Embracing Our Adoption: Unity, Power, and Witness
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the profound difference between merely attending church and fully embracing our adoption into God's family. Attendance offers a glimpse of what God can do, but adoption allows us to experience the fullness of His love and power. We were reminded that our risen Savior has everything we need—peace, hope, and healing. This morning, we took a moment to wait on God, presenting ourselves before Him, and allowing His Spirit to work in us. We were encouraged to stop settling for less and to seek the holiness and righteousness that God offers.
We delved into Acts 4:32-33, exploring the unity and shared purpose of the early church. They were of one heart and mind, holding everything in common and testifying to the resurrection of Jesus with great power. This unity and shared purpose are what we are called to emulate. We need each other, not just for support but to fulfill God's mission together. The church is not a social club or event facility; it is a called-out priesthood of believers united in the pursuit of Jesus.
We also discussed the importance of waiting on God, receiving His power, and being His witnesses. Waiting is not about filling time but allowing God to fill us. As we wait, we receive the Holy Spirit's power, enabling us to live out God's will. This power is not something we muster up; it is a gift from God that we must receive. Once we have received it, we are called to be witnesses, sharing the gospel with those around us. Our faith is personal but not private; we are to be active witnesses in our communities.
Finally, we were reminded that our role as witnesses is not just for our benefit but for the world around us. We are called to be a testimony to the power of the gospel, living out our faith in a way that others can see and be drawn to Jesus. We prayed for the strength to wait, receive, and witness, and for the courage to share the love of Christ with those in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Adoption Over Attendance: Embracing our full adoption into God's family allows us to experience the fullness of His love and power, far beyond what mere church attendance can offer. This adoption brings us peace, hope, and healing through our risen Savior. [31:25]
2. Unity in the Church: The early church was of one heart and mind, holding everything in common and testifying to the resurrection of Jesus with great power. This unity and shared purpose are essential for us today as we seek to fulfill God's mission together. [35:47]
3. The Importance of Waiting: Waiting on God is not about filling time but allowing God to fill us. It is a litmus test of spiritual maturity and a crucial step in becoming the disciples God calls us to be. As we wait, we grow in our dependency on God and prepare to receive His power. [44:33]
4. Receiving God's Power: The Holy Spirit's power is a gift from God that we must receive to live out His will. This power enables us to do more than we could ever imagine in our own strength, transforming our relationships, work, and witness. [48:57]
5. Being Witnesses: Our faith is personal but not private. We are called to be witnesses, sharing the gospel with those around us. This involves not just talking about our faith but living it out in a way that others can see and be drawn to Jesus. [55:14]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:25] - Adoption Over Attendance
[32:11] - Waiting on God
[33:01] - Presenting Ourselves to the Lord
[34:23] - Stirring Our Faith
[35:02] - If God is Here, We're Good
[35:47] - Unity in the Church
[37:04] - Leaning in with One Heart and Mind
[37:34] - Prayer and Gratitude
[38:38] - The Role of the Church
[39:48] - The Need for Community
[42:44] - The Power of Unity
[43:13] - Waiting for God's Promise
[45:46] - The Purpose of Waiting
[48:57] - Receiving God's Power
[51:58] - Being Witnesses
[55:14] - The Cost of Witnessing
[57:00] - Personal Faith, Public Witness
[01:00:03] - Generational Inheritance
[01:03:05] - Sharing and Praying Together
[01:05:24] - Group Leadership and Community
[01:07:01] - Closing Prayer and Offering
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 4:32-33 (NIV): "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all."
2. Acts 1:4-8 (NIV): "On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' Then they gathered around him and asked him, 'Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?' He said to them: 'It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the characteristics of the early church as described in Acts 4:32-33?
2. According to Acts 1:4-8, what were the disciples instructed to do before they could become witnesses?
3. In the sermon, what does the pastor say about the difference between church attendance and full adoption into God's family? ([31:25])
4. How does the pastor describe the act of waiting on God? What is its purpose? ([45:07])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is unity and shared purpose important for the church today, as it was for the early church in Acts 4:32-33? How can this unity impact our mission?
