Living a Life of Death and Love in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Living a Life of Death: Denying Self and Following Jesus

To truly follow Jesus means embracing a daily call to die to self—laying aside personal desires and ambitions in order to pursue God’s will above all else. This is not a one-time decision but a continual, daily act of surrender, where each believer is invited to take up their cross and follow Christ’s example. The world may not understand this path, and it often runs counter to our natural inclinations, but it is the very heart of authentic discipleship. In the midst of life’s challenges and temptations, the call remains: deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him, trusting that this path leads to true life. [41:17]

Luke 9:23 (ESV)
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where your desires conflict with God’s will? What would it look like for you to “take up your cross” in that area today?

Day 2: Keeping Our Eyes on Eternity: The Best Is Yet to Come

In a world filled with distractions and temporary pleasures, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Yet, Scripture reminds us that eternity is the real prize, and the hope of what is to come gives us strength to persevere through present struggles. The knowledge that our true life is hidden with Christ and that we will one day share in His glory helps us to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things. This eternal perspective frees us from being consumed by the fleeting concerns of this world and fills us with hope for the future God has prepared. [46:12]

Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 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.

Reflection: When you face discouragement or are tempted to chase after temporary things, how can you intentionally remind yourself today that “eternity is the prize”?

Day 3: The Promise of a Place: Jesus Prepares Our Eternal Home

Jesus assures His followers that this world is not the end—He is preparing a place for us, and He will return to bring us to Himself. This promise is a source of deep comfort and motivation, especially when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. The reality of heaven, though mysterious in its details, is anchored in the faithfulness of Christ’s word. Knowing that our future is secure with Him allows us to live with hope, courage, and a sense of purpose, even as we navigate the challenges of today. [50:11]

John 14:2-3 (ESV)
“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

Reflection: How does the promise that Jesus is preparing a place for you change the way you approach your daily responsibilities and relationships today?

Day 4: Love Covers a Multitude of Sins: Choosing Unity Over Division

God calls His people to a life of love that goes beyond fleeting emotions—a love that is a deliberate choice, covering over the imperfections and offenses of others. This kind of love is essential for unity within the body of Christ and serves as a powerful witness to the world. When believers choose to forgive, extend grace, and maintain harmony, even in the face of hurt or disagreement, they reflect the heart of Christ and protect the unity of the church. Love is not always easy, but it is always the way of Jesus. [01:05:27]

1 Peter 4:8-9 (ESV)
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

Reflection: Is there someone in your church or family you need to forgive or extend grace to today? What practical step can you take to “cover” their imperfection with love?

Day 5: Investing in What Lasts: Pursuing God’s Purposes Over Worldly Gain

So much of life tempts us to chase after things that are temporary—possessions, status, or fleeting pleasures—yet Scripture and the wisdom of faithful believers remind us that only what is done for Christ will last. The call is to invest our time, energy, and resources in the things of God, knowing that the treasures of this world will fade but the impact of a life lived for Him endures forever. As Jim Elliot wrote, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Today is an opportunity to realign your priorities and live for what truly matters. [58:02]

Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Reflection: What is one way you can shift your focus or resources today from something temporary to something that will last for eternity?

Sermon Summary

Today’s gathering was a celebration of both the practical and the spiritual ways we are called to serve and love one another. We began by highlighting the ongoing outreach efforts—Operation Christmas Child and Blue Bag Sunday—reminding us that small acts of generosity can have a global and local impact. Whether it’s a shoebox filled with simple gifts or a bag of groceries, these offerings become vessels for the hope and love of Christ, opening doors for the gospel and meeting real needs in our community and beyond.

We reflected on the reality that we may never fully see the results of our service this side of heaven, but by faith, we trust God to use our efforts for His purposes. This led us into a deeper exploration of what it means to live a “life of death”—a life marked by dying to self, following the example of Jesus, and keeping our eyes fixed on eternity. The call to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Christ is not easy, but it is the path to true life and lasting joy.

Looking ahead to eternity gives us perspective and perseverance. The best is yet to come; eternity is the prize, and the fleeting things of this world—fame, fortune, fashion—will all pass away. What remains is the glory of God and the relationships we build in Christ. We are reminded that the things we dread—pain, loss, sin—will one day be no more. This hope empowers us to live differently now, investing in what truly matters.

But the call is not only to a life of death, but also to a life of love. Love, as Peter describes, is not merely an emotion but a volitional choice—a commitment to cover over the imperfections and offenses of others, especially within the body of Christ. Our unity and love for one another are a powerful witness to the world. When we choose to forgive, to extend grace, and to maintain unity even in the face of hurt or disagreement, we display the transforming power of the gospel.

We closed with a challenge: to live each day from the perspective of eternity, to embrace the call to die to self, and to love one another deeply and practically. In doing so, we not only honor Christ but also offer the world a glimpse of the kingdom that is coming.

