Empowered to Act: Embracing Our Calling in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we are called to make a radical shift in our thinking. We often find ourselves overwhelmed, thinking it's time to sit down and rest. However, Scripture never instructs us to sit down and fight our battles from a place of comfort. We are called to be active in our spiritual warfare, never shrinking back, even when we are tired or facing setbacks. As we grow as a congregation, we must pack a punch in our community and beyond, not allowing fatigue or change to derail us. The world is constantly changing, and we must adapt and stay vigilant, following Jesus with passion and fortitude.
We need to shift our mindset to believe that we can walk out of depression, ailments, and mental struggles by following Jesus. It's not about asking Siri for help but asking Jesus to show us the way. This series of sermons is a setup for what’s to come, focusing on what it means for the church to come together as true disciples. The church has been shrinking back, allowing society to dictate moral norms and even define who God is. We must press forward, leading with hope, faith, joy, and peace, not changing our beliefs to fit the world around us.
1 Peter 2:21 tells us that we are called. Many of us feel unworthy or think we are not called, but God is persistent in His call. We need to stop fighting His promptings and start leading our marriages, families, and communities well. Jesus left us an example to follow, and we must focus on Him, walking where He walked and dying to ourselves as He did. The parables in Luke 15 illustrate the importance of seeking the lost. The shepherd, the woman, and the father all sought what was lost, and we are called to do the same. We are not lost; we are found and filled with Jesus. We must now go out and find others who are lost.
We can be saved but still puzzled, feeling like we are on the back foot. This is because we know the example of Jesus but don't feel good enough to replicate it. We must move out of our comfort zones and truly follow Jesus, not just in name but in action. We are called to use God's Word and be Spirit-led in our lives. Every decision we make should be based on Scripture. We must breathe in Jesus' example and breathe out His teachings to the world. We are not just followers; we are called to be like Jesus, to lead and inspire others.
Jesus calls us to prioritize the kingdom of God above all else. The solution to distraction is to focus on kingdom thinking. We must not worry about worldly concerns but trust that Jesus has already conquered Satan and knows our needs. We are called to be more than just followers; we are to be like Jesus, loving, forgiving, and giving even when it’s difficult. We are world changers, called to breathe out the inspiration and hope we have received from Jesus.
In closing, we must remember that the Spirit of the Lord is upon us. We are not lost or found; we are called to be like Jesus, going out into the world to find the lost and bring them to Him. We must not shrink back in our struggles but stand firm, knowing that the Spirit of the Lord is upon us, empowering us to do His work.
### Key Takeaways
1. Active Spiritual Warfare: We are called to be active in our spiritual battles, never shrinking back even when we are tired or facing setbacks. Scripture does not instruct us to fight from a place of comfort but to be vigilant and proactive in our faith. This means continually pressing forward, adapting to the changing world, and following Jesus with passion and fortitude. [01:41]
2. Shift in Mindset: We need to shift our mindset to believe that we can walk out of depression, ailments, and mental struggles by following Jesus. It's not about asking for help from worldly sources but seeking guidance from Jesus. This shift in mindset is crucial for overcoming our struggles and living a life of faith and victory. [03:51]
3. Persistent Calling: God is persistent in His call to us. Many of us feel unworthy or think we are not called, but God continues to prompt us. We need to stop fighting His call and start leading our lives according to His will. This includes leading our marriages, families, and communities well, and following the example Jesus set for us. [06:20]
4. Kingdom Prioritization: The solution to distraction is to prioritize the kingdom of God above all else. We must not worry about worldly concerns but trust that Jesus has already conquered Satan and knows our needs. By focusing on kingdom thinking, we can live a life free from worry and full of faith. [26:17]
5. Empowered by the Spirit: The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, empowering us to do His work. We are not lost or merely found; we are called to be like Jesus, going out into the world to find the lost and bring them to Him. We must stand firm in our struggles, knowing that the Spirit of the Lord is upon us, giving us the strength and authority to overcome. [49:17]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:41] - Active Spiritual Warfare
[03:51] - Shift in Mindset
[06:20] - Persistent Calling
[26:17] - Kingdom Prioritization
[49:17] - Empowered by the Spirit
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 2:21 - "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps."
2. Matthew 6:31-33 - "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
3. Luke 15:4-7 - "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 2:21, what are we called to do, and who left us an example to follow?
