Defining Our Spiritual Non-Negotiables in Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the concept of spiritual non-negotiables, emphasizing the importance of defining and living by these principles as followers of Jesus Christ. We are in the midst of a series called "I Must," which challenges us to identify and commit to the spiritual imperatives that God has laid out for us. These non-negotiables are not just guidelines but are essential for our spiritual growth and alignment with God's will.
We began by acknowledging the power of community and the unique experiences that conferences and gatherings bring, allowing us to worship and connect with God in profound ways. Worship is not merely about singing but about entering God's presence and honoring Him with our lives. This leads us to the heart of today's message: understanding who we are in Christ so that we can live out our "I musts."
The journey of faith requires us to recognize our identity in Christ. We are masterpieces, created anew for a purpose. This understanding empowers us to step into the roles and responsibilities God has designed for us. By writing down and defining our spiritual non-negotiables, we create a roadmap for our spiritual journey, ensuring that we remain focused and aligned with God's purpose for our lives.
We also discussed the importance of faith and trust in God's word. God's word is His will, and His will is always the best for us, even when it seems challenging. Like Gideon, we may struggle with our identity and calling, but God's promises are sure, and His plans are for our good. We are called to trust Him, take steps of faith, and live by the spiritual non-negotiables that bring glory to God.
Finally, we were reminded of the significance of community and belonging. Being part of a church family means taking on responsibilities and contributing to the collective mission. As we grow in our faith and understanding, we are encouraged to engage actively in our church community, supporting one another and reaching out to those in need.
Key Takeaways:
1. Understanding Our Identity in Christ: Recognizing that we are masterpieces created anew in Christ is foundational to living out our spiritual non-negotiables. This identity empowers us to fulfill God's purpose for our lives, knowing that we are equipped with the gifts and strength needed to glorify Him. [31:04]
2. The Power of Spiritual Non-Negotiables: Defining and committing to spiritual non-negotiables is crucial for our spiritual growth. These principles guide us in our journey, helping us stay focused on God's will and purpose, even amidst life's challenges. [39:28]
3. Faith and Trust in God's Word: God's word is His will, and His will is always the best for us. Trusting in His promises, even when the path seems difficult, leads to blessings and fulfillment of His plans in our lives. [35:13]
4. Community and Belonging: Being part of a church family means taking on responsibilities and contributing to the mission. Engaging actively in our community strengthens our faith and allows us to support one another in our spiritual journeys. [45:28]
5. Living by Faith: Faith is essential in our walk with God. By living by faith and trusting in His guidance, we align ourselves with His will, bringing honor and glory to Him and experiencing His blessings in our lives. [47:42]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[13:50] - Worship and Praise
[21:09] - Generosity and Giving
[24:35] - Personal Reflections and Humor
[27:33] - Spiritual Non-Negotiables
[31:04] - Identity in Christ
[33:50] - Gideon's Story and God's Will
[35:13] - Trusting God's Word
[37:19] - Faith and God's Best
[38:15] - Writing Down Non-Negotiables
[39:28] - Building on the Rock
[43:56] - Understanding Our Masterpiece
[45:28] - Community and Responsibility
[47:42] - Living by Faith
[49:44] - Celebrating New Believers
[51:29] - Invitation to Salvation
[53:52] - Prayer and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Judges 6:14 - "Then the Lord turned to him and said, 'Go with the strength you have and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!'"
2. Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
3. Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Judges 6:14 reveal about God's call to Gideon, and how does it relate to the concept of spiritual non-negotiables discussed in the sermon? [33:50]
2. According to Ephesians 2:10, what does it mean to be God's masterpiece, and how does this identity empower us to fulfill God's purpose? [43:56]
3. How does Proverbs 3:5-6 encourage us to trust in God's guidance, and what role does this trust play in living out our spiritual non-negotiables? [35:13]
4. In the sermon, how is the story of Gideon used to illustrate the struggle with identity and calling? [33:50]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might understanding one's identity as a "masterpiece" in Christ influence their approach to defining and living by spiritual non-negotiables? [31:04]
2. What are some potential challenges individuals might face when trying to trust in God's word as His will, especially when the path seems difficult? [35:13]
3. How does the concept of community and belonging, as discussed in the sermon, enhance one's ability to live out their spiritual non-negotiables? [45:28]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that writing down and defining spiritual non-negotiables can serve as a roadmap for one's spiritual journey? [38:15]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of your identity in Christ. How does this understanding impact your daily decisions and actions? [31:04]
2. Identify one spiritual non-negotiable you feel called to commit to. What steps can you take this week to begin living it out? [39:28]
3. Consider a situation where trusting in God's word was challenging for you. How did you navigate that situation, and what did you learn from it? [35:13]
4. How can you actively contribute to your church community, and what responsibilities are you willing to take on to support its mission? [45:28]
5. Think about a time when you struggled with your identity and calling, similar to Gideon's story. How did you overcome that struggle, and what role did faith play in it? [33:50]
6. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your spiritual journey remains focused and aligned with God's purpose for your life? [38:15]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group to define and commit to their spiritual non-negotiables, and what support can you offer them in this process? [39:28]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Divine Identity
Understanding who we are in Christ is foundational to living out our spiritual non-negotiables. Recognizing that we are masterpieces, created anew in Christ, empowers us to fulfill God's purpose for our lives. This identity is not just a label but a profound truth that equips us with the gifts and strength needed to glorify Him. By embracing this identity, we can confidently step into the roles and responsibilities God has designed for us, knowing that we are uniquely crafted for His glory. [31:04]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding your identity as God's masterpiece change the way you approach your daily tasks and interactions with others today?
