Embracing Acceptance: Transforming Lives Through Christ's Love

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Being Truly Valued

In the story of Levi, later known as Matthew, we see a profound example of how acceptance can transform a life. Levi was a tax collector, a profession despised by society, yet Jesus saw beyond his societal label and recognized his inherent value. Jesus' acceptance of Levi was not based on his past actions or his status but on the potential that Jesus saw within him. This acceptance led to Levi's transformation from an outcast to a disciple, an apostle, and eventually a gospel writer. The power of being truly valued and accepted can lead to discovering one's true worth and purpose, as seen through the eyes of Christ. This story challenges us to look beyond the surface and see the potential in others, just as Jesus did with Levi. [20:29]

Luke 19:9-10 (ESV): "And Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'"

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is often overlooked or undervalued. How can you actively show them acceptance and help them see their true worth this week?

Day 2: Embracing Others with 'Proslimbano'

The Greek word "proslimbano" means to receive someone into your life and see them as valuable. This concept goes beyond mere tolerance or passive acceptance; it involves actively embracing and valuing others. In a world where rejection is common, practicing this form of acceptance can bring healing and transformation. Jesus exemplified this through His interactions with people from all walks of life, showing them love and grace regardless of their past or societal status. By understanding and practicing "proslimbano," we can create a community where everyone feels valued and accepted, reflecting the love of Christ. [23:37]

Romans 12:10 (ESV): "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."

Reflection: Identify one person you can intentionally welcome into your life this week. What specific actions can you take to show them they are valued and embraced?

Day 3: Healing from the Pain of Rejection

Rejection is a deeply painful experience that can leave lasting scars, often more so than physical pain. Jesus' approach to acceptance offers healing and restoration, inviting us to see others as valuable and worthy of love and grace. By emulating Jesus' acceptance, we can help heal the wounds of rejection in ourselves and others. This involves looking beyond societal labels and personal failures to see each person as a potential story of redemption and transformation. As we practice this form of acceptance, we not only bring healing to others but also to ourselves, as we align our hearts with the love and grace of Christ. [39:06]

Psalm 147:3 (ESV): "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt rejected. How can you invite Jesus into that memory to bring healing and restoration today?

Day 4: Seeing Beyond Societal Labels

Jesus' interactions with individuals like the Samaritan woman and Zacchaeus highlight His commitment to seeing beyond societal labels and personal failures. He saw each person as a potential story of redemption and transformation, challenging us to do the same. By looking beyond the surface, we can see the inherent value and potential in others, just as Jesus did. This perspective allows us to extend grace and love to those who may be marginalized or overlooked by society, creating a community that reflects the inclusive love of Christ. [43:16]

1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV): "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'"

Reflection: Consider someone you may have judged based on societal labels. How can you begin to see them through the eyes of Christ and extend grace to them this week?

Day 5: Our Call to Accept Others

As we have been accepted by Christ, we are called to accept others, bringing glory to God and transforming lives. This involves seeing others as gifts and testimonies waiting to be written, and actively embracing and valuing them as Christ does. By accepting others in this way, we reflect the love and grace of Christ, creating a community where everyone feels valued and accepted. This call to acceptance is not just a passive act but an active embrace, inviting others into our lives and holding them dear. [47:06]

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Reflection: Who in your life do you struggle to accept? What steps can you take to actively embrace and value them as Christ does?

Sermon Summary

In today's exploration of Luke 5 and Romans 15:7, we delve into the profound concept of acceptance as demonstrated by Jesus. The narrative of Levi, later known as Matthew, serves as a powerful illustration of how Jesus accepts us, not based on our past or societal status, but on our inherent value as individuals. Levi, a tax collector, was seen as an outcast, yet Jesus saw him as a gift, a story in the making. This acceptance transformed Levi's life, leading him to become a disciple, an apostle, and eventually a gospel writer. This transformation underscores the power of being truly accepted and valued.

The Greek word "proslimbano," translated as "accept" or "welcome," encapsulates the idea of receiving someone into your life and valuing them. This is not a passive acceptance but an active embrace, bringing someone close and holding them dear. In a world where rejection is prevalent and painful, understanding and practicing this form of acceptance can be transformative. Rejection, as discussed, is deeply painful, often more so than physical pain, and can leave lasting scars. Yet, Jesus' approach to acceptance offers healing and restoration.

