Living a Fruitful and Impactful Christian Life
Summary
In today's message, we explored the defining characteristics of a Christian life that glorifies God and impacts the world, as outlined by the Apostle Paul in Colossians 1:9-14. As we celebrate another year in the life of our church, it's crucial to reflect on whether we are truly living out these characteristics or merely going through the motions. Paul emphasizes four key traits that should be evident in our lives as followers of Christ.
Firstly, we are called to bear Christ-like fruits continuously. This means that our actions and character should reflect the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, and patience. It's not enough to simply know these qualities; we must actively live them out in our daily interactions. This requires constant self-reflection and a commitment to personal growth, ensuring that we are not the same person we were a year ago.
Secondly, we must grow in the knowledge of Christ. This involves a deep and ongoing engagement with God's Word, allowing it to shape our understanding and guide our actions. It's easy to become complacent, but true spiritual maturity comes from a relentless pursuit of knowing God more intimately. This knowledge equips us to discern truth from falsehood and to stand firm in our faith amidst the challenges of the world.
Thirdly, a worthy Christian walk relies on the power of God rather than our own strength. In a world that often values self-reliance, we are reminded that true strength comes from acknowledging our weaknesses and depending on God's power. This reliance is demonstrated through a vibrant prayer life and a humble acknowledgment that without God, we can do nothing.
Lastly, we are to express gratitude to God always. Gratitude should permeate every aspect of our lives, not just in times of blessing but also in moments of trial. We have been delivered from darkness and brought into the kingdom of Christ, and this truth should fill us with joy and thankfulness. Our gratitude is a testimony to the world of the transformative power of God's grace in our lives.
As we embody these characteristics, we not only grow individually but also collectively as a church, impacting our community and the world for Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Bearing Christ-like Fruits: Our lives should continuously reflect the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, and peace. This requires intentional living and a commitment to personal growth, ensuring that we are not stagnant in our faith. [04:41]
- Growing in Knowledge: Engaging deeply with God's Word is essential for spiritual maturity. This knowledge helps us discern truth and equips us to stand firm in our faith amidst worldly challenges. [16:08]
- Relying on God's Power: True strength comes from acknowledging our weaknesses and depending on God's power. A vibrant prayer life and humility are key to living a life that glorifies God. [24:30]
- Expressing Gratitude: Gratitude should be a constant in our lives, regardless of circumstances. We have been delivered from darkness and brought into Christ's kingdom, and this truth should fill us with joy and thankfulness. [36:50]
- Impacting the World for Christ: As we embody these characteristics, we grow individually and collectively as a church, impacting our community and the world for Christ. Our lives become a testimony of God's transformative power. [44:29]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:55] - Cultural Traits and Christian Identity
[02:11] - The Call to Live Intentionally
[03:28] - Paul's Prayer for the Colossians
[04:41] - Bearing Christ-like Fruits
[06:05] - Personal Reflection and Confession
[07:53] - Good Works and Spiritual Maturity
[09:56] - Continuous Growth in Christ
[12:21] - The Importance of Improvement
[14:21] - Christ-like Business Practices
[16:08] - Growing in the Knowledge of Christ
[18:37] - Developing Curiosity for God's Word
[20:23] - Fighting False Teachings
[22:53] - The Importance of Reading Scripture
[24:30] - Relying on God's Strength
[27:21] - The Power of Prayer
[30:34] - Trusting God in Hardship
[33:41] - The Danger of Self-reliance
[35:51] - A Call to Serve
[36:50] - Expressing Gratitude to God
[39:22] - Freedom in Christ
[42:06] - Kingdom Living
[44:29] - Living a Worthy Christian Walk
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Colossians 1:9-14
- Galatians 5:22-23
- Hebrews 13:15
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Colossians 1:9-14, what are the four characteristics of a Christian life that Paul emphasizes? How do these characteristics relate to the idea of living a life that pleases God? [03:28]
2. In the sermon, what personal story did the pastor share to illustrate the challenge of bearing Christ-like fruits continuously? How does this story highlight the importance of self-reflection and growth? [06:05]
3. What does the pastor say about the role of gratitude in a Christian's life, and how is this connected to our understanding of being delivered from darkness? [36:50]
4. How does the pastor describe the relationship between relying on God's power and having a vibrant prayer life? What examples from the sermon illustrate this point? [24:30]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of bearing Christ-like fruits, as described in Galatians 5:22-23, challenge the common perception of what it means to live a successful life? [04:41]
2. In what ways does growing in the knowledge of Christ equip believers to discern truth from falsehood, especially in today's world of information overload? [16:08]
3. The pastor mentioned that relying on God's power involves acknowledging our weaknesses. How might this perspective change the way one approaches personal and professional challenges? [24:30]
4. How does expressing gratitude, even in difficult times, serve as a testimony to the transformative power of God's grace in a believer's life? [36:50]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the past year. In what specific ways have you seen growth in your spiritual life? Are there areas where you feel stagnant, and how can you address them? [09:56]
2. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23 to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it as part of your interactions with your family? [04:41]
3. Identify a specific challenge you are currently facing. How can you rely more on God's power rather than your own strength to navigate this situation? [24:30]
4. Think of a person who tests your patience. What is a short prayer you can say before the next time you interact with that person? [06:05]
5. How can you incorporate a practice of gratitude into your daily routine, especially during times of trial? What are three things you can thank God for today? [36:50]
6. Is there a specific distraction in your life preventing you from focusing on Jesus that you want to change? How can you minimize that distraction this week? [16:08]
7. Identify one person in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week? [44:29]
Devotional
Day 1: Cultivating Christ-like Character
Our lives as Christians should be marked by the continuous bearing of Christ-like fruits, such as love, joy, peace, and patience. This is not a passive process but requires intentional living and a commitment to personal growth. It involves self-reflection and a conscious effort to ensure that we are not stagnant in our faith. As we engage with others, our actions and character should reflect these fruits, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ in our lives. This ongoing process of growth ensures that we are not the same person we were a year ago, but are continually being shaped into the likeness of Christ. [04:41]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Identify one fruit of the Spirit you struggle to exhibit. What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate this fruit in your daily interactions?
