Building a Gospel Legacy Through Community and Love
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound concept of leaving a gospel legacy, a theme that has been central to our church's mission. As we delved into 1 Corinthians 3, we were reminded of the importance of building our lives and our church on the foundation of Christ. This passage emphasizes that while individuals like Paul and Apollos played roles in planting and watering the seeds of faith, it is ultimately God who gives the growth. This truth underscores the necessity of Christ being the cornerstone of our lives and ministries.
Reflecting on my personal journey, I shared how my wife Jess and I initially planned to serve as international missionaries but were led by God to plant a church here in Greenville. This decision, made 17 years ago, has been a transformative journey for our family and our church community. Through this experience, I've learned that leadership in the church is not about one person but about a community united in God's mission.
As we look to the future, Jess and I have made the difficult decision to transition from my role as a pastor to pursue a new calling in coaching and ministry. This change comes with mixed emotions, but we are committed to leaving a gospel legacy that continues to build upon the foundation of Christ. We plan to remain in this community, supporting Integrity Church as faithful members.
In this time of transition, I encourage us all to be watchful, stand firm in our faith, and let everything we do be done in love. The gospel of Jesus Christ is our unifying force, and it is through His love that we will continue to grow and serve together.
Key Takeaways:
1. Foundation in Christ: Our lives and ministries must be built on the foundation of Christ. Without Him, our efforts are in vain. It is God who gives growth, and our role is to faithfully plant and water the seeds of faith. [26:36]
2. Community Over Individuality: The church is not built on one leader but on a community united in God's mission. Each member has a unique role, and together we form the body of Christ, contributing to the growth and strength of the church. [31:21]
3. Embracing Change with Faith: Transitions, though challenging, are opportunities for growth and reflection. By trusting in God's plan and remaining faithful to His calling, we can navigate changes with hope and anticipation for what He will do next. [34:36]
4. Leaving a Gospel Legacy: Our responsibility is to build up the body of Christ and leave a lasting impact through our faith and actions. This legacy is not about personal achievements but about contributing to God's work in the world. [35:24]
5. Love as the Guiding Principle: In all that we do, love should be our guiding principle. It is the love of Christ that unites us, sustains us, and compels us to share the gospel with others. Let love be the foundation of our community and our mission. [39:02]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[23:40] - Introduction to Gospel Legacy
[26:36] - Foundation in Christ
[31:21] - Community Over Individuality
[32:40] - Personal Journey and Reflections
[34:36] - Embracing Change with Faith
[35:24] - Leaving a Gospel Legacy
[36:05] - Future Plans and Transition
[38:04] - Encouragement for the Church
[39:02] - Love as the Guiding Principle
[40:03] - Closing Remarks and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Leaving a Gospel Legacy
Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 3:5-11
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Observation Questions:
1. What roles did Paul and Apollos play in the growth of the Corinthian church, according to 1 Corinthians 3? How does this relate to the concept of God giving the growth? [26:36]
2. How does the sermon describe the foundation of the church and individual lives? What is emphasized as the most crucial element? [31:21]
3. What personal story did the pastor share about his journey and decision to plant a church in Greenville? How did this decision impact his family and ministry? [23:40]
4. What are some of the emotions and challenges the pastor expressed about transitioning from his role at Integrity Church? [34:36]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul emphasizes that God gives the growth. How does this perspective influence the way believers should view their roles in ministry and church leadership? [26:36]
2. The sermon highlights the importance of community over individuality in the church. How does this align with Paul's message in 1 Corinthians 3 about the church being God's field and building? [31:21]
3. The pastor shared his personal journey of change and transition. How can this story inspire others to embrace change with faith and trust in God's plan? [34:36]
4. Reflecting on the pastor's decision to leave a gospel legacy, what does it mean to build upon the foundation of Christ in one's personal life and community? [35:24]
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Application Questions:
1. The sermon emphasizes building our lives on the foundation of Christ. What specific steps can you take this week to ensure Christ is the cornerstone of your daily decisions and actions? [31:21]
2. How can you contribute to the community aspect of the church, ensuring that it is not reliant on one leader but a collective mission? Identify one way you can actively participate in your church community this month. [31:21]
3. The pastor shared his journey of embracing change with faith. Is there a change or transition in your life that you are currently facing? How can you approach it with trust in God's plan? [34:36]
4. Reflect on the idea of leaving a gospel legacy. What legacy do you hope to leave in your family, workplace, or community? What actions can you take to start building that legacy today? [35:24]
5. Love is highlighted as the guiding principle in all actions. Think of a recent situation where you struggled to act in love. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future? [39:02]
6. The pastor mentioned the importance of being watchful and standing firm in faith. What are some potential distractions or challenges in your life that could hinder your faith? How can you address them? [39:02]
7. Consider the pastor's encouragement to let everything be done in love. How can you intentionally show love to someone in your church or community this week? [39:02]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Christ as the Cornerstone
Our lives and ministries must be firmly rooted in Christ, for without Him, our efforts are in vain. The foundation of Christ is essential for any growth or success in our spiritual journey. In 1 Corinthians 3, we are reminded that while individuals like Paul and Apollos may plant and water the seeds of faith, it is ultimately God who gives the growth. This truth emphasizes the necessity of Christ being the cornerstone of our lives and ministries. As we build upon this foundation, we are called to faithfully plant and water the seeds of faith, trusting that God will bring about the growth in His perfect timing. [26:36]
"For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 3:11, ESV)
Reflection: What specific area of your life needs to be more firmly rooted in Christ today? How can you begin to lay that foundation?
