Embracing Love: Living Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to honor and worship God, recognizing His immense love for us. We prayed for unity, healing, and renewal, emphasizing that God never takes something away without giving something in return. Love is the cornerstone of our faith, a sign of regeneration and salvation. We are called to love one another, even our enemies, as a testament to our transformation in Christ.
The theme "Wanted, Dead and Alive" underscores our dual calling: to die to sin and live in Christ. Christianity is a journey of sacrifice and freedom, empowered by the Holy Spirit. We explored Philippians and Romans, focusing on living in liberty, humility, and unity. Paul’s letters remind us that suffering has a purpose, and we are to live selflessly, esteeming others above ourselves, just as Christ did.
We are urged to live with an awareness of God's presence, avoiding sin and embracing our new identity in Christ. This involves practical steps like fleeing from temptation and renewing our minds. We are no longer slaves to sin but are called to live in the newness of life, presenting ourselves as instruments of righteousness.
Prayer and fasting are essential for revival, both personally and nationally. We must cry out for mercy and revival, recognizing that judgment begins in the house of God. Our lives should reflect our faith, shining as lights in a crooked and perverse generation.
We also addressed the importance of prophecy and the need for it to return to the church. Prophetic gifts should be exercised to edify and build up the body of Christ. Finally, we prayed for specific individuals, affirming God's promises and calling for healing and deliverance.
### Key Takeaways
1. God’s Love and Unity: God's love is the foundation of our faith. It is a sign of regeneration and salvation. We are called to love one another, even our enemies, as a testament to our transformation in Christ. Unity in the body of Christ is essential, reflecting the unity between Jesus and the Father. [03:51]
2. Living in Liberty and Humility: Christianity is a journey of sacrifice and freedom, empowered by the Holy Spirit. We are called to live selflessly, esteeming others above ourselves, just as Christ did. This involves practical steps like fleeing from temptation and renewing our minds. [10:33]
3. Prayer and Fasting for Revival: Prayer and fasting are essential for personal and national revival. We must cry out for mercy and revival, recognizing that judgment begins in the house of God. Our lives should reflect our faith, shining as lights in a crooked and perverse generation. [15:56]
4. Prophetic Gifts and Edification: Prophecy is crucial for the edification and building up of the body of Christ. Those with prophetic gifts should exercise them boldly, speaking God’s word to encourage, comfort, and exhort the church. [47:19]
5. New Identity in Christ: We are no longer slaves to sin but are called to live in the newness of life, presenting ourselves as instruments of righteousness. This involves embracing our new identity in Christ and living with an awareness of God's presence, avoiding sin, and practicing righteousness. [30:05]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [02:01] - Opening Prayer and Worship
3. [03:51] - The Importance of Love
4. [05:34] - God Uses Our Past for His Glory
5. [07:06] - Living in Liberty and Freedom
6. [08:57] - Suffering and Purpose
7. [10:33] - Humility and Unity in Christ
8. [15:56] - Prayer and Fasting for Revival
9. [19:17] - The Importance of Action
10. [24:55] - Awareness of God’s Presence
11. [30:05] - New Identity in Christ
12. [35:26] - Breaking Generational Curses
13. [41:06] - Repentance and Restoration
14. [47:19] - The Need for Prophecy
15. [50:41] - Healing and Deliverance
16. [55:24] - God’s Adoption and Provision
17. [59:40] - Personal Prophetic Words
18. [01:05:24] - Igniting Prophetic Gifts
19. [01:09:05] - Closing Blessing and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 1:29-2:8 - "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"
2. Romans 6:1-14 - "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Philippians 2:3-4 say about how we should treat others? How does this reflect the mindset of Christ? ([10:33])
2. According to Romans 6:6-7, what happens to our old self when we are united with Christ in his death? ([30:05])
3. In Philippians 2:5-8, how did Jesus demonstrate humility and obedience? ([10:33])
4. What practical steps are mentioned in the sermon for living with an awareness of God's presence? ([11:59])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Paul’s instruction in Philippians 2:3-4 challenge our natural inclinations towards selfishness and pride? ([10:33])
2. What does it mean to be "dead to sin but alive to God" as described in Romans 6:11? How does this new identity affect our daily lives? ([30:05])
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of unity in the body of Christ. How does Philippians 2:2-3 support this idea? ([03:51])
