Grow to Go Sermon part

Devotional

Day 1: Go and Make Disciples—A Call to Visible Action

Jesus commands us to go and make disciples of all nations, not to remain passive or hidden, but to be active, visible, and engaged in our communities. This call is not reserved for a select few, but for every believer, urging us to help others learn of Christ, believe in Him, and obey His words. As we step out in faith, we are assured of Christ’s presence with us always, regardless of our circumstances. The church is called to overflow with the love and truth of God, transforming the world around us by being seen and heard for His glory. [01:14]

Matthew 28:19-20 (Amplified)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”

Reflection: Where is God calling you to be more visible in your faith this week, and what is one concrete step you can take to show Christ’s love in that place?

Day 2: The Church—A Living, Called-Out Community

The church is not a building, but a living, dynamic community of people called out by God, marked by faith, love, and hope. Our identity is rooted in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, and we are called to be lively stones, building up a spiritual house that is active and vibrant. The virtues of faith, love, and hope are not just for Sundays, but are to be worn throughout the week, shaping how we live, serve, and interact with the world. As a gathered people, we are to be a visible sign of God’s presence, power, and purpose wherever we are placed. [17:30]

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 (ESV)
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace.
We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Reflection: In what ways can you live out faith, love, and hope in your daily interactions so that others see the living Christ in you?

Day 3: Bring Your Own Bible—Walking in the Word

Carrying and engaging with the Word of God is essential for every believer, not just relying on digital screens or others to provide it. The Bible is our yardstick, guide, and compass, equipping us to navigate life’s challenges and to stand firm in our faith. Making space for the Word in our daily lives—literally and spiritually—ensures that we are always ready to walk in truth and to share it with others. Whether at church, at home, or in the community, let the Word of God be your constant companion and source of strength. [07:06]

Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Reflection: How can you make the Word of God more central in your daily routine this week—perhaps by carrying your Bible, memorizing a verse, or setting aside time to read and reflect?

Day 4: Purpose in Presence—Serving Where You Are

Wherever you find yourself—at work, at home, in retirement, or in your community—God has placed you there for a purpose. Your presence is not accidental; you are called to be a source of encouragement, hope, and transformation, even in places that feel challenging or mundane. Through prayer, acts of service, and words of encouragement, you can put courage into others and shift the atmosphere around you. Every believer has a role to play, and every gift can be stirred to serve the kingdom right where you are. [09:23]

Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV)
But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

Reflection: Who is one person or group in your current environment that you can encourage or serve this week, and how will you intentionally do so?

Day 5: Hope and Holiness in a Hostile World

In a world that is often indifferent or even hostile to faith, believers are called to live with hope and holiness, not by withdrawing, but by being involved in a different, Christlike way. True holiness is not about separation from the world, but about being high-visibility with the virtues of faith, love, and hope, even in the midst of pressure and affliction. As we turn from idols and serve the living God, our lives become a testimony of God’s transforming power, shining as examples for others to follow. [14:35]

1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV)
But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can choose to reflect Christ’s hope and holiness more boldly, especially in the face of challenge or opposition?

Sermon Summary

This year is a call to action: to grow in Christ so that we can go out and impact our communities. Growth in the Word and in the Spirit is not for our own comfort or spiritual self-indulgence, but so that we overflow and become agents of transformation wherever God has placed us. The command of Jesus in Matthew 28 is clear—make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey everything He has commanded. This is not a passive calling; it requires us to be visible, to stand out, and to be present in our communities, homes, schools, and workplaces. The image of the high-visibility (high-viz) jacket is a reminder that, as believers, we are called to stand out in every circumstance—whether in light or darkness, in times of peace or in times of challenge.

Visibility is not just about being seen, but about being known for who we are in Christ. Our faith must be evident, not hidden. This year, the focus is on every member of the body of Christ stepping up—not just a select few. We are all called to biblical discipleship, outreach, and evangelism. The Word of God is central to this mission. We must carry our Bibles, know the Scriptures, and let the Word guide us daily. Whether through online or in-person Bible study, we are committed to being a Bible-believing, Bible-living church.

God has placed us in our community for a purpose. Wherever we are—whether at work, in retirement, or in any season of life—there is a frontline for us to serve. Encouragement, prayer, and practical acts of service are all ways we can be deployed for the kingdom. This year, we will take the gospel outside the four walls of the church, serving and engaging with our neighbors in tangible ways.

Drawing from 1 Thessalonians, we see a church that thrived in the midst of persecution, marked by faith, love, and hope. Their faith was not just for themselves but became an example to others. True change and growth often come through challenge and affliction, not comfort. The gospel transforms us, converts us, and calls us to be imitators of Christ, living lives that are visible, holy, and full of hope—even in a hostile world. We are not a lifeless organization, but a living, dynamic organism—called to be high-viz for the kingdom of God.

