Avoiding Complacency: Embracing God’s Mission with Zeal

This week, the focus is on the mission God has given us—not just as a church, but as individuals called to glorify Him in every aspect of our lives. Our highest good is to glorify God, as 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us: “Whether therefore you eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” This is not a passive calling; it’s an active pursuit that shapes our purpose, our relationships, and our daily choices.

The mission of the church is clear: to disciple our world for Christ. This means reaching both the unsaved with the gospel and helping believers grow in their faith. We do this through outreach, worship, fellowship, training, and ministry. Each of these is not just a program or a task, but a way to participate in God’s ongoing work in the world. Training, for example, isn’t just about learning the “fun” parts of Scripture, but about embracing the whole counsel of God—even the challenging or less popular passages—so that we are equipped for every good work.

Leadership in the church is structured biblically, with elders and deacons serving as the two offices outlined in Scripture. Elders (or pastors, overseers, shepherds) are responsible for spiritual, financial, and administrative oversight, while deacons serve to free up elders for their primary calling. Staff and other leaders operate under this authority, ensuring that everything we do aligns with our mission and doctrinal commitments.

But there is a danger: the temptation to settle for “good enough.” The church at Laodicea in Revelation 3 serves as a warning. They were materially rich and self-satisfied, but spiritually lukewarm—neither hot nor cold. Jesus’ rebuke was sharp: He would rather they be passionate or even in need, rather than complacent. The call is to reject self-satisfaction and instead pursue a deeper, more zealous relationship with Christ and His mission. God is not finished with us; His mission is ongoing, and He desires that we not become complacent, but continually seek to grow, serve, and reach out.

Let us not be content with spiritual mediocrity. Instead, let’s be a people who are zealous for God’s mission, always looking ahead, always seeking to please Him, and always open to the transforming work of His grace.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Glorify God in All Things Our highest purpose is to glorify God in every aspect of life, not just in church activities but in our daily routines, relationships, and work. This means intentionally seeking to honor Him in both the ordinary and extraordinary moments, recognizing that every action can be an act of worship. When we live with this focus, our lives become a testimony to God’s greatness and love. [49:34]
• 2. Beware the Trap of Spiritual Complacency The church at Laodicea was rebuked not for overt sin, but for being lukewarm and self-satisfied. Spiritual complacency is subtle and dangerous; it lulls us into thinking “good enough” is enough, robbing us of zeal and growth. God calls us to a holy dissatisfaction—a longing for deeper relationship and greater impact, refusing to settle for spiritual mediocrity. [78:07]
• 3. Embrace the Whole Counsel of God True discipleship involves engaging with all of Scripture, not just the parts that are comfortable or entertaining. Growth comes from wrestling with challenging passages and allowing God’s Word to shape us fully. This comprehensive approach equips us to face life’s complexities and to minister effectively to others. [55:41]
• 4. Leadership and Mission Are Intertwined Biblical leadership is not about titles or hierarchy, but about serving God’s mission with integrity and accountability. Elders and deacons are called to shepherd, oversee, and serve, ensuring that the church remains focused on its God-given purpose. When leadership is aligned with God’s Word, the whole body is empowered to fulfill its calling. [61:45]
• 5. God’s Mission Is Ongoing—Stay Zealous God is not finished with His church or with us as individuals. The mission continues, and we are called to press on, never settling for past achievements or current comfort. Zeal for God’s mission means continually seeking His direction, being open to change, and investing ourselves fully in His work until He calls us home.
  
  ** [90:09]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [44:48] - Prayer and Announcements
• [47:37] - Fireside Chat Introduction
• [49:34] - Our Highest Good: Glorifying God
• [52:38] - The Church’s Mission and Goals
• [55:41] - The Importance of Comprehensive Training
• [58:39] - Biblical Leadership: Elders and Deacons
• [61:45] - Oversight and Accountability in Leadership
• [64:22] - Staff and Committees Structure
• [67:09] - Defining Our Ministry Boundaries
• [69:48] - Obstacles to Fulfilling Our Mission
• [71:12] - Lessons from Laodicea’s Complacency
• [75:36] - Christ’s Rebuke and Invitation
• [78:07] - The Danger of “Good Enough”
• [82:13] - God’s Ongoing Mission and Our Response
• [84:34] - Devotional Reflection on Satisfaction
• [87:11] - The Call to Holy Dissatisfaction
• [89:05] - Moving Forward in God’s Mission
• [90:09] - Rejecting Complacency Together
• [92:13] - Closing Prayer and Song

Bible Reading

1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) — > So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV) — > And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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 all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Revelation 3:14–22 (ESV) — > “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

Observation Questions

1. According to 1 Corinthians 10:31, what is the main purpose behind everything we do, even in ordinary things like eating and drinking?
2. In Matthew 28:18–20, what specific instructions does Jesus give to His followers about their mission?
3. What was the main problem Jesus had with the church at Laodicea in Revelation 3? What does it mean that they were “lukewarm”? ([01:15:36])
4. In the sermon, what are some of the ways the church is called to carry out its mission of glorifying God? ([52:38])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes “whatever you do” in 1 Corinthians 10:31? How does this shape the way a believer should view their daily life?
2. The sermon mentioned that the mission of the church is not just about programs, but about participating in God’s ongoing work. What does it look like for someone to “embrace the whole counsel of God,” even the challenging parts? ([55:41])
3. Jesus’ rebuke to Laodicea was not about obvious sin, but about complacency and self-satisfaction. Why is spiritual complacency so dangerous for a church or an individual? ([01:18:07])
4. The sermon described biblical leadership as being about service and accountability, not just titles. How does this understanding of leadership help keep the church focused on its mission? ([01:01:45])

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenged us not to settle for “good enough” in our spiritual lives. Are there areas in your walk with God where you have become comfortable or complacent? What would it look like to move from “lukewarm” to “zealous” in those areas? ([01:18:07])
2. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says to glorify God in all things. Think about your daily routines—work, family, hobbies. What is one specific way you can intentionally honor God in something ordinary this week? ([49:34])
3. The church’s mission includes both reaching the lost and helping believers grow. Is there someone in your life—either a non-believer or a fellow Christian—whom you could encourage or disciple this month? What step could you take? ([52:38])
4. The sermon talked about embracing the whole counsel of God, not just the “fun” or easy parts. Is there a part of Scripture or a biblical teaching you tend to avoid? How could you take a step toward engaging with it honestly? ([55:41])
5. Jesus invites the church at Laodicea to “be zealous and repent.” Is there something you need to repent of—maybe an attitude of self-satisfaction or spiritual laziness? What would repentance look like for you? ([01:19:49])
6. The sermon described biblical leadership as being accountable and focused on God’s mission. How can you support and pray for your church leaders as they seek to lead with integrity? ([01:01:45])
7. The pastor shared that God’s mission is ongoing and that we should always be looking ahead. What is one way you can stay open to God’s direction and be willing to step out of your comfort zone for His mission? ([01:30:09])