Living a Life Without Regret in Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of living a life without regret, particularly in our walk with Christ. We began by acknowledging the reality of regret, both for actions taken and opportunities missed. The story of a man in his 90s who lived with regret for not preparing for his future despite being a financial planner served as a poignant reminder of the importance of examining our lives. Socrates' assertion that "the unexamined life is not worth living" challenges us to reflect on our priorities and align them with God's kingdom.
We delved into Titus chapter 3, where Paul reminds us of our past foolishness and disobedience before Christ. Yet, the transformative power of God's kindness and mercy is evident. Despite our unworthiness, God loves us and offers salvation not based on our deeds but through His grace. This grace is richly poured out on us through the Holy Spirit, inviting us to live in the fullness of God's love and mercy.
The sermon also addressed the potential pitfalls within the church, such as getting caught up in controversies and disputes that distract from our mission. Paul warns Titus to avoid these distractions and focus on what truly matters—living a life that honors Christ. We are encouraged to invest in godly habits that benefit us now and in the life to come, rather than wasting time on pursuits that hold no eternal value.
Ultimately, the call is to live with a heavenly mindset, recognizing that our actions for Christ have lasting significance. Whether it's through small acts of kindness or enduring trials with faith, we are reminded that only what's done for Christ will last. As we navigate our daily lives, may we seek to see others through the eyes of Jesus, nurturing relationships and making the most of our time for His glory.
Key Takeaways:
- The Reality of Regret: Regret is a part of human life, often stemming from missed opportunities or actions taken. In our walk with Christ, we are called to live intentionally, examining our lives to align with God's kingdom and avoid future regret. [04:31]
- God's Transformative Kindness: Despite our unworthiness, God's kindness and mercy offer us salvation through grace, not deeds. This transformative love invites us to live in the fullness of His Spirit, experiencing the richness of His grace. [09:47]
- Avoiding Distractions in the Church: Paul warns against getting caught up in controversies and disputes that distract from our mission. Instead, we should focus on living a life that honors Christ, investing in godly habits that benefit us now and eternally. [18:06]
- Living with a Heavenly Mindset: Our actions for Christ have lasting significance. By adopting a heavenly mindset, we can navigate life with purpose, recognizing that only what's done for Christ will endure. [23:16]
- Seeing Others Through Jesus' Eyes: We are called to see others through the eyes of Jesus, nurturing relationships and making the most of our time for His glory. This perspective transforms our interactions and aligns our lives with God's purposes. [29:33]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:08] - The Team Spirit of Football
- [03:00] - The Reality of Regret
- [04:31] - Living Without Regret in Christ
- [05:27] - Titus' Tough Assignment
- [09:47] - God's Kindness and Mercy
- [12:27] - Justified by Grace
- [16:47] - The Call to Give Ourselves Fully
- [18:06] - Avoiding Church Distractions
- [23:16] - The Value of Godly Habits
- [27:28] - Making the Most of Our Time
- [29:33] - Seeing Through Jesus' Eyes
- [30:44] - Only What's Done for Christ Will Last
- [31:53] - Enduring Trials with Faith
- [33:28] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Titus 3:3-7: This passage highlights the transformation from foolishness and disobedience to salvation through God's kindness and mercy.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul remind Titus about the nature of people before they come to Christ? ([05:27])
2. How does Paul describe God's kindness and mercy in Titus 3:4-5? ([09:47])
3. What are some of the distractions and controversies Paul warns Titus to avoid in the church? ([18:06])
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of living with a heavenly mindset? ([23:16])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of the man in his 90s serve as a warning about living with regret? What lessons can be drawn from his experience? ([03:00])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's kindness and mercy are transformative for believers? ([09:47])
3. How can the church avoid getting caught up in controversies and disputes, according to the sermon? ([18:06])
4. What does it mean to live with a heavenly mindset, and how does this perspective impact daily life? ([23:16])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced regret. How can you apply the lessons from this sermon to avoid future regrets in your walk with Christ? ([04:31])
2. How can you actively remind yourself of God's kindness and mercy in your daily life? What practices can help you live in the fullness of His Spirit? ([09:47])
3. Are there any distractions or controversies in your church or personal life that are hindering your mission for Christ? How can you refocus on what truly matters? ([18:06])
4. What are some practical ways you can adopt a heavenly mindset in your current circumstances? How can this change your approach to challenges and opportunities? ([23:16])
5. Think of someone in your life who you find difficult to love. How can you begin to see them through the eyes of Jesus and nurture that relationship? ([29:33])
6. Identify one godly habit you want to invest in this week. How will this habit benefit you now and in the life to come? ([23:16])
7. Consider a small act of kindness you can do this week. How can this act have lasting significance for Christ? ([30:44])
Devotional
Day 1: Living Intentionally to Avoid Regret
In our journey with Christ, regret often arises from missed opportunities or actions taken without thought. We are encouraged to live intentionally, examining our lives to align with God's kingdom and avoid future regret. This involves a conscious effort to prioritize what truly matters and to make decisions that reflect our faith and values. By doing so, we can live a life that is not only fulfilling but also free from the burden of regret. [04:31]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel regret? How can you take intentional steps today to align this area with God's kingdom and avoid future regret?
