Becoming Like Jesus: Faithfulness, Truth, and Appreciation
Summary
The sermon begins with the pastor emphasizing the importance of becoming more like Jesus and measuring up to His standards. The pastor acknowledges the gifts that Jesus generously gives to His followers, including the gift of Pastor Mitchell and the church family. The pastor refers to 1 Thessalonians 5 and Ephesians 4, recognizing that it points to the mind of Christ and reveals what Jesus wants His church to look like and accomplish. The pastor encourages the congregation to be faithful in what God has assigned them to do, allowing the pastor to nurture and the Lord Jesus to bring increase.
The pastor then emphasizes the importance of pride correction, warning that if we do not correct our areas of weakness, we will fall into the trap set by Satan. The pastor encourages the congregation to heed the warnings given by the pastor through his messages. The pastor also acknowledges the role of Pastor Mitchell in equipping and building up the congregation, comparing it to a construction worker or house builder putting pieces together. The pastor emphasizes that Pastor Mitchell's role is ongoing until the point of unity, faith, and knowledge of Jesus Christ is reached.
The pastor then focuses on the importance of honoring and appreciating leaders in God's work. The pastor encourages the congregation to express their appreciation through cards, verbal thank yous, and hugs, emphasizing the importance of letting the pastor know specifically what they appreciate about them. The pastor also highlights the hard work that the pastor puts into leading and participating in various ministries within the church. They mention that the pastor is involved in the Men's Ministry, Marvelous Monday, The Prayer Ministry, and youth ministry, among others.
The pastor emphasizes the importance of holding onto the truth and doing so in love. The pastor recalls the story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery, highlighting how Jesus spoke the truth to her without condemning her. The pastor encourages the congregation to follow Jesus' example and speak the truth in love. Additionally, the pastor discusses the special work that each individual has been assigned by the Lord. By fulfilling their own unique calling, they free others to do the work assigned to them.
The sermon concludes with the pastor expressing their humility and gratitude for being in the position to deliver the sermon. They mention a song that brings them to tears and emphasizes the importance of being anchored in the Lord regardless of life's circumstances. The pastor encourages the congregation to stay close to the Lord, stay anchored, and continue pushing forward with prayer and confidence. They also acknowledge the support of the pastor's family and express gratitude for the gift of their leadership.
Key Takeaways:
- The pastor emphasizes the importance of becoming more like Jesus and measuring up to His standards. The pastor encourages the congregation to be faithful in what God has assigned them to do, allowing the pastor to nurture and the Lord Jesus to bring increase. [49:33]
- The pastor warns that if we do not correct our areas of weakness, we will fall into the trap set by Satan. The pastor encourages the congregation to heed the warnings given by the pastor through his messages. [1:02:45]
- The pastor encourages the congregation to express their appreciation for the leaders in God's work. The pastor also highlights the hard work that the pastor puts into leading and participating in various ministries within the church. [1:15:30]
- The pastor emphasizes the importance of holding onto the truth and doing so in love. The pastor encourages the congregation to follow Jesus' example and speak the truth in love. [1:28:15]
- The pastor emphasizes the importance of being anchored in the Lord regardless of life's circumstances. The pastor encourages the congregation to stay close to the Lord, stay anchored, and continue pushing forward with prayer and confidence. [1:41:00]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13: "And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else."
2. Ephesians 4:11-16: "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
3. John 21:15-17: "When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?' 'Yes, Lord,' he said, 'you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs.' Again Jesus said, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?' He answered, 'Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Take care of my sheep.' The third time he said to him, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?' Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, 'Do you love me?' He said, 'Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Feed my sheep.'"
Observation Questions:
1. What are the specific roles and responsibilities given to the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers in Ephesians 4:11-16?
2. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, what are the actions that are encouraged and discouraged among the brothers and sisters?
3. What is the repeated command that Jesus gives to Simon Peter in John 21:15-17?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Ephesians 4:11-16 describe the process of spiritual growth and maturity in the body of Christ?
2. What does 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 suggest about the importance of community and mutual accountability in the Christian life?
