Living Faith: A Full-Time Commitment to Christ

 

Summary

In our journey with Christ, it is imperative that we recognize that our relationship with God is not confined to the walls of the church or the hours of a Sunday service. Our faith is a living, breathing entity that must be nurtured daily through study, prayer, and living out the Word of God. As believers, we are called to be full-time followers of Christ, not merely part-time participants. Our love for His Word should permeate every aspect of our lives, whether we are preaching or not. The essence of our faith lies in living holy lives, not just speaking of holiness. It is easy to talk a good game, but the true test of our faith is how we live when no one is watching.

The role of a pastor is not to entertain or to seek friendship for its own sake, but to feed the flock with the Word of God. As shepherds of God's flock, we are charged with the responsibility of watching over the congregation, ensuring that they do not wander off into false doctrine or succumb to fear, poverty, or sickness. Our words carry life, and it is our duty to strengthen the believers so that they can face life's challenges with the assurance of God's Word.

The Holy Spirit, our Comforter, dwells within us, connecting our spirits in unity. However, this connection can only be maintained if we walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. The flesh is often in conflict with the Spirit, leading us to judge others and ourselves incorrectly. We must learn to crucify the flesh daily and align ourselves with the Spirit to avoid spiritual ugliness.

The purpose of a pastor to the people is threefold: to bring the Word of God to the people, to encourage them to walk in Christ, and to equip them for the work of ministry. This is not a role to be taken lightly, as it involves teaching, caregiving, performing rites of passage, administration, and serving as an ambassador to the community. A pastor must be diligent in these duties, always seeking to feed both themselves and their flock with the truth of God's Word.

As believers, we must be careful not to follow leaders blindly or elevate them to a status that only Christ should hold. We must know the Scriptures for ourselves so that we can discern the truth and not be led astray by false teachings or personal agendas. Our allegiance is first to God, and our pastors are there to guide us closer to Him, not to replace Him.

In summary, the life of a believer is a full-time commitment to living out the principles of the Bible, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the shepherding of our pastors. Our pastors are tasked with a sacred duty to lead us in righteousness, to feed us with the Word, and to prepare us for the work of the Kingdom. It is a partnership between the shepherd and the flock, each with their own responsibilities before God.

Key Takeaways:

- Our faith in Christ is not limited to church attendance; it is a full-time commitment that requires daily nurturing through study, prayer, and living out God's Word. We must strive to live holy lives, reflecting our faith in every action and decision we make. [28:16]

- The role of a pastor is to feed the flock with the Word of God, not to entertain or seek personal gain. Pastors must watch over the congregation, ensuring they are grounded in truth and equipped to face life's challenges with the assurance of God's promises. [29:25]

- Walking in the Spirit is essential for maintaining unity within the body of Christ. We must crucify our flesh daily to avoid spiritual ugliness and ensure that our actions align with the Spirit's guidance. [30:36]

- Believers must understand the Scriptures for themselves to avoid being misled. Our first allegiance is to God, and while pastors are there to guide us, they are not our saviors. We must be discerning and respectful of the pastoral office while holding fast to our personal relationship with God. [22:20]

- The purpose of a pastor extends beyond preaching; it includes teaching, caregiving, performing rites of passage, administration, and serving as a community ambassador. These responsibilities are vital for the spiritual health and growth of the congregation and require a pastor's full dedication and service. [17:07]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 5:1-5 - "To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'"

2. Ephesians 4:11-15 - "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."

3. Jeremiah 3:14-15 - "'Return, faithless people,' declares the Lord, 'for I am your husband. I will choose you—one from a town and two from a clan—and bring you to Zion. Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 5:1-5, what are the key responsibilities of a pastor towards the flock? How should they carry out these responsibilities?
2. In Ephesians 4:11-15, what roles did Christ give to the church, and for what purpose?
3. What promise does God make in Jeremiah 3:14-15 regarding shepherds, and what qualities will these shepherds possess?
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of pastors feeding the flock with the Word of God rather than seeking personal gain. What are some specific ways pastors can ensure they are fulfilling this role? [20:40]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the instruction in 1 Peter 5:1-5 about shepherding the flock relate to the sermon’s emphasis on pastors not seeking personal gain but being eager to serve? [21:11]
2. Ephesians 4:11-15 speaks about equipping the saints for the work of ministry. How does this align with the sermon’s point that pastors are to prepare the congregation for the work of the Kingdom? [16:36]
3. Jeremiah 3:14-15 mentions shepherds after God's own heart. How does this concept of shepherding compare to the sermon’s description of the pastoral role in guiding and protecting the congregation? [12:47]
4. The sermon discussed the need for believers to understand the Scriptures for themselves to avoid being misled. How does this idea connect with the biblical instruction to be mature in faith and not be swayed by false teachings? [24:32]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily spiritual practices. How can you ensure that your faith is a full-time commitment and not just limited to church attendance? What specific steps can you take to nurture your faith daily through study, prayer, and living out God's Word? [28:16]
2. The sermon highlighted the importance of pastors feeding the flock with the Word of God. How can you support your pastor in this role? Are there ways you can encourage them or assist in the ministry to ensure the congregation is well-fed spiritually? [20:40]
3. Walking in the Spirit is essential for maintaining unity within the body of Christ. What are some practical ways you can crucify the flesh daily and align your actions with the Spirit's guidance? [30:36]
4. The sermon warned against blindly following leaders and emphasized the need for personal understanding of the Scriptures. How can you develop a deeper knowledge of the Bible to discern the truth and avoid being misled? What resources or practices can help you in this journey? [24:32]
5. The role of a pastor extends beyond preaching to include caregiving, performing rites of passage, administration, and serving as a community ambassador. How can you show appreciation for these various aspects of pastoral work? Are there specific ways you can assist or lighten the load for your pastor in these areas? [17:07]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of not taking God's blessings for granted. Reflect on the blessings in your life. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and avoid taking these blessings for granted? What specific actions can you take to express your thankfulness to God and others? [04:27]
7. The sermon emphasized the need for believers to be discerning and respectful of the pastoral office while holding fast to their personal relationship with God. How can you balance respect for your pastor with a personal commitment to God? What steps can you take to ensure your allegiance remains first to God? [25:05]