4. How can prayer and fasting contribute to personal and national revival according to the sermon? ([15:56])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to love someone who was difficult to love. How can you apply the principle of loving your enemies as a testament to your transformation in Christ? ([03:51])
2. What are some practical ways you can live selflessly and esteem others above yourself in your daily interactions? ([10:33])
3. The sermon mentions the importance of fleeing from temptation. Identify a specific temptation you face and discuss a strategy to avoid it. ([31:18])
4. How can you incorporate prayer and fasting into your routine to seek personal and national revival? ([15:56])
5. The sermon talks about living with an awareness of God's presence. What changes can you make in your daily life to cultivate this awareness? ([11:59])
6. How can you use your prophetic gifts to edify and build up the body of Christ? Share a recent experience where you felt led to speak a prophetic word. ([47:19])
7. Reflect on your new identity in Christ. What steps can you take to present yourself as an instrument of righteousness in your community? ([30:05])
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of God's Love
Description: God's love is the foundation of our faith and a sign of our regeneration and salvation. This love calls us to love one another, even our enemies, as a testament to our transformation in Christ. Unity in the body of Christ is essential, reflecting the unity between Jesus and the Father. When we embrace God's love, we are empowered to extend that love to others, fostering a community that mirrors the divine relationship within the Trinity. This love is not just an emotion but a commitment to act selflessly and sacrificially for the well-being of others. [03:51]
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 in your life who is difficult to love. How can you show them God's love in a practical way today?
Day 2: Living in Liberty and Humility
Description: Christianity is a journey of sacrifice and freedom, empowered by the Holy Spirit. We are called to live selflessly, esteeming others above ourselves, just as Christ did. This involves practical steps like fleeing from temptation and renewing our minds. By living in liberty and humility, we reflect the character of Christ and create a community where others are valued and uplifted. This journey requires daily commitment and reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us in our walk. [10:33]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can practice humility today. How can you put someone else's needs above your own in this situation?
Day 3: The Power of Prayer and Fasting for Revival
Description: Prayer and fasting are essential for personal and national revival. We must cry out for mercy and revival, recognizing that judgment begins in the house of God. Our lives should reflect our faith, shining as lights in a crooked and perverse generation. Through prayer and fasting, we align ourselves with God's will and invite His transformative power into our lives and communities. This spiritual discipline helps us to focus on God, seek His guidance, and intercede for others, fostering a deeper connection with Him. [15:56]
Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."
Reflection: Consider setting aside a specific time for prayer and fasting this week. What specific area of your life or community will you focus on during this time?
Day 4: Embracing Prophetic Gifts for Edification
Description: Prophecy is crucial for the edification and building up of the body of Christ. Those with prophetic gifts should exercise them boldly, speaking God’s word to encourage, comfort, and exhort the church. The return of prophecy to the church is essential for its growth and spiritual health. Prophetic words can provide direction, correction, and encouragement, helping believers to stay aligned with God's purposes. It is important to seek and cultivate these gifts, using them responsibly and in accordance with biblical principles. [47:19]
1 Corinthians 14:3 (ESV): "On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation."
Reflection: If you feel called to prophetic ministry, how can you begin to cultivate and exercise this gift in a way that builds up the church? If not, how can you support and encourage those who do?
Day 5: Living Out Our New Identity in Christ
Description: We are no longer slaves to sin but are called to live in the newness of life, presenting ourselves as instruments of righteousness. This involves embracing our new identity in Christ and living with an awareness of God's presence, avoiding sin, and practicing righteousness. Our new identity in Christ empowers us to live differently, reflecting His character and values in our daily lives. This transformation is ongoing and requires intentional effort to align our thoughts, actions, and attitudes with God's will. [30:05]
Romans 6:13 (ESV): "Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness."
