Embracing God's Love: Stepping Out in Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate the goodness and faithfulness of God, recognizing His presence and the hope He brings into our lives. We began by praying for Barry Hampton, who is facing surgery, and extended our prayers to others in our community who are dealing with various challenges. We acknowledged that God is our healer and the one who brings wholeness to our lives, whether through His divine touch or through the hands of physicians.
Reflecting on my own journey, I shared a story from my youth about learning to be an umpire and the lessons it taught me about stepping out of my comfort zone. This led us into a deeper discussion about the importance of trying new things and embracing the fullness of life that God offers. We often prefer the safety of the familiar, but true growth and fulfillment come from stepping out in faith, even when it feels uncomfortable or risky.
We delved into 2 Corinthians 5, where Paul speaks about living in anticipation of the final judgment, not out of fear, but out of awe and reverence for God. This anticipation compels us to live lives that reflect our love for God and our desire to honor Him. Paul emphasizes that Christ's love compels us, urging us to step out of our comfort zones and live for Him.
We explored the concept of sin as brokenness, which hinders us from experiencing the fullness of life that God intends for us. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross offers us a new life, free from the old ways of sin and brokenness. This new life compels us to live not for ourselves, but for Christ, who died and was raised for us.
Paul's message in 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 highlights the transformative power of Christ's love, which compels us to be ambassadors of reconciliation. We are called to share the message of God's love and reconciliation with others, stepping out in faith to bring hope and healing to those around us.
In closing, we were challenged to consider whether we are living in fear and terror or in awe and reverence of God. We were also encouraged to take up the responsibility of reconciliation, reaching out to those in need of God's love and grace. As we leave today, may we be transformed by God's love and be agents of His reconciliation in our communities.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Presence and Healing: We began by acknowledging God's presence and His role as our healer. Whether through divine intervention or medical professionals, God brings wholeness to our lives. This reminds us to trust in His faithfulness and to seek His peace in times of anxiety and uncertainty. [34:59]
2. Stepping Out of Comfort Zones: True growth and fulfillment come from stepping out of our comfort zones. Like learning a new skill or taking on a new challenge, our spiritual growth requires us to embrace the unknown and trust in God's guidance. This willingness to step out in faith allows us to experience the fullness of life that God offers. [40:39]
3. Living in Awe and Reverence: Paul encourages us to live in anticipation of the final judgment, not out of fear, but out of awe and reverence for God. This perspective shifts our focus from fear of failure to a desire to honor God with our lives. It compels us to live in a way that reflects our love for Him and our commitment to His purposes. [45:18]
4. The Transformative Power of Christ's Love: Christ's love compels us to live for Him and not for ourselves. This love transforms us, freeing us from the old ways of sin and brokenness, and inviting us into a new life of purpose and joy. As we embrace this new life, we are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation, sharing God's love with others. [49:35]
5. The Responsibility of Reconciliation: As recipients of God's love and grace, we have the responsibility to share the message of reconciliation with others. This involves stepping out in faith, reaching out to those in need, and being agents of God's healing and transformation in our communities. This responsibility is both a challenge and a privilege, as it allows us to participate in God's redemptive work. [01:06:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[34:59] - Opening Prayer and Anointing
[35:57] - Praying for Healing and Wholeness
[36:57] - Celebrating God's Presence
[38:14] - Personal Story: Learning to Umpire
[40:39] - Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
[41:47] - The Process of Growth
[42:49] - Spiritual Safe Spaces
[44:09] - Living in Anticipation of Judgment
[45:18] - Awe and Reverence for God
[46:42] - Persuading Others with Love
[48:06] - Christ's Love Compels Us
[49:35] - The Transformative Power of Christ's Love
[52:59] - New Life in Christ
[57:09] - Living for Christ
[01:06:01] - Responsibility of Reconciliation
[01:18:33] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 (NIV)
> "For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says "Christ’s love compels us" in 2 Corinthians 5:14? How does this compel us to live differently? [49:35]
2. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, what happens to someone who is in Christ? How does this transformation manifest in their life? [58:54]
3. What is the "ministry of reconciliation" that Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 5:18? How are we called to participate in it? [01:04:12]
