Centering Our Lives Around Christ: Faith in Action
Summary
In this sermon, I explored the profound theme of keeping Jesus at the center of our lives, a continuation of our series "Jesus at the Center." We delved into various aspects of how to actively incorporate our faith into daily living, ensuring that Christ remains our focal point amidst life's challenges and distractions.
We began by reflecting on the importance of understanding who Jesus is and accepting Him into our lives. This foundational step is crucial for every believer, as it sets the stage for a transformative relationship with Christ. I emphasized that regardless of our current spiritual state, Jesus is actively pursuing us, exemplified by the parable of the lost sheep and the powerful message of John 3:16.
Next, I discussed the role of Scripture in our lives, as outlined in 2 Timothy 3:14-17. Scripture is not merely a text to be read, but a divine tool to shape our lives, offering wisdom and guidance. It's essential to approach the Bible not as a routine checklist but as a living conversation with God, allowing His Word to mold us daily.
The sermon also highlighted the importance of community and staying connected to the church. In a world filled with trials and tribulations, our local church serves as a vital support system, helping us to remain steadfast and rooted in our faith. This community aspect is not just about attending services but being actively engaged in the life and ministry of the church.
Service to others was another key theme. Drawing from Matthew 25:34-40, I shared how serving the least among us is serving Christ Himself. This was illustrated through our recent project of building a ramp for a community member, which underscored the tangible ways we can express Jesus' love through service.
Finally, I addressed the urgency of living as if Jesus could return at any moment. This perspective should influence how we live daily, keeping us mindful of the eternal rather than getting lost in the temporal. The discussion on readiness for Christ's return was tied into the broader eschatological themes of being prepared and vigilant.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding and Accepting Jesus - Recognizing and accepting Jesus as the Savior is the first step in centering our lives around Him. This acceptance is a continuous journey of rediscovery as we delve deeper into His life and teachings. It's about allowing His pursuit of us to transform our hearts and lives. [05:43]
2. The Power of Scripture - Scripture is God-breathed and essential for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. It equips us for every good work, shaping our character and guiding our decisions. Engaging deeply with Scripture is fundamental to understanding God's will and aligning our lives with His purposes. [09:02]
3. The Importance of Christian Community - Staying connected with our church community provides strength and stability. It's in the fellowship of believers that we find encouragement and accountability, which are crucial for spiritual growth and resilience in facing life's challenges. [12:38]
4. Service as Worship - Serving others is a direct expression of our love for Christ. When we serve the needy, we are serving Jesus Himself. This service should be a joyful expression of our faith, reflecting Jesus' love through our actions and interactions within the community. [18:36]
5. Living in Readiness for Christ's Return - We must live each day with the awareness that Jesus could return at any moment. This eschatological perspective helps us to prioritize our spiritual life and maintain a constant state of readiness, fostering a life of holiness and active anticipation of His coming. [23:33]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
01:07 - Identity and Surrender
02:05 - Faith in Practice
03:01 - Preparing for the Game of Life
04:04 - Different Definitions of Success
05:43 - The Pursuit of Jesus
07:17 - The Role of Scripture in Faith
09:02 - Engaging with Scripture Beyond Routine
10:25 - Understanding Scripture for Relationship
12:38 - The Support of the Church Community
13:09 - Jesus Overcomes the World
14:31 - The Role of Prayer in Daily Life
15:08 - Varieties of Prayer Experience
16:26 - Prayer in Jesus' Life
18:05 - Service as an Act of Worship
19:16 - Serving the Least Among Us
20:23 - Practical Service: Building a Ramp
21:57 - Engaging in Community Service
23:03 - Eschatological Awareness
24:09 - Living as if Jesus Returns Tomorrow
25:08 - Signs of the End Times
26:16 - The Unexpectedness of Christ's Return
27:19 - Daily Readiness for the Second Coming
28:49 - The Decline of the Church and True Discipleship
30:13 - Daily Decisions in Faith
31:37 - Commitment to Progress in Faith
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
2. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 - "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
3. Matthew 25:34-40 - "Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does John 3:16 reveal about God's motivation for sending Jesus into the world? [05:43]
2. According to 2 Timothy 3:14-17, what are the purposes of Scripture in a believer's life? [07:17]
3. In Matthew 25:34-40, how does Jesus describe the acts of service to others? What is the significance of these acts? [18:36]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the church community in a believer's life? [12:38]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding and accepting Jesus as described in John 3:16 impact a believer's daily life and decisions? [05:43]
2. What does it mean to engage with Scripture beyond a routine checklist, and how can this deepen one's relationship with God? [09:02]
3. How can the concept of serving others as serving Christ, as illustrated in Matthew 25:34-40, change the way we approach acts of service in our community? [18:36]
4. What are the implications of living in readiness for Christ's return, and how does this perspective influence our daily actions and priorities? [23:33]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current understanding and acceptance of Jesus. How can you deepen this relationship in your daily life? [05:43]
2. What practical steps can you take to engage with Scripture more meaningfully, rather than treating it as a routine task? [09:02]
3. Think of a specific way you can serve someone in need this week. How can you approach this act of service with the mindset that you are serving Christ Himself? [18:36]
4. How can you stay connected and actively engaged with your church community to find strength and support in your faith journey? [12:38]
5. Identify one area in your life where you need to surrender something to place Jesus at the center. What steps will you take to make this change? [01:07]
6. How can you incorporate the urgency of living in readiness for Christ's return into your daily routine? What changes might this require in your priorities and actions? [23:33]
7. Reflect on your prayer life. What specific changes can you make to ensure that prayer becomes a more integral and meaningful part of your daily routine? [15:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Jesus as Our Savior
Understanding and accepting Jesus as our Savior is not merely a one-time event but a continuous journey that deepens our relationship with Him. It begins with recognizing Jesus' relentless pursuit of us, much like a shepherd searching for his lost sheep. This acceptance invites a transformative relationship where we continually rediscover His life and teachings, allowing these revelations to mold our hearts and lives. As we open ourselves to Jesus' love and salvation, we experience a profound shift in how we view ourselves and the world around us. This journey of acceptance is crucial for keeping Jesus at the center of our lives, ensuring that our actions and decisions are influenced by His love and wisdom. [05:43]
Colossians 1:15-17 - "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: What is one aspect of Jesus' character or teaching that you feel you need to understand better? How can you seek to deepen your understanding of this aspect this week?