2. In Matthew 6:31-33, what are we instructed not to worry about, and what should we seek first instead?
3. In the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:4-7, what does the shepherd do when he loses one sheep, and what is the reaction when he finds it?
4. The sermon mentions that we should not fight our spiritual battles from a place of comfort. What does the pastor say about shrinking back in our struggles? [01:41]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does 1 Peter 2:21 challenge our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus? What does it mean to follow in His steps?
2. What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God according to Matthew 6:31-33, and how does this help us with our worries and distractions? [26:17]
3. In the parable of the lost sheep, what does the shepherd’s action teach us about the value of each individual? How does this relate to our mission as followers of Jesus?
4. The sermon emphasizes the need for a shift in mindset to overcome depression and mental struggles by following Jesus. How does this mindset shift align with the teachings of Jesus? [03:51]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed and wanted to "sit down" in your spiritual journey. How can you apply the principle of active spiritual warfare in your current struggles? [01:41]
2. The sermon calls for a shift in mindset to overcome depression and ailments by following Jesus. What practical steps can you take this week to seek guidance from Jesus rather than worldly sources? [03:51]
3. How can you actively lead your marriage, family, or community by following the example of Jesus? Identify one specific area where you can improve your leadership. [06:20]
4. What are some distractions in your life that prevent you from prioritizing the kingdom of God? How can you minimize these distractions this week to focus more on kingdom thinking? [26:17]
5. The sermon mentions that we are empowered by the Spirit to do God's work. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit in your daily decisions and actions? [49:17]
6. Think of someone in your life who is "lost" and needs to be found. What specific actions can you take this week to reach out to them and share the hope and love of Jesus? [34:29]
7. The pastor emphasized the importance of not just following Jesus but being like Him. What is one specific way you can embody the character of Jesus in your interactions with others this week? [21:51]
Devotional
Day 1: Active Spiritual Warfare
We are called to be active in our spiritual battles, never shrinking back even when we are tired or facing setbacks. Scripture does not instruct us to fight from a place of comfort but to be vigilant and proactive in our faith. This means continually pressing forward, adapting to the changing world, and following Jesus with passion and fortitude. We must remember that our spiritual journey is not a passive one; it requires us to be engaged and ready to confront challenges head-on. By doing so, we can make a significant impact in our communities and beyond, demonstrating the power of a faith that does not waver.
Ephesians 6:11-12 (ESV): "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
Reflection: In what areas of your life have you been passive in your spiritual battles? How can you actively engage in these areas starting today? [01:41]
Day 2: Shift in Mindset
We need to shift our mindset to believe that we can walk out of depression, ailments, and mental struggles by following Jesus. It's not about asking for help from worldly sources but seeking guidance from Jesus. This shift in mindset is crucial for overcoming our struggles and living a life of faith and victory. By focusing on Jesus and His teachings, we can find the strength and direction needed to navigate through life's challenges. This mindset change is not just a one-time event but a continuous process of aligning our thoughts and actions with the example set by Jesus.
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."
Reflection: What worldly sources have you been relying on for help? How can you start seeking guidance from Jesus instead? [03:51]
Day 3: Persistent Calling
God is persistent in His call to us. Many of us feel unworthy or think we are not called, but God continues to prompt us. We need to stop fighting His call and start leading our lives according to His will. This includes leading our marriages, families, and communities well, and following the example Jesus set for us. Understanding that we are called by God can transform how we view our roles and responsibilities. It empowers us to step into leadership with confidence, knowing that we are equipped and chosen by God to make a difference.
Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV): "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."
Reflection: In what ways have you been resisting God's call in your life? How can you start embracing His call and lead in your areas of influence? [06:20]
Day 4: Kingdom Prioritization
The solution to distraction is to prioritize the kingdom of God above all else. We must not worry about worldly concerns but trust that Jesus has already conquered Satan and knows our needs. By focusing on kingdom thinking, we can live a life free from worry and full of faith. This means putting God's purposes and plans at the forefront of our lives, trusting that He will take care of our needs as we seek His kingdom first. It requires a shift in focus from the temporary to the eternal, from our own desires to God's will.
Matthew 6:33-34 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
Reflection: What distractions are keeping you from prioritizing the kingdom of God? How can you refocus your attention on His kingdom today? [26:17]
Day 5: Empowered by the Spirit
The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, empowering us to do His work. We are not lost or merely found; we are called to be like Jesus, going out into the world to find the lost and bring them to Him. We must stand firm in our struggles, knowing that the Spirit of the Lord is upon us, giving us the strength and authority to overcome. This empowerment is not just for our benefit but for the purpose of advancing God's kingdom and bringing others into a relationship with Him. It is a call to action, to live out our faith boldly and with purpose.
