Embracing Faith: Believe, Obey, and Love
Summary
### Summary
Today's message focused on the simplicity and depth of the Christian faith, emphasizing that the core of our belief is to "believe in God" and "obey Him according to His word." We began by reflecting on the inclusivity of Jesus' invitation to the communion table, highlighting that no special training or perfect understanding is required—just a heart open to Jesus. This inclusivity extends to the essence of our faith, which is not about getting every theological point right but about loving one another as Jesus loved us.
We explored the idea that the entire Bible can be summarized in nine words: "Believe in God and obey Him according to His word." This belief doesn't require a grand, unshakeable faith but a simple, sincere trust in God. The Bible invites us to gather our scattered faith and focus it on God, leading to a life of obedience to His word, which is fundamentally about love.
We then delved into the General Epistles, starting with Hebrews, which contrasts the old Judaic system with the completeness found in Christ. Hebrews encourages us to approach God's throne with confidence, knowing that Jesus, our high priest, empathizes with our weaknesses. James, on the other hand, emphasizes that faith without works is dead, urging us to put our faith into action.
Peter's letters remind us to humble ourselves under God's mighty hand and cast our anxieties on Him because He cares for us. Peter also encourages us to grow in our faith by adding virtues like goodness, knowledge, and self-control. John's letters focus on the centrality of love, urging us to love one another as a reflection of God's love for us.
Finally, we touched on Jude and Revelation. Jude's benediction reminds us of God's ability to keep us from stumbling and present us faultless before His presence. Revelation offers a vision of hope and victory, where God will dwell among His people, wiping away every tear and ending all suffering.
### Key Takeaways
1. Inclusivity of Jesus' Invitation: Jesus invites everyone to His table, regardless of their understanding or background. The first disciples didn't have perfect theology or behavior, yet they were welcomed. This teaches us that the essence of following Jesus is not about getting everything right but about loving one another as He loved us. [01:28]
2. Simplicity of Faith: The Bible's core message can be summarized in nine words: "Believe in God and obey Him according to His word." This belief doesn't require a grand, unshakeable faith but a simple, sincere trust in God. The Bible invites us to gather our scattered faith and focus it on God, leading to a life of obedience rooted in love. [04:57]
3. Faith in Action: James emphasizes that faith without works is dead. It's not enough to merely believe; our faith must be demonstrated through our actions. This means living out our faith in practical ways, showing love and kindness, and making a tangible difference in the lives of others. [16:57]
4. Growth in Virtue: Peter encourages us to grow in our faith by adding virtues like goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. This growth is a process, and it's okay to be building our faith as we go along. The key is to keep progressing and not to be stagnant. [22:04]
5. Centrality of Love: John's letters focus on the centrality of love, urging us to love one another as a reflection of God's love for us. This love is not just a feeling but an active, dynamic force that seeks the best for others. When we love, we embody the very nature of God, who is love. [25:14]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:28] - Inclusivity of Jesus' Invitation
[03:18] - The Big Idea: Believe in God
[04:57] - Obey Him According to His Word
[06:16] - Lessons from the Kids in Africa
[09:56] - Overview of the General Epistles
[10:42] - Introduction to Hebrews
[12:43] - Hebrews 4:12-16
[14:22] - The Message of Hebrews
[14:58] - Introduction to James
[16:57] - James 1:22-25
[18:10] - The Message of James
[19:31] - Introduction to 1 Peter
[20:06] - 1 Peter 5:6-7
[21:09] - Introduction to 2 Peter
[22:04] - 2 Peter 1:3-9
[23:55] - The Message of 2 Peter
[24:30] - Introduction to 1 John
[25:14] - 1 John 4:7-10
[27:09] - The Message of 1 John
[27:39] - Introduction to 2 John
[28:39] - 2 John 5-6
[29:08] - The Message of 2 John
[29:37] - Introduction to 3 John
[30:12] - 3 John 5-8
[31:13] - Introduction to Jude
[31:38] - Jude 24-25
[32:21] - Introduction to Revelation
[33:03] - Revelation 21:1-4
[34:27] - The Message of Revelation
[34:59] - Conclusion: Believe in God and Obey Him
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 4:12-16: "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
2. James 1:22-25: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do."
3. 1 John 4:7-10: "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 4:12-16 say about the nature of God's word and our approach to God? How does it describe Jesus' role as our high priest?
