Choosing Role Models and Embracing God's Love

 

Summary

In our journey through life, we often find ourselves looking up to others, sometimes idolizing them, as I did with a musician named Danny during my high school years. This relationship taught me a valuable lesson about the influence of those we admire and the impact they can have on our lives. While Danny was a talented and charismatic individual, he also had his flaws, and my desire to emulate him led me down a path of adopting some of his negative habits. This experience serves as a reminder of the importance of choosing our role models wisely and understanding the give-and-take nature of relationships.

In contrast to our earthly relationships, our relationship with God is unique. God only takes what we willingly give and offers us what we allow Him to provide. He desires a genuine connection with us, one that is not based on impressing Him with our actions but on walking in step with His Spirit. As we embark on a new year, it's crucial to align our lives with God's desires, striving to become more like Him by walking in His Spirit.

Our current series, "Keep in Step," explores the book of Galatians, where Paul addresses the Galatian church's struggle with adhering to the law. Paul emphasizes that following Jesus is not about rule-keeping but about allowing Him to transform us. In Galatians 5, Paul reiterates Jesus' teaching that the essence of the law is to love God and love others. This love is not just a personal benefit but a call to serve one another humbly.

True freedom comes from serving God, a voluntary choice that fosters a meaningful relationship with our Creator. This freedom is not about self-indulgence but about living a life of selflessness and service to others. As Bob Dylan's song "Gotta Serve Somebody" suggests, we are always serving something or someone. The question is whether we choose to serve God or the fleeting things of this world.

To truly keep in step with Jesus, we must embrace the concept of communal relationships, recognizing that it takes a village to support and uplift one another. Scripture teaches us that genuine religion is about caring for others and refusing to let the world corrupt us. By loving and serving those around us, we fulfill the true purpose of the law and draw closer to God. Let us navigate our lives with this love, allowing it to flow through us and impact the world around us.

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Key Takeaways:

1. The Influence of Role Models: Our role models can significantly impact our lives, both positively and negatively. It's essential to choose wisely and be aware of the habits and values we adopt from those we admire. Our ultimate role model should be Jesus, who guides us to live a life of love and service. [02:50]

2. Unique Relationship with God: Unlike earthly relationships, our relationship with God is based on what we willingly give and receive. God desires a genuine connection with us, not based on impressing Him but on walking in step with His Spirit. This relationship is transformative and leads us to become more like Him. [05:33]

3. Essence of the Law: Jesus summarized the law as loving God and loving others. This teaching emphasizes that our faith is not about rule-keeping but about embodying love in our actions and relationships. By serving others, we fulfill the true purpose of the law and draw closer to God. [12:49]

4. True Freedom in Serving God: Real freedom comes from serving God, a voluntary choice that fosters a meaningful relationship with our Creator. This freedom is not about self-indulgence but about living a life of selflessness and service to others, reflecting God's love in our actions. [21:10]

5. Communal Relationships: The concept of "it takes a village" applies to all aspects of life, not just raising children. Scripture teaches us the importance of communal relationships, where we support and uplift one another. By loving and serving those around us, we fulfill the true purpose of the law and draw closer to God. [25:42]

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Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:50] - The Influence of Role Models
[05:33] - Unique Relationship with God
[06:18] - Introduction to "Keep in Step" Series
[07:49] - Opening Prayer
[10:07] - Context of Galatians
[12:49] - Essence of the Law
[15:02] - Loving Others as a Core Belief
[16:45] - Freedom Through Salvation
[18:05] - Choosing Selflessness
[19:00] - Bob Dylan's Insight on Service
[21:10] - True Freedom in Serving God
[24:25] - Communal Relationships
[25:42] - Embracing Love and Service
[26:49] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Keep in Step"

Bible Reading:
- Galatians 5:13-15
- Mark 12:30-31
- James 1:27

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul emphasize about the essence of the law in Galatians 5:13-15, and how does it relate to loving others? [12:49]

2. How does the sermon describe the difference between earthly relationships and our relationship with God? [05:33]

3. What was the main point of Jesus' response to the Pharisees' question about the greatest commandment in Mark 12:30-31? [12:49]

4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of "it takes a village" in the context of communal relationships? [24:25]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that role models can influence our behavior, both positively and negatively? How does this relate to the idea of choosing Jesus as our ultimate role model? [02:50]

2. How does the sermon explain the concept of true freedom in serving God, and why is it considered a voluntary choice? [21:10]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of communal relationships in fulfilling the law's essence of loving others? [25:42]

4. How does the sermon interpret the idea of serving God versus serving the fleeting things of this world, as illustrated by Bob Dylan's song "Gotta Serve Somebody"? [19:00]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you were influenced by a role model. How did their behavior impact your actions, and how can you ensure that Jesus is your ultimate role model moving forward? [02:50]

2. Consider your current relationship with God. What are some ways you can deepen this relationship by willingly giving and receiving from Him? [05:33]

3. How can you actively practice loving your neighbor as yourself in your daily life? Identify one specific action you can take this week to serve someone humbly in love. [12:49]

4. Think about the concept of true freedom in serving God. What are some areas in your life where you might be serving fleeting things instead of God, and how can you shift your focus? [21:10]

5. Reflect on the communal relationships in your life. How can you contribute to building a supportive "village" that uplifts and encourages others? [25:42]

6. Identify a specific way you can let the love of Jesus flow through you to impact those around you. What steps will you take to ensure this love doesn't stay inside but reaches others? [26:49]

7. How can you apply the principle of "it takes a village" to your spiritual growth and the growth of those around you? What role can you play in your community to foster genuine relationships? [24:25]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: The Power of Role Models
Our role models have a profound influence on our lives, shaping our values, habits, and perspectives. It's crucial to choose them wisely, as they can lead us toward positive growth or negative patterns. The ultimate role model for Christians is Jesus, who exemplifies a life of love, humility, and service. By focusing on His example, we can navigate our lives with purpose and integrity, avoiding the pitfalls of emulating flawed human idols. [02:50]

"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7, ESV)

Reflection: Who are the role models in your life today? Are there any habits or values you've adopted from them that you need to reassess in light of Jesus' example?


