Finding Balance: Faith and Works in Our Journey
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the story of Mary and Martha, two sisters who each embody different aspects of our spiritual journey. As we continue through the season of Lent, we are reminded of the importance of finding balance in our lives between faith and works. The story of Mary and Martha is often framed as a choice between being a contemplative listener like Mary or an active servant like Martha. However, the true lesson lies in understanding that both roles are essential and holy. Jesus' gentle response to Martha's frustration highlights the need for discernment in our actions, encouraging us to choose the "good portion" in each moment.
Our lives are filled with distractions, much like the distracted driving that causes so many accidents. These distractions can be deadly to our relationships and our faith. We often wear our busyness as a badge of honor, but it can lead us to miss the important moments in life. The challenge is to find a balance between our responsibilities and our spiritual growth. Just as the story of the Good Samaritan teaches us to act when needed, the story of Mary and Martha reminds us to pause and listen.
In our journey of faith, we must learn to discern when to sit at Jesus' feet and when to roll up our sleeves and serve. This balance is crucial for a vibrant and fruitful spiritual life. As we navigate through Lent, let us be intentional in our actions, seeking to balance faith and works. Remember, faith without works is dead, but works without faith is shallow and exhausting. May we strive to be both hearers and doers of the word, finding our place in the space between.
Key Takeaways:
1. Balance Between Faith and Works: The story of Mary and Martha teaches us the importance of balancing contemplation and action in our spiritual lives. Both roles are necessary, and we must discern when to listen and when to act. This balance is crucial for a vibrant faith. [41:11]
2. The Danger of Distractions: Just as distracted driving can lead to accidents, distractions in our lives can be detrimental to our relationships and faith. We must be mindful of what truly matters and prioritize our spiritual growth and connections with others. [49:00]
3. Intentional Living During Lent: Lent is a time for intentional reflection and growth. By engaging in both spiritual practices and acts of service, we can find the space between faith and works, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling spiritual journey. [54:00]
4. The Good Portion: Jesus' response to Martha highlights the importance of choosing the "good portion" in each moment. This means discerning when to be still and listen and when to take action, ensuring that our lives reflect both faith and service. [49:00]
5. Partnership, Not Rivalry: Instead of viewing Mary and Martha as opposites, we should see them as partners in our spiritual journey. Embracing both contemplation and action allows us to grow as disciples and live out our faith in meaningful ways. [54:00]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - House of Hope Update
- [02:00] - Reflections on a Fretful Night
- [03:30] - Call to Worship
- [05:00] - Prayer for Balance
- [07:00] - Distracted Driving Analogy
- [10:00] - The Busyness of Life
- [12:00] - Introduction to Mary and Martha
- [15:00] - Exploring the Text
- [20:00] - Jesus' Gentle Response
- [25:00] - The Good Portion
- [30:00] - Finding Faith-Life Balance
- [35:00] - Lessons from the Movie "Hook"
- [40:00] - Discerning the Moment
- [45:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Mary and Martha
Bible Reading:
- Luke 10:38-42 (The story of Mary and Martha)
- James 2:17 (Faith without works is dead)
- Luke 10:25-37 (The story of the Good Samaritan)
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Observation Questions:
1. In the story of Mary and Martha, what were the different roles each sister took on when Jesus visited their home? How did Jesus respond to Martha's concerns? [49:00]
2. How does the sermon compare the distractions in our lives to distracted driving? What are some examples given of how distractions can impact our faith and relationships? [41:11]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between faith and works, especially during the season of Lent? [54:00]
4. How does the story of the Good Samaritan relate to the message of Mary and Martha, according to the sermon? [49:00]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to choose the "good portion" in our daily lives, as Jesus mentioned to Martha? How can this concept be applied to our spiritual journey? [49:00]
2. The sermon discusses the importance of balance between contemplation and action. How might this balance look different for each person, and why is it important to find it? [54:00]
3. How can the story of Mary and Martha help us understand the dangers of busyness and distractions in our spiritual lives? [41:11]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Mary and Martha should be seen as partners rather than rivals in our spiritual journey? [54:00]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are you more like Mary, focusing on contemplation, or Martha, focusing on action? How can you strive for a better balance between the two? [49:00]
2. Identify a specific distraction in your life that might be hindering your spiritual growth. What steps can you take this week to minimize its impact? [41:11]
3. During this season of Lent, what intentional actions can you take to ensure that your faith is both vibrant and fruitful? Consider both spiritual practices and acts of service. [54:00]
4. Think about a recent situation where you had to choose between listening and acting. How did you discern the right choice, and what might you do differently next time? [49:00]
5. How can you incorporate both contemplation and action into your daily routine to ensure a balanced spiritual life? What specific practices or habits could help you achieve this? [54:00]
6. Reflect on a time when busyness affected your relationships or faith. What changes can you make to prioritize what truly matters in your life? [41:11]
7. Consider the idea of partnership between Mary and Martha. How can you collaborate with others in your community to live out your faith in meaningful ways? [54:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Balancing Contemplation and Action
In the story of Mary and Martha, we find a profound lesson about the balance between contemplation and action in our spiritual lives. Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet, listening and absorbing His teachings, while Martha busied herself with serving. Both roles are essential, yet the challenge lies in discerning when to embrace each one. This balance is crucial for a vibrant faith, as it allows us to be both hearers and doers of the word. By understanding the importance of both roles, we can navigate our spiritual journey with wisdom and grace. [41:11]
Luke 10:41-42 (ESV): "But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to find a better balance between listening to God and taking action? How can you intentionally create space for both this week?