Devotional

Day 1: Living Faith Beyond Sundays
Faith is not a garment to be worn on Sundays and tucked away for the rest of the week. It is the very essence of a believer's life, woven into every thought, word, and deed. A living faith is nurtured through daily practices such as study and prayer, which in turn shape the way one lives. It is in the quiet moments, away from the eyes of others, that the depth of one's relationship with God is truly revealed. This daily walk with Christ is a journey of transformation, where the principles of the Bible are not just read but lived out in every situation, leading to a life that is a testament to God's love and holiness.

"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." - 1 John 3:18

Reflection: How can you demonstrate your faith in practical ways in your workplace or home today?

Day 2: The Pastor's Sacred Charge
The role of a pastor extends far beyond the pulpit; it is a calling to feed the flock with spiritual sustenance that comes from the Word of God. This sacred charge involves vigilance against false doctrines and the many challenges that believers may face, such as fear, poverty, or sickness. A pastor's words are not meant for entertainment but for imparting life, offering strength and assurance through the promises found in Scripture. The pastoral mission is to equip the congregation with the truth, enabling them to stand firm in their faith amidst life's storms.

"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." - Ephesians 4:11-12 [29:25]

Reflection: What is one piece of biblical wisdom from a recent teaching that you can apply to a current challenge in your life?

Day 3: Walking in the Spirit's Unity
The Holy Spirit dwells within, binding believers in a unity that transcends human understanding. This unity, however, is contingent upon walking in the Spirit rather than succumbing to the desires of the flesh. The flesh can lead to judgment and discord, but by crucifying it daily, one aligns with the Spirit, fostering a community marked by love and harmony. It is through this spiritual discipline that believers can avoid the ugliness that arises from fleshly desires and instead reflect the beauty of Christ's love.

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit." - Romans 8:5 [30:36]

Reflection: What is one way you can practice setting your mind on the Spirit today to foster unity in your relationships?

Day 4: Discerning the Shepherd's Voice
Believers are called to know the Scriptures for themselves, to discern truth from falsehood. While pastors are appointed to guide the flock closer to God, they are not substitutes for Christ. It is crucial for each believer to maintain a personal relationship with God, grounded in a deep understanding of His Word. This discernment ensures that one follows God's leading and not the personal agendas of others, keeping Christ as the ultimate authority in one's life.

"Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." - Acts 17:11 [22:20]

Reflection: Can you identify a recent instance where you needed to discern the truth for yourself, and how can you cultivate this practice daily?

Day 5: The Multifaceted Role of Pastoring
Pastoring is a multifaceted role that encompasses teaching, caregiving, administration, and serving as an ambassador to the community. It is a role that requires diligence, as pastors are tasked with not only feeding themselves with the truth of God's Word but also ensuring that their congregation is spiritually nourished and prepared for the work of the Kingdom. The health and growth of the church community depend on the pastor's dedication to these varied responsibilities.

"And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding." - Jeremiah 3:15 [17:07]

Reflection: Reflect on the various roles your pastor plays in the community. How can you support your pastor in one of these areas this week?

Quotes

- "This is my life; I'm not a temporary minister, a pastor, I'm a temporary man of God. I'm a full-time bona fide believer. I love His word even if I ain't preaching it, I live His word." [28:16] (Download | )

- "The key is living holy and not always talking holy because some people can talk too much and don't know how to live nothing." [28:51] (Download | )

- "You pastor got to make sure that you are constantly strong in the Word of God so that you can project to the people of God the Word of God." [29:25] (Download | )

- "The purpose of a pastor to the people is to shepherd you because you belong to God... It's my job to make sure I lead you in the righteous direction." [26:40] (Download | )

- "If you're going to try to save your child first, you're going to die and eventually your child going to die because your child don't know what to do. Pastor, if you don't feed yourself first, your flock gonna die." [39:08] (Download | )

- "The role of a pastor is number one is to bring the gospel to the audience... The second purpose of a pastor is to encourage you to walk in Christ... The third purpose of the pastor is to equip you to do the work of ministry." [16:36] (Download | )

- "Our role number one is to preach and teach the doctrine of Jesus Christ... We are caregivers... Performing rites of passage... Administration... Serving as an ambassador of the church to the community." [17:07] (Download | )

- "Pastors should teach people how to think, not teach people how to be obedient... If we teach you how to be thinkers, then you'll know how to use the Word of God." [10:12] (Download | )

- "Just because you built a new wing to the church... they don't belong to you. The ministry belongs to Jesus Christ." [22:20] (Download | )

- "I'm called to work, and if I'm called to be a deacon, I'm called to work... We get called to a title and miss the work." [06:24] (Download | )

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Transcript
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