Engaging in God's Mission: Overcoming Fear and Commitment

Summary

Engagement is a powerful theme that resonates deeply within our spiritual journey. It is not just about being involved in church activities but about a profound commitment to God and His mission on earth. We are reminded that the church does not advance on its own; it requires the active participation of each member. God, in His omnipotence, could accomplish His will without us, yet He chooses to involve us as workers in His kingdom. This is a call to action for everyone, whether already engaged or contemplating involvement.

The essence of our commitment stems from our love for God, as highlighted in Matthew 22:37, where we are called to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. This love is not passive but active, visible, and undeniable. It is a love that compels us to act, to serve, and to be a part of the harvest, as mentioned in Luke 10:2. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few, and we are urged to pray for more workers to join in this mission.

However, a common barrier to engagement is the fear of commitment, prevalent in our generation. This fear is a combination of various anxieties, such as fear of rejection, failure, or not meeting expectations. These fears keep us in our comfort zones, preventing us from fully engaging in relationships, church roles, or even our spiritual growth. Yet, we are reminded that God has already made the ultimate commitment to us by sending Jesus to earth, to live, die, and rise again for our salvation. His commitment is total, and He invites us to respond in kind.

The enemy understands the power of commitment and seeks to discourage us from engaging. If we are not committed, the church's mission stalls. But when we engage, we open doors for deeper relationships and opportunities to share the gospel. Just as Jesus, even at a young age, was about His Father's business, we too are called to be proactive in our spiritual journey, growing in wisdom and stature, and preparing for the roles God has for us.

Engagement begins now, regardless of age or stage in life. It starts with small steps, like participating in church activities, praying for others, or simply being open to God's leading. As we take these steps, we align our hearts with God's, making His priorities our own. This is the essence of true commitment—being fully invested in God's mission and allowing His love to flow through us to impact the world.

Key Takeaways:

1. Active Love for God: Our engagement in church and life stems from a deep love for God, as commanded in Matthew 22:37. This love is not just a feeling but an active, visible commitment that influences every aspect of our lives. It is a love that compels us to serve and be part of God's mission on earth. [04:44]

2. Overcoming Fear of Commitment: Many of us struggle with a fear of commitment, which is a mix of various anxieties. These fears can keep us from fully engaging in our spiritual journey. Recognizing these fears and understanding that they are not from God is the first step in overcoming them. [07:39]

3. God's Ultimate Commitment: God demonstrated His ultimate commitment to us through Jesus. Despite knowing our imperfections, He chose to love us completely. This divine commitment invites us to respond with our own commitment to Him, making His mission our priority. [10:05]

4. Engagement Starts Now: There is no perfect time to start engaging in God's work. Like Jesus, who began His mission early, we are encouraged to start now, using every opportunity to grow spiritually and prepare for the roles God has for us. [19:29]

5. Aligning with God's Heart: As we engage more with God, His interests become ours. This alignment leads us to use our gifts and talents to serve Him and spread His word, impacting our communities and fulfilling our divine purpose. [31:16]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:22] - Introduction to Engagement
[04:44] - Love for God
[07:39] - Fear of Commitment
[10:05] - God's Commitment to Us
[11:38] - Building Relationships
[13:56] - When to Start Engaging
[15:31] - Learning from Jesus
[18:04] - Spiritual Growth
[19:29] - Preparing for Our Calling
[21:51] - Practical Steps to Engagement
[23:43] - Writing Our Callings
[26:08] - Collecting Responses
[29:31] - How to Begin
[31:16] - Overcoming Doubts
[34:30] - Resources for Engagement
[36:35] - Trying New Things
[38:31] - Calls to Action
[40:20] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 22:37 - "Jésus lui répondit, 'Tu aimeras le Seigneur ton Dieu de tout ton cœur, de toute ton âme et de toute ta pensée.'"
2. Luc 10:2 - "La moisson est abondante, mais les ouvriers peu nombreux. Priez donc, le Seigneur à qui appartient la moisson, d'envoyer des ouvriers."

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Observation Questions:

1. Selon le sermon, pourquoi est-il important que chaque membre de l'église s'engage activement dans la mission de Dieu? [03:22]

2. Comment le sermon décrit-il l'amour pour Dieu mentionné dans Matthieu 22:37? [04:44]

3. Quels sont les obstacles communs à l'engagement que le sermon identifie, et comment sont-ils liés à notre génération? [07:39]

4. Comment le sermon illustre-t-il l'engagement de Dieu envers nous à travers l'exemple de Jésus? [10:05]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Pourquoi l'amour actif pour Dieu, tel que décrit dans Matthieu 22:37, est-il essentiel pour notre engagement dans l'église et dans la vie? [04:44]

