Aligning Our Mission with God's Will
Summary
### Summary
Tonight, we gathered to discuss the importance of aligning our church's mission with God's will, using the story of King Josiah as a guiding example. We began with a light-hearted note about choir activities and senior discounts, but quickly transitioned into a deeper conversation about the spiritual state of our church and community. The central theme was "Doing Church Right: Returning to God's Will," emphasizing the need to aim for the center of God's will in all our actions and decisions.
We explored the Great Commission from Matthew 28:19-20 and the alarming statistics that show a disconnect between pastors and church members regarding the mission to make disciples. This disconnect is a call to action for us to realign our focus and efforts. We also reflected on societal changes over the past decades and how these have impacted church attendance and engagement.
The story of King Josiah from 2 Kings 22-23 served as a powerful illustration of rediscovering God's word, sincere repentance, and collective commitment to God's commandments. Josiah's tearing of his clothes symbolized deep repentance, a practice we need to emulate both individually and collectively. We discussed the dangers of modern-day idols and distractions within the church, urging a return to true worship and mission.
We also touched on the importance of focusing on Christ, as highlighted in Hebrews 12:1-2, and maintaining a mindset of purity and godly values as described in Philippians 4:8. The sermon concluded with a call to action, encouraging us to follow Josiah's example in rediscovering God's word, repenting, renewing our covenant, removing idols, restoring true worship, and remaining faithful to the Great Commission.
### Key Takeaways
1. Rediscovering God's Word: Just as King Josiah rediscovered the Book of the Law, we must continually seek God's word to guide our lives and church mission. This rediscovery should lead to a heartfelt repentance and a renewed commitment to God's commandments. [16:03]
2. Sincere and Collective Repentance: Josiah's tearing of his clothes was an outward sign of deep repentance. Today, we need both individual and collective repentance to realign with God's will. True repentance involves a sincere change of heart and actions, not just outward expressions. [21:34]
3. Removing Modern-Day Idols: Modern churches can easily lose sight of their mission by focusing inwardly or elevating traditions and preferences above God's purposes. We must identify and remove any idols or distractions that hinder our focus on Christ and His mission. [36:50]
4. Focusing on Christ and His Mission: Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. By focusing on Christ and cultivating a mindset of purity and godly values, we can align our hearts with God's will and effectively carry out the Great Commission. [39:27]
5. Renewing Our Covenant with God: Just as Josiah renewed the covenant with God, we must renew our commitment to God's mission for our church. This involves presenting ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, and being transformed by the renewing of our minds. [23:19]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:49] - Choir Activities and Senior Discounts
[05:42] - Encouragement and Prayer
[06:50] - Introduction to the Theme
[07:42] - Steering Wheel Conversations
[09:13] - The Great Commission
[10:46] - Shocking Statistics
[12:36] - Changes in Society
[13:30] - Church Attendance and Community Growth
[15:05] - King Josiah's Story
[16:03] - Rediscovering God's Word
[19:06] - The Role of Scripture
[21:34] - Sincere Repentance
[23:19] - Renewing the Covenant
[26:26] - Aligning with God's Will
[30:15] - The Body of Christ
[32:48] - Embracing Change
[35:05] - Modern-Day Idols
[38:53] - Focusing on Christ
[41:45] - Restoring True Worship
[44:49] - Ensuring Truth and Integrity
[46:20] - Personal Reflections
[49:56] - Call to Action
[51:12] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:19-20: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age."
2. 2 Kings 22:8-11: "The high priest Hilkiah told the court secretary Shaphan, 'I have found the book of the law in the Lord's temple,' and he gave the book to Shaphan, who read it. Then the court secretary Shaphan went to the king and reported, 'Your servants have emptied out the silver that was found in the temple and have given it to those doing the work, those who oversee the Lord's temple.' Then the court secretary Shaphan told the king, 'The priest Hilkiah has given me a book,' and Shaphan read it in the presence of the king. When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes."
