Living Enthusiastically in Christ: A Transformative Faith
Summary
In the journey of faith, enthusiasm is not merely an emotion but a profound discipline that transforms our lives and our communities. At Audacious Church, we have committed to reflecting God's glory in a way that resonates with this generation, moving beyond the stereotype of a "frozen chosen" congregation. Our worship is vibrant and alive, echoing the call of Psalm 47 to clap our hands and shout to God with cries of joy. This enthusiasm is not just about outward expression but is deeply rooted in the understanding of our identity in Christ.
Reflecting on the early church in Ephesus, we see a community surrounded by fear and darkness, yet transformed by the revelation of being "in Christ." The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians reminds us that our true home is not in the physical or cultural confines of our environment but in the spiritual reality of being seated with Christ in heavenly places. This truth empowers us to live differently, to love, forgive, and be generous in ways that defy worldly logic.
Enthusiasm, derived from the Greek word "entheos," meaning "in God," is a call to live a life that raves, goes into raptures, and goes overboard for God. It is a discipline that transcends feelings, compelling us to worship and serve with passion regardless of our circumstances. This enthusiasm is contagious, affecting our demeanor and actions, much like the lame man in Acts 3 who, upon being healed, entered the temple walking, leaping, and praising God.
Moreover, enthusiasm propels us to do the impossible, as seen in Peter's walk on water. It is not just faith but an enthusiastic faith that enables us to step into the unknown, trusting in God's power and presence. This kind of faith challenges us to break free from societal norms and limitations, embracing a life that is fully alive in Christ.
As we prepare for eternity, let us not dabble in our faith but be filled with the fullness of God, allowing His love and power to overflow in every aspect of our lives. Our worship, our service, and our daily lives should reflect the immeasurable greatness of God, who is able to do far more than we can ask or imagine. Let us be a church that embodies this enthusiasm, transforming not only our lives but also the world around us.
Key Takeaways:
- Enthusiasm as a Discipline: Enthusiasm in our faith journey is not merely a feeling but a discipline that requires intentionality. It is about choosing to worship and serve God passionately, even when circumstances are challenging. This discipline transforms our inner being, allowing us to face fears with audacity and courage. [25:07]
- Identity in Christ: Understanding our identity in Christ changes everything. We are not defined by our earthly circumstances but by our spiritual reality of being seated with Christ in heavenly places. This truth empowers us to live differently, with love, forgiveness, and generosity that defy worldly logic. [19:22]
- The Power of Enthusiastic Faith: Enthusiastic faith, like Peter's walk on water, enables us to step into the unknown and do the impossible. It is a faith that raves, goes into raptures, and goes overboard, trusting in God's power and presence to overcome life's challenges. [50:06]
- Living Fully Alive in Christ: Our lives should reflect the fullness of God, not just a small portion. This means being extravagantly generous, forgiving, and loving, allowing God's love and power to overflow in every aspect of our lives. [29:15]
- Preparing for Eternity: As we prepare for eternity, let us not dabble in our faith but be filled with the fullness of God. Our worship, service, and daily lives should reflect the immeasurable greatness of God, who is able to do far more than we can ask or imagine. [36:32]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:47] - The Plastic Church
- [11:01] - Life in Ephesus
- [16:46] - New Identity in Christ
- [19:22] - Seated with Christ
- [22:35] - Enthusiasm in Worship
- [25:07] - Inner Transformation
- [29:15] - Fullness of God
- [33:39] - Enthusiasm as a Discipline
- [36:32] - Enthusiasm in Action
- [38:51] - The Joy of the Bride
- [40:53] - Enthusiasm in Sports
- [43:41] - The Theology of Jumpology
- [46:25] - Enthusiasm in the Storm
- [50:06] - Enthusiastic Faith
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 47:1-2 - "Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth."