Day 2: Embracing God's Transformative Kindness
Despite our unworthiness, God's kindness and mercy offer us salvation through grace, not deeds. This transformative love invites us to live in the fullness of His Spirit, experiencing the richness of His grace. It is a reminder that our past does not define us, and through God's grace, we are given a new identity and purpose. Embracing this truth allows us to live with confidence and hope, knowing that we are loved and valued by God. [09:47]
"But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit." (Titus 3:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: How have you experienced God's kindness and mercy in your life? In what ways can you allow His transformative love to shape your actions and attitudes today?
Day 3: Focusing on Christ Amidst Distractions
Paul warns against getting caught up in controversies and disputes that distract from our mission. Instead, we should focus on living a life that honors Christ, investing in godly habits that benefit us now and eternally. This requires discernment and a commitment to prioritize what truly matters, avoiding the temptation to engage in fruitless debates or distractions that pull us away from our purpose. [18:06]
"But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless." (Titus 3:9, ESV)
Reflection: What distractions are currently pulling you away from your mission in Christ? How can you refocus your energy on what truly matters today?
Day 4: Adopting a Heavenly Mindset
Our actions for Christ have lasting significance. By adopting a heavenly mindset, we can navigate life with purpose, recognizing that only what's done for Christ will endure. This perspective shifts our focus from temporary pursuits to eternal values, encouraging us to invest our time and resources in ways that honor God and impact others for His glory. [23:16]
"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." (Colossians 3:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical way you can adopt a heavenly mindset in your daily life? How can this shift in perspective influence your decisions and actions today?
Day 5: Seeing Others Through Jesus' Eyes
We are called to see others through the eyes of Jesus, nurturing relationships and making the most of our time for His glory. This perspective transforms our interactions and aligns our lives with God's purposes, encouraging us to love and serve others selflessly. By viewing people as God sees them, we can build meaningful connections and reflect Christ's love in our communities. [29:33]
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to be seen through the eyes of Jesus today? How can you intentionally nurture this relationship and reflect Christ's love to them?
Quotes
I've been with a man in his 90s, has since died, but he lived a pretty selfish life. The irony is that he was a financial planner that helped other people get their wills and their trusts and get their investments and long -term health insurance, all those kind of things. [00:03:20] (20 seconds)
That might be the worst kind of regret. There's regret for things that you did, actions you took that you're sorry for, and you've taken to the Lord and said, Lord, I know you forgive me. I hope they can forgive me, whoever you've hurt. But maybe the most painful regret is those things you didn't do. [00:04:04] (18 seconds)
Socrates had this great quote he said the unexamined life is not worth living that's good isn't it the unexamined life don't don't just go through life it's this thing then it's the next thing and it's tomorrow and then it's Wednesday and then it's a week just don't let life just happen to you. [00:05:27] (19 seconds)
Paul does such a great job of that. He does that in Ephesians 2, and he says, you know, remember, you were dead. You were dead. You were dead in your trespasses and sins, but God. Well, this is another one of those but God lines. [00:09:47] (16 seconds)
come to me because I am lowly and meek in heart I am kind God is kind to you today his kindness is what draws me to him Paul goes on to write look with me in verse 4 the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind has appeared here we go verse 5 he saved us not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness. [00:12:27] (30 seconds)
the spirit has been richly poured out on us in verse six look at seven so that being justified that is made right with god no you will never be held account for your sins it's done you are you got the full lord jesus christ pardon forever never brought up again justified by what his grace so that you would be made this you have no idea what this means. [00:14:13] (29 seconds)
so did you know you could still waste your time in church that's what he says look here verse 9 now Titus remind the Cretans come into your fellowship to avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the law for they are unprofitable and worthless did you know there's been church controversies and potential division from the start. [00:18:58] (28 seconds)
Sometimes we can get caught up in things that aren't necessarily bad they're just not the best and that's probably where most of us are at today it's not that you're out robbing banks you know selling drugs on the corner but it may be that you're giving yourself and your leisure time and your money to things that maybe aren't the best. [00:23:16] (23 seconds)
ephesians 5 14. wake up he writes wake up arise from the dead oh it's not a resurrection verse it's a hey christian you're you're not giving yourself to the best you're just kind of getting through life it's like you got your fire insurance in your back pocket now you're just kind of coasting wake up let christ shine on you be careful how you walk now. [00:27:28] (27 seconds)
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