Embracing Change: Renewing Faith for Today's Community
Summary
In the exploration of Matthew chapter 9, verses 14 through 17, the focus is on the inquiry of John's disciples regarding the practice of fasting, contrasting their adherence to tradition with the behavior of Jesus' disciples. The response from Jesus is illustrated through the metaphors of unshrunk cloth on an old garment and new wine in old wineskins, emphasizing the incompatibility of new practices with old frameworks. This teaching underscores the necessity of receptivity to new methods while maintaining the core principles of faith.
The discussion then transitions to the concept of deconstruction, particularly within the context of the church and its role in the community. The idea is not to demolish what has been built but to critically examine and potentially dismantle outdated structures or practices that may no longer serve their original purpose effectively. This process is likened to a journey that requires both individual and collective introspection and action.
An anecdote is shared about a church that once thrived through homecoming services and revivals, which drew the community together and facilitated growth and discipleship. However, as times changed, these practices became less effective, and the community's engagement waned. The story illustrates how methods that were once fruitful can become obsolete, and the importance of adapting to the current needs of the community.
The concept of shadow missions is introduced, referring to the deviation from original, godly goals towards secondary objectives or processes that may no longer align with the initial intent. The challenge is to identify and address these shadow missions, ensuring that the focus remains on the primary mission of reaching out and serving the community effectively.
The narrative continues with the example of a church that successfully reevaluated its approach by introducing a Saturday night service, which attracted more attendees than traditional Sunday morning services. This example serves as a testament to the benefits of questioning and potentially altering long-standing practices to better meet the needs of the community.
The discussion concludes with a call to action, urging individuals and the church as a whole to be willing to make necessary changes, even if it means letting go of cherished traditions. The ultimate goal is to align actions with the love for Jesus and the mission of the church, rather than clinging to the comfort of familiar ways.
Key Takeaways:
- The teachings of Jesus in Matthew 9:14-17 highlight the importance of embracing new methods while holding onto the core values of one's faith. This balance is crucial for growth and adaptation in a changing world, as clinging to outdated practices can hinder progress and the fulfillment of one's mission. [44:51]
- The concept of deconstruction within the church is not about destruction but about thoughtful reevaluation and renewal. It's a journey that requires openness to change and a willingness to let go of what no longer serves the greater good, all while preserving the essence of the faith. [46:39]
- Shadow missions are a reminder that even well-intentioned actions can veer off course over time. Recognizing and correcting these deviations is essential for maintaining the integrity of one's mission and ensuring that efforts are truly aligned with the original, godly goals. [53:55]
- The willingness to adapt and innovate in response to the community's needs is exemplified by the church that introduced a Saturday night service. This demonstrates that success often comes from challenging the status quo and being responsive to the preferences and circumstances of those one aims to serve. [52:55]
- The overarching message is that love for Jesus and the mission of the church must supersede attachment to traditional ways of doing things. This principle is a guiding light for making difficult decisions about change and ensures that actions are driven by a desire to effectively share and live out one's faith. [01:01:31]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 9:14-17
#### Observation Questions
1. What question do John's disciples ask Jesus in Matthew 9:14, and why is it significant? [42:58]
2. How does Jesus respond to the question about fasting, and what metaphors does He use to explain His point? [42:58]
3. What does Jesus mean when He talks about new wine in old wineskins? [45:00]
4. Can you identify an example from the sermon where a church adapted its practices to better meet the needs of the community? [52:37]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What is the significance of Jesus using the metaphors of unshrunk cloth and new wine in His response to the disciples of John? How do these metaphors relate to the concept of change within the church? [45:00]
2. How does the concept of deconstruction, as discussed in the sermon, align with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 9:14-17? [46:25]
3. What are "shadow missions," and how can they divert a church from its primary mission? Provide an example from the sermon. [53:12]
4. How does the story of the church that introduced a Saturday night service illustrate the importance of adapting to the community's needs? [52:37]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a tradition or practice in your church that may no longer be effective. How can you approach the idea of change while respecting the core values of your faith? [45:27]
2. Have you ever experienced a "shadow mission" in your personal life or within your church? How did it affect your original goals, and what steps can you take to realign with your primary mission? [53:12]
3. Think about a time when you resisted change in your church or personal life. What was the outcome, and how might embracing change have led to a different result? [49:26]
4. How can you and your small group identify and address outdated practices that no longer serve their original purpose? What steps can you take to ensure that your actions align with the mission of reaching out and serving the community? [46:25]
5. In what ways can you personally contribute to the process of deconstruction and renewal within your church? What specific actions can you take to support this journey? [46:25]
6. How can you balance holding onto the core principles of your faith while being open to new methods and practices? Provide a specific example from your own experience. [45:27]
7. Reflect on the statement, "Our love for Jesus has to be greater than our love for the way we do things." How can this principle guide your decisions and actions in your faith community? [01:00:34]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing New Methods in Faith
New practices in faith must be welcomed with an open heart, as Jesus' teachings in Matthew 9:14-17 suggest. Holding onto the core values of one's faith is essential, but so is the willingness to adapt and grow in a world that is constantly changing. Clinging to outdated practices can prevent progress and hinder the fulfillment of one's mission. [44:51]
Isaiah 43:19 - "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
Reflection: Can you identify a tradition or practice in your faith that may be hindering your spiritual growth? How can you open yourself to new methods that align with your core beliefs?
