Aligning Our Hearts with the Gospel's Call
Summary
Today, I began by expressing the privilege of speaking at Rexdale Alliance Church, our home church, and acknowledging the significant contributions of Milad and Richard from the Alliance Arab Network. I also shared about our upcoming transition to Calgary, where I will be candidating at a church, marking the end of my tenure as vice president.
In my sermon, I delved into the profound question of what our hearts truly love, emphasizing that our actions are deeply connected to our heart's desires. I encouraged everyone to reflect on whether their lives genuinely embody the gospel, urging an introspective look at whether we live out the values we profess to hold.
I highlighted the Apostle Paul's teachings to the Philippians, focusing on living a life worthy of the gospel. Paul's context, writing from prison to a church in a patriotic city, underscores the courage needed to live out our faith authentically. He challenges us to conduct ourselves in a manner that reflects the gospel, regardless of external pressures or societal expectations.
I shared a personal anecdote about attending a dinner where deep, personal questions were posed, leading to unexpected revelations about the desires for peace and the impact of religion on global conflicts. This story illustrated the importance of genuine faith expression in overcoming common misconceptions about religion.
Furthermore, I discussed the dual narratives of work and vocation. One narrative views career and possessions as the measure of a person's value, while the other sees work as a calling and ministry, an opportunity to live out one's faith daily. This led to a broader discussion on how our professional lives can reflect our deepest values and contribute to the kingdom of God.
I concluded with a call to introspection and change, challenging everyone to align their desires with God's desires, to guard their hearts, and to be intentional about cultivating a life that resonates with the teachings of Jesus. This involves a continuous process of learning, unlearning, and relearning, which is essential for spiritual growth and effective discipleship.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Heartfelt Desires:
Our actions are a direct reflection of what our hearts value. This sermon invites you to examine closely what stirs your heart and to align these desires with the teachings of Jesus. By focusing on what our hearts love, we can begin to live out a faith that is not only professed but also deeply felt and visible to those around us. [53:25]
2. Living the Gospel in Everyday Life:
The Apostle Paul's message to the Philippians is a powerful reminder that living a life worthy of the gospel transcends mere words. It requires a tangible demonstration of faith through our actions and interactions. This takeaway challenges you to embody the gospel in all aspects of life, ensuring that your faith is active and impactful. [47:12]
3. The Impact of Authentic Faith on Perception:
The story shared about the dinner discussion reveals how authentic faith can challenge and change perceptions about religion. It's a call to live out your faith in such a way that it addresses and dispels common criticisms and misconceptions, demonstrating the peace and love central to the gospel. [42:24]
4. Professional Life as a Ministry:
Viewing your vocation as a ministry is an invitation to transform everyday work into an opportunity for witnessing and living out your faith. This perspective shifts how we approach our professional roles, encouraging us to integrate our faith with our work, thereby influencing our workplaces with the ethos of the gospel. [54:57]
5. Continuous Growth and Learning in Faith:
Spiritual growth is a continuous journey of aligning our desires with God's, requiring constant learning and relearning. This takeaway emphasizes the importance of being open to the Holy Spirit's transformation, allowing us to grow deeper in our understanding and expression of faith. [01:05:36]
Chapters:
0:00 - Welcome
37:03 - Introduction and Personal Updates
39:34 - Opening Prayer and Context Setting
40:15 - Personal Story: Dinner Discussion
42:24 - Addressing Misconceptions About Religion
44:03 - Reading from Philippians
47:12 - Paul's Challenge to Live Out the Gospel
50:16 - Understanding 'Euangelion'
53:25 - What Does Your Heart Love?
54:57 - Work as Ministry
57:23 - Local Impact and Testimonials
59:41 - Knowledge vs. Action in Faith Practice
01:04:05 - Paul's Prayer for the Philippians
01:07:59 - Holy Spirit's Illumination on Our Lives
01:10:08 - Closing Thoughts and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 1:27 - "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel."
2. Colossians 3:1 - "Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."
3. Matthew 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he instructs the Philippians to "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ"? ([47:12])
2. How does the context of Philippi being a patriotic city with retired Roman soldiers influence the message Paul is conveying? ([45:12])
3. What were the two narratives about work and vocation presented in the sermon, and how do they differ? ([54:14])
4. What personal anecdote did the pastor share about a dinner discussion, and what was the main point of that story? ([40:15])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians from prison, and how does this context affect the message of living a life worthy of the gospel? ([46:17])
2. How does the concept of "euangelion" (gospel) as explained in the sermon deepen our understanding of living a life that reflects the value of Jesus? ([48:56])
3. In what ways can viewing our professional life as a ministry transform our daily interactions and contributions to the kingdom of God? ([54:57])
4. How does the pastor's story about the dinner discussion illustrate the impact of authentic faith on people's perceptions of religion? ([42:24])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Do your actions align with the desires of your heart, and are these desires in line with the teachings of Jesus? How can you better align your heart's desires with God's desires? ([53:25])
2. How can you embody the gospel in your everyday life, especially in environments where faith might be met with opposition or skepticism? ([47:12])
3. Think about your professional life. How can you view your work as a ministry and an opportunity to live out your faith? What specific actions can you take to reflect Jesus in your workplace? ([54:57])
4. The pastor mentioned the importance of continuous growth and learning in faith. What are some areas in your spiritual life where you need to unlearn old habits and relearn new, Christ-centered practices? ([59:41])
5. Consider the story shared about the dinner discussion. How can you engage in conversations about faith in a way that addresses and dispels common misconceptions about religion? ([42:24])
6. What steps can you take to ensure that your heart is set on things above, as mentioned in Colossians 3:1? Are there specific distractions you need to minimize to focus more on Jesus? ([01:05:36])
7. Reflect on the quote from James K.A. Smith: "We are what we want." What do you truly want in your life, and how does this align with living a life worthy of the gospel? ([52:39])
Devotional
Day 1: Aligning Desires with Divine Intentions
Our actions are a direct reflection of what our hearts value. This truth invites each of us to examine closely what stirs our hearts and to align these desires with the teachings of Jesus. By focusing on what our hearts love, we can begin to live out a faith that is not only professed but also deeply felt and visible to those around us. This introspection is not merely about self-improvement but about transforming our daily lives into a living testimony of our faith. It challenges us to look beyond superficial desires and to cultivate those that foster genuine spiritual growth and community impact. [53:25]
"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." - Proverbs 4:23
Reflection: What is one desire you hold that might be misaligned with your faith? How can you begin to realign this desire to better reflect the teachings of Jesus?
