Embracing the Value of 'The One' in Faith
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound significance of "the one" in our lives. Often, we overlook the value of a single person, a single soul, in the grand scheme of things. Yet, the Bible consistently highlights the importance of one—one lost sheep, one pearl of great price, one wayward son. The question posed to us is, "Who is your one?" This is the person who might not fit the typical mold of someone we would invite to church or share our faith with, yet they are the very ones who need to experience the love and grace of God.
We are called to see people through the eyes of Jesus, to have healthy spiritual eyes that recognize every individual as a valuable soul. This means looking beyond appearances, behaviors, or societal labels and seeing them as God does. Jesus had compassion for the weary and lost, and we are encouraged to do the same. By putting on our spiritual glasses, we allow God to be our vision, enabling us to see others as children of God deserving of love and grace.
Furthermore, we are called to be the light in the world, to let our lives reflect the love and goodness of Jesus. Our actions, more than our words, can be a powerful testimony to those around us. The story of a grandmother who saw the potential in her granddaughter, despite life's challenges, serves as a poignant reminder of the impact one person can have when they choose to see with spiritual eyes and act with love.
The message concludes with a call to boldness. We are encouraged to be bold in our faith, to invite others to experience the love of Christ, and to not shy away from sharing the gospel. The story of the little boy saving starfish on the beach illustrates that while we may not be able to reach everyone, the effort to save even one is worthwhile. Each person matters, and we are urged to fight for "the one" in our lives, to pray for them, and to trust God to work miracles in their hearts.
Key Takeaways:
- The Value of One: The Bible emphasizes the importance of one lost sheep, one pearl, one wayward son. We are challenged to identify "the one" in our lives who needs to experience God's love and grace. This person may not fit our expectations, but they are invaluable in God's eyes. [43:12]
- Seeing with Spiritual Eyes: We are called to see others as Jesus does, with compassion and love. This requires us to look beyond external appearances and societal labels, recognizing each person as a valuable soul deserving of grace. [46:03]
- Being the Light: Our lives should reflect the light of Jesus, serving as a testimony to those around us. By living a godly life openly, we can be a witness to others, showing them the love and goodness of God through our actions. [49:11]
- Boldness in Faith: We are encouraged to be bold in sharing our faith and inviting others to experience the love of Christ. Despite fears of rejection or ridicule, the potential impact on a person's life is worth the risk. [54:47]
- The Power of One Act: The story of the boy saving starfish reminds us that while we may not reach everyone, our efforts to save even one person are significant. Each individual matters, and we are called to fight for "the one" in our lives. [55:26]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [43:12] - The Significance of One
- [43:46] - Seeing with Spiritual Eyes
- [44:37] - The Easiest Time to Invite
- [45:16] - Who is Your One?
- [46:03] - Seeing Beyond Appearances
- [49:11] - The Power of Compassion
- [53:18] - A Grandmother's Love
- [53:57] - The What Ifs of Life
- [54:47] - Be Bold for Christ
- [55:26] - The Starfish Story
- [57:29] - Prayer for the One
- [59:18] - Invitation to Accept Christ
- [01:00:09] - Prayer of Acceptance
- [01:01:19] - Closing and Thanksgiving Wishes
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 11:34
- Matthew 9:36-38
- Matthew 5:14-16
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 11:34, what does it mean for the eye to be the lamp of the body, and how does this relate to having "healthy eyes"? [43:46]
2. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of "the one" using the story of the grandmother and her granddaughter? [53:18]
3. What examples were given in the sermon of people who might not fit the typical mold of someone we would invite to church? [45:16]
4. How does the story of the boy saving starfish relate to the sermon's message about the value of one? [55:26]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might having "healthy eyes" as described in Luke 11:34 change the way one interacts with others in their daily life? [43:46]
2. In Matthew 9:36-38, Jesus is moved with compassion for the crowds. How does this passage challenge the way individuals view and respond to those who are weary and lost? [46:03]
3. What does it mean to be "the light of the world" as described in Matthew 5:14-16, and how can this be practically demonstrated in one's life? [49:11]
4. The sermon encourages boldness in sharing faith. What are some fears or obstacles that might prevent someone from being bold, and how can these be overcome? [54:47]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the concept of "the one" in your life. Who is someone you might have overlooked that needs to experience God's love and grace? How can you reach out to them this week? [45:16]
2. Consider a time when you judged someone based on appearances or societal labels. How can you begin to see them through "spiritual eyes" as Jesus does? [46:03]
3. Think about your daily actions. How can you let your life reflect the light of Jesus more clearly to those around you? What specific changes can you make? [49:11]
4. The sermon talks about being bold in faith. What is one step you can take this week to share your faith with someone, despite any fears of rejection or ridicule? [54:47]
