Embracing Uncommon Goodness: A Life of Holy Intent
Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into 1 Thessalonians 4, exploring how we can become people of uncommon goodness. This chapter challenges us to reflect on our lives and align them with the teachings of Jesus, aiming to be fully alive in who we are created to be. We began by discussing the latent desire for sainthood within each of us, a desire to be the people we were called to be. This desire often surfaces when we reflect on our lives, especially towards the end, realizing the importance of spending time with loved ones and becoming people of loving goodness. As followers of Jesus, our goal is to help each other have Christ formed in us, becoming "little Christs" as C.S. Lewis described. This is what it means to glorify God, to be fully alive in who we are created to be ([01:18]).
We then moved on to discuss the practical aspects of living out this calling, focusing on our daily lives, our work, and our relationships. Paul, in 1 Thessalonians, addresses various aspects of life, including our sexual ethic, how we love one another, and how we handle our finances. He emphasizes the importance of not taking advantage of others' generosity but instead contributing to the community and ensuring there are no needy among us. This generosity and mutual support were key factors in the rapid spread of the early church ([02:07]).
A significant part of our discussion centered on the concept of living a quiet life with holy intent. We explored the idea that living a life of unhurried love, prioritizing our relationship with God, and focusing on the small, everyday tasks with intention can lead to a life of peace and productivity. This quiet life is not about isolation but about attending to our own lives and responsibilities, contributing to the community, and avoiding the distractions of consumption, comparison, and competition ([06:14]).
We also reflected on the importance of doing things in secret, as Jesus taught. The Bible tells us to confess our sins to one another and hide our righteous deeds, the exact opposite of the mantra of our day. This secrecy in our good works leads to a beautiful uncovering of good deeds after we are gone, showing a life lived with integrity and love. This is how a saint becomes a saint, by doing good works in private and living a life of holy intent ([29:31]).
Finally, we discussed the importance of ambition and how it should be directed towards living a quiet life with holy intent. This ambition is not about seeking recognition or success but about faithfully doing the small tasks God has given us. We looked at examples from the Bible and history, such as Jesus' early life and the life of Mother Teresa, to understand how living a life of quiet, faithful service can lead to great impact. This ambition to live a quiet life is about being faithful in the little things, which ultimately leads to a life that pleases God and contributes to the kingdom ([24:35]).
### Key Takeaways
1. Latent Desire for Sainthood: Each of us has a latent desire to be the people we were called to be, a desire that often surfaces when we reflect on our lives. This desire is about becoming people of loving goodness, spending time with loved ones, and helping each other have Christ formed in us. This is what it means to glorify God, to be fully alive in who we are created to be. [01:18]
2. Generosity and Mutual Support: The early church spread rapidly due to their generosity and mutual support. Paul emphasizes the importance of not taking advantage of others' generosity but instead contributing to the community and ensuring there are no needy among us. This mutual support and generosity are key to living out our calling as followers of Jesus. [02:07]
3. Living a Quiet Life with Holy Intent: Living a life of unhurried love, prioritizing our relationship with God, and focusing on small, everyday tasks with intention can lead to a life of peace and productivity. This quiet life is not about isolation but about attending to our own lives and responsibilities, contributing to the community, and avoiding distractions like consumption, comparison, and competition. [06:14]
4. Secrecy in Good Works: The Bible teaches us to confess our sins to one another and hide our righteous deeds. This secrecy in our good works leads to a beautiful uncovering of good deeds after we are gone, showing a life lived with integrity and love. This is how a saint becomes a saint, by doing good works in private and living a life of holy intent. [29:31]
5. Ambition Directed Towards Holy Intent: Our ambition should be directed towards living a quiet life with holy intent, not seeking recognition or success but faithfully doing the small tasks God has given us. Examples from the Bible and history, such as Jesus' early life and Mother Teresa, show how living a life of quiet, faithful service can lead to great impact. This ambition to live a quiet life is about being faithful in the little things, which ultimately leads to a life that pleases God and contributes to the kingdom. [24:35]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:18] - Latent Desire for Sainthood
[02:07] - Generosity and Mutual Support
[06:14] - Living a Quiet Life with Holy Intent
[24:35] - Ambition Directed Towards Holy Intent
[29:31] - Secrecy in Good Works
[43:02] - Communion and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 (NIV)
> "As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit. Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God's family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean by "living a quiet life" in 1 Thessalonians 4:11? How does he suggest we achieve this? [06:14]
2. According to the sermon, what are some practical ways we can avoid taking advantage of others' generosity? [03:51]
3. How does the concept of "holy intent" redefine our daily tasks and ambitions according to the sermon? [16:15]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of secrecy in our good works? How does this align with Jesus' teachings? [29:31]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the latent desire for sainthood manifest in our daily lives, and why is it significant for our spiritual growth? [01:18]
2. In what ways did the early church's generosity and mutual support contribute to its rapid growth, and how can we emulate this today? [02:07]
3. What does it mean to live a life of "unhurried love," and how can this lead to peace and productivity in our lives? [06:14]
