Embodying Christ: The Call to Be Light
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound calling for the church to be the light of the world, especially in challenging times like those we face in Nigeria. The essence of our faith is not just in hearing the Word but in doing it, embodying the teachings of Jesus Christ in our daily lives. We emphasized that Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith, and our focus must remain on Him amidst distractions. The series this month will delve into the riches of Christ, starting with understanding why Jesus came to the world.
We reflected on Colossians 1:27, which speaks of the mystery of Christ in us, the hope of glory. This mystery is the foundation of our faith and the anchor that holds us steady. Knowing Jesus deeply, beyond just a summary, is crucial for our spiritual growth and impact. Many Christians today only have a superficial understanding of Jesus, which hinders their growth and the church's influence. We need to strive for a deeper, personal encounter with Christ, much like the Berean church, which diligently studied the scriptures.
Ignorance of who Jesus is can deprive us of the benefits of our faith and slow our spiritual growth. We must assess our growth and ensure we are not stagnant. The church's impact on the world, particularly in Nigeria, depends on Christians who are committed to growing in their knowledge of Christ and living out their faith. This growth is not just for the church's benefit but for each individual's personal development and fulfillment.
We also discussed the importance of understanding the power of Jesus' resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings. This knowledge empowers us to live a victorious Christian life, even amidst trials. True fellowship with Christ means having an intimate relationship with Him, which goes beyond church attendance and permeates every aspect of our lives.
In conclusion, Jesus came to transform our lives and the world. As Christians, we are called to be reformers, bringing the light of Christ to our communities. Our faith should be evident in our actions, and we should strive to know Jesus deeply and personally. This month, let us focus on growing in our understanding of the unsearchable riches of Christ and living out our faith in a way that impacts the world around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Be the Light of the World: As Christians, we are called to be the light in a world filled with darkness. This begins with us embodying the teachings of Jesus Christ in our daily lives, not just hearing the Word but doing it. Our actions should reflect the love and truth of Christ, making a tangible difference in our communities. [01:45]
2. Focus on Jesus Amidst Distractions: In a world full of distractions, it is crucial to keep our focus on Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. Many churches and individuals have shifted their focus to other things, but true spiritual growth and impact come from a steadfast focus on Christ. [03:24]
3. Deepen Your Knowledge of Christ: Knowing Jesus deeply, beyond just a superficial understanding, is essential for spiritual growth. This deeper knowledge helps us stand firm in our faith and impacts our lives and the world around us. Like the Berean church, we should diligently study the scriptures and seek a personal encounter with Christ. [07:21]
4. Understand the Power of Resurrection: The power of Jesus' resurrection is a vital aspect of our faith. This power enables us to live victorious Christian lives, overcoming trials and challenges. Understanding and experiencing this power is crucial for our spiritual growth and effectiveness as Christians. [16:30]
5. Fellowship with Christ: True fellowship with Christ means having an intimate relationship with Him that goes beyond church attendance. This fellowship should permeate every aspect of our lives, making us reformers who bring the light of Christ to our communities. Our faith should be evident in our actions, reflecting the love and truth of Christ. [20:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:45] - The Call to Be the Light
[03:24] - Focusing on Jesus
[05:23] - Series Overview: The Riches of Christ
[07:21] - The Importance of Deep Knowledge of Christ
[10:06] - Ignorance and Its Consequences
[12:22] - Christ in You: The Hope of Glory
[14:01] - Knowing the Power of Resurrection
[16:30] - Fellowship with Christ
[18:34] - The Fellowship of His Sufferings
[20:01] - Intimacy with Christ
[22:18] - The Clear Difference of Christians
[23:13] - Looking Unto Jesus
[24:19] - Christians as Reformers
[26:08] - The Originality of Christ
[27:16] - Transforming Nigeria Through Christ
[29:08] - The Unsearchable Riches of Christ
[30:09] - The Need for Wisdom
[32:07] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Colossians 1:27 - "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
2. Philippians 3:10-11 - "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead."
3. Matthew 5:14 - "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Colossians 1:27, what is the mystery that Paul speaks about, and why is it significant? [03:24]
2. In Philippians 3:10-11, what are the three things Paul desires to know about Christ, and how do they relate to our Christian walk? [14:01]
3. How does Matthew 5:14 describe the role of Christians in the world, and what does it imply about our daily actions? [01:45]
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of how Christians can be the light in their communities? [01:45]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for Christ to be "the hope of glory" in Colossians 1:27, and how does this hope impact our daily lives? [03:24]
2. How can understanding the power of Jesus' resurrection, as mentioned in Philippians 3:10, empower us to live victorious Christian lives? [16:30]
3. What does true fellowship with Christ look like according to the sermon, and how does it go beyond mere church attendance? [20:01]
4. How can Christians maintain their focus on Jesus amidst the distractions of the world, as emphasized in the sermon? [03:24]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily actions. How can you better embody the teachings of Jesus to be a light in your community this week? [01:45]
2. Identify a specific distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on Jesus. What steps can you take to minimize this distraction? [03:24]
3. Think about your current knowledge of Christ. What practical steps can you take to deepen your understanding and personal relationship with Him? [07:21]
4. How can you experience and live out the power of Jesus' resurrection in your daily challenges and trials? [16:30]
5. Evaluate your current fellowship with Christ. What changes can you make to ensure that this fellowship permeates every aspect of your life? [20:01]
6. In what ways can you assess your spiritual growth to ensure you are not stagnant? What specific actions can you take to foster continuous growth? [08:57]
7. How can you actively participate in transforming your community and being a reformer, bringing the light of Christ to those around you? [24:19]
Devotional
Day 1: Embodying the Light of Christ
As Christians, we are called to be the light in a world filled with darkness. This begins with us embodying the teachings of Jesus Christ in our daily lives, not just hearing the Word but doing it. Our actions should reflect the love and truth of Christ, making a tangible difference in our communities. In challenging times, especially in places like Nigeria, the church's role as a beacon of hope and truth becomes even more critical. We must strive to live out our faith authentically, allowing the light of Christ to shine through us in every interaction and decision we make. [01:45]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Think of one specific way you can be a light in your community today. How can you show the love and truth of Christ through your actions?