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's power in your daily life? What steps can you take to actively seek and bring the lost to Jesus? [49:17]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "How many of you have got to a place in life, in the week, in your day, when you think that it's just the right time to sit down? It's been go, go, go, and I just need to sit down. I've been thinking too much. I've been doing too much. I've got so much on my plate. I've got so much on my mind. And I want to say to you today that we were praying before the service because we need to make a radical shift in our thinking. Because nowhere in Scripture does it say sit down and put on the armor of God. Nowhere in Scripture does it say sit down, take a moment, and fight Satan from your recliner." [01:41]
2. "So we can be saved but still puzzled. Can I say that again? We can be saved but still puzzled. Still feeling depressed. Still feeling lost behind. Still feeling like we're on the back foot. Still feel like we're never going to achieve anything. Still feel like we're not good enough. Still feel like we don't read our Bible enough. Still feel like we've made the wrong decision. We're saved but we're still puzzled." [18:09]
3. "We can't be followers of Jesus for the rest of our lives. We need to lead the world towards Jesus. And if we're just running behind going, oh Jesus, I just need some more. Oh Jesus, please will you heal me? Oh Jesus, oh Jesus. We're behind Jesus all the time following him, great. But being him, not so much. Christians, we need to start being Jesus, not just following him." [21:51]
4. "You live that you can count it all joy even though you're going through many trials because that's what Jesus promised you. You speak like you have the Holy Spirit inside of you because that's what Jesus promised you. You don't obey his commands. You obey his promises. Commands are of the Old Testament. He's taken the commands and he's translated them into future promises so that you can live through obedience in the future where Jesus is, not where he was." [11:44]
5. "You can be bickering. You can be gossiping. You can be slandering. You can be talking the church down the road down. You can be saying bad things about other people. You can have an anxiety issue with a brother across the room, but you still worshiped and you disobeyed God that says, leave your stuff at the altar and go and sort out your stuff with your brother before you worship. You can have all that going on in your head and you can point, snap, swish, tap and say, I'm a follower of Jesus. And Jesus is saying, yes, but there's more. If you follow me, I need you to become like me." [29:05]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jesus has ever spoken about you or for you is already written on the inside of you. He cannot take it back. You don't have to learn it. You don't have to study it. It comes out of you naturally when you're Spirit-led. Jesus is saying, come on now, I want you to get close to me. I don't have a distance like Peter, because when Peter followed Jesus at a distance, he denied Jesus. He made excuses. I don't know this guy. In that party when everybody else is saying, aren't you a Christian? Should you be behaving like this? No, I don't go to church anymore." [47:07]
2. "We press forward. We are the leaders of the hope and the faith and the joy and the peace of the Lord. We do not shrink back and change what we believe to model coddle to a world around us. Oh, come on. I need to preach it, brother. Come on. Can we get, like, going in the church today? So, 1 Peter 2.21, it says this, To this you were called. What were we called to? I'm not called. I'm not called. The only calling I get is on my phone once in a while. I'm not called. Well, God is saying that you are called." [05:08]
3. "You see, air in builds your character. Air out changes the world. And Jesus changed the world, and Jesus needs us to do what Jesus did, not just follow around going, I follow a world changer. No, no, no, lean forward. I want to tell you a secret. No, seriously. It works. It helps with a number. Lean forward. You are a world changer." [33:54]
4. "Not trying to suck him in for your own benefit. Ouch. Ouch. You see, we need to follow him. And Jesus then says, so who are you in the story? Are you the lost or are you the found? Neither. Followers are found. People who step from following to faith become the shepherd, become the woman, and become the father that's looking for the lost. That's not Jesus. That was Jesus as an example, and now we're supposed to copy Jesus' example." [39:16]
5. "We cannot shrink back in our depression and our thoughts anymore because Satan's got you right where he wants you if you're thinking about yourself. It's time, church, to say that exactly who I am the bumbling person that can't get out two words. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. The person that's at the front and can speak like anything, the Spirit of the Lord's upon him. The person that comes from a broken home, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you. The person that comes from a broken marriage, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you. The one that's done terrible things in the past, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you." [53:27]
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