Emulating Christ: Living Faith Beyond Complacency

 

Summary

In today's sermon, we delve into the profound understanding that our faith and the church are not bound by the limitations of human reasoning or the confines of the natural world. We are reminded that the supernatural power of God transcends the analytical tools of science and technology. As we become increasingly reliant on technology, we risk becoming complacent and losing our sense of wonder for the miraculous works of God. We recall the days of Gideon, who questioned where the miracles of old had gone, and we are cautioned not to fall into the same trap of complacency.

We explore the difference between imitation and emulation in our spiritual walk. To imitate is to mimic actions without substance, but to emulate is to embody the passion and essence of what we admire. We are called to emulate Christ, not merely imitate the actions of others. This emulation is what should drive our worship and our desire to see souls saved. We are reminded that true worship comes from a spontaneous heart of gratitude for God's grace and favor in our lives, not from a place of obligation or command.

The sermon also addresses the importance of understanding our identity in Christ. We are challenged to be Christians not just in name but in character, reflecting the love and actions of Christ in our daily lives. We are encouraged to grow in our faith, to be lifelong learners, and not to become stagnant in our spiritual journey. We are warned of the side effects of sin, using the metaphor of medical side effects to illustrate the long-term consequences of our actions.

In conclusion, we are called to praise God in anticipation of His blessings and to thank Him when they come to fruition. Our faith must be active and alive, not bogged down by over-analysis or doubt. We are to live in the certainty that God hears us, regardless of the language we speak, and that He is always present in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

- The church must not lose its sense of awe for the supernatural amidst a world saturated with technology and scientific explanations. We must remember that God's power and miracles are not confined to the past but are active and present today. Our faith is a living testament to the extraordinary works of God that defy human logic and understanding. [14:59]

- True worship is not a performance or a series of actions dictated by others; it is an authentic expression of our love and gratitude towards God. When we reflect on the goodness of Jesus and the blessings He has bestowed upon us, our worship becomes a natural outpouring of a thankful heart. This genuine worship is what God desires from us, not the empty gestures of compliance. [29:30]

- Our Christian identity is not about external appearances or adherence to cultural norms but about the transformation of our hearts and lives to align with Christ's character. Being called a Christian should be a reflection of our emulation of Christ's love and actions, not just a label we wear. Our lives should bear the fruit of the teachings we receive and the spiritual leaders we look up to. [25:22]

- Growth in our spiritual journey is essential. We must continually seek knowledge and understanding to avoid becoming stagnant in our faith. As we learn and grow, we are better equipped to navigate the challenges of life and to minister effectively to others. Our willingness to learn is a sign of humility and a desire to deepen our relationship with God. [34:10]

- Sin has side effects that can have lasting impacts on our lives. Just as medical conditions have side effects that we must consider, the choices we make in sin can lead to consequences that affect us and those around us. We must be mindful of these side effects and choose to live in a way that honors God and leads to life, not death. [37:47]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) - "For we live by faith, not by sight."
2. Judges 6:13 (NIV) - "Pardon me, my lord," Gideon replied, "but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, 'Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian."
3. Romans 6:23 (NIV) - "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does 2 Corinthians 5:7 mean when it says we live by faith and not by sight? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about the supernatural power of God? [07:48]
2. In Judges 6:13, why does Gideon question the presence of miracles? How does this reflect our own potential complacency in faith? [14:59]
3. According to Romans 6:23, what are the consequences of sin? How does the sermon use this verse to explain the side effects of sin? [37:47]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How can the church maintain a sense of awe for the supernatural in a world dominated by technology and scientific explanations? [14:17]
2. What is the difference between imitation and emulation in our spiritual walk, and why is it important to emulate Christ rather than just imitate others? [25:22]
3. How does understanding our identity in Christ help us to live out our faith authentically and avoid merely performing religious actions? [18:23]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you relied more on technology or human reasoning than on faith. How can you shift your focus back to trusting in God's supernatural power? [14:17]
2. Think about your current worship practices. Are they driven by genuine gratitude or by obligation? How can you cultivate a more authentic expression of worship? [29:30]
3. In what ways can you actively grow in your faith and avoid becoming stagnant? Identify one specific area where you can seek more knowledge or understanding this week. [34:10]
4. Consider the side effects of sin in your life. What are some long-term consequences you have experienced or seen in others? How can you make choices that lead to life rather than death? [37:47]
5. How can you better reflect the character of Christ in your daily interactions? Identify one specific action you can take this week to show Christ's love to someone in your life. [25:22]
6. When was the last time you praised God in anticipation of His blessings? How can you incorporate this practice into your daily routine? [07:02]
7. Identify a person or group in your life who challenges your faith. How can you prepare yourself to respond with grace and understanding, reflecting your identity in Christ? [12:21]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing the Awe of the Supernatural
In a world where technology and science offer explanations for nearly everything, it's easy to lose the sense of awe and wonder that comes with the supernatural acts of God. The church must actively resist the temptation to view the divine through the lens of human understanding. God's power and presence are not relics of the past but are as real and active today as they were in the days of biblical miracles. The supernatural works of God defy logic and invite believers to live in a state of expectancy and amazement, looking beyond what is explainable to embrace the mysteries of faith. [14:59]

