Active Faith: Partnering with God in His Mission
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound call to be co-workers with God in His grand venture, as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 3. We are not meant to be mere bystanders but active participants in God's mission. This call is exemplified in the story of Lazarus from John chapters 10 and 11, where Jesus, despite the danger, chose to return to Judea to perform a miracle. This story teaches us that sometimes God allows challenging situations to give us new grounds for believing.
We also reflected on Jesus' final words to His disciples before His ascension, where He promised the Holy Spirit and commissioned them to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This commission is not just a call to familiar and comfortable places but also to hostile and challenging environments. The disciples' journey, especially Thomas' willingness to follow Jesus even unto death, serves as a powerful example of commitment and faith.
In our own lives, we are often called to step out of our comfort zones and into places that may seem hostile or uncomfortable. Whether it's rethinking a stance, talking to someone different from us, or going to a place we fear, God calls us to trust Him and be His witnesses. The story of the man with the head tattoo at the QT in Abilene illustrates that sometimes, all it takes is a simple act of reaching out to make a connection and be a part of God's larger mission.
As we prepare for our one-day offering next week, let's be in prayer about how we can participate and partner with God in His mission. Remember, the more difficult the task, the more significant it may be. Trust in the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to be witnesses of God's love and power, even in the most challenging circumstances.
### Key Takeaways
1. Partnership with God: We are called to be co-workers with God, not mere bystanders. This partnership involves active participation in His mission, which can lead to new grounds for believing, as seen in the story of Lazarus. [47:34]
2. Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to empower us to be His witnesses. This empowerment is not just for familiar and comfortable places but also for hostile and challenging environments. [51:18]
3. Commitment in Adversity: Thomas' willingness to follow Jesus even unto death exemplifies the level of commitment required to be a true disciple. This commitment is essential, especially when the mission involves risk and discomfort. [01:03:30]
4. Reaching Out in Faith: Sometimes, God calls us to reach out to those who seem different or intimidating. A simple act of connection can be a part of God's larger mission, teaching us not to judge by appearances and to trust in His guidance. [01:01:42]
5. Mission in Hostile Environments: The call to be witnesses extends to hostile environments. Trusting God in these situations can lead to witnessing significant miracles and transformations, as seen in the story of Lazarus. [01:08:41]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[47:34] - The Story of Lazarus
[48:55] - Prayer of Thanksgiving
[51:18] - Empowered by the Holy Spirit
[52:43] - Witnessing in Jerusalem and Judea
[54:14] - Challenges in Samaria
[55:34] - Modern-Day Samaria
[57:07] - Returning to Judea
[58:28] - Conversations with God
[59:57] - The Man with the Head Tattoo
[01:01:42] - Lessons from Reaching Out
[01:03:30] - Thomas' Commitment
[01:05:09] - Witnessing Miracles
[01:06:56] - Hostility in the World
[01:08:41] - Trusting God in Hostile Environments
[01:10:49] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 3:9 - "For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building."
2. John 11:14-15 - "So then he told them plainly, 'Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.'"
3. Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Corinthians 3:9 say about our role in God's mission?
2. In John 11:14-15, why does Jesus say He is glad He was not there when Lazarus died? What does this imply about faith? [47:34]
3. According to Acts 1:8, what will the disciples receive, and what are they called to do with it? [51:18]
4. How did Thomas respond to Jesus' decision to return to Judea despite the danger? [01:03:30]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be a "co-worker" or "partner" with God in His mission, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3:9? How does this change our perspective on daily life and ministry?