2. According to James 1:22-25, what is the difference between merely listening to the word and doing what it says?
3. In 1 John 4:7-10, how is God's love described and what are we urged to do as a result of this love?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the inclusivity of Jesus' invitation to the communion table reflect the core message of the Christian faith? [01:28]
2. What does it mean to "believe in God and obey Him according to His word" in practical terms? How does this simple faith impact our daily lives? [04:57]
3. How does James' emphasis on faith in action challenge our understanding of what it means to live out our faith? [16:57]
4. How can we grow in virtue as Peter encourages, and why is this process important for our spiritual development? [22:04]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the inclusivity of Jesus' invitation. How can you make your own faith community more welcoming to those who may feel marginalized or unworthy? [01:28]
2. The sermon emphasized the simplicity of faith: "Believe in God and obey Him according to His word." What are some practical steps you can take this week to deepen your trust in God and align your actions with His word? [04:57]
3. James states that faith without works is dead. Identify one area in your life where you can put your faith into action. What specific steps will you take to demonstrate your faith through your actions? [16:57]
4. Peter encourages us to grow in virtues like goodness, knowledge, and self-control. Choose one virtue to focus on this month. What specific actions will you take to cultivate this virtue in your daily life? [22:04]
5. John's letters focus on the centrality of love. Think of a person in your life who needs to experience God's love through you. What is one tangible way you can show love to this person this week? [25:14]
6. Reflect on the message of Revelation 21:1-4. How does the vision of hope and victory in Revelation inspire you to live differently today? What specific changes will you make in your life to align with this vision of hope? [33:03]
7. The sermon mentioned that the essence of following Jesus is not about getting everything right but about loving one another. How can you prioritize love in your interactions with others, especially in situations where you might disagree or face conflict? [01:28]
Devotional
Day 1: The Open Invitation of Jesus
Jesus invites everyone to His table, regardless of their understanding or background. The first disciples didn't have perfect theology or behavior, yet they were welcomed. This teaches us that the essence of following Jesus is not about getting everything right but about loving one another as He loved us. Jesus' invitation is inclusive, extending to all who have a heart open to Him. This inclusivity is a reminder that our faith journey is not about perfection but about a sincere relationship with Jesus and with each other.
Reflecting on this, we see that Jesus' table is a place of grace and acceptance. It is a place where we can come as we are, with all our doubts and imperfections, and still be welcomed. This should encourage us to extend the same grace and acceptance to others, inviting them into our lives and communities with open hearts.
Luke 14:13-14 (ESV): "But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who might feel excluded or unworthy. How can you extend Jesus' inclusive invitation to them today? What practical steps can you take to make them feel welcomed and loved?
Day 2: Simple Faith, Profound Obedience
The Bible's core message can be summarized in nine words: "Believe in God and obey Him according to His word." This belief doesn't require a grand, unshakeable faith but a simple, sincere trust in God. The Bible invites us to gather our scattered faith and focus it on God, leading to a life of obedience rooted in love. This simplicity is profound because it calls us to a genuine relationship with God, where our trust in Him translates into loving actions.
This simple faith is accessible to everyone, regardless of their spiritual maturity or theological knowledge. It is about trusting God with a childlike faith and allowing that trust to guide our actions. Obedience to God's word is not about legalism but about living out the love that we have received from Him.
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: In what area of your life do you find it challenging to trust and obey God? What is one step you can take today to demonstrate your trust in Him through your actions? [04:57]
Day 3: Faith in Action
James emphasizes that faith without works is dead. It's not enough to merely believe; our faith must be demonstrated through our actions. This means living out our faith in practical ways, showing love and kindness, and making a tangible difference in the lives of others. True faith is active and dynamic, not passive or stagnant. It calls us to be doers of the word, not just hearers.
Living out our faith involves looking for opportunities to serve others, to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities. It means being intentional about our actions, ensuring that they reflect the love and grace of God. Our faith should be evident in the way we treat others, in our generosity, and in our willingness to help those in need.
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So 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 apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: Identify one practical way you can put your faith into action today. How can you show love and kindness to someone in your community? [16:57]
Day 4: Growing in Virtue
Peter encourages us to grow in our faith by adding virtues like goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. This growth is a process, and it's okay to be building our faith as we go along. The key is to keep progressing and not to be stagnant. Spiritual growth requires intentional effort and a willingness to be transformed by God's Spirit.
