Embracing Our Call to Be Heroes
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth that God has designed each of us to be heroes in our own stories, to come to the rescue, and to win in life. This is not just a call to personal success but a divine invitation to impact the world around us. We began by reflecting on the innate potential within us, often overshadowed by fear, doubt, and the opinions of others. These barriers can turn our dreams into mere routines, but God has a greater plan for us. He has instilled dreams in our hearts and desires for us to excel and make a difference.
We delved into the story from Luke 10, where Jesus teaches us how to be heroes through the parable of the Good Samaritan. This story challenges us to take notice of what's in front of us and to act with compassion and responsibility. The Samaritan, despite being despised, became the hero by doing what he could with what he had. This is a powerful reminder that revelation requires responsibility. When God opens our eyes to a need, it is our duty to respond.
We also discussed the importance of not letting selective obedience hinder our spiritual growth. True obedience involves embracing the entirety of God's Word, not just the parts that are convenient. This holistic approach to faith is crucial in living out our calling as followers of Christ.
Furthermore, we explored the concept of Church Rescue, an initiative aimed at revitalizing struggling churches. This mission aligns with the call to be heroes, as it involves reaching out to those in need and offering support. By partnering with healthy churches, we can help keep the light of the gospel shining brightly in communities across the nation.
In conclusion, we are all called to be heroes in our own right, to take action, and to make a difference. Whether it's in our neighborhoods, workplaces, or through initiatives like Church Rescue, we have the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Let's embrace this calling and watch how God uses us to transform lives and communities.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Design for Greatness: Each of us is designed by God to win and excel. This divine design is not just about personal success but about fulfilling the dreams God has placed in our hearts. We must overcome fear, doubt, and the opinions of others to live out this calling. [05:56]
2. Revelation Requires Responsibility: When God reveals a need to us, it is our responsibility to act. The story of the Good Samaritan teaches us to take notice of what's in front of us and respond with compassion. This is how we become heroes in our own stories. [21:28]
3. Holistic Obedience: True obedience to God involves embracing the entirety of His Word, not just the parts that are convenient. Selective obedience is merely convenience, and it hinders our spiritual growth. We must strive to live out all of God's commands. [09:36]
4. Do What You Can with What You Have: We are not called to do everything, but we are called to do what we can with what we have. The Good Samaritan used what he had to help the injured man, demonstrating that equal sacrifice, not equal giving, is what matters. [23:45]
5. Church Rescue and Community Impact: The Church Rescue initiative exemplifies the call to be heroes by supporting struggling churches. By partnering with healthy churches, we can help keep the light of the gospel shining in communities, ensuring that future generations have a strong spiritual foundation. [35:01]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:42] - Introduction and Personal Stories
- [03:29] - Discovering Potential in Our Children
- [05:56] - God's Design for Greatness
- [08:11] - The Story of the Good Samaritan
- [09:36] - Holistic Obedience
- [12:13] - Personal Anecdote: The Speeding Ticket
- [14:33] - Loving God and Loving Neighbors
- [15:00] - Who is My Neighbor?
