Living Chosen: Embracing Our Identity in Christ
Summary
Today, I had the privilege of weaving together the theme of "Living Chosen" as part of our vision series, emphasizing our identity and mission as God's people. This theme is particularly poignant as we navigate a new season of ministry here at Mount Olive, focusing on how our values, rooted in God's timeless Word, guide our actions and interactions.
We began by acknowledging the profound impact of God's Word and Jesus in our lives—how they change us, restore our souls, and improve our relationships. This truth is not just theoretical; it's lived out daily as we keep Jesus at the center, resulting in more loving, generous, and compassionate interactions.
As we moved into the testimonies of our students, it was a celebration of faith and the role Jesus plays in their lives. Each student, having been baptized at a young age, publicly declared their faith, which is not the culmination but a step in their journey of faith. This public profession is a testament to how deeply we believe in the transformative power of living a life aligned with Jesus.
Elise, our first confirmant, shared her project, which beautifully tied the creation—specifically flowers—to our faith. This analogy reminds us that just as flowers are planted and rooted, we too are planted by God with a purpose. We are to reflect His goodness, grace, and love to those around us, making Jesus's love and grace tangible in their personal experiences.
Connor's story followed, highlighting the unexpected ways we can live out our faith. His choice of scripture, not traditionally associated with confirmation, demonstrated how Jesus's actions—like healing a man's ear during His arrest—exemplify compassion and love, qualities we are called to emulate.
Kaylee Culberson shared memories of church family and friendships, underscoring the importance of community in our faith journey. These relationships not only provide support but also help us grow and learn together, preparing us for an uncertain future with the assurance that God is with us.
Kate's testimony reminded us of the challenges and rewards of being for the community. She highlighted the importance of relying not on our strength but on Christ's, which enables us to persevere through difficulties and effectively serve others.
Harry, through his story about integrating prayer into everyday activities, reinforced the significance of constant communication with God. His practice of praying before games, meals, and bedtime exemplifies a life intertwined with prayer, helping him—and by extension, all of us—draw closer to God and see His work more clearly.
In conclusion, the sermon today was a rich tapestry of personal stories and theological insights, all pointing back to our central theme of living out our chosen identity as God's people. Each story, each reflection, brought to life the transformative power of a life lived in close communion with Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Transformative Power of God's Word and Jesus
God's Word and Jesus not only change lives but also restore and improve our relationships. This transformation is evident in how we interact with others, bringing more love, generosity, and compassion into our daily encounters. [01:20]
2. Living Out Our Faith Through Actions
Our faith is not just about belief but also action. As demonstrated by our students, living out our faith means reflecting Jesus's love and grace in tangible ways to those around us, making His presence known and felt in every aspect of our lives. [10:33]
3. The Role of Community in Spiritual Growth
Community is crucial in our spiritual journey. It provides a support system that helps us grow, learn, and face the uncertainties of life together, all while being anchored in the promise that God is with us. [21:05]
4. Relying on Christ in Challenges
Facing challenges is part of our journey, but relying on Christ's strength rather than our own offers us the perseverance needed to navigate these difficulties. This reliance is a testament to the power of faith in action. [24:15]
5. Prayer as a Foundation for Daily Life
Prayer should be woven into the fabric of our daily lives, not just reserved for moments of need. Regular communication with God helps us see Him more clearly and strengthens our relationship with Him, impacting every aspect of our lives. [28:24]
### Youtube Chapters
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:20] - The Impact of God's Word and Jesus
- [10:33] - Faith Expressed Through Actions
- [21:05] - The Importance of Community
- [24:15] - Relying on Christ's Strength
- [28:24] - Prayer in Daily Life
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Living Chosen"
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
2. John 15:16 - "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you."
3. Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Peter 2:9 say about our identity as believers?
2. According to John 15:16, who chose us and for what purpose?
3. How does Ephesians 2:10 describe our role and purpose in God's plan?
4. In the sermon, how did Elise's project about flowers relate to our faith and purpose? ([09:59])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be a "chosen people" and how should this identity influence our daily lives? ([01:20])
2. How can we see the transformative power of Jesus in our relationships, as mentioned in the sermon? ([01:20])
3. Why is community important in our spiritual growth, according to Kaylee's testimony? ([21:05])
4. How does relying on Christ's strength help us face challenges, as highlighted in Kate's story? ([24:15])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt chosen by God. How did that experience shape your actions and decisions?
2. How can you make Jesus the center of your relationships to bring more love, generosity, and compassion into your daily interactions? ([01:20])
3. Think of a specific way you can reflect Jesus's love and grace to someone in your life this week. What will you do? ([10:33])
4. How can you actively participate in your church community to support and grow with others in faith? ([21:05])
5. Identify a challenge you are currently facing. How can you rely more on Christ's strength rather than your own to navigate this difficulty? ([24:15])
6. What are some practical ways you can integrate prayer into your daily routine, similar to Harry's practice? ([27:55])
7. How can you be a light in your workplace, neighborhood, or social circles, showing others the love of Jesus? ([35:36])
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the theme of "Living Chosen," exploring how our identity in Christ shapes our actions, relationships, and community involvement.
