Embracing Sacrifice: Centering Our Lives on Christ

 

Summary

In my recent sermon, I reflected deeply on the transformative experiences of the students at Flower City Work Camp and the profound lessons we can all learn from their dedication and sacrifice. The camp, which I have been a part of for 16 years, invites students to serve in the city of Rochester, working on houses in disrepair and learning about the realities of poverty. This year, I led a group of students in renovating a home, including a particularly challenging task of cleaning a basement soiled by the homeowner's dogs. Despite the difficult conditions, the students worked tirelessly, demonstrating their commitment to service and embodying the spirit of Christ's teachings.

Throughout the week, the students were disconnected from their usual distractions, such as cell phones, and instead focused on community, service, and worship. This environment fostered a deep connection with God, culminating in a powerful worship service on Thursday night. Unlike previous years, where emotional breakthroughs typically occurred on "cry night," this year's Thursday service was different. The Holy Spirit's presence was palpable as students engaged in heartfelt worship, prayer, and reflection on the barriers that prevent a deeper relationship with God.

The camp's daily structure, with devotional times and worship services, provided a rhythm that allowed the students to re-center on Jesus. The impact of this experience was evident in their reluctance to end worship sessions, their eagerness to engage in devotional leadership, and their profound encounters with the Holy Spirit.

Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, I shared the story of the rich young man who sought eternal life but was unwilling to give up his possessions to follow Jesus. This narrative served as a backdrop for discussing the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Christ over worldly possessions and distractions. I emphasized that while the commandments are essential, they are not the sole path to righteousness. True discipleship requires a willingness to surrender all for the sake of Christ.

In my sermon, I challenged the congregation to consider what they might need to give up to center their lives on Jesus. I urged them to look within and identify the things that hold them back from fully embracing a Christ-centered life. The message was clear: anything we chase in this world is temporary, but Christ is eternal.

Key Takeaways:

1. True service is not about convenience or comfort; it is about sacrifice and stepping into the uncomfortable to reveal Christ's love to others. Just as the students at Flower City Work Camp embraced difficult tasks for the sake of service, we too should be willing to step out of our comfort zones to serve others and show who Christ is in our actions. [31:17]

2. Spiritual highs, like those experienced at camp, are not sustainable daily, but they serve as pivotal moments that can reorient our lives towards Christ. It is essential to remember that the Holy Spirit that is present in those moments lives within us and goes with us everywhere, empowering us to live out our faith in all circumstances. [24:29]

3. Intentionality in seeking a relationship with Christ is crucial. We must examine our lives to identify distractions and barriers that prevent us from focusing on Jesus. Whether it's certain activities or relationships, we must be willing to give up what keeps us from a deeper connection with God. [26:33]

4. The story of the rich young man challenges us to consider what we prioritize over Jesus. We must be willing to give up not only physical possessions but also anything that takes precedence over our relationship with Christ, recognizing that true wealth is found in following Him. [15:36]

5. The call to discipleship is a call to surrender. Like the disciples who left everything to follow Jesus, we must be prepared to let go of our desires and comforts to gain clarity in our vision of Christ and to receive the eternal life He promises. This surrender is not a loss but an investment in the kingdom of God. [19:24]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 19:16-30 (NLT)

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the rich young man seeking from Jesus, and what was Jesus' initial response to him? (Matthew 19:16-17)
2. How did the rich young man react when Jesus told him to sell his possessions and give to the poor? (Matthew 19:22)
3. What did Jesus say about the difficulty for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven? (Matthew 19:23-24)
4. How did the disciples react to Jesus' teaching about wealth and salvation, and what was Jesus' reassurance to them? (Matthew 19:25-26)

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus asked the rich young man to sell all his possessions and give to the poor? What does this reveal about the man's heart? (Matthew 19:21) [15:36]
2. How does the story of the rich young man relate to the experiences of the students at Flower City Work Camp, particularly in terms of sacrifice and service? [02:02]
3. What does Jesus' statement, "With God, everything is possible," imply about our ability to overcome obstacles in our spiritual journey? (Matthew 19:26) [17:33]
4. How can the concept of "spiritual highs" experienced at events like Flower City Work Camp be sustained in everyday life? [24:29]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to step out of your comfort zone to serve others. How did that experience impact your faith and understanding of Christ's teachings? [02:02]
2. What are some distractions or possessions in your life that might be hindering your relationship with Jesus? How can you begin to address these barriers this week? [26:33]
3. The students at Flower City Work Camp gave up their cell phones and other comforts to focus on service and worship. What is one thing you can give up this week to deepen your connection with God? [05:39]
4. How can you create a daily rhythm that includes intentional time for devotion and worship, similar to the structure at Flower City Work Camp? [05:39]
5. Think about a "spiritual high" moment in your life. How can you remind yourself of the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily routine, especially during challenging times? [24:29]
6. Jesus challenged the rich young man to prioritize his relationship with God over his wealth. What steps can you take to ensure that your priorities align with Christ's teachings? [15:36]
7. The call to discipleship involves surrender and sacrifice. What is one specific area in your life where you feel called to surrender more fully to Jesus? How can you take a tangible step towards this surrender? [19:24]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Discomfort in Service

True service often calls one into the uncomfortable, where the love of Christ is most vividly demonstrated. It is in these challenging environments that faith is not only tested but also strengthened. When individuals willingly step into difficult situations to serve others, they follow in the footsteps of Christ, who exemplified ultimate sacrifice and service. This act of stepping out of one's comfort zone is a powerful testament to the transformative power of love and the Christian call to serve the least of these. It is not the ease of the task that defines service, but the heart and dedication behind it. By embracing discomfort, believers can become conduits of Christ's love, showing the world a faith that acts and loves boldly [31:17].