4. How can the ambition to live a quiet life with holy intent impact our relationships and community involvement? [24:35]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Do you feel a latent desire for sainthood? How can you nurture this desire to become a person of loving goodness? [01:18]
2. Think about a time when you received generosity from others. How did it impact you, and how can you ensure you are contributing back to your community without taking advantage? [03:51]
3. Identify one area in your life where you can practice living a quiet life with holy intent. What specific steps can you take this week to focus on this? [06:14]
4. Consider a good deed you can do in secret this week. How can you ensure that your actions are done with integrity and love, without seeking recognition? [29:31]
5. Reflect on your current ambitions. Are they directed towards living a quiet life with holy intent, or are they driven by a desire for recognition and success? How can you realign your ambitions to please God? [24:35]
6. How can you incorporate the practice of "unhurried love" into your daily routine? What changes might you need to make to prioritize your relationship with God and focus on small, everyday tasks with intention? [06:14]
7. Think of a specific way you can contribute to your community this week, ensuring there are no needy among you. How can you practice generosity and mutual support in a tangible way? [02:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Latent Desire for Sainthood
Each of us has a latent desire to be the people we were called to be, a desire that often surfaces when we reflect on our lives. This desire is about becoming people of loving goodness, spending time with loved ones, and helping each other have Christ formed in us. This is what it means to glorify God, to be fully alive in who we are created to be. This desire often becomes more apparent as we age or face significant life events, prompting us to evaluate our priorities and relationships. By nurturing this desire, we can align our lives more closely with the teachings of Jesus and become "little Christs," as C.S. Lewis described.
This process involves a deep, personal transformation where we seek to embody the love, compassion, and goodness that Jesus exemplified. It is not about achieving perfection but about striving to live a life that reflects God's love and grace. As we support one another in this journey, we help each other grow in faith and character, ultimately glorifying God through our lives. [01:18]
1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 (ESV): "Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus."
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt a deep desire to be a better person. How can you nurture that desire today and take a step towards becoming the person God created you to be?
Day 2: Generosity and Mutual Support
The early church spread rapidly due to their generosity and mutual support. Paul emphasizes the importance of not taking advantage of others' generosity but instead contributing to the community and ensuring there are no needy among us. This mutual support and generosity are key to living out our calling as followers of Jesus. By sharing our resources and supporting one another, we create a community where everyone can thrive and experience God's love in tangible ways.
Generosity is not just about giving money but also about sharing our time, talents, and love with others. It involves being attentive to the needs of those around us and responding with compassion and kindness. When we practice generosity and mutual support, we reflect the heart of God and demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel. [02:07]
Acts 4:32-35 (ESV): "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need."
Reflection: Consider how you can contribute to your community today. Is there someone in need whom you can support with your time, resources, or encouragement?
Day 3: Living a Quiet Life with Holy Intent
Living a life of unhurried love, prioritizing our relationship with God, and focusing on small, everyday tasks with intention can lead to a life of peace and productivity. This quiet life is not about isolation but about attending to our own lives and responsibilities, contributing to the community, and avoiding distractions like consumption, comparison, and competition. By living with holy intent, we can find deeper fulfillment and purpose in our daily activities.
This approach to life encourages us to slow down and be present in the moment, appreciating the beauty and significance of the ordinary. It involves cultivating a sense of gratitude and contentment, recognizing that our worth is not determined by external achievements but by our relationship with God and our faithfulness in the little things. [06:14]
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (ESV): "And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one."
Reflection: What small, everyday task can you approach with holy intent today? How can you slow down and be more present in your relationship with God and others?
Day 4: Secrecy in Good Works
The Bible teaches us to confess our sins to one another and hide our righteous deeds. This secrecy in our good works leads to a beautiful uncovering of good deeds after we are gone, showing a life lived with integrity and love. This is how a saint becomes a saint, by doing good works in private and living a life of holy intent. By focusing on pleasing God rather than seeking recognition, we can cultivate a heart of humility and genuine love for others.
When we practice secrecy in our good works, we shift our focus from external validation to internal transformation. This approach helps us develop a deeper, more authentic relationship with God and others, as our actions are motivated by love rather than a desire for praise. [29:31]
Matthew 6:3-4 (ESV): "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
Reflection: Think of a good deed you can do in secret today. How can you practice humility and focus on pleasing God rather than seeking recognition?
Day 5: Ambition Directed Towards Holy Intent
Our ambition should be directed towards living a quiet life with holy intent, not seeking recognition or success but faithfully doing the small tasks God has given us. Examples from the Bible and history, such as Jesus' early life and Mother Teresa, show how living a life of quiet, faithful service can lead to great impact. This ambition to live a quiet life is about being faithful in the little things, which ultimately leads to a life that pleases God and contributes to the kingdom.
