever you ever get that where you're going oh my gosh and that's all you see is this little crack in your screen going man I don't get an upgrade for 22 months you know I going to be looking at this CRA I why didn't I get the insurance why didn't I get the cover I could to spend a little bit more and that's all you can f you you forget that you know what you're a partaker of the divine nature you don't even see that right there you're an equal standing with Peter you've got the holy spirit in you you know you've got all the riches of Heaven you're going to spend eternity because Jesus died on that cross suffered for you and now you're completely forgiven you're inherit all the riches of his kingdom but you don't see any of that all you go man this phone that's all you know we've done that where something just immediate right there blocks everything out. [00:45:08]

The Bible is saying don't look at the things that are right in front of your face those things will all pass look to the Eternal it's it's like remember when Elisha when all those people were coming to kill him and his servant goes out and goes dude you're dead look at the Army me out there and elishah goes Lord open his eyes and suddenly he sees this whole other world of these chariots that are on fire and he goes oh I guess we're fine you know like and the Bible says stop looking at what you can see everything you see right now is temporary okay so he goes we don't look to that even when you look in the mirror today that's temporary you're not going to look like that in a few years you know you going to try to get you know plastic surgery but that just makes you creepy it it just it's it's not going to everything you see okay and what's the enemy going to do he's going to make you look at things you can see and go I want that I want that and make you so nearsighted at these things that are physical and transient he's going to make you long for those Lust For Those and the Bible says we don't do that we suck it up we look to things that are unseen. [00:46:48]

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Transcript
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