Living Boldly: Evidence and Cost of Faith

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we delve into the profound question of what it truly means to live as a Christian in a world that may not always be welcoming or understanding of our faith. Imagine a scenario where being a Christian is illegal, and consider whether there would be enough evidence in your life to convict you. This thought-provoking question challenges us to examine the depth and visibility of our faith. Are we living in a way that distinctly sets us apart as followers of Christ, or are we blending into the background, avoiding confrontation and discomfort?

The essence of our faith is not just in the beliefs we hold but in the actions we take and the sacrifices we are willing to make. While many of our brothers and sisters around the world face severe persecution, we often find ourselves concerned with much lesser challenges, such as social disapproval or insults. This disparity calls us to reflect on what our faith is truly costing us and what we are willing to endure for the sake of Christ.

The heart of the matter is understanding what is worth dying for, as this understanding shapes how we live. Jesus paid the ultimate price for us, and following Him may require us to pay a price as well. The pursuit of popularity and acceptance on Earth is not promised to us as Christians, but the reward in heaven is. As Jim Elliott famously said, "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep for that which he cannot lose." This statement invites us to prioritize eternal values over temporary gains.

Key Takeaways:

- Evidence of Faith: Consider whether your life provides enough evidence of your faith to convict you if being a Christian were illegal. This reflection challenges us to live authentically and visibly as followers of Christ, not just in private but in every aspect of our lives. [00:11]

- Cost of Faith: Reflect on what your faith is costing you. While some face severe persecution, we often worry about much smaller challenges. This calls us to evaluate our willingness to endure discomfort for the sake of our beliefs. [00:57]

- Facing Disapproval: If we claim readiness to face severe consequences for our faith, why do we fear social disapproval? This question encourages us to align our actions with our professed willingness to sacrifice for Christ. [01:30]

- Understanding Worth: You are not ready to live until you know what is worth dying for. This understanding shapes our priorities and gives us the courage to live boldly for Christ. [01:45]

- Eternal Perspective: Popularity on Earth is not guaranteed for Christians, but heavenly rewards are. This perspective helps us focus on eternal values rather than temporary acceptance. [02:03]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - Evidence of Faith
[00:29] - Facing Insults
[00:43] - Cost of Faith
[00:57] - Global Persecution
[01:13] - Faith Under Pressure
[01:30] - Disapproval vs. Conviction
[01:45] - Worth Dying For
[02:03] - Eternal Rewards
[02:19] - Jim Elliott's Wisdom
[02:30] - Conclusion and Reflection

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 5:10-12 - "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
2. Philippians 1:29 - "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him."
3. 2 Timothy 3:12 - "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does the sermon suggest about the visibility of our faith in everyday life? [00:11]
2. How does the sermon describe the disparity between the persecution faced by Christians globally and the challenges we face locally? [00:57]
3. What is the significance of Jim Elliott's quote in the context of the sermon? [02:19]
4. According to the sermon, what is the relationship between understanding what is worth dying for and how we live our lives? [01:45]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Matthew 5:10-12 relate to the idea of facing social disapproval for one's faith as discussed in the sermon? [01:30]
2. In what ways does Philippians 1:29 challenge the common perception of suffering in the Christian life?
3. How might 2 Timothy 3:12 inform a Christian's expectations about living a godly life in today's world?
4. What does the sermon imply about the cost of faith and how it should influence our daily decisions? [00:43]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life: Is there enough evidence of your faith to "convict" you as a Christian? What changes might you need to make to live more visibly for Christ? [00:11]
2. Consider a recent situation where you faced social disapproval for your beliefs. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently in the future? [01:30]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you are blending in rather than standing out as a follower of Christ. What steps can you take to change this? [00:29]
4. Think about what your faith is currently costing you. Are there areas where you could be more willing to endure discomfort for the sake of your beliefs? [00:57]
5. Reflect on Jim Elliott's quote: What temporary gains might you be holding onto that could be preventing you from pursuing eternal values? [02:19]
6. How can you cultivate an eternal perspective in your daily life, focusing on heavenly rewards rather than earthly popularity? [02:03]
7. What is one practical way you can demonstrate that you are ready to live for what is worth dying for? [01:45]