As we grow in these virtues, we become more like Christ, reflecting His character in our daily lives. This growth is not about achieving perfection but about being on a continuous journey of becoming more like Jesus. It involves daily choices to cultivate these virtues and to allow God's Spirit to work in us.
2 Peter 1:5-8 (ESV): "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Which virtue do you feel you need to grow in the most? What specific steps can you take to cultivate this virtue in your life today? [22:04]
Day 5: The Centrality of Love
John's letters focus on the centrality of love, urging us to love one another as a reflection of God's love for us. This love is not just a feeling but an active, dynamic force that seeks the best for others. When we love, we embody the very nature of God, who is love. Love is the foundation of our faith and the greatest commandment given by Jesus.
Loving others means putting their needs above our own, being patient and kind, and forgiving as we have been forgiven. It is through our love for one another that the world will know we are Jesus' disciples. This love should be evident in our actions, words, and attitudes, reflecting the unconditional love that God has for us.
1 John 4:7-8 (ESV): "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."
Reflection: Think of someone you find difficult to love. How can you show them God's love in a practical way today? What steps can you take to embody the love of Christ in your interactions with them? [25:14]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The world won't know you're a Christian because of any of that stuff. Jesus said, you know, the world's going to know that you're one of my followers if you love each other. We put a lot of emphasis on loving the world and making difference in the world. We do all that stuff, service and ministry, and all that's great. But he said, the real change that happens inside of you is when you love each other." [01:28] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Bible invites you to believe in God. You're going to believe in something. Even believing that there is no God is a belief. You can't prove it, you believe it anyway. So the Bible over and over says believe in God. And what's interesting is you don't have to have some gigantic faith, a faith enough to be a missionary or be a pastor or be a scholar or be some bigwig. That's not that. You have enough faith total, just on your own." [04:57] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You don't have to be a priest. You do not need to be scared of God. Anxiety, nervousness, hesitation in Jesus, who is our perfect high priest, has given us confidence, not arrogance, not boldness that's brash, but confidence to approach God's almighty throne to find mercy and grace. And that's it. That's the sum total." [14:22] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Dear friends, let us love one another for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us. He sent his one and only son into the world that we might live through him. This is love. Not that we loved God, but he loved us and sent his son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." [26:00] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord before all ages, now and forevermore. Amen." [31:38] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Nothing in judgment is ever going to be asked of you Did you get everything right? You're not going to be asked that. Was your theology correct? Was your style correct? Was your behavior correct? You're not going to be asked that. Did you know the right people? Did you go to the right places? Did you avoid the wrong places? You're not going to be asked that. The question is, did you love each other? Did you notice people who are marginalized? Did you serve those or visit those who are shut into their own prisons? Did you do anything that was like me?" [01:28] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Peter says, you start and there's a process and the process is okay. And if you have those qualities, not absolutely flawless, perfect in every way, if they're increasing in you, you're going to do well. You're not going to stumble and fall. So Peter has this concept where Hebrews talks about the pyramid and we're getting to the point. Peter says, it's okay to be building the pyramid while you're going on. You're flying the plane, you're building it at the same time. Peter says, it's okay. That's what it really is." [23:55] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "John says, how about this? Instead of arguing doctrine, figuring out who's right about exactly the nature of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues, instead of that, how about we love each other? Because God is love. And when you love, you have God's heart. You know who he is. Believe in God and obey him according to his word. His word is love. So that's as far as you ever get, good job. That's really what it's about. Love each other." [27:09] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And this is love, that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you've heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. That's not schmaltzy love. It's not romantic love. It's a dynamic love. It's a dynamic, active, beneficial love. It looks out for each other. Make sure that the best things happen, as far as you're able, in any way. Act of random kindness, a plan for taking care of people, doing good stuff, because it's good. And it helps somebody. So John says, here's the command, and I'm asking, could we love one another?" [28:39] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The entire Bible, everywhere you read, every confusing passage, every weirdo thing, the kids in Africa love to find these really weirdo stuff and ask questions about it. And I've used this series in teaching them and this group of Pentecostal pastors in the western edge of Kenya, maybe it'll go somewhere else, maybe it won't, is there's one big message. B-I-G, believe in God. You don't get it all? Okay. You can't prove it? It's all right." [34:59] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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