Embracing the Light: Our Purpose in Christ
Summary
In the sermon, I was reminded of the importance of being a light in the world, especially as we move into the fall season. The speaker emphasized the significance of the communion, lifting up the bread that represents the body of Christ, broken for our wholeness. He encouraged us to stand in the light of Jesus Christ and receive it as strength for our soul and body. The speaker also addressed those who might be feeling tired and exhausted, encouraging them to accept the light and the gift that Jesus has presented. He reminded us that we are all chosen by Jesus to be a part of his kingdom and to use our lives for his kingdom.
The speaker also discussed the concept of light and darkness, suggesting that we can interchange these words with love for God and sin for Satan. He emphasized that darkness has no power over light and that our sins have not overcome the love and forgiveness that Jesus has given us. He encouraged us to bring our sins into the light, not to be saved, but to prevent Satan from having a foothold in our lives. The speaker also addressed misconceptions about bringing things to light, assuring us that God does not think less of us or get surprised by our sins.
Key Takeaways:
- We are all chosen by Jesus to be a part of his kingdom and to use our lives for his kingdom. ([01:15:06])
- Darkness has no power over light and our sins have not overcome the love and forgiveness that Jesus has given us. ([54:04])
- We should bring our sins into the light, not to be saved, but to prevent Satan from having a foothold in our lives. ([56:07])
- God does not think less of us or get surprised by our sins when we bring them into the light. ([57:19])
- We are a chosen race, a holy nation, and a royal priesthood, given a role and a purpose by God. ([01:01:00])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. "God has come to you your porch God has come into your life and he has dropped off a gift for you you can choose to open it you can choose to take it if you want you can be the light if you want he has called you out and you go I don't know what to do with this ah what is next and then he comes in I got a board for you you want to take a Next Step let's do this be a light and then people see this in you and they go there's something different about you it's this weird board outside your house there's something and the cool thing is they start asking you questions I never go up to people and say hey do you want to throw axes they always ask me if I can teach them how to they go show me how to do what you did um and we'll wait till Kip leaves um but we have an opportunity to show them to talk about and go look at this is how you throw an ax this is what a relationship with Jesus looks like let me show you and then when the moment is right when they're ready to accept it you then hand them the ax you say hey do you want to accept Jesus into your life go ahead throw it and you just walk them along and you show them how this works and you go and then pretty soon they end up with a board outside their house as well and people are going what happened I got a weird friend that shows me this cool thing can I show you and that's how it works as being a light is it starts spreading everywhere it's not you doing anything it's Christ doing everything through you and it spreads like a wildfire it's so amazing and so what are you gonna do with the light we have an opportunity to reflect and share our faith with those around us and help them encounter a relationship with God and it's incredible that the creator of the universe wants me and wants you to be used to help reach his lost children to be light into the darkness not to go" [01:11:25] - [01:14:31]
Observation Questions:
1. What does it mean to be a light for others?
2. How does the speaker describe the process of sharing faith with others?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the metaphor of throwing axes relate to sharing faith?
2. What does it mean when the speaker says "it's not you doing anything it's Christ doing everything through you"?
Application Questions:
1. Can you think of a time when you felt called to be a light for others? How did you respond?
2. What are some ways you can share your faith with others in your daily life?
3. Can you identify someone in your life who might be open to learning about your faith? How can you approach them?
4. How can you better allow Christ to work through you in your interactions with others?
5. What steps can you take this week to be a light for others in your community?
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Light of Christ
God has chosen each one of us to be a part of His kingdom. He has presented us with the gift of His light, and it is up to us to accept it. This light is not just for our own benefit, but it is meant to be shared with others. We are called to be a light for others, illuminating their path and leading them towards Christ (#01:15:06).
1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Reflection: How can you better accept and share the light of Christ in your daily life?
Day 2: Reflect the Light
Once we have experienced the light of God, we start to reflect it. We begin to look different, act different, and our lives start to shine with the love and grace of God (#01:06:00).
Matthew 5:14 - "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."
Reflection: In what ways has your life changed since you experienced the light of God? How can you reflect this light more effectively?
Day 3: Step into the Light
Stepping into the light of God can be scary, but it is a necessary step in our spiritual journey. It is not about doing anything on our own, but about partnering with God and allowing Him to use us to help others (#01:16:20).
Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
Reflection: What fears or anxieties are holding you back from stepping fully into God's light? How can you overcome them?
Day 4: You are Special
Regardless of how we feel about ourselves, God sees us as special and valuable. He has a purpose, a place, and a plan for each one of us. We need to believe in our worth and stop worrying about everything else (#01:04:42).
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Reflection: How can you better embrace your identity as a special and valuable child of God?
Day 5: God's Forgiveness and Love
God does not condemn or judge us when we bring our sins into the light. Instead, He forgives us, loves us, and wants to know us more. Despite our brokenness and mistakes, God still wants to use us for His glory (#57:52).
1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
Reflection: How can you better embrace God's forgiveness and love in your life? How can you allow God to use your brokenness for His glory?
Quotes
1. "There is a calling here, you are to do something now that you've experienced God. Walk as children of the light. We have a job as light to shine it, that's our job is to illuminate things. So be a light to other people." - 01:08:21
2. "Once you've received the light, you're to let it shine for those around you to see and in turn, you are being Christ to them. This is not for your glory, it's only because of what Christ did through you." - 01:09:02
3. "You might be in one of two places, you're in the dark and you're tired, or you've been in the light for a while. Regardless, you are called to be a light for others, you are His light. This isn't you doing anything on your own, this is you partnering with the creator of the universe with Jesus saying, 'Jesus, use me to be a light, use me to help other people.'" - 01:16:20
4. "God doesn't condemn or judge you when you bring things into the light. God does forgive you already, it's done. You're forgiven. God does love you regardless, you're not changing his love for you. God does want to know you more, he wants to figure out more about you. And God wants to use you, all of the brokenness in my life, all of the sins, all the mistakes I've made, and God still goes, 'Yeah, I want you, I choose you, go and be a light.'" - 01:00:17
5. "God looked at you in the darkness, he has night vision obviously, and he saw you and said, 'You've made the cut, you're on the team.' Some of us in the room are here trying to make it onto the team, we're out there practicing, trying to earn the respect." - 01:00:17
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