Key Takeaways

1. Small acts of service, like filling a shoebox or a blue bag, can have eternal significance when offered in faith. We may never see the full impact of our generosity, but God uses these simple gifts to open hearts to the gospel and to meet both physical and spiritual needs. Our willingness to serve is a tangible expression of Christ’s love to a world in need. [14:26]
2. The call to follow Jesus is a call to die to self daily. This “life of death” means denying our own desires and ambitions in order to pursue God’s will, following the example of Christ who laid down His life for us. It is not an easy path, but it is the only way to experience the fullness of life that God intends. [41:26]
3. Keeping our eyes on eternity gives us strength to persevere through the challenges and distractions of this world. The things that seem so important now—possessions, status, comfort—are temporary, but the hope of eternal life with Christ is unshakable. Remembering that “the best is yet to come” helps us endure hardship and remain faithful. [43:38]
4. Love within the body of Christ is not based on fleeting emotions but on a deliberate choice to forgive, to cover over offenses, and to seek unity. This kind of love is a powerful testimony to the world and is essential for maintaining the health and witness of the church. When we love one another deeply, we reflect the heart of Christ and create a community that others long to be part of. [65:27]
5. Investing in what is eternal—relationships, service, and spiritual growth—matters far more than chasing after the temporary things of this world. As Jim Elliot said, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Living with this perspective frees us from the tyranny of the urgent and the trivial, and aligns our lives with God’s purposes. [58:02]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[12:54] - Operation Christmas Child: Global Impact
[14:39] - Blue Bag Sunday and Local Outreach
[16:04] - Praying Over Our Offerings
[19:39] - Celebrating Faithful Servants
[21:28] - Worship: Bless the Lord
[38:06] - Called to a Life of Death
[40:17] - Looking Ahead: The End is Near
[42:43] - Eternity is the Prize
[48:56] - What Will Heaven Be Like?
[51:09] - What Won’t Be in Eternity
[54:30] - The Passing Nature of Worldly Things
[55:31] - No More Pain, No More Sin
[58:02] - Gaining What Cannot Be Lost
[59:51] - Called to a Life of Love
[65:27] - Love Covers a Multitude of Sins
[69:03] - The Importance of Unity in the Church
[72:10] - Giving and the Heart of the Church
[75:26] - Extending Grace and Forgiveness
[75:58] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[78:51] - Announcements and Farewell

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Peter 4:7-9 (ESV) — > The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

2. Luke 9:23 (ESV)
> And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

3. Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)
> If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 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.

Observation Questions

According to 1 Peter 4:7-9, what are believers told to do as “the end of all things is at hand”?
In Luke 9:23, what three actions does Jesus say are required for someone who wants to follow Him?
What does Colossians 3:2 say we should set our minds on, and why?
In the sermon, what are some practical examples given of “small acts of service” that can have a big impact? ([14:26])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon talks about living a “life of death”—denying ourselves and taking up our cross daily. What does this look like in everyday life, and why is it described as the path to true life and joy? ([41:26])
The pastor says, “We may never know this side of heaven how God used our service, but by faith, we trust God to use our efforts for His purposes.” How does this perspective affect the way we serve others? ([14:26])
The sermon describes love as a “volitional choice” rather than just a feeling. Why is this distinction important for relationships within the church? ([01:05:27])
The message says that keeping our eyes on eternity helps us persevere through challenges. How does focusing on eternity change the way we handle difficulties or disappointments in life? ([43:38])

Application Questions

The sermon highlights simple acts like filling a shoebox or a blue bag as ways to serve. Is there a small, practical way you can serve someone this week—either in the church or in your community? What would it look like to do this with gospel intentionality? ([14:26])
Jesus calls us to “deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him.” What is one area of your life where you struggle to deny yourself? What is one step you could take this week to surrender that area to God? ([41:26])
The pastor said, “The best is yet to come; eternity is the prize.” Are there things in your life—possessions, status, comfort—that you tend to value more than eternal things? How can you shift your focus this week to invest in what is eternal? ([43:38])
Think of a time when someone in the church hurt or disappointed you. How did you respond? Is there someone you need to forgive or extend grace to right now, in order to “cover over a multitude of sins” and maintain unity? ([01:05:27])
The sermon challenges us to live each day from the perspective of eternity. What is one practical way you can remind yourself daily of the hope you have in Christ and let it shape your decisions and attitudes? ([43:38])
The message shared the story of church division over small things. Are there any “small things” or personal preferences that you have allowed to become too important in your relationships at church? How can you let go of these for the sake of unity? ([01:14:30])
The pastor quoted Jim Elliot: “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” What is one thing you might need to “give up” in order to gain something eternal? ([58:02])

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