Living Boldly: Embracing Our Identity as Lions
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. My name is Chris Cone, and I'm thrilled to be here with you today. My wife, Heidi, and I lead a ministry called Orchard in Indola, Zambia. Today, I want to talk about lions and why they are significant to our ministry and our faith journey. Our church has been a great support to our ministry, and we are grateful for that. We have a campaign called "I Am A Lion Discipleship Campaign," and it has been a blessing to see churches like yours get involved.
In Zambia, we work with young people, many of whom face significant challenges such as poverty, broken families, and limited opportunities. We started a running team called Young Lions to help these young men find purpose and direction. The idea of being a lion is about rising from defeat, embracing your identity in Jesus, and leading a life that impacts your community positively.
One of my favorite biblical lions is Jonathan, the son of Saul and best friend to David. In 1 Samuel 14, Jonathan and his armor-bearer faced a daunting challenge: a Philistine army encamped on a high cliff. Despite the overwhelming odds, Jonathan decided to take action, believing that God could save them whether by many or by few. This story reminds us that faith requires action and that we are called to live like lions, pressing forward even when the odds are against us.
In our ministry, we see young men who have been told they are nothing, rise up and become leaders in their communities. They face their challenges head-on, much like Jonathan did, and they inspire others to do the same. This is the essence of living like a lion—embracing risky faith, taking action, and trusting in God's promises.
We are all invited to live this way, to be lions in our own lives. Whether it's facing personal challenges, stepping out in faith, or supporting others in their journey, we are called to roar with our lives. Jesus is with us, empowering us to overcome and make a difference. So let's not sit under pomegranate trees like Saul, but instead, let's take action and live out our faith boldly.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Requires Action: Jonathan's story in 1 Samuel 14 teaches us that faith is not just a belief but an action. He didn't wait for the perfect conditions; he trusted God and moved forward despite the odds. This is a call for us to activate our faith and take steps toward what God has called us to do. [01:08:49]
2. Overcoming Fear and Discouragement: Fear and discouragement can be as powerful as any physical enemy. Jonathan faced a formidable army, but he chose to act in faith rather than succumb to fear. We are invited to do the same, to press through our fears and discouragements, knowing that God is with us. [01:10:29]
3. The Power of Community: Jonathan's armor-bearer played a crucial role in his victory. He supported Jonathan wholeheartedly, showing the importance of having a community that believes in you. Surround yourself with people who will encourage and support you in your faith journey. [01:19:48]
4. Living with Purpose: The young men in our ministry who have embraced their identity in Jesus are living with purpose and making a significant impact in their communities. This is a reminder that we are all called to live purposefully, using our unique gifts and talents to serve God and others. [01:07:41]
5. God's Vision is Bigger Than Our Comfort: Jesus didn't die to make us comfortable; He died to make us dangerous for His kingdom. We are commanded to go and make disciples, to live boldly and take risks for the sake of the gospel. This is our mandate, and it requires us to step out of our comfort zones. [01:20:43]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[49:27] - Introduction and Gratitude
[50:13] - Ministry Background in Zambia
[51:07] - The Importance of Children's Ministry
[52:12] - Building Young Lions
[53:03] - Mentorship and Leadership
[54:01] - The Birth of Orchard Ministry
[55:03] - The Running Team: Young Lions
[56:38] - Impact of Young Lions
[57:21] - Jack Jack's Story
[58:38] - Leadership Growth
[01:00:26] - Lions as Leaders
[01:01:34] - Jonathan's Story from 1 Samuel 14
[01:03:52] - Active Faith and Partnership with God
[01:08:49] - Faith in Action: Jonathan's Decision
[01:10:29] - Overcoming Fear and Discouragement
[01:19:48] - The Power of Community
[01:20:43] - God's Vision and Our Comfort
[01:25:51] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Samuel 14:6-15 - Jonathan's daring faith and victory over the Philistines.
2. Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission, calling us to make disciples and live boldly for the gospel.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Jonathan's reasoning for attacking the Philistine outpost with just his armor-bearer? (1 Samuel 14:6)
2. How did Jonathan's armor-bearer respond to his plan? (1 Samuel 14:7)
3. What was the outcome of Jonathan and his armor-bearer's attack on the Philistines? (1 Samuel 14:14-15)
4. According to the sermon, what are some of the challenges faced by the young men in Zambia, and how does the "Young Lions" team help them? [50:13]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Jonathan's decision to attack the Philistines despite overwhelming odds teach us about faith and action? [01:08:49]
2. How does the support of Jonathan's armor-bearer illustrate the importance of community in our faith journey? [01:19:48]
3. In what ways does the story of Jonathan and his armor-bearer challenge us to step out of our comfort zones for the sake of the gospel? [01:20:43]
4. How can the transformation of the young men in the "Young Lions" team serve as an example of living with purpose and making a positive impact in our communities? [55:03]
#### Application Questions
1. Jonathan's faith required action. What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to take a step of faith, even if the odds seem against you? [01:08:49]
2. Fear and discouragement can be powerful obstacles. Can you identify a specific fear or discouragement in your life that you need to overcome with faith? How can you take the first step? [01:10:29]
3. Community played a crucial role in Jonathan's victory. Who are the people in your life that support and encourage your faith journey? How can you strengthen these relationships? [01:19:48]
4. The young men in Zambia found purpose through the "Young Lions" team. What unique gifts or talents do you have that you can use to serve God and others? [55:03]
5. Jesus calls us to live boldly and take risks for the sake of the gospel. What is one specific way you can step out of your comfort zone this week to share your faith or support someone else's journey? [01:20:43]
6. Reflecting on the story of Jonathan and his armor-bearer, how can you be an armor-bearer for someone else in your community, offering support and encouragement in their faith journey? [01:16:21]
7. The sermon emphasized the importance of not sitting under pomegranate trees like Saul but taking action. What is one area in your life where you have been passive, and how can you start taking active steps to change that? [01:14:50]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of faith, action, community, and purpose as illustrated in the sermon and the story of Jonathan. Use these questions to foster meaningful discussion and encourage each other to live out your faith boldly.
Devotional
Day 1: Faith in Action
Faith is not passive; it requires us to take bold steps forward. Jonathan's story in 1 Samuel 14 exemplifies this truth. Faced with a daunting Philistine army, Jonathan did not wait for perfect conditions or a larger force. Instead, he trusted in God's power to save, whether by many or by few, and took decisive action. This narrative challenges us to activate our faith, to move forward even when the odds seem insurmountable. Faith is not merely a belief system but a call to action, a partnership with God in which we step out in trust and obedience. [01:08:49]
1 Samuel 14:6 (ESV): "Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, 'Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.'"
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to take action, but you have been hesitant? What step can you take today to move forward in faith?
Day 2: Overcoming Fear and Discouragement
Fear and discouragement can be as paralyzing as any physical enemy. Jonathan faced a formidable army, yet he chose to act in faith rather than succumb to fear. This teaches us that overcoming fear is not about the absence of it but about choosing to act despite it. We are invited to press through our fears and discouragements, knowing that God is with us. When we trust in God's presence and promises, we can face our challenges head-on and move forward with courage. [01:10:29]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Identify a fear or discouragement that has been holding you back. How can you remind yourself of God's presence and promises to overcome this fear today?
Day 3: The Power of Community
Jonathan's victory was not achieved alone; his armor-bearer played a crucial role by supporting him wholeheartedly. This highlights the importance of having a community that believes in you and stands by you. Surrounding ourselves with people who encourage and support us in our faith journey is vital. Community provides strength, accountability, and encouragement, helping us to persevere and achieve what we could not accomplish alone. [01:19:48]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who are the people in your life that support and encourage your faith journey? How can you invest in these relationships to strengthen your community?
Day 4: Living with Purpose
The young men in the ministry who have embraced their identity in Jesus are living with purpose and making a significant impact in their communities. This reminds us that we are all called to live purposefully, using our unique gifts and talents to serve God and others. Living with purpose means recognizing our God-given potential and stepping into roles that make a difference. It is about being intentional in our actions and decisions, aligning them with God's will and mission for our lives. [01:07:41]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What unique gifts and talents has God given you? How can you use them to serve God and make a positive impact in your community today?
