Embracing Foolishness: The Cost of Following Christ
Summary
In today's reflection, we delve into the profound truth that to truly follow Christ, one must be willing to be seen as a fool in the eyes of the world. This is not a new concept; it was as true in the first century as it is today. The world often views the Christian belief in Jesus as the Son of God, who saves through His death and resurrection, as foolishness. Yet, this is the very essence of our faith. To be a Christian is to have one's thinking governed entirely by the Scriptures, just as Jesus Himself was guided by the Old Testament. This means rejecting modern thought that contradicts biblical teachings, even when it comes to widely accepted theories like evolution. Our faith is not based on the latest scientific discoveries but on the eternal truth of God's Word.
Furthermore, acknowledging Jesus as Lord means He governs every aspect of our lives, including our actions and behaviors. We are called to live lives that reflect the gospel, avoiding actions that contradict our faith. This involves a transformation of our minds and a commitment to living in righteousness and holiness. Our lives should be a testament to the gospel we profess, aligning our conduct with the teachings of Christ.
Belonging to the body of Christ, the church, is another crucial aspect of our confession. We are not isolated individuals but part of a community that shares the same Lord. Our commitment to the church and our preference for the company of fellow believers is a testament to our faith. This extends to our concern for the glory of God and the state of His church. We should be grieved by the blasphemy of His name and the condition of the church, actively praying for revival and the advancement of His kingdom.
Finally, we must be ready to give a reason for the hope within us, unashamedly proclaiming our faith in Jesus. This means not being embarrassed by our beliefs, even when faced with ridicule or persecution. Our confession of faith should be evident in every aspect of our lives, demonstrating that Jesus is indeed Lord of all.
Key Takeaways:
- To follow Christ is to embrace being seen as a fool by the world, as our faith is rooted in the eternal truth of Scripture, not in modern thought or scientific theories. [24:16]
- Jesus as Lord governs every aspect of our lives, calling us to live in righteousness and holiness, aligning our actions with the gospel we profess. [30:23]
- Our faith is expressed through our commitment to the church, valuing the community of believers and prioritizing it over worldly associations. [35:12]
- We must have a genuine concern for God's glory and the state of His church, actively praying for revival and the advancement of His kingdom. [36:22]
- Being unashamed of our faith, we should be ready to give a reason for our hope, boldly proclaiming Jesus as Lord in every aspect of our lives. [37:58]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[23:30] - The Foolishness of Faith
[24:16] - Governed by Scripture
[25:08] - Rejecting Modern Thought
[26:18] - Creation and Evolution
[28:35] - Confessing Jesus as Lord
[29:19] - Living a Transformed Life
[31:48] - Actions Reflecting Faith
[33:03] - Conduct Becoming the Gospel
[34:35] - Belonging to the Church
[36:22] - Concern for God's Glory
[37:10] - Ready to Give a Reason
[38:18] - Unashamed of the Gospel
[40:07] - Identifying with Christ
[41:56] - The Cost of Confession
[43:02] - Ready to Lay Down Our Lives
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 5:12-21
2. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16
3. 1 Peter 3:15
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Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, why is it necessary for Christians to be seen as "fools" by the world? How does this relate to the way our thinking should be governed? [24:16]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between modern scientific thought and the authority of Scripture? How should a Christian navigate this tension? [25:08]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of the church community in a believer's life? What is the significance of preferring the company of fellow believers? [35:12]
4. What does the sermon say about being unashamed of our faith, and how does this relate to the example of the Apostle Peter? [38:18]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In Romans 5:12-21, how does the concept of Adam and Christ as representatives of humanity help us understand the need for atonement and salvation? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on rejecting modern thought that contradicts Scripture? [27:31]
2. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 speaks about being unequally yoked with unbelievers. How does this passage inform the sermon’s call for Christians to live lives that reflect the gospel? [28:50]
3. 1 Peter 3:15 encourages believers to be ready to give a reason for their hope. How does this align with the sermon’s call to boldly proclaim Jesus as Lord? What might this look like in practical terms? [37:10]
4. The sermon discusses the importance of not being ashamed of the gospel. How does this challenge the way Christians might interact with non-believers or in secular environments? [38:18]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like a "fool" for your faith. How did you handle it, and what might you do differently in the future to stand firm in your beliefs? [24:16]
2. Are there areas in your life where modern thought or societal norms challenge your adherence to Scripture? How can you ensure that your thinking remains governed by the Word of God? [25:08]
3. How can you actively prioritize your involvement in the church community? What steps can you take to deepen your relationships with fellow believers? [35:12]
4. Consider a situation where you might have been hesitant to share your faith. What specific actions can you take to be more prepared to give a reason for your hope in Christ? [37:10]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you might be tempted to be ashamed of your faith. How can you overcome this and boldly proclaim Jesus as Lord? [38:18]
6. How can you cultivate a genuine concern for God's glory and the state of His church in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to pray for revival and the advancement of His kingdom? [36:22]
7. Think of a person in your life who does not share your faith. How can you engage them in a meaningful conversation about your beliefs without feeling ashamed or embarrassed? [38:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the World's Perception of Foolishness
To follow Christ is to embrace being seen as a fool by the world, as our faith is rooted in the eternal truth of Scripture, not in modern thought or scientific theories. The world often views the Christian belief in Jesus as the Son of God, who saves through His death and resurrection, as foolishness. Yet, this is the very essence of our faith. To be a Christian is to have one's thinking governed entirely by the Scriptures, just as Jesus Himself was guided by the Old Testament. This means rejecting modern thought that contradicts biblical teachings, even when it comes to widely accepted theories like evolution. Our faith is not based on the latest scientific discoveries but on the eternal truth of God's Word. [24:16]
1 Corinthians 1:18-19 (ESV): "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.'"
Reflection: In what ways have you felt foolish for your faith in the past week? How can you find strength in knowing that this 'foolishness' is actually the power of God?
