Finding Worth and Generosity in Christ's Love
Summary
Summary:
Today, we gathered to reaffirm our commitment to finding our worth in Christ alone, not in worldly possessions or achievements. We were reminded of the profound love God showed us when we were at our most unlovable, through the sacrifice of Jesus. This love compels us to be good stewards of the gospel, taking risks to make Jesus' name known in our communities and beyond. We had the privilege of hearing from Pastor TL, who shared his inspiring work in South Asia, particularly his heart for orphans and church planting. His ministry challenges us to consider how we can support and pray for those spreading the gospel in difficult circumstances.
We also explored the story of the wise men from Matthew 2, emphasizing that their journey was not about the star but about finding Jesus. Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were purposeful and costly, symbolizing Jesus' royalty, holiness, and humanity. This story challenges us to approach Christmas with awe and wonder, focusing on Jesus rather than the busyness of the season. We were encouraged to let our worship be marked by generosity, as true worship involves offering our lives and treasures to God.
Generosity is a response to the gospel, reflecting God's own generosity towards us. We were reminded of the early church's example in Acts 4, where believers shared everything they had, ensuring no one was in need. This spirit of generosity is what advances the gospel and builds God's kingdom. As a church, we are committed to being generous, supporting missions, and planting churches. We launched our Christmas offering, aiming to raise $4,000 to support partners like Pastor TL and others. We are called to be Barnabases, encouraging and supporting the work of the gospel with our resources.
Key Takeaways:
1. Finding Worth in Christ Alone: Our true worth is found in the love of Christ, who loved us at our most unlovable. This understanding frees us from seeking validation in worldly achievements or possessions and calls us to be stewards of the gospel, risking it all to make Jesus known. [17:30]
2. The Purpose of Worship: Worship is not just about singing; it's about offering our lives to God. The wise men's journey teaches us that true worship involves awe, wonder, and costly offerings, reflecting our heart's devotion to Jesus. [58:12]
3. Generosity as Worship: Generosity is a natural response to the gospel. It reflects a heart transformed by Jesus, willing to give sacrificially for the advancement of God's kingdom. Our treasure should align with our heart's devotion to Christ. [01:13:48]
4. The Early Church's Example: The early church in Acts 4 demonstrated radical generosity, sharing everything they had to ensure no one was in need. This model challenges us to view our resources as tools for advancing the gospel and supporting those in need. [01:18:21]
5. Advancing the Gospel Through Generosity: Our church is committed to using its resources to advance the gospel, both locally and globally. By supporting missions and church planting, we participate in God's work of building His kingdom and spreading His love. [01:24:31]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [17:30] - Finding Worth in Christ
- [19:34] - Introduction of Pastor TL
- [24:15] - Heart for Orphans
- [25:32] - Church Planting in South Asia
- [31:52] - Praying for Persecuted Christians
- [33:11] - Supporting Global Missions
- [35:32] - Prayer for Pastor TL
- [37:50] - Worship and Reflection
- [46:02] - Introduction to Advent Series
- [48:33] - The Story of the Wise Men
- [54:10] - Awe and Wonder in Worship
- [58:12] - The Heart of Worship
- [01:08:40] - Purposeful and Costly Gifts
- [01:13:48] - Generosity as a Response to the Gospel
- [01:18:21] - The Early Church's Generosity
- [01:24:31] - Advancing the Gospel Through Generosity
- [01:31:07] - Financial Transparency and Generosity
- [01:34:03] - Responding to God's Call for Generosity
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 2:1-12
- Acts 4:32-37
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Observation Questions:
1. What were the gifts that the wise men brought to Jesus, and what did each gift symbolize? [01:08:40]
2. How did the early church in Acts 4 demonstrate their generosity, and what was the result of their actions? [01:18:21]
3. What was the reaction of the wise men when they saw the star, and how did it influence their journey? [54:10]
4. How did Herod respond to the news of Jesus' birth, and what does this reveal about his character? [54:10]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of the wise men challenge our understanding of worship and the importance of offering our best to God? [58:12]
2. In what ways does the early church's example of sharing everything they had challenge modern views on personal possessions and community? [01:18:21]
3. How does the sermon suggest that generosity is a natural response to the gospel, and what implications does this have for believers today? [01:13:48]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between awe and wonder in worship and the wise men's journey to find Jesus? [58:12]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of worth. How can you shift your focus from worldly achievements to finding your worth in Christ alone? [17:30]
2. Consider the wise men's journey and their gifts. What is one way you can offer a "costly" gift to God this Christmas season, whether it be time, resources, or talents? [58:12]
3. The early church shared everything they had. What is one practical step you can take to foster a spirit of generosity within your community or church? [01:18:21]
4. How can you support global missions or local church planting efforts, similar to the work of Pastor TL, through prayer or financial support? [33:11]
5. Reflect on the busyness of the Christmas season. What specific actions can you take to ensure your focus remains on Jesus rather than the distractions of the holiday? [48:33]
6. How can you cultivate a heart of awe and wonder in your daily worship practices, ensuring that your worship is not just a routine but a genuine offering to God? [58:12]
7. Identify one area in your life where you can practice sacrificial generosity this week. How will you ensure that this act of giving aligns with your heart's devotion to Christ? [01:13:48]
Devotional
Day 1: Our True Worth in Christ
Our worth is not determined by worldly achievements or possessions but is found in the love of Christ, who loved us at our most unlovable. This understanding liberates us from the constant pursuit of validation through external means and calls us to be stewards of the gospel, willing to take risks to make Jesus known. The profound love of God, demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus, compels us to live lives that reflect His grace and truth. As we embrace this identity, we are empowered to share the gospel with boldness and compassion, knowing that our value is secure in Him. [17:30]
"For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you sought validation from worldly achievements or possessions? How can you begin to shift your focus to finding your worth in Christ alone today?
