Living Faith: Actions, Advocacy, and the Gospel

 

Summary

In Deuteronomy 10 and James 1:27, we are reminded of the call to care for widows, orphans, and sojourners. This call is not just a religious duty but a reflection of a pure and undefiled faith before God. The term "religion" has often been misunderstood, but in the context of James, it signifies actions and deeds that are part of our worship and service to the Lord. Christianity is rooted in a relationship with Jesus Christ, and this relationship naturally extends into a life of religious practice that encompasses good deeds and care for those in need.

Paul, in Galatians 6, encourages us not to grow weary in doing good, emphasizing that our actions should honor everyone, even those in authority, regardless of personal agreement. The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 illustrates the importance of going beyond the minimum to help others, showing generosity and care. Similarly, in Matthew 25, Jesus speaks of the final judgment, where acts of kindness to the least of these are seen as acts done unto Him.

Throughout history, Christians have been known for their good works, defending their faith through actions that reflect the teachings of Christ. We are called to be the light of the world, doing good deeds not for recognition but to glorify God. However, it is crucial to remember that while good deeds are important, they do not transform society; only the gospel can do that. Our actions are an expression of our faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law's demands so that we might have abundant life.

The sermon also addresses the grave issue of abortion, urging believers to express sustained outrage against this practice. The sanctity of life is paramount, and we must fight for the rights of the unborn, advocating for their chance to live and breathe free. Ultimately, our goal is not just to save lives but to share the gospel, offering true life through Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways:

1. True Religion and Relationship: Christianity is not just about a personal relationship with Jesus but also about living out that relationship through religious practices that include caring for those in need. This balance of relationship and religion is essential for a holistic Christian life. [01:25]

2. Perseverance in Doing Good: Paul encourages us not to grow weary in doing good, reminding us that our actions should honor everyone, even those we disagree with. This perseverance in good deeds reflects our faith and commitment to Christ's teachings. [01:59]

3. Generosity Beyond Obligation: The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us to go beyond the minimum in helping others, showing generosity and care. This story challenges us to redefine who our neighbor is and how we can serve them selflessly. [03:19]

4. The Role of Good Deeds: While good deeds are important, they are not the means of transforming society. Only the gospel can bring true change. Our actions should be an expression of our faith in the gospel, pointing others to Christ. [06:44]

5. Advocacy for the Unborn: The sermon calls for sustained outrage against abortion, emphasizing the sanctity of life. As Christians, we must fight for the rights of the unborn, advocating for their chance to live and breathe free, while also sharing the hope of the gospel. [09:19]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Pure Religion
- [00:27] - Understanding Religion in the New Testament
- [00:53] - Relationship and Religion
- [01:09] - Faith Blossoming into Religion
- [01:39] - Doing Good to All
- [02:12] - Honoring Authorities
- [03:08] - The Good Samaritan
- [03:35] - The Final Judgment
- [05:05] - Historical Defense of Christian Behavior
- [05:59] - Light of the World
- [06:44] - The Gospel and Good Deeds
- [07:55] - Addressing Abortion
- [09:41] - The Statue of Liberty and Life
- [11:51] - Sharing the Gospel with the Unborn

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Deuteronomy 10:18-19
2. James 1:27
3. Galatians 6:9-10

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Observation Questions:

1. According to James 1:27, what does "pure and undefiled religion" involve, and how does it relate to our actions towards others? [00:11]

2. In Galatians 6:9-10, what encouragement does Paul give about doing good, and who are we especially encouraged to do good to? [01:59]

3. How does the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 challenge our understanding of who our neighbor is? [03:08]

4. What does Matthew 25:31-46 reveal about the significance of our actions towards "the least of these"? [03:35]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the relationship between faith and religious practice, as described in the sermon, challenge the common perception of religion as merely ritualistic? [01:25]

2. What might be the implications of Paul's instruction in Galatians 6:9-10 to "not grow weary in doing good" for Christians facing opposition or fatigue? [01:59]

3. In what ways does the parable of the Good Samaritan redefine the concept of generosity and obligation in our daily interactions? [03:19]

4. How does the sermon address the issue of abortion, and what is the proposed Christian response to this issue? [09:19]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current understanding of "pure and undefiled religion." How can you incorporate caring for widows, orphans, and sojourners into your daily life? [00:11]

2. Consider a situation where you have grown weary in doing good. What practical steps can you take to persevere in these efforts, especially towards those you disagree with? [01:59]

3. Think of a time when you have done the minimum to help someone. How can you go beyond obligation and show true generosity in your next opportunity to help? [03:19]

4. How can you ensure that your good deeds are an expression of your faith in the gospel, rather than seeking recognition from others? [06:14]

5. The sermon calls for sustained outrage against abortion. What specific actions can you take to advocate for the rights of the unborn while sharing the hope of the gospel? [09:19]

6. Identify a person or group in your community who might be considered "the least of these." What is one tangible way you can serve them this week? [03:35]

7. Reflect on the balance between relationship and religious practice in your life. How can you ensure that your faith in Jesus naturally extends into actions that glorify God? [01:25]

Devotional

Day 1: True Religion as Active Compassion
Christianity is not merely about a personal relationship with Jesus; it is about living out that relationship through religious practices that include caring for those in need. This balance of relationship and religion is essential for a holistic Christian life. True religion, as described in James 1:27, is about actions and deeds that reflect our worship and service to the Lord. It is a call to care for widows, orphans, and sojourners, emphasizing that our faith should naturally extend into a life of good deeds and care for those in need. This understanding challenges us to see our faith as something that must be actively expressed through compassion and service to others. [01:25]

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." (James 1:27, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your community is in need of care and compassion today, and how can you actively extend your faith to meet their needs?