Jesus' interactions with various individuals, from the Samaritan woman to Zacchaeus and Nicodemus, highlight His commitment to seeing beyond societal labels and personal failures. He sees each person as a potential story of redemption and transformation. This is a call for us to emulate Jesus' acceptance, to see others as valuable and worthy of love and grace, just as we have been accepted by Christ.

As we reflect on this, we are reminded that we are not too far gone, not unworthy, but rather gifts and testimonies waiting to be written. Our challenge is to accept others as Christ has accepted us, bringing glory to God and transforming lives in the process.

Key Takeaways

1. The Transformative Power of Acceptance: Jesus' acceptance of Levi, a tax collector, illustrates the transformative power of being truly valued. Levi's journey from outcast to apostle shows that when we are accepted, we can discover our true worth and purpose. This acceptance is not based on our past but on our potential as seen through the eyes of Christ. [20:29]
2. Understanding 'Proslimbano': The Greek word "proslimbano" means to receive someone into your life and see them as valuable. This goes beyond mere tolerance or passive acceptance; it involves actively embracing and valuing others. In a world where rejection is common, practicing this form of acceptance can bring healing and transformation. [23:37]
3. **Rejection vs. Acceptance:** Rejection is deeply painful, often more so than physical pain, and can leave lasting scars. Jesus' approach to acceptance offers healing and restoration, inviting us to see others as valuable and worthy of love and grace. This is a call to emulate Jesus' acceptance in our own lives. [39:06]
4. Jesus' Interactions with the Marginalized: Jesus' interactions with individuals like the Samaritan woman and Zacchaeus highlight His commitment to seeing beyond societal labels and personal failures. He sees each person as a potential story of redemption and transformation, challenging us to do the same. [43:16]
5. Our Call to Accept Others: As we have been accepted by Christ, we are called to accept others, bringing glory to God and transforming lives. This involves seeing others as gifts and testimonies waiting to be written, and actively embracing and valuing them as Christ does. [47:06]
** [47:06]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[16:20] - Introduction to Acceptance
[17:22] - The Story of Levi
[19:18] - Jesus and Levi's Encounter
[20:29] - Levi's Transformation
[21:36] - Understanding Acceptance
[23:37] - The Meaning of 'Proslimbano'
[25:34] - Challenges of Acceptance
[26:23] - Different Translations of Acceptance
[27:33] - Acceptance vs. Rejection
[28:58] - Personal Story of Acceptance
[31:04] - Jesus' Acceptance of Levi
[33:01] - Levi's New Identity
[34:35] - Jesus' Acceptance of Us
[35:29] - Levi's Great Feast
[36:43] - Pharisees' Objection
[37:53] - Jesus' Response to Rejection
[39:06] - The Pain of Rejection
[40:52] - Deeper Memory of Rejection
[41:57] - Personal Reflections on Rejection
[43:16] - Jesus' Interactions with the Marginalized
[44:41] - Jesus and Nicodemus
[45:46] - Personal Testimony
[47:06] - Our Call to Accept Others
[48:16] - Invitation to Respond

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was Levi's occupation before he followed Jesus, and how was he perceived by society? [21:36]
How did Jesus' invitation to Levi differ from the societal norms of that time? [20:29]
What does the Greek word "proslimbano" mean, and how does it relate to the concept of acceptance? [23:37]
How did the Pharisees react to Jesus dining with tax collectors and sinners, and what was Jesus' response? [37:53]

Interpretation Questions

How does Levi's transformation from a tax collector to a disciple illustrate the power of Jesus' acceptance? [33:01]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that rejection can be more painful than physical pain? [39:06]
How does Jesus' interaction with marginalized individuals, like the Samaritan woman and Zacchaeus, challenge societal norms? [43:16]
What does it mean to "receive someone into your life and see them as valuable," according to the sermon? [27:33]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt rejected. How did it affect you, and how can Jesus' example of acceptance bring healing to that experience? [39:06]
Consider someone in your life who might feel like an outcast. How can you actively embrace and value them as Jesus did with Levi? [20:29]
How can you practice "proslimbano" in your daily interactions, especially with those who are different from you? [23:37]
What societal labels or personal failures might prevent you from seeing others as valuable? How can you overcome these barriers? [43:16]
Jesus saw potential in Levi that others did not. Who in your life might be a "story in the making," and how can you support their journey? [33:01]
How can you create an environment of acceptance in your community or church, similar to the feast Levi hosted for Jesus? [35:29]
Reflect on Romans 15:7. How can welcoming others as Christ welcomed you bring glory to God in your life? [47:06]

