Embracing Christ's Presence: Unity, Humility, and Gifts

 

Summary

In reflecting on the profound truth that Christ dwells within us, we are reminded of the weighty responsibility and privilege this brings. Just as my daughter Mercy is mindful of what she consumes for the sake of her unborn child, we too must be conscious of our actions and thoughts, knowing that Christ partakes in them. This awareness should motivate us towards holiness, not out of shame, but out of a desire to honor the presence of Christ within us.

The story of Jesus cleansing the temple in John 2 challenges our understanding of humility. True humility is not about being timid or reserved; it is about being bold and courageous for the sake of God's glory. Jesus' actions were driven by zeal for His Father's house, demonstrating that humility involves a confident trust in God's purpose and a willingness to act boldly in alignment with His will.

As we delve into Ephesians 4, we are reminded of the unity and diversity within the body of Christ. Each of us has been given unique gifts by the Holy Spirit, not for our own glory, but for the building up of the church. It is crucial to recognize that every member is necessary and valuable, and that our gifts are meant to serve and strengthen one another. This understanding should lead us to a deep appreciation for the diversity of gifts within the body and a commitment to using our gifts for the common good.

The call to unity is not just about avoiding conflict, but about actively pursuing the well-being of the body. We must be vigilant against division, understanding that it grieves the heart of our Heavenly Father. Our relationships within the church should reflect the unity and love that God desires for His people. This requires a shift from individualism to a mindset of interdependence, where we see each other as vital parts of a whole.

Finally, we are encouraged to embrace the gifts God has given us and to seek His guidance in using them effectively. This involves a willingness to step out in faith, trusting that God will empower us to fulfill our role in the body. As we gather in our homes and communities, let us pray for one another, asking God to reveal and fan into flame the gifts He has bestowed upon us, so that we may serve one another in love and unity.

Key Takeaways:

1. Christ in Us: The reality of Christ dwelling within us calls for a life of holiness and mindfulness. Our thoughts and actions are shared with Him, urging us to live in a way that honors His presence. This is not about shame but about embracing the privilege of being united with Christ. [01:21]

2. True Humility: Humility is not synonymous with timidity. Jesus' bold actions in the temple show that true humility involves a confident trust in God's purpose and a willingness to act courageously for His glory. Humility is about aligning our actions with God's will, not about self-deprecation. [05:14]

3. Unity and Diversity in the Body: Each member of the church is given unique gifts by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the body. Recognizing the necessity and value of every member fosters a spirit of unity and appreciation for the diversity of gifts within the church. [10:26]

4. Pursuing Unity: Unity in the church is not just about avoiding conflict but actively seeking the well-being of the body. Division grieves the heart of God, and we are called to love and support one another, reflecting the unity and love that God desires for His people. [22:51]

5. Embracing and Using Our Gifts: We are encouraged to embrace the gifts God has given us and to seek His guidance in using them effectively. This involves stepping out in faith and trusting that God will empower us to fulfill our role in the body, serving one another in love and unity. [39:20]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Christ in Us: A Powerful Picture
- [00:44] - The Weight of Holiness
- [02:01] - Jesus Cleanses the Temple
- [03:29] - Redefining Humility
- [05:37] - The Necessity of Faith
- [08:21] - Gifts for Building the Body
- [10:26] - Praying for Faith and Wisdom
- [13:08] - Ephesians 4: Unity and Calling
- [16:17] - One Body, One Spirit
- [19:31] - The Heart of the Father
- [24:23] - Grace and Diversity of Gifts
- [27:29] - Understanding Our Need for Each Other
- [33:14] - The Ascension and Gifts
- [39:20] - Embracing and Using Our Gifts

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 6:15-20
2. John 2:13-17
3. Ephesians 4:1-16

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Observation Questions:

1. In 1 Corinthians 6, what does Paul say about our bodies and their connection to Christ? How does this relate to the idea of Christ dwelling within us? [00:44]

2. What actions did Jesus take in the temple according to John 2, and what motivated Him to do so? [02:19]

3. According to Ephesians 4, what is the purpose of the gifts given to the church? How are these gifts meant to function within the body of Christ? [14:49]

4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between humility and boldness, especially in the context of Jesus' actions in the temple? [05:14]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the understanding that Christ is in us influence our daily thoughts and actions? What does it mean to live a life that honors His presence? [01:21]

2. In what ways does Jesus' cleansing of the temple challenge our traditional views of humility? How can we reconcile bold actions with a humble heart? [03:29]

3. How does the diversity of gifts within the church contribute to its unity? Why is it important to recognize and value each member's unique contribution? [10:26]

4. What does it mean to actively pursue unity within the church, and how can this pursuit reflect God's desire for His people? [22:51]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you struggle to remember that Christ dwells within you? How can you become more mindful of His presence in your daily actions and thoughts? [01:21]

2. Think of a situation where you might need to act boldly for God's glory. How can you ensure that your actions are rooted in humility and aligned with God's will? [05:14]

3. Identify a gift or talent you believe God has given you. How can you use this gift to serve and strengthen your church community this week? [10:26]

4. Consider a time when you felt disconnected from your church community. What steps can you take to actively pursue unity and build stronger relationships within the body? [22:51]

5. How can you shift from an individualistic mindset to one of interdependence within your church? What practical steps can you take to see others as vital parts of the whole? [32:04]

6. Reflect on a recent conflict or division you have witnessed or experienced in the church. How can you contribute to healing and unity in that situation? [22:51]

7. Pray for God to reveal and fan into flame the gifts He has bestowed upon you. How can you seek His guidance in using these gifts effectively for the common good? [39:20]

Devotional

Day 1: Christ's Indwelling Calls for Mindful Living
The profound truth that Christ dwells within us brings both a responsibility and a privilege. Just as a mother is mindful of her actions for the sake of her unborn child, believers are called to be conscious of their thoughts and actions, knowing that Christ partakes in them. This awareness should not lead to shame but should inspire a life of holiness, honoring the presence of Christ within. Embracing this privilege means living in a way that reflects the unity with Christ, allowing His presence to guide and transform daily life. [01:21]

Colossians 1:27-28 (ESV): "To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ."