Key Takeaways

1. Growth in Christ is for mission, not comfort. Spiritual maturity is not an end in itself; it is the foundation for being sent out to make a difference in the world. When God fills us, it is so we can overflow and bring transformation to those around us, not just to enjoy spiritual blessings privately. [00:43]
2. Visibility in faith is essential. Just as a high-viz jacket makes a person stand out in any environment, our lives should be marked by a faith that is evident in every circumstance—whether in times of clarity or confusion, peace or adversity. The world needs to see and know who we are in Christ, not just hear about it. [03:12]
3. Every believer is called to action, not just a select few. The work of discipleship, outreach, and evangelism is not reserved for special teams or leaders; it is the responsibility and privilege of the entire body of Christ. When we all step up, the church becomes a powerful force for God in the community. [05:21]
4. The Word of God must be central and personal. Carrying and knowing the Scriptures is vital for spiritual growth and effective witness. When we bring our own Bibles and let the Word guide us, we are equipped to face challenges, answer questions, and live out our faith authentically in every context. [06:49]
5. True transformation often comes through challenge, not comfort. The Thessalonian church thrived in affliction, and their faith became a testimony to others. Growth, change, and fruitfulness are often birthed in seasons of pressure and difficulty, as God shapes us to be visible ambassadors of hope and holiness in a hostile world. [20:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:43] - Grow to Go: The Call to Action
[01:14] - The Great Commission: A Mandate for All
[02:05] - The Year of High-Vis: Becoming Visible
[03:12] - The Spiritual High-Vis: Standing Out in All Seasons
[04:31] - Responsibility of the Church Body
[05:21] - Everyone’s Call: Beyond the Evangelism Team
[06:06] - BYOB: Bring Your Own Bible
[07:24] - Walking in the Word: Bible Study and Application
[08:50] - Purpose in Our Placement: Serving Where We Are
[10:13] - The Power of Encouragement
[11:08] - Serve Him Right: Community Deployment
[12:42] - Shifting Our Focus: Go to Them
[13:33] - Hope and Holiness in a Hostile World
[15:45] - Faith, Love, and Hope: The Thessalonian Example
[18:56] - Wearing Virtues Daily
[20:15] - Transformation Through Challenge
[22:40] - Living Hope and Holiness
[23:25] - Turning from Idols: Surface and Deep

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 (ESV) —
> Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
> To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
> Grace to you and peace.
> We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Observation Questions

According to 1 Thessalonians 1:3, what three virtues does Paul highlight as marks of the Thessalonian church?
What does Paul say about how the Thessalonians received the gospel, especially in the midst of their circumstances? (see v.6)
In the sermon, what is the purpose of the “high-viz” jacket illustration? [02:05]
What does the passage say happened to the Thessalonians after they turned to God from idols? (see v.9-10)

Interpretation Questions

The Thessalonians became “imitators” of Paul and the Lord, even while facing affliction. What does it mean to imitate Christ in a world that may be hostile or indifferent? [16:15]
The sermon says, “Growth in Christ is for mission, not comfort.” Why is it important that spiritual maturity leads to action, rather than just personal benefit? [00:43]
The “high-viz” jacket is about being visible for Christ. What are some reasons Christians might hide their faith, and what does this passage suggest about being visible? [03:12]
The Thessalonians’ faith became an example to others. How does a church or individual’s faith become “known” in the wider community? [16:30]

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to “bring your own Bible” and let the Word guide us daily. How often do you read your Bible outside of church? What is one step you can take this week to make God’s Word more central in your daily life? [06:49]
The “high-viz” year is about being visible in our faith. Think about your workplace, school, or neighborhood—what is one practical way you can make your faith more visible this week? [03:12]
The Thessalonians served and encouraged others even in hard times. Who in your life right now needs encouragement, and how can you “put courage into someone” this week? [10:13]
The sermon says every believer is called to action, not just a select few. What is one area in your community or church where you feel God might be calling you to step up and serve? [05:21]
The Thessalonians’ faith grew through challenge, not comfort. Can you share a time when a difficult season led to spiritual growth or a new way to serve others? [20:15]
The sermon talks about “turning from idols”—not just obvious ones, but also deeper things that take God’s place in our lives. Is there something (a habit, relationship, or priority) that you sense God is asking you to turn from so you can serve Him more fully? [23:25]
The church is described as a “living, dynamic organism.” What does it look like for you to be a “lively stone” in the church, not just a passive attendee? [18:09]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What does it mean to wear spiritual high viz?

How does biblical discipleship transform communities effectively?

In what ways can believers be visibly active for Christ?