Living as a Mission Field Through Love and Holiness
Summary
Today’s focus is on the call to live every aspect of life as a mission field, wherever we go and whatever we do. This is not just a task for a select few, but a calling for all who follow Christ. The story of Rosario Butterfield powerfully illustrates how lives can be transformed not through judgment, but through persistent love, hospitality, and honest conversation. Her journey from a place of deep skepticism and opposition to Christianity to a life surrendered to Christ was made possible by Christians who embodied the gospel in their actions and relationships, patiently walking with her for years.
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, especially chapter 4, challenges us to move from old patterns of living—marked by ignorance of God, hardened hearts, and self-centered desires—into a new way of life shaped by Christ. The call is to put off the old self and put on the new, to be renewed in the attitude of our minds, and to pursue true righteousness and holiness. This transformation is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey, requiring daily surrender, the continual renewing of our minds, and a commitment to scriptural holiness.
Practical holiness is not about perfection, but about being more Christlike in our relationships, our words, and our actions. Paul gives concrete examples: speak truth instead of lies, control anger rather than letting it control you, work hard and share with those in need instead of stealing, use words to build up rather than tear down, and practice forgiveness and compassion instead of harboring bitterness and malice. These are not just moral guidelines, but the outworking of a heart transformed by the gospel.
The sacrament of Holy Communion reminds us of the source of this new life: Christ’s body broken and blood shed for us. Like the image of the mother pelican feeding her young with her own flesh, Jesus gave himself so that we might have life and be empowered to live as his witnesses in the world. As we receive the bread and the cup, we are invited to receive grace for the journey and to recommit ourselves to living as the hands and feet of Christ, spreading scriptural holiness in every sphere of life.
Key Takeaways
- Transformation begins with love, not judgment. Rosario Butterfield’s story shows that genuine, patient love and open conversation can soften even the hardest hearts. The mission field is not about winning arguments, but about inviting others into relationship and walking with them over time. [47:30]
- The “old self” and “new self” are not just theological concepts, but daily realities. Putting off the old self means intentionally turning away from patterns of thought and behavior that are shaped by the world, and putting on the new self means embracing Christ’s truth, righteousness, and holiness in every area of life. [59:03]
- Holiness is practical and relational. It is seen in how we speak, how we handle anger, how we work, and how we treat others. True holiness is not withdrawal from the world, but engagement with it—living out the gospel in the ordinary and the difficult moments alike. [01:04:17]
- Forgiveness is a spiritual discipline that frees us to live like Christ. It is not dependent on the other person’s actions or repentance, but on our willingness to release bitterness and make space for God’s healing. Forgiveness is essential for living as a mission field, because it keeps our hearts open to God and others. [01:08:52]
- Communion is both a reminder and an empowerment. The bread and cup are not just symbols, but means by which Christ nourishes us for the journey of faith. As we receive, we are called to remember Christ’s sacrifice and to go out, filled with his Spirit, to live lives marked by scriptural holiness and mission. [01:14:05]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Prayer for College Students
[02:10] - Real Life Series Introduction
[03:30] - The Mission Field of Everyday Life
[05:15] - Rosario Butterfield’s Story
[08:00] - The Power of Loving Witness
[10:10] - Paul’s Context: Ephesus and Paganism
[13:00] - Understanding “Pagan” and “Gentile”
[15:00] - Ephesians 4: Old Self vs. New Self
[18:00] - The Renewing of the Mind
[20:00] - Practical Holiness: Truth, Anger, Work
[23:00] - Words that Build Up
[25:00] - Forgiveness and Freedom
[28:00] - Communion: The Pelican Symbol
[31:00] - The Invitation to the Table
[33:00] - Living as the Mission Field
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living Every Day as a Mission Field
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### Bible Reading
Ephesians 4:17–32 (ESV)
> 17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
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> 25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 4:17–19, what are some characteristics of the “old self” or the way the Gentiles (unbelievers) live?
2. What does Paul say is the source of truth for believers? ([58:22])
3. In verses 25–32, what practical instructions does Paul give for living out the “new self”?
4. In the sermon, what was the key factor that led to Rosario Butterfield’s transformation? ([49:37])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need to “put off the old self” and “put on the new self”? What does this look like in everyday life? ([59:03])
2. The sermon described how Rosario Butterfield’s heart was softened not by arguments, but by love and hospitality. What does this suggest about the most effective way to witness to others? ([47:30])
3. Paul lists specific behaviors to avoid (lying, uncontrolled anger, stealing, unwholesome talk, bitterness) and positive actions to pursue (truth-telling, forgiveness, compassion). Why do you think he focuses on these particular areas?
