Embracing Commitment: A Christian's Call to Action
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound concept of commitment, exploring its significance in our Christian walk. Commitment, defined as being wholeheartedly dedicated, is foundational to living a life that honors God. We examined the lives of Jesus and Paul as prime examples of unwavering commitment. Jesus, in John 17:4, spoke of completing the work God gave Him, and Paul, in 2 Timothy 4:6-7, reflected on fighting the good fight and finishing the race. These examples underscore the importance of not just starting but completing the tasks God sets before us.
We then explored five key areas where commitment is crucial: being a friend of Jesus, marriage, the church, our jobs, and doing good deeds. Being a friend of Jesus means loving others as He loves us, a commandment that transforms our interactions and relationships. Commitment in marriage reflects the unity between Christ and the Church, serving as a powerful testimony to the world. Commitment to the church involves actively participating and using our unique gifts to help the body of Christ grow and thrive. At our jobs, working as if for the Lord rather than for people changes our perspective and performance, bringing glory to God. Finally, committing to doing good deeds, even in small ways, reflects our devotion to God and impacts those around us.
These commitments are not just about fulfilling duties but about embodying the love and dedication that Jesus exemplified. By examining our lives and aligning our actions with these commitments, we can live a life that is not only fulfilling but also a powerful witness to the transformative power of God's love.
### Key Takeaways
1. Commitment to Jesus as a Friend: Loving others as Jesus loves us is a profound commandment that transforms our relationships. This love is not based on human definitions but on the divine love described in 1 Corinthians 13. By committing to this love, we become true friends of Jesus, reflecting His love to the world. [30:47]
2. Commitment in Marriage: Marriage between two Christians is an illustration of the unity between Christ and the Church. This sacred bond is a testimony to the world of how Christ loves and is one with His Church. Being committed to your marriage strengthens this testimony and brings glory to God. [33:56]
3. Commitment to the Church: Every believer is a vital part of the body of Christ. By committing to the church, we use our unique gifts to help the body grow and thrive. This commitment ensures that the church is healthy, growing, and full of love, fulfilling its mission to proclaim Jesus to the world. [38:00]
4. Commitment to Your Job: Working as if for the Lord rather than for people transforms our work ethic and attitude. This perspective not only honors God but also serves as a powerful witness to our colleagues. By committing to excellence in our jobs, we reflect the character of Christ in the workplace. [47:18]
5. Commitment to Doing Good Deeds: Small acts of kindness and good deeds reflect our devotion to God and have a significant impact on those around us. By committing to doing good, we live out our faith in practical ways, demonstrating the love of Christ in everyday situations. [55:30]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[12:56] - Note from God
[13:28] - Introduction and Personal Testimony
[14:52] - Cornerstone Church Values
[16:22] - Overcoming Worry
[17:37] - Examining Commitment
[18:13] - Examples of Commitment: Jesus and Paul
[20:17] - Self-Examination and Commitment
[22:23] - Commitment to Jesus as a Friend
[32:16] - Commitment in Marriage
[35:21] - Commitment to the Church
[45:30] - Commitment to Your Job
[50:31] - Commitment to Doing Good Deeds
[57:24] - Invitation to Salvation
[01:01:14] - Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 17:4 (NIV) - "I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do."
