Commitment to God's Work: A Call to Action

 

Summary

In a recent gathering at Way of Life Church, the message focused on the theme of commitment and dedication to God's work, drawing inspiration from the early Christian community and the life of Jesus Christ. The message began with a reference to the Acts of the Apostles, where the early Christians demonstrated their commitment to God through acts of generosity and unity. The speaker highlighted that the believers were so moved by the spirit of God that they sold their possessions and laid the proceeds at the apostles' feet to ensure that no one among them lacked anything. This act of giving was presented as a model for the church today, suggesting that a similar spirit of generosity and selflessness is being called for in the present time.

The message then transitioned to the Gospel of Luke, focusing on an episode from Jesus' youth. At the age of twelve, Jesus stayed behind in the temple in Jerusalem, engaging with religious teachers and astonishing them with his understanding. When his parents, Mary and Joseph, found him after three days of searching, they were upset, but Jesus responded by asking if they did not realize that he had to be about his Father's business. This response was emphasized as a call to the church to prioritize God's work above all else.

The speaker encouraged the congregation to open their hearts to God's will and to be ready for a supernatural change in their lives through the power of the Holy Ghost. The message stressed the importance of being fully committed to God's work, as Jesus was even at a young age. The speaker pointed out that while it is easy to be distracted by worldly concerns and to become preoccupied with one's own interests, true fulfillment comes from dedicating oneself wholly to God's purposes.

The message also touched on the human tendency to be curious about others' affairs, sometimes to the point of being nosy. The speaker admitted to enjoying knowing information but also recognized that there are boundaries to what one should be concerned with. The message drew a parallel between this human curiosity and the need to be involved in God's business, suggesting that while it is important to mind one's own business in worldly matters, it is equally important to be invested in the work of God.

The speaker shared personal experiences and observations, including the culture of sports idolatry in the South, where people often give their wholehearted devotion to football teams. This was used as an analogy to challenge the congregation to consider what they are giving their hearts to and whether they are allowing idols to take the place of God in their lives.

The message concluded with a call to action, urging individuals to ask themselves how often they walk in the will of God and to seek God's guidance in all aspects of life. The speaker challenged the congregation to consider whether they are truly giving themselves wholly to God or if there are idols in their hearts that prevent them from doing so. The message was a reminder that true worship and commitment to God involve more than just attending church services; it requires a deep, personal dedication to living out God's will every day.

Key Takeaways:

- The early Christian community serves as an example of the transformative power of collective generosity and unity in faith. When individuals come together to support one another, especially within a spiritual community, the impact can be profound and far-reaching. This principle of mutual support is as relevant today as it was in the days of the apostles. [46:28]

- The story of Jesus at twelve years old in the temple teaches the importance of understanding one's divine purpose and pursuing it with determination. Even at a young age, Jesus was aware of his mission and prioritized it above all else. This serves as an inspiration for individuals to seek out and commit to their own God-given purpose with similar fervor. [49:14]

- The act of worship and praise is not only a form of adoration but also a means of overcoming life's challenges. As exemplified by Paul and Silas in prison, worship can lead to liberation from both physical and spiritual bondage. This underscores the power of praise as a tool for personal and communal upliftment. [54:05]

- The concept of minding one's own business is given a spiritual dimension, where the focus shifts from worldly curiosity to a deep involvement in God's work. This reframing encourages individuals to invest their time and energy in what is eternally significant rather than being caught up in temporal matters. [52:14]

- The message challenges individuals to examine their priorities and to consider what they are wholeheartedly devoted to. It calls for introspection on whether one's actions align with God's will and whether there are any idols or distractions that hinder a full commitment to God. This self-reflection is crucial for spiritual growth and alignment with divine intentions. [57:36]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 4:33-37 - "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet."

2. Luke 2:42-49 - "And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?"

#### Observation Questions
1. What actions did the early Christians take to demonstrate their commitment to God in Acts 4:33-37?
2. How did Jesus respond to Mary and Joseph when they found him in the temple in Luke 2:49?
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus' statement, "I must be about my Father's business"? [49:14]
4. What analogy did the speaker use to challenge the congregation about their devotion, and what was the intended lesson? [57:36]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the act of selling possessions and sharing the proceeds in Acts 4:33-37 reveal about the early Christian community's values and priorities?
2. How does Jesus' behavior in the temple at twelve years old serve as a model for prioritizing God's work in our lives? [49:14]
3. The sermon mentioned the human tendency to be curious about others' affairs. How does this curiosity compare to the call to be involved in God's business? [52:14]
4. Reflecting on the speaker's personal experiences, how can the culture of sports idolatry be seen as a distraction from true commitment to God? [57:36]

