Living Faith: A Continuous Offering of Worship
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound significance of faith in our daily lives, drawing from personal anecdotes and scriptural references. Reflecting on childhood memories of Christmas Eve mass, we delved into the symbolism of incense in worship, likening it to our praise rising to God. We emphasized that our lives should be a continuous offering of worship, not confined to Sunday services but extending to every moment of our daily routines. We were reminded that Jesus is Lord over all aspects of our lives, and our faith should reflect that in every situation, whether in moments of joy or in the darkest valleys.
We also discussed the importance of surrendering our pride, failures, worries, and fears to God, and receiving His peace, joy, and healing. This act of surrender is a daily practice, a continuous laying down and receiving from the Father. We are called to live lives devoted to God's name, allowing the Holy Spirit to make His home in our worship and praise.
The sermon further explored the concept of faith as a necessity for all believers, not just a luxury for a few. Faith is essential for human flourishing and is cultivated through listening to God's word, fellowship, worship, and prayer. We were encouraged to see ourselves as pilgrims, not tourists, in our spiritual journey, committed to a long obedience in the same direction. This involves enduring hardships, staying disciplined, and keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
We concluded with a call to action, urging everyone to live transformed lives, deeply rooted in faith, and to engage actively in the mission of Jesus Christ. This includes dealing with sin quickly, running the race with endurance, striving for peace and holiness, and living in awe of God's greatness.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith as a Continuous Offering: Our lives should be a continuous act of worship, not limited to Sunday services but extending to every moment of our daily routines. This means living in a way that our actions, words, and thoughts are a fragrant offering to God, much like incense rising before Him. [27:27]
2. Surrender and Receive: Daily surrendering our pride, failures, worries, and fears to God allows us to receive His peace, joy, and healing. This practice of laying down and receiving is essential for spiritual growth and maintaining a close relationship with the Father. [30:13]
3. Faith as a Necessity: Faith is not a luxury for a few elite saints but a necessity for all believers. It is essential for human flourishing and is cultivated through listening to God's word, fellowship, worship, and prayer. This kind of faith grows in both the valleys and the mountaintops of life. [54:23]
4. Pilgrims, Not Tourists: We are called to be pilgrims in our spiritual journey, committed to a long obedience in the same direction. This involves enduring hardships, staying disciplined, and keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. Unlike tourists who seek short-term pleasures, pilgrims are in it for the long haul, embracing both the joys and challenges of the journey. [57:44]
5. Living Transformed Lives: Our faith should lead to transformation, not just inspiration or education. This means actively engaging in the mission of Jesus Christ, dealing with sin quickly, running the race with endurance, striving for peace and holiness, and living in awe of God's greatness. We are called to be a holy people, set apart for His glory and kingdom. [01:06:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:27] - Incense and Worship
[28:29] - Blessing God in All Seasons
[30:13] - Surrender and Receive
[31:34] - Trust and Devotion
[34:21] - Closing Worship
[35:04] - Community Time
[36:37] - Church Anniversary
[37:19] - Belong, Hope, Grow, Become
[41:33] - Hall of Faith
[44:03] - Weekly Prayer
[45:00] - Praying for Other Churches
[45:57] - StoryWorth and Family
[50:14] - Inventions and Impact
[54:23] - Faith as a Necessity
[57:44] - Pilgrims, Not Tourists
[01:06:33] - Living Transformed Lives
[01:33:49] - Call to Faith and Surrender
[01:37:27] - Next Steps and Baptism
[01:43:05] - Closing and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 11:6 - "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
