Embracing Risk for Love: A Faithful Journey

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Eternal Rewards in Risk-Taking

In the journey of faith, believers are called to embrace risks for the sake of love, aligning with the New Testament's encouragement to rejoice in eternal rewards. This perspective shifts the focus from temporal safety to the joy of being plundered for love's sake. The willingness to take risks for love is not about recklessness but about trusting in God's promises and the eternal rewards that come with selfless acts. By focusing on the eternal, believers can find joy in the sacrifices made for others, knowing that these acts glorify God and reflect His love. [03:35]

Hebrews 10:34 (ESV): "For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one."

Reflection: What is one risk you can take today for the sake of love, trusting in the eternal rewards God promises?

Day 2: Admiring Paul's Boldness

The apostle Paul's willingness to face imprisonment and even death for the gospel challenges believers to reconsider their own hesitations. His example in Acts 21:13 inspires a prioritization of God's mission over personal safety. Paul's boldness is a testament to his unwavering faith and commitment to spreading the gospel, regardless of the personal cost. This boldness serves as a powerful reminder that true faith often requires stepping out of comfort zones and trusting in God's protection and purpose. [04:13]

Acts 21:13 (ESV): "Then Paul answered, 'What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.'"

Reflection: In what area of your life is God calling you to be bold like Paul, prioritizing His mission over your own comfort or safety?

Day 3: Willingness to Suffer Wrong

Jesus and Paul's teachings encourage believers to be willing to suffer wrong rather than seeking legal recourse, as seen in Matthew 5:42 and 1 Corinthians 6:7. This countercultural approach reflects a deep trust in God's justice and a commitment to love others, even at personal cost. By choosing to suffer wrong, believers demonstrate a faith that transcends worldly values and embraces the transformative power of love and forgiveness. This willingness to endure injustice for the sake of love is a powerful testimony to the world of God's grace and mercy. [04:47]

1 Corinthians 6:7 (ESV): "To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?"

Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you can choose to suffer wrong for the sake of love, trusting in God's justice?

Day 4: Hope Beyond This World

Believers are called to live in a way that reflects a hope not rooted in this world, prompting others to inquire about the source of their hope. This testimony shines God's glory to unbelievers and serves as a powerful witness to the transformative power of faith. By living with an eternal perspective, believers can navigate life's challenges with peace and confidence, knowing that their hope is secure in Christ. This hope is not only a source of personal strength but also a beacon of light to those seeking meaning and purpose. [05:23]

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: How can you live today in a way that reflects your hope in Christ, prompting others to ask about the source of your hope?

Day 5: Trust in God's Sovereignty

Trusting that God holds all potential threats in His hands frees believers from fear and allows them to embrace risk with confidence in His sovereign will. This trust is rooted in the belief that God is in control and that His plans are for the ultimate good of His people. By surrendering fears and anxieties to God, believers can experience the freedom and peace that comes from knowing that nothing can thwart His purposes. This trust in God's sovereignty is a powerful antidote to fear and a source of strength in times of uncertainty. [06:28]

Psalm 46:1-2 (ESV): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea."

Reflection: What fear or anxiety can you surrender to God today, trusting in His sovereign control over your life?

Sermon Summary

In our journey of faith, we often grapple with the tension between taking bold risks for the sake of love and exercising wise caution. This dilemma is poignantly illustrated by a young woman who desires to help a struggling family by inviting them into her home, yet faces hesitation from her husband who wishes to pray and gather more information before making such a decision. This scenario raises a profound question: when does wisdom and safety undermine our God-centered trust in risk-taking?

The New Testament encourages us to lean towards meeting needs at the risk of personal loss more often than we incline towards self-protection. This inclination is not about disregarding the biblical call to protect our families or to flee persecution when necessary, but rather about embracing a faith that is willing to take risks for the sake of love. The glory of God shines more brightly when we engage in countercultural, risk-taking acts of love, as opposed to actions that mirror the self-protective tendencies of the world.