Day 2: Perseverance in Honoring Others
Paul encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good, reminding us that our actions should honor everyone, even those we disagree with. This perseverance in good deeds reflects our faith and commitment to Christ's teachings. In Galatians 6, Paul emphasizes the importance of continuing to do good, regardless of personal agreement with those in authority or others around us. This call to honor everyone challenges us to rise above personal biases and disagreements, focusing instead on the higher calling of reflecting Christ's love and grace in all our interactions. [01:59]

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone you disagree with or find difficult to honor. How can you show them respect and kindness today, reflecting Christ's love?


Day 3: Generosity Beyond Obligation
The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us to go beyond the minimum in helping others, showing generosity and care. This story challenges us to redefine who our neighbor is and how we can serve them selflessly. In Luke 10, Jesus illustrates the importance of going beyond mere obligation, encouraging us to show true generosity and care for others, regardless of their background or circumstances. This call to action invites us to examine our own lives and consider how we can extend our compassion and resources to those who may be different from us, embodying the love of Christ in tangible ways. [03:19]

"But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion." (Luke 10:33, ESV)

Reflection: Who is someone outside of your usual circle that you can show unexpected generosity to this week?


Day 4: The Gospel as the True Agent of Change
While good deeds are important, they are not the means of transforming society. Only the gospel can bring true change. Our actions should be an expression of our faith in the gospel, pointing others to Christ. Throughout history, Christians have been known for their good works, but it is crucial to remember that these actions are not the ultimate solution to societal transformation. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the true agent of change, offering hope and redemption to a broken world. Our good deeds should serve as a reflection of our faith in the gospel, drawing others to the transformative power of Christ. [06:44]

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16, ESV)

Reflection: How can your actions today point others to the transformative power of the gospel?


Day 5: Advocacy for the Unborn
The sermon calls for sustained outrage against abortion, emphasizing the sanctity of life. As Christians, we must fight for the rights of the unborn, advocating for their chance to live and breathe free, while also sharing the hope of the gospel. The sanctity of life is a paramount concern, and believers are urged to express sustained outrage against practices that undermine this value. Advocacy for the unborn is not just about saving lives but also about sharing the gospel, offering true life through Jesus Christ. This call to action challenges us to consider how we can be a voice for the voiceless, standing up for the rights of the unborn while sharing the hope and redemption found in Christ. [09:19]

"Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter." (Proverbs 24:11, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to advocate for the unborn and share the hope of the gospel with those around you?

Quotes


In Deuteronomy 10 the Lord speaks about widows and orphans and the Sojourner just like James in James chapter 1 verse 27 says religion that is pure and undefiled before God the father is this to visit orphans and widows in their Affliction and to keep oneself unstained from the world. [00:00:00]

Christianity is a faith established on a relationship in Jesus Christ and that relationship that we have with Christ by faith and faith alone blossoms into an all-encompassing all of Life religion you see Rel relationship and religion are not extremes they're not the two ends of the spectrum they're not mutually exclusive. [00:01:09]

Paul in Galatians 6 and veres 9 and 10 when he says do not grow weary and doing good for in the SE due season you will reap if we do not give up so then we have opportunity as we have opportunity let us do good to everyone similar to what Peter says in First Peter honor everyone even honor the king. [00:01:54]

We see Jesus in Luke chapter 10 tell us the story the parable of the Good Samaritan we all know that story I trust and it's a beautiful story and he's really answering the question if you recall who's my neighbor and Jesus tells them a story about a Good Samaritan and the Jews despised the Samaritan. [00:03:00]

In Matthew 25 you can turn there with me verses 31 following Jesus says when the son of man comes in his glory and all the angels with him he will sit on his glorious Throne before him will be the gathered all the nations and he will separate people one from another as Shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. [00:03:38]

Dearly beloved this isn't novel this isn't new this is something that the early church apologists defended the church against their persecutors that Calvin and the reformers defended themselves and the persecuted Protestants saying look at our Behavior look at what we do look at the good that we do we rescue babies we care for the sick. [00:05:00]

Christians are to be a good people we are to be a people who do good things for others Jesus says in Matthew Chapter 5 very plainly you're the light of the world you're the salt of the earth do your good deeds your good works before men so that they might see your good deeds and glorify your father in Heaven. [00:05:45]

But we must understand that in all the good that we do in all the good works that we do in all those that we care for the widows and the orphans and all the good that we do ultimately society and the world is not transformed by our Good Deeds but only by the gospel our Good Deeds are an expression of our resting in the good news. [00:06:29]

I know I've known many dear ladies and I know that there are very likely some here who still to this day experience the pain and even the shame of abortion I know that there are men here who forced their ladies to have an abortion and I'm truly sad for the pain that you feel knowing that you have hope. [00:07:42]

Yet we as God's people must not cease being angry and demonstrating with our mouths and our pocketbooks real and sustained outrage at the barbaric heinous onslaught of children in what used to be the safest place in the world the soft warm protective womb of the mother has now become the greatest War Zone in the world. [00:08:48]

We must not grow accustomed to what has become acceptable in our culture and the world might think we're a bunch of crazy nuts yet we to the day we die must and always fight for the rights of the most defenseless people in our country these little babies who just want to breathe free. [00:11:05]

But dearly beloved the goal the goal is not just that we would rescue them from those who are inconvenienced by their children through State sanction murder but that they would come and breathe and that we would go to them and we tell them the only thing that'll give them true life. [00:11:39]

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Transcript
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