Day 2: Keeping Focus on Jesus
In a world full of distractions, it is crucial to keep our focus on Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. Many churches and individuals have shifted their focus to other things, but true spiritual growth and impact come from a steadfast focus on Christ. Distractions can come in many forms, whether they are personal ambitions, societal pressures, or even well-meaning activities that take our eyes off Jesus. By continually refocusing on Him, we ensure that our faith remains strong and our actions align with His will. [03:24]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: Identify one distraction in your life that takes your focus away from Jesus. What steps can you take today to minimize or eliminate this distraction?
Day 3: Deepening Knowledge of Christ
Knowing Jesus deeply, beyond just a superficial understanding, is essential for spiritual growth. This deeper knowledge helps us stand firm in our faith and impacts our lives and the world around us. Like the Berean church, we should diligently study the scriptures and seek a personal encounter with Christ. Many Christians today only have a superficial understanding of Jesus, which hinders their growth and the church's influence. Striving for a deeper, personal encounter with Christ is crucial for our spiritual development and effectiveness. [07:21]
Colossians 2:2-3 (ESV): "That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Reflection: How can you deepen your knowledge of Christ this week? Consider setting aside specific time each day to study the scriptures and pray for a personal encounter with Him.
Day 4: Experiencing the Power of Resurrection
The power of Jesus' resurrection is a vital aspect of our faith. This power enables us to live victorious Christian lives, overcoming trials and challenges. Understanding and experiencing this power is crucial for our spiritual growth and effectiveness as Christians. The resurrection is not just a historical event but a present reality that empowers us to live in victory. By embracing this power, we can face life's difficulties with confidence and hope, knowing that we are more than conquerors through Christ. [16:30]
Ephesians 1:19-20 (ESV): "And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places."
Reflection: Reflect on a current challenge you are facing. How can the power of Jesus' resurrection give you hope and strength to overcome it?
Day 5: Intimate Fellowship with Christ
True fellowship with Christ means having an intimate relationship with Him that goes beyond church attendance. This fellowship should permeate every aspect of our lives, making us reformers who bring the light of Christ to our communities. Our faith should be evident in our actions, reflecting the love and truth of Christ. Intimacy with Christ involves daily communion with Him, seeking His presence, and allowing His love to transform us from the inside out. This deep relationship with Jesus is the foundation for living a life that impacts the world around us. [20:01]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your fellowship with Christ today? Consider setting aside time for prayer, worship, and reading the Bible to cultivate a more intimate relationship with Him.
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "What we need as a church today is for the church to be the light of the world. Amen. If you are covered with what is going on in the even in Nigeria, don't talk about the whole world. What we need is that we continue to pray that Christian will be the light in this Nigeria and it will be in the name of Jesus. It starts from you and I." [00:00] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Why many people are weary today is that focus has shifted. Even churches have shifted focus from Christ and focus has been to every other thing now. But it says, 'I will build my church and the gate of hell shall not prevail.'" [03:24] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Most Christians do not understand or know why Jesus came to the world. Ignorance of this is likely to deny them of what? Or deny them of their benefits, of the benefit and slow down their growths if you look at it critically." [08:57] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you see Jesus, you have seen God. Are we together? When we see Jesus Christ, we have seen God. Jesus came as an image. It's not even the pastor that is the image of God. You know that many people know their pastors, they are men of God, even more than they know Christ." [22:36] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus Christ came to give us the wisdom of God. I want you to know something. Many people, they've read the Bible and they've picked what they need to pick from there. You will not see them in the church, but they've read the Bible and they've taken a point out of it and they're making use of it for their life." [31:08] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The reason why things are shaking many Christians today, or let me say some, is that they know only the summary about Jesus Christ. Knowing the summary about Jesus Christ is not enough. I pray we know the detail. I say I pray you will know the detail in the mighty name of Jesus." [07:21] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "One of the major challenges of the church today, or Christianity today, is that people are not growing. And I pray from today, me myself, I still want to grow more. You will grow more in Jesus' name. You see, the Bible is so deep, Jesus Christ is so deep." [08:57] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The purpose why we are coming to church is for us to be strong. And when you are strong, what do you do? You do exploit. You will do exploit in the name of Jesus. I said you will do exploit in the name of Jesus. So these are the truths of the reason why Christ came. Christ came that we may have a fellowship with him." [20:01] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Christians should be a reformer. Christ came to the world to reform the world. I'm telling you, every one of us here, this is our population. We can change this first act. I say we can change this first act. Yes, God for this. My brother is here. We are the light of the world. The purpose of the church is to change this first act." [24:44] (75 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If Christianity is not changing the world, why are we a Christian? I pray that it will start from us. I say it will start from us. James chapter 1, as I am closing now, James chapter 1 verse 5. Maybe the media can highlight it. Jesus is the wisdom of God. I say Jesus is the wisdom of God." [29:38] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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