Contending for Faith: Living Sacrifices in Humility

 

Summary

### Summary

This morning, we gathered to worship and lay our lives down as living sacrifices to God. We were reminded that everything we are and do should be in and of the Lord. We were encouraged to seek God's face earnestly, making our current place an altar where we surrender everything to Him. The sermon emphasized the importance of genuine Christian living, focusing on repentance, humility, and sexual morality. We were reminded that true Christians do not embrace sin but turn from it and seek to live in alignment with God's natural design.

We delved into the book of Jude, exploring the dangers of progressive Christianity and the importance of adhering to the true gospel. We discussed the need to contend for the faith and resist the counterfeit gospels that pervert holiness and righteousness. The sermon highlighted the importance of recognizing and rejecting false teachings and the necessity of living under God's authority.

We examined the examples of Cain, Balaam, and Korah, who each fell into apostasy due to unrepentant sin, greed, and a desire for power, respectively. These examples serve as warnings for us to avoid similar pitfalls. We were reminded that every person submits to some kind of authority, and as Christians, our primary authority should be Jesus Christ. We must come under God's authority with humility, allowing His Word to guide and transform us.

The sermon concluded with a call to live in humble adoration of God, putting aside greed and rebellion. We were encouraged to build ourselves up in our most holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and keep ourselves in the love of God while waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. We were reminded that God is able to keep us from falling and present us blameless before His presence with rejoicing.

### Key Takeaways

1. Living Sacrifice and Genuine Worship: We are called to lay our lives down as living sacrifices, surrendering everything to God. This means not coming to Him with empty hands but offering our time, talent, treasure, and family. True worship involves allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us and seeking God's wisdom and instruction in all areas of our lives. [15:07]

2. Contending for the Faith: In a world filled with counterfeit gospels and false teachings, we must contend for the true faith. This involves recognizing and rejecting teachings that pervert holiness and righteousness. We must open our eyes to the truth of the gospel and resist the temptation to conform to cultural Christianity. [41:50]

3. Authority and Humility: Every person submits to some kind of authority, and as Christians, our primary authority should be Jesus Christ. We must come under God's authority with humility, allowing His Word to guide and transform us. Pride leads to destruction, but humility brings us closer to God and aligns us with His will. [55:14]

4. Warnings from Apostasy: The examples of Cain, Balaam, and Korah serve as warnings against unrepentant sin, greed, and a desire for power. We must examine our hearts and ensure that we are not following in their footsteps. True repentance, a heart free from greed, and a humble submission to God's authority are essential for genuine Christian living. [46:48]

5. Building Up in Faith: We are called to build ourselves up in our most holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and keep ourselves in the love of God. This involves living in humble adoration of God, putting aside greed and rebellion, and waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is able to keep us from falling and present us blameless before His presence with rejoicing. [34:38]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[15:07] - Living Sacrifice and Genuine Worship
[17:26] - Seeking God's Face
[27:13] - Anticipation and Victory in Christ
[29:42] - Pruning for Fruitfulness
[37:21] - Mortgage Update and Financial Stewardship
[38:50] - Introduction to the Book of Jude
[40:21] - Contending for the Faith
[41:50] - Recognizing Counterfeit Gospels
[45:08] - Genuine Christian Fruits
[49:30] - God-Honoring Authority
[55:14] - Authority and Humility
[56:38] - Blaspheming the Glorious Ones
[58:16] - Extra-Biblical References
[01:00:17] - All Truth is God's Truth
[01:01:27] - Archangel Michael and Spiritual Warfare
[01:06:37] - Marks of an Apostate
[01:11:09] - Honoring Authority
[01:14:46] - Warnings from Apostasy
[01:20:59] - Balaam's Greed and Rebellion
[01:29:34] - Korah's Rebellion and Power
[01:33:28] - Building Up in Faith
[01:43:35] - Shepherding and Humility
[01:45:33] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
2. Jude 1:3-4 (ESV): "Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ."
3. Jude 1:20-21 (ESV): "But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life."

### Observation Questions
1. What does Romans 12:1-2 say about how we should present our bodies to God? How does this relate to the concept of living sacrifices mentioned in the sermon? [15:07]
2. According to Jude 1:3-4, what are believers urged to do regarding their faith? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on contending for the faith? [41:50]
3. In Jude 1:20-21, what are the three actions believers are encouraged to take? How do these actions support the sermon’s call to build ourselves up in faith? [34:38]
4. What examples of apostasy are given in the sermon, and how do they serve as warnings for us today? [46:48]

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does presenting our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2) challenge the way we live our daily lives? What practical steps can we take to ensure we are living sacrifices? [15:07]
2. What does it mean to contend for the faith as described in Jude 1:3-4? How can we recognize and resist counterfeit gospels in our own lives? [41:50]
3. How do the actions of building ourselves up in faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, and keeping ourselves in the love of God (Jude 1:20-21) help us to live in alignment with God’s will? [34:38]
4. Reflecting on the examples of Cain, Balaam, and Korah, what are the dangers of unrepentant sin, greed, and a desire for power? How can we guard against these pitfalls in our own lives? [46:48]

