Building Our Lives on the Eternal Word of God
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the enduring power of God's Word and the foundational role it plays in our lives. We began by reflecting on 1 Peter 1:24-25, which reminds us that while all flesh is like grass and its glory like the flowers of the field, the Word of the Lord endures forever. This eternal nature of God's Word is why we must build our lives upon it, as it is the only sure foundation that will never crumble or fall.
Transitioning from the Word, we moved into the realm of love, focusing on the greatest commandments as stated by Jesus in Matthew 22:37-39: to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. These two commandments are not separate but equal, and they encapsulate all the law and the prophets. True love for God naturally extends to love for our neighbors, as it is impossible to love God and hate our brother.
We then explored the concept of love being at the root of everything, both good and evil. The love of money, for instance, is the root of all evil, not money itself. When we prioritize money over our godly duties and relationships, we fall into sin. This led us to a call for repentance and a rejection of cynicism, evil speaking, and hatred within the church. We must focus on what truly matters and avoid petty disputes that do not move us forward.
The sermon also touched on the importance of unity and the dangers of division within the church. We must not allow the spirit of division to take root, as it hinders our collective progress and spiritual growth. Instead, we should support and uplift one another, recognizing the unique gifts that each person brings to the body of Christ.
We also discussed the significance of seed time and harvest, emphasizing that before we can expect a harvest, we must first sow seeds. This principle applies not only to our finances but to every area of our lives. God promises a harvest, but it requires our active participation in sowing seeds of faith, love, and obedience.
Finally, we concluded with a powerful reminder of our identity as lively stones, called to reflect the light of Christ. Just as a polished stone refracts light, our lives should reflect the glory of God, especially against the backdrop of our past darkness. Every trial and process we go through is meant to refine us and make us better reflectors of God's light.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Eternal Word of God: The Word of God is the only sure foundation that will never crumble or fall. Everything else in life is temporary and will fade away, but God's Word endures forever. Building our lives on this eternal foundation ensures that we remain steadfast and unshaken, no matter what challenges come our way. [01:35:48]
2. The Greatest Commandments: Loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbors as ourselves are the greatest commandments. These two are not separate but equal, and they encapsulate all the law and the prophets. True love for God naturally extends to love for our neighbors, as it is impossible to love God and hate our brother. [01:37:07]
3. Root of All Evil: The love of money is the root of all evil, not money itself. When we prioritize money over our godly duties and relationships, we fall into sin. This calls for a heart of repentance and a rejection of cynicism, evil speaking, and hatred within the church. We must focus on what truly matters and avoid petty disputes that do not move us forward. [01:44:17]
4. Unity in the Church: Division within the church is a significant hindrance to our collective progress and spiritual growth. We must not allow the spirit of division to take root. Instead, we should support and uplift one another, recognizing the unique gifts that each person brings to the body of Christ. [01:48:13]
5. Seed Time and Harvest: Before we can expect a harvest, we must first sow seeds. This principle applies not only to our finances but to every area of our lives. God promises a harvest, but it requires our active participation in sowing seeds of faith, love, and obedience. Every trial and process we go through is meant to refine us and make us better reflectors of God's light. [01:06:10]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:35:48] - The Eternal Word of God
[01:37:07] - The Greatest Commandments
[01:44:17] - Root of All Evil
[01:48:13] - Unity in the Church
[01:06:10] - Seed Time and Harvest
[02:17:57] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 1:24-25: "For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you."
