Embracing Compassion: Noticing the Unnoticeable in Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the importance of prayer for our nation, especially in light of recent events that have deeply affected us. We also celebrated the incredible work God is doing globally, particularly in Chad, Africa, where many have come to know Christ through our efforts. This serves as a reminder that God is always at work, even in the most unexpected places.
We then transitioned to our ongoing sermon series, "Hello Summer," focusing on our core values as a community of faith. Today, we delved into the value of "noticing the unnoticeable," which is rooted in Matthew 25:40. This passage emphasizes that whatever we do for the least of our brothers and sisters, we do for Jesus. This core value calls us to step into brokenness and injustice with the hope of Christ, acting as salt and light in the world.
Jesus' teaching in Matthew 25:31-46 provides a vivid picture of the end of the age, where He will separate the sheep from the goats. The sheep, representing those who have lived out their faith through acts of compassion and mercy, will inherit the kingdom prepared for them. The goats, on the other hand, will face eternal separation from God due to their lack of action in addressing the needs of the marginalized and broken.
This passage challenges us to examine our lives and our hearts. Are we living in a way that reflects a transformed heart, one that naturally extends love and compassion to those in need? Jesus makes it clear that our actions towards the least of these are a direct reflection of our relationship with Him. This is not about earning salvation through works but about the evidence of a regenerated heart.
As we live our lives, we must keep the end in mind, understanding that our actions today have eternal significance. We are called to be a church that notices the unnoticeable, stepping into brokenness with the love of Christ. This is the true test of our faith and the evidence of a heart transformed by Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. Prayer for Our Nation: In times of national crisis, such as the recent assassination attempt, it is crucial to transcend politics and unite in prayer for our country and its leaders. This act of collective prayer reflects our trust in God's sovereignty and our commitment to seek His guidance and peace. [31:47]
2. God's Work in Chad: The incredible reports from Chad, Africa, where many have come to know Christ, remind us that God is always at work, even in the most remote and unexpected places. This serves as a powerful testimony of God's ability to prepare hearts and open doors for the gospel. [33:00]
3. Noticing the Unnoticeable: Our core value of noticing the unnoticeable is rooted in Matthew 25:40, which calls us to see and respond to the needs of the marginalized and broken. This value challenges us to step into situations of injustice and brokenness with the hope and love of Christ, acting as salt and light in the world. [37:15]
4. The End of the Age: Jesus' teaching in Matthew 25:31-46 provides a sobering picture of the end of the age, where He will separate the sheep from the goats. This passage emphasizes that our actions towards the least of these are a direct reflection of our relationship with Jesus and the evidence of a transformed heart. [42:35]
5. Living with Eternal Perspective: Keeping the end in mind should change the way we live our daily lives. Our actions today have eternal significance, and we are called to live in a way that reflects a heart transformed by Jesus. This involves stepping into brokenness and injustice with the love of Christ, not out of obligation, but as a natural overflow of our relationship with Him. [53:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:47] - Prayer for Our Nation
[33:00] - God's Work in Chad
[35:08] - Celebrating Local Achievements
[35:59] - Introduction to Core Values
[37:15] - Noticing the Unnoticeable
[38:46] - Context of Matthew 25:40
[40:16] - The End of the Age
[42:35] - Jesus' Judgment
[45:04] - The Separation of Sheep and Goats
[48:05] - Evidence of a Transformed Heart
[50:31] - Jesus' Excitement for His Sheep
[53:33] - The Litmus Test of Love
[55:57] - The Surprise of the Righteous
[58:22] - The Fate of the Goats
[01:00:18] - Sins of Omission
[01:02:36] - Developing a Relationship with God
[01:05:05] - The Final Judgment
[01:08:29] - Eternal Punishment and Life
[01:11:00] - The Importance of Truth
[01:13:04] - A Transformed Heart
[01:15:15] - Living in Light of Judgment
[01:17:03] - The True Test of Faith
[01:20:00] - Core Value Statement
[01:22:21] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 25:31-46
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific actions does Jesus commend the "sheep" for in Matthew 25:35-36?
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the separation of the sheep and the goats at the end of the age? [42:35]
3. How did the people in Chad respond to the gospel, and what does this indicate about God's work in unexpected places? [33:00]
4. What does the core value of "noticing the unnoticeable" mean, and how is it rooted in Matthew 25:40? [37:15]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize that the actions towards "the least of these" are a reflection of our relationship with Him? [42:35]
2. How does the sermon explain the difference between salvation by works and the evidence of a transformed heart? [46:26]
3. What does it mean to live with an eternal perspective, and how should this influence our daily actions? [53:33]
4. How does the sermon describe the reaction of both the sheep and the goats to Jesus' judgment, and what does this reveal about their understanding of their actions? [54:54]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent national crisis. How did you respond in prayer, and how can you make prayer for your nation a regular practice? [31:47]
2. Think about a time when you noticed God working in an unexpected place or situation. How did this experience impact your faith and actions?
