Embodying Gentleness: A Call to Influence and Prayer
Summary
In this sermon, I emphasized the importance of bringing prayer and the presence of the Lord into our daily lives, particularly in places like schools where it is often thought to be absent. I stressed that as Christians, we have the power to influence those around us positively by operating at our best and embodying the fruits of the spirit, such as peace and gentleness. I referenced Oswald Chambers' book "My Utmost for His Highest," highlighting the idea that while we cannot give others what we have found in our faith, we can make them yearn for it through our actions and attitudes.
In the second part of the sermon, I focused on the concept of gentleness and its role in reducing anxiety in ourselves and others. I encouraged the congregation to consider how living with a gentler attitude could decrease anxiety in their homes, workplaces, and other areas of life. I also reminded them that we are empowered by Christ to live in a gentle manner and that by doing so, we can embody the fruits of the Holy Spirit and become a beacon of hope, peace, and love in a world often filled with darkness and turmoil.
Key Takeaways:
- As Christians, we have the power to bring prayer and the presence of the Lord into every aspect of our lives, influencing those around us positively. ([18:33])
- Living with a gentler attitude can decrease anxiety in various areas of our lives, including our homes and workplaces. ([30:26])
- We are empowered by Christ to live in a gentle manner, embodying the fruits of the Holy Spirit and becoming a beacon of hope, peace, and love in the world. ([31:14])
- Our gentleness can make others yearn for the peace of Christ, echoing the message from The Sermon on the Mount. ([19:54])
- Holding bitterness in our hearts towards others can prevent our gentleness from being evident to all, hindering our ability to positively influence those around us. ([20:40])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 5:14-16 - #!!19:54!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What is the main message of Matthew 5:14-16?
2. How does this passage relate to the concept of gentleness and peace?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the metaphor of a city on a hill and a lamp on a stand in Matthew 5:14-16 apply to our lives as Christians?
2. How can we let our light shine before others in the context of gentleness and peace?
Application Questions:
1. How can you demonstrate gentleness in your interactions with the people you live with this week?
2. Can you think of a situation where you can apply the concept of gentleness to reduce anxiety in your daily interactions?
3. What is one way you can bring the peace of Christ to your workplace or school this week?
4. How can you make people around you 'homesick' for the Peace of Christ in your interactions with them?
5. Can you identify a person or group of people in your life where you can actively work on letting your light shine before them?
Devotional
Day 1: Bringing Prayer to Everyday Life
We are called to bring prayer into every aspect of our lives, not just within the confines of a church or during specific prayer times. This includes our schools, workplaces, and even our interactions with others. By doing so, we bring the presence of the Lord with us wherever we go, impacting those around us positively. [18:33]
Bible Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: How can you incorporate prayer into your daily routine outside of designated prayer times?
Day 2: Making Others Homesick for Christ
Our actions and attitudes should make others yearn for the peace and love of Christ. By living out the fruits of the Spirit, we can inspire others to seek and desire the same peace and gentleness we exhibit. [19:14]
Bible Passage: Matthew 5:16 - "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: How can your actions make others yearn for the peace and love of Christ?
Day 3: Carrying Each Other's Burdens
We are not meant to carry our burdens alone. As a church, we are called to support and pray for each other, helping to reduce the anxiety and burdens of others. [11:16]
Bible Passage: Galatians 6:2 - "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Who in your life could you support and pray for this week?
Day 4: Letting Our Gentleness Be Evident
Our gentleness should be evident to all, impacting those around us and reducing anxiety. This gentleness is not a natural trait, but a fruit of the Spirit that we can cultivate as we grow closer to God. [12:39]
Bible Passage: Colossians 3:12 - "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."
Reflection: How can you cultivate gentleness in your interactions with others?
Day 5: Empowered to Be Evident to All
We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out the fruits of the Spirit, including gentleness. As we draw closer to God, we can become more like Him, embodying His love, peace, and gentleness, and making a positive impact on the world around us. [32:02]
Bible Passage: Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: How can you draw closer to God this week to embody more of His love, peace, and gentleness?
Quotes
1. "Anxiety is more important for us to be able to talk about now than ever. We need to be able to wrestle with the question like how do we handle anxiety, how do we minimize anxiety, and then sometimes maybe we need to flip that in how can we help others minimize anxiety or how can we help our culture minimize anxiety." 04:16
2. "We as Christians bring prayer to schools every day and that is our purpose in our world. Wherever you go, prayer has never been removed from anywhere, we bring it when we bring the presence of the Lord." 18:33
3. "I cannot give a person that which I have found, but I can make them homesick for what I have. Are we making people homesick for the Peace of Christ?" 19:14
4. "Let your gentleness be evident to all. Are we bringing down the anxieties of the world because of the way we live? But what if me or we, the church, engage with everyone who isn't gentle with me?" 20:40
5. "When we talk about anxiety, we need to match it with prayer. And maybe not prayer like this picture that hung in my grandparents house... I'm not necessarily talking about this type of Prayer." 10:12
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