2. Comment la peur de l'engagement peut-elle affecter notre capacité à participer pleinement à la mission de Dieu? [07:39]

3. En quoi l'exemple de Jésus à 12 ans, discuté dans le sermon, nous enseigne-t-il sur le moment de commencer à s'engager dans notre appel spirituel? [19:29]

4. Comment l'alignement de notre cœur avec celui de Dieu, comme mentionné dans le sermon, peut-il transformer notre vie quotidienne et notre communauté? [31:16]

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Application Questions:

1. Pensez à une situation où vous avez hésité à vous engager dans une activité de l'église. Quelles peurs ou anxiétés vous ont retenu, et comment pouvez-vous les surmonter? [07:39]

2. Comment pouvez-vous démontrer un amour actif pour Dieu dans votre vie quotidienne, au-delà des activités de l'église? [04:44]

3. Identifiez une petite étape que vous pouvez prendre cette semaine pour commencer à vous engager davantage dans la mission de Dieu. Comment pouvez-vous prier pour que Dieu vous guide dans cette démarche? [19:29]

4. Réfléchissez à un domaine de votre vie où vous pouvez aligner davantage vos priorités avec celles de Dieu. Quel changement concret pouvez-vous faire pour que cela se réalise? [31:16]

5. Avez-vous un rêve ou un appel que vous n'avez pas encore exploré? Écrivez une prière demandant à Dieu de vous donner le courage et la direction pour commencer à le poursuivre. [23:43]

6. Comment pouvez-vous utiliser vos dons et talents pour servir Dieu et avoir un impact dans votre communauté? Identifiez une opportunité spécifique pour le faire cette semaine. [36:35]

7. Pensez à une personne dans votre vie qui pourrait bénéficier de connaître l'amour de Dieu. Comment pouvez-vous engager une conversation spirituelle avec elle cette semaine? [38:31]

Devotional

Day 1: Active Love as a Catalyst for Engagement
Our engagement in church and life is driven by a profound love for God, as commanded in Matthew 22:37. This love is not merely an emotion but a dynamic, visible commitment that permeates every aspect of our lives. It compels us to serve and participate in God's mission on earth, transforming our actions and interactions. This active love is a response to God's love for us, urging us to be part of the harvest, as mentioned in Luke 10:2. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few, and we are encouraged to pray for more workers to join in this mission. Our love for God should be evident in our willingness to engage and serve, reflecting His love to the world. [04:44]

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively demonstrate your love for God in a specific area of your life today, and who might be impacted by this expression of love?

Day 2: Conquering the Fear of Commitment
Many people struggle with a fear of commitment, which is a blend of various anxieties such as fear of rejection, failure, or not meeting expectations. These fears can hinder us from fully engaging in our spiritual journey and participating in church roles or relationships. Recognizing these fears and understanding that they are not from God is the first step in overcoming them. God calls us to step out of our comfort zones and trust in His plan, knowing that He has already made the ultimate commitment to us. By acknowledging these fears and seeking God's strength, we can move past them and fully engage in His mission. [07:39]

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a specific fear that is holding you back from committing to a role or relationship. How can you take a small step today to confront this fear with God's help?

Day 3: Responding to God's Ultimate Commitment
God demonstrated His ultimate commitment to us through Jesus, who lived, died, and rose again for our salvation. Despite knowing our imperfections, God chose to love us completely. This divine commitment invites us to respond with our own commitment to Him, making His mission our priority. Our response to God's commitment should be one of gratitude and action, aligning our lives with His purpose. By embracing this commitment, we open ourselves to deeper relationships and opportunities to share the gospel, fulfilling our role as workers in His kingdom. [10:05]

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate your commitment to God today, reflecting His unwavering love and dedication to you?

Day 4: Seizing the Present Moment for Engagement
There is no perfect time to start engaging in God's work. Like Jesus, who began His mission early, we are encouraged to start now, using every opportunity to grow spiritually and prepare for the roles God has for us. Engagement begins with small steps, such as participating in church activities, praying for others, or simply being open to God's leading. As we take these steps, we align our hearts with God's, making His priorities our own. This proactive approach to our spiritual journey allows us to grow in wisdom and stature, readying us for the tasks God has prepared for us. [19:29]

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: What is one small step you can take today to engage more deeply in God's work, and how can this step help you grow spiritually?

Day 5: Aligning Our Hearts with God's Mission
As we engage more with God, His interests become ours. This alignment leads us to use our gifts and talents to serve Him and spread His word, impacting our communities and fulfilling our divine purpose. By making God's mission our priority, we allow His love to flow through us, transforming our actions and interactions. This alignment is the essence of true commitment, being fully invested in God's mission and allowing His love to impact the world through us. As we align our hearts with God's, we become more effective in our roles as workers in His kingdom, contributing to the advancement of His church. [31:16]

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

Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts and talents to align more closely with God's mission today, and who might benefit from your service?