### Application Questions
1. In what ways can you offer your time, talent, and treasure to God as a living sacrifice this week? Are there specific areas of your life that you need to surrender to Him? [15:07]
2. How can you actively contend for the faith in your community? Are there specific false teachings or cultural pressures you need to resist? [41:50]
3. What steps can you take to build yourself up in your most holy faith? How can you incorporate praying in the Holy Spirit and keeping yourself in the love of God into your daily routine? [34:38]
4. Reflect on a time when you struggled with pride or resisted authority. How can you practice humility and come under God’s authority more fully in your life? [55:14]
5. Considering the warnings from the examples of Cain, Balaam, and Korah, is there an area in your life where you need to repent, let go of greed, or relinquish a desire for power? How will you address this? [46:48]
6. How can you live in humble adoration of God, putting aside any rebellion or greed? What practical changes can you make to ensure you are aligning with God’s will? [34:38]
7. Identify one person in your life who may be struggling with false teachings or cultural Christianity. How can you lovingly guide them towards the true gospel this week? [41:50]

Devotional

### Day 1: Living Sacrifice and Genuine Worship
Theme: Surrendering all aspects of life to God.

Description: As Christians, we are called to lay our lives down as living sacrifices, surrendering everything to God. This means not coming to Him with empty hands but offering our time, talent, treasure, and family. True worship involves allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us and seeking God's wisdom and instruction in all areas of our lives. This act of surrender is not a one-time event but a daily commitment to live in a way that honors God. It requires us to be intentional about our actions, thoughts, and decisions, ensuring they align with God's will.

Living as a living sacrifice means that every aspect of our lives should reflect our devotion to God. It is about making our current place an altar where we surrender everything to Him. This includes our personal ambitions, relationships, and even our struggles. By doing so, we allow God to work through us, transforming us into His likeness. This transformation is a testament to genuine Christian living, where our lives become a reflection of God's love and grace. [15:07]

Bible Passage: "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." (Romans 12:1, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?


### Day 2: Contending for the Faith
Theme: Defending the true gospel against false teachings.

Description: In a world filled with counterfeit gospels and false teachings, Christians must contend for the true faith. This involves recognizing and rejecting teachings that pervert holiness and righteousness. The true gospel calls us to live in alignment with God's natural design, turning away from sin and embracing a life of repentance and humility. It is essential to be vigilant and discerning, ensuring that our beliefs and practices are rooted in the truth of God's Word.

Contending for the faith also means resisting the temptation to conform to cultural Christianity, which often compromises biblical truths for the sake of acceptance and convenience. Instead, we must stand firm in our convictions, even when it is unpopular or challenging. This requires a deep understanding of the gospel and a commitment to living it out in our daily lives. By doing so, we uphold the integrity of our faith and bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel. [41:50]

Bible Passage: "Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints." (Jude 1:3, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively discern and reject false teachings in your daily life? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of the true gospel?


### Day 3: Authority and Humility
Theme: Submitting to God's authority with humility.

Description: Every person submits to some kind of authority, and as Christians, our primary authority should be Jesus Christ. We must come under God's authority with humility, allowing His Word to guide and transform us. Pride leads to destruction, but humility brings us closer to God and aligns us with His will. Humility is not about thinking less of ourselves but about recognizing our dependence on God and our need for His guidance.

Submitting to God's authority means acknowledging that His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. It requires us to trust in His wisdom and timing, even when we do not fully understand His plans. By humbling ourselves before God, we open our hearts to His transformative work, allowing Him to shape us into vessels for His glory. This posture of humility also extends to our interactions with others, as we seek to serve and love them as Christ has loved us. [55:14]

Bible Passage: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you practice humility in your daily life? How can you better submit to God's authority and allow His Word to guide your actions and decisions?


### Day 4: Warnings from Apostasy
Theme: Avoiding the pitfalls of unrepentant sin, greed, and power.

Description: The examples of Cain, Balaam, and Korah serve as warnings against unrepentant sin, greed, and a desire for power. Cain's jealousy led to murder, Balaam's greed led to his downfall, and Korah's desire for power led to rebellion against God's appointed leaders. These examples highlight the dangers of allowing sin to take root in our hearts and the consequences of pursuing selfish desires over God's will.

As Christians, we must examine our hearts and ensure that we are not following in their footsteps. True repentance involves turning away from sin and seeking God's forgiveness and transformation. A heart free from greed and a humble submission to God's authority are essential for genuine Christian living. By guarding our hearts against these pitfalls, we can live in a way that honors God and reflects His righteousness. [46:48]

Bible Passage: "Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam's error and perished in Korah's rebellion." (Jude 1:11, ESV)

Reflection: Are there any areas in your life where you are struggling with unrepentant sin, greed, or a desire for power? How can you seek God's help in overcoming these struggles and aligning your heart with His will?