4. How does Paul describe our role as "Christ’s ambassadors" in 2 Corinthians 5:20? What responsibilities come with this role? [01:06:01]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of living in awe and reverence of God, rather than in fear and terror, change our approach to faith and daily living? [45:18]
2. In what ways does stepping out of our comfort zones help us grow spiritually? Can you think of a time when you experienced growth by taking a risk in your faith journey? [40:39]
3. How does understanding sin as brokenness, as described in the sermon, affect our view of Jesus' sacrifice and our need for reconciliation? [55:38]
4. What does it mean to be an ambassador of reconciliation in your community? How can you practically live out this calling in your daily interactions? [01:06:01]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt compelled by Christ’s love to act in a way that was outside your comfort zone. What was the outcome, and how did it impact your faith? [49:35]
2. Are there areas in your life where you are still holding on to the "old" ways? What steps can you take to fully embrace the new life that Christ offers? [58:54]
3. Think of someone in your life who needs to hear the message of reconciliation. How can you reach out to them this week and share God’s love and grace? [01:04:12]
4. How can you cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for God in your daily routine? What practices or habits can help you shift your focus from fear to a deeper respect and love for God? [45:18]
5. Identify a specific comfort zone you need to step out of to grow spiritually. What practical steps can you take this week to move beyond that comfort zone and trust in God’s guidance? [40:39]
6. How can you actively participate in the ministry of reconciliation within your church or community? What are some tangible actions you can take to be an ambassador of Christ’s love? [01:06:01]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s challenge to live in awe and reverence of God. How can this perspective change the way you approach your daily tasks and interactions with others? [45:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Healing Presence
Description: God's presence is a source of healing and wholeness in our lives. Whether through divine intervention or the skilled hands of medical professionals, God works to restore us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In times of anxiety and uncertainty, we are reminded to trust in His faithfulness and seek His peace. This trust is not passive but active, involving prayer, community support, and a deep reliance on God's promises. As we pray for those in our community facing challenges, we acknowledge that God is our ultimate healer and sustainer. [34:59]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt anxious or uncertain. How did you experience God's presence and healing during that time? Can you trust Him with a current challenge you are facing?
Day 2: Embracing Growth Outside Comfort Zones
Description: True growth and fulfillment come from stepping out of our comfort zones. Just as learning a new skill or taking on a new challenge can be daunting, our spiritual growth requires us to embrace the unknown and trust in God's guidance. This willingness to step out in faith allows us to experience the fullness of life that God offers. By reflecting on personal experiences of stepping out of comfort zones, we can see how God has used these moments to shape and grow us. [40:39]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out of your comfort zone. What steps can you take today to trust Him and embrace this new challenge?
Day 3: Living in Awe and Reverence for God
Description: Paul encourages us to live in anticipation of the final judgment, not out of fear, but out of awe and reverence for God. This perspective shifts our focus from the fear of failure to a desire to honor God with our lives. Living in awe and reverence means recognizing God's majesty and holiness, and allowing this recognition to shape our actions and decisions. It compels us to live in a way that reflects our love for Him and our commitment to His purposes. [45:18]
Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV): "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."
Reflection: How does living in awe and reverence for God change the way you approach your daily tasks and interactions? What is one specific way you can honor God today?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Christ's Love
Description: Christ's love compels us to live for Him and not for ourselves. This love transforms us, freeing us from the old ways of sin and brokenness, and inviting us into a new life of purpose and joy. As we embrace this new life, we are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation, sharing God's love with others. The transformative power of Christ's love is not just a personal experience but a call to action, urging us to extend His love and grace to those around us. [49:35]
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."
Reflection: Reflect on how Christ's love has transformed your life. How can you share this transformative love with someone in your community today?
