Living Faith: Engaging the World with God's Love
Summary
In my sermon today, I explored the profound relationship between our faith and our daily actions, particularly focusing on how we as Christians are called to engage with the world around us. I began by welcoming everyone to our series based on the letter of Titus, emphasizing the transformative power of God's grace in our lives, which not only changes us internally but should also manifest in our external actions, especially in how we relate to non-Christians and engage in public life.
I stressed the importance of understanding that our mission as Christians extends beyond personal salvation to actively participating in God's mission in the world. This mission involves cultivating healthy relationships, obeying authorities, and engaging enthusiastically in acts of service and goodness. I highlighted that our interactions with authorities and government should reflect our commitment to God's order, emphasizing that our primary allegiance is to God's kingdom, not to temporal political powers or ideologies.
Throughout the sermon, I delved into the concept of living out our faith through good works, as emphasized in Ephesians 2:10. These good works are not a means to salvation but a testament to the transformative power of faith in our lives. I encouraged the congregation to serve with enthusiasm and to remember that our actions and relationships are a direct reflection of God's love and grace.
I also addressed the dangers of slander and conflict within our communities. I urged everyone to avoid such behaviors, which damage our testimony and hinder our mission. Instead, we should exemplify humility, kindness, and peace, fostering environments that reflect the love of Christ.
In conclusion, I called on the congregation to actively participate in their local church and community, to engage with social causes, and to seize every opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ through service. I emphasized that our faith must be active and visible, impacting every area of our lives and thus fulfilling God's mission through us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Engage with the World through God’s Mission
Our primary purpose as Christians is not to achieve personal or political ambitions but to engage with the world through God’s mission. This involves understanding that every interaction and relationship is an opportunity to demonstrate the love and grace of God. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ in every sphere of life, reflecting His peace and righteousness. [58:53]
2. Cultivate Healthy Relationships
The health of our relationships is a direct reflection of our spiritual health. As believers, we must cultivate environments of peace and kindness, avoiding slander and conflict. This not only strengthens our Christian testimony but also opens doors for the gospel to be shared authentically and effectively. Healthy relationships testify to the transformative power of the gospel in our lives. [01:25:29]
3. Serve with Enthusiasm and Goodness
Our call to serve is not just an obligation but a joyful response to the love we have received from Christ. Serving with enthusiasm and engaging in good works are practical ways we demonstrate our faith. These actions should stem from a heart transformed by God’s grace, eager to share that grace with others. [01:24:10]
4. Obey and Respect Authorities
Our interaction with governmental and societal authorities should reflect our commitment to God’s order. While our ultimate allegiance is to God, respecting and obeying earthly authorities is a testament to our faith, as long as these authorities do not contradict God’s commands. This obedience is a powerful testimony in a world that often values rebellion and self-interest. [01:16:45]
5. Active Participation in Local Church and Community
Being part of a church community is not passive. It involves active engagement and contribution to the body of Christ and the wider community. This includes volunteering, participating in small groups, and being involved in social causes. Through such involvement, we live out the gospel, making it tangible and effective in reaching others. [01:51:06]
### Chapters
- 0:00 - Welcome
- 0:45:02 - Introduction to the Series on Titus
- 0:55:20 - The Transformation Through Christ
- 1:16:45 - Respecting Authorities
- 1:24:10 - The Call to Serve Enthusiastically
- 1:25:29 - Cultivating Healthy Relationships
- 1:51:06 - Engaging in Church and Community Activities
- 2:00:06 - Conclusion and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
2. Titus 3:1-2 - "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 2:10 say about the purpose of our creation in Christ Jesus?
2. According to Titus 3:1-2, what are the specific behaviors Paul instructs believers to exhibit towards authorities and others?
3. In the sermon, what were some examples given of how Christians should engage with the world around them? ([46:06])
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between our faith and our daily actions? ([50:39])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that we are created for good works (Ephesians 2:10) influence our daily actions and decisions?