3. Identify a marginalized or broken person in your community. What specific steps can you take this week to show them the love and compassion of Christ? [37:15]
4. How can you cultivate a heart that naturally extends love and compassion to those in need, rather than doing so out of obligation? [48:54]
5. What are some practical ways you can keep an eternal perspective in mind as you go about your daily life? How can this perspective change your actions and decisions? [53:33]
6. Reflect on your current relationship with Jesus. How does your love for Him manifest in your actions towards others, especially the marginalized and broken? [57:48]
7. Consider the concept of sins of omission. Is there a specific area in your life where you know the right thing to do but have been hesitant to act? How can you take a step towards obedience this week? [01:00:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Uniting in Prayer for Our Nation
In times of national crisis, such as the recent assassination attempt, it is crucial to transcend politics and unite in prayer for our country and its leaders. This act of collective prayer reflects our trust in God's sovereignty and our commitment to seek His guidance and peace. When we come together in prayer, we acknowledge that God is in control and that He can bring healing and restoration to our land.
Prayer is a powerful tool that can bring about change, not just in our personal lives but also in our communities and nations. By praying for our leaders, we are asking God to grant them wisdom, discernment, and courage to make decisions that align with His will. This collective act of faith can foster unity and hope, even in the midst of turmoil. [31:47]
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV): "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."
Reflection: Think of a specific leader or public figure you can pray for today. How can you ask God to guide and protect them in their role?
Day 2: Witnessing God's Work in Unexpected Places
The incredible reports from Chad, Africa, where many have come to know Christ, remind us that God is always at work, even in the most remote and unexpected places. This serves as a powerful testimony of God's ability to prepare hearts and open doors for the gospel. It is a reminder that no place is too far or too difficult for God's reach.
When we hear about the transformative work happening in places like Chad, it should inspire us to trust in God's power and to be open to His leading in our own lives. We may not always see the immediate results of our efforts, but God is faithful to bring about His purposes in His timing. Our role is to be obedient and to trust that He is at work, even when we cannot see it. [33:00]
Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV): "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you saw God at work in an unexpected place or situation. How can you be more open to seeing His hand in your daily life?
Day 3: Embracing the Unnoticeable
Our core value of noticing the unnoticeable is rooted in Matthew 25:40, which calls us to see and respond to the needs of the marginalized and broken. This value challenges us to step into situations of injustice and brokenness with the hope and love of Christ, acting as salt and light in the world. It is a call to be attentive to those who are often overlooked and to extend compassion and mercy to them.
Jesus' teaching in Matthew 25:31-46 provides a vivid picture of the end of the age, where He will separate the sheep from the goats. The sheep, representing those who have lived out their faith through acts of compassion and mercy, will inherit the kingdom prepared for them. This passage challenges us to examine our lives and our hearts. Are we living in a way that reflects a transformed heart, one that naturally extends love and compassion to those in need? [37:15]
Proverbs 31:8-9 (ESV): "Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Reflection: Think of someone in your community who may feel unnoticed or marginalized. How can you reach out to them with the love and compassion of Christ today?
Day 4: Living with Eternal Perspective
Keeping the end in mind should change the way we live our daily lives. Our actions today have eternal significance, and we are called to live in a way that reflects a heart transformed by Jesus. This involves stepping into brokenness and injustice with the love of Christ, not out of obligation, but as a natural overflow of our relationship with Him.
Jesus' teaching in Matthew 25:31-46 provides a sobering picture of the end of the age, where He will separate the sheep from the goats. This passage emphasizes that our actions towards the least of these are a direct reflection of our relationship with Jesus and the evidence of a transformed heart. It is a reminder that our faith should be evident in the way we live and interact with others. [42:35]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: Consider how your daily actions reflect your faith in Jesus. What is one specific way you can live with an eternal perspective today?
Day 5: The True Test of Faith
The true test of our faith is seen in how we respond to the needs of the marginalized and broken. Jesus makes it clear that our actions towards the least of these are a direct reflection of our relationship with Him. This is not about earning salvation through works but about the evidence of a regenerated heart.
