Embodying Christ: The Call to Humility and Unity
Summary
In our journey of faith, we are called to be unstained by the world, to separate ourselves from worldly thinking and actions, and to attach ourselves to the church. This seems straightforward until we encounter the complexities of a church that may adopt worldly practices or interpretations that deviate from biblical teachings. The challenge arises in discerning who truly represents the church when faced with varying doctrines and practices that may not align with Scripture. This dilemma is not new; it has been a topic of debate since the early days of Christianity.
The Apostle Paul, in his letters, provides guidance on maintaining unity without compromising holiness and truth. However, he does not offer a detailed strategy or a clear line of separation. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of character, urging us to pursue humility and gentleness. These qualities are not just virtues but are central to our identity as followers of Christ. Jesus himself describes his heart as gentle and humble, inviting those who are weary and burdened to find rest in him.
Humility and gentleness are transformative. In our relationships, especially in marriage, these traits can prevent division and foster unity. They are not merely "cute words" but powerful attributes that reflect the heart of Christ. As we strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit, we must embody these characteristics, bearing with one another in love and being eager to preserve peace.
The call to humility and gentleness challenges us to look beyond strategies and answers, focusing instead on who we are becoming in Christ. It is a reminder that our faith is not just about what we do but about who we are. As we navigate the complexities of church and doctrine, let us be guided by the character of Christ, seeking to be humble and gentle in all our interactions.
Key Takeaways:
1. Unstained by the World: We are called to separate ourselves from worldly thinking and actions, aligning our lives with the holiness of God. This requires discernment, especially when the church itself may adopt practices that deviate from biblical teachings. Our challenge is to remain true to Scripture while navigating these complexities. [00:13]
2. The Complexity of Church Unity: The church is meant to be a place of unity, yet differing interpretations and practices can create confusion. Paul’s letters remind us that unity should not come at the expense of holiness and truth. We must seek to understand and discern what aligns with the core doctrines of our faith. [03:55]
3. Character Over Strategy: Paul emphasizes the importance of character, urging us to pursue humility and gentleness. These qualities are central to our identity as followers of Christ and are more important than having all the answers or strategies. Our focus should be on who we are becoming in Christ. [07:51]
4. The Power of Humility and Gentleness: Humility and gentleness are transformative in our relationships, preventing division and fostering unity. These traits reflect the heart of Christ and are essential in maintaining the unity of the Spirit. They are not just virtues but powerful attributes that can bring people together. [08:09]
5. Reflecting Christ’s Heart: Jesus describes his heart as gentle and humble, inviting those who are weary to find rest in him. As we embody these characteristics, we reflect the heart of Christ in our interactions, seeking to be humble and gentle in all we do. This is the essence of our faith journey. [09:35]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:13] - Unstained by the World
[01:03] - Challenges in Church Unity
[02:24] - Navigating Doctrinal Differences
[03:55] - Biblical Guidance on Separation
[05:07] - Degrees of Separation
[06:09] - The Frustration of Defining Boundaries
[07:20] - Character Over Strategy
[08:09] - The Power of Humility
[09:11] - Reflecting Christ’s Heart
[10:31] - Pursuing Unity with Humility
[10:49] - Conclusion and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 2:1-2
2. 1 Corinthians 5:11-13
3. Matthew 11:28-30
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Ephesians 2:1-2, what does it mean to walk in trespasses and sins, and how does this relate to being unstained by the world? [00:28]
2. In 1 Corinthians 5:11-13, what instructions does Paul give regarding the immoral brother, and how does this relate to the complexity of church unity? [03:40]
3. How does Jesus describe His heart in Matthew 11:28-30, and why is this significant in understanding the call to humility and gentleness? [09:35]
4. What challenges are mentioned in the sermon regarding discerning who truly represents the church when faced with varying doctrines and practices? [01:19]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the call to be unstained by the world challenge believers when the church itself may adopt worldly practices? What does this mean for personal discernment? [01:03]
2. Why does Paul emphasize character over strategy in maintaining unity within the church, and how does this reflect the heart of Christ? [07:51]