2. 2 Timothy 4:6-7 (NIV) - "For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
3. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV) - "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 17:4, what did Jesus say He accomplished on earth? How does this reflect His commitment? [18:13]
2. In 2 Timothy 4:6-7, what three things does Paul say he has done? How do these actions demonstrate his commitment? [19:19]
3. How does 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 define love? Why is this definition important for understanding our commitment to others? [31:47]
4. What are the five areas of commitment discussed in the sermon? [21:30]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' statement in John 17:4 about completing His work challenge us in our daily lives? What does it mean to "finish the work" God has given us? [18:13]
2. Paul describes his life as being "poured out like a drink offering" in 2 Timothy 4:6-7. What does this metaphor suggest about the nature of commitment in the Christian life? [19:19]
3. Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, how can the qualities of love listed in this passage transform our relationships and commitments? [31:47]
4. The sermon mentions that commitment in marriage is an illustration of the unity between Christ and the Church. How does this perspective influence the way we view and approach marriage? [33:56]
#### Application Questions
1. Jesus completed the work God gave Him (John 17:4). What specific tasks or callings do you feel God has given you, and how can you ensure you are committed to completing them? [18:13]
2. Paul fought the good fight and finished the race (2 Timothy 4:6-7). What are some practical steps you can take to remain faithful and committed in your spiritual journey, especially during challenging times? [19:19]
3. The sermon emphasizes loving others as Jesus loves us (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Think of a relationship in your life that needs transformation. How can you apply the qualities of love from 1 Corinthians 13 to improve that relationship? [31:47]
4. Commitment to marriage is highlighted as reflecting Christ's relationship with the Church. If you are married, what are some ways you can strengthen your commitment to your spouse this week? If you are not married, how can you support and encourage the marriages around you? [33:56]
5. The sermon discusses the importance of being committed to the church. How can you actively participate and use your unique gifts to help your church grow and thrive? What specific steps will you take to get more involved? [35:21]
6. Working as if for the Lord rather than for people can transform our work ethic (Colossians 3:23). How can you change your perspective and performance at your job to reflect this principle? What is one specific action you can take this week to honor God through your work? [47:18]
7. Small acts of kindness and good deeds reflect our devotion to God. Identify one small act of kindness you can commit to this week. How will you ensure you follow through with it? [55:30]
Devotional
Day 1: Loving Others as Jesus Loves Us
Commitment to Jesus as a friend means loving others as He loves us. This love is not based on human definitions but on the divine love described in 1 Corinthians 13. By committing to this love, we become true friends of Jesus, reflecting His love to the world. This kind of love is patient, kind, and does not envy or boast. It is not proud, rude, or self-seeking. It keeps no record of wrongs and always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. By embodying this love, we transform our relationships and interactions, making them a testament to the love of Christ. [30:47]
John 15:12-13 (ESV): "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life that needs more of Christ's love. How can you show patience, kindness, and selflessness to this person today?
Day 2: Reflecting Christ in Marriage
Marriage between two Christians is an illustration of the unity between Christ and the Church. This sacred bond is a testimony to the world of how Christ loves and is one with His Church. Being committed to your marriage strengthens this testimony and brings glory to God. It involves mutual respect, selfless love, and unwavering support. By prioritizing your spouse and nurturing your relationship, you reflect the divine love and unity that Christ has with His Church. This commitment not only strengthens your marriage but also serves as a powerful witness to those around you. [33:56]
Ephesians 5:25-27 (ESV): "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish."
Reflection: In what ways can you show your spouse the same selfless love that Christ shows the Church? What specific action can you take today to strengthen your marriage?
Day 3: Active Participation in the Church
Every believer is a vital part of the body of Christ. By committing to the church, we use our unique gifts to help the body grow and thrive. This commitment ensures that the church is healthy, growing, and full of love, fulfilling its mission to proclaim Jesus to the world. Active participation involves more than just attending services; it means engaging in ministries, supporting fellow believers, and contributing to the church's mission. By doing so, we help create a vibrant, loving community that reflects the love of Christ and draws others to Him. [38:00]
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
Reflection: What unique gifts has God given you that you can use to serve your church? How can you actively participate in your church community this week?
Day 4: Working as for the Lord
Working as if for the Lord rather than for people transforms our work ethic and attitude. This perspective not only honors God but also serves as a powerful witness to our colleagues. By committing to excellence in our jobs, we reflect the character of Christ in the workplace. This means performing our tasks with integrity, diligence, and a positive attitude, regardless of recognition or reward. By doing so, we bring glory to God and demonstrate the transformative power of His love in our professional lives. [47:18]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: How can you change your attitude towards your work to reflect that you are working for the Lord? What specific steps can you take today to improve your work ethic and attitude?
Day 5: Committing to Good Deeds
Small acts of kindness and good deeds reflect our devotion to God and have a significant impact on those around us. By committing to doing good, we live out our faith in practical ways, demonstrating the love of Christ in everyday situations. These acts do not have to be grand gestures; even small, seemingly insignificant deeds can make a big difference. By consistently seeking opportunities to do good, we become a light in the world, showing others the love and compassion of Christ. [55:30]
Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Reflection: What small act of kindness can you do today to show the love of Christ to someone? How can you make doing good deeds a regular part of your daily routine?
