Living as Easter People in a Good Friday World
Summary
In today's sermon, I focused on the transformative power of living as Easter people in a Good Friday world. This means recognizing that while we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are still navigating a world filled with pain, suffering, and challenges. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody the values and example that Jesus set for us, particularly in the way we interact with and serve others.
I emphasized the importance of imitating Christ in our daily lives, especially in our closest relationships. This imitation is not about losing our identity but about reflecting the love and service that Jesus showed us. To do this, I encouraged everyone to ask those closest to them, "How can I serve or help you today?" and then act on it. This simple yet profound act can change the atmosphere of our homes and relationships.
I also spoke about the commitment to attending church for the next seven weeks to be part of the "Vintage Values" series, which will explore the significance of togetherness, personal responsibility, trust in God, grace, freedom, and finding our identity in Christ.
Furthermore, I invited those who have not yet made a commitment to Christ to take a step forward and talk with someone about what it means to confess Jesus Christ as Lord and commit their lives to Him.
The sermon concluded with a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross and the victory of His resurrection. We sang in worship, proclaiming the power of Christ in us and the hope we have in His name.
Key Takeaways:
- Imitating Jesus in our daily lives is not about a one-time act but a continuous commitment to serve and love those around us. By asking our loved ones how we can serve them each day, we not only honor Christ's example but also strengthen our relationships and reflect His love in tangible ways. This practice can transform our homes into places of grace and service. [01:04:28 <8c624zs_ml4>]
- Committing to regular church attendance, especially for the upcoming "Vintage Values" series, is a practical step in nurturing our spiritual growth and understanding the importance of community. The series will delve into the dangers of isolation and the life-saving power of relationships, highlighting a 75-year study on the subject. [01:04:54 <8c624zs_ml4>]
- Confessing Jesus Christ as Lord is a life-changing decision that should not be taken lightly. It is an invitation to a relationship with God that offers forgiveness, salvation, and a new purpose in life. This confession is the foundation of our faith and the beginning of a journey of transformation. [01:05:56 <8c624zs_ml4>]
- The principle of "thinking second" is about putting others before ourselves, following the example of Jesus who considered others better than Himself. This mindset can revolutionize our personal relationships and the way we interact with the world. It is a call to humility and selflessness that honors God and inspires others. [45:24 <8c624zs_ml4>]
- "Thinking serving" means actively seeking opportunities to serve others as Christ served us. It is about adopting the attitude and mindset of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. This approach to life can lead to the most profound and impactful stories, as it mirrors the greatest act of service: Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. [49:33 <8c624zs_ml4>]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Philippians 2:1-11 (NIV)
> "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit" in Philippians 2:3? How does he suggest we should act instead?
2. According to Philippians 2:5-8, what specific actions did Jesus take to demonstrate humility and servanthood?
3. In the sermon, what practical question did the pastor suggest we ask our loved ones daily to imitate Jesus? ([56:18])
4. What are the "Vintage Values" that the upcoming sermon series will explore, as mentioned in the sermon? ([38:17])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Paul's instruction to "value others above yourselves" challenge our natural inclinations and societal norms? ([44:49])
2. What does it mean to have the "same mindset as Christ Jesus" in our daily lives, according to Philippians 2:5? How can this mindset transform our relationships?
3. The pastor emphasized the importance of "thinking second" and "thinking serving." How do these principles align with the example set by Jesus in Philippians 2:6-8? ([49:33])
4. How might committing to regular church attendance, as suggested in the sermon, help us grow in these values and principles? ([01:04:54])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you acted out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. How could you have approached it differently by valuing others above yourself? ([44:49])
2. The pastor encouraged us to ask our loved ones, "How can I serve or help you today?" How do you think this practice could change the atmosphere in your home or relationships? ([56:18])
3. What are some specific ways you can adopt the mindset of Christ in your workplace or community this week? ([50:05])
4. The sermon mentioned the dangers of isolation and the importance of togetherness. How can you actively work to build stronger relationships within your church or community? ([01:04:54])
5. Think about a time when someone served you selflessly. How did it impact you, and how can you pay that forward in your own life? ([49:33])
6. The pastor spoke about the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us. How does this understanding of Jesus' sacrifice influence your willingness to serve others? ([51:50])
7. Identify one person in your life who might be struggling with isolation or loneliness. What specific steps can you take this week to reach out and offer support or companionship? ([01:05:22])
Devotional
Day 1: Reflecting Christ in Daily Service
Living as Easter people in a Good Friday world calls for a daily commitment to serve and love those around us. This is not about grand gestures but the quiet, consistent acts of kindness that mirror the love of Jesus. By asking our loved ones, "How can I serve you today?" we open the door to a life of service that goes beyond our own needs and desires. This simple question can revolutionize our homes, turning them into sanctuaries of grace and selflessness. It's about making the conscious decision to put others first and allowing our actions to be a testament to the love we have received from Christ.