2. What does it mean to wait on God, and how does this waiting prepare us to receive His power? ([45:07])
3. How does the concept of adoption into God's family change our perspective on our relationship with God and with each other? ([31:25])
4. What are the implications of receiving the Holy Spirit's power for our daily lives and our witness to others? ([48:57])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own church experience. Have you been more of an attendee or have you embraced your full adoption into God's family? What steps can you take to move towards full adoption? ([31:25])
2. Think about a time when you had to wait on God. How did that experience shape your faith and dependency on Him? How can you practice waiting on God in your current situation? ([45:07])
3. In what ways can you contribute to the unity and shared purpose of your church community? Are there specific actions you can take to foster this unity? ([35:47])
4. How can you actively receive and rely on the Holy Spirit's power in your daily life? Identify one area where you need God's power and make a plan to seek it. ([48:57])
5. Who in your life needs to hear the gospel? How can you be a witness to them, not just in words but through your actions and lifestyle? ([55:14])
6. The pastor mentioned that our faith is personal but not private. How can you live out your faith more publicly in your community? ([57:00])
7. Identify one person in your life who is struggling or in need. How can you be the hands and feet of Jesus to them this week? ([39:14])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Full Adoption into God's Family
Adoption Over Attendance: Embracing our full adoption into God's family allows us to experience the fullness of His love and power, far beyond what mere church attendance can offer. This adoption brings us peace, hope, and healing through our risen Savior. [31:25]
When we think about our relationship with God, it's important to distinguish between merely attending church and fully embracing our adoption into His family. Attending church can provide a glimpse of God's work, but it is through adoption that we experience the fullness of His love and power. This adoption is not just a title; it is a transformative relationship that brings peace, hope, and healing through our risen Savior. By embracing this adoption, we open ourselves to the complete experience of God's love and the power He offers us.
This adoption means that we are no longer outsiders looking in but are now part of God's family, with all the rights and privileges that come with it. It is an invitation to stop settling for less and to seek the holiness and righteousness that God offers. As we embrace our adoption, we allow God's Spirit to work in us, transforming us from the inside out and enabling us to live out His will in our daily lives.
Ephesians 1:5-6 (ESV): "He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved."
Reflection: How can you embrace your adoption into God's family more fully today? What steps can you take to experience the fullness of His love and power in your life?
Day 2: Unity and Shared Purpose in the Church
Unity in the Church: The early church was of one heart and mind, holding everything in common and testifying to the resurrection of Jesus with great power. This unity and shared purpose are essential for us today as we seek to fulfill God's mission together. [35:47]
The early church serves as a powerful example of unity and shared purpose. They were of one heart and mind, holding everything in common and testifying to the resurrection of Jesus with great power. This unity was not just about physical possessions but about a shared mission and purpose. They understood that they needed each other, not just for support but to fulfill God's mission together. This unity and shared purpose are essential for us today as we seek to fulfill God's mission in our own communities.
In our modern context, the church is often seen as a social club or event facility, but it is so much more. It is a called-out priesthood of believers united in the pursuit of Jesus. We are called to emulate the early church's unity and shared purpose, working together to testify to the resurrection of Jesus and to fulfill God's mission. This requires us to lean in with one heart and mind, supporting each other and working together for the common good.
Acts 4:32-33 (ESV): "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all."
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to the unity and shared purpose of your church community? How can you support and work together with others to fulfill God's mission?
Day 3: The Spiritual Discipline of Waiting on God
The Importance of Waiting: Waiting on God is not about filling time but allowing God to fill us. It is a litmus test of spiritual maturity and a crucial step in becoming the disciples God calls us to be. As we wait, we grow in our dependency on God and prepare to receive His power. [44:33]
Waiting on God is a spiritual discipline that requires patience and trust. It is not about filling time but allowing God to fill us. This waiting is a litmus test of spiritual maturity, revealing our dependency on God and our willingness to trust in His timing. As we wait, we prepare ourselves to receive His power and to become the disciples He calls us to be. This waiting is an active process, involving prayer, reflection, and a deepening of our relationship with God.
In our fast-paced world, waiting can be challenging, but it is essential for our spiritual growth. It teaches us to rely on God rather than our own strength and to trust in His plans for our lives. As we wait, we open ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to transform us and to prepare us for the work He has called us to do. This waiting is not passive but an active engagement with God, seeking His will and His power in our lives.
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: How can you practice the discipline of waiting on God in your daily life? What steps can you take to deepen your dependency on Him and to prepare yourself to receive His power?
Day 4: Receiving the Holy Spirit's Power
Receiving God's Power: The Holy Spirit's power is a gift from God that we must receive to live out His will. This power enables us to do more than we could ever imagine in our own strength, transforming our relationships, work, and witness. [48:57]
The power of the Holy Spirit is a gift from God that we must receive to live out His will. This power is not something we can muster up on our own; it is a divine gift that enables us to do more than we could ever imagine in our own strength. It transforms our relationships, our work, and our witness, allowing us to live out God's will in every aspect of our lives. This power is essential for fulfilling the mission God has given us and for living a life that reflects His love and grace.