Day 2: Living Under the Lordship of Christ
Jesus as Lord governs every aspect of our lives, calling us to live in righteousness and holiness, aligning our actions with the gospel we profess. Acknowledging Jesus as Lord means He governs every aspect of our lives, including our actions and behaviors. We are called to live lives that reflect the gospel, avoiding actions that contradict our faith. This involves a transformation of our minds and a commitment to living in righteousness and holiness. Our lives should be a testament to the gospel we profess, aligning our conduct with the teachings of Christ. [30:23]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where your actions do not align with the teachings of Christ. What steps can you take today to bring this area under His lordship?
Day 3: Commitment to the Community of Believers
Our faith is expressed through our commitment to the church, valuing the community of believers and prioritizing it over worldly associations. Belonging to the body of Christ, the church, is another crucial aspect of our confession. We are not isolated individuals but part of a community that shares the same Lord. Our commitment to the church and our preference for the company of fellow believers is a testament to our faith. This extends to our concern for the glory of God and the state of His church. We should be grieved by the blasphemy of His name and the condition of the church, actively praying for revival and the advancement of His kingdom. [35:12]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the life of your church community this week? Consider one specific action you can take to encourage or support a fellow believer.
Day 4: Concern for God's Glory and His Church
We must have a genuine concern for God's glory and the state of His church, actively praying for revival and the advancement of His kingdom. Our commitment to the church and our preference for the company of fellow believers is a testament to our faith. This extends to our concern for the glory of God and the state of His church. We should be grieved by the blasphemy of His name and the condition of the church, actively praying for revival and the advancement of His kingdom. [36:22]
Psalm 85:6-7 (ESV): "Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation."
Reflection: What specific aspect of the church's condition grieves you the most? Spend time in prayer today, asking God for revival and for His glory to be revealed in that area.
Day 5: Boldly Proclaiming Our Faith
Being unashamed of our faith, we should be ready to give a reason for our hope, boldly proclaiming Jesus as Lord in every aspect of our lives. We must be ready to give a reason for the hope within us, unashamedly proclaiming our faith in Jesus. This means not being embarrassed by our beliefs, even when faced with ridicule or persecution. Our confession of faith should be evident in every aspect of our lives, demonstrating that Jesus is indeed Lord of all. [37:58]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Think of a person in your life who does not know Christ. How can you share the hope you have in Jesus with them this week, in a way that is gentle and respectful?
Quotes
The Christian in the eyes of the wise men of the world has always been a fool but from the argument of this statement, it works out like this that we have got to become fools you cannot believe that Jesus is the Lord and that God raised him from the dead without becoming a fool in the eyes of the world. [00:23:58]
If Jesus is Lord is the Lord of everything there is no Department of my life in which he isn't the Lord so I cannot be governed by modern thought or recent knowledge of the latest discoveries of science or the 20th century men the moment I begin to be governed by that Jesus is no longer Lord to me. [00:25:20]
There are some of us who do not believe in the theory of evolution we believe that men is a separate and a special creation of God and that he was made in the image of God that he was perfect and that he fell why do I believe that my reason for believing that is that that is what he's taught here. [00:26:25]
If I really believe that Jesus is Lord within he's the Lord of my mind and I say so I shall be called the fool by this scientific age so called they regard any men who doesn't believe in evolution as a fact as a fool incidentally they're not scientific in doing that but I'm not concerned about that at this moment. [00:28:01]
Because I believe that Jesus is the law because I believe he died for my sins and rose again there are certain things that should be unthinkable to me the Apostle puts it like this in Ephesians 4:20 you have not so learned Christ what's he talking about this is what he's talking about. [00:29:26]
If a man believes that Jesus is the Lord from the heart and that God hath raised him from the dead he can't go on like that if so be that you have heard him and have been taught by him as the truth is in Jesus that he put off concerning the former conversation the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. [00:30:17]
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ only let your life and conduct in this world be as it becometh the gospel of Christ you see the familiar picture and the image that the Apostle uses he says there's only one rule for Christian living let it fit in with the gospel of Christ which you claim to believe. [00:32:22]
If we all belong to the same Lord well then we belong to one another ye are not your only of being bought with a price he is the Lord he is the owner he's the master we don't belong to ourselves and we have no right to ourselves we have dared and our lives are hid with Christ in God very wilded. [00:34:38]
The place which the Christian community or the church has in our lives is a very good index of the reality of our belief whether we really do believe in our hearts that Jesus is the Lord this is quite inevitable so there is another way in which we show it that we belong to his peak and our delight is with them. [00:35:41]
Does it grieve you to find his name blaspheme does the state of the judge grieve you does it concern you do you pray about it are you praying for revival if you are you're confessing the Lord Jesus all these are ways in which we make this great confession actively and positively. [00:36:49]
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of the Lord nor of me his prisoner but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel according to the power of God if you are afraid of suffering for Christ or afraid of associating your name with someone who is suffering for him you're not confessing Jesus as Lord you're being ashamed of him. [00:38:29]
If you find that you try to conceal the fact that you are a Christian in certain circles you are not confessing the Jesus is Lord I mean by that if you've got two kinds of conduct and behavior that you already of course to confess even here in church on a Sunday but in certain circles you try to hide the fact and conceal it. [00:40:31]
Chatbot
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