2. What might it look like in practical terms to be "ready to do whatever is good" as instructed in Titus 3:1-2?
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of avoiding slander and conflict. How can this principle be applied in our interactions within the church and community? ([01:25:29])
4. How does the concept of being ambassadors of Christ in every sphere of life challenge our current lifestyle and priorities? ([51:23])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current priorities. Are they aligned with God's mission, or are they more focused on personal ambitions? How can you realign them to reflect God's purposes? ([46:06])
2. Think about your interactions with authorities and government. Do they reflect a commitment to God's order? How can you show respect and obedience in a way that honors God? ([01:16:45])
3. Identify a specific relationship in your life that needs healing or improvement. What steps can you take to cultivate peace and kindness in that relationship? ([01:25:29])
4. Serving with enthusiasm was highlighted in the sermon. What is one act of service you can commit to this week that demonstrates the love and grace of God? ([01:24:10])
5. How can you actively participate in your local church and community to make the gospel tangible and effective? Consider specific actions like volunteering or joining a small group. ([01:51:06])
6. Reflect on a recent conflict or disagreement you had. How could you have handled it differently to avoid slander and promote peace? ([01:25:29])
7. What social cause or community need can you get involved in to demonstrate the love of Christ? How will you take the first step this week? ([01:48:06])
Devotional
Day 1: Engaging the World with Christ's Mission
Our primary calling as Christians extends beyond personal achievements; it involves actively participating in God's mission to spread His love and grace through every interaction. This engagement is not about imposing our beliefs but demonstrating Christ's love through our actions and relationships. It's about being ambassadors for Christ in every sphere of life, whether at home, in the workplace, or in the community. This role requires us to embody the peace and righteousness of Christ, making every encounter an opportunity to reflect His character. [58:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiueEDK-D0Y&t=3518s)
"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16 ESV
Reflection: How can you demonstrate Christ's love in a specific interaction or relationship today?
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Day 2: Cultivating Peace in Relationships
The health of our relationships is a direct reflection of our spiritual health. As believers, we are called to cultivate environments of peace and kindness, steering clear of slander and conflict. This not only strengthens our Christian testimony but also opens doors for the gospel to be shared authentically and effectively. Healthy relationships, marked by the fruits of the Spirit, testify to the transformative power of the gospel in our lives. [01:25:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiueEDK-D0Y&t=5114s)
"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." - Romans 12:18 ESV
Reflection: What steps can you take today to mend a strained relationship and reflect the peace of Christ?
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Day 3: Serving with Joyful Enthusiasm
Our call to serve is not just an obligation but a joyful response to the love we have received from Christ. Serving with enthusiasm and engaging in good works are practical ways we demonstrate our faith. These actions should stem from a heart transformed by God’s grace, eager to share that grace with others. This approach to service not only fulfills our Christian duty but also spreads the joy and love of Christ to those around us. [01:24:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiueEDK-D0Y&t=5035s)
"But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good." - 2 Thessalonians 3:13 ESV
Reflection: What is one act of service you can perform this week that goes beyond your normal responsibilities?
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Day 4: Respecting and Obeying Authorities
Our interactions with authorities should reflect our commitment to God’s order. Respecting and obeying earthly authorities, as long as they do not contradict God’s commands, is a testament to our faith. This obedience is a powerful testimony in a world that often values rebellion and self-interest. By respecting authorities, we demonstrate our allegiance to God's kingdom and His command to live orderly and peacefully under established governance. [01:16:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiueEDK-D0Y&t=4590s)
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." - Romans 13:1 ESV
Reflection: How can you show respect for authority in a situation where you feel it's challenging to do so?
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Day 5: Active Participation in Church and Community
Being part of a church community is not passive. It involves active engagement and contribution to the body of Christ and the wider community. This includes volunteering, participating in small groups, and being involved in social causes. Through such involvement, we live out the gospel, making it tangible and effective in reaching others. This active participation helps us grow spiritually and strengthens our communal bonds. [01:51:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiueEDK-D0Y&t=6651s)
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
Reflection: What is one way you can increase your involvement in your church or local community this month?
Quotes
1. "The churches that have taken political positions, regardless of the sides, are and will be ashamed of God. Because our mission has nothing to do with politics. Our mission is with God. The church is in mission." [01:23:25]
2. "The mark of the Christian is goodness, is to do good, is to transform relationships from love for one another. As João Calvindo says, we are justified only by faith, but faith never comes alone." [01:24:10]
3. "Cultivate healthy relationships and testify. Do not slander anyone, but avoid fights. Be kind and show true humility. Here the text starts with some negatives. He says, Do not slander anyone." [01:25:29]
4. "Participate actively in your local church. Here is the place for you to strengthen yourself. Here is