3. What does Jesus' repeated command to Peter in John 21:15-17 reveal about the nature of love and service in the kingdom of God?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own spiritual growth. How have you seen yourself mature in faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ? What areas do you feel you still need to grow in?
2. How can you strive to do good for others in your community this week, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13?
3. Who in your life could you show more patience and kindness to, as suggested in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13?
4. In what ways can you 'feed Jesus' sheep' in your own life, as Peter was commanded in John 21:15-17?
5. How can you better speak the truth in love to those around you, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:11-16?
Devotional
Day 1: Emulating Christ's Standards
In our journey of faith, we are called to become more like Jesus, aligning our lives with His standards. This involves being faithful in the tasks God has assigned us, allowing spiritual leaders to guide us, and trusting in Jesus to bring growth and increase. [49:33]
Colossians 3:12-13 - "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you can strive to be more like Jesus? How can you be faithful in this area and trust God for growth?
Day 2: Correcting Pride and Weakness
We must be vigilant in identifying and correcting our areas of weakness, particularly pride, to avoid falling into Satan's traps. Heeding spiritual warnings and guidance can help us navigate these challenges. [1:02:45]
Proverbs 16:18 - "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
Reflection: What is one area of weakness or pride in your life that you need to address? How can you seek guidance and correction in this area?
Day 3: Appreciating Spiritual Leaders
Expressing gratitude and appreciation for our spiritual leaders is an important aspect of our faith journey. Recognizing their hard work and dedication in various ministries can inspire us to contribute more actively in our own ways. [1:15:30]
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 - "Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work."
Reflection: How can you express your appreciation for your spiritual leaders this week? What is one specific thing you appreciate about them?
Day 4: Speaking Truth in Love
As followers of Christ, we are called to hold onto the truth and express it in love, following Jesus' example. This involves speaking truthfully yet compassionately, and fulfilling our unique callings to serve others. [1:28:15]
Ephesians 4:15 - "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."
Reflection: How can you practice speaking the truth in love in your interactions today? What is one specific way you can fulfill your unique calling to serve others?
Day 5: Anchoring in the Lord
Regardless of life's circumstances, it is crucial to stay anchored in the Lord, maintaining a close relationship with Him and pushing forward with prayer and confidence. This involves trusting in His strength and guidance, even in challenging times. [1:41:00]
Hebrews 6:19 - "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain."
Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing? How can you stay anchored in the Lord during this time and continue to move forward with prayer and confidence?
Quotes
1. "They appreciate Pastor that you have a heart to listen... they appreciate that you are gracious in your answers and never condescending... they appreciate your knowledge of world history, black history, religious history, current events, yes science." [53:29]
2. "He also warns us... if he speaks to you or even puts a message out about things that are not good for you, listen up because correction is needed." [55:49]
3. "I was reminded of when the lady was brought to Jesus who had committed adultery and the people who brought her were waiting for Jesus to pounce on her... but in my mind I saw Jesus looking down, swirling, and then he looked up and said, 'Where did the accusers go?' and then he said, 'Go and sin no more.' He told her the truth in love, not in a condemning way." #!!01:04:46!!#
4. "When we as individuals step up to do the special work and go down the path that the Lord has carved out for us, then that frees somebody else up to do the special work that he's called them to do... I won't even start trying to name the different areas where people have sacrificed their time and their bodies to make this a special weekend to bless you, Pastor." #!!01:06:28!!#
5. "Jesus has put those offices in place so that we are equipped and we are ready to do his work... let's be faithful in what God has assigned for us to do, allow the pastor to water it, plant it, but also allow the Lord Jesus to give the increase." (#!!01:01:26!!#)
6. "We can honor the Lord and no longer be like children forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different or someone has made a lie sound like the truth." (#!!01:03:08!!#)
7. "An anchor is something that holds on or keeps holding on to something... our anchor is Our Hope and our confidence in Jesus... that gritty hope that doesn't give up because that anchor doesn't move." #!!49:29!!#
8. "Pride correction is needed because if we do not correct whatever the area of warning is then we'll fall into the Trap that Satan has put out there for us." (#!!56:33!!#)
9. "Jesus has given to the church the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers. Each one of those offices are needed in the church." (#!!57:17!!#)
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