Day 2: Thoughtful Reevaluation of Faith
Deconstruction in the church context is about critically reassessing and renewing one's faith without losing its essence. It's a journey that requires openness to change and the courage to let go of what no longer serves the greater good. This process helps preserve the core of the faith while allowing for growth and adaptation. [46:39]
Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Reflection: What aspects of your church or personal faith practice could benefit from thoughtful reevaluation? How can you contribute to this process of renewal?
Day 3: Correcting Course with Shadow Missions
Shadow missions are deviations from our original, godly goals. Recognizing and correcting these deviations is crucial to maintaining the integrity of our mission. It's important to ensure that our actions and efforts are aligned with the original intentions and purposes that God has set for us. [53:55]
Ephesians 4:22-24 - "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: Are there any 'shadow missions' in your life that have taken you off course from your primary spiritual goals? What steps can you take to realign with your original mission?
Day 4: Adapting to Serve Effectively
The willingness to adapt and innovate in response to the community's needs is crucial for the church's success. As demonstrated by the church that introduced a Saturday night service, challenging the status quo and being responsive to the preferences and circumstances of the congregation can lead to growth and a more effective ministry. [52:55]
1 Corinthians 9:22-23 - "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."
Reflection: What changes could your church or faith community consider to better serve and connect with its members and the surrounding community?
Day 5: Prioritizing Love and Mission Over Tradition
The love for Jesus and the mission of the church must take precedence over the comfort of familiar traditions. This guiding principle helps in making difficult decisions about change and ensures that actions are driven by a desire to effectively share and live out one's faith. [01:01:31]
Hebrews 12:1-2 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
Reflection: What cherished tradition might you need to let go of in order to better align with the love for Jesus and the mission of your church?
Quotes
1) "Our love for Jesus has to be greater than our love for the way we do things. Jesus is doing a new thing, and this new thing Jesus is doing is just like the old thing." [01:01:31] (Download)
2) "We've got to do something different. And here's the reason, because you're not failing at what you're doing. What we do, we do really well. So if we want to see new results, we have to do new things." [01:02:23] (Download)
3) "I want us to be willing to tear out the old walls that no longer belong. To be honest with ourselves when we recognize that shadow missions have been created." [01:00:19] (Download)
4) "Jesus is saying that he's doing something new. You can't put the new in the old container. If you try to put the new thing with the old tools, then you're just going to break everything apart." [44:51] (Download)
5) "We've got to be willing to hold on to the core principles and ideas, but be willing to let go of the vessels that once carried them." [45:43] (Download)
6) "The most effective teams are the ones that are constantly reevaluating what they're doing and why they're doing it." [51:56] (Download)
7) "That church was smart enough to deconstruct from their preconceived ideas and back up and go and survey the community." [52:55] (Download)
8) "A shadow mission is when we start out with a good, godly goal that we want to achieve. But over time, our focus becomes more on the process rather than the original goal." [53:55] (Download)
9) "I'm glad that somebody was willing to see the need for change in the vessel. So when I say we need to deconstruct the church, I want you to think of it in those terms." [50:00] (Download)
10) "I'm not talking about buildings at all. I'm talking about the very model of what we call church. I'm talking about the very idea of how we reach the community and what our goal is." [50:58] (Download)
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