2. Why do you think Jesus allowed Lazarus to die before performing the miracle? How does this story challenge our understanding of God's timing and purpose? [47:34]
3. How does the promise of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:8 empower believers to witness in both familiar and hostile environments? What does this empowerment look like in practical terms? [51:18]
4. Thomas' willingness to follow Jesus even unto death is highlighted in the sermon. What does this level of commitment teach us about discipleship and faith in the face of adversity? [01:03:30]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to step out of your comfort zone. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can you apply this experience to future situations where God calls you to act? [58:28]
2. The sermon mentioned the story of the man with the head tattoo. Have you ever judged someone by their appearance and later realized you were wrong? How can you practice reaching out in faith to those who seem different or intimidating? [59:57]
3. Jesus' commission to be witnesses extends to hostile environments. Identify a "hostile" or uncomfortable place in your life where you feel God might be calling you to witness. What steps can you take to trust God and act on this calling? [01:08:41]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of the Holy Spirit in empowering us to be witnesses. How can you cultivate a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit in your daily life and ministry? [51:18]
5. As we prepare for the one-day offering, how can you prayerfully consider your participation in God's mission? What specific actions can you take to partner with God in this venture? [47:34]
6. Think about a person or group you find difficult to connect with. What practical steps can you take this week to reach out and build a bridge, trusting that God can use even small acts of kindness for His larger mission? [01:01:42]
7. Reflect on Thomas' commitment to follow Jesus even unto death. How can you cultivate a similar level of commitment in your own faith journey, especially when faced with risk and discomfort? [01:03:30]
Devotional
### Day 1: Partnership with God
Description:
In 1 Corinthians 3, we are reminded that we are called to be co-workers with God, not mere bystanders. This partnership involves active participation in His mission, which can lead to new grounds for believing. The story of Lazarus in John chapters 10 and 11 exemplifies this. Jesus, despite the danger, chose to return to Judea to perform a miracle, showing that sometimes God allows challenging situations to give us new grounds for believing. This call to partnership means stepping out in faith, trusting that God will work through us to accomplish His purposes. [47:34]
Bible Passage:
"For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building." (1 Corinthians 3:9, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a situation in your life where you have been a bystander. How can you step into active participation in God's mission in that situation today?
### Day 2: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Description:
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to empower us to be His witnesses, not just in familiar and comfortable places but also in hostile and challenging environments. This empowerment is crucial for fulfilling the Great Commission, as seen in Acts 1:8, where Jesus tells His disciples to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. The Holy Spirit equips us with the courage, wisdom, and strength needed to face these challenges and to spread the message of God's love and power. [51:18]
Bible Passage:
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, ESV)
Reflection:
Identify a challenging environment you are currently facing. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you to be a witness in that situation?
### Day 3: Commitment in Adversity
Description:
Thomas' willingness to follow Jesus even unto death exemplifies the level of commitment required to be a true disciple. This commitment is essential, especially when the mission involves risk and discomfort. In John 11:16, Thomas says, "Let us also go, that we may die with him," showing his readiness to face danger for the sake of following Jesus. This kind of commitment calls us to trust God fully, even when the path ahead is uncertain or fraught with peril. [01:03:30]
Bible Passage:
"So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, 'Let us also go, that we may die with him.'" (John 11:16, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on a time when you faced adversity for your faith. How can you cultivate a deeper commitment to follow Jesus, even in difficult circumstances?
### Day 4: Reaching Out in Faith
Description:
Sometimes, God calls us to reach out to those who seem different or intimidating. A simple act of connection can be a part of God's larger mission, teaching us not to judge by appearances and to trust in His guidance. The story of the man with the head tattoo at the QT in Abilene illustrates this point. By reaching out in faith, we can break down barriers and build meaningful relationships that reflect God's love and inclusivity. [01:01:42]
Bible Passage:
"Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment." (John 7:24, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of someone in your life who seems different or intimidating. How can you reach out to them in faith and build a connection today?
### Day 5: Mission in Hostile Environments
Description:
The call to be witnesses extends to hostile environments. Trusting God in these situations can lead to witnessing significant miracles and transformations, as seen in the story of Lazarus. Jesus' decision to return to Judea, despite the danger, demonstrates the importance of trusting God in hostile environments. By stepping out in faith, we can be part of God's miraculous work and witness His power in transforming lives. [01:08:41]
Bible Passage:
"Jesus answered, 'Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.'" (John 11:9, ESV)
Reflection:
Identify a hostile environment you are currently avoiding. How can you trust God and step into that environment to be a witness of His love and power?
