Authentic Faith: Commitment, Cost, and Continuous Renewal
Summary
In my sermon, I began by acknowledging the unexpected opportunity to preach, emphasizing the importance of being prepared to serve at any moment, as exemplified by the biblical directive to be ready "in season and out of season." I shared how personal needs often mirror the needs of the congregation, guiding my approach to seeking God's message not just for the people but also for myself.
I then transitioned into a discussion on the essence of being "all in" in our faith, inspired by a previous sermon and the pressing need to live genuinely before God. I emphasized that our motivations and intentions are transparent before God, and we cannot deceive Him about why we do what we do. This led to an exploration of the Apostle Paul's life, particularly his statement in Acts 20:24 about considering his life worth nothing except to complete the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. Paul's example set a profound standard for personal dedication to God's call, irrespective of external circumstances or recognition.
I highlighted the dangers of superficial faith, especially when faced with challenges. I pointed out that many believers express commitment when conditions are favorable but falter when true adversity strikes. This fair-weather faith fails the test of genuine discipleship, as true commitment to God must withstand trials and tribulations.
Further, I delved into the parable of building a tower from Luke 14:28-30, using it as a metaphor for assessing the cost of discipleship. This scripture segment teaches us about the importance of foresight and commitment in our spiritual journey, ensuring that we are not only enthusiastic starters but also faithful finishers.
Towards the end of the sermon, I addressed the need for repentance and realignment with God's will, drawing from personal and biblical examples of transformation and renewal. I stressed the importance of humility, prayer, and seeking God's face as prerequisites for divine intervention and healing, both personally and communally.
Finally, I concluded with a call to authenticity in our relationship with God, urging everyone to embrace a life of integrity and truthfulness in their spiritual walk. This involves a daily commitment to living out the principles of the gospel, not as a superficial display but as a deep, personal conviction.
### Key Takeaways
1. Preparedness in Faith - Being spiritually prepared is not just about readiness to speak or act but being in a constant state of spiritual readiness, open to God's call at any moment. This readiness stems from a deep, personal relationship with God, nurtured through regular prayer and engagement with the Word. [41:42]
2. Genuine Intentions - Our true intentions are always visible to God. This transparency before Him should guide us to seek purity in our motives, ensuring that our actions are not just outwardly righteous but stem from a heart truly devoted to God’s purposes. [50:33]
3. Resilience in Trials - The Christian walk is tested not in times of peace but in times of trial. Our faith's authenticity is proven by our ability to cling to God and His promises even when circumstances are daunting and the future uncertain. [58:45]
4. Cost of Discipleship - True discipleship requires a clear understanding and acceptance of its costs. Like planning to build a tower, following Christ means calculating the personal and spiritual sacrifices required and committing to them wholeheartedly. [01:03:09]
5. Repentance and Renewal - Continuous self-examination and repentance are crucial in maintaining a genuine relationship with God. This process involves not only recognizing but also turning away from our shortcomings, allowing God’s grace to transform us continually. [01:26:46]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
00:41:42 - Introduction: The Call to Preach
00:50:33 - Exploring Genuine Intentions
00:58:45 - The Fair-Weather Faith
01:03:09 - Counting the Cost of Discipleship
01:26:46 - The Power of Repentance and Renewal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 20:24 - "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."
2. Luke 14:28-30 - "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’"
3. Jeremiah 17:9-10 - "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says he considers his life worth nothing except to complete the task given to him by Jesus? ([52:37])
2. In the parable from Luke 14:28-30, what is the significance of estimating the cost before building a tower? ([01:03:09])
3. According to Jeremiah 17:9-10, what does God examine in a person, and why is this important? ([01:11:03])
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between superficial faith and genuine commitment to God? ([58:45])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for believers to be "all in" in their faith, according to the sermon and Acts 20:24? ([52:37])
2. How does the parable of building a tower in Luke 14:28-30 relate to the concept of counting the cost of discipleship? ([01:03:09])
3. What does Jeremiah 17:9-10 reveal about the nature of the human heart and God's perspective on our intentions? ([01:11:03])
4. How can the analogy of the tea kettle in the sermon help us understand the pressures of maintaining genuine faith during trials? ([56:39])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unprepared for a spiritual challenge. How can you cultivate a state of constant spiritual readiness in your daily life? ([50:33])
2. Think about your motivations for serving God. Are there areas where your intentions might not be as pure as they should be? How can you seek to purify your motives? ([52:37])
3. When faced with trials, how do you typically respond? What steps can you take to ensure your faith remains strong even in difficult times? ([58:45])
4. Have you ever started a spiritual commitment but failed to follow through? What can you do differently to ensure you count the cost and remain committed? ([01:03:09])
5. Repentance and renewal are ongoing processes. What specific areas in your life need repentance and realignment with God's will? ([01:26:46])
6. How can you practice authenticity in your relationship with God this week? Identify one specific action you can take to live out your faith more genuinely. ([01:24:38])
7. Consider the people in your life who might be struggling with their faith. How can you support them in their journey towards genuine commitment to God? ([01:06:55])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Spiritual Readiness
Being spiritually prepared transcends mere action; it involves a deep, ongoing relationship with God. This readiness is not just about being able to speak or act in religious contexts but maintaining a constant connection with God, allowing His spirit to guide every aspect of life. This state of readiness ensures that one is always prepared to serve, regardless of the situation, reflecting a life that truly honors God's timing and purposes. [41:42]
"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith." (1 Peter 5:8-9a, ESV)
Reflection: How can you enhance your daily routine to maintain a constant state of spiritual readiness?