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Transformative Power of Scripture and Christ
God's Word and Jesus have the power to transform our lives, restoring and enhancing our relationships. This transformation is not merely a theoretical change but a practical daily reality. When we center our lives around Jesus, our interactions naturally become more loving, generous, and compassionate. This shift is evident in every conversation, decision, and relationship, reflecting the profound impact of living in alignment with God's Word. As we engage with Scripture and apply its truths, we witness a tangible change in how we relate to others and navigate life's challenges. [01:20]
James 1:22-25 ESV
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus in a specific relationship or interaction today?
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Day 2: Faith Manifested Through Actions
Our faith is not confined to what we believe but is also expressed through our actions. This key takeaway emphasizes the importance of making Jesus's love and grace visible and tangible to those around us. Each act of kindness, each decision to serve, and each word of encouragement are demonstrations of our faith in action. By living out our faith, we not only affirm our beliefs but also invite others to experience the transformative power of Jesus's love in their own lives. [10:33]
Colossians 3:12-14 ESV
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: What is one tangible way you can reflect Jesus's love to someone in your community this week?
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Day 3: The Crucial Role of Community in Spiritual Growth
Community plays a vital role in our spiritual journey, offering support, growth, and learning opportunities. It prepares us to face life's uncertainties with the assurance that we are not alone—God is with us. This communal aspect of faith is not just about receiving support but also about contributing to the growth and encouragement of others within the community. By investing in these relationships, we strengthen our collective faith and resilience. [21:05]
Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
"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."
Reflection: Who in your community can you encourage this week, and how will you do it?
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Day 4: Relying on Christ's Strength in Challenges
Facing life's challenges is inevitable, but relying on Christ's strength allows us to persevere and serve others effectively. This reliance is a testament to the power of faith in action. When we face difficulties, turning to Christ for strength not only helps us endure but also empowers us to be a source of strength for others. This approach transforms challenges into opportunities for demonstrating the depth of our faith and reliance on God. [24:15]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: In what current challenge can you more fully rely on Christ's strength, and how can you demonstrate this reliance to others?
---
Day 5: Integrating Prayer into Everyday Life
Prayer should be a constant in our daily lives, woven into every activity and decision. This practice not only deepens our relationship with God but also helps us to see His work more clearly in our lives and in the world around us. By making prayer foundational, we maintain an ongoing conversation with God, which influences our actions, thoughts, and attitudes throughout the day. [28:24]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: What are three specific times or activities today during which you can intentionally incorporate prayer?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "And so for us today, for you seven students and their families and friends and church family this is where we end today. Let your light shine before others. It's the life that we have been called to as God has planted us here. And when I say here, that means where you live, where you work, where you play. God has put you there for a purpose. To be a light. To be an example. To shine into the darkness and bring hope and point people to Jesus because there's no better relationship that changes lives, that restores souls and that ultimately makes your life better both here and for eternity." [35:06]
2. "And Jesus, even though he was about to be handed over to death, he reaches out, and he puts this man's ear back on the side of his head out of compassion and love. And so for us, we get to live with compassion and meet the needs of those that God has placed on our path." [16:45]
3. "God and His Word are transcendent. They're timeless. They're truth that apply to us still today in very real and applicable ways. And His Word and Jesus still change lives today. And we believe that wholeheartedly, which is why God's Word is so important to us." [01:20]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Being for the community is going to come with its challenges, its ups and downs. Sometimes it's going to go really well, sometimes it's going to be really hard. And yet, when we don't depend on God, we don't depend on our own strength, our own efforts all the time. Instead, we lean on Christ's strength. We have and develop this perseverance that says, yes, it may be hard right now, but I know that Christ is working in me and Christ is going to work through me, and He's going to give me the strength that I need to accomplish what's in front of me, or to make it through what's in front of me." [24:15]
2. "It is through prayer that we get to see God more clearly. We get to be drawn to Him. Our relationship grows and we experience Him. We are in communication daily in a conversation with Jesus. We have this life that is marked by prayer." [28:24]
3. "And as we think about our lives and us being for others, we have been planted by God exactly where we are, for a purpose, for a reason. And where we are, we get to reflect His goodness and His grace and His love to the people around us. Why? So that people may see Jesus more clearly, and they experience His love and His grace and His goodness in their own personal ways." [10:33]
4. "It's this reminder that sometimes we don't know what God's up to and yet we can trust Him because we know that He has promised to be with us as He has prepared for us a future. And it's in the moments and the things that we go through that He works and He shapes us and He refines us into being more like Him. To be more like Jesus and able to share our faith and walk with Him and be this light that He has called us to be for our neighbors." [31:47]
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