4. The sermon compared Jesus’ sacrifice to a mother pelican feeding her young with her own flesh. How does this image help us understand the meaning of Communion and our calling as Christ’s followers? ([01:11:42])
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### Application Questions
1. Think about your daily routines—at work, school, or home. In what ways could you see these places as your mission field? What would it look like to intentionally live out your faith there? ([49:37])
2. Rosario Butterfield’s story showed the power of patient, non-judgmental love. Is there someone in your life who needs this kind of love from you? What is one step you could take this week to reach out to them? ([47:30])
3. Paul says to “put off” the old self and “put on” the new. Is there a specific habit, attitude, or pattern of speech you sense God is calling you to change? What would be a first step toward that change? ([59:03])
4. The sermon talked about controlling anger and not letting it dictate our words or actions. Can you recall a recent situation where anger got the best of you? How could you handle it differently next time? ([01:03:06])
5. Paul instructs us to use our words to build others up. Think of a relationship where your words could bring encouragement or healing. What is something specific you could say or do this week? ([01:04:17])
6. Forgiveness is described as a spiritual discipline that frees us. Is there someone you need to forgive—not for their sake, but for your own freedom? What is holding you back, and how might you begin to let go? ([01:08:52])
7. As you participate in Communion, how can you let the reminder of Christ’s sacrifice empower you to live differently this week? Is there a particular area where you need God’s grace to help you be more Christlike? ([01:14:05])
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Devotional
Day 1: Living as a New Creation in Christ
To follow Jesus means to put off the old self and embrace a new way of living, marked by righteousness and holiness. This transformation is not just a one-time event but a continual process of allowing God to renew your mind and heart. The old patterns—selfishness, deceit, and impurity—are replaced by a Christlike character that seeks to love, serve, and reflect God’s truth in every area of life. As you step into each day, remember that you are called to be a new creation, letting your life be a mission field wherever you go, showing others the hope and change that Jesus brings. [59:03]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV)
"to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What is one old habit or attitude you sense God calling you to “put off” today, and what practical step can you take to “put on” the new self in that area?
Day 2: The Power of Renewed Thinking
God calls His people not to conform to the world’s patterns but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. This renewal is essential for discerning God’s will and living out the Christian faith authentically. It means intentionally filtering your thoughts, values, and decisions through the truth of Scripture rather than the shifting standards of culture. As you allow God to reshape your thinking, you become equipped to live differently, to stand firm in your faith, and to be a light in the world. [55:26]
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most feel pressure to conform to the world, and how can you invite God to renew your mind in that specific area today?
Day 3: Speaking Truth and Building Others Up
The words you speak have the power to either tear down or build up those around you. Scripture calls you to put away falsehood, unwholesome talk, and slander, and instead to speak truth and encouragement. This means being honest, even when it’s difficult, and using your words to strengthen, comfort, and inspire others. When you choose to speak life, you reflect the character of Christ and help create a community where grace and truth flourish. [01:04:17]
Ephesians 4:25, 29 (ESV)
"Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another... Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
Reflection: Think of a recent conversation—how could you have used your words to build someone up or speak truth in love?
Day 4: Forgiveness and Compassion as a Way of Life
Forgiveness is not just a one-time act but a continual choice to release bitterness, anger, and malice, making room for compassion and grace. This kind of forgiveness frees your heart from the burden of resentment and allows you to live more fully as Christ’s hands and feet. Even when reconciliation isn’t possible, forgiving others reflects the mercy God has shown you and opens the door for healing and peace. [01:08:52]
Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV)
"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Reflection: Who is someone you need to forgive today, and what is one step you can take to begin releasing that hurt to God?
Day 5: Living Your Life as a Mission Field
Every believer is called to live their life as a mission field, sharing God’s love, grace, and truth in every context—at home, at work, at school, and beyond. This means seeing every interaction as an opportunity to reflect Christ, to invite others into conversation, and to demonstrate the transforming power of the gospel. It’s not about perfection, but about faithfully showing up, letting your life point others to Jesus, and trusting God to use your witness for His kingdom. [01:09:54]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
"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: Where will you be today that could become your “mission field,” and how can you intentionally let your light shine for Christ in that place?
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