2. Matthew 22:37-39: "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
3. 1 Timothy 6:10: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 1:24-25, what is the nature of God's Word compared to human life and glory? [01:35:48]
2. In Matthew 22:37-39, what are the two greatest commandments, and how are they related to each other? [01:37:07]
3. What does 1 Timothy 6:10 say about the love of money, and how does it relate to the root of all evil? [01:44:17]
4. How does the sermon describe the importance of unity within the church and the dangers of division? [01:48:13]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to build our lives on the eternal Word of God, according to 1 Peter 1:24-25? How does this foundation affect our daily lives? [01:35:48]
2. How does loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind naturally extend to loving our neighbors as ourselves? What does this imply about our relationships with others? [01:37:07]
3. How can the love of money lead to various forms of evil, and what are some practical ways to guard against this in our lives? [01:44:17]
4. What are some specific ways that division can hinder the progress and spiritual growth of a church? How can we actively promote unity within our church community? [01:48:13]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life. Are there areas where you are not building on the foundation of God's Word? What steps can you take to ensure that God's Word is the cornerstone of your decisions and actions? [01:35:48]
2. Think about your relationships with others. Are there people you find difficult to love? How can you practically show love to them this week, in light of the greatest commandments? [01:37:07]
3. Examine your attitude towards money. Are there ways in which the love of money might be influencing your decisions or relationships? What changes can you make to prioritize godly duties and relationships over financial gain? [01:44:17]
4. Consider the unity within your church. Have you noticed any divisions or conflicts? How can you contribute to resolving these issues and promoting a spirit of unity and support among the members? [01:48:13]
5. Reflect on the concept of seed time and harvest. Are there areas in your life where you need to start sowing seeds of faith, love, and obedience? What specific actions can you take this week to begin this process? [01:06:10]
6. Think about your role as a "lively stone" reflecting the light of Christ. Are there trials or processes you are currently going through that are refining you? How can you embrace these challenges to better reflect God's glory? [02:15:20]
7. Identify any petty disputes or cynicism you may have within the church. How can you shift your focus to what truly matters and foster a more loving and supportive church environment? [01:44:17]
Devotional
Day 1: The Eternal Foundation of God's Word
The Word of God is the only sure foundation that will never crumble or fall. Everything else in life is temporary and will fade away, but God's Word endures forever. Building our lives on this eternal foundation ensures that we remain steadfast and unshaken, no matter what challenges come our way. In a world where everything is subject to change and decay, the Word of God stands as an unchanging beacon of truth and stability. It is through this eternal Word that we find guidance, comfort, and strength to navigate the complexities of life.
Reflecting on 1 Peter 1:24-25, we are reminded that "all flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever." This passage underscores the transient nature of human life and achievements compared to the enduring nature of God's Word. As believers, we are called to anchor our lives in this eternal truth, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and decisions. By doing so, we build a foundation that is unshakeable, even in the face of life's storms. [01:35:48]
Isaiah 40:8 (ESV): "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on temporary things instead of the eternal Word of God? How can you begin to build a stronger foundation on God's Word today?
Day 2: The Greatest Commandments
Loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbors as ourselves are the greatest commandments. These two are not separate but equal, and they encapsulate all the law and the prophets. True love for God naturally extends to love for our neighbors, as it is impossible to love God and hate our brother. This interconnectedness of love highlights the holistic nature of our faith, where our relationship with God directly influences our relationships with others.
Jesus' words in Matthew 22:37-39 emphasize that our love for God must be all-encompassing, involving every aspect of our being. This profound love for God then overflows into our interactions with others, manifesting as genuine care, compassion, and kindness. By loving our neighbors as ourselves, we fulfill the essence of God's commandments, creating a community that reflects His love and grace. [01:37:07]
1 John 4:20-21 (ESV): "If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can show love to a neighbor or someone in your community today. How can this act of love reflect your love for God?
Day 3: The Root of All Evil
The love of money is the root of all evil, not money itself. When we prioritize money over our godly duties and relationships, we fall into sin. This calls for a heart of repentance and a rejection of cynicism, evil speaking, and hatred within the church. We must focus on what truly matters and avoid petty disputes that do not move us forward. The pursuit of wealth and material possessions can easily become a distraction, leading us away from our true purpose and calling.
By examining our attitudes towards money and possessions, we can identify areas where we may have allowed materialism to take precedence over our spiritual growth and relationships. Repentance involves turning away from these misplaced priorities and realigning our hearts with God's will. This process requires humility and a willingness to let go of the things that hinder our spiritual progress. [01:44:17]
1 Timothy 6:9-10 (ESV): "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."
Reflection: Reflect on your current priorities. Are there areas where the love of money or material possessions has taken precedence over your relationship with God and others? How can you realign your priorities today?
Day 4: Unity in the Church
Division within the church is a significant hindrance to our collective progress and spiritual growth. We must not allow the spirit of division to take root. Instead, we should support and uplift one another, recognizing the unique gifts that each person brings to the body of Christ. Unity is essential for the church to function effectively and fulfill its mission. When we are united, we can achieve greater things and make a more significant impact for God's kingdom.
The Apostle Paul frequently addressed the importance of unity in his letters to the early churches. He emphasized that believers are all part of one body, with each member playing a vital role. By fostering an environment of mutual respect, encouragement, and collaboration, we can overcome the challenges that threaten to divide us. This unity not only strengthens the church but also serves as a powerful testimony to the world of God's love and grace. [01:48:13]
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: Consider someone in your church community with whom you have had disagreements or conflicts. How can you take a step towards reconciliation and unity with that person today?