Sermon Clips

1. "We're in a series called The Power of One Another. The Power of One Another, and we're looking at statements in the New Testament that use that phrase, one another. Things that we are told, encouraged to do for, with one another. And today, I want you to hear this statement. We're going to be unpacking this statement, Romans 15 .7. Now, stay where you are in Luke 5, but Romans 15 .7 says, Therefore, welcome one another, as Christ has welcomed you for the glory of God. In the NIV, this verse says, with a different word, It says, Just as Christ accepted you in order to bring praise to God." ([00:15:36] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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2. "So today, I want to talk about how we accept one another, how we accept one another, but more specifically, and as Romans 15, 7 specified, I want us to look at how do we accept one another as Christ Jesus has accepted us. So I want to dig in. I want to unpack how Jesus accepted this man, Levi, so that maybe some of us here can be reminded again of how Jesus accepted us. Some of us need to be reminded sometimes of this, because only when we truly remember how he accepted us can we begin to accept others the same way." ([00:21:17] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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3. "Levi is better known by his later name. Levi becomes the disciple Matthew. He had a name change, but before he was Matthew, see, he was far from God, Levi. And Levi was a tax collector. Levi worked for the Roman government. It was almost like the equivalent of selling out to the big corporate conglomerate. Because you could just recognize that a guy like Levi, Levi cares a lot more about financial security than he cares about the government. He cares a lot more about security and having a lifestyle of power and authority and ease than he does about religion or ethics or morality." ([00:22:08] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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4. "So instead of using one word and letting your minds go everywhere with what did Ryan mean accept today? I want to make your conversations in the car easier after you leave today, and so I don't want to leave you wondering. I don't want to just stir a pot and let it sit. I want to give you the definition of the word accept as we talk about it today, what I think the Apostle Paul in Romans is getting at. I want to give you the definition of the word accept as we talk about it today. Accept means to receive someone into your life and see them as valuable." ([00:27:16] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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5. "So Jesus accepted Levi. He, I think he saw what maybe nobody else saw. Maybe everybody else saw a guy who was a little bit sleazy, probably a little bit corrupt. He, he probably didn't have the right politics. He probably didn't have the right agendas. He probably didn't use the best speech. He, he was pretty rough around the edges, but somehow, some way when Jesus saw Levi, he saw a gift. He saw a story in the making." ([00:31:53] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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6. "And then all of a sudden, Jesus didn't just look at him, but Jesus received Levi. Jesus got his hands on Levi. He started spending time with him. He started engaging with him. As a matter of fact, the word that, that is used often that by Jesus with his disciples is this word, meno. It means, abide. Jesus started abiding with Levi. It means he let him in. They spent their lives. They started spending their lives together. Jesus gave Levi an all-access pass to his heart. He received Levi." ([00:32:31] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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7. "He started discovering his value. Levi started becoming not just a friend of Jesus, but a disciple of Jesus. And then after becoming a disciple of Jesus, he became an apostle of Jesus. And then after becoming an apostle of Jesus, he became a gospel writer, which allowed him to bring the gospel all over the world. That's how Jesus accepted Levi. And people look at this, and they, wow. Wow. Levi's new name, Matthew, likely given to him by Jesus. Do you know what it means, what Matthew means? It means gift of God." ([00:33:29] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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8. "He sees you as a gift. He sees you as a testimony. He sees you as a God story waiting to happen. He lets you in. He allows your heart time to process. It doesn't happen all at once. He takes his time. He is patient with you. And then he walks you into not only his great love for you, but he walks you into your role, your purpose. This is going to sound weird if you're not familiar with it. He walks you into your value. He walks you into your worth." ([00:34:33] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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9. "So here's Jesus, and he's in a house with people who knew the pain of rejection, and they're being rejected as we speak. They tasted it. They felt like what it was like to be distant from God. They knew it well. They knew what it was, to feel unworthy. Like no matter what they did, no matter what they tried to earn or achieve, it was never enough to make them feel worthy. And Jesus said, yep, that's who I came for." ([00:43:19] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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10. "Romans 15, 7 says, accept one another then, just as Christ accepted you in order to bring praise to God. 1 Timothy 1, 15 says it like this, The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance that Christ is worthy of. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the foremost. And so as the praise team comes to lead us in a time of response, church, I just have to say today, please hear me. You are not too far. You're not in the way. You're not unworthy. But maybe you just haven't allowed the one who truly gives you worth to do so." ([00:47:21] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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