Engaging Faith: Action, Renewal, and Christ's Lordship

Devotional

Day 1: Created for Good Works That Benefit Others

God has uniquely crafted each of us in Christ Jesus for good works that are not just “good” in a vague sense, but are meant to be profitable, useful, and benevolent to the world around us. Our calling is to bring benefit to others in whatever field or context God places us, and this requires not just inspiration or ingenuity, but the discipline of follow-through—seeing ideas and intentions through to completion so that they become real acts of service and love. Rather than being distracted by the pursuit of greatness or perfection, we are invited to simply do good, trusting that God values our faithful action more than flawless execution. [04:06]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Reflection: What is one good work or act of service you’ve been putting off because you fear it won’t be perfect? How can you take a concrete step to bless someone today, even if it feels small or unfinished?

Day 2: Renewing the Mind—Freedom from Deceitful Desires

The process of spiritual transformation involves putting off our old self, with its corrupt and deceitful desires, and being renewed in the spirit of our minds. This is not just a metaphorical change, but a real reshaping of our thoughts, habits, and even our brains, as we choose to believe God’s truth over the lies our hearts and the world tell us. The freedom Christ offers is found in daily choosing to take off the old patterns and put on the new self, created after God’s likeness in true righteousness and holiness, trusting that God’s way is not restrictive but life-giving. [13:07]

Ephesians 4:17-24 (ESV)
Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!—assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Reflection: What is one deceitful desire or old pattern of thinking you need to “take off” today? What would it look like to put on the new self in this area?

Day 3: Girding Up the Mind—Intentional Focus for God’s Glory

Our minds are prone to wander and be scattered, but Scripture calls us to “gird up the loins” of our minds, bringing our thoughts into focus so that we can live purposefully for God’s glory. This intentional focus is not about shrinking our minds, but about making room for God to expand our capacity, creativity, and impact as we center our lives on Jesus and His gospel. When we surrender our minds to God and ask Him to direct our focus, He promises to do more than we can imagine, leading us into works and experiences beyond our own conception. [16:15]

1 Peter 1:13 (ESV)
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to “gird up” your mind and focus more intentionally on God’s purposes? What practical step can you take today to bring your thoughts and attention under Christ’s direction?

Day 4: Repentance—The Gift of Changing Your Mind

Repentance is not a word of shame, but a glorious invitation to change our minds and agree with God’s truth. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are given the ability to break old mental pathways of bitterness, unforgiveness, or destructive habits, and to form new ones by confessing our sins and aligning our thoughts with God’s Word. This process, which even science recognizes as the brain’s neuroplasticity, is a spiritual reality for believers: we are not stuck in our old ways, but can be transformed by the renewing of our minds, one decision at a time. [23:31]

Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Reflection: Is there a thought pattern or habit you’ve believed could never change? What would it look like to confess this to God and ask Him to help you “change your mind” today?

Day 5: Remembering and Supporting the Persecuted Church

As followers of Christ, we are called to remember those who are suffering for their faith, especially our brothers and sisters who are persecuted or imprisoned for the sake of the gospel. This remembrance is not passive, but active—praying for them, learning their stories, and seeking ways to support and encourage them as if we were suffering alongside them. In doing so, we participate in the global body of Christ and allow our hearts and minds to be shaped by compassion, courage, and solidarity with those who pay a high cost for following Jesus. [10:07]

Hebrews 13:3 (ESV)
Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.

Reflection: How can you intentionally remember and support persecuted Christians today—through prayer, learning, or giving? What step will you take to stand with them in love?

Sermon Summary

The reality of Christ’s lordship over all creation means that everything in life has significance. Because God exists, every aspect of the world—its people, its problems, its beauty, and its pain—matters deeply. Christ, who saves, also calls us to engage our minds fully, to study, to learn, and to care about what is happening around us. This is not a distraction from faith, but a vital part of it. The gospel compels us to be aware, to care about the suffering and the oppressed, and to let our knowledge lead to action.

Yet, there are pitfalls in this pursuit. Ingenuity and inspiration are gifts, but without follow-through, they remain only ideas. We cannot glorify God by starting a thousand things and finishing none. The call is to focus, to discern where the Holy Spirit is leading, and to see things through to completion. Good works, as Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, are not just “good” in a vague sense—they are profitable, useful, and benevolent. Our calling is to be a benefit to the world, to improve the lives of others, and to do so with diligence and perseverance.

Fear of failure often keeps us from acting. We imagine greatness in our minds, but hesitate to risk imperfection in reality. The truth is, nothing we do will be perfect, but that should not stop us from doing good. If we are paralyzed by the need for perfection, we will never accomplish anything of value. God calls us to act, to serve, and to love, even if our efforts are flawed.

Our thoughts are powerful—they literally shape our brains. Patterns of bitterness, unforgiveness, or addiction carve deep grooves in our minds, but the Word of God offers a way to renew and reshape us. Scripture calls us to put off the old self, to be renewed in the spirit of our minds, and to put on the new self. This is not just a spiritual metaphor; it is a real transformation, a re-sculpting of our inner life.