3. How can humility and gentleness transform relationships, particularly in marriage, according to the sermon? What makes these traits powerful? [08:24]
4. What does it mean to reflect Christ’s heart in our interactions, and how does this relate to the essence of our faith journey? [09:35]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt challenged to remain unstained by the world. How did you navigate this situation, and what would you do differently now? [00:13]
2. In what ways can you actively pursue humility and gentleness in your daily interactions, especially with those who may have differing beliefs or practices? [08:09]
3. Consider a relationship in your life that could benefit from more humility and gentleness. What specific steps can you take to foster unity in that relationship? [08:24]
4. How do you discern which church teachings align with core biblical doctrines? What resources or practices help you in this process? [03:55]
5. Think about a recent conflict or disagreement within your church community. How can you apply the principles of humility and gentleness to seek resolution and maintain unity? [10:31]
6. Identify one area in your life where you struggle to embody the character of Christ. What practical changes can you make to better reflect His heart? [09:35]
7. How can you support others in your church community who are wrestling with the complexities of doctrine and unity? What role can you play in fostering a spirit of peace and understanding? [05:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Aligning with God's Holiness
In our journey of faith, we are called to be unstained by the world, separating ourselves from worldly thinking and actions. This requires discernment, especially when the church itself may adopt practices that deviate from biblical teachings. The challenge is to remain true to Scripture while navigating these complexities. It is essential to align our lives with the holiness of God, ensuring that our actions and thoughts reflect His purity and righteousness. This alignment is not about isolation but about living in the world without being influenced by its values. [00:13]
James 1:27 (ESV): "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where worldly influences have crept in. How can you actively seek God's guidance to align this area with His holiness today?
Day 2: Navigating Church Unity
The church is meant to be a place of unity, yet differing interpretations and practices can create confusion. The Apostle Paul reminds us that unity should not come at the expense of holiness and truth. We must seek to understand and discern what aligns with the core doctrines of our faith. This requires a commitment to Scripture and a willingness to engage in conversations that may be challenging. As we navigate these complexities, we are called to maintain unity without compromising the truth of the Gospel. [03:55]
Ephesians 4:3-5 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism."
Reflection: Think of a recent disagreement or confusion within your church community. How can you contribute to unity while upholding biblical truth in this situation?
Day 3: Embracing Christlike Character
Paul emphasizes the importance of character, urging us to pursue humility and gentleness. These qualities are central to our identity as followers of Christ and are more important than having all the answers or strategies. Our focus should be on who we are becoming in Christ, allowing His character to shape our interactions and decisions. This transformation is not about external actions but about an internal change that reflects the heart of Christ. [07:51]
Colossians 3:12 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent interaction where you struggled to show humility or gentleness. How can you intentionally cultivate these qualities in your daily life?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Humility
Humility and gentleness are transformative in our relationships, preventing division and fostering unity. These traits reflect the heart of Christ and are essential in maintaining the unity of the Spirit. They are not just virtues but powerful attributes that can bring people together. In our interactions, especially in close relationships, embodying these qualities can lead to healing and reconciliation. [08:09]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: Consider a relationship in your life that needs healing. How can you apply humility and gentleness to foster unity and reconciliation in this relationship?
Day 5: Reflecting the Heart of Christ
Jesus describes his heart as gentle and humble, inviting those who are weary to find rest in him. As we embody these characteristics, we reflect the heart of Christ in our interactions, seeking to be humble and gentle in all we do. This is the essence of our faith journey, where our actions and attitudes mirror the love and compassion of Jesus. By doing so, we become a living testimony of His grace and truth to those around us. [09:35]
Matthew 11:28-29 (ESV): "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally reflect the heart of Christ in your daily interactions this week? Consider specific actions or words that demonstrate His gentleness and humility.