Day 5: God's Vision is Bigger Than Our Comfort
Jesus didn't die to make us comfortable; He died to make us dangerous for His kingdom. We are commanded to go and make disciples, to live boldly and take risks for the sake of the gospel. This requires us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with living out our faith. God's vision for our lives is far greater than our desire for comfort, and it calls us to live with courage, purpose, and a willingness to take risks for His glory. [01:20:43]
Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV): "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are clinging to comfort rather than stepping out in faith? What bold step can you take today to align more closely with God's vision for your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Lions are people who are rising up from defeat or low beliefs about themselves. Or from brokenness in their history or in their family. They're running forward in their life towards victory, towards wholeness and identity in Jesus. They know whose they are, and they know who they are. And then they are roaring loud with their unique voice in this life. Their life is impacting a community. Their life is changing the course of their family, the course of the places where they're found, and their circles of influence." [01:00:26] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You can be defined by who God says you are. You have to take some ownership. You have to take some responsibility. You have to choose to show up. You gotta choose to be part of the brotherhood. You gotta be honest with yourself. But when you start to do those things, it's like one step in front of the other. You're moving in a different direction than all the community around you." [01:07:03] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God's ultimate vision for us is salvation. It's not safety. It's not comfort. He died to make you dangerous. Jesus died to make us dangerous. And we live in a world that needs some Christians who are dangerous, some lions who are willing to get in the fight. And it is a life and death struggle for people." [01:20:43] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You and I, we're more powerful than we think. And this is one of the things one of the main things we remind our lions. You're more powerful than you think. So you should turn to your neighbor and say, hey you, you're more powerful than you think." [01:15:49] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want you to feel today empowered because Jesus is with you. It's like he's the armor-bearer telling you, I'm with you, heart and soul. Are we gonna do this today? Let's not waste any more time sitting under pomegranate trees. Let's see what happens when we get in a fight. You and me are a majority. You're one decision away from a very different life. You could just change a course today, and it could mean everything." [01:24:38] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We really believe that lions are leaders. Lions are people who are rising up from defeat or low beliefs about themselves. Or from brokenness in their history or in their family. They're running forward in their life towards victory, towards wholeness and identity in Jesus. They know whose they are, and they know who they are. And then they are roaring loud with their unique voice in this life. Their life is impacting a community. Their life is changing the course of their family, the course of the places where they're found, and their circles of influence." [01:00:26] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jonathan had a choice. He could do what dad was doing and dad was the leader, or he could do what he felt God was calling him to do and do what was right, like take the fight to the enemy. Saul was on the sidelines. Jonathan went to the front lines. Saul was in this holding pattern. Have you ever felt like you're in a holding pattern? Man, I find, I just have a spiritual gift of finding holding patterns. Drives me crazy." [01:15:19] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jonathan and his helper got to the top and they attacked the Philistines and killed 20 men instantly and then an earthquake happened and it caused chaos in the camp and all the guys started running in every direction, the Philistines, and then they knew that they were gonna take the victory finally. Across the gorge, Saul mobilizes the Israelites and it says, finally Saul gathered his army and went into the battle. But because of their stepping out, there was this miracle that happened and this momentum that Jonathan started by a choice of activated faith." [01:18:48] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You can be defined by who God says you are. You have to take some ownership. You have to take some responsibility. You have to choose to show up. You gotta choose to be part of the brotherhood. You gotta be honest with yourself. But when you start to do those things, it's like one step in front of the other. You're moving in a different direction than all the community around you. And we have been proud that we've turned out better young men into Ndolo's community. We know that they're gonna live as lions when they start their families, when they lead their businesses or churches. They're gonna lead differently because they're servant leaders filled with joy. They're living on purpose with courage and compassion and great character." [01:07:03] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want you to feel today empowered because Jesus is with you. It's like he's the armor-bearer telling you, I'm with you, heart and soul. Are we gonna do this today? Let's not waste any more time sitting under pomegranate trees. Let's see what happens when we get in a fight. You and me are a majority. You're one decision away from a very different life. You could just change a course today, and it could mean everything. Take a little risk. Remember your commission. Prime that expectation pump and get enthusiastic about your life with God. Be Jonathan or be an armor-bearer, but just don't be a Saul." [01:24:38] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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