Repentance is the glorious gift that allows us to change our minds, to turn from destructive patterns and agree with God’s truth. Confession is not just admitting wrong, but aligning our thoughts with what God says. The enemy’s oldest lie is that God is a taker, that obedience will shrink our lives. But the truth is, when we focus our minds and lives on Christ, He expands our capacity beyond what we can imagine. Renewing the mind is not just possible—it is the path to freedom, usefulness, and joy.

Key Takeaways

1. Christ’s Lordship Gives All of Life Significance Because God exists and reigns, every part of creation matters. Our faith is not an excuse to ignore the world, but a reason to engage it deeply—caring about suffering, injustice, and the needs of others. The gospel compels us to be aware, to learn, and to act for the good of the world, reflecting Christ’s heart for the oppressed and the poor. [01:52]
2. Ingenuity Without Follow-Through Is Futile God may inspire us with many ideas, but without focus and perseverance, these ideas remain unfulfilled. We are not called to start a thousand things, but to discern where God is leading and to see it through to completion. True good works are not just intentions, but actions that bring real benefit and blessing to others. [04:06]
3. Fear of Failure Paralyzes, but Imperfect Action Blesses The desire for perfection often keeps us from ever beginning. We imagine greatness in our minds, but are afraid to risk disappointment or inadequacy. God does not require perfection—He calls us to do good, even if our efforts are flawed, trusting that obedience and love matter more than flawless execution. [06:04]
4. Renewing the Mind Is a Spiritual and Physical Reality Our thoughts literally shape our brains, for good or for ill. Patterns of bitterness, addiction, or unforgiveness carve deep grooves, but God’s Word offers the power to renew and reshape us. By meditating on Scripture and choosing new patterns, we participate in the transformation God desires for us, both spiritually and neurologically. [07:22]
5. Repentance and Confession Are Pathways to Freedom Repentance is not a shameful word, but a glorious invitation to change our minds and align with God’s truth. Confession means agreeing with God, letting go of the lies that have shaped us, and embracing the freedom Christ offers. The enemy’s lie is that obedience shrinks our lives, but in truth, surrendering our minds to Christ expands our capacity for joy, usefulness, and eternal impact. [23:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:20] - The Significance of All Things in Christ
[01:52] - The Call to Engage Our Minds
[03:00] - Ingenuity and the Need for Follow-Through
[04:06] - Good Works: Profitable and Benevolent
[05:10] - The Trap of Perfectionism and Fear of Failure
[06:04] - Doing Good vs. Doing Great
[07:22] - How Thoughts Shape Our Brains
[09:14] - The Power of Focused Bible Study
[10:07] - Confidence in the Gospel
[11:00] - Ephesians 4: Renewing the Mind
[13:07] - The Danger of Deceitful Desires
[14:40] - Girding Up the Mind for Action
[16:15] - The Enemy’s Oldest Lie
[19:49] - Neuroplasticity and Spiritual Renewal
[23:31] - Repentance, Confession, and Freedom
[24:54] - The Battle for the Mind
[25:58] - Closing and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ephesians 2:10 — For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

- Ephesians 4:17–24
Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds... to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

- 1 Peter 1:13
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 2:10, what does it mean that we are God’s workmanship, and what are we created for?
In Ephesians 4:22–24, what are the three actions Paul calls believers to take regarding their old and new selves?
The sermon mentions that our thoughts can “sculpt” our brains, for good or for ill. What are some examples given of negative thought patterns that can shape us? [[07:22]]
What does 1 Peter 1:13 mean by “gird up the loins of your mind,” and why is this imagery important? [[14:40]]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says, “Because God exists, everything else has significance.” How does this truth challenge the idea that faith is just about spiritual things and not about the world around us? [[01:52]]
Why is it not enough to simply have good ideas or intentions, according to Ephesians 2:10 and the sermon? What does it look like to have “follow-through” in doing good works? [[04:06]]
The message warns about the “fear of failure” and perfectionism. How can these attitudes keep us from being useful to God and others? [[06:04]]
The sermon describes repentance as a “glorious invitation to change our minds.” How is biblical repentance different from just feeling bad about something? [[23:31]]

