Living Counterculturally: The Transformative Power of the Gospel
Summary
The story of Jim Elliott, a missionary who gave his life for the Guarani people in Ecuador, serves as a powerful illustration of the counterintuitive and countercultural nature of the gospel. Despite having a promising future in the United States, Elliott chose to follow the call of the gospel, which led him to a remote jungle where he ultimately became a martyr. This decision, incomprehensible to many, underscores the transformative power of the gospel, which calls us to live in ways that defy worldly logic and expectations.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul emphasizes the need for unity within the church, urging believers to act as one family of faith. He highlights that the gospel is not just a message of unity but also one that challenges societal norms and expectations. The gospel calls us to be different, to live in a way that may seem foolish to the world but is wise in the eyes of God. Paul reminds the Corinthians that their calling is not based on worldly wisdom or power but on the transformative power of Christ, who uses the weak and the foolish to shame the strong and the wise.
Paul's message is clear: the gospel demands a transformation of our values and priorities. It calls us to look beyond outward appearances and societal standards of success and to see people and situations through God's eyes. This transformation is not just personal but communal, as the church is called to be a countercultural community that reflects the values of the kingdom of God.
As followers of Christ, we are called to expect change in our lives as we align ourselves with the gospel. This change may not always be comfortable, but it is necessary for us to become more like Christ. We are also called to value people as God does, looking beyond societal standards and seeing the heart. Finally, when given the opportunity to boast, we should boast in the Lord, acknowledging that all we have is a gift from Him.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Gospel's Counterintuitive Nature: The gospel often defies worldly logic, calling us to live in ways that may seem foolish to others but are wise in God's eyes. This counterintuitive nature is exemplified in the life of Jim Elliott, who chose to serve and ultimately give his life for the gospel. [31:14]
2. Unity in Diversity: Paul emphasizes the importance of unity within the church, urging believers to act as one family of faith. This unity is not based on uniformity but on the diverse gifts and callings that God has given to each member of the body of Christ. [33:41]
3. Seeing with God's Eyes: We are called to look beyond outward appearances and societal standards of success, valuing people as God does. This requires a transformation of our values and priorities, aligning them with the kingdom of God. [01:02:30]
4. Boasting in the Lord: When given the opportunity to boast, we should boast in the Lord, acknowledging that all we have is a gift from Him. This humility and gratitude can turn heads and open doors for sharing the gospel. [01:05:01]
5. Expecting Transformation: Following Jesus means expecting change in our lives as we align ourselves with the gospel. This transformation may not always be comfortable, but it is necessary for us to become more like Christ and to reflect His values in our communities. [01:01:22]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [28:23] - Introduction to Jim Elliott
- [31:14] - The Gospel's Counterintuitive Nature
- [33:41] - Unity in the Church
- [36:55] - Paul's Emphasis on Christ
- [38:21] - Understanding Christ's Title
- [40:17] - Jesus as the Long-Promised King
- [41:52] - God's Unexpected Ways
- [43:45] - Unlikely Heroes in Scripture
- [45:00] - Countercultural Message
- [47:42] - Avoiding Division
- [49:05] - Living Differently
- [51:06] - Avoiding Worldly Patterns
- [52:12] - True Leadership in the Church
- [54:39] - Serving Like Jesus
- [56:52] - Boasting in the Lord
- [58:32] - Conclusion and Application
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 1:10-31
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul emphasize about unity in the church in 1 Corinthians 1:10, and how does this relate to the broader theme of the letter? [33:41]
2. How does the story of Jim Elliott illustrate the counterintuitive nature of the gospel as discussed in the sermon? [31:14]
3. What examples from the Old Testament does the sermon mention to highlight God's use of unlikely people to accomplish His will? [43:45]
4. How does Paul describe the kind of people God chooses to use, according to 1 Corinthians 1:26-29? [51:06]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of unity in diversity, as discussed in the sermon, challenge the way believers view their roles within the church community? [33:41]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the gospel's countercultural message might create challenges or opposition in a believer's life? [49:05]
3. How does the sermon interpret the idea of "boasting in the Lord," and what implications does this have for how believers should view their achievements? [56:52]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the transformation expected in a believer's life when aligning with the gospel, and how might this differ from societal expectations? [01:01:22]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to make a decision that seemed counterintuitive to worldly logic. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [31:14]