Day 5: Seed Time and Harvest
Before we can expect a harvest, we must first sow seeds. This principle applies not only to our finances but to every area of our lives. God promises a harvest, but it requires our active participation in sowing seeds of faith, love, and obedience. Every trial and process we go through is meant to refine us and make us better reflectors of God's light. The concept of seed time and harvest reminds us that our actions and decisions today have a direct impact on our future.
Sowing seeds involves intentional effort and patience. It requires us to invest our time, resources, and energy into things that align with God's will. As we faithfully sow seeds of righteousness, we can trust that God will bring about a bountiful harvest in due time. This process also involves enduring challenges and trusting in God's timing, knowing that He is working all things together for our good. [01:06:10]
Galatians 6:7-9 (ESV): "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Reflection: What seeds of faith, love, and obedience can you sow in your life today? How can you trust God to bring about a harvest in His perfect timing?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Build your life on the word. Everything else is going to crumble and fall. But build your life on the word because the word is the only thing that's going to last forever. You want a sure foundation, get a word. My, my, my." [01:36:35]
2. "If you love the Lord your God with all your heart, you will love your neighbors yourself. Because how can you love God whom you have not seen hate your brother who you do see? So if you can love God, then you'll love your neighbor. If you truly honor Jesus with your life, you'll love the people He places in your life." [01:37:53]
3. "Love is at the root of everything. Evil. The love of money is the root of all evil. Money's not bad. Having money is not bad. But when you love money more than you love your neighbor, when you love the money where it becomes God to you, where God can't speak to you but money can, when you'll walk out of your position, your godly position over money, right?" [01:44:17]
4. "Seed time. It's exciting to sow seed. You know why? Because every time I sow seed, I am guaranteed. He said it shall not cease. If I bring seed. y'all don't hear it. If I bring seed. Would you look at your neighbor and say, if I bring seed, I have a guarantee from God that a harvest is mine." [01:06:10]
5. "We have to be careful with our gifts. Because sometimes we perceive the gift is us. And we don't realize that the gift is from God. And we just us. I'm just Gary. When it comes to Jesus. I'm just Gary and that's how he talks to me. He didn't call me Bishop. He didn't call me almighty one. He don't say pastor. He don't give me no kudos about nothing. He convicts me just like he convicts you. He challenges me just like he challenges you. But the gift. Is from God." [01:56:53]
### Quotes for Members
1. "There are people that leave this house. That's okay. It's okay. ain't mad at nobody. I'm not mad at nobody. I tell you what I am mad at. I am mad at those that try to cause division. And the Bible says. The Bible says to mark those who cause division among you, we're going to be love motivated, if we're going to be love motivated, you can't be hanging out. Listen, why would my wife want to be best friends with somebody that hates me?" [01:48:13]
2. "Oh, y'all not here, huh? Because see, we think, we look at a lady and we say, man, look at that fur coat she's wearing. Man, her husband must love her. Look at them shoes she's got on. Look at that ring. Look at that car she's driving. Because we equate love with gifts and stuff. But God says, you want to know how I equate love? I equate love by your obedience to what I ask of you." [01:39:15]
3. "But he knew the pace because he knew it wasn't yet time. So for 17 years, he submitted to the process. And we were blessed with the product. A lively stone is a stone that has been through the process. Of cutting chipping away. Taking away everything that was not supposed to be on the stone. Anybody been through a process lately? But you know what it does? What that does every time something is chipped away. It allows the light God have mercy to be shown more clearly." [02:14:38]
4. "You know, it's intense. It's intense what the word of God says about how we are to live our lives. And there are things that we do. Y'all hear? There are things that we do in the name of religion, not in the name of God, that is evil, that is ugly. You say, oh, Bishop, nobody in the church is evil or ugly. If my people who are called by my name would humble themselves and turn from their evil ways. Oh, he's got a people that's called by his name that still have evil ways? Yeah. And you know what evil is? It's when you don't respect and love one another." [01:43:20]
5. "Seed time. It's exciting to sow seed. You know why? Because every time I sow seed, I am guaranteed. He said it shall not cease. If I bring seed. y'all don't hear it. If I bring seed. Would you look at your neighbor and say, if I bring seed, I have a guarantee from God that a harvest is mine. So look at your neighbor and tell your neighbor one more thing. Say, you got to have some seed in your hand. Yeah. Some seed. Got some seed?" [01:06:10]
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