Embracing Beginnings: Faith, Leadership, and Making It Work
Summary
In the exploration of the biblical texts, there is a profound emphasis on the significance of beginnings and the messages they convey. The Gospel writers, each in their unique way, set the stage for their narratives with impactful openings that capture the essence of their message. Matthew starts with a genealogy, which, while seemingly mundane to contemporary readers, holds a deep connection to the promise and prophecy of the Old Testament, particularly when one understands the symbolic importance of the number 14. Luke, on the other hand, begins with a dedication to Theophilus, indicating the purpose of his writing: to provide a firm grasp of the teachings one has received.
The narrative then shifts to the baptism of Jesus, a pivotal moment that is rich in symbolism and theological truth. The voice from heaven declaring Jesus as the beloved Son is a direct affirmation to Jesus, preparing him for his forthcoming ministry. This divine affirmation contrasts with the message of John the Baptizer, which, if taken alone, would focus solely on judgment and repentance. However, the image of the Spirit descending like a dove upon Jesus balances the call for repentance with a message of peace and gentleness.
The sermon also touches on the importance of challenging oneself to engage more deeply with the text, drawing a parallel to a study that found students performed better on tests with harder-to-read fonts. This suggests that a more strenuous engagement with material can lead to greater understanding and retention.
The act of ordination and installation of church leaders, such as elders and deacons, is highlighted as a significant event. It is a moment where the community comes together to pray for these individuals, trusting that the Holy Spirit will empower them for their ministry. The prayer for these leaders is that they will be enlivened for their service, caring for those in distress, and that they will be granted wisdom and grace to shepherd the congregation.
The sermon concludes with a call to action for the new year, inspired by the phrase "make it work" from fashion expert Tim Gunn. This phrase is not just about overcoming challenges in the workroom but is applicable to life itself. It is about taking the existing conditions and rallying them to ascend to a place of success. The new year is seen as a "make it work" moment for everyone, an opportunity to use what is at one's disposal to achieve success.
Key Takeaways:
- The opening passages of the Gospels are carefully crafted to set the tone for the message each writer intends to convey. Matthew's genealogy and Luke's dedication serve as more than just introductions; they are foundational elements that connect the reader to the overarching narrative of promise and fulfillment. These beginnings are not just literary devices but are deeply rooted in the historical and theological context of the time. [29:19]
- The baptism of Jesus is a multifaceted event that signifies not only the preparation for his ministry but also the peaceful nature of his mission. The descent of the Spirit like a dove contrasts with the harsher message of repentance preached by John the Baptizer, offering a more complete picture of the divine plan. This moment serves as a reminder that the call to repentance is accompanied by the assurance of God's love and peace. [43:18]
- The act of ordination and the prayer for new church leaders underscore the belief that spiritual leadership is not a solitary endeavor but a communal responsibility. The community's support through prayer and the trust in the Holy Spirit's empowerment reflect a collective commitment to the church's mission and the well-being of its members. This practice is a testament to the interconnectedness of the church body and the shared journey of faith. [01:23:58]
- The concept of "making it work" in the context of faith challenges individuals to utilize their given circumstances and resources to achieve spiritual success. This approach encourages a proactive and creative engagement with one's faith journey, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of life's challenges. It is a call to action that resonates with the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of personal and communal faith. [50:50]
- The sermon's emphasis on deep engagement with scripture and the call to live out one's faith in practical ways aligns with the idea that understanding and action go hand in hand. As believers delve into the complexities of biblical texts and the challenges of living out their faith, they are encouraged to embrace both intellectual rigor and compassionate service. This dual focus fosters a holistic approach to spiritual growth and community impact. [44:32]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah
2. Luke 1:1-4 - Dedication to Theophilus
3. Mark 1:9-11 - The Baptism of Jesus
### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of the genealogy in Matthew's Gospel, and how does it connect to the Old Testament promises? [29:36]
2. How does Luke's dedication to Theophilus set the stage for his Gospel narrative? [30:16]
3. Describe the events that took place during Jesus' baptism as recorded in Mark 1:9-11. What were the key elements of this event? [41:54]
4. What role does the community play in the ordination and installation of church leaders according to the sermon? [01:23:09]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might Matthew have chosen to start his Gospel with a genealogy, and what does the number 14 symbolize in this context? [29:54]
2. How does the voice from heaven during Jesus' baptism affirm His identity and mission? What is the significance of the Spirit descending like a dove? [42:13]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that engaging deeply with scripture can lead to greater understanding and retention? How does this compare to the study mentioned about harder-to-read fonts? [44:02]
4. How does the concept of "making it work" apply to one's faith journey, and what does it mean to use existing conditions and resources to achieve spiritual success? [50:26]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the genealogy in Matthew 1. How does understanding your own spiritual heritage or the promises of God in your life impact your faith journey? [29:54]
2. Luke wrote his Gospel to provide a firm grasp of the teachings. How can you ensure that you have a solid understanding of the teachings you have received? What steps can you take to deepen your knowledge? [30:16]
3. The baptism of Jesus was a moment of divine affirmation. Have you experienced a moment where you felt affirmed by God? How did it impact your faith and actions? [42:13]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of community support in the ordination of church leaders. How can you actively support and pray for the leaders in your church? [01:23:09]
5. The concept of "making it work" was highlighted as a call to action for the new year. What specific challenges are you facing, and how can you creatively use your resources and circumstances to overcome them? [50:26]
6. The sermon emphasized the balance between judgment and peace in the message of repentance. How can you balance these aspects in your own life when sharing your faith with others? [43:38]
7. The study about harder-to-read fonts leading to better retention suggests that deeper engagement with scripture is beneficial. What practical steps can you take to engage more deeply with the Bible in your daily life? [44:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Beginnings Anchor Us in Promise
The opening passages of the Gospels are not mere introductions; they are profound connections to the historical and theological promises of Scripture. Matthew's genealogy ties us to the Old Testament prophecies, while Luke's dedication to Theophilus serves as a commitment to truth and understanding. These beginnings are intentional, inviting readers to see themselves as part of a larger, divine story. [29:19]
Isaiah 46:10 - "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.'"