To discern when safety undermines God-centered risk-taking, we can consider six tests. First, we must rejoice in the eternal rewards promised to those who suffer loss for love's sake. Second, we should admire the apostle Paul's willingness to risk his life for the gospel, as seen in his journey to Jerusalem. Third, we must take seriously Jesus and Paul's teachings on being willing to suffer wrong rather than seeking legal recourse. Fourth, our actions should reflect a hope that is not rooted in this world, prompting others to inquire about the source of our hope. Fifth, we must trust that God holds all potential threats in His hands, limiting their power over us. Finally, we should find freedom from the love of money, trusting in God's promise to provide for us.

Ultimately, the joy of overcoming fear and taking risks for love far outweighs the comfort of avoiding risk. The Spirit whispers of the great joy found in trusting God on the risky path of love, urging us not to miss this joy for the sake of temporary safety.

Key Takeaways

1. Taking:** Embracing risk for the sake of love aligns with the New Testament's call to rejoice in eternal rewards, as seen in Hebrews 10:34. This perspective shifts our focus from temporal safety to the joy of being plundered for love's sake. [03:35]
2. Admiration for Paul's Boldness: Paul's willingness to face imprisonment and even death for the gospel challenges us to reconsider our own hesitations. His example in Acts 21:13 inspires us to prioritize God's mission over personal safety.

3. Willingness to Suffer Wrong: Jesus and Paul's teachings encourage us to be willing to suffer wrong rather than seeking legal recourse, as seen in Matthew 5:42 and 1 Corinthians 6:7. This countercultural approach reflects a trust in God's justice.

4. Hope Beyond This World: Our actions should reflect a hope that is not rooted in this world, prompting others to inquire about the source of our hope, as described in 1 Peter 3:15. This testimony shines God's glory to unbelievers.

5. Trust in God's Sovereignty: Trusting that God holds all potential threats in His hands, as illustrated by John Bunyan's reflections, frees us from fear. This trust allows us to embrace risk with confidence in God's sovereign will.

** [03:35]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:13] - Balancing Risk and Safety
[00:38] - A Dilemma of Love and Wisdom
[01:16] - Biblical Context of Risk
[01:38] - New Testament's Call to Risk
[02:17] - Selfishness vs. Self-Risk
[02:57] - God's Glory in Risk-Taking
[03:35] - Six Tests for Risk-Taking
[04:13] - Admiring Paul's Boldness
[04:47] - Willingness to Suffer Wrong
[05:23] - Hope Beyond This World
[06:28] - Trust in God's Sovereignty
[08:09] - Freedom from Love of Money
[09:06] - Joy in Risk-Taking
[09:47] - Conclusion and Encouragement

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Hebrews 10:34
Acts 21:13
1 Peter 3:15

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Observation Questions:

In Hebrews 10:34, what attitude did the believers have towards the plundering of their property, and what was their motivation? [03:35]
How does Paul's response in Acts 21:13 reflect his priorities when faced with the risk of imprisonment or death? [04:13]
According to 1 Peter 3:15, what should believers be prepared to do, and what might prompt others to ask them about their hope? [05:23]
What are the six tests mentioned in the sermon that help discern when safety undermines God-centered risk-taking? [03:15]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the willingness to suffer loss for love's sake, as described in Hebrews 10:34, challenge modern views on safety and security? [03:35]
What does Paul's boldness in Acts 21:13 teach us about the relationship between personal safety and commitment to God's mission? [04:13]
In what ways does 1 Peter 3:15 suggest that our hope should be visibly different from the world's, and how might this difference serve as a testimony to others? [05:23]
How do the six tests for risk-taking reflect a countercultural approach to love and faith, and what might be the implications for a believer's daily life? [03:15]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a recent situation where you faced a choice between safety and taking a risk for love. How did you decide, and what might you do differently in light of Hebrews 10:34? [03:35]
Consider a time when you hesitated to take a bold step in your faith journey. How can Paul's example in Acts 21:13 inspire you to prioritize God's mission over personal safety? [04:13]
Identify an area in your life where your hope might not be evident to others. How can you make your hope in Christ more visible, as encouraged in 1 Peter 3:15? [05:23]
Think about a situation where you felt the need to protect yourself rather than take a risk for love. How can the six tests for risk-taking help you evaluate your decision-making process? [03:15]
What practical steps can you take to trust in God's sovereignty over potential threats, as discussed in the sermon? How might this trust change your approach to risk-taking? [06:28]
Reflect on your relationship with money and material possessions. How can you cultivate a deeper freedom from the love of money, trusting in God's provision as described in Hebrews 13:5? [08:09]
The sermon mentions the joy found in overcoming fear and taking risks for love. Can you recall a time when you experienced this joy? How can you seek out similar opportunities in the future? [09:06]