"But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" (Matthew 19:26 ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a sense of wonder for God's supernatural works in your daily life?

Day 2: Authentic Worship as a Reflection of Gratitude
Worship is not a routine or a set of actions to be performed; it is the genuine outpouring of a heart overwhelmed by God's grace and love. True worship cannot be manufactured or replicated through mere imitation. It arises spontaneously from a place of deep appreciation for the blessings and favor that God has poured into our lives. When worship stems from such authentic gratitude, it becomes a powerful testament to the relationship between the believer and the divine, pleasing to God and fulfilling to the worshiper. [29:30]

"And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh." (Matthew 2:11 ESV)

Reflection: What are specific ways you can express your heartfelt gratitude to God outside of church services?

Day 3: Living Out Our Christian Identity
To be a Christian is to undergo a transformation that goes beyond labels and appearances. It is about embodying the character and love of Christ in every aspect of our lives. This transformation is evident when our actions reflect the teachings of Jesus, impacting the way we interact with others and navigate our daily challenges. Our identity in Christ should be visible not just in what we say but in the love, kindness, and forgiveness we extend to those around us, mirroring the example set by Jesus. [25:22]

"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18 ESV)

Reflection: In what practical ways can you demonstrate Christ's love to someone in your community this week?

Day 4: Commitment to Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is a continuous journey that requires a commitment to learning and understanding. Stagnation in faith is a risk when one ceases to seek knowledge and deeper experiences with God. Lifelong learning is a hallmark of a vibrant faith, allowing believers to face life's challenges with wisdom and to minister to others effectively. This pursuit of growth is a humble acknowledgment that there is always more to learn about God, His word, and His will for our lives. [34:10]

"Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—" (1 Peter 2:2 ESV)

Reflection: What is one spiritual discipline you can practice this week to deepen your understanding of God?

Day 5: Understanding the Consequences of Sin
Sin, much like a medical condition, has side effects that can profoundly impact our lives and the lives of those around us. These consequences can be far-reaching and long-lasting, affecting our spiritual health and relationships. Recognizing the gravity of sin's side effects should lead us to live in a way that honors God and fosters life, not death. It is a call to mindfulness and a reminder of the importance of making choices that align with God's will and lead to true freedom and life. [37:47]

"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out." (Proverbs 10:9 ESV)

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to make a change to avoid the side effects of sin?

Quotes

1) "The supernatural certainly means it's above the natural; it ain't natural so you can't figure it out, you can't think it out, you can't intellectualize it." [07:48] (Download | Download cropped video)

2) "We got so many people trying to analyze that's why we missed the supernatural because we're so busy analyzing everything, tearing it apart, trying to make sense of it." [13:42] (Download | Download cropped video)

3) "When you got so much technology, you have a tendency to think this is normal, so you're not excited about stuff... we have a tendency to kind of become complacent where we are because we don't see things that we heard about in the past." [14:59] (Download | Download cropped video)

4) "You gotta be a Christian not just look like a Christian. The problem is a whole lot of folks look like what they not practicing." [18:23] (Download | Download cropped video)

5) "Are you being called a Christian because people can see Christ in you? Because that's why they were called Christians." [25:22] (Download | Download cropped video)

6) "If you just think of the goodness of Jesus... nobody I have to tell you what to do. Every time I think about how old the Lord let me live, I think about friends... I still got my life, health, and strength." [29:30] (Download | Download cropped video)

7) "The side effects that's gonna kill you, the actual sin may not kill you... It's the side effects that's gonna catch up with you." [35:50] (Download | Download cropped video)

8) "Sometimes you complain about your little issues, but if you just talk to somebody else... I got encouraged thinking, at least I could push. Sometimes you got to be grateful for what you got." [42:16] (Download | Download cropped video)

9) "Worshiping is about what you give, not just your money, your time, your talent, your treasure. You gotta give it, and you constantly give it because God's constantly given to you." [21:10] (Download | Download cropped video)

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Transcript
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