Living as Lights: Embracing Our Divine Mission
Summary
In this sermon, I explored the biblical passages of John 17 and Genesis 18 and 19, focusing on the concept of being "in the world, but not of the world." I emphasized the importance of understanding our calling and mission in life, as God has placed us where we are for a reason. I also discussed the story of Abraham and Lot, highlighting the contrast between Abraham's obedience to God and Lot's failure to do so. I stressed that while we may not always understand or agree with God's plans, we must trust in His wisdom and mercy. I also touched on the importance of repentance and forgiveness, urging the congregation to examine their hearts for any unrepentant sin and to seek forgiveness from those they have wronged.
In the second part of the sermon, I delved deeper into the story of Lot, using it as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromise and the importance of obedience to God. I emphasized that God's mercy is greater than our compromise and that He will never turn His back on us, no matter what we've done. I concluded the sermon with a call to action, urging the congregation to view their lives as a mission field and to strive to be a light in their culture, just as Abraham was in his.
Key Takeaways:
1. We are called to be "in the world, but not of the world." This means we should engage with our culture and society, but not conform to its values and norms that contradict God's teachings ([01:25]).
2. God has placed us where we are for a reason. We should view our lives as a mission field and strive to be a light in our culture, just as Abraham was in his ([04:08]).
3. God's mercy is greater than our compromise. No matter what we've done, God will never turn His back on us ([05:42]).
4. Repentance and forgiveness are crucial aspects of our spiritual journey. We should regularly examine our hearts for any unrepentant sin and seek forgiveness from those we have wronged ([06:51]).
5. The story of Lot serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromise and the importance of obedience to God ([08:50]).
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 17:14-19 #!!05:42!!#
2. Genesis 19:1-9 #!!08:01!!#
3. Genesis 19:12-21 #!!22:46!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus mean when he says his followers are not of the world in John 17:14-19?
2. How does Lot's behavior in Genesis 19:1-9 reflect his relationship with the world around him?
3. What does the angels' intervention in Genesis 19:12-21 reveal about God's mercy?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' prayer in John 17:14-19 inform our understanding of being in the world but not of it?
2. What can we learn from Lot's actions and the consequences he faced in Genesis 19?
3. How does the concept of God's mercy play out in the story of Lot and the destruction of Sodom?
Application Questions:
1. How can you live out the principle of being in the world but not of it in your daily life?
2. Can you identify a situation where you've acted like Lot, choosing to linger in a harmful situation or environment? How can you respond differently in the future?
3. How have you experienced God's mercy in your life, especially in moments of compromise or failure?
4. How can you be a 'light' in your culture, community, or workplace, like Abraham, without becoming a product of it?
5. How can you prepare your heart to partake in the Lord's Supper, checking for any unrepentant sin or unforgiveness towards others?
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Your Divine Mission
God has placed you exactly where you are for a reason. You are not simply existing in your current circumstances, but you have been sent there by God. This perspective transforms our daily lives into divine missions. We are not merely in the world, but we are sent into the world by God. This understanding should shape our interactions, decisions, and attitudes in our homes, workplaces, and communities ([08:50]).
Bible Passage: John 17:18 - "As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world."
Reflection: How can you live out your divine mission in your current circumstances?
Day 2: God's Mercy in Our Compromise
Even in our moments of compromise and sin, God's mercy is greater. He does not turn His back on us, no matter what we've done. This is a profound truth that should bring us comfort and inspire us to turn away from our sinful ways ([26:15]).
Bible Passage: Lamentations 3:22-23 - "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: How have you experienced God's mercy in your moments of compromise?
Day 3: Living as a Light in Your Culture
We are called to be a light in our culture, not a product of it. Like Abraham, we should stand for our convictions and live in a way that testifies to others about God's love and truth. This requires us to be in the world but not of it ([35:22]).
Bible Passage: Matthew 5:14-16 - "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: How can you be a light in your culture without becoming a product of it?
Day 4: The Weight of Sin and the Grace of God
The weight of sin is great and grave, but the grace of God is greater. Jesus stepped off His throne to die for our sins, demonstrating the depth of God's love for us ([36:41]).
Bible Passage: Ephesians 2:4-5 - "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved."
Reflection: How does understanding the weight of your sin and the greatness of God's grace impact your relationship with God?
Day 5: The Call to Repentance
God calls us to repentance, to turn away from our sins and turn towards Him. This is a crucial part of our relationship with God and our spiritual growth ([38:07]).
Bible Passage: Acts 3:19 - "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out."
Reflection: What areas of your life is God calling you to repent and turn back to Him?
Quotes
1. "Be in the world, but not of the world. What this means is like, hey, be in culture, be in society, but don't be of culture. Don't be of society. Meaning, like, don't take what culture and society says is good and is right and is normal and is acceptable, and then receive that as believers." - 04:08
2. "So to not be of the world and to be in the world means that I have to come to grips with my calling, of why I am where I am. It's because God has sent me where he has me. God has sent me to my job. God has sent me to my town. God has sent me to my neighborhood. God has sent me to my friend group. God has sent me where he has me because I'm a man on mission that he has given me." - 08:50
3. "The biggest lie Satan tells you is this god can't or God won't. And I don't care what you've done. God will not turn his back from you. His mercy is greater than your compromise. His mercy is greater than the pit that you find yourself in." - 26:15
4. "Lord, our sins past, present and future have been washed away, Lord, and we've been brought into Your family, and that we are sons and daughters of the living God." - 39:01
5. "Abraham was a missionary in the culture. He stood for his convictions. He lived into, but not of. He prayed and was a testimony and a witness to others. Be that, be that. Be what Abraham did in your home. Be what Abraham did in your work. Be what Abraham did where you play. Be what Abraham did in our culture, in our community and in this world." - 35:22
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