Devotional

Day 1: Living Authentically as a Christian
In a world that may not always be welcoming to Christian beliefs, the challenge is to live authentically and visibly as a follower of Christ. This means that your faith should be evident in every aspect of your life, not just in private moments. The question posed is whether there would be enough evidence in your life to convict you if being a Christian were illegal. This reflection encourages you to examine the depth and visibility of your faith, urging you to live in a way that distinctly sets you apart as a follower of Christ. [00:11]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "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: Think about one area of your life where your faith is not as visible as it could be. What specific steps can you take this week to let your light shine more brightly in that area?


Day 2: Evaluating the Cost of Faith
The essence of faith is not just in beliefs but in actions and sacrifices. While many Christians around the world face severe persecution, others may only encounter social disapproval or insults. This disparity calls for reflection on what your faith is truly costing you and what you are willing to endure for the sake of Christ. It challenges you to evaluate your willingness to endure discomfort for your beliefs and to consider the sacrifices you are prepared to make. [00:57]

2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV): "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

Reflection: Identify a recent situation where you avoided discomfort because of your faith. How can you prepare yourself to face similar situations with courage and conviction in the future?


Day 3: Aligning Actions with Conviction
If you claim readiness to face severe consequences for your faith, why do you fear social disapproval? This question encourages you to align your actions with your professed willingness to sacrifice for Christ. It challenges you to confront the fear of disapproval and to live boldly, reflecting the strength of your convictions in your daily interactions and decisions. [01:30]

Galatians 1:10 (ESV): "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."

Reflection: Consider a decision you are currently facing. Are you more concerned with what others think or with what God desires? How can you shift your focus to prioritize God's approval?


Day 4: Understanding What is Worth Dying For
Understanding what is worth dying for shapes how you live. Jesus paid the ultimate price for humanity, and following Him may require you to pay a price as well. This understanding helps you prioritize eternal values over temporary gains and gives you the courage to live boldly for Christ. It invites you to reflect on what truly matters and to align your life with those eternal priorities. [01:45]

Philippians 1:21 (ESV): "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Reflection: What is one thing you are holding onto that is not aligned with eternal values? How can you begin to let go of it and focus on what truly matters?


Day 5: Focusing on Eternal Rewards
Popularity and acceptance on Earth are not promised to Christians, but heavenly rewards are. This perspective helps you focus on eternal values rather than temporary acceptance. It encourages you to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing what will last beyond this life and finding strength in the promise of heavenly rewards. [02:03]

Colossians 3:2-4 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision or action. Was it motivated by a desire for earthly acceptance or eternal reward? How can you adjust your mindset to focus more on eternal values in your daily life?

Quotes

"If they made it illegal to be a Christian in America and they threw everybody who followed Jesus in prison, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Would there be enough evidence to convict you if they made it illegal for being a Christian? Is there any difference in your life or are you just wimping out, keeping your head down?" [00:02:00]

"What is your faith costing you when your brothers and sisters around the world are sometimes standing at the point of a firing squad for this or getting tortured and limbs cut off and all kind like that? While it's cost so much others their lives, we have it so easy. What is your faith costing you?" [00:50:00]

"Let me ask it this way: at what cost would you stay faithful to Christ? Somebody put a pistol to your head, he said, would you stay faithful to Christ? Said, well yes I would. Then why are you so ticked off and worried about insults? Why are you so worried about disapproval?" [01:13:00]

"You're not really willing to live, you're not ready to live until you know what's Worth Dying For. You got to decide what am I willing to lay it on the line for, what is more important to me than even life itself, what is worth dying for? Until you know that, you're not ready to live." [01:38:00]

"Jesus paid a price for you and he says there's a price to be paid for following him. Popularity on Earth is not part of the guarantee of being a Christian, it's not, but reward in heaven is a guarantee. And it was Jim Elliott who said he is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep for that which he cannot lose." [01:56:00]

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Transcript
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