3. Hebrews 12:1-2: "Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
### Observation Questions
1. What was King Josiah's reaction when he heard the words of the Book of the Law? ([16:03])
2. According to Matthew 28:19-20, what are the key components of the Great Commission?
3. In Hebrews 12:1-2, what are believers encouraged to lay aside, and what are they encouraged to focus on?
4. What alarming statistics were mentioned in the sermon regarding the belief in the Great Commission among pastors and church members? ([10:46])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think King Josiah's tearing of his clothes was significant, and what does it symbolize in the context of repentance? ([16:58])
2. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 relate to the mission of the church today, and why is there a disconnect between pastors and church members in believing this mission? ([10:46])
3. What does it mean to "lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us" as mentioned in Hebrews 12:1-2, and how can this be applied in our daily lives?
4. How can modern-day idols and distractions within the church hinder our focus on Christ and His mission? ([36:50])
### Application Questions
1. King Josiah showed deep repentance by tearing his clothes. Reflect on a time when you felt deeply convicted by God's word. How did you respond, and what changes did you make in your life? ([16:58])
2. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations. Identify one person in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week? ([10:46])
3. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us to keep our eyes on Jesus. Is there a specific distraction in your life preventing you from focusing on Jesus that you want to change? How can you minimize that distraction this week?
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of collective repentance. How can your small group or church community come together to seek God's forgiveness and realign with His will? ([21:34])
5. Modern-day idols can take many forms. What are some "idols" or distractions in your life that you need to remove to better focus on Christ and His mission? ([36:50])
6. Reflect on the idea of renewing your covenant with God. What steps can you take this week to renew your commitment to God's mission for your life and your church? ([23:19])
7. The sermon emphasized the importance of focusing on what is pure and godly. Choose one aspect of Philippians 4:8 (true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, morally excellent, praiseworthy) to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it in your interactions with others? ([39:27])
Devotional
Day 1: Rediscovering God's Word
Description: Rediscovering God's word is a transformative experience that can realign our lives and church mission. Just as King Josiah rediscovered the Book of the Law, we must continually seek God's word to guide our actions and decisions. This rediscovery should lead to a heartfelt repentance and a renewed commitment to God's commandments. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we open our hearts to God's guidance and wisdom, allowing His word to shape our lives and our community. [16:03]
2 Kings 22:11-13 (ESV): "When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes. And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the secretary, and Asaiah the king's servant, saying, 'Go, inquire of the Lord for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.'"
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt distant from God's word. What steps can you take today to rediscover the Bible and allow it to guide your daily life?
Day 2: Sincere and Collective Repentance
Description: Sincere and collective repentance is essential for realigning with God's will. Josiah's tearing of his clothes was an outward sign of deep repentance, symbolizing a sincere change of heart and actions. Today, we need both individual and collective repentance to realign with God's will. True repentance involves a sincere change of heart and actions, not just outward expressions. It requires us to acknowledge our shortcomings, seek God's forgiveness, and commit to living according to His commandments. [21:34]
Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "'Yet even now,' declares the Lord, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.' Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you need to repent. How can you demonstrate sincere repentance through both your heart and actions today?
Day 3: Removing Modern-Day Idols
Description: Modern churches can easily lose sight of their mission by focusing inwardly or elevating traditions and preferences above God's purposes. We must identify and remove any idols or distractions that hinder our focus on Christ and His mission. These modern-day idols can take many forms, such as materialism, personal ambitions, or even church traditions that overshadow the true purpose of worship. By removing these idols, we can restore our focus on Christ and align our actions with His mission. [36:50]
Ezekiel 14:6 (ESV): "Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: Repent and turn away from your idols, and turn away your faces from all your abominations."
Reflection: Identify one modern-day idol in your life that distracts you from focusing on Christ. What steps can you take to remove this idol and restore your focus on Jesus?
