Embodying Christ's Love: Faith in Action

Summary

### Summary

Grace and peace to you all. Today marks the beginning of a new program year at First Presbyterian Church, a time when we transition from the languid days of late summer to the structured routines of fall. This shift is not just about resuming activities but about re-engaging with our mission to reflect the love of Christ from the center of our city. Our goal is to know and show the love of Christ, both within our church community and in the broader world where God calls us to serve.

We read from Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus speaks about the final judgment, separating the sheep from the goats based on their acts of compassion. This passage is often interpreted as a test of faith, but I challenge us to see it differently. Faith is not about passing a test or earning a reward. Instead, it is about embodying the love and compassion of Christ without seeking personal gain. Jesus tells parables not to make things clearer but to make us think deeply about the nature of God and His kingdom.

The story of the sheep and the goats is a parable meant to unsettle us, to make us question our motives and actions. It subverts our attempts to categorize people as good or bad, righteous or unrighteous. The true essence of faith is to know the love of Christ and to show that love to others, especially the least among us. This love is not transactional; it is a reflection of the grace we have already received.

As we embark on this new program year, I encourage you to engage in activities that deepen your faith and understanding of God's love. Whether it's joining a Bible study, participating in youth group, or serving in community outreach, remember that the goal is not to complete a task but to grow in love and compassion. This is what it means to be the church, to be living, breathing ambassadors of Jesus in the world.

### Key Takeaways

1. Faith Beyond Routine: Church should be more than just another activity in our weekly routine. It is a place where we are reminded of our identity as the living, breathing ambassadors of Jesus. This identity calls us to embody the love of Christ in all aspects of our lives. [25:56]

2. Compassion Without Reward: The parable of the sheep and the goats teaches us that true compassion is not about seeking a reward. The sheep are those who serve the least of these without any expectation of recognition or reward. This challenges us to examine our motives and to serve others out of genuine love. [42:31]

3. Faith as a Journey, Not a Test: Faith is not about passing a final exam or earning God's favor. It is about a dynamic and ongoing journey of discovery, growth, and transformation. This perspective shifts our focus from self-improvement to aligning our lives with God's desires. [39:00]

4. The Subversive Nature of Parables: Jesus' parables are designed to make us think deeply and to challenge our preconceived notions. The story of the sheep and the goats subverts our attempts to categorize people and forces us to confront our own biases and assumptions. [43:40]

5. Living Out Our Faith: As we engage in church activities and community service, the goal is not to complete tasks or earn accolades but to grow in our understanding of God's love and to extend that love to others. This is the essence of being the church and fulfilling our mission to reflect the love of Christ. [47:03]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[07:37] - Prayer Station Announcement
[22:19] - Transition to Fall Routine
[23:16] - Kickoff Sunday Activities
[24:04] - Mission of the Church
[25:02] - Church Beyond Routine
[25:56] - Identity as Ambassadors of Jesus
[26:48] - Opening Prayer
[31:06] - Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:31-46
[34:15] - Learning Beyond Tests
[36:38] - Interpreting the Parable
[39:00] - Faith as a Journey
[40:16] - Purpose of Parables
[42:31] - Compassion Without Reward
[43:40] - Subversive Nature of Parables
[45:10] - Knowing and Showing Christ's Love
[47:03] - Engaging in Church Activities
[47:42] - Final Blessing

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 25:31-46

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the specific actions that Jesus mentions in Matthew 25:35-36 that differentiate the sheep from the goats?
2. According to the sermon, how does Jesus use parables, and what is their purpose? [40:16]
3. What does the pastor mean when he says that faith is not about passing a test but about a journey of discovery and transformation? [39:00]
4. How does the pastor describe the mission of the church in relation to knowing and showing the love of Christ? [24:04]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus' parable of the sheep and the goats challenge our attempts to categorize people as good or bad? [43:40]
2. How does the concept of "compassion without reward" change the way we view acts of service and kindness? [42:31]
3. What does it mean to be a "living, breathing ambassador of Jesus," and how does this identity impact our daily lives? [25:56]
4. How can viewing faith as a journey rather than a test influence our approach to spiritual growth and community involvement? [39:00]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current involvement in church activities. Are there ways you can shift your focus from completing tasks to growing in love and compassion? [47:03]
2. Think about a recent act of kindness you performed. Did you do it with any expectation of recognition or reward? How can you cultivate a mindset of serving others purely out of love? [42:31]
3. Identify one area in your life where you tend to categorize people as good or bad. How can you apply the lesson from the parable of the sheep and the goats to challenge these biases? [43:40]
4. How can you embody the love of Christ in your workplace or school? Share specific examples of actions you can take this week. [24:04]
5. The pastor mentioned various ways to engage in church activities, such as joining a Bible study or serving in community outreach. Which of these activities resonates with you, and how can you commit to participating in one this season? [46:33]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt like your faith was being tested. How did you respond, and what did you learn about your relationship with God through that experience? [39:00]
7. How can you remind yourself daily that you are an ambassador of Jesus? Consider practical steps or habits you can incorporate into your routine. [25:56]

