Embodying Our Calling: Lifting Up King Jesus
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth that our primary calling as believers is to lift up Jesus, allowing Him to draw people to Himself. This calling transcends our earthly professions and identities, reminding us that our ultimate purpose is to glorify King Jesus. As we enter the Advent season, we are reminded of the significance of Jesus' birth, the King of Glory who came down to establish His kingdom on earth. This kingdom is not of this world, and as citizens of this heavenly kingdom, we are called to live differently, embodying the love of God even when it requires self-denial.
We delved into the structure of ancient kingdoms to draw parallels with our roles in God's kingdom. Just as kingdoms had various classes, each with specific roles, we too have roles that reflect our spiritual journey. As servants, we are called to obedience, following Jesus' example of servanthood. As farmers, we are to bear good fruit, staying connected to Jesus, the true vine. As merchants, we are entrusted with spiritual gifts to serve and edify others, ensuring that our character aligns with the fruit of the Spirit. As warriors, we are part of God's powerful army, equipped with spiritual weapons to fight against the enemy. As priests, we are to maintain a constant connection with God, allowing His presence to dwell within us.
The message also emphasized the importance of spiritual maturity and growth. We are called to move beyond the basics of faith, seeking a deeper relationship with God that transforms every aspect of our lives. This transformation is not just for personal gain but to lead others into maturity and discipleship. As nobles, we are entrusted with leadership, making decisions that align with God's will. Finally, as royalty, we are part of God's family, co-heirs with Christ, called to bring the realities of heaven to earth.
Key Takeaways:
1. Lift Up Jesus: Our primary role as believers is to lift up Jesus, allowing Him to draw people to Himself. This transcends our earthly identities and professions, reminding us that our ultimate purpose is to glorify King Jesus. [55:44]
2. Obedience as Servants: As servants in God's kingdom, obedience is vital. It aligns us with God's will and reflects our trust in Him. Obedience is not about obligation but a willing submission to God's authority, leading to peace and freedom. [01:06:50]
3. Bearing Good Fruit: Staying connected to Jesus, the true vine, enables us to bear good fruit. This fruit is evidence of a life transformed by Christ and is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. [01:10:53]
4. Using Spiritual Gifts Wisely: Spiritual gifts are given to serve and edify others, but they must be accompanied by the fruit of the Spirit. Character and humility are essential to using these gifts effectively and avoiding pride and destruction. [01:19:12]
5. Spiritual Warfare and Rest: As warriors in God's army, we are equipped with spiritual weapons to fight against the enemy. However, we must also find rest and healing in Jesus to maintain our strength and effectiveness in battle. [01:26:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [55:44] - The Call to Lift Up Jesus
- [56:40] - The Theme for Christmas: King Jesus
- [57:38] - Our Role as Disciples
- [58:18] - The Kingdom of God
- [59:30] - Two Kingdoms, Two Loves
- [01:00:12] - Understanding Ancient Kingdoms
- [01:01:06] - Boundaries in God's Kingdom
- [01:02:47] - Servants and Obedience
- [01:06:50] - The Importance of Obedience
- [01:08:02] - The Truth About Obedience
- [01:09:16] - Farmers and Bearing Fruit
- [01:10:53] - The Significance of Good Fruit
- [01:16:09] - Merchants and Spiritual Gifts
- [01:18:11] - Using Gifts to Serve Others
- [01:19:12] - The Danger of Gifts Without Fruit
- [01:20:28] - The Role of Warriors
- [01:23:08] - Spiritual Warfare and Rest
- [01:26:18] - Finding Healing in Jesus
- [01:28:47] - The Importance of Starting at Jesus' Feet
- [01:30:16] - Breaking Chains for Freedom
- [01:31:37] - The Role of Priests
- [01:32:49] - Rituals Leading to Relationship
- [01:36:38] - Moving Beyond the Basics
- [01:37:42] - Nobles and Leadership
- [01:39:25] - The Honor of Co-Heirs
- [01:40:05] - Making Disciples
- [01:41:00] - Royalty and Family
- [01:41:57] - Advancing the Kingdom
- [01:43:23] - Prayer and Transformation
- [01:44:10] - Obedience and Spiritual Growth
- [01:44:59] - Receiving Spiritual Gifts
- [01:45:52] - The Call to Transform
- [01:46:34] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 12:32 - "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."
