Embodying Christ: The Call to Self-Forgetful Service

In reflecting on the New Covenant, it's crucial to understand its true purpose beyond mere religiosity or external appearances. The New Covenant calls us to cleanse the inside of our lives, focusing on what God sees rather than what others perceive. This internal cleansing is not an end in itself but a means to be used by God to bless others. The danger lies in becoming introspective to the point of self-centeredness, where our spiritual growth benefits only ourselves. Instead, we are called to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and to be filled with the Holy Spirit so that we can be vessels of honor, prepared for every good work.

The essence of being filled with the Holy Spirit is to embody the spirit of Christ, who did not care for Himself but emptied Himself for the sake of others. This self-forgetfulness is the hallmark of true discipleship. We are called to have desperate compassion for those around us, to be willing to be inconvenienced for the sake of others, and to have a faith that is willing to be poured out as a drink offering. This means being willing to leave our comfort zones and engage with those who are distressed and dispirited, like sheep without a shepherd.

The spirit of Christ compels us to seek and save the lost, to be shepherds who have spiritual authority because the prince of this world has nothing in us. This authority comes from a life of purity and righteousness, where the devil has no foothold. It is not about outward appearances or religious activity but about the spirit of Christ dwelling within us. As we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are called to be self-forgetful servants, willing to become poor so that others might become rich through the riches of Christ.

Key Takeaways

• 1. centered, we are called to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. This focus on Christ allows us to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to embody the spirit of Christ. [05:01]
  3. Desperate Compassion: True discipleship involves having desperate compassion for those around us, being willing to be inconvenienced for the sake of others, and having a faith that is willing to be poured out as a drink offering.
  
  4. Spiritual Authority: To have spiritual authority, the prince of this world must have nothing in us. This authority comes from a life of purity and righteousness, where the devil has no foothold.
  
  5. Self-Forgetful Service: The spirit of Christ compels us to be self-forgetful servants, willing to become poor so that others might become rich through the riches of Christ. This self-forgetfulness is the hallmark of true discipleship.
  
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:19] - Introduction to the New Covenant
• [01:07] - Old Covenant vs. New Covenant
• [02:32] - Cleaning the Inside of the Cup
• [03:23] - The Danger of Introspection
• [05:01] - Looking to Jesus
• [06:38] - Vessels for Honor
• [08:04] - The Promise of Abraham
• [09:37] - Hidden Reefs in the Church
• [12:05] - The Spirit of Christ
• [15:00] - Being Filled with the Holy Spirit
• [18:30] - Jesus' Temptation and Our Testing
• [21:36] - The Spirit of Christ in Action
• [25:14] - Spiritual Authority
• [39:36] - Desperate Compassion
• [55:04] - Self-Forgetful Service

1. Matthew 23:25-26
2. Hebrews 12:1-2
3. 2 Timothy 2:20-21

1. In Matthew 23:25-26, what does Jesus criticize about the Pharisees' approach to cleanliness, and how does this relate to the concept of internal versus external purity? [01:21]
2. According to Hebrews 12:1-2, what are believers encouraged to do in their spiritual journey, and how does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on looking to Jesus? [05:01]
3. In 2 Timothy 2:20-21, what is the purpose of cleansing oneself, and how does this relate to being a vessel for honor? [07:21]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the danger of becoming too introspective in our spiritual lives? [03:39]

1. How does the sermon interpret the analogy of the cup in Matthew 23:25-26, and what does it suggest about the purpose of internal cleansing? [02:32]
2. The sermon mentions the danger of introspection leading to self-centeredness. How does this align with the call to look to Jesus in Hebrews 12:1-2? [05:01]
3. In 2 Timothy 2:20-21, what does it mean to be a vessel for honor, and how does this concept challenge the idea of being a "trophy" Christian? [09:10]
4. How does the sermon describe the essence of being filled with the Holy Spirit, and what does it mean to embody the spirit of Christ? [12:45]

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you focus more on external appearances rather than internal purity? How can you shift your focus to what God sees? [01:51]
2. The sermon emphasizes looking to Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith. What practical steps can you take this week to keep your focus on Jesus amidst daily distractions? [05:01]
3. Consider a situation where you might be too introspective. How can you balance self-reflection with a focus on serving others? [03:39]
4. The sermon calls for desperate compassion for those around us. Identify one person in your life who is distressed or dispirited. How can you show them compassion this week? [22:56]
5. Reflect on the concept of spiritual authority. Are there areas in your life where the "prince of this world" might have a foothold? What steps can you take to address these areas? [26:01]
6. The sermon speaks about being a self-forgetful servant. What is one way you can serve someone this week without seeking recognition or reward? [55:04]
7. How can you ensure that your spiritual growth is not just for your own benefit but also a blessing to others? Identify one way you can pour into someone else's life this week. [03:23]