2. Romans 10:17 - "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ."
3. Philippians 3:13-14 - "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 11:6 say is necessary to please God?
2. According to Romans 10:17, how is faith cultivated in believers?
3. In Philippians 3:13-14, what does Paul say he does to press on toward the goal?
4. In the sermon, what childhood memory was used to illustrate the concept of worship as a continuous offering? ([27:27])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the idea that "faith is a necessity for all believers" challenge the notion that faith is only for the spiritually elite? ([54:23])
2. What does it mean to live as "pilgrims, not tourists" in our spiritual journey, according to the sermon? ([57:44])
3. How can the act of daily surrender and receiving from God transform a believer's life? ([30:13])
4. What are the implications of seeing our lives as a continuous act of worship, not just confined to Sunday services? ([27:27])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routines. How can you make your everyday actions, words, and thoughts a fragrant offering to God, similar to incense rising before Him? ([27:27])
2. Identify one area of pride, failure, worry, or fear that you need to surrender to God. What steps will you take this week to lay it down and receive His peace, joy, and healing? ([30:13])
3. How can you cultivate a deeper faith through listening to God's word, fellowship, worship, and prayer? What specific changes can you make to your daily or weekly schedule to prioritize these practices? ([54:23])
4. Think about a recent hardship you have faced. How did you respond to it? How can you shift your perspective to see it as part of your long obedience in the same direction, keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus? ([57:44])
5. In what ways can you actively engage in the mission of Jesus Christ in your community? Identify one specific action you can take this week to deal with sin quickly, strive for peace and holiness, or live in awe of God's greatness. ([01:06:33])
6. How can you support and encourage others in your small group or church community to grow in their faith and live transformed lives? What practical steps can you take to foster a sense of belonging, hope, growth, and becoming in your group? ([37:19])
7. Reflect on the concept of being a pilgrim in your spiritual journey. What long-term spiritual goals do you have, and how can you stay disciplined and committed to them, even in the face of challenges? ([57:44])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith as a Continuous Offering
Our lives should be a continuous act of worship, not limited to Sunday services but extending to every moment of our daily routines. This means living in a way that our actions, words, and thoughts are a fragrant offering to God, much like incense rising before Him. Worship is not just about singing songs or attending church; it is about how we live our lives every day. Every action, no matter how small, can be an act of worship if done with a heart that seeks to honor God.
In our daily routines, we can find countless opportunities to worship God. Whether it is through our work, our interactions with others, or even in our moments of rest, we can offer our lives as a continuous act of worship. This perspective transforms mundane tasks into sacred acts, making every moment an opportunity to glorify God. [27:27]
Psalm 141:2 (ESV): "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!"
Reflection: How can you transform a mundane task in your daily routine into an act of worship today? What specific action can you take to make this task a fragrant offering to God?
Day 2: Surrender and Receive
Daily surrendering our pride, failures, worries, and fears to God allows us to receive His peace, joy, and healing. This practice of laying down and receiving is essential for spiritual growth and maintaining a close relationship with the Father. Surrender is not a one-time event but a daily practice that requires humility and trust in God's goodness and sovereignty.
When we surrender our burdens to God, we make room in our hearts to receive His blessings. This exchange is a beautiful aspect of our relationship with God, where we give Him our weaknesses and He gives us His strength. It is a continuous process of letting go and receiving, which deepens our faith and draws us closer to God. [30:13]
1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV): "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."
Reflection: What is one specific worry or fear you are holding onto today? How can you intentionally surrender it to God and make space to receive His peace and joy?
Day 3: Faith as a Necessity
Faith is not a luxury for a few elite saints but a necessity for all believers. It is essential for human flourishing and is cultivated through listening to God's word, fellowship, worship, and prayer. This kind of faith grows in both the valleys and the mountaintops of life. Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God and is crucial for navigating the challenges and joys of life.
Faith is not just about believing in God during the good times but also trusting Him in the difficult moments. It is through these experiences that our faith is tested and strengthened. By immersing ourselves in God's word, engaging in fellowship, and maintaining a consistent prayer life, we can cultivate a faith that sustains us through all seasons of life. [54:23]
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively cultivate your faith today? Consider your current routines and identify one area where you can incorporate more of God's word, fellowship, worship, or prayer.
Day 4: Pilgrims, Not Tourists
We are called to be pilgrims in our spiritual journey, committed to a long obedience in the same direction. This involves enduring hardships, staying disciplined, and keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. Unlike tourists who seek short-term pleasures, pilgrims are in it for the long haul, embracing both the joys and challenges of the journey.