Application Questions

The sermon says that Christ’s lordship means every part of life matters. Is there an area of your life you’ve considered “unspiritual” or unimportant to God? How might you begin to see it differently this week? [[01:52]]
Are there any “good works” or ideas you’ve started but never finished? What is one unfinished thing you sense God might be calling you to complete, and what’s one step you can take toward finishing it? [[04:06]]
Can you think of a time when fear of not being perfect kept you from trying something good or serving someone? What would it look like to act in obedience, even if you can’t do it perfectly? [[06:04]]
The sermon talks about how patterns of bitterness, unforgiveness, or addiction can shape our minds. Is there a negative thought pattern you want to “put off” and replace with God’s truth? What Scripture could you meditate on to help reshape your thinking? [[07:22]]
Repentance is described as changing your mind and agreeing with God. Is there a specific area where you need to “change your mind” and confess that God’s way is better? What would it look like to take that step this week? [[23:31]]
The message says that obedience to Christ actually expands our lives, not shrinks them. Have you ever believed the lie that following God would make your life smaller? How has God surprised you by expanding your capacity for joy or usefulness? [[16:15]]
The sermon encourages us to “gird up the loins of our minds” and focus. What is one distraction or mental habit you need to “gird up” or set aside in order to focus more fully on Christ and His calling for you? [[14:40]]

Sermon Clips

I have broken through to the position that because God exists, everything else has significance. [00:00:25]

The Jesus Christ who saves sinners is the same Christ who beckons his followers to serious use of their minds for serious explorations of the world. [00:00:33]

Because of him, I want to know what's going on in the world. Because of him, I want to know about famines happening on the other side of the world. Because of Jesus and his gospel, I need to know what's going on in the world. [00:01:12]

We cannot do a thousand things to the glory of God. No, we cannot do a thousand things to the glory of God. No, we cannot do a thousand things. cannot. No, we cannot. No, we cannot. [00:03:26]

What happens without follow -through is it's all blueprint and no building. It's all notes and no song. It's all intentions and no creation. It's all dreams and no waking. It's all opportunity and no taking. [00:03:31]

That you and I, what we are called to do in whatever field God sends us to is that we're to be a benefit to this world. We're to be a benefit to people. That our works will improve something for somebody else. That our works are useful. [00:04:25]

We'd rather think how great we could be at something than risk doing it and realizing we weren't as great as we hoped. [00:05:04]

I'm going to tell you right now, if you cannot fail, you will never succeed. Never. Never. [00:07:02]

Changing how we think not only changes our lives, it changes our brains. I learned that our thoughts are literally sculpting our brains. [00:07:09]

We're not meant to be overwhelmed by this darkness. We're meant to be lights right in it. [00:09:35]

Hardness of heart will cause us to have an ignorance about things. All it takes is just to have a hard heart to influence us with ignorance. [00:12:22]

This is freedom to us. This is freedom. This is what it means to hold the thoughts captive to Christ, where we demolish every stronghold that raises itself up as a vain imagination against the knowledge of God. [00:13:19]

Nothing in my life has gotten me into more trouble than deceitful desires. Nothing. That when your heart just lies to you and it says, this is really what's going to make you happy, I'm going to tell you right now. [00:13:58]

If we will give him our minds and we will be willing to get focused really get focused on what we want our life to be about you know what Lord I just want my whole life you just to invade the whole thing take it over I mean I got this one chance to live here I want to do it I want to do it your way so it will last so it'll make a difference to people so it will bring benefit to those around me so that it will be works that will be eternal I want you to do it take all of me take all of me then what that's saying is I want to focus my life on Jesus Christ and living to this to the glory of his name and for the sake of his gospel that's what I want to do. [00:17:54]

He said in first Corinthians 2 9 I has never seen nor ear ever heard nor mind has ever conceived what God has planned for those who love him do you understand what that's saying he said listen you focus your love on me you focus your mind on me you cannot even conceive what I will do for you you have not thought it up. [00:18:34]

Renewing your mind according to the instructions of the word of the lord will literally reshape your brain i just can anybody say amen to that anybody to be renewed in the spirit of our minds to be transformed by the renewing of our minds i got to tell you what our word is for that you want to know what that neuroplasticity is to us renewing the mind we've been talking about it it's also called repentance repentance it's the most glorious word i want you to love it i want you to love it if we understood what repentance was we would absolutely love it we would love it. [00:22:00]

When i'm on this path and i'm going like this is not where i want to be god has a whole lot better place for me than this you know what i get to do by virtue of the lord jesus christ and his spirit within me i get to change my mind i have changed my mind you know what would be amazing thing um It's when this is over today to get in the car and go, somebody says, what happened to you today? I changed my mind. [00:23:04]

As your mind has been all over the place in bitterness, in all manner of seduction, perversion, in all manner of unforgiveness and anger, you have the right and by virtue of the power of the Spirit of God to change their mind. [00:23:31]

Confession is basically going, you know, you're right about this too. I want you to know I agree with you about it. I agree with you about it. And I've changed my mind. [00:24:21]

Seduction happens on the mind. Some of you are realizing today what I realized at a certain point in my life and that is that the enemy has so seduced you. And it may be that he's used somebody to do it. Maybe somebody's come to the realization today that, man, my heart has so lied to me and it has got me in the biggest mess. That whatever it means. may be, we get to come today and go, I have changed my mind. [00:25:10]

One of my fears for the church today is that we will lose our courage to call the church to repentance. Can you imagine what would happen if we no longer here, that we could repent? [00:25:46]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?