Faithfulness in Christ: Embracing Weakness and Community
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the profound truths of our faith and the transformative power of Jesus Christ. We began by acknowledging our need for deeper faith and the assurance that God is actively working in our lives, homes, and communities. We celebrated the completion of our study in 2 Corinthians, where Paul’s direct and sometimes challenging words call us to a higher vision of Jesus and a life marked by faithfulness rather than worldly success.
Paul’s message to the Corinthians, and to us, is clear: our lives should be centered on Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is our prophet, priest, and king, fulfilling the Old Testament roles and bringing God’s word to us, interceding on our behalf, and directing us towards His kingdom purposes. As a church, we are called to embody these roles through worship, community, and mission, reflecting Jesus’ nature in our daily lives.
We explored the importance of self-examination and testing our faith, as Paul urged the Corinthians. This involves recognizing our weaknesses and allowing God’s power to be demonstrated through them. It’s about embracing the truth of the gospel, rejecting self-deception, and living out our faith with authenticity and integrity. We discussed practical ways to play both offense and defense in our spiritual lives, building habits that draw us closer to God and identifying areas where we need His transformative power.
Finally, we were reminded of the four G’s: God is good, great, gracious, and glorious. These truths free us from addiction, control, shame, and fear, respectively. By embracing these attributes of God, we can live lives marked by faith, hope, and love, experiencing the resurrection power of Jesus in our personal and communal lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faithfulness Over Success: Paul reminds us that the true measure of a church’s success is faithfulness to Jesus, not financial or numerical growth. Our focus should be on embodying the life and teachings of Jesus, allowing His presence to transform us and our communities. This calls for a shift from worldly metrics to kingdom values, where faithfulness to God’s word and His mission takes precedence. [13:17]
2. Self-Examination and Authenticity: Regular self-examination is crucial for spiritual maturity. Paul urges us to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith, recognizing that true faith involves both an objective agreement with the truth of Jesus and a subjective experience of His presence in our lives. This process helps us identify and repent of sin, ensuring that our faith is genuine and transformative. [24:39]
3. Embracing Weakness for God’s Strength: Acknowledging our weaknesses allows God’s power to be demonstrated in our lives. Paul teaches that our weaknesses are opportunities for God to show His strength, and we should embrace them with expectation rather than trying to overcome them in our own strength. This perspective shifts our focus from self-reliance to dependence on God’s grace and power. [23:09]
4. Living Out the Four G’s: Understanding that God is good, great, gracious, and glorious frees us from addiction, control, shame, and fear. These truths transform our lives, enabling us to live with faith, hope, and love. By continually returning to these foundational truths, we can experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers and avoid the pitfalls of self-deception and idolatry. [40:41]
5. Community and Mission: Our faith is expressed through worship, community, and mission. We gather to worship Jesus, engage in meaningful relationships, and participate in His mission to the world. This involves being intentional about building habits that draw us closer to God and each other, and being proactive in sharing the gospel and serving others. [16:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[07:00] - Prayer for Deeper Faith
[08:16] - Announcements and Offering
[09:14] - Community Service and Upcoming Events
[12:00] - Introduction to New Series on Exodus
[13:17] - Faithfulness Over Success
[14:25] - Jesus as Prophet, Priest, and King
[16:00] - Church’s Response to Jesus’ Roles
[17:24] - Living Out Faith, Hope, and Love
[20:17] - Self-Examination and Testing Faith
[23:09] - Embracing Weakness for God’s Strength
[24:39] - Objective and Subjective Standards of Faith
[29:36] - Playing Offense and Defense in Faith
[32:39] - Building Spiritual Habits
[40:41] - Living Out the Four G’s
[46:20] - Experiencing Jesus’ Power
[49:21] - Final Encouragement and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 13:5-6 (NIV) - "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test."
2. Hebrews 13:8 (NIV) - "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
3. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) - "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he instructs the Corinthians to "examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith"? ([24:39])
2. How does the sermon describe Jesus fulfilling the roles of prophet, priest, and king? ([14:25])
3. What are the four G’s mentioned in the sermon, and what do they signify? ([40:41])
4. According to the sermon, what is the true measure of a church’s success? ([13:17])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is self-examination important for spiritual maturity, according to Paul and the sermon? ([24:39])
2. How can acknowledging our weaknesses allow God’s power to be demonstrated in our lives? ([23:09])
3. What does it mean to live out the four G’s (God is good, great, gracious, and glorious) in our daily lives? ([40:41])
4. How does the sermon suggest we should respond to Jesus’ roles as prophet, priest, and king in our church community? ([16:00])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: How often do you engage in self-examination to test your faith? What steps can you take to make this a regular practice? ([24:39])
2. Identify a specific weakness in your life. How can you invite God to demonstrate His strength through this weakness? ([23:09])
3. Which of the four G’s (God is good, great, gracious, and glorious) do you struggle to believe the most? How can you remind yourself of this truth daily? ([40:41])
4. In what ways can you embody the roles of prophet, priest, and king in your community? Are there specific actions you can take to bring God’s word, intercede for others, or lead with kingdom priorities? ([16:00])
5. How can you shift your focus from worldly success to faithfulness in your personal and communal life? What practical changes can you make to align more with kingdom values? ([13:17])
6. Think of a recent situation where you felt defensive or insecure. How can you apply the truths of the four G’s to find peace and confidence in God’s character? ([40:41])
7. How can you build spiritual habits that draw you closer to God and others? Identify one habit to start or strengthen this week, such as daily Bible reading, prayer, or community involvement. ([32:39])
Devotional
### Day 1: Faithfulness Over Success
Theme: True success is measured by faithfulness to Jesus.