Quotes
so here's the problem because it seems very simple okay the Bible teaches that we are to be unstained by the world right like we are supposed to separate ourselves from the world from worldly thinking worldly actions now we the old us we used to walk in our trespasses and sins we would just do whatever we felt like doing that was the old us that said we're following the course of this world Ephesians 2 and the Bible says we need to come out from that and be holy as he is Holy so keep yourself unstained by the world [00:00:00]
but here's what makes it difficult what if the church starts taking on worldly thinking and worldly practice then you start going okay I'm supposed to attach to the church but who's the real Church what if the church starts allowing things that the Bible expressly forbids and then they just just go well that's just the way we interpret it this is where it gets tricky because you can go to any Christian bookstore actually we don't have those in the Bay Area but they used to have these things called Christian bookstores [00:01:03]
you could go to Amazon Christian section and and uh you can find someone that will allow you a Christian author or Pastor who will allow you to do anything you want want to do you want to get divorced there's Christian books that'll allow it you want to change your gender there's Christian books that allow that you want to be in a homosexual marriage there's Christian books that'll allow that you want to kill abort your baby there's Christian books that allow so at one point do you go I'm supposed to attach myself to the church but then that's inside of the church and is not even the church anymore [00:01:47]
and then the doctrines get weird and suddenly there's churches that are saying Christ really wasn't the Son of God or or he didn't really come in the flesh or and you're like I don't know then I run into situations where where people who believe they're saved by grace through faith and and it's like man Jesus everything to me and then I go okay but you also pray to Mary help me understand that you so do I divide now when they go well when I pray to Mary it's like I'm asking her for like a prayer request like oh shoot I don't know what to do with this one [00:02:42]
and there's all these different things where you're going wait I don't know if you're a brother I don't know if you're it gets confusing I mean there's certain things the Bible does say when the you know like Paul in 1 Corinthians 5 he goes you got to expel the immoral brother from a from your midst but then you go well how immoral do they have to be right who who determines that line second John says don't don't go associating with people who who deny the that the Christ Has Come In the Flesh [00:03:09]
Paul says in Galatians 1 if someone preaches a gospel different from the one that I preach let them be ACC cursed okay but what if it's just a little different and there's questions that have been debated ever since you know Christ left this Earth and so so when I'm just telling you this is something I've been wrestling with for years there's times where I'm like gosh is this a brother I think so I mean he absolutely trusts in Jesus and Jesus alone and what he did on the cross he believes in the infallibility of the scripture [00:03:53]
he just he just gosh he he interprets some of these passages differently and they don't seem like core Doctrine you know but who's to say what's most important I really don't know and so I still pray about this and I'm like okay Lord every person I meet uh that I try to get to know and I'm trying to understand what they believe and how they live and everything else to go gosh do I treat this person as a brother or sister and I think for years and many people have tried to create like boundaries [00:04:39]
like if a person does this then you know back in the days when I was a kid they used to have like Degrees of Separation like churches would have a system saying okay well this person believes in this but he doesn't believe in that so that is a third degree separation you know meaning you can still call him Christian but that's it don't talk to them okay then there's second degree where okay you can partner on some things and you can fellowship with them but they're not one and then there's first you know it's just like you start listing all these things that aren't so clear in the Bible [00:05:24]
and it can get so frustrating and this is where my mind goes I mean this some of you know I wrote a whole book about unity and it was so frustrating because people were saying tell us where the line is where you no longer call them brother or sister I'm my gosh I'm trying to find it I don't know you know and someone's like okay then I'm not buying the book I'm like come on but I noticed something as I was reading this this week I was telling Mercy I was like dang it I wish I knew this before I wrote the book [00:06:07]
but I I he this wrestle what does Paul do because he doesn't spell things out I mean sometimes he even says like with the Sabbath like we started these Saturday night Gatherings so that it would kick off a Sabbath and and he says hey some people are going to think it's Saturday some going to think it's Sunday some think it's everyday hey you just got to be convinced in your own mind you're like oh that doesn't help you're an apostle want don't just tell us what day and exactly what we're supposed to do but he just kind of leaves it out there leaves us hanging [00:06:59]
and so it's kind of the same thing here where I'm like okay God I want to attach myself I want to maintain the unity of the spirit but I don't want to do it at the expense of Holiness and truth so where's that line but as I was looking at it this week I realized huh he actually doesn't give us the exact strategy instead he tells us a type of character that we are supposed to pursue so it's see my mind naturally goes to answers and strategy and just tell me what to do and what he he does here is he tells us who to be [00:07:39]
he says with all humility all humility the word all like be the most humble person on the earth just be the most humble person on the earth my wife and I have done so much marital counseling over the years and in all our years we've never seen a humble couple divorce it doesn't happen it's about the character it's crazy how humility just instantly brings people together but he said I want you to be as humble as you can be I want you to with all gentleness so he starts with this and I could I could do like a long series on humility [00:08:34]
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