Day 2: Authentic Gospel Living
The Apostle Paul's message to the Philippians serves as a powerful reminder that living a life worthy of the gospel transcends mere words. It requires a tangible demonstration of faith through our actions and interactions. This takeaway challenges us to embody the gospel in all aspects of life, ensuring that our faith is active and impactful. Living out the gospel means our daily decisions, the way we treat others, and our responses to challenges should consistently reflect the values taught by Jesus. This is not just about avoiding wrongdoing but actively doing good and being an example of Christ's love in the world. [47:12]
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." - Colossians 3:17
Reflection: Identify a situation in your daily life where you can more clearly demonstrate your faith. What specific action can you take this week to embody the gospel in this situation?
Day 3: Challenging Misconceptions Through Faith
The story shared about the dinner discussion reveals how authentic faith can challenge and change perceptions about religion. Living out your faith in such a way that it addresses and dispels common criticisms and misconceptions demonstrates the peace and love central to the gospel. This approach not only opens doors for deeper conversations about faith but also builds bridges of understanding and respect among diverse groups. It's about being an ambassador for Christ in every interaction, showcasing the transformative power of living a life grounded in faith. [42:24]
"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." - Colossians 4:6
Reflection: Think of a common misconception about Christianity you have encountered. How can you use your personal faith experience to address this misconception in future conversations?
Day 4: Vocation as Ministry
Viewing your vocation as a ministry is an invitation to transform everyday work into an opportunity for witnessing and living out your faith. This perspective shifts how we approach our professional roles, encouraging us to integrate our faith with our work, thereby influencing our workplaces with the ethos of the gospel. Whether you are in a secular job or full-time ministry, your work can be a powerful platform for demonstrating the principles of the gospel, such as integrity, generosity, and compassion. [54:57]
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men," - Colossians 3:23
Reflection: How can you view your current job or daily tasks as a ministry? Identify one way you can incorporate your faith into your professional life this week.
Day 5: Continuous Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is a continuous journey of aligning our desires with God's, requiring constant learning and relearning. This takeaway emphasizes the importance of being open to the Holy Spirit's transformation, allowing us to grow deeper in our understanding and expression of faith. It involves regularly engaging with Scripture, prayer, and community, seeking to understand more fully the heart of God and how we can live in accordance with His will. This process is not static but an ongoing adventure that enriches our lives and deepens our relationship with God. [01:05:36]
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." - 2 Peter 3:18
Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life where you feel you need to grow? What steps can you take this week to initiate or continue that growth?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Is your heart stirred to live a life worthy of the gospel? Do you want others to see in you one who really believes and lives the gospel? Then may you take seriously what your heart loves. Because your action is going to be completely connected to what your heart loves." [01:07:59]
2. "Right around the corner from our national office, there is a McDonald's... I choose willfully, probably once a week... I willfully walk into that McDonald's, walk up to that touch screen... I hit McDouble, small fry, fountain drink... Why do I do it? Because I want to, right? I do it because I want to." [01:01:20]
3. "Good morning, my friend. Your name and content was buzzing with everyone all week. You have a magical touch with people and a lasting impression of faith in God, talent, experience, kindness that is amazing to witness. Your name was bouncing off everyone's tongues. You are the glue that keeps us on course in our personal and business lives." [58:08]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Our lives usually reflect what our hearts love... What does your heart love? Our lives usually reflect what our hearts love. Okay, I'm going to give you two narratives... What stirs up? What are you attracted to or leaning towards? And as you reflect, what are you actually living?" [53:25]
2. "It's important for followers of Jesus to view our work as calling and ministry. Realizing that nine hours a day, you have the chance to live like and be like Jesus in your workplace. You are spending the majority of your life with these people every day. Do they see Jesus in you?" [54:57]
3. "Whatever happens, live as citizens of heaven. And the way that you do that is to live the euangelion. That's the word that's there. Do you know what the word euangelion means? Gospel. The gospel. In a way that reflects the equal value of the person at the center of the gospel, Jesus Christ." [50:16]
4. "Knowledge does not equal action. Action represents behavior that is habitual. It is a product of years of conditioning. Unlearning is not easy when your life or the lives of others are at stake. Look at that last line. Habit change is a result of practice and evidence." [59:41]
5. "And this is my prayer. That your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. What does he pray is going to abound more and more first? Love. My prayer is that your love may abound. One scholar wrote, If you read it too quickly, you might come away with the impression that Paul is praying, primarily concerned about knowledge." [01:04:05]
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