2. Matthew 20:28 - "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
3. John 15:5 - "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself"? How does this relate to our role as believers? [55:44]
2. In the sermon, how are the roles of servants, farmers, merchants, warriors, and priests used to illustrate our responsibilities in God's kingdom? [01:02:47]
3. How does the sermon describe the importance of obedience in our Christian walk, and what are the consequences of disobedience? [01:06:50]
4. What is the significance of bearing good fruit according to the sermon, and how is it connected to our relationship with Jesus? [01:10:53]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of lifting up Jesus challenge our earthly identities and professions? What does it mean to prioritize this calling in our daily lives? [56:40]
2. The sermon mentions that spiritual gifts must be accompanied by the fruit of the Spirit. Why is character and humility essential in using these gifts effectively? [01:19:12]
3. What does it mean to be a warrior in God's army, and how can believers balance spiritual warfare with finding rest in Jesus? [01:26:18]
4. How does the sermon suggest we move beyond the basics of faith to achieve spiritual maturity and growth? [01:36:38]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current profession or role. How can you lift up Jesus in your workplace or community, allowing Him to draw others to Himself? [57:38]
2. Consider a time when obedience to God felt challenging. How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience to apply in future situations? [01:08:02]
3. Identify one area in your life where you feel disconnected from Jesus, the true vine. What steps can you take this week to reconnect and bear good fruit? [01:10:53]
4. Think about the spiritual gifts you believe you have. How can you use them to serve and edify others while ensuring they are accompanied by the fruit of the Spirit? [01:18:11]
5. Are there areas in your life where you feel spiritually exhausted or wounded? How can you find rest and healing in Jesus to maintain your strength in spiritual battles? [01:28:47]
6. As a member of God's kingdom, what role do you feel most called to embody (servant, farmer, merchant, warrior, priest)? How can you live out this role more fully in your daily life? [01:02:47]
7. Reflect on your spiritual journey. What is one specific way you can pursue deeper spiritual maturity and growth in the coming month? [01:36:38]
Devotional
Day 1: Elevating Christ Above All
Our primary role as believers is to lift up Jesus, allowing Him to draw people to Himself. This calling transcends our earthly professions and identities, reminding us that our ultimate purpose is to glorify King Jesus. As we enter the Advent season, we are reminded of the significance of Jesus' birth, the King of Glory who came down to establish His kingdom on earth. This kingdom is not of this world, and as citizens of this heavenly kingdom, we are called to live differently, embodying the love of God even when it requires self-denial. [55:44]
"And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." (John 12:32, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific ways can you lift up Jesus in your daily interactions this week, allowing others to see His love and grace through you?
Day 2: The Freedom of Obedience
As servants in God's kingdom, obedience is vital. It aligns us with God's will and reflects our trust in Him. Obedience is not about obligation but a willing submission to God's authority, leading to peace and freedom. This obedience is modeled after Jesus' own life, where He demonstrated perfect submission to the Father, even to the point of death on the cross. By following His example, we find true freedom and fulfillment in our spiritual journey. [01:06:50]
"Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him." (John 14:21, ESV)
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you struggle with obedience to God? How can you take a step towards trusting His authority today?
Day 3: Bearing Fruit Through Connection
Staying connected to Jesus, the true vine, enables us to bear good fruit. This fruit is evidence of a life transformed by Christ and is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. As we remain in Him, we are nourished and empowered to produce fruit that reflects His character and love. This connection is not passive but requires intentionality and commitment to abide in His presence and word. [01:10:53]
"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." (John 15:4, ESV)
Reflection: What practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to strengthen your connection with Jesus and ensure you are bearing good fruit?
Day 4: Humility in Using Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual gifts are given to serve and edify others, but they must be accompanied by the fruit of the Spirit. Character and humility are essential to using these gifts effectively and avoiding pride and destruction. When we use our gifts with the right heart, we contribute to the growth and unity of the body of Christ, reflecting His love and grace to those around us. [01:19:12]
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: How can you use your spiritual gifts to serve others this week, ensuring that your actions are rooted in humility and love?
Day 5: Rest and Renewal in Spiritual Warfare
As warriors in God's army, we are equipped with spiritual weapons to fight against the enemy. However, we must also find rest and healing in Jesus to maintain our strength and effectiveness in battle. This balance of warfare and rest is crucial for sustaining our spiritual vitality and ensuring we are not overwhelmed by the challenges we face. [01:26:18]
"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." (Matthew 11:28-29, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally seek rest and renewal in Jesus this week, ensuring you are spiritually equipped for the battles you face?
Quotes
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve you. Serve one another. And then it goes on to talk about all these different types of gifts. [01:18:11] (13 seconds)
If you don't have the fruit, of the Holy Spirit, be really careful how you use the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Because the reality is, for whatever reason, and this is one of those things that I will humbly just say, like, I don't understand. [01:19:12] (18 seconds)
What kind of battle are we going to win if we're bleeding out? And I think this is where it's so important that we go back to the fact that we're supposed to be connected to the vine. [01:26:18] (12 seconds)
A man in chains cannot fight his enemies. A man in chains cannot run the race that God has set before him. And many of us are in chains from bitterness, from our past, from pain. [01:30:16] (20 seconds)
We are called to make disciples of the Most High God, because look at what he's done in your life. And he has that same thing for everyone else. [01:41:00] (12 seconds)
God, we want to see our families transformed. We want to see our city transformed. We want to see our nation and our world transformed, God. We believe you. [01:46:34] (11 seconds)
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