#### Application Questions
1. The early Christians showed their commitment through acts of generosity. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate generosity and support within your spiritual community today? [46:28]
2. Jesus was aware of his divine purpose even at a young age. How can you seek and commit to your God-given purpose with similar determination? [49:14]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of being fully committed to God's work. What are some distractions or idols in your life that might be hindering your full commitment to God? How can you address these? [57:36]
4. The speaker mentioned the power of worship and praise in overcoming life's challenges. Can you share a personal experience where worship helped you through a difficult time? How can you incorporate more worship into your daily life? [54:05]
5. The concept of minding one's own business was given a spiritual dimension in the sermon. How can you shift your focus from worldly concerns to a deeper involvement in God's work? [52:14]
6. The speaker challenged the congregation to consider their priorities. How often do you reflect on whether your actions align with God's will? What steps can you take to ensure you are walking in God's will more consistently? [56:55]
7. Reflecting on the analogy of sports idolatry, what are some "idols" in your life that you might be giving too much attention to? How can you reallocate that time and energy towards your relationship with God? [57:36]

Devotional

Day 1: Generosity Reflects Collective Faith
True faith manifests in acts of generosity and unity, mirroring the early Christian community's spirit. When individuals unite in giving, they embody the transformative power of collective support, ensuring that no one within the community is in need. This generosity is not just about financial giving but also about offering time, talents, and presence to others. [46:28]

Hebrews 13:16 - "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
Reflection: How can you practice generosity today in a way that strengthens your community and reflects your faith?

Day 2: Pursuing Divine Purpose with Determination
Understanding and pursuing one's divine purpose is a lifelong commitment that begins with recognizing God's calling. Like Jesus, who even as a child was focused on his mission, individuals are called to discern and follow their unique path with unwavering dedication. This pursuit often requires setting aside personal desires to embrace a higher calling. [49:14]

1 Samuel 3:10 - "The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' Then Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant is listening.'"
Reflection: What steps can you take today to better understand and pursue the divine purpose God has for your life?

Day 3: Praise as a Pathway to Liberation
Worship is not merely an act of adoration but a powerful means to overcome life's adversities. Through praise, individuals can experience spiritual freedom and breakthroughs, much like Paul and Silas did in their prison cell. Engaging in worship can shift atmospheres and bring about a sense of peace and liberation. [54:05]

Acts 16:25-26 - "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose."
Reflection: Can you identify an area in your life where you feel 'imprisoned'? How can incorporating praise into your daily routine help bring liberation?

Day 4: Investing in Eternity Over Temporality
Shifting focus from worldly curiosities to eternal significance redefines what it means to mind one's own business. By investing time and energy in God's work, individuals can contribute to something that transcends their own lives and has everlasting value. This investment is about being deeply involved in the mission and work that God has entrusted to His people. [52:14]

Colossians 3:2 - "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Reflection: What temporal matters have been consuming your attention, and how can you redirect that focus towards eternal pursuits today?

Day 5: Examining Devotion and Idolatry
Self-reflection on one's priorities reveals the true nature of devotion. It is essential to identify and remove any idols that may hinder a full commitment to God. This process involves a sincere examination of what occupies the heart and mind, ensuring that God remains the central figure in one's life. [57:36]

1 John 5:21 - "Dear children, keep yourselves from idols."
Reflection: What idols or distractions are present in your life, and what practical steps can you take to remove them and deepen your commitment to God?

Quotes

1) "I believe today is going to be Supernatural today that your lives from this point on is going to be forever changed by the moving and the working and the power of the Holy Ghost." [49:48]

2) "I'm nosy I like to know stuff I like information. I really enjoy knowing about stuff but we all know sometimes there are some things that's just you don't need to know you just being nosy." [51:07]

3) "Jesus at 12 years old said I'mma Be about my father father's business when you look up that word about it means to give thyself holy to give your all to that at 12 years old." [55:24]

4) "Jesus that that he was going to give himself all the way to Jesus he was not going to settle for anything less than the will of God." [56:10]

5) "We have Idols manmade idles that rest in our hearts and and those are the things that that keep us bound from truly giving oursel holy unto God." [57:36]

6) "I'm from the south I'm from Meridian Mississippi and all you see is Old Miss Mississippi State in Alabama that's all you see whenever football season rolls around." [57:36]

7) "I believe that for this church today I'mma mess it up I'm already on mess it up talking about selling houses selling properties and laying it at the church praise God but that's Apostolic to give." [47:11]

8) "I come to challenge us today how often do we walk in the will of God how often do we ask the lord lord where do I need to go where should I eat where should I go to what places should I." [56:55]

9) "I'm telling you the Lord is saying are you going to be about my business or you going to just focus on that they're going to cause you to sin but you're giving yourself to that." [49:14]

10) "I'm so thankful for the young men and women the young boys and young girls that are here that are worshiping the Lord and that they're giving themselves to God In Worship." [52:54]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?