Day 2: Worship as a Life Offered to God
Worship is more than singing; it is the offering of our entire lives to God. The journey of the wise men in Matthew 2 teaches us that true worship involves awe, wonder, and costly offerings, reflecting our heart's devotion to Jesus. Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were not just valuable but symbolized Jesus' royalty, holiness, and humanity. As we approach Christmas, we are challenged to focus on Jesus rather than the busyness of the season, letting our worship be marked by generosity and a heart fully devoted to Him. [58:12]
"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:15-16, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate awe and wonder into your worship this week? What is one costly offering you can make to God as an act of worship?
Day 3: Generosity as a Response to the Gospel
Generosity is a natural response to the gospel, reflecting a heart transformed by Jesus and willing to give sacrificially for the advancement of God's kingdom. Our treasure should align with our heart's devotion to Christ, as true worship involves offering our lives and resources to God. The early church in Acts 4 demonstrated radical generosity, sharing everything they had to ensure no one was in need. This spirit of generosity is what advances the gospel and builds God's kingdom, challenging us to view our resources as tools for supporting those in need and spreading the love of Christ. [01:13:48]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can practice generosity this week in response to the gospel? How can your giving reflect your heart's devotion to Christ?
Day 4: The Early Church's Radical Generosity
The early church in Acts 4 serves as a powerful example of radical generosity, where believers shared everything they had to ensure no one was in need. This model challenges us to view our resources not as personal possessions but as tools for advancing the gospel and supporting those in need. By embracing this spirit of generosity, we participate in God's work of building His kingdom and spreading His love. As a church, we are committed to being generous, supporting missions, and planting churches, following the example set by the early believers. [01:18:21]
"And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need." (Acts 2:44-45, ESV)
Reflection: How can you adopt the early church's model of generosity in your own life? What is one practical step you can take to share your resources with those in need?
Day 5: Advancing the Gospel Through Generosity
Our church is committed to using its resources to advance the gospel, both locally and globally. By supporting missions and church planting, we participate in God's work of building His kingdom and spreading His love. Generosity is not just about financial giving but involves offering our time, talents, and treasures to support the work of the gospel. As we launch our Christmas offering, we are called to be Barnabases, encouraging and supporting the work of the gospel with our resources, trusting that God will use our generosity to make a lasting impact. [01:24:31]
"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:16, ESV)
Reflection: How can you use your resources to support the advancement of the gospel this Christmas season? What is one specific way you can encourage and support those spreading the gospel in difficult circumstances?
Quotes
And so the wise men come to worship Jesus, not out of duty, not out of fascination, but out of all. And that is how we are to approach our relationships with God. [00:55:53] (16 seconds)
What if, what if God was calling us not to be filled with activity, but to be filled with awe and wonder and from the awe and wonder comes activity for the Lord. [00:59:02] (15 seconds)
There was not a needy person among them. For as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. Could you imagine being a part of a city where there were no needy people? Can you even fathom it? [01:18:21] (20 seconds)
The church saw it as their responsibility to step up and be generous. No matter, now if the government adds to that, praise God, he can use anybody, right? But it wasn't their job. It was the Christian's job. Could you imagine a church where there were no needy people among us? [01:19:20] (22 seconds)
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