Day 2: Deepening Knowledge of Christ
Growing in the knowledge of Christ is essential for spiritual maturity. This involves a deep and ongoing engagement with God's Word, allowing it to shape our understanding and guide our actions. It's easy to become complacent, but true spiritual maturity comes from a relentless pursuit of knowing God more intimately. This knowledge equips us to discern truth from falsehood and to stand firm in our faith amidst the challenges of the world. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we develop a deeper understanding of God's character and His will for our lives. [16:08]
Colossians 2:2-3 (ESV): "That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to deepen your engagement with God's Word this week? Consider setting a goal for daily Bible reading or study.
Day 3: Relying on Divine Strength
A worthy Christian walk relies on the power of God rather than our own strength. In a world that often values self-reliance, we are reminded that true strength comes from acknowledging our weaknesses and depending on God's power. This reliance is demonstrated through a vibrant prayer life and a humble acknowledgment that without God, we can do nothing. By leaning on God's strength, we are empowered to face life's challenges with confidence and grace, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. [24:30]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "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. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rely more on God's strength rather than your own? How can you incorporate prayer into this area today?
Day 4: Living a Life of Gratitude
Expressing gratitude to God should be a constant in our lives, regardless of circumstances. We have been delivered from darkness and brought into the kingdom of Christ, and this truth should fill us with joy and thankfulness. Gratitude is not just for times of blessing but also for moments of trial, as it reflects our trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. By cultivating a heart of gratitude, we become a testimony to the world of the transformative power of God's grace in our lives. [36:50]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you express gratitude to God in the midst of this trial?
Day 5: Impacting the World for Christ
As we embody the characteristics of a Christ-like life, we not only grow individually but also collectively as a church, impacting our community and the world for Christ. Our lives become a testimony of God's transformative power, drawing others to Him. By living out our faith authentically, we demonstrate the love and grace of Christ to those around us, making a lasting impact on the world. This is our calling as followers of Christ—to be His hands and feet, bringing His light to a world in need. [44:29]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can be a light in your community this week? Consider reaching out to someone in need or volunteering your time to serve others.
Quotes
1) "We as Christians need to embody and demonstrate to the world that we are followers of Christ. And what do those characteristics look like? We're called to be salt and light in this world. And as a church, we're called to make an impact. But all too often, church and the people of the church are only going through the motions. We're not intentionally living out the Christian life. We are content with the status quo, which leads to what? Stagnation, apathy, and sadly, our inability to differentiate ourselves from the world." [02:11] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Until the day we see Jesus, we must continually be changed to be more like Christ. So the question is, are you any different from last year, last month, last week? Yesterday? Has anything in your life improved since following Jesus? As we celebrate another year in our church's anniversary, we've all aged up one year. We've sat through countless sermons. We've been to countless church activities and connect events. Have we changed in any way?" [09:56] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "The more we read and the more we learn, the more questions will come to mind, and the more questions that come to mind will motivate us to learn and to level up in our spiritual lives. To increase in the knowledge of God is to make the effort to know Him through His Word, and that is what makes life worth living. A little knowledge will encourage us to get to know God more. But the less we know of God and His Word, the more we are so easily swayed by the people in this world." [19:26] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "It is a life that transfers our dependence upon ourselves we yield we surrender and we depend upon the lord and that's you you easier said than done especially in times of hardship and trials and the second part of this verse tells us that it is in those times that we can find joy how because we know it is not in our own strength but through the power and grace of the living god it is in our weakness that his strength is made strong." [30:34] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "In these verses, we have our fourth and final characteristic of a worthy Christian life. It is a life that, number four, expresses gratitude to God. God always. A life that expresses gratitude to God always. Not just in the good times of life, but even the difficult and most challenging times of our life. In whatever situation, however difficult, the Apostle Paul reminds us we can at least be thankful for three things. First of all, that we are heirs of His inheritance. Think about that. We qualify for and partake of all of the blessings heaven, eternal life, eternal rewards, protection, security, assurance, provision." [36:50] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "That's why when we cultivate this heavenly mindset and cultivate kingdom living in our hearts, it should radically change the way we live. One of my table mates at the Business Mission Conference and a fellow speaker is a very wealthy and accomplished businessman in this country. country, you would know his name. In our talks and in his sharing, it was clear that he was very accomplished. But he told me that his worldly accomplishments are meaningless compared to the work he's now doing for God's kingdom. He mentioned about eulogy living. What will people say about you when your time is over? But even that, he says, doesn't matter. What is more important is kingdom living." [42:06] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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