Devotional

Day 1: Faith Beyond Routine
Church should be more than just another activity in our weekly routine. It is a place where we are reminded of our identity as the living, breathing ambassadors of Jesus. This identity calls us to embody the love of Christ in all aspects of our lives. [25:56]

The church is not merely a building or a place to visit once a week; it is a community of believers who are called to live out their faith daily. This means that our engagement with the church should go beyond attending services or participating in programs. It should be a constant reminder of our identity as followers of Christ, who are called to reflect His love and compassion in every aspect of our lives. Being part of the church means being part of a mission that extends beyond the walls of the building and into the world where we live, work, and interact with others.

As we transition into the structured routines of fall, let us remember that our faith is not confined to a schedule. It is a living, breathing journey that calls us to be ambassadors of Jesus in our daily lives. This means showing love, kindness, and compassion to those around us, just as Christ has shown to us. Let us embrace this identity and live it out in all that we do.

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: How can you embody your identity as an ambassador of Jesus in your daily routine this week? Think of one specific action you can take to reflect Christ's love to someone in your life.

Day 2: Compassion Without Reward
The parable of the sheep and the goats teaches us that true compassion is not about seeking a reward. The sheep are those who serve the least of these without any expectation of recognition or reward. This challenges us to examine our motives and to serve others out of genuine love. [42:31]

In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus speaks about the final judgment, where the sheep are separated from the goats based on their acts of compassion. This parable challenges us to reflect on our motives for serving others. True compassion is not about seeking recognition or reward; it is about serving others out of genuine love and care. The sheep in the parable did not serve the least of these for personal gain but out of a heartfelt desire to help those in need.

As we engage in acts of service, let us examine our motives. Are we serving others to gain something in return, or are we doing it out of genuine love and compassion? True faith calls us to serve without expecting anything in return, reflecting the selfless love of Christ. Let us strive to serve others with pure hearts, knowing that our reward is not in earthly recognition but in the joy of reflecting Christ's love.

Luke 6:35 (ESV): "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil."

Reflection: Think of a recent act of service you performed. Were your motives entirely selfless? How can you cultivate a heart of genuine compassion that seeks no reward?

Day 3: Faith as a Journey, Not a Test
Faith is not about passing a final exam or earning God's favor. It is about a dynamic and ongoing journey of discovery, growth, and transformation. This perspective shifts our focus from self-improvement to aligning our lives with God's desires. [39:00]

Faith is often misunderstood as a series of tests or tasks that we must complete to earn God's favor. However, true faith is a dynamic and ongoing journey of discovery, growth, and transformation. It is not about passing a final exam but about continually aligning our lives with God's desires. This journey involves learning, growing, and being transformed by the love and grace of God.

As we embark on this journey, let us shift our focus from self-improvement to seeking God's will in our lives. This means being open to His guidance, being willing to change, and allowing His love to transform us. Faith is not a destination but a lifelong journey of walking with God and growing in our relationship with Him.

Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

Reflection: Reflect on your faith journey. How can you shift your focus from self-improvement to aligning your life with God's desires? What steps can you take to grow in your relationship with Him?

Day 4: The Subversive Nature of Parables
Jesus' parables are designed to make us think deeply and to challenge our preconceived notions. The story of the sheep and the goats subverts our attempts to categorize people and forces us to confront our own biases and assumptions. [43:40]

Jesus often used parables to teach profound truths about the kingdom of God. These stories were not meant to provide clear answers but to provoke deep thought and reflection. The parable of the sheep and the goats, for example, challenges our attempts to categorize people as good or bad, righteous or unrighteous. It forces us to confront our own biases and assumptions and to see others through the lens of God's love and grace.

Parables are subversive in nature because they disrupt our conventional ways of thinking and invite us to see the world from a different perspective. They challenge us to question our motives, actions, and attitudes and to align them with the values of God's kingdom. As we reflect on Jesus' parables, let us be open to the ways they challenge and transform us.

Matthew 13:34-35 (ESV): "All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: 'I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.'"

Reflection: Think of a parable of Jesus that has challenged you. How has it disrupted your conventional ways of thinking? What biases or assumptions is it inviting you to confront?

Day 5: Living Out Our Faith
As we engage in church activities and community service, the goal is not to complete tasks or earn accolades but to grow in our understanding of God's love and to extend that love to others. This is the essence of being the church and fulfilling our mission to reflect the love of Christ. [47:03]

Engaging in church activities and community service is an important aspect of our faith journey. However, the goal is not to complete tasks or earn accolades but to grow in our understanding of God's love and to extend that love to others. This means that our involvement in church and service should be driven by a desire to reflect Christ's love and compassion in all that we do.