Day 2: Defining Spiritual Non-Negotiables
Spiritual non-negotiables are essential principles that guide us in our journey of faith. These are not mere guidelines but imperatives that help us stay focused on God's will and purpose, even amidst life's challenges. By defining and committing to these non-negotiables, we create a roadmap for our spiritual journey, ensuring that we remain aligned with God's purpose for our lives. This commitment requires intentionality and dedication, as it shapes our actions and decisions in accordance with God's desires. [39:28]
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock." (Matthew 7:24, ESV)
Reflection: What are three spiritual non-negotiables you can commit to today, and how will they guide your actions and decisions this week?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Promises
Faith and trust in God's word are crucial for experiencing His best in our lives. God's word is His will, and His will is always the best for us, even when the path seems difficult. Like Gideon, we may struggle with our identity and calling, but God's promises are sure, and His plans are for our good. Trusting in His promises, even when the path seems challenging, leads to blessings and fulfillment of His plans in our lives. [35:13]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one promise from God's word that you find difficult to trust fully, and how can you take a step of faith to trust Him more in this area today?
Day 4: The Importance of Community
Being part of a church family means taking on responsibilities and contributing to the collective mission. Engaging actively in our community strengthens our faith and allows us to support one another in our spiritual journeys. The significance of community and belonging is profound, as it provides a space for growth, accountability, and encouragement. By participating in the life of the church, we not only grow individually but also contribute to the growth and mission of the entire body of Christ. [45:28]
"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 actively contribute to your church community this week, and who can you encourage or support in their spiritual journey today?
Day 5: Living by Faith
Faith is essential in our walk with God. By living by faith and trusting in His guidance, we align ourselves with His will, bringing honor and glory to Him and experiencing His blessings in our lives. Living by faith requires us to step out of our comfort zones and trust in God's plans, even when they are not fully visible. This journey of faith is a continuous process of surrender and reliance on God's strength and wisdom, leading to a life that reflects His glory. [47:42]
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to step out in faith today, and how can you trust God to guide you through it?
Quotes
"What we have to understand is this, if we're going to get to the point where we start living out our I musts, the spiritual non-negotiables in our lives, you're going to have to go back to week one and two of this sermon series. And that's this, where you're going to have to understand who you are in Christ. You've got to really clarify your I am so that you can step into your I must, okay? Because there's a lot of things where, where, God says, I need you to. And so what I say at Granite United all the time is our desire. I remember what second Corinthians chapter five said, our ultimate goal is to please God, right? And God says, if you want to please me, I need you to bring point more and more people to Christ. And that brings more and more glory to God. And that's what God wants. And so if we're going to do what God has called us to do, we've got to become who God's called us to become." [00:30:04] (60 seconds)
"And when you understand your spiritual non-negotiables and you start writing them down and you start clarifying them and you start defining them, then all of a sudden you start realizing these are the steps that I have to take. My life in order to bring glory to God, because we want to bring glory." [00:31:04] (18 seconds)
"But when you start defining and you start writing down your spiritual non-negotiables, then two things happen. One, you know these are the steps I need to take. And number two is this, you know the things in your life that need to, get stepping. In other words, no, no, no. For me to live is Christ and to die is gain. Remember Matthew 6, 33. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and everything else God takes care of. Remember week number one and two. When we prioritize God's business, God takes care of our business. And so what we know is according to the word of God, right? We cannot out give God. I'm going to show you something a little bit, just a little something. Like in the Old Testament, there's this guy named Gideon. And a lot of his story is in Judges chapter 6. The famous story about Gideon is in Judges 6." [00:32:24] (51 seconds)
"Israel's in a bad place. Israel's in hiding. Israel's under attack. Israel's under oppression. And all of a sudden, the angel of the Lord appears unto Gideon. And he says this to him in Judges chapter 6, verse 14. Check this out. Listen, lean in a little bit. Lean in. It says in Judges 6, verse 14." [00:33:16] (20 seconds)
"Then the Lord turned to him and said, go, G-O, go with the strength you have and rescue Israel. I am sending you. And all of a sudden, you got to understand something." [00:33:35] (15 seconds)
"God gave him a clear step. But the problem was Gideon was struggling with his I am. He was struggling with his I am in the Lord, a victor. I am in the Lord, a mighty hero. I am in the Lord more than a conqueror." [00:33:48] (20 seconds)
"And so if you read Judges chapter 6, what you understand is this. God's word is always clear. Now, listen to me. This is really important." [00:34:09] (9 seconds)
"Most of you know this. We've already talked about this a bazillion times." [00:34:18] (4 seconds)
"Now understand, it's not always going to be easy. Gideon's like, whoa, hold on a second. Do you not know what's going on here? Do you not see where Israel is? Do you not know that I'm in hiding? And God's like, listen, listen, stop it. Stop arguing with me." [00:35:28] (16 seconds)
"And because God's word is God's will. And God's will is God's best. God throws in some Proverbs 3, 5, and 6, right? 360 plus times in the Bible. The Bible says, fear not, fear not, fear not, fear not. 365 times. It's in there, I promise you." [00:35:48] (18 seconds)
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