Being a pilgrim means understanding that our spiritual journey is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires perseverance, discipline, and a steadfast focus on Jesus. Pilgrims are willing to endure hardships and sacrifices because they are committed to reaching their ultimate destination. This mindset helps us navigate the ups and downs of life with a sense of purpose and direction. [57:44]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to adopt a pilgrim mindset? How can you commit to a long obedience in this area, even when it gets challenging?
Day 5: Living Transformed Lives
Our faith should lead to transformation, not just inspiration or education. This means actively engaging in the mission of Jesus Christ, dealing with sin quickly, running the race with endurance, striving for peace and holiness, and living in awe of God's greatness. We are called to be a holy people, set apart for His glory and kingdom.
Transformation is the evidence of a living faith. It is not enough to be inspired or educated by our faith; we must allow it to change us from the inside out. This involves actively participating in God's mission, addressing sin in our lives, and striving for peace and holiness. By living transformed lives, we become a testament to God's greatness and a light to those around us. [01:06:33]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life that needs transformation? How can you take a concrete step today to align this area with the mission and holiness of Jesus Christ?
Quotes
1. "Our praise is rising like incense. Incense is pungent, it's all-encompassing. Everybody notices it. And Scripture invites us to be a people that say, when I sing, it's like incense rising before me." [27:27] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Let our lives be like an offering. Let our lives be like worship and praise, not just when we gather in rows on Sundays, but when we show up early for work on Tuesday and present at dinner with our family. Let our lives serve like an offering of worship and praise. All we are. We are devoted to your name." [28:29] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Faith is possible to all. Everybody say all. All kinds of believers in all kinds of situations. It is not a luxury for a few elite saints. It is a necessity for all of God's people. Faith is necessary for human flourishing. It is a necessity for all of God's people." [53:49] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Without faith it is impossible to please God. And this kind of faith grows as we listen to his word, as we fellowship in worship, as we fellowship in prayer. Faith is possible to all of us in every season of life. Not just, we don't just bless his name on the mountaintop. We bless his name in the valley. Our faith grows in the valley and it grows in the sunshine." [56:15] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we align our lives with Christ and choose to live surrendered to his word, his will, and his way, we come under the authority of a new king and we become residents of a new kingdom. Philippians 3 puts it this way: No dear brothers and sisters, I've not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead." [59:36] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "To live by faith is to treat our time here on earth not as tourists but as pilgrims, disciplined followers, disciplined apprentices of Christ Jesus. Shift your gaze with me beyond this moment. Shift your gaze beyond your appetite for today. Shift your gaze beyond the temptation of the world to come to you of shameful or sinful things right here, right now." [01:04:48] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Faith enables us to turn from the approval of the world and seek only the approval of God. If God is glorified by delivering his people, he will do it. If he sees fit to be glorified by not delivering his people, then he will do that. But we must never conclude that the absence of deliverance means a lack of faith on the part of God's children." [01:07:03] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When we align our lives with Christ, choose to live surrendered to his word, his will, and his ways, we come under the authority of a brand new king and we become residents of a new kingdom. We're residents of heaven. Heaven's your home. Heaven's your identity. Sons and daughters of the most high God." [01:01:50] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Let us be disciplined and endure as a people of faith by dealing with sin in our lives quickly and often. I know we don't love to gather in rows and talk about sin. I know some of us have pain in our lives connected to church environments where we just always felt ashamed, always felt like sin was being highlighted. But that doesn't mean we throw the baby out with the bathwater." [01:13:25] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Let us be disciplined and endure as a people of faith by choosing to keep our eyes on Jesus, running the race and never quitting. Again verse one and two: Let's run with endurance, looking to Jesus. And here's how we're invited to look to Jesus. Okay, I love, don't you love how clear the Bible is? Like how clear and kind the Bible is? It doesn't leave us hanging. Endure. Run. Look to Jesus." [01:17:12] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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