Being the church means being a living, breathing embodiment of Christ's love in the world. It means serving others selflessly, showing kindness and compassion, and being a light in the darkness. As we engage in various activities, let us remember that our ultimate goal is to grow in love and to reflect that love to those around us.

Galatians 5:13-14 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from completing tasks to growing in love and compassion? Think of one specific way you can extend Christ's love to someone in your community this week.

Quotes

1. "I think you know this, but in case not, the mission of our church is to reflect the love of Christ from the center of our city. And one of the things that you will hear starting today and into next year where it will shape our programming is a phrase that expounds upon that mission statement. So I want you to think about this as a shorthand way of how to embody what it is our church is about. We want all members and visitors alike to know and show the love of Christ." [24:04] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "What happens here isn't that you come and do something or that you consume something or that you enjoy something. No, what happens here is that you are reminded that you are something. You are the church. The living, breathing ambassadors of Jesus that God needs for the world that Christ came to save." [25:56] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "But do we really think that the life of faith is about passing a test? Is that the point? Are we fashioned in the image of God? Are we born into this big and beautiful and complicated world? Are we given gifts and talents that we have to figure out how to best use? Are we adopted into a family of faith with stories that assure us of God's covenant promises that go back all the way to the beginning of when human beings came on the scene so that at the end of it, we are fit to stand for a final exam before a king sitting on a throne?" [37:28] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "I think a lot of people think so. I think a lot of churches send that message. I think a lot of times, we take this gift of faith and we render it into a study guide that will help us pass the final exam we assume awaits us at the end of our lives. And I have to be honest, not only do I not think that is a large enough view of our faith, I worry that it can cheapen our faith. It turns the gift of faith into a strategy for self-improvement or self-achievement. It puts God in the place of meeting our needs and desires instead of us in the place of meeting God's desires." [38:10] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "To put it simply, if the goal of faith is passing a test, then maybe we have, even if unwittingly, made faith about us. So here's a warning. I'm about to geek out on some Bible study stuff. So instead of reading today's scripture as a preview of an end-of-life test, another option is to see this story a lot like other stories that Jesus tells as a parable. You've heard parables before. There's the one of the father and two sons. There's one of the ten bridesmaids or of a landowner who gives his servants talents. Those are parables that immediately precede this story we heard this morning." [39:00] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "When he does, he tries, as one biblical scholar says, he tries to tease our minds into active thought. Jesus doesn't tell parables to make things clearer. He tells parables to make us think. That is, to make us think about the nature of God and God's kingdom. And the other thing about parables is that Jesus always tells them as a response to something or someone. In this case, today's scripture, after he arrived in Jerusalem and engaged in a conflict with the religious leaders and with the Pharisees as he was anticipating the cross on the horizon, Jesus told this parable addressing those who were concerned, these religious authorities were concerned, withdrawing and keeping boundaries, the clean and the unclean, the righteous and the unrighteous, the sacred and the profane." [40:16] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Sheep are not sheep simply because they are compassionate. They are sheep because they demonstrate compassion without regard to reward. And here's what will really get you thinking about this parable. For anyone who hears this parable about judgment, newsflash, you've heard it. Once we get the idea into our heads that there will be a great sorting out, it is now impossible for that not to inform your actions. You see that? That's tricky. Once you hear this parable, the naivete, is gone. When we hear this parable, we cannot forget about the reward, which means we're uncertain about where we stand in the king's eyes." [43:07] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "I think what God wants more than anything and what God has tried to show us again and again and again over the generations of those who are a part of our family of faith, most clearly, what God has tried to show us in the person of Jesus is that God is committed to loving us fully and tirelessly and relentlessly and even in spite of the ways that we fail. And I think that when we consider what it means that Christ would love us completely, imperfections, broken places and all, when we really digest what it means to be loved that fully, then we can't help but love others the same way, especially those who tend to be forgotten and mistreated and left behind, those whom Jesus called the least of these." [45:10] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "We love and serve and give ourselves to those who have the least, not to earn favor or to ease our guilty conscience or to build some resume for what it is to be a good person, but because we already know something about the power of love and care that come in the form of grace. It is what people who are loved by Christ do. In our church, it is the start of a new program year. We are entering into the rhythm of the fall, and what I hope you will find are opportunities to both know that you are loved by Christ and to show the love of Christ." [45:50] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Take a class. Sign up for a Bible study. Come to youth group. Join a circle. Join a choir. Pick up a hammer at Habitat. Tutor a kid in reading or math. Come to crisis assistance on the second Saturday of the month. Sign up for Room in the Inn in a couple of months. And when you do these things, please, please remember that the goal is not to finish a class or complete a project or get a gold star. We don't give out participation trophies at the church. The goal is to grow. It's to discover. It is to appreciate. It is to deepen our faith. It is to better understand our neighbors. It is to change. Not for our sake, but for the sake of all. That is what it means to be the church. And when we are on that kind of journey together, just imagine what God can do." [46:33] (70 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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