Day 2: Unity in Community
The church is not built on one leader but on a community united in God's mission. Each member has a unique role, and together we form the body of Christ, contributing to the growth and strength of the church. This collective effort is what makes the church a powerful force for good in the world. By embracing our individual roles and working together, we can achieve far more than we could alone. This unity is a testament to the power of God's love and the strength of His community. [31:21]
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the unity and mission of your church community this week? What unique role can you play?
Day 3: Faithful Transition
Transitions, though challenging, are opportunities for growth and reflection. By trusting in God's plan and remaining faithful to His calling, we can navigate changes with hope and anticipation for what He will do next. Embracing change with faith allows us to see beyond the immediate discomfort and look forward to the new possibilities that God has in store for us. It is through these transitions that we often experience the most significant growth in our spiritual journey. [34:36]
"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19, ESV)
Reflection: What is one change or transition you are currently facing? How can you trust God more fully in this situation?
Day 4: Building a Gospel Legacy
Our responsibility is to build up the body of Christ and leave a lasting impact through our faith and actions. This legacy is not about personal achievements but about contributing to God's work in the world. By focusing on the eternal impact of our actions, we can ensure that our legacy is one that glorifies God and furthers His kingdom. It is through our faithfulness and dedication to His mission that we can leave a gospel legacy that endures. [35:24]
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to begin building a gospel legacy? How can your actions contribute to God's work in the world?
Day 5: Love as the Foundation
In all that we do, love should be our guiding principle. It is the love of Christ that unites us, sustains us, and compels us to share the gospel with others. Let love be the foundation of our community and our mission. By allowing love to guide our actions and decisions, we can create a community that reflects the heart of Christ and draws others to Him. Love is the force that binds us together and empowers us to serve one another and the world. [39:02]
"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: How can you demonstrate Christ's love to someone in your life today? What practical steps can you take to let love guide your actions?
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Quotes
1. "One, that if Christ is not the foundation, none of it matters. If Christ is not the foundation, none of it matters. And number two, that a church is not and never will be based on one or built on one church planter, but rather it's built upon a people who are on God's mission." [26:36] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The type of leader is not the most important thing. I hope you see that in this text. Paul is saying this about himself. It doesn't matter what kind of leader I am. It's only God who gives the growth. And church, this is something that we have to remember this morning, is that even though we might have gifts and abilities, or maybe we're a winsome, whimsome communicators or we're intelligent or we come from a great school or we're educated he's saying if God's work and power is not on you none of it matters that's what he's saying it's always God who grows it's always God who grows his people always amen." [31:21] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And what he says over and over again is none of us can do it without Christ Jesus. That Christ Jesus is the founder and the foundation of every true church. And church, I can tell you that I've gotten to see that happen happen here time and time again, where the people of God have grown and they've built their life on a foundation who is Christ." [32:40] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Integrity Church was never built on one person or a group of people or a group of pastors or leaders. We are a body who is made up of different parts and we are all belong to him. And it's Jesus who planted and it's Jesus who sustains Integrity Church." [38:04] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "He says, be watchful. Stand firm in the faith. Act like men. Be strong. Then he says, let all that you do be done in love. Church, he tells the Corinthians the same thing. I want to encourage you and admonish you today. First, he says, be watchful. Don't let any place for the enemy to discourage us or tear us down in this transition. Secondly, he says, stand firm in the faith. He says that it's the gospel. He means it's the gospel of Jesus Christ who saved us. It's the same gospel who unites us and sustains us and causes us to grow. And then he says, act like men. He's saying, be mature. I like godly men. And women who allow this change to help you grow and mature and to be more like Jesus. Then he says, be strong. Be strong mentally. Be strong emotionally. Be strong spiritually. And I love the last thing he says, let all that you do be done in love. May the same love that Christ who saved us is the same love that will draw us closer together as a community of believers. The same love that compels us to continue to preach the gospel and be faithful. To proclaim the good news of Jesus among the nations. That's our hope, church. Be watchful." [40:03] (84 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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