Building a Worthy Reputation in Christ
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound significance of reputation, both in the secular world and within our spiritual lives. Drawing from the wisdom of Warren Buffett and the experiences of Philip Berry, we see that reputation is a priceless asset, built over time and easily destroyed by a single misstep. This principle is not only applicable in business but is also deeply rooted in biblical teachings. Proverbs 22:1 and Ecclesiastes 7:1 remind us that a good name is more valuable than riches, urging us to cultivate a reputation that reflects our faith and values.
As we embark on our new series, "Ready? Living with Purpose to Prepare for Christ's Return," we delve into 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 to understand what a worthy reputation looks like for a follower of Jesus Christ. The Thessalonian church was commended for their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope. These virtues are not just commendable but essential for every believer, as they reflect a life transformed by Christ.
A worthy reputation is fundamentally a spiritual one, rooted in our relationship with God and our actions that reflect His love and truth. It's not about earthly achievements or accolades but about living a life that points others to Christ. Our actions must align with our words, as demonstrated by Paul and Silas, whose lives authenticated their message to the Thessalonians. This authenticity led the Thessalonians to embrace the gospel, even amidst suffering, with joy in the Holy Spirit.
Moreover, a worthy reputation speaks for itself. It doesn't require constant defense or justification because it is evident in the way we live our lives. The Thessalonians' faith was so evident that it spread throughout the region, becoming an example for others. This is the kind of reputation we should strive for—a life that naturally reflects Christ's love and truth.
Finally, a worthy reputation is marked by a changed life. It's not about perfection but about transformation—becoming more like Jesus. This change is what the world is looking for, and it's what gives our testimony power and credibility. As we seek to build a godly reputation, let us remember that it must align with reality, reflecting genuine transformation and growth in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- A worthy reputation is a spiritual one, rooted in our relationship with God and reflecting His love and truth. It is not about earthly achievements but about living a life that points others to Christ. [08:49]
- Our actions must align with our words. Authenticity in our faith is demonstrated through actions that authenticate our message, as seen in the lives of Paul and Silas. [16:02]
- A worthy reputation speaks for itself, requiring no defense or justification. It is evident in the way we live our lives, as demonstrated by the Thessalonians' faith spreading throughout the region. [22:41]
- A worthy reputation is marked by a changed life, becoming more like Jesus. This transformation is what gives our testimony power and credibility in the world. [31:44]
- Our reputation must align with reality, reflecting genuine transformation and growth in Christ. A positive reputation that exceeds reality can lead to embarrassment and damage when the truth is revealed. [36:55]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:49] - The Value of Reputation
[01:55] - Building and Protecting Reputation
[02:51] - Personal Reflection on Reputation
[03:51] - Biblical Perspective on Reputation
[05:35] - Commendation of the Thessalonians
[07:19] - Faith, Love, and Hope
[08:49] - Spiritual Reputation
[09:48] - Witness for Christ
[11:33] - Earthly Achievements vs. Christlikeness
[14:00] - Actions Speak Louder
[16:02] - Authenticity in Faith
[18:16] - Reputation in Action
[21:35] - Thessalonians as Examples
[22:41] - Reputation That Speaks for Itself
[27:28] - Changed Life in Christ
[31:44] - Patience and Faithfulness
[36:55] - Aligning Reputation with Reality
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "A Worthy Reputation"
Bible Reading:
- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
- Proverbs 22:1
- Ecclesiastes 7:1
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the three virtues for which the Thessalonian church was commended in 1 Thessalonians 1:3? How did these virtues reflect their reputation? [05:35]
2. According to the sermon, how did Paul and Silas authenticate their message to the Thessalonians? What role did their actions play in this process? [14:52]
3. How does the sermon describe the way the Thessalonians' faith spread throughout the region? What does this suggest about their reputation? [21:35]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the relationship between a worthy reputation and a changed life? [31:44]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the significance of a "good name" as mentioned in Proverbs 22:1 and Ecclesiastes 7:1? Why is this important for Christians today? [03:51]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that a worthy reputation is more about spiritual transformation than earthly achievements? How does this align with the teachings of 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10? [08:49]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the concept that a worthy reputation "speaks for itself"? What examples are given, and how do they apply to personal and communal Christian life? [22:41]
4. What does the sermon imply about the potential consequences of having a reputation that does not align with reality? How can this be avoided according to the sermon? [36:55]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current reputation among your peers and community. What steps can you take to ensure it aligns with your faith and values as a follower of Christ? [02:51]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of actions aligning with words. Identify a specific area in your life where your actions could better reflect your faith. What practical steps can you take to improve this alignment? [16:02]
3. Consider a time when your reputation spoke for itself, either positively or negatively. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it guide your future actions? [22:41]
4. The sermon discusses the transformation into Christlikeness as a key aspect of a worthy reputation. What specific changes have you noticed in your life since following Christ, and what areas still need growth? [31:44]
5. How can you cultivate patience and faithfulness in your life, especially in light of the Thessalonians' example of waiting for Christ's return? What practical habits can you develop to support this? [31:44]
6. The sermon warns against having a reputation that exceeds reality. How can you ensure that your public persona matches your private life? What accountability measures can you put in place? [36:55]
7. Reflect on the role of community in shaping and supporting a worthy reputation. How can your small group help each other grow in faith and authenticity? What specific actions can you take as a group to support this growth? [27:28]
Devotional
Day 1: Spiritual Reputation Reflects Divine Love and Truth
A worthy reputation is not measured by earthly achievements but by how one's life reflects the love and truth of God. This spiritual reputation is deeply rooted in one's relationship with God and is evident in actions that point others to Christ. It is a call to live authentically, embodying the virtues of faith, love, and hope as demonstrated by the Thessalonian church. Their reputation was not built on worldly success but on a life transformed by Christ, which became a testimony to others. [08:49]
"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:6, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can your daily interactions better reflect God's love and truth to those around you today?