Reflection: What is one thought or action you can change today to better honor the presence of Christ within you?


Day 2: Humility as Boldness in God's Purpose
True humility is not about being timid or reserved; it is about being bold and courageous for the sake of God's glory. The story of Jesus cleansing the temple challenges the conventional understanding of humility. Jesus' actions, driven by zeal for His Father's house, demonstrate that humility involves a confident trust in God's purpose and a willingness to act boldly in alignment with His will. This redefined humility calls believers to align their actions with God's will, acting courageously for His glory. [05:14]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Reflection: In what area of your life is God calling you to act boldly and courageously for His glory today?


Day 3: Unity and Diversity in the Body of Christ
The unity and diversity within the body of Christ are essential for the church's growth and strength. Each member is given unique gifts by the Holy Spirit, not for personal glory, but for building up the church. Recognizing the necessity and value of every member fosters a spirit of unity and appreciation for the diversity of gifts within the church. This understanding should lead to a commitment to using one's gifts for the common good, appreciating the diversity that enriches the body of Christ. [10:26]

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone."

Reflection: What unique gift has God given you, and how can you use it to serve and strengthen your church community today?


Day 4: Actively Pursuing Unity in the Church
Unity in the church is not just about avoiding conflict but actively seeking the well-being of the body. Division grieves the heart of God, and believers are called to love and support one another, reflecting the unity and love that God desires for His people. This requires a shift from individualism to a mindset of interdependence, where each member is seen as a vital part of the whole. Pursuing unity involves actively working towards the well-being of the church community, fostering relationships that reflect God's love. [22:51]

Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the unity and well-being of your church community today?


Day 5: Embracing and Using Our God-Given Gifts
Believers are encouraged to embrace the gifts God has given them and to seek His guidance in using them effectively. This involves stepping out in faith, trusting that God will empower them to fulfill their role in the body of Christ. As believers gather in homes and communities, they are called to pray for one another, asking God to reveal and fan into flame the gifts He has bestowed. This commitment to using one's gifts in love and unity strengthens the church and glorifies God. [39:20]

1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."

Reflection: What step of faith can you take today to begin using your God-given gifts more effectively in service to others?

Quotes

Just like he he really is in me and it caused me to think about my thought life that what thoughts go through this mind Christ has to partake in cuz he's in me he's one with me convicting it's powerful it's amazing that God is in us but that's also heavy that's very weighty that Christ is in us. [00:58:43]

Jesus you need to understand when he was overturning those tables he was completely hung humble cuz it wasn't about him he says Zeal for my father's house is what consumes me so it's not about me being mousy and quiet and oh I can't do anything right that's not humility that's really a lack of faith. [04:55:30]

God is not like casual about people that have a lack of faith like like when he called Moses and Moses goes I I don't talk well God did not look at Moses and see I love your humility now he looks at Moses and said who made your mouth what are you saying you don't talk well are you saying I messed up when I made your mouth. [06:06:88]

I believe that this church could become perfectly United and that this church could actually have every literally every single person using super natural spiritual gifts every single person to build up other people to the point where all of us are united in faith and and we're not blown and tossed by every wind of Doctrine. [08:48:44]

I pray for those of you who doubt that you are necessary to this church I'm praying God gives you faith I'm praying for the leaders of the church that God gives us wisdom in just how to use every part of the body and I believe God's going to give us wisdom and I believe he's going to give you faith. [10:22:68]

Do you in your mind do you believe according to scripture that you actually need him for something that there's something he's supposed to do for this body and for you like he's supposed to impact you like Kevin don't go God gave you a gift and it's supp I I can't become who I'm supposed to be unless you exercise your gift. [30:23:52]

Do you look at yourself right now and believe God's word that I am necessary I'm like this vital organ to this body just like that liver just like that kidney I'm needed here and if I'm not functioning properly that's going to really mess things up here do you believe that about yourself. [31:21:12]

We have to look at each other differently with a need and it can't be like the world where the world will look at those who are rich or famous or attractive or whatever it is they they'll they'll they'll latch on to something okay now that person has value rather than as Believers as his children we go no the spirit of God is in that person. [32:41:00]

I believe this and I believe some of you are hearing this tonight and you're maybe struck by your lack of faith and you thought you were being humble but I believe that I've taught through the word of God that now that's wrong and you know you're a needed part and this is why we get together in the homes. [37:10:72]

I believe those gifts will come out I think we are far from tapping into everything that God has given us in this church but I really believe before we finish this chapter I'll just keep stalling you know before we finish Ephesians 4 I want us to be Ephesians 4 and become this type of church where we value everyone one in this room. [39:34:64]

We can't lose them that's why we can't fight with each other because we need each other according to the word of God and the heavenly father is saying this is what I want. [40:02:60]

I want us to be Ephesians 4 and become this type of church where we value everyone one in this room and really believe they have something Supernatural to give to us and that's why we can't lose them that's why we can't fight with each other because we need each other according to the word of God. [39:50:24]

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Transcript
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