Quotes

1. "Et là -dedans, moi, je vois l 'engagement de chacun d 'entre nous. Parce que si on l 'applique à l 'Église, une Église n 'avance pas toute seule. Est -ce que vous êtes d 'accord avec moi? Est -ce que vous pensez que l 'Église va avancer toute seule? Non. Dieu peut faire miracle, OK, on s 'entend, Dieu est tout -puissant. Mais il nous a quand même mis sur terre pour que nous, en tant qu 'ouvriers, puissions œuvrer dans le royaume des cieux et avancer son royaume sur terre." [00:02:14] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Et ce que je trouve intéressant en lisant ça et en pensant un peu à notre génération, c 'est qu 'on voit que, malheureusement, notre génération a une peur, une peur de l 'engagement, qui est assez commune chez les gens de chez vous, de votre âge, de mon âge. Et cette peur d 'engagement, ce n 'est pas la grande peur, c 'est plutôt un ramassis de plusieurs peurs différentes." [00:05:50] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Mais avant que je vous le dise, je vais un peu expliquer la perception de Dieu par rapport à ça. Dieu, lui, il est au ciel, bien confortable. Il vient sur terre. Jésus vient sur terre. Il naît comme un simple homme. Et il se dit « moi, je ne veux pas juste naître et faire des miracles sur cette terre, je veux aussi mourir pour tous ceux qui sont ici, mais aussi pour ceux qui sont à venir." [00:07:46] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Deuxièmement, te rejoindre personnellement, puis il s 'est dit, moi, je vais faire tout le chemin pour aller vers toi parce que moi, je m 'engage à 100 000 %. Ce n 'est pas juste à 100 %, c 'est genre le top du top, la crème de la crème, lui, il s 'engage au complet. Tellement qu 'il s 'est dit, moi, je ne veux même pas que ce soit difficile pour toi de me rejoindre, je vais te rejoindre." [00:08:37] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Et pourquoi est -ce qu 'il nous demande de l 'aimer de tout son cœur, de toute notre âme, de toute notre pensée? Ce n 'est pas parce que c 'est Dieu, ce n 'est pas parce qu 'il le mérite, c 'est parce qu 'il s 'est dit, moi -même, je t 'aime de cette manière -là. Moi -même, je t 'aime de tout mon cœur, de tout mon âme, de toute ma pensée et je me dis juste que je veux que tu t 'engages." [00:09:55] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Et ensuite, pourquoi est -ce qu 'on a cette peur de l 'engagement? C 'est à cause que Satan a compris ça. Il s 'est dit, si je décourage tout le monde de s 'engager, il n 'y a personne qui va faire avancer les choses. Parce que comme je l 'ai dit tantôt, qu 'est -ce qui fait avancer une église? Les ouvriers, les chrétiens comme toi et moi, qui font en sorte que l 'église avance, le témoignage de Jésus avance, se fait répondre." [00:10:37] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Donc maintenant, pourquoi est -ce qu 'on s 'engage? Parce que Dieu s 'est engagé 100 % envers nous, puis nous, on accepte de s 'engager envers lui parce qu 'on se dit, pour vrai, moi, je ne veux pas manquer une amitié comme ça. Tu comprends? Quelqu 'un qui s 'engage autant que ça, je ne veux pas manquer cette offre -là." [00:13:15] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Donc, on voit qu 'il ne commençait pas juste à apprendre à grandir psychologiquement, émotionnellement, physiquement. Il travaillait aussi sur sa vie spirituelle. Il disait, moi, j 'ai un appel grand sur ma vie. OK, on s 'entend que Jésus est très grand sur son appel, mais nous aussi, on en a un. Et lui, il disait, moi, je ne peux pas rester à rien faire. Moi, j 'ai besoin que ma vie spirituelle grandisse aussi." [00:17:25] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Prenez les portes qu 'on vous ouvre pour commencer dès maintenant à vous engager pour celui qui s 'engage plus qu 'à 100 % pour vous. Je la répète. Prenez les portes qu 'on vous ouvre pour commencer dès maintenant à vous engager pour celui qui s 'engage plus qu 'à 100 % pour vous." [00:34:04] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Le titre de ce soir, c 'était « Hashtag commence » pour avoir une nouvelle perspective sur pourquoi est -ce qu 'on s 'engage dans notre Église, dans nos relations, dans la vie en général. Et ensuite, d 'être inspiré à commencer dès maintenant, dès ce soir, à dire « Ah, je prends une décision puis je m 'engage pour Dieu. Je m 'engage dans cette relation." [00:35:25] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?