Quotes
1. "Commitment means wholeheartedly dedicated. That's the best description I could find. Wholeheartedly dedicated. Don't think about anybody else. I really want you to. I meant to say this first. Examine yourself today. We're told in God's word to examine our salvation. And I believe we need to examine our salvation. We need to examine how we're living it out also. What are you today? If I had passed the mic around today. Name one thing you're wholeheartedly dedicated to. With everything in your being." [17:37] (38 seconds)
2. "You have to be committed. To finish. Like say a lot of people. Start out graded things. You can name anything in life. We all start out real great. But very few of us finish. What we started most of the time. And there's Paul said. I have fought. I have finished. And I have remained faithful. There's no way to do that. Unless you're committed. And I just want you to think about this morning. As this question comes up. And that's what we're going to talk about. What are you committed to?" [19:50] (45 seconds)
3. "God wants us to live a life like that. He desires for us to live it. I'm going to show you in scripture. As we go through it in a minute. But we got to be committed. Committed. That word ain't used a lot nowadays. Because people don't want to be committed to. But I just want you to think about yourself. What are you committed to? What are you wholeheartedly dedicated to. This morning. And I'm sure many of you can answer a lot of things. I hope you can. I hope you're committed to something. I hope you're wholeheartedly dedicated to things." [21:55] (32 seconds)
4. "I love the thing about God. Because I do it all the time myself. I repeat myself over and over again. How many of you ever read God's word? Don't raise your hand. But how many of you have read God's word? And say God why are you repeating yourself so much? You know. And well we wouldn't talk to God like that. But look I want to tell you. I come to know God as my daddy. Father. That's what that means in the scripture. Abba Father. I talk to him. I respect him. I love him. I honor him. I fear him. And everything like that. But I talked to him." [23:23] (34 seconds)
5. "Jesus said. You are my friends. If you do what I command. His command was simple. He said love each other. The way I love you. You want to be committed to Jesus? You want to be committed to being Jesus friend? Let me look at my notes. You want to be committed. That's the first thing I want to talk about. Committed to. Jesus being your friend. I used to get a lot of strange looks from a lot of Christians. And I thought. Boy Jesus is my best friend. He really is. You know what a best friend is? You can tell them anything. You can tell them whatever you want to tell them. And they still love you. No matter what." [29:48] (43 seconds)
6. "Commit to the church. Jesus is talking about it. But it's an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. Why would you not want to commit to a church? Why would you not want to commit to a church? Get involved. Kristen a while ago was talking about neck stealth. Man made it so easy now. You can do it. And we do encourage everyone. If you've done it. I've done it three times. Went through the thing already. And this is the easiest one I've ever done. You just go on your phone. You do it. I'm sitting there in my easy chair. And got it done. But we want people to commit to the church." [35:21] (35 seconds)
7. "Work your job. Work willingly at whatever you do as though you were working for the Lord. And Jesus didn't stop there rather than for people. The day Jesus showed me that scripture, anything, this hands, there's another scripture in there and said, whatever these hands find to do, do it as unto Jesus. Whatever these hands, I'm telling you, this will change your life. You get committed to your job and you start going in there and you start working willingly or whatever. After Jesus told me that, when I'd go in whoever store it was, I would pretend like Jesus is going to come right behind me and inspect it and grade me on it." [47:18] (51 seconds)
8. "Commit to doing good deeds. Wow. How's that change your life? You ever seen somebody that needed help and you could help them, but you didn't? How did you feel when you got in your vehicle and drove off? It happens to me a lot. Not as much now as it used to. Not as much now as it used to. But when you got the ability, well, let's read the scripture. And we are, we are instructed, yeah, okay, yeah, go ahead and get that other one up. Is that it? That's it. I'm so sorry. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures." [50:31] (50 seconds)
9. "God doesn't call us. To do very, very hard things all the time. Sometimes he does most of the time. In my experience, God calls you to do easy things like good deeds. You see somebody and you know, God's moving on you and you need to do it. Hold the door for people, change a flat or whatever it is. I can't go through all the good deeds, but if you'll commit to doing good days, you'll commit to these five things. I promise you, it will change your life. It will change. As a Christian, it will change your life." [56:51] (37 seconds)
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