Day 2: Authenticity in Faith Through Aligned Actions
Authenticity in faith is demonstrated when actions align with words, creating a life that authentically represents one's beliefs. Paul and Silas exemplified this by living lives that authenticated their message, leading the Thessalonians to embrace the gospel. This alignment between belief and action is crucial for a credible testimony, as it shows a genuine transformation in Christ. It challenges believers to examine their lives and ensure that their actions consistently reflect their faith. [16:02]
"Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." (1 John 2:6, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where your actions do not fully align with your faith. What steps can you take today to bring them into alignment?
Day 3: Reputation That Speaks for Itself
A worthy reputation is self-evident and does not require defense or justification. The Thessalonians' faith was so evident that it spread throughout the region, serving as an example for others. This kind of reputation is built on consistent, Christ-like living that naturally reflects His love and truth. It encourages believers to live in such a way that their faith is unmistakable and influential, impacting those around them without the need for words. [22:41]
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35, ESV)
Reflection: How can you live today in a way that your faith is evident to others without having to say a word?
Day 4: Transformation Marks a Worthy Reputation
A worthy reputation is marked by a life transformed by Christ, not by perfection but by ongoing growth and change. This transformation is what gives a believer's testimony power and credibility in the world. The Thessalonians embraced the gospel with joy despite suffering, demonstrating a changed life that pointed others to Jesus. This transformation is what the world seeks, and it is essential for a reputation that truly honors God. [31:44]
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: What specific change has God been prompting you to make in your life? How can you begin to embrace this transformation today?
Day 5: Aligning Reputation with Reality
A positive reputation must align with reality, reflecting genuine transformation and growth in Christ. When a reputation exceeds reality, it can lead to embarrassment and damage when the truth is revealed. Believers are called to live authentically, ensuring that their reputation is a true reflection of their life in Christ. This alignment is crucial for maintaining credibility and integrity in one's testimony. [36:55]
"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out." (Proverbs 10:9, ESV)
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where your reputation might not fully match reality. What steps can you take to bring them into alignment and ensure your integrity?
Quotes
"Building and protecting your reputation is a long-term brick-by-brick process that can be undone with a single act. For those of us who have been selling and serving in a specific industry or niche for many, many years, this is truly priceless." [00:01:55] (20 seconds)
"Regardless of our efforts to broadcast our story through all of the wonderful mediums available, who we are and what we do still speak so much more loudly. Building and protecting your reputation is a long-term brick-by-brick process that can be undone with a single act." [00:01:46] (22 seconds)
"Now, as you're turning to this passage, I want to remind all of us that throughout the Scriptures, it is noted that an outstanding reputation is something that should be prized. Proverbs, chapter 22, verse 1, says this, A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold." [00:04:20] (24 seconds)
"Essentially, these Thessalonians were known for their spiritual reputation and were commended for it. Now, there's no other mention of their worldly reputation and accomplishments which Paul found significant to thank God for, and that is something very important for us to remember, that in cultivating a worthy reputation in this world, it is our spiritual reputation that is most important, and that's our first reputation principle number one." [00:08:19] (30 seconds)
"People may know we go to church. They may know we read the Bible, but they have never once been engaged by us about the person of the Lord Jesus who made us what we are. What is failing in this reputation is the witness for Christ. A silence about Christ is a biblical contradiction." [00:10:17] (23 seconds)
"Such was the power of action consistent with the words of the gospel that Paul and Silas shared, that the Thessalonians became followers of Christ, even if it came with it much affliction, meaning they suffered for the faith. They were willing to suffer in their belief because what they heard and witnessed in action was the truth, and so they believed in Christ with joy of the Holy Spirit." [00:15:31] (32 seconds)
"What Paul recounts in these verses reminds us that our reputation is not just in words, but equally or even more important is our actions that are seen by others. My friends, if you are a Christian and it is simply like a title for you or a certificate you hang on the wall that proves you're going to heaven, but your actions don't change in any way, then it won't really impress anyone." [00:16:15] (29 seconds)
"Here Paul writes that the Christian witness of the Thessalonians had become an example to many throughout Greece. And with that wonderful witness, the word of God has spread throughout the surrounding regions. In fact, their wonderful Christian reputation of their sure faith in God was such that nothing more needed to be said." [00:21:35] (23 seconds)
"This sort of reputation that speaks for itself takes a long time to build up, but it is worth aiming for because it just means your life is authentic and consistent. It's like when a church member once told me that someone outside of our community was saying that Stephen Pan no longer preaches from the Bible." [00:23:15] (24 seconds)
"Now, putting it all together, we see in these verses that the Thessalonian Christians had a worthy reputation because their community could see in their lives a changed life. And this is our fourth reputation principle number four. A worthy reputation is a changed life to be more like Jesus. A worthy reputation is a changed life to be more like Jesus. No one is perfect." [00:32:13] (31 seconds)
"Change is what people are looking for. We are all really forgiving people, and the community is looking for change. A worthy reputation is a change life, and for a Christian, that reputation of a change life must be to be more like Jesus. The problem why Christians have such a bad reputation in the world is because they don't see a change in their life." [00:35:35] (35 seconds)
"As we strive to build up a great godly reputation to impact this world for Jesus, remember a worthy reputation is a spiritual reputation. A worthy reputation is lived out in action and not just in words. A worthy reputation is one that speaks for itself. A worthy reputation is to change life, to be more like Jesus." [00:37:09] (28 seconds)
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