Sermon Clips

"Well how do we balance bold risk with wise safety? We don't want to be foolishly daring nor overly cautious in our love to others. It's a dilemma faced by an anonymous young woman. Dear Pastor John, I'm struggling to find balance with serving others. However, sometimes when I approach my husband about certain ideas to help others, he and historically others like my pastors and parents have told me it might be unwise." [00:00:03]

"I have struggled with this question a lot over the years, maybe partly because of where I live, partly because of trying to understand text in the Bible. And I don't want to give the impression that the Bible disregards a father's calling to protect his family, 1 Timothy 5:8, or a disciple's obedience in fleeing from persecution, Matthew 10:23." [00:01:07]

"But I am going to argue that the overwhelming thrust of the New Testament is that the disciples of Jesus inclined from the heart toward meeting needs at the risk of loss more regularly, at least we ought to, more regularly than we incline toward staying safe and comfortable by neglecting risky helpfulness." [00:01:38]

"The glory of God shines much more brightly in the countercultural, counterintuitive risk-taking of God's people for the sake of love than it does in self-protection, which pretty much looks just like the way the unbelieving world would act. Why would they be impressed and give God glory for us acting just like them?" [00:02:50]

"Choosing temporal safety undermines God-centered risk-taking when it doesn't reckon with and rejoice in the staggering reward for being plundered for love's sake, Hebrews 10:34. You had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one." [00:03:35]

"Choosing temporal safety undermines God-centered trust in risk-taking when there is no serious admiration for Paul's response to those who begged him not to risk his life in going up to Jerusalem in Acts 21:13. Paul said, 'What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.'" [00:04:13]

"Choosing temporal safety undermines God-centered trust in risk-taking when it doesn't take seriously Jesus and Paul's call for disciples to be willingly taken advantage of rather than going to law to defend ourselves, Matthew 5:42. 'And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.'" [00:04:47]

"Choosing temporal safety undermines God-centered trust in risk-taking when it doesn't reckon seriously with the fact that the glory of God shines out to unbelievers through Christian behaviors that say our hope is not in this world but in God and in heaven, 1 Peter 3:15. Be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you." [00:05:23]

"Choosing temporal safety undermines God-centered trust in risk-taking when it is rooted in the confidence that all possible assailants against us are in God's hands and cannot harm us beyond His sovereign will. I remembered in thinking about this of John Bunyan, who I spoke about some years ago." [00:06:28]

"Choosing temporal safety undermines God-centered trust in risk-taking when it is not enjoying deep freedom from the love of money and things rooted in the promises of God to take care of us, just like Hebrews 13:5 makes so clear. Keep your life free from the love of money and be content with what you have." [00:08:09]

"Don't miss the joy, the deep amazing joy that comes from overcoming fear and taking the risks of love. It is short-sighted to think that the comfort and security of not taking a risk is more satisfying to the soul than the joy of trusting God in the risky path of love." [00:09:06]

"The Spirit is whispering there is great Christ-exalting joy in this to be had. So I'm just suggesting don't miss the whisper for the screaming and don't miss the joy. Well, that is a relevant word for me to hear. Thank you, Pastor John." [00:09:47]

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Embracing Risk for Love: A Faithful Journey

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Eternal Rewards in Risk-Taking

Day 2: Admiring Paul's Boldness

Day 3: Willingness to Suffer Wrong

Day 4: Hope Beyond This World

Day 5: Trust in God's Sovereignty

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Embracing Risk for Love: A Faithful Journey

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