Day 5: The Responsibility of Reconciliation
Description: As recipients of God's love and grace, we have the responsibility to share the message of reconciliation with others. This involves stepping out in faith, reaching out to those in need, and being agents of God's healing and transformation in our communities. This responsibility is both a challenge and a privilege, as it allows us to participate in God's redemptive work. By embracing this call, we become active participants in spreading God's love and grace to a broken world. [01:06:01]
Ephesians 2:14-16 (ESV): "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of reconciliation? How can you take a step today to reach out to them and share God's love and grace?
Quotes
1. "Most of us like the safe spaces of life. We like the safe spaces where we don't have any chance of failure or we don't have any chance of, uh, of, you know, kind of falling apart or whatever. We don't like it whenever we try new things, um, whether it's playing an instrument or, or learning a new skill or getting a new job or introducing ourselves to new people. We, we get nervous because, you know, if I, if I have to talk to people, I don't want to talk to people." [40:39] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You can't experience the fullness of life until you learn how to fail a little bit, but the more that you do it, the better things that you can get. It's kind of like a baby, right? I mean, I was reading this week that it takes about six months, six months for a baby to learn how to crawl. I don't, I don't remember it being that long, but it takes them a while just to learn how to crawl." [41:47] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We like our safe spaces, not only in our jobs, because we learn what to do and how to do. And we, you know, they, we kind of, it just, there's no worries about it or in our relationships, but even, even with our walk, our spiritual walk. We like the things that we know. We like the areas that we're comfortable in and, and somewhere along the way, I think it's because we're afraid that if we fail, that God will get mad or God will get upset." [42:49] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Paul is living with anticipation, not because of fear or doubt. Not because of terror. Not because of heaven and hell or anything like that. But it's in awe and reverence. I, I know sometimes we think about fear when we think about the final judgment. And we've, you know, last year we spent so much time, really the whole year in the Old Testament. We're kind of moving through the New Testament in this journey. And, and sometimes we think about all the fear of the Lord, right? You got the fear of the Lord. You need Proverbs chapter one. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." [45:18] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It's this fear that says, if you love your spouse or you love your kids, I don't, I just don't want to do anything to make you think in any way that I don't love you. And so it keeps me, it keeps me from doing things that maybe I think about or maybe I want to do, or maybe I thought about doing. It keeps me from doing those things because I want to make sure that I, that you always know just how much I love you." [46:42] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "If it seems that we're crazy, and I love this wording, I really do. It seems, if it seems we're crazy, it's to bring glory to God, right? If, if I'm doing whatever I can, it's a little bit out of the box. It's a little bit out of the norm. It's a little bit, you may think I'm a little crazy, but it's, it's to bring glory to God. I'm willing to get out of my safe zone to bring glory to God." [48:06] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "God is the one who's out in front with his love and he's compelling us to come to him. You might, you might say that God is almost inviting us on an opportunity to experience a whole new world because yeah, we're a little wobbly and yeah, we're trying to figure it out. And yeah, we like being able to hold on and we don't fall, but his love compels us." [51:15] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Jesus died so that we might have life. Jesus died so that we wouldn't have to. And he's talking about, he's, he's been walking and talking, writing to these Corinthian people about, about sin and the cost of sin and the dangers of sin. And, and just, and just, and just, and just, and just, and just, and just, and just, in case you don't know what that is, I, I just want to make sure that you know that sin is often described as death." [52:59] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Sin brings brokenness. Sometimes it reveals brokenness in our lives. I, I typically talk about the brokenness of our lives and I'm referring to this idea of sin. So sin can be an act, but it can also just be the brokenness in our lives. Some of you go, well, why, why would you talk about brokenness and sin? Well, if something's broken, then it doesn't do what it was meant to do, right?" [55:38] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The love of God is not a you better. The love of God is you're invited. You're invited to step forward to follow me to to experience this opportunity that's in front of you that you're you're invited to experience life change because Jesus died so that you might live it's his love that compels us." [01:08:00] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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