- [17:21] - The Controversial Samaritan
- [18:57] - Taking Notice of What's in Front of You
- [20:51] - Revelation Requires Responsibility
- [23:45] - Do What You Can with What You Have
- [27:51] - Real-Life Examples of Impact
- [29:56] - Becoming a Hero in Your Community
- [31:05] - Introduction to Church Rescue
- [32:10] - The State of the Church in America
- [33:47] - The Vision for Church Rescue
- [35:01] - Success Stories from Church Rescue
- [38:00] - Closing Encouragement and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 10:25-37
- Romans 13:1
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Observation Questions:
1. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, what actions did the Samaritan take that distinguished him from the priest and the Levite? [17:21]
2. How does the sermon describe the reaction of the religious leaders to the injured man in the parable? What does this reveal about their priorities? [17:21]
3. What was the significance of the Samaritan being the hero in Jesus' story, especially considering the cultural context of the time? [17:21]
4. According to the sermon, what does "revelation requires responsibility" mean in the context of the Good Samaritan story? [21:28]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "doing what you can with what you have" challenge the traditional view of giving and service in the church? [23:45]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the dangers of selective obedience, and how does this relate to the religious leaders' behavior in the parable? [09:36]
3. How does the initiative of Church Rescue reflect the call to be heroes in our communities, as discussed in the sermon? [31:05]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that fear, doubt, and the opinions of others can hinder us from fulfilling God's design for greatness in our lives? [05:56]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you noticed a need in your community but hesitated to act. What held you back, and how can you overcome these barriers in the future? [21:28]
2. Consider the people in your life who might be considered "neighbors" in the context of the Good Samaritan story. How can you show them love and compassion this week? [15:00]
3. Identify an area in your life where you might be practicing selective obedience. What steps can you take to embrace a more holistic approach to following God's Word? [09:36]
4. Think about a resource or talent you have that could be used to help others. How can you use it this week to make a difference in someone's life? [23:45]
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of taking notice of what's in front of us. What is one specific need or opportunity you can address in your neighborhood or workplace this week? [18:57]
6. How can you support initiatives like Church Rescue, either through your local church or in other ways, to help struggling communities? [31:05]
7. Reflect on the influence of others' opinions on your decisions. How can you focus more on God's calling for your life rather than the expectations of those around you? [05:56]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Design for Your Life
God has uniquely designed each person to excel and fulfill the dreams He has placed in their hearts. This divine design is not merely about personal success but about making a significant impact on the world. Often, fear, doubt, and the opinions of others can overshadow this potential, turning dreams into mere routines. However, God calls each individual to overcome these barriers and live out their calling. By recognizing and embracing this divine design, one can step into a life of purpose and influence, impacting their surroundings in meaningful ways. [05:56]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one dream or calling you feel God has placed in your heart that you have been hesitant to pursue? How can you take a step towards it today?
Day 2: Acting on Revelation with Responsibility
When God reveals a need, it is a call to action. The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates this principle, showing that true heroism involves noticing the needs around us and responding with compassion and responsibility. The Samaritan, despite societal prejudices, became a hero by using what he had to help someone in need. This story serves as a powerful reminder that revelation requires responsibility. When God opens our eyes to a need, it is our duty to respond, becoming heroes in our own stories by acting with love and care. [21:28]
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)
Reflection: Is there a need or situation in your life that God has revealed to you recently? How can you take a compassionate step to address it today?
Day 3: The Call to Holistic Obedience
True obedience to God involves embracing the entirety of His Word, not just the parts that are convenient. Selective obedience is merely convenience and hinders spiritual growth. To live out one's calling as a follower of Christ, it is essential to strive for holistic obedience, embracing all of God's commands. This approach to faith ensures that one is fully aligned with God's will, allowing for spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Him. By committing to holistic obedience, believers can experience the fullness of God's plan for their lives. [09:36]
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)
Reflection: Are there areas of God's Word that you find challenging to obey? What steps can you take to embrace these teachings more fully in your life?
Day 4: Utilizing What You Have for God's Glory
We are not called to do everything, but we are called to do what we can with what we have. The Good Samaritan used what he had to help the injured man, demonstrating that equal sacrifice, not equal giving, is what matters. This principle encourages believers to focus on their unique gifts and resources, using them to serve others and glorify God. By doing what one can with what they have, individuals can make a significant impact, fulfilling their role in God's plan and becoming heroes in their own right. [23:45]
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: What resources or gifts do you have that you can use to serve others today? How can you make a difference with what you have?
Day 5: Supporting Community and Church Revitalization
The Church Rescue initiative exemplifies the call to be heroes by supporting struggling churches. By partnering with healthy churches, believers can help keep the light of the gospel shining in communities, ensuring that future generations have a strong spiritual foundation. This mission aligns with the call to be heroes, as it involves reaching out to those in need and offering support. By embracing this calling, individuals can watch how God uses them to transform lives and communities, making a lasting impact for His kingdom. [35:01]
"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." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you support a struggling church or community initiative in your area? What practical steps can you take to contribute to their revitalization?