Reflection: How does understanding the beginnings in the Gospels change your perspective on your own spiritual journey?
Day 2: Baptism as a Symbol of Peace and Preparation
The baptism of Jesus is a complex event that marks the commencement of His ministry and the peaceful nature of His mission. The Spirit's descent as a dove juxtaposes the stern call for repentance with a gentle assurance of God's love. This moment is a powerful reminder that divine love and peace accompany the call to transformation. [43:18]
John 1:32-33 - "And John bore witness, saying, 'I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you embrace both repentance and the peace of God's love in your daily life?
Day 3: Community and Leadership in the Spirit
The ordination of church leaders is a communal act of faith, where the congregation entrusts the Holy Spirit to empower individuals for ministry. This event signifies the shared responsibility and interconnectedness of the church body, as prayers are lifted for wisdom and grace to guide the leaders in their service. [01:23:58]
Acts 14:23 - "So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed."
Reflection: How can you actively support and pray for your church leaders to foster a stronger community of faith?
Day 4: Creativity in Faith's Challenges
The phrase "make it work" is a call to use one's circumstances and resources to achieve spiritual success. It encourages adaptability and resilience, reminding believers that faith is not static but dynamic, requiring proactive engagement and creative problem-solving. [50:50]
Romans 12:11-12 - "Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer."
Reflection: What current challenge in your life can you approach with a "make it work" attitude, and how can you creatively turn it into an opportunity for growth?
Day 5: Engaged Faith Leads to Action
A deep engagement with Scripture and the practical outworking of faith are inseparable. Believers are called to intellectual rigor and compassionate service, fostering a holistic approach to spiritual growth that impacts both the individual and the community. [44:32]
James 2:17-18 - "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: What is one way you can combine your study of Scripture with practical action in your community this week?
Quotes
1) "We're all called to unique places and unique settings in which we bring God's love. We become witnesses of resurrection, ambassadors of reconciliation, proclaimers of good news in Jesus Christ." [01:27:28] (Download)
2) "God looks at us and says, you are my dear, dear child. I'm delighted with you. That's what God sees when God looks at you and me because God sees Jesus Christ in us who are clothed in Christ." [48:38] (Download)
3) "Taking the existing conditions, the things we have available to us, and rallying them to ascend to a place of success. That's a make-it-work moment. Well, this New Year is a make-it-work moment for us." [50:50] (Download)
4) "It's rich in symbolism and even more so rich in theological truth. Let's pray for these folks... that the power of the Holy Spirit is descending on them as well... that they receive the comfort of Christ through these deacons." [01:23:58] (Download)
5) "Sometimes we want to get kind of a lazy narrative brain as we look at it and say, okay, great, that's details, that's trivial information, but underneath here is some pretty significant things." [44:32] (Download)
6) "Jesus is receiving all this word, all this language, all this affirmation at this moment because it's preparing him for what is to come, all the while imagining God in a way that looks different from the charge of the baptizer." [43:18] (Download)
7) "The voice from the heavens that declares, 'You are my son, the beloved. With you I am well pleased.' This is all spoken to Jesus... because it's preparing him for what is to come." [43:18] (Download)
8) "The Spirit here descends and will hover into Jesus as he stands there coming out of the water, and it's an appropriate image for us as we think about God's new creation work." [45:11] (Download)
9) "The voice says here, 'My son, the beloved, with you I am well pleased.' That's a mashup of two biblical texts... a nod to who Jesus is and what Jesus is up to and what still lies ahead." [45:54] (Download)
10) "We're going to be celebrating because this has the power to change lives, to change communities, and to change each one of us today and forever. That's a place for success in 2024." [52:56] (Download)
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