Receiving the Holy Spirit's power requires us to be open and receptive to God's work in our lives. It involves a willingness to surrender our own plans and to trust in God's guidance. As we receive this power, we are equipped to live out God's will in ways that we could never achieve on our own. This power transforms us from the inside out, enabling us to be effective witnesses for Christ and to live lives that bring glory to God.
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: Are you open to receiving the Holy Spirit's power in your life? What areas of your life need to be transformed by this divine power, and how can you invite God to work in those areas?
Day 5: Living as Active Witnesses
Being Witnesses: Our faith is personal but not private. We are called to be witnesses, sharing the gospel with those around us. This involves not just talking about our faith but living it out in a way that others can see and be drawn to Jesus. [55:14]
Our faith is deeply personal, but it is not meant to be private. We are called to be witnesses, sharing the gospel with those around us. This involves not just talking about our faith but living it out in a way that others can see and be drawn to Jesus. Our lives should be a testimony to the power of the gospel, reflecting the love and grace of Christ in everything we do. Being witnesses means living out our faith in a way that is visible and impactful, drawing others to the hope and salvation found in Jesus.
This call to be witnesses is not just for our benefit but for the world around us. We are called to share the love of Christ with those in our lives, to be a light in the darkness, and to bring hope to the hopeless. This involves being intentional about our actions and our words, living in a way that reflects the character of Christ. As we live out our faith, we become a testimony to the power of the gospel, drawing others to the love and grace of Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you be a more effective witness for Christ in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to live out your faith in a way that draws others to Jesus?
Quotes
1. "Church, for some of us, this is a time for our faith to be stirred in the room. And just the word God kept giving me in this moment is for many of us, we settle for church attendance when God has full adoption for us. Attendance will give you a view of what God can do, but adoption gives you an encounter with all that God has for you this morning." [31:25] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you need peace, we have a risen Savior that has it for you. If you need hope in this place this morning, we have a risen Savior that has it for you. If you need healing this morning, we have a risen Savior that has it for you. Let's not settle for just attending this morning when we have full adoption because of Jesus." [32:11] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Lord, we're done settling this morning for just what the world offers. We're done settling for just what our flesh desires. We're done settling for just the sin that we're entangled in. We're done settling for anything lower than your holiness and righteousness that you have for us. And so this morning, God, stir our faith, grow our faith, grow us in children of you." [34:23] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If God's here, then can I just say boldly, then we're good. If God's here, then we're good. I don't know if you heard me say that. If God's here, then we're good. We have all that we have need of, why? Because if we have Jesus, we're good. And if it's not good yet, whether it be on this side of eternity or forever with him, then God's not finished doing what he wants to do yet." [35:02] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What does it look like for you to present yourself to the Lord this morning? Do so, do so, do so. Lord, we're done settling this morning for just what the world offers. We're done settling for just what our flesh desires. We're done settling for just the sin that we're entangled in. We're done settling for anything lower than your holiness and righteousness that you have for us." [33:01] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "For many of us, maybe we've witnessed something incredible in creation or a memory. Or a memory with people or an event that took place in our life. And we've witnessed something. But another definition of witnessing is not just experiencing and seeing something amazing. It's giving a testimony to what was witnessed and seen. It's to tell the story." [53:49] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Why do we tell that story? Why do we do it? Why? Why? Because. We see that it made an impact. Or we were amazed by it. So then we feel compelled to tell other people about it. Witness. It's someone who sees something important or amazing. I have a vivid memory of my first time in Guatemala overlooking the volcano range. And it's like I can click the image in my head. Why? Because I witnessed something incredible and amazing." [53:08] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We can whine or we can witness, but it's tough to do both. And for many of us, we look around, we see the world, we see our family, we see our friends, we see our coworkers who need Jesus. And let me encourage you today, you can be a witness to them. You can be that witness. Because our faith is personal, but it certainly was not called to be private." [57:00] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Why does every neighbor matter? Well, because every name matters to God. Why do your coworkers matter? Because your coworker matters to God. Why does our family matter? Because our family matters to God. God has called us to be witnesses." [59:30] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Who is the me on the other side of our we this morning? Who is it for you? It could be a spouse, a parent, a child, a neighbor, a dear friend. And God's not saying like, all right, go do something about it. No, he's saying, come to me, wait on me. Let me speak what I wanna speak. Let me show you what I wanna show you. Receive my power so that you might then live out as a witness to those around you." [01:01:15] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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