2. Ephesians 1:18-21 - "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come."
3. Acts 3:8 - "He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God."
Observation Questions:
1. According to Psalm 47, what are the actions that the psalmist encourages all nations to take in response to God’s greatness? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on enthusiastic worship? [05:47]
2. In Ephesians 1:18-21, what does Paul pray for the believers to understand about their identity and power in Christ? How does this understanding transform their perspective on life? [19:22]
3. How does the story of the lame man in Acts 3 illustrate the concept of enthusiasm as described in the sermon? What was his immediate response to being healed? [43:41]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon describe the relationship between enthusiasm and our identity in Christ? Why is it important to understand this connection? [22:35]
2. The sermon mentions that enthusiasm is not just a feeling but a discipline. How can this perspective change the way we approach our faith and daily life? [33:39]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that enthusiastic faith can lead us to do the impossible, as seen in Peter’s walk on water? How does this challenge our understanding of faith? [50:06]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current level of enthusiasm in your faith journey. Are there areas where you feel like you are just going through the motions? How can you intentionally cultivate enthusiasm as a discipline in those areas? [36:32]
2. The sermon emphasizes understanding our identity in Christ as being seated with Him in heavenly places. How does this truth impact the way you view your current circumstances and challenges? [19:22]
3. Think about a recent situation where you faced fear or uncertainty. How might an enthusiastic faith have changed your response or actions in that situation? [46:25]
4. The sermon encourages us to live fully alive in Christ, allowing God’s love and power to overflow in our lives. What is one practical step you can take this week to live more fully in this truth? [29:15]
5. Consider the idea of preparing for eternity as mentioned in the sermon. How can you shift your focus from temporary concerns to eternal priorities in your daily life? [29:15]
6. Enthusiasm is described as contagious. How can your enthusiasm for God positively influence your family, friends, or community? Share a specific example of how you can demonstrate this in the coming week. [33:39]
7. The sermon challenges us to break free from societal norms and limitations. Identify one area in your life where you feel limited by societal expectations. How can you step out in faith and enthusiasm to overcome these limitations? [50:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Enthusiasm as a Transformative Discipline
Enthusiasm in the journey of faith is not merely an emotional response but a disciplined choice that transforms both the individual and the community. It requires intentionality and commitment to worship and serve God passionately, even when circumstances are challenging. This discipline of enthusiasm is deeply rooted in understanding one's identity in Christ, which empowers believers to face fears with audacity and courage. By choosing enthusiasm, believers can break free from the constraints of worldly logic and embrace a life that reflects God's glory. [25:07]
Ephesians 3:16-19 (ESV): "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can intentionally choose to practice enthusiasm as a discipline today, despite challenging circumstances?
Day 2: Identity in Christ as Our True Home
Understanding one's identity in Christ changes everything, as it shifts the focus from earthly circumstances to the spiritual reality of being seated with Christ in heavenly places. This truth empowers believers to live differently, with love, forgiveness, and generosity that defy worldly logic. By embracing this identity, believers can transcend the limitations of their environment and experience the transformative power of God's love and grace. [19:22]
Colossians 3:1-3 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 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."
Reflection: How does understanding your identity in Christ change the way you approach a specific relationship or situation in your life today?
Day 3: The Power of Enthusiastic Faith
Enthusiastic faith, like Peter's walk on water, enables believers to step into the unknown and do the impossible. It is a faith that raves, goes into raptures, and goes overboard, trusting in God's power and presence to overcome life's challenges. This kind of faith challenges believers to break free from societal norms and limitations, embracing a life that is fully alive in Christ. [50:06]
Matthew 14:28-29 (ESV): "And Peter answered him, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.' He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus."
Reflection: What is one step of faith you feel God is calling you to take today, even if it seems impossible or daunting?
Day 4: Living Fully Alive in Christ
Believers are called to live lives that reflect the fullness of God, not just a small portion. This means being extravagantly generous, forgiving, and loving, allowing God's love and power to overflow in every aspect of their lives. By living fully alive in Christ, believers can experience the immeasurable greatness of God, who is able to do far more than they can ask or imagine. [29:15]
John 10:10 (ESV): "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Reflection: In what ways can you allow God's love and power to overflow in your life today, impacting those around you?
Day 5: Preparing for Eternity with Enthusiasm
As believers prepare for eternity, they are encouraged not to dabble in their faith but to be filled with the fullness of God. Their worship, service, and daily lives should reflect the immeasurable greatness of God, who is able to do far more than they can ask or imagine. By embodying enthusiasm, believers can transform not only their lives but also the world around them, preparing for the eternal life to come. [36:32]
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you intentionally prepare for eternity today by living with enthusiasm and reflecting God's greatness in your daily life?
Quotes
"Sing to Him a psalm of praise. Lift your hands to heaven. Father, we want to thank You for Your Word this morning. Thank You for all that You have in store for us. You are good and You're great. We're here to give You praise today. Father, I pray that just in the moments that we have, we know that faith comes by hearing and hearing Your Word. So I pray that as we hear Your Word preached to us this morning, that faith would be ignited in all of our hearts and in all of our lives. I pray the end result would be something that would not only change our lives, but change the community that we live in, change our workplace, change and impact our family. I pray that, Lord, the legacy of this message would be something that would shape and change even a nation and the nations of the world. You are good. You are great. And we give You praise in the Name of Jesus. Amen, amen, amen. Turn around. Say hello to 15 people around you. Give them a high five." [00:03:06] (56 seconds)