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:4-5 ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs your service today, and how can you show them Christ's love through your actions? [01:04:28]
Day 2: Embracing Community and Vintage Values
The upcoming "Vintage Values" series is an opportunity to delve into the life-saving power of relationships and community. Committing to regular church attendance is more than a routine; it's a journey into understanding the importance of togetherness and personal responsibility. The series will challenge the dangers of isolation and celebrate the transformative power of being part of a spiritual family. By engaging with this series, one can expect to grow in trust in God, experience grace, and find a deeper identity in Christ.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)
Reflection: How can you prioritize your spiritual growth through community, and what steps will you take to connect with others in the upcoming week? [01:04:54]
Day 3: The Life-Changing Confession of Faith
Confessing Jesus Christ as Lord is the cornerstone of our faith, a declaration that reshapes our entire existence. It's an invitation to a transformative relationship with God, offering forgiveness, salvation, and a new purpose. This confession is not a mere statement but a commitment to a lifelong journey with Christ at the center. It's about embracing a new identity that is rooted in the love and sacrifice of Jesus, and it's the first step towards a life of fulfillment and service.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)
Reflection: What does confessing Jesus as Lord mean to you personally, and how does this confession shape your daily life? [01:05:56]
Day 4: The Principle of 'Thinking Second'
The principle of 'thinking second' is a radical shift from the world's self-centered mindset to one of humility and selflessness. It's about considering others better than ourselves and putting their needs ahead of our own. This approach is not about diminishing our worth but about recognizing the value in others as Jesus did. By adopting this mindset, we can revolutionize our personal relationships and interactions, creating a ripple effect of kindness and respect that honors God and uplifts those around us.
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you practice 'thinking second' today, and how might this change your interactions with others? [45:24]
Day 5: The Heart of 'Thinking Serving'
'Thinking serving' is an active pursuit of opportunities to serve others, reflecting the heart of Jesus who came not to be served but to serve. This mindset is not about waiting for chances to help but seeking them out, recognizing that the greatest stories often emerge from acts of service. By living out this principle, we mirror the greatest act of service known to humanity—Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. It's a call to live a life that is not measured by what we accumulate but by what we contribute to the lives of others.
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45 ESV)
Reflection: What specific opportunity can you take today to serve someone else, and how can this act of service draw you closer to the heart of Jesus? [49:33]
Quotes
"Paul says this that if you're going to be an Easter person in a Good Friday world then just like Jesus then you need to think second... as we think about how this applies to our life in just modern day terms it means that... we as husbands... love our wife the same way that Christ loved the church... wives it means that you do the same with your husband... teenagers it means you do the same within the context of your family... if you're a senior adult it means that you do the same..." [46:22 <8c624zs_ml4>]
"today notice on the screen these next steps number one that this week as I strive to imitate Jesus I will daily ask those closest to me how can I serve or help you today and then seek to serve and help them in that way... it's a practical question every day you ask... you ask them hey how can I help you and serve you today and then if they give you something you do your best to try to serve them and help them in that way..." [01:04:28 <8c624zs_ml4>]
"if you're looking for something that that can change the attitude and the atmosphere of your home then then then look no further than this truth of thinking second thinking of other people first and then thinking of yourself second again you talk about something that can dramatically change not just your family but then in turn change what your relationships in your own corner of the world and within your circle of influence look no further than this..." [47:54 <8c624zs_ml4>]
"Paul says your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus... our worldview and the lens at which we navigate life... should be the same as that of Christ Jesus who... being very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be grasp but made himself nothing... and being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross." [49:33 <8c624zs_ml4>]
"the greatest stories and the greatest examples we have in life are always born from selfless acts of service... the greatest sacrifice that's ever been and will ever be is a sacrifice of Jesus which means that the the story of Jesus is the greatest story we could ever tell... the story of Jesus is so great that Paul goes on to say this in verses 9- 11... therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name..." [58:56 <8c624zs_ml4>]
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