Day 2: Pursuing Purity in Motives
Our true intentions are always visible to God, and this transparency should motivate believers to seek purity in their motives. It's crucial to ensure that actions are not just outwardly righteous but stem from a heart truly devoted to God’s purposes. This pursuit involves a continuous examination of one's heart and intentions, aligning them with the will and character of God, thereby fostering a genuine and transparent relationship with Him. [50:33]
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where your motives might not align with God's desires, and how can you begin to address them?
Day 3: Standing Firm Through Trials
The authenticity of our faith is most evident during trials. It's easy to profess commitment in favorable conditions, but true spiritual resilience is shown when one clings to God and His promises in the face of adversity. This resilience involves not just enduring but actively seeking God’s strength and guidance to overcome the challenges, thereby proving the genuineness of one's faith. [58:45]
"But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold." (Job 23:10, ESV)
Reflection: Recall a recent trial in your life. How did you respond, and what can you do differently next time to demonstrate a stronger faith?
Day 4: Counting the Cost of Discipleship
True discipleship requires understanding and accepting the costs associated with following Christ. This involves a deliberate assessment of personal and spiritual sacrifices and a commitment to endure them wholeheartedly. Like planning to build a tower, discipleship is not a spontaneous decision but a calculated commitment that demands perseverance and dedication. [01:03:09]
"For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has the resources to complete it?" (Luke 14:28, ESV)
Reflection: What are some costs of discipleship you might have overlooked, and how can you prepare to meet them?
Day 5: Embracing Repentance and Renewal
Continuous self-examination and repentance are essential for maintaining a genuine relationship with God. This process involves recognizing and turning away from shortcomings, allowing God’s grace to transform us continually. It requires humility, prayer, and an earnest seeking of God’s presence, which leads to personal and communal healing and renewal. [01:26:46]
"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to initiate or deepen the process of repentance and spiritual renewal in your life?
Quotes
1. "I thank God because whenever I pray, I ask God, Lord, what is it that you want me to have? A lot of preachers ask God, Lord, what is it that you want me to preach to your people? I asked that one time and God told me, what is it that you need? And my mind just started flooding with things. He said, because I'm the same thing you need is the same thing the people need." [50:33]
2. "Paul says, however, I consider my life worth nothing to me. My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task. The Lord Jesus has given to me. What is the task? The task of testifying to the good news. Of God's grace." [54:36]
3. "Remember, saints, please, you cannot deceive God about your intentions. It's crucial to be genuine your commitment. And this is the example that God had gave me. It's like a tea kettle. A tea kettle releases pressure when heated, okay? And the pressure comes from the inside of a tea kettle." [56:39]
4. "The walk is all good when things are going well. I love you, brother. Sis, I'm praying for you. I'm holding you up in prayer. You know, you got all the righteous words to say. Everything is going good. You're reading your Bible. Your prayers are being sent up to God and loving God like never before. Like never before until trouble hits." [58:45]
5. "Look what Jesus says in Luke chapter 14, verse 25, the cost of being a disciple. He says, large crowds were traveling with Jesus and turning to them. He said, if anyone comes to me and does not hate his father, mother, his wife, his children, his brothers, his sisters, yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple." [01:03:09]
6. "When you repent, and when you come to him, and you say, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, oh Lord, my strength and my redeemer. When you start obeying him, says, if my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves." [01:26:46]
7. "I discovered the importance of approaching God sincerely from the heart. Because I was told, not, not knowing the scripture, that man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart. Not knowing that. As I began honestly sharing feelings, my feelings with God, acknowledging both good and bad." [01:08:44]
8. "You cannot fool God about your why. Tell your neighbor, all in. Tell the other neighbor, you have to be all in. I see my brother, brother jeremiah in the bible i see him lifting his hands and he's saying brother johnson let me tell you let me tell him something about about the heart jeremiah chapter 17 verse 9 to 10." [01:13:24]
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