Day 4: Focusing on Christ and His Mission
Description: Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. By focusing on Christ and cultivating a mindset of purity and godly values, we can align our hearts with God's will and effectively carry out the Great Commission. This involves setting aside distractions and sins that entangle us and running the race with perseverance. By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can stay true to our mission and live out our faith with integrity and purpose. [39:27]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself easily distracted from focusing on Christ? How can you intentionally refocus your attention on Jesus and His mission today?
Day 5: Renewing Our Covenant with God
Description: Just as Josiah renewed the covenant with God, we must renew our commitment to God's mission for our church. This involves presenting ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, and being transformed by the renewing of our minds. Renewing our covenant with God means recommitting to His commandments and aligning our lives with His will. It requires us to be intentional in our faith, seeking to live out God's purposes in every aspect of our lives and within our church community. [23:19]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: Reflect on your current commitment to God's mission. What specific steps can you take to renew your covenant with God and align your life with His will today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I want to say that if you hear something that hits in your heart or encourages you, I just want to pray tonight that the Holy Spirit will encourage you with. His word tonight. If you hear something that that's a little challenging, like that really challenges my way of thinking. I want to encourage you to let the Holy Spirit challenge your way of thinking." [05:42] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you hear something that's just. Straight out encouragement. I just want to pray that the Holy Spirit will will encourage us all. At a time like this, we need the Holy Spirit. So let's let's go to the Lord in prayer as we begin." [06:50] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If we're in tune with his Holy Spirit. If we're in tune with his Holy Spirit. If we're in tune with his Holy Spirit and, and seeking his will, he can talk to us. He can minister to us. He can take us a direction that maybe we hadn't thought of on our own." [08:30] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you think about something that's divisive to the body, I just heard today someone talk about a young man, 65, who gave way to disease in his body. And before he died, he had such trouble with one of his legs, they said they were going to have to cut his leg off if he was going to live. That's divisive. Right? In the body of Christ, if you have to cut off a limb, that's pretty ugly stuff. Nobody wants that." [40:06] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If we cultivate a mindset, a mindset focused on purity, excellence, and godly values to align our hearts to God's will, that will net a different result than if we take a hammer to one of our big toes complain, criticize, condemn. we're doing things that are divisive to the body." [40:54] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "If you think about the last 10 years, let's just talk about in America, or in Wilmington, or in Wrightsboro community, or in North Carolina. Have there been any changes to the way society works? To the way the community works? What about the last 20 years? Not all of them are bad changes, but there's certainly been some changes to the way that people think. Is that fair enough to say?" [12:36] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So how do we find the center of God's will on that? We're going to be talking about that. So scriptural awareness. King Josiah, I think, was eight years old when he took office. I think, if I read it right. I think his, his dad was swept out in a, what they call a coup. Like they got rid of him under the, in the, in a day or two. They swept him out. And then he was next in line. So they put him in. He's an eight year old. He's probably easy to, to manipulate. Right. So he's swept into office. And then he hears the word of God and says, what? We're not doing it right. We're going to fix that right now." [19:57] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So King Josiah didn't just rip his clothes. He repented. The application of that is, talks about the necessity of a heart, a heartfelt repentance in the church. Okay? Second point of it is a collective repentance. It wasn't just Josiah's repentance. It was collective." [21:34] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Why would God waste valuable resources on a church that is not on mission with what he wants to do and not aligned with his will? That's almost a rhetorical question. He probably, God will use his resources in the way he deems best. He doesn't want anything, anything good to go to waste. What are his primary resources? It's his people." [26:26] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you're appalled by the big toe hammer hitter, then I'm probably not talking to you. If you're the one carrying the hammer hitting the big toe, I'm probably talking to you. Who do you need to be? The one looking at the good, looking for the good, looking to expand, looking to get on board with the mission, or the one that's going to dive underneath and make sure it's a little bit undermined all the time? Which one do you need to be?" [31:56] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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