2. How can you actively contribute to unity within your church community, especially when faced with diverse opinions and backgrounds? [33:41]
3. Consider the societal standards of success you currently value. How might these need to change to align more closely with the values of the kingdom of God? [01:01:22]
4. Identify a situation where you have the opportunity to boast. How can you shift the focus from yourself to boasting in the Lord in that context? [56:52]
5. Think of someone in your life who might be considered "unlikely" by societal standards. How can you encourage and support them in their journey of faith? [43:45]
6. What specific steps can you take this week to see people and situations through God's eyes, rather than through societal standards? [01:02:30]
7. How can you prepare yourself to face opposition or challenges when living out the countercultural message of the gospel in your daily life? [49:05]
Devotional
Day 1: The Gospel's Paradoxical Wisdom
The gospel often challenges our conventional understanding of wisdom and success. It calls us to live in ways that may seem foolish to the world but are wise in God's eyes. This is exemplified in the life of Jim Elliott, who left a promising future in the United States to serve the Guarani people in Ecuador, ultimately becoming a martyr. His decision, incomprehensible to many, highlights the transformative power of the gospel, which invites us to embrace a life that defies worldly logic and expectations. The gospel's counterintuitive nature is a reminder that true wisdom is found in aligning our lives with God's purposes, even when it seems contrary to societal norms. [31:14]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: Think of a decision you are facing that seems foolish by worldly standards. How might God be calling you to trust His wisdom over your own understanding?
Day 2: Unity Through Diversity
Paul emphasizes the importance of unity within the church, urging believers to act as one family of faith. This unity is not about uniformity but about embracing the diverse gifts and callings that God has given to each member of the body of Christ. The church is called to be a community where differences are celebrated and used for the common good, reflecting the kingdom of God. In a world that often values division and competition, the gospel calls us to a higher standard of unity that transcends societal barriers and brings people together in love and purpose. [33:41]
Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV): "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: Consider the unique gifts and perspectives you bring to your church community. How can you use them to foster unity and collaboration among your fellow believers today?
Day 3: Seeing Beyond the Surface
We are called to look beyond outward appearances and societal standards of success, valuing people as God does. This requires a transformation of our values and priorities, aligning them with the kingdom of God. By seeing with God's eyes, we learn to appreciate the intrinsic worth of every individual, regardless of their status or achievements. This perspective challenges us to love and serve others selflessly, recognizing that true success is measured by our faithfulness to God's call rather than worldly accolades. [01:02:30]
1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV): "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'"
Reflection: Identify someone in your life whom you may have judged by outward appearances. How can you begin to see them through God's eyes and value them for who they truly are?
Day 4: Boasting in the Lord
When given the opportunity to boast, we should boast in the Lord, acknowledging that all we have is a gift from Him. This humility and gratitude can turn heads and open doors for sharing the gospel. By recognizing that our abilities, achievements, and blessings come from God, we shift the focus from ourselves to His glory. This attitude of thankfulness not only deepens our relationship with God but also serves as a powerful testimony to others, inviting them to experience the same grace and love that we have received. [01:05:01]
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a recent achievement or blessing in your life. How can you use it as an opportunity to boast in the Lord and share His goodness with others?
Day 5: Embracing Transformation
Following Jesus means expecting change in our lives as we align ourselves with the gospel. This transformation may not always be comfortable, but it is necessary for us to become more like Christ and to reflect His values in our communities. As we grow in our faith, we are called to let go of old habits and mindsets that hinder our spiritual growth, embracing the new life that God offers. This process of transformation is both personal and communal, as we encourage one another to pursue holiness and live out the gospel in tangible ways. [01:01:22]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you sense God calling you to change. What steps can you take today to embrace this transformation and become more like Christ?