Day 2: A Transformative Relationship with God
Unlike human relationships, our relationship with God is unique and transformative. God desires a genuine connection with us, one that is not based on our efforts to impress Him but on our willingness to walk in step with His Spirit. This relationship is about mutual giving and receiving, where we offer our lives to God and, in return, receive His guidance and love. As we align our lives with God's desires, we become more like Him, experiencing a profound transformation in our hearts and actions. [05:33]

"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to invite God to transform you? How can you intentionally walk in step with His Spirit today?


Day 3: Love as the Fulfillment of the Law
The essence of the law, as taught by Jesus, is to love God and love others. This teaching shifts the focus from mere rule-keeping to embodying love in our actions and relationships. By serving others with humility and compassion, we fulfill the true purpose of the law and draw closer to God. This love is not just for personal benefit but is a call to serve and uplift those around us, reflecting God's love in the world. [12:49]

"For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Galatians 5:14, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively demonstrate love to someone in your community today? What practical steps can you take to serve them humbly?


Day 4: Freedom Through Serving God
True freedom is found in serving God, a voluntary choice that leads to a meaningful relationship with our Creator. This freedom is not about self-indulgence but about living a life of selflessness and service to others. By choosing to serve God, we align our lives with His purpose, experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from reflecting His love in our actions. As Bob Dylan's song suggests, we all serve something; the question is whether we choose to serve God or the fleeting things of this world. [21:10]

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13, ESV)

Reflection: What are some ways you can use your freedom to serve God and others this week? How can you shift your focus from self-indulgence to selflessness?


Day 5: The Importance of Communal Relationships
The concept of "it takes a village" applies to all aspects of life, emphasizing the importance of communal relationships. Scripture teaches us to support and uplift one another, recognizing that genuine religion is about caring for others and resisting worldly corruption. By loving and serving those around us, we fulfill the true purpose of the law and draw closer to God. This communal love not only strengthens our faith but also impacts the world around us, creating a ripple effect of God's love. [25:42]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you contribute to your community's spiritual growth and support this week? What specific actions can you take to encourage and uplift those around you?

Quotes

"Because with God, he only takes from us what we give him, and he only gives us what we allow him to give us. God doesn't demand that we impress him by doing cool tricks while throwing bowling balls down the lane. But he simply wants to be with us, and he simply wants to flow through us." [00:05:55] (24 seconds)


"As we once again, we're starting a brand new year, as many of us begin the process of like changing habits and starting new routines. I think God is desiring a people who can begin to keep in step with him. I think God is desiring a people who by walking in his spirit, they can begin to navigate their lives with the goal of becoming more like him." [00:06:28] (25 seconds)


"Following Jesus, it's not about following the rules, but it's allowing him to change you. And today, as we continue into week two, we're going to dive back in to see the first real step when it comes to walking in the Spirit and keeping in step with Jesus. Amen? Before we dive in, though, as always, let's start by opening up with prayer. Would you join me, my friends?" [00:07:11] (22 seconds)


"And his point was, is you can't do it on your own. You can't keep in step with Jesus by your own willpower, but it's Jesus who has to do the heavy lifting in your life. And before we continue our talk today, I do just want to kind of reiterate that fact. I know I've said it like three times today already, but it's such an important detail when it comes to walking in rhythm with Jesus." [00:10:55] (23 seconds)


"Let's look at verse 13 one more time real quick. It says, you, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free, but don't use your freedom to indulge the flesh. Rather, serve one another humbly in love. Church, at its core, Paul is telling us that the freedom we receive through salvation, it's not simply meant to benefit us personally." [00:16:08] (27 seconds)


"The gift of salvation isn't something that was only meant for us as individuals, but he's saying the freedom we receive through the salvation of Jesus should be seen as an opportunity. For what? An opportunity for us to begin to simply be there for each other. In this letter, he's urging the Galatian church to begin to use their freedom from the laws." [00:16:45] (22 seconds)


"He argues the reason Jesus has liberated us from the burdensome requirements of the law, it wasn't so that we could live in self-indulgence or in isolation, but so we can actively and willingly serve one another in love. And to me, this change in trajectory is possibly one of the most significant changes Jesus begins inside of us." [00:17:17] (25 seconds)


"Because I think it shows us a fundamental truth about our human experience. That as social creatures, we naturally connect with others. And the decisions that we make, oftentimes they reflect the values and the beliefs that we've chosen to embrace. And if we don't consciously serve God, that means that there's something else that we're serving." [00:21:02] (25 seconds)


"But I got to tell you this morning, real freedom, it doesn't come from, you know, doing whatever you want whenever you want. Real freedom doesn't come from new age self-help books and crystals and whatever it is that you've got decorating your mantle. But real freedom comes from serving God. Real, true freedom comes from following God's commands." [00:21:47] (23 seconds)


"Keeping in step with Jesus means walking through life the same way that he did. And in everything Jesus did, from things like healing the blind, to standing up for the marginalized, to raising the dead, at the heart of it all was simply love." [00:26:18] (19 seconds)


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Transcript
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