As we live our lives, we must keep the end in mind, understanding that our actions today have eternal significance. We are called to be a church that notices the unnoticeable, stepping into brokenness with the love of Christ. This is the true test of our faith and the evidence of a heart transformed by Jesus. [53:33]
James 2:14-17 (ESV): "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: Reflect on your recent actions towards those in need. How can you better align your actions with your faith in Jesus today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We believe God opens our eyes to brokenness and injustice as we are permeated with the hope of Christ as salt and light, we choose to step in where others step out. We seek to honor God's imprint on every human being as we step into need with the transforming love of Christ." [37:15] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we recognize the grace of God in your life, when you recognize how unworthy any of us are to be in the presence of a holy and a just and a righteous God. When we truly understand that, that like today, even now, the fact that we can commune with a holy and a perfect and a just God is sinners. It's people who make mistakes every single day. What happens when our hearts are truly changed and there's been a heart transformation that is, that has happened. What happens is that we can't help but see the world around us differently." [48:54] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The gospel is about us coming to a place where we recognize our need for Jesus. Simple as that. We recognize that we need Jesus in our life. And he has done everything possible to make that a reality. And when we recognize our need for Jesus, and we begin to develop a relationship with God, and I'm not talking about some abstract thing here. I'm talking about something so simple as waking up every day and saying, God, I don't understand everything there is. Sometimes I doubt you, and I even wonder if you have control over my life. I've got so many questions that I can't understand. But today, would you reveal yourself to me?" [01:01:24] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We live our lives as Romans 12 says we live our lives as a living sacrifice honorable and pleasing to God and we do that not by you know reading my Bible every day and I and I pray all of those things right they're important our personal relationship with God but the test when we when we when we're standing before Jesus one day he's not gonna say well how many verses did you have memorized ah man you remember that one streak back in your 20s when you missed a lot of Sundays at church oh no that's not the test that's not it he's looking at a regenerate heart that overflows out into the way we view the world around us." [01:16:35] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "He's patient because he doesn't want to see anybody perish he's patient but he's not going to force his love on anybody God loves us too much to force anybody into heaven he's not going to do it we all have a choice but it's not his heart he doesn't want to see anybody perish so he's slow and he's waiting and why as a church that's why we go to places like Chad that's why the Kuthrels have invested so much time in Pakistan no they're not easy places to go." [01:18:07] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We started out a couple years ago with 92 unengaged, unreached people groups. So praise God that number has decreased, but there's still a lot of work that needs to be done there. So thank you for letting me go and be a representative of not just TAB, but our consortium of churches. And I know several of you are investing financially in that endeavor. And I just want to say. Thank you, thank you, thank you." [33:54] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We haven't arrived here by any means, but it's so helpful for us to take the time to say, Hey, what are we, what are we actually aiming at as a community of believers? And so one of those core values that we're going to look at today is that we want to be a church that notices the unnoticeable. And here's what that, uh, here's what that statement says. We believe God opens our eyes to brokenness and injustice as we are permeated with the hope of Christ as salt and light, we choose to step in where others step out. We seek to honor God's imprint on every human being as we step into need with the transforming love of Christ." [37:15] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When the son of man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him and he will separate them one from another. Just as a shepherd separates. The sheep from the goats, he will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, come you who, you who are blessed by my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." [42:35] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The righteous people are almost, they're almost surprised. What? Man, I, I didn't even, I didn't even know I was, I was involved in all of that stuff. I love it. All right. Where did I, I got off track. All right. 44. No, 41. Oof. Almost, almost skipped an important one here. 41. All right. You have the sheep. You have the goats." [57:48] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have to be reminded we have to adjust we have to be the ones that are open to the word of God it's not God's word that has to change to be conducive for our culture and it's tough stuff but this is so important and what's amazing about this is when you think about the sheep and you think about the goats what is it that you can do? what has happened here Jesus has leveled the playing field and he's reminded them because both groups are shocked the goats are like wait a second what do you mean we didn't do anything for you the righteous are like wow I had no idea I had no idea that when all these things were taking place that you took note and the point of it is is that it all boils down to a transformed heart because a transformed heart is the way that we begin to see the world around us like Jesus sees the world around us and if our hearts haven't been transformed we can be the most squeaky clean person on the planet but it amounts to nothing this is not behavior modification this is not morality checklist at the end of the age Jesus is looking at the things that have happened and the things that have not happened and he's reminding us and them that it is a relationship with him the living God and it is our love for him that when we truly love him and we experience his love for us it's gonna flow out of us it's going to naturally flow out of us into the way we look and treat and view the very least of these this ladies and gentlemen is why we have to be a church that notices the unnoticeable because it is the very heart of Jesus." [01:11:30] (165 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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