Quotes
"This is Jim Elliott, and if any of you are familiar with Jim Elliott's story, you know why I have been thinking about him quite a bit this past week. Jim Elliott was a missionary to the Guarani people in Ecuador. Jim was born and grew up in Ecuador. He grew up in the Pacific Northwest, born in Portland, raised there, part of a very devout brethren family, went to church, was raised to love the Lord and to have a burning desire to see others love the Lord." [00:28:23] (40 seconds)
"Well, I'll tell you the answer. The answer is the gospel is what causes a man to do that. The gospel is what makes it so somebody who had so many other by worldly standards, opportunities for success, and riches and acclaim and power would instead say, I want to go and serve in this way and ultimately give my life for these people, that they would know and understand the power of the story of Jesus, my Lord and my Savior." [00:32:21] (40 seconds)
"The idea that I want you to get this morning, the thing that I want you to take away from chapter 1 of 1 Corinthians is this, the gospel is counterintuitive and countercultural. The gospel is counterintuitive and countercultural." [00:33:23] (18 seconds)
"Now, chapter 1 starts with Paul's kind of big exhortation for unity, okay? It's summarized well in verse 10. I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no divisions among you and that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. And this goes into kind of the broader theme of the letter. He puts it right up front. I want you guys to act like one. I want you to act as one family of faith. You are better together, and the way that you function and serve and interact with one another matters a great deal, and you need to be unified in that." [00:33:41] (50 seconds)
"Throughout the book of Genesis, there is, culturally speaking, a strong emphasis on the role and the prestige and the responsibilities of the firstborn son. It ought to be the firstborn son. And yet, who is God using to accomplish his will? Abel, not the firstborn. Shem, not the firstborn. Abraham, not the firstborn. Isaac, Jacob, Joseph." [00:43:11] (27 seconds)
"This is what Paul is talking about when he says, God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. God is using the most unlikely people to tell this story because the gospel is counterintuitive and counter counterintuitive. It's countercultural." [00:45:00] (23 seconds)
"If you are followers of Jesus, you are called to live differently than the world around you. You are called to go against the grain. You are called to live in a way that makes the rest of the world go, that doesn't make sense. What are you doing? The gospel is counterintuitive and counter cultural." [00:49:12] (23 seconds)
"We have to be different. And in fact, as he's saying, you have to go against the grain, he's warning them, this is going to create problems. This is going to make waves around you. Look at verses 22 and 23. For the Jews demand, and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles. What you practice and what you preach and the truth that you are called to proclaim is not going to make sense to people." [00:49:25] (35 seconds)
"Expect to be changed as you follow Jesus. If you come to Jesus and say, I want to follow you, but I'm still going to live my life exactly the way I did before and I'm still going to value and esteem and hold up and elevate all of the things that I did before, that just ain't going to work, folks. You should expect to be changed and expect that it's not always going to be pleasant and comfortable." [01:02:53] (27 seconds)
"Learn to look at people with God's eyes. Learn to look at and value them, to the things in people that God looks at and values, not necessarily our society or our culture or our nation. Look at people with God's eyes. You remember that king we talked about, King David?" [01:03:50] (21 seconds)
"Folks, you will have opportunities to boast. I think about the stories of Joseph and Daniel in the Old Testament. Joseph goes through a whole string of trials and he's given this opportunity to really knock it out of the park, be elevated in the kingdom. And he's taken out of jail and the king says to him, I understand you're the guy who can interpret dreams. And Joseph just blows it. He says, I can't, but God can and he's given me that gift." [01:05:01] (36 seconds)
"God, we thank you and we praise you for the gift of your word. We thank you for the gift of your word. We thank you for this counterintuitive gospel, this upside down, unexpected kingdom message that we are called to proclaim. And I pray, God, that we would do it well, that we would seize those opportunities to boast in you." [01:08:56] (23 seconds)
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