Quotes
1. "What I have seen is I've seen the Holy Spirit work here and I know the Holy Spirit is inside your leaders and I know the Holy Spirit is inside those people who serve and and attend and participate here I've seen the Holy Spirit do some amazing things and I believe God wants us to continue to do amazing things in this coming year he wants us to partner with him and in first Corinthians three it says we are co-workers and and one translation says we are partners with God in this grand venture you know God wants us to be involved he doesn't want us to be following him as a bystander he wants us to be with him and so I'm excited about what's going to happen next year." [47:34] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we choose to partner with God when we choose to follow him and to be co-workers in this grand venture of the gospel he's going to give us new grounds for believing we're going to see it so I'm excited about next week I encourage you to come and be in prayer about how you can participate with with us in this." [48:55] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus says this he says it's not for you to know the time or the dates the father has set by his own authority and I would say in a modern language my translation is don't worry about the time dad knows that's all that matters I'm still working on my translation of the bible I don't know how accurate it is but and right before he's taken up into heaven right before that happens he tells them you will not know the time but what you will get is the holy spirit and I love that because Jesus didn't leave us empty-handed I won't give you the time but I am going to give you the holy spirit." [51:18] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You will receive power when the holy spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem not could you could you be my witnesses he says you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth and first of all this is a responsibility isn't it to be a witness to the holy spirit to be a witness in Jerusalem and in Judea you know it's expected you got connections there I'm sure if you're a good if you're a good Israelite then you you have connections in Jerusalem because you're probably there at least once twice a year but even still it's going to be a challenge." [52:43] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When god moves you to do something there's always a little bit of risk involved so a while ago I had one of these moments I was traveling and I was standing in line at a qt in abilene and and I'm right behind this guy who has got all types of leather on right and he looks pretty intimidating but he's a little shorter than me and his head's right here and I I couldn't stop looking at his head he's got a bald head and he's got a bald head and he's got a bald head and a huge head tattoo it's huge and I just I'm like in in mesmerized by this because there's such detail in it and I'm kind of looking at and suddenly I don't I'm serious I don't know what happened but I'm like this close to him and I'm just kind of and I'm realizing what am I just like what am I doing and so I don't and I just started feeling this talk to him just say something talk to him." [58:28] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "I wonder if sometimes that's not what mission is all about saying yes to god and trusting him enough to help you when he leads you into a hostile environment trust god enough to believe that the more uncomfortable the situation maybe the bigger miracle you might actually see so for the disciples in this john 10 and 11 story jesus had just told them that they're going back to into hostile territory a place that just recently tried to stone him but they were going there because people needed jesus." [01:03:30] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Just because something is difficult doesn't mean it's not worth doing in fact the more difficult it is the more important it may be and if you don't remember what happened next in the story in john chapter 11 let me just say they they followed him and they saw a miracle like no other they saw a dead man brought back to life by the power of a living god." [01:05:09] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The world is becoming more hostile but the call of jesus is still appropriate it still stands did you know that you are called to be witnesses to the love and the power of jesus even in places that may seem unsafe and this is not a matter of if but when you are going to be led into a hostile environment I mean why are we afraid right it's no longer I who live but it's christ who lives in me I've I've died to myself and now I live christ that's what paul says in galatians 2 so whenever we encounter a hostile environment what do we do are we thinking mission or are we thinking self-defense are we thinking people need to know god or are we thinking I got to do my best to save myself." [01:06:56] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We are called to be people who testify to the power of a living god through the love of jesus christ people who love god and others above all else people who trust that god will bring us life even in the face of difficulty and even death do we trust god to be with us in the midst of a hostile world I mean god desperately wants to save people in the samarias of the world and then I'm going to ask you what's your samaria what's that place that you are very uncomfortable going when jesus says hey I want you to go here or to this person who is that where is that because it might be different for all of us." [01:08:41] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "For many of us our role is just to simply go to take a step to make a connection and you know what god's going to do the rest of it we are his witnesses in places that are comfortable in places that are familiar and the places also that are challenging and places that are hostile if and when he calls you to go how will you respond with commitment with trust fear and I would even say if you respond with fear but still go awesome those moments of doubt if you push through that you could just see something unbelievable you will receive power when the holy spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses in jerusalem and judea and samaria and to the ends of the earth." [01:10:49] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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