Reflection: Reflect on one area of your life where you struggle with sin. What practical steps can you take today to present yourself as an instrument of righteousness in this area?
Quotes
1. "I know that God was healing bodies. I felt it. I know that he was touching minds. I felt it. I know that he was removing depression, removing anxiety, removing fear. And when God removes something, what he does is he deposits something. God never takes something away without giving something. That's his nature. It's his character. It's his attributes. It's who he is. God loves you." [02:01] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We've been learning in our ministry that it's a sign of regeneration, is love. It's a sign that you've been saved. It's a sign that you've been born again, that you're able to love somebody. You've been able to love your family members. You're able to love those that are unlovable, that you're able to love your enemies. And listen, guys, if we can't love each other, we're not going to be able to love anybody." [03:51] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Nothing goes to waste in the kingdom of God. Nothing goes to waste. When Jesus was done feeding the multitudes, he told his disciples to pick up the fragments, pick up the leftovers, because nothing goes to waste. God is able to take the broken pieces of our life, the broken, shattered heart that we all carry, and he's able to mend something new, brand new together. That's what it means to be born again, to be born from above." [05:34] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "There's a poster in heaven with your name on it, a wanted poster in heaven, and you're wanted both dead and alive. You know, this whole road to Christianity, this whole thing called Christianity, it's not an easy journey. It's not for sissies. It's not for cowards, because it's one of sacrifice. But listen, it's not just a bunch of rules and regulations, because that's what the law brought in. God says, I want my people to live in liberty. He wants us to live in freedom." [07:06] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Listen, man, every time that you think that you've made a mistake, every time that you think that your plan has failed, know that God is working out his will inside of you. God knew everything when he called you. He knew everything that he was getting himself into. The good, the bad, and the ugly, God knew it all. And he still said, come, follow me, come, follow me. There is no quit in Jesus, man. We can't quit on him. We can't quit on him." [14:40] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We need revival. We need an awakening in our nation, and it's only going to happen through prayer with fasting. Prayer with fasting. That means skipping meals. That means maybe only drinking water. It's not going to happen through just some kind of other unordinary fast. It's going to happen through a supernatural fast, us tearing our clothes out before God, tearing our minds out before God, tearing our hearts out before God, and saying, God, it's like revival or we die. Revival or we die." [15:56] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You have to live a life. Listen, you have to live a life. Some of us won't even come to church if we don't have an air conditioner or our special seats. And there's people out there that will walk for miles that are willing to risk their life just to be in an assembly, just to be in the house of God, just to be in the presence of God. And then when missionaries are sent over there, they want to hear them speak all day long. They wear the missionaries out. They don't want them to leave. Why? Because they're hungry for the word of God." [17:22] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Prayer is your lifeline, church. Prayer is your lifeline. It's your lifeline to God. No prayer, no life. No word, no life. No devotion, no life. Nothing coming out, no life. You become a dead sea. And that's why many of you are carrying anxiety and depression. Because you're not doing anything. You're not doing anything. You're sitting on your gift. You're sitting on your gift and you're filled with anxiety. And your conscience is bothering you. Thank God that your conscience is bothering you." [19:17] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "If you are still messing around with the law, stop. Because you're under grace right now. You're not going to be able to do anything under your own power, under your own strength. Everything is by grace. You know, the Bible says, Paul speaking, where sin abound, grace does much more abound. But then he says this. He says, listen, because of the grace, are we continuing sin? He says, no. And you guys know this, but I'm bringing it back around for a reason." [27:06] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "It's not about sinless perfection guys. It's about repentance and restoration. Repentance is a continual thing. It's a continual act. And listen. If your fire has been doused. Put it back on the altar. Put it back on the altar. And fan that flame of God again. Fan that flame of God again. Fan that flame of God again. Fan the flame of God again. You are too valuable to God. To let that flame die. God will love you. He will love you for eternity. But it's up to us to love him back." [45:23] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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