### Day 5: Building Up in Faith
Theme: Strengthening faith through prayer and God's love.

Description: We are called to build ourselves up in our most holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and keep ourselves in the love of God. This involves living in humble adoration of God, putting aside greed and rebellion, and waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Building up our faith requires intentional effort and a commitment to spiritual growth. It means immersing ourselves in God's Word, seeking His presence in prayer, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us.

Living in the love of God also means extending that love to others, reflecting His grace and compassion in our interactions. As we wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, we can have confidence that God is able to keep us from falling and present us blameless before His presence with rejoicing. This assurance gives us hope and strength to persevere in our faith journey, knowing that God is faithful and will complete the good work He has begun in us. [34:38]

Bible Passage: "But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life." (Jude 1:20-21, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally build up your faith this week? What specific steps can you take to deepen your prayer life and keep yourself in the love of God?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We are commissioned to literally lay our lives down. To come into His presence as a living sacrifice. That everything we are and everything we do should be in and of the Lord. So as we worship this morning, but continue singing, continue praising him. Don't come to him with empty hands that didn't cost you anything. Give your life to him. Allow Holy Spirit to transform you." [15:07] (36 seconds) ( | | )

2. "Lord, my time, my talent, my treasure, my family, everything I am and everything I do, Lord, I give it to you. I trust you with it because I know you can really handle it better than I can. Give me your wisdom, your instruction. Fill me with your Holy Spirit." [15:34] (15 seconds) ( | | )

3. "We are already victorious. So Lord, we make ourselves available to you However you choose to work in us and through us Lord, here we are Father, we trust you And we love you And Jesus, we praise your holy name Praise your holy name." [27:13] (24 seconds) ( | | )

4. "Lord, I choose to seek you this morning. Just speak that out. Lord, I choose to seek you. If you genuinely believe that, tell him that right now. Lord, I choose to seek you. Here I am, Lord. Use me for your will and your glory." [17:58] (17 seconds) ( | | )

5. "Our God reigns. Our God rules the heavens and the earth. Our God is victorious and if you are aligned with him you are victorious. Amen. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. And we do we come into his presence with what? Rejoicing." [35:34] (20 seconds) ( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "True Christians don't embrace sin we embrace Jesus and we turn from sin amen and everyone said amen this will go better if you all just like engage with a few amens or hallelujahs or or you already know you know um so the the second fruit is is humility we don't win battles through pride we win them through humility true christians don't celebrate pride right we don't we don't engage in that life but we only boast in two things what are the two things we boast in the lord and we boast in our trials." [43:24] (39 seconds) ( | | )

2. "We have a responsibility as Christians to verify the authorities that we're listening to and if they don't check out with God, don't follow them. And also our own hearts, we have a tendency, any one of these things, would any of you, besides me, say, yeah, I can think of times in my life where I've dealt with any one of those three? Any show of hands on this this morning? Yeah, I'm like, yeah, unrepentant sin, I've had that in my life. Greed, yeah, I've had that in my life. Hunger for power, yeah, I've had that in my life. And yet humility, it's coming into the presence and proximity with Jesus. He takes care of these things." [31:14] (44 seconds) ( | | )

3. "We must contend we must engage we must draw the line and who draws the line ultimately god did right god draws the line with his word but we uh just have to be reminded that it's there and it's it's the word of god that draws that and if you don't read your bible how are you going to know where the line should be if you don't bother reading it well i'll just go to church on sunday and pastor can read it to me you're going to dry up and die spiritually if that's all you do." [48:10] (30 seconds) ( | | )

4. "We have this understanding that deconstructionists now are trying to take the systems that we have in place, traditional family, law enforcement, law and order kind of stuff. A lot of the systems that we have and they're trying to deconstruct them because they're saying, well they're just oppressive men that put these things in place and we need to get rid of those and bring in new systems. Because apparently their systems are going to be better. And yet we see it failing. You rip apart the family, you destroy society. Amen?" [15:15] (28 seconds) ( | | )

5. "We have a responsibility as Christians to verify the authorities that we're listening to and if they don't check out with God, don't follow them. And also our own hearts, we have a tendency, any one of these things, would any of you, besides me, say, yeah, I can think of times in my life where I've dealt with any one of those three? Any show of hands on this this morning? Yeah, I'm like, yeah, unrepentant sin, I've had that in my life. Greed, yeah, I've had that in my life. Hunger for power, yeah, I've had that in my life. And yet humility, it's coming into the presence and proximity with Jesus. He takes care of these things." [31:14] (44 seconds) ( | | )

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Transcript
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