Day 2: Engaging Deeply with Scripture
Scripture serves as a divine tool, not just for reading, but for shaping our lives through God's living words. It is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, equipping us for every good work. Engaging deeply with Scripture means approaching it not as a routine checklist but as a dynamic conversation with God. This engagement allows His Word to mold our character and guide our decisions, aligning our lives with His purposes and will. By understanding and applying the Bible's teachings, we ensure that our daily actions reflect our faith and keep Jesus at the center of our lives. [09:02]
Hebrews 4:12-13 - "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
Reflection: How can you make your daily Scripture reading more of a conversation with God rather than a routine task? What changes can you implement today to deepen your engagement with the Bible?
Day 3: The Strength Found in Christian Community
The Christian community offers more than just a place to worship; it provides strength, stability, and a support system that helps us remain steadfast in our faith. In this fellowship, we find encouragement and accountability, which are essential for spiritual growth and resilience in the face of life's challenges. Being actively engaged in the life and ministry of the church allows us to experience the full benefits of Christian community, keeping us rooted and focused on Jesus amidst the distractions of the world. [12:38]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to strengthen your connection with your church community? How can this step help you keep Jesus at the center of your life?
Day 4: Serving Others as an Expression of Jesus' Love
Serving others is not just an act of kindness but a direct expression of our love for Christ. When we serve the least among us, we are serving Jesus Himself. This service, illustrated through acts like building a ramp for a community member, should be a joyful expression of our faith, reflecting Jesus' love through tangible actions within our community. By serving others, we embody the teachings of Christ and demonstrate the transformative power of His love in the world. [18:36]
Matthew 23:11 - "The greatest among you shall be your servant."
Reflection: Identify one opportunity this week where you can serve someone in your community. How does this act of service extend the love of Jesus to others?
Day 5: Living in Readiness for Christ's Return
Living each day with the awareness that Jesus could return at any moment influences our priorities and actions. This eschatological perspective fosters a life of holiness and active anticipation of His coming, keeping us mindful of the eternal rather than the temporal. By maintaining a constant state of readiness, we ensure that our daily lives reflect our faith and commitment to Jesus, preparing us for His return at any time. [23:33]
Luke 12:35-36 - "Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to cultivate greater readiness for Christ's return? How can you begin to make changes in this area today?
Quotes
1) "So the first way, of course, is we have to accept who he is. The first place that we need to start, all as Christians, is we need to understand who Jesus is and accept him. And also I want you to realize that no matter where we are in our life, no matter what spot we find ourselves in, no matter whether or not we fully have placed our faith in Jesus or not, Jesus is pursuing you." [05:43]
2) "All Scripture is inspired by God. And it's useful to shape our lives and to allow us to center ourselves on who Jesus is by understanding the Scriptures. Now, I have the Bible up." [09:02]
3) "The reason we place our faith in Christ is because he came and he walked this world just like we have. As much as people want to say, oh, this stuff has changed, technology has changed the world, in many ways it has, but in so many ways, this is the same exact world that Jesus walked 2,000 years ago." [13:09]
4) "Then the king will say, to those on his right, come, you who are blessed by my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you invited me into your home." [18:36]
5) "The important things are that we go out to those in need and we serve them as the hands and feet of Jesus. When we're serving this man who cannot even exit his home, without somebody pulling him out of his wheelchair down seven old decrepit steps, you're serving Jesus in that moment." [20:23]
6) "But none of us here or in this world have a clue. In fact, it even says Jesus himself doesn't even know. Live every day ready for his return. Place your faith center in him." [27:19]
7) "The reason why the church is declining in the world is not because of Jesus. The church is declining in the world because there are so-called Christians out there that don't truly follow who he is and implement the ways of his life into our life." [28:49]
8) "Today I am going to take a step and it's going to be towards Christ. Let's pray. Heavenly Father we thank you for sending your son. We thank you for the example that he is." [31:37]
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