By redirecting our ambition towards holy intent, we can find deeper meaning and purpose in our daily lives. This approach encourages us to focus on the quality of our character and our relationship with God, rather than external achievements. It reminds us that true greatness is found in humble, faithful service. [24:35]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on your current ambitions. How can you redirect them towards living a quiet life with holy intent? What small tasks can you faithfully do today to please God and contribute to His kingdom?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "There's such a simple brilliance to all this. He's not offering a bunch of cheap platitudes or restrictions. He knows that one of the greatest remedies in this world and in the kingdom is to tend to your own life. He knows that when our first priority is to take care of what's happening with us in our actual sphere of influence and our tiny little specks of control, when we do this, not in a selfish or self-centered way or self-absorbed way but in a truly biblical one. In a loving one." [09:32]
2. "Anyone medicating through Amazon lately? Comparison. No one struggles with that anymore thanks to social media. Competition. It's really hard for you to just have a centered day on the good that you did without thinking about how you wish you were in a better place. And once you get to that place, you're like looking out to the person who's ahead of you and you don't know how to stop. All of which, all of these things, consumption, comparison, competition, that ultimately lead us to lives that actually disrupt and get in the way of the good that God wants to do in our community." [10:21]
3. "I always trust in the coming good. I can reframe most things towards the good and the positive. But my dreams started to look a little different. And the things that I was like hoping for, I noticed like a shift happening in that time. I think the reason I was reflecting back on that three, four years ago is because I haven't actually left that season. I'm still in that season. It's been a long season. To confront some of my pre-quarantine early life ambitions." [13:03]
4. "So much more than my influence and my success and my notoriety. Regardless of whatever scale any of us get to or feel like we've accomplished X, Y, or Z. It does not equal a life fulfilled. It doesn't equal a life of depth. It doesn't necessarily equal a life of meaning and of peace. Even if I'm pretty sure, and most of my ambitions I think in the last like 10, 15 years have been pretty good. I'm trying to make this church be healthy. Not just trying to grow this church this way. We're trying to grow it this way." [14:08]
5. "If it falls your lot, this is your life, to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures. Sweep streets like Beethoven composed music. Sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry. Sweep streets so well that all the host of heaven and earth will have to pause and say, here lived a great street sweeper who swept his job well. If it's true that how you do anything is how you do everything, then the smallest acts done with holy intent will change things." [19:46]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul says that the goal in doing this is to win the respect of outsiders. To win their ultimate. No, don't be dependent on anyone. All of which promotes, again, the way of Jesus. To do these things means you are contributing both to the people in the world around you, which is a byproduct of a life of peace." [11:11]
2. "The Bible tells us to confess our sins to one another and hide our righteous deeds. It's the exact opposite of what Scripture tells us to do. The mantra of our day. We've got to tell each other what's going on and confess these sins even to our own hearts to make it known. And then if you are praying, if you're serving the poor, just close the door. If you're caring for the broken around you, don't feel the need to just push it out there." [29:31]
3. "Make it your ambition. Lead a quiet life. How do you feel when you hear that? Ask your heart and soul that question for a hot second. How do you feel when you hear that? Make it your ambition. Anyone feel like they are ambitious people? Normally when it comes to the scriptures I'm not really super interested in how something makes you feel. I want to know what it says and what it's getting to and what the truth is. But we are emotional people." [07:20]
4. "The word holy has this wide semantic range. But one of the key ideas is that it's something being weighty and heavy. Doing things for the glory of God. Holy intent again means to take ordinary tasks that seem meaningless or empty and then impute them with intention for the things that matter most. You can take something insignificant and make it weighty, holy. Because it's directed toward God." [18:43]
5. "In this passage in 1 Thessalonians 4, in this chapter, and the reason why we're going through this book is we're asking this question, how do we become people of uncommon goodness? Goodness, because our sense is that there is a latent desire for sainthood in every single one of us, even those around you maybe in your life who aren't followers of Jesus, a latent desire, a subterranean desire to be the people we were called to be." [01:18]
6. "The idea here is that we're not taking advantage. We're people who are open and willing to receive grace and help when we need it. To take hold of the generosity of others, but that we are then also people who do not take advantage of this. I mention this as just by way of ultimate summary before we kind of dive a little bit deeper into the text. Because the way in which Rome radically shifted, the way that the church spread was around these three things." [03:51]
7. "I think the next revival that we're praying for in our city is going to be like this. I had this vision a couple weeks ago praying through the city of little prayer rooms popping up in every neighborhood. Just simple little humble gatherings. People gathered outside in squares just praying. I really think the next revival is going to be people like you and I that are just secretly going about the work of the kingdom dispersed amongst the saints." [35:24]
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