James 2:15-17 (ESV)

"If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."



Reflection:

What is one way you can step out of your comfort zone this week to serve someone in need, and how might this act of service deepen your understanding of Christ's love?



Day 2: The Ebb and Flow of Spiritual Intensity

Spiritual highs are significant moments that can redirect one's focus towards Christ, yet they are not the everyday norm. These experiences, like the profound worship at the camp, are touchstones that remind believers of the Holy Spirit's constant presence within them. It is this presence that empowers individuals to live out their faith in all circumstances, not just during emotional peaks. The challenge lies in carrying the momentum of these spiritual highs into daily life, allowing them to shape one's faith journey and actions long after the moment has passed. Recognizing that the same Spirit encountered in extraordinary moments is with us always can transform how one lives out their faith day to day [24:29].



2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."



Reflection:

How can you cultivate an awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily routine, especially when the spiritual highs fade?



Day 3: Intentionality in Pursuing Christ

The pursuit of a relationship with Christ requires intentional reflection and action. It involves identifying and removing distractions and barriers that hinder one's focus on Jesus. This process is not passive; it demands active engagement and the willingness to prioritize spiritual growth over worldly enticements. By examining one's life and making conscious choices to eliminate what detracts from a Christ-centered existence, believers can foster a deeper connection with God. This intentional pursuit is a journey of continual self-assessment and realignment, ensuring that Christ remains at the forefront of one's life and decisions [26:33].



Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."



Reflection:

What is one distraction or barrier in your life that you can identify and begin to remove in order to focus more on your relationship with Christ?



Day 4: Prioritizing Christ Above All Else

The story of the rich young man serves as a poignant reminder that true discipleship may require the relinquishment of possessions, status, or comfort. Prioritizing Christ means evaluating what is held dear and being willing to let go of anything that supersedes one's commitment to Him. This is not a call to asceticism but rather a challenge to recognize that the greatest treasure is found in following Jesus. The call to prioritize Christ is a call to assess one's values and to ensure that Christ reigns supreme in every aspect of life. It is in this prioritization that believers find true wealth and purpose [15:36].



Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."



Reflection:

What is one thing you value that might be taking precedence over your relationship with Christ, and how can you begin to prioritize Him in this area of your life?



Day 5: The Call to Surrender in Discipleship

Discipleship is an invitation to surrender fully to Jesus, to let go of personal desires and comforts for the sake of gaining clarity in one's vision of Christ. This surrender is not a loss but an investment in the kingdom of God. It is a call to trust in the promises of eternal life and to live with a kingdom perspective. The disciples left everything to follow Jesus, and today, believers are faced with the same decision. Surrendering to Christ means embracing a life that may look radically different from the world's standards but is rich in spiritual rewards and eternal significance [19:24].



Luke 14:33 (ESV)

"So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple."



Reflection:

What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Quotes

"We're called to go out into the world that you've created. To show who you are. Through our day. Give us the courage to allow you to come out through everything that we do. Give us the courage to share your name amongst our friends and our families. Give us the courage to look inside and take out the things in our life that we are letting hold us back from who you are." [31:17]( | | )

"These students come to Flower City Work Camp, they pay money or their parents pay money or whatever. And they get the opportunity to go and work in houses throughout the city of Rochester... These students go into these homes and they learn major, major lessons because these students have never seen poverty like this." [02:51]( | | )

"The kids generally get more paint on each other than the walls. They have fun. But to give up your cell phone for a whole week, to give up going to Florida or somewhere not rainy, and 50 degrees for spring break, and to do it every single year. 16 years now, I've given up spring break to go and work on houses in the city. This is what these students do, and they look forward to this week." [22:46]( | | )

"The spirit that you feel right now, the spirit that is happening in this place that you can tangibly feel, that spirit lives inside of you. That spirit goes everywhere that you go... Are you being intentional about seeking who the spirit is? What are the things in your life that are keeping you from being intentional?" [24:29](Download clip | Download cropped clip | Download captioned clip)

"I don't want to be like this man who comes to Jesus, and he has this understanding that he does it the right way, that he's read the law, he's read, and he understands what he should do, and he's asking Jesus what it is, and yet he's willing to follow the rules, but his heart's not set on Jesus." [26:33]( | | )

"In order to keep Jesus in who I want to be so that from me flows, Christ into the world, I have to look inside. I have to see what things I need to give up in my life. Like the disciple said, we have given up everything to come and follow you. And as we see, they don't totally understand it either. But they're willing." [28:43]( | | )

"Jesus told him, if you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor. And you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me... The man sees himself as a good person... but he's not willing to give up what he has." [15:36]( | | )

"Jesus replied, I assure you that when the world is made new and the son of man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or properties for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life." [19:24]( | | )

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Transcript
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