"And one of the things, right, one of the things that I believe is the answer for the church of God is understanding the place of enthusiasm in life. And understanding how enthusiasm and Christianity, they go hand in hand. They actually go together. When I look at my dictionary, my dictionary, Oxford English Dictionary, defines enthusiasm as this. Enthusiasm means to rave, to go into raptures, and to go overboard. Now let me ask you, when it comes to the Christian walk, when can you last say, wow, I raved today? When can you last say, whoo, I went into raptures? Or when did you last leave a worship service and go, mm, I went overboard? Come on. Like, when did you last get in the car with your spouse going home and nobody wants to talk?" [00:08:49] (57 seconds)
"Because it's almost so embarrassing how overboard you went. But here's the problem. We're in Europe. We're English. I know we're international. We're English. The Holy Spirit is a gentleman. Everything fits in a very nice box. And we put God in the box on Sunday. And we can come to church on a Sunday and go, bravo, bravo, bravo, Jesus. Thank you. Thank you for saving my soul. It's so wondrous of you to help me with my issues. Amen. And then we go home again and kind of, you know, Sunday, the joy of Sunday, the enthusiasm, well, the little bit of excitement on a Sunday never really reaches the Monday to Saturday in our life. And yet enthusiasm means to rave, to go into raptures and to go overboard. I believe it is our birthright as a church and as Christians to be an enthusiastic people." [00:09:46] (58 seconds)
"I can imagine at that moment, as the reader is reading, somebody over here interrupts them. You see, the reason Paul writes what he writes at the beginning of the letter to the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus, is because he's helping the church to understand. He's saying you were born in Ephesus, raised in Ephesus, educated in Ephesus, but now you're a Christian, you have a new home and your new home is in Christ Jesus. It's the first line of the letter. He's saying, hey, I know you think you're born in Manchester, therefore you're a Manc, but I've got a news for you. Because of who you are, because you're a Christian, you now have a new home in God." [00:15:47] (44 seconds)
"There's a new way to live your life. There's a new way to think. There's a new way to worship. There's a new way to love. There's a new way to forgive. There's a new way to be generous. There's a new way to do everything. Because in Christ, you have a new tradition. And so he goes on here. And he says how Christ is seated far above. And I can imagine at that point, somebody over here puts up their hand in Julia's house and says, I don't understand what you're saying. All my life, I thought Ephesia Artemis, the goddess Diana, she was the most powerful being. We knew she was greater than Caesar. But you're telling us that Jesus is more powerful than her?" [00:17:11] (48 seconds)
"And the reader says, well, I don't know how I'm reading it for the first time, but he says here that God's placed all things under his feet. So it looks like that Jesus is far above everything, including the goddess. What do you think happened in church that day? I've got to imagine a few people, a few smattering of golf balls going, wow. We never knew this God was that great. I mean, this is the early church. They knew about the gods, but now they're discovering the God, the King. He's higher than everything. You know, the reader's not used to interruption. So he says, stop interrupting. He gets down to chapter two. And of course, we know 2,000 years ago when this was written, there was no chapter and verse. It was a letter. We have chapter and verse so we can find things, right?" [00:17:59] (53 seconds)
"But in chapter two, verse four, it says, but because of his great love for us, God, who was rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ. Even when we were dead in transgressions, it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ Jesus and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. I imagine somebody on this side put their hands up and goes, hang on, Mr. Reader, don't get it. You're saying there's Caesar. You're saying there's Ephesia, Artemis, the goddess Diana. You're saying there's Jesus. But wait, what? We're seated with him? And the reader's like, stop interrupting, but yeah, it looks like we're seated with him. And so somebody says, you mean the stuff we used to be fearful of, we don't need to fear?" [00:18:34] (55 seconds)
"You mean the stuff that created the anxiety that that doesn't need to be a place in my life? You mean the way I've been trying to keep up with the Joneses next door and live my life through comparison with someone? You know what the Bible said? And the reader says, well, not only is Christ raised far above, but we're seated to him. I guess basically that means that everything's under Christ's feet is under our feet too. You mean I don't need to live, bowed? down under the oppression of the age? No, you don't because you're seated with Christ in heavenly places. I think, I think that what's happening right now is probably what happened 2,000 years ago as the penny began to drop. People go, hang on a minute. I'm not in Ephesus. I'm in Christ Jesus." [00:19:45] (49 seconds)
"Friends, do you remember the first time you discovered that God loved you? Whether it was in church or the Alpha Away day yesterday, which was amazing, or it was with a friend. And you've been going through your life and you've been filling your life, being busy, full of purpose, getting and earning and acquiring, but still finding it. It doesn't matter what I get. It's just not quite enough. And then God came in like a wrecking ball. And all of a sudden you're like, God, He loves me. He loves me enough to die for me. Remember that revelation? Do you remember the thousands of times we've heard these responses in our church of people coming to faith in Christ Jesus? People saying, I feel like I'm coming home. Others saying, I feel like I can now see in 3D and 4D in Technicolor. My life was black and white. Now look at the colours. Look how wonderful it is. I got a feeling 2,000 years ago people began to praise as the penny dropped." [00:20:34] (75 seconds)
"And they realised church was never meant to be rose and arms crossed. Church is a community of people responding to the love of God with a shout of praise because He's worthy of all our praise. Because even though He is high and lifted up, the Bible says that right now, you are seated with Christ in heavenly places. Toba, what do you think of that? Not that you will be seated with Christ in heavenly places, but you are already seated with Christ in heavenly places. In other words, right now, your mind, your emotions, your physicality, your spirituality, everything about your life is different. We pay our taxes, but we're not ruled by taxes. We're in a government that's labour run, but we're not run by labour. Please hear what I'm saying. Don't misunderstand what I'm not saying. You are seated with Christ." [00:21:49] (55 seconds)
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