Embracing Unity and Growth in Christ
Summary
In this sermon, I emphasized the importance of unity, humility, gentleness, patience, love, and peace in the Christian life. I stressed that these virtues are not easily cultivated, as they require us to overcome our inherent pride and selfishness. I also highlighted the need for Christians to take responsibility for their own spiritual growth and obedience to Jesus Christ. This obedience, I noted, is evidence of true transformation in Christ. Furthermore, I discussed the importance of speaking the truth in love and contributing to church growth, not in terms of numbers, but in terms of spiritual growth. I concluded by encouraging the congregation to live out their faith in a manner that reflects their new identity in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Unity, humility, gentleness, patience, love, and peace are essential attributes of a mature Christian [ 45:09]
- Every Christian has the responsibility to take possession of their own spiritual calling and become obedient to Jesus Christ [ 42:51]
- Speaking the truth in love and contributing to church growth are important aspects of the Christian life [ 01:12:48]
- Living out our faith in a manner that reflects our new identity in Christ is crucial [ 44:02]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 28:19-20 #!!01:15:27!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What are the four types of people identified in the Great Commission?
2. What does it mean to be a disciple according to the sermon?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the role of a disciple maker in the Great Commission?
2. What does the sermon suggest is the difference between a believer and a disciple?
Application Questions:
1. Which of the four types of people in the Great Commission do you identify with currently? Why?
2. If you identify as a believer, what steps can you take to become a disciple?
3. If you identify as a disciple, how can you transition into becoming a disciple maker?
4. What resources or support do you need to grow in your faith and move to the next stage in your spiritual journey?
5. Can you think of someone in your life who you could disciple? What would be your first step in that process?
Devotional
Day 1: Walking with Jesus Matters
As God's holy people, our walk with Him is of utmost importance. We are called to be obedient Christians, living out our faith in action. This means keeping God at the core of our lives and committing to His kingdom mission. This walk is not just about our personal relationship with God, but also about how we contribute to His kingdom. [01:01:47]
Ephesians 4:1 - "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called."
Reflection: How can you make your walk with God more central in your daily life?
Day 2: Aim for Christ's Likeness
Our ultimate goal as Christians is to aim for Christ's likeness. This means modeling our lives after Him, forgiving those who wrong us, showing grace, being patient, caring, and loving. It also means striving for holiness, reminding ourselves that it's His righteousness we're living in, not our own. [01:03:02]
1 Peter 1:15 - "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct."
Reflection: In what areas of your life can you better model Christ's likeness?
Day 3: Resist Satan's Deceptions
Satan is constantly at work trying to convince us not to walk with Jesus, not to go all in, or take a step of obedience. He wants us to believe that we can't do it because he doesn't want us to do it. We must resist these deceptions and remember that the battle has already been won. [01:07:09]
James 4:7 - "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Reflection: What lies of Satan have you believed and how can you resist them?
Day 4: Take the Next Step
We are all at different stages in our spiritual journey, but we are all called to take the next step. Whether that's giving your life to Christ, getting baptized, diving into discipleship, or using your gifts for God's kingdom, there is always a next step to take. [01:17:47]
Philippians 3:14 - "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What is the next step in your spiritual journey and how can you take it?
Day 5: Be a Kingdom Person
As Christians, we are called to be kingdom people, about God's kingdom vision. This means that as our vertical relationship with God grows, so should our horizontal relationships with each other and the world. We are called to be a witness and to join our lives together in God's kingdom mission. [01:01:47]
Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: How can you better live out your calling as a kingdom person?
Quotes
1. "What's important is that we be self-aware. What kind of personality do you have? Are you a peaceable person? Are you an aggressive person? Are you bossy? Are you bullish? Are you insensitive? What are your tendencies? We have to become self-aware. If we're not self-aware, we're gonna be the kind of people who either don't engage in healthy relationships or create divisions." - 47:34
2. "As our vertical relationship with you grows, the horizontal relationship with each other and then with the world grows. May we be a kingdom people about your kingdom vision." - 01:20:14
3. "Our feelings are real but our feelings are not always true. Our feelings often dictate to the old man how we should respond instead of our feelings being run through this filter of 'is this true?' Am I is what I'm feeling true and how should I respond?" - 01:09:18
4. "We are to speak in love. We believe people are created in the image of God, every person, and so therefore we are to be loving to all people. Doesn't mean we have to approve everything they're doing but it does mean that we are loving to them." - 01:09:18
5. "What a beautiful story it is to tell that you, through love, sent your son to us to be sacrificed for us all for your glory, Lord, and for your love for us, Lord. What a gift and all we can do this morning is give back to you and we just praise you, Lord." - 35:44
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