5. The story of the boy and the starfish emphasizes the importance of individual efforts. What is one small act of kindness or service you can do this week that might make a significant impact on someone else's life? [55:26]
6. How can you cultivate a heart of compassion like Jesus, especially towards those who seem weary and lost? What practical steps can you take to show compassion in your community? [46:03]
7. Reflect on the story of the grandmother and her granddaughter. How can you be a mentor or support to someone in your life who might need guidance and love? [53:18]
Devotional
Day 1: The Profound Value of One
In a world that often values quantity over quality, the Bible reminds us of the profound significance of "the one." Whether it's the story of the lost sheep, the pearl of great price, or the wayward son, each narrative underscores the immense value of a single soul. We are challenged to identify "the one" in our lives who needs to experience God's love and grace. This person may not fit our expectations or societal norms, yet they are invaluable in God's eyes. Recognizing their worth requires us to step outside our comfort zones and extend the love and grace that we have received from God. [43:12]
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10, ESV)
Reflection: Who is "the one" in your life that you might have overlooked? How can you intentionally reach out to them this week with the love and grace of God?
Day 2: Seeing with Spiritual Eyes
We are called to see others as Jesus does, with compassion and love. This requires us to look beyond external appearances and societal labels, recognizing each person as a valuable soul deserving of grace. Jesus had compassion for the weary and lost, and we are encouraged to do the same. By putting on our spiritual glasses, we allow God to be our vision, enabling us to see others as children of God deserving of love and grace. This perspective shift can transform our interactions and relationships, allowing us to be conduits of God's love in a world that desperately needs it. [46:03]
"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'" (1 Samuel 16:7, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone you struggle to see with compassion. How can you ask God to help you see them through His eyes today?
Day 3: Being the Light
Our lives should reflect the light of Jesus, serving as a testimony to those around us. By living a godly life openly, we can be a witness to others, showing them the love and goodness of God through our actions. The story of a grandmother who saw the potential in her granddaughter, despite life's challenges, serves as a poignant reminder of the impact one person can have when they choose to see with spiritual eyes and act with love. Our actions, more than our words, can be a powerful testimony to those around us. [49:11]
"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." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical way you can let your light shine in your community this week, demonstrating God's love through your actions?
Day 4: Boldness in Faith
We are encouraged to be bold in sharing our faith and inviting others to experience the love of Christ. Despite fears of rejection or ridicule, the potential impact on a person's life is worth the risk. The story of the little boy saving starfish on the beach illustrates that while we may not be able to reach everyone, the effort to save even one is worthwhile. Each person matters, and we are urged to fight for "the one" in our lives, to pray for them, and to trust God to work miracles in their hearts. [54:47]
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to boldly share your faith with someone who needs to hear it?
Day 5: The Power of One Act
The story of the boy saving starfish reminds us that while we may not reach everyone, our efforts to save even one person are significant. Each individual matters, and we are called to fight for "the one" in our lives. This means being intentional in our prayers, actions, and words, trusting that God can use even our smallest efforts to make a profound impact. We are encouraged to pray for "the one" in our lives and to trust God to work miracles in their hearts. [55:26]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
Reflection: Who is "the one" you are called to fight for in prayer and action? How can you commit to being intentional in your efforts to reach them this week?
Quotes
"Every single person that we come across, every single person that we encounter is a soul and a possible win for the kingdom of God." [00:44:05] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Now let's be reminded that we don't get to pick and choose who gets to go to heaven. All are welcome, not just the ones we want, not just the ones we like, and definitely not the easiest ones." [00:46:18] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"When you put on your spiritual glasses, you allow God to be your vision, and then and only then can you see that person for who they truly are and that is a child of God." [00:49:30] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"So I say to you today, boldly, go out in the world and be bold for Christ. Invite people to the father's house this year and invite them and speak to them about Jesus." [00:55:19] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"That one mattered. I'm here today to tell you if you know the one that we've been talking about all day and you pictured that person in your head, that one matters." [00:56:33] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God, I pray that we'll take them by the hand and walk them through life and hopefully one day into the gates of heaven." [00:57:29] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"I'm the one that has felt unseen all this time, but today I know that was a lie of the enemy. You've been seen all along." [01:00:59] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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