Description: In a world that often equates success with financial gain, social status, or numerical growth, the message of 2 Corinthians challenges us to redefine our understanding of success. Paul’s letters to the Corinthians emphasize that the true measure of a church’s success is not found in worldly metrics but in its faithfulness to Jesus Christ. This faithfulness involves embodying the life and teachings of Jesus, allowing His presence to transform us and our communities. It calls for a shift from focusing on external achievements to prioritizing kingdom values, where obedience to God’s word and His mission takes precedence.
As believers, we are called to live lives marked by faithfulness, even when it doesn’t align with the world’s definition of success. This means being committed to the teachings of Jesus, fostering a deep relationship with Him, and allowing His love and grace to flow through us to others. By doing so, we reflect the true nature of the church and fulfill our purpose in God’s kingdom. [13:17]
Bible Passage: "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you tempted to measure success by worldly standards? How can you shift your focus to prioritize faithfulness to Jesus in those areas today?
### Day 2: Self-Examination and Authenticity
Theme: Regular self-examination ensures genuine and transformative faith.
Description: Paul’s exhortation to the Corinthians to test themselves and examine their faith is a crucial practice for spiritual maturity. Self-examination involves a deep and honest look at our lives, recognizing areas where we fall short and need God’s transformative power. It’s about ensuring that our faith is not just an intellectual agreement with the truths of Jesus but also a lived experience of His presence in our daily lives. This process helps us identify and repent of sin, fostering a faith that is both genuine and transformative.
Authenticity in our faith journey means living out our beliefs with integrity, being honest about our struggles, and allowing God to work through our weaknesses. It’s about rejecting self-deception and embracing the truth of the gospel in every aspect of our lives. By regularly examining ourselves, we can ensure that our faith remains vibrant and impactful, leading us to a deeper relationship with Jesus and a more profound witness to the world. [24:39]
Bible Passage: "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on your recent actions and attitudes. Are there areas where you need to repent and seek God’s transformative power? How can you practice self-examination regularly to ensure your faith remains genuine?
### Day 3: Embracing Weakness for God’s Strength
Theme: God’s strength is demonstrated through our weaknesses.
Description: One of the profound truths Paul shares with the Corinthians is the idea that our weaknesses are opportunities for God to demonstrate His strength. Instead of trying to overcome our weaknesses in our own strength, we are called to embrace them with expectation, trusting that God’s power will be made perfect in our weakness. This perspective shifts our focus from self-reliance to dependence on God’s grace and power, allowing Him to work through us in ways we could never achieve on our own.
Acknowledging our weaknesses requires humility and a willingness to be vulnerable before God and others. It’s about recognizing that we are not sufficient in ourselves but that God’s grace is sufficient for us. By embracing our weaknesses, we open the door for God to show His strength in our lives, leading to a deeper experience of His presence and a more powerful witness to the world. [23:09]
Bible Passage: "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)
Reflection: What are some weaknesses you have been trying to overcome on your own? How can you embrace these weaknesses and invite God to demonstrate His strength through them today?
### Day 4: Living Out the Four G’s
Theme: Embracing God’s attributes frees us from life’s burdens.
Description: Understanding and embracing the four G’s—God is good, great, gracious, and glorious—can transform our lives in profound ways. These truths free us from the burdens of addiction, control, shame, and fear, respectively. Recognizing that God is good allows us to trust in His provision and care, freeing us from the need to seek fulfillment in unhealthy ways. Knowing that God is great reminds us that He is in control, freeing us from the need to control our circumstances.
Embracing God’s graciousness helps us to live without shame, knowing that we are forgiven and loved unconditionally. Finally, understanding that God is glorious frees us from fear, as we recognize His majesty and power over all things. By continually returning to these foundational truths, we can live lives marked by faith, hope, and love, experiencing the fullness of life that Jesus offers and avoiding the pitfalls of self-deception and idolatry. [40:41]
Bible Passage: "The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made." (Psalm 145:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: Which of the four G’s do you struggle to fully embrace in your life? How can you remind yourself of this truth today and allow it to transform your perspective and actions?
### Day 5: Community and Mission
Theme: Faith is expressed through worship, community, and mission.
Description: Our faith is not meant to be lived in isolation but in the context of community and mission. As believers, we gather to worship Jesus, engage in meaningful relationships, and participate in His mission to the world. This involves being intentional about building habits that draw us closer to God and each other, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support within the church community. Worshiping together strengthens our faith and reminds us of God’s presence and power in our lives.
Engaging in mission means being proactive in sharing the gospel and serving others, reflecting Jesus’ love and compassion to the world. It’s about living out our faith in practical ways, making a tangible difference in the lives of those around us. By prioritizing worship, community, and mission, we fulfill our calling as the body of Christ and contribute to the advancement of God’s kingdom on earth. [16:00]
Bible Passage: "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you be more intentional about engaging in worship, community, and mission this week? What specific steps can you take to build habits that draw you closer to God and others?
Quotes
1. "We say in this place that we are confident that you who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion. In your name and for your glory, we pray. Amen." [07:55] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The reason we go verse by verse through a bible is because it demands that we confront things and look at things that might be difficult and it has been a bit of a difficult time for us to be able to work through it now but that is going to be a difficult study I think I I know for me it's it's really trying to understand Paul's heart and he's very very direct he's not passive aggressive at all he's actively aggressive right he calls them out he wants them though to see in this a vision for Jesus that is so much better than a vision they have for their own life." [12:00] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus is not just a historical person, and the crucifixion is not just a past event. We believe wholeheartedly and have sung today that Jesus is a person who is present, that he's speaking promises, that he's demonstrating his power in continuity with what he did at creation, did in his incarnation, that when he took on the flesh, when he lived and died and rose again, and is now doing in his glorification." [13:17] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We worship him, right? We come into this place worshiping Jesus because he is alive. We don't come for religious reasons. We don't come to make God happy with us. We come because he has poured out his grace, and the only appropriate response on a Sunday morning is to worship him together as a community." [16:45] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We adopt his priorities in his name and for his glory so that other people will know that Jesus is alive. that he is alive that he is working that he can save them and that he can give them a new and better life this is what we do and then it looks like in each one of us as individuals these three markers these three identifiers and and there's more than these there's lots of different fruit but i think these are good three general broad categories that we can embrace that we are a people of faith that we look for opportunities to enact our belief in jesus right that we believe that he is greater that he is working that he is bringing about change therefore i don't have to be susceptible to lies i don't have to defend myself i can live my life free right we're marked by hope okay we're marked by hope we don't put our hope in institutions we don't put our hope in dreams we don't put our hope in dreams we don't put our hope in dreams we don't put our hope in dreams we don't put our hope in our ambitions where we put our hope in jesus in what he's doing and in his inevitable return and then we demonstrate that in love we experience the love of christ to the point that it overflows from us into the lives of others okay that those three markers are what define us individually we express them together in worship community and mission and in so doing" [18:45] (83 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We embrace the promises of god in scripture and we embrace the presence of god in prayer we build those things into our lives strategically implementing them in order to move our faith forward we give of our money in order to move our faith forward we engage one another in relationship in order to move our faith forward jesus has done so much for us and has given us this opportunity to grow and to be changed and transformed and to be changed and transformed and so we bring tools we bring disciplines we bring habits we bring rhythms into our lives in order to exercise our faith in order that we might grow that is our expectation we play a little bit of offense all right then we also play a little bit of defense defense in football is to read and react okay to watch the offense and to respond to what they're doing so we do that even with our own hearts we want to read what's going on in our hearts not trusting our hearts but reading and reacting to when our hearts might get out of line that we" [31:14] (73 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We need to build some of these habits in we need to be spending time in our bibles we need to be spending time praying and we need to be spending time praying and we need to be spending time with one another and if that is a big and difficult concept please let us know because we want to help you with that we want to come into your life if you're outside of relationship or friendship let us know we want to connect you with people who will walk with you in faith we'll share their story with you so that there'll be an encouragement we want this for ourselves but we also we also recognize the danger in just playing offense is that we can't" [32:39] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "If god is good i don't have to be addicted to anything all the goodness i need in my life comes from him if god is great i don't have to be in control which means that when my control is threatened i don't have to be angry that if god is gracious i don't have to feel condemnation and shame i don't have to wallow in insecurity i don't have to be defined by my past events the sin done to me by my trauma i can live free of that that the events that have happened to me do not define who i am that if god is glorious i don't have to be afraid the only one we fear is god himself right and when you fear god you're exposed to his glory and you realize he hasn't killed you because you've believed in jesus and have been declared righteous you don't have to fear anything else in life if god is this then i can live this way if god is good i don't have to be addicted if god is great i don't have to be angry if god is gracious i don't have to be ashamed if god is glorious i don't have to be afraid and if i am experiencing any of those four things i might not be believing the gospel" [40:41] (75 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Paul is willing to risk offending the people. Why? Because he loves them. Remember, the opposite of love is not hate. The opposite of love is indifference. If he hated them, he would judge them. He would yell at them. He would shame them. He's not doing that. He loves them. He's trying" [43:42] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We come into this place. We worship him. We're exposed to his glory. We hear the gospel because Jesus cares about our hearts and wants us to know that his truth indeed sets us free. That when we test and we examine, we may see where we are giving ourselves over to secondary powers that will only hurt. So the choice is, I can either worship an idol or I can worship Jesus. You don't really have any other choice. We're all worshiping beings." [45:04] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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