Day 2: Mindful Living Amidst Distractions
Distractions are a constant presence in our lives, much like the dangers of distracted driving. These distractions can be detrimental to our relationships and faith, pulling us away from what truly matters. We often wear our busyness as a badge of honor, yet it can lead us to miss the important moments in life. By being mindful of our priorities and focusing on spiritual growth and connections with others, we can navigate through life's distractions with intention and purpose. [49:00]
Proverbs 4:25-27 (ESV): "Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil."
Reflection: What are the distractions in your life that are pulling you away from your spiritual growth and relationships? How can you minimize these distractions to focus on what truly matters?
Day 3: Intentional Living During Lent
Lent is a season of intentional reflection and growth, a time to engage in both spiritual practices and acts of service. By finding the space between faith and works, we can embark on a more balanced and fulfilling spiritual journey. This intentional living allows us to deepen our relationship with God and others, as we seek to embody both contemplation and action in our daily lives. [54:00]
Isaiah 58:6-7 (ESV): "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"
Reflection: How can you intentionally incorporate both spiritual practices and acts of service into your life during this Lenten season? What specific steps can you take today to begin this journey?
Day 4: Choosing the Good Portion
Jesus' response to Martha highlights the importance of choosing the "good portion" in each moment. This means discerning when to be still and listen and when to take action, ensuring that our lives reflect both faith and service. By choosing the good portion, we align our actions with our spiritual values, creating a life that is both meaningful and fulfilling. [49:00]
Psalm 16:5-6 (ESV): "The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance."
Reflection: What does choosing the "good portion" look like in your life today? How can you ensure that your actions align with your spiritual values and priorities?
Day 5: Embracing Partnership in Our Spiritual Journey
Instead of viewing Mary and Martha as opposites, we should see them as partners in our spiritual journey. Embracing both contemplation and action allows us to grow as disciples and live out our faith in meaningful ways. By recognizing the value of both roles, we can create a harmonious and balanced spiritual life that reflects the fullness of our faith. [54:00]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: How can you embrace both contemplation and action in your spiritual journey? Who can you partner with to support and encourage each other in your faith walk?
Quotes
We gather in this holy space, bringing our faith and our works. Lord, like Mary, may we draw near to you, finding stillness and peace. Like Martha, may we serve love, bringing hope and healing. When our hearts are anxious and distracted, speak your gentle truth. Help us find balance between resting in your presence and acting in your name. [00:16:56] (34 seconds)
Help us as we approach stewardship to understand that it's not you that needs the money, it's we that need to give it. Because that's all about how we have been wired up as your Christian disciples. To realize that everything that we have, everything that we do, everything that we endeavor to become is because of you. And so we give you thanks. Amen. [00:39:03] (28 seconds)
And so as we get into our text this morning, which is a familiar one again, it's going to, I think, show us some balance. We're in this sermon message series called Everything In Between as we seek to, you know, define this balance between, you know, today looking at faith and works, but we're looking at some other extremes that we have in our life and trying to carve out the place where we find our way and grow as Christian disciples. [00:44:42] (29 seconds)
And lots of times, many interpretations, many takes on this, they paint Martha as this frazzled worker contrasted by Mary's holy stillness. And I want to tell you something that I learned years ago, early on, the great preacher named Fred Craddock, who also taught at Candler. And he would instruct preachers, when you're preaching this, be very careful of how you present this text. If you praise Mary too much, she's never going to do anything ever again. [00:47:50] (32 seconds)
You're going to make them feel less than at it because, you know, we know, we do seem to have, some of us are more contemplative and in that way, and others of us are worker bees. And that's just the way God has wired us. And I think what Jesus is trying to show through this text, and particularly if you read it in context in the Gospel of Luke, finding out that there is need for both. Both are holy. Both are needed. [00:48:30] (30 seconds)
You know, in one moment, Jesus is saying, don't just stand there, do something. This person's in need. You've got to help them. Don't just stand there, do something. But the next, he is also cautioning us and saying, don't just do something, sit there. You see that? Both are holy and both are needed. [00:50:32] (23 seconds)
We are wired up as Christian disciples, or not wired, we are, it's intended as Christian disciples that we will both serve, but we will also pray and study and worship and be contemplative. It is both those things. How do we find that work -life balance as we go through life? [00:51:14] (24 seconds)
That if we allow these distractions, distractions to keep us away from those things that are most important. Yes, our lives of faith, but also those people in our lives that are important. Those moments that we have to treasure. [00:53:44] (16 seconds)
We have to find this faith -life balance. Understanding that it's important. The work that we do is important. Truly, it is. But also, it's important to sit at Jesus' feet. We need to know when to sit. We need to know when to act. And so that leads us towards the end. [00:54:12] (26 seconds)
So, perhaps the answer lies in discerning the moment. Sometimes, Jesus calls us to sit and listen. Other times, he calls us to roll up our sleeves and serve. [00:54:57] (18 seconds)
To balance both faith and works. You know, James says, faith without works is dead. But let me tell you this. Works without faith is shallow and exhausting. It takes both. It takes both. It takes both. [00:55:36] (22 seconds)
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