Quotes
1. "In his mind, he's always the winner. Every time. And I thought about that, thinking back when he was seven years old, and I'm thinking, what in his mind caused him to think that he was the winner at seven years old? And I'm thinking, well, I believe, I hope I instilled that in him. But I'm thinking, no, I actually believe before he was even born it was instilled in him. That God desired him to win, just like God desired you to win. God desired you to excel. God has put dreams in your hearts. I don't know what it is sometimes, but sometimes for a lot of us, we're born with a shout, but we end up with a whisper." [354:40] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God's got something for you. God has designed you to be a hero. God has designed you to come to the rescue. God has designed you to win. God has designed you for something great. I believe it. You've got to believe that. He's designed you for that. And somehow we let things get in our way, fear, doubt. And I tell you, the one thing that gets in our way the most is other people's opinions. Other people's opinions. I don't know what it is, but for some reason we give ear to broke and poor and people that are negative. People that are broke and negative. People that are critical." [385:24] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I think people have a tendency to tear down your dream to a level that's comfortable for themselves. You know why? Because your desire for excellence threatens their mediocrity. That's why. That's why. But God, God has designed you to win. And we find this story in Luke chapter 10 where Jesus gives this formula of how you can be the hero in the story. How you can come to the rescue. How you can be that one. He gives this story." [490:32] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And how many know that selective obedience isn't obedience at all? It's just convenience? That's what was happening here. It was just convenience. Because this is what they would say. Just love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind. They left off, love your neighbor as yourself. The only reason this guy said it is because he heard Jesus say it a few weeks before. And so they added it. Because the love of the Lord your God is in one part of the Bible. Love your neighbor as yourself is in another part of the Old Testament. Jesus brought them together and said, you guys are only speaking half of the truth." [572:17] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Revelation requires responsibility. You know what revelation is? It's when Jesus opens your eyes for the first time to something that you've never seen before. And you know what? Some of us do. Revelation. Walked by. Saw the guy beat up. What did the priest do? Bible says he went to the other side of the road. A lot of us do that. We see the need and we're like, oh, man, I hope someone takes care of that. I'm doing enough already, man." [1358:91] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Do what you can with what you have. Doesn't mean you do everything. You just do what you can with what you have. That's it. Think about it for a moment. The Bible says that the Samaritan, everybody else ignored him. All the religious people ignored the poor beat-up dude. The Samaritan got on his knees and gave him oil, wine, and bandages. I don't know what oil, wine, and bandages do. I didn't live back then, but I can tell you this much. Maybe the man needed medicine, but you do what you can with what you have." [1457:63] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "This is how we do it. We chase greatness by what? By taking notice of what's in front of us and we do what we can with what we have and watch what God will do in your life. I'm telling you he'll do it. But you've got to take some action. Now, let's go back. Let's pick up the story where we left off. Jesus finishes the story. Now he says, now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits? Well, it's a really easy question. Which one was the hero?" [1777:48] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "He wants us to do something amazing. You might have a bad past. You might be barely finding out who God is. I'll tell you this much. You have an amazing church at this church. You have amazing pastors. Get plugged in. Go all in. Because I'm telling you what, over the next several years, you guys are going to touch more than Bakersfield. You're going to touch the world. But we're going to do it not only collectively, as using the pun on the church name, but you're also going to do it because you in your neighborhood or at your work, you see a need and you do something about it." [1854:20] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We are averaging between 100 to 200 churches per Sunday that close their doors forever. Because they can't pay the bills, they can't keep up. Folks, I want you to think about that for a moment. Let's put it right in the middle. We'll call it 150. There's 150 churches this morning having their final service. Okay, now here's what I know for sure. The darker America gets, I think you can tie it right back to all the lighthouses going out. When lighthouses go out, things get darker. That's what's happening." [1996:86] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "And we got to do something about it. And so we're just sitting there just going, we got to do something, man. And so that's what we came up with. We're going to give them free resources, free coaching, and free money. And we're going to just start doing it. And I'm telling you guys, it has blown up. We just had an open enrollment two weeks ago for churches that are dying that said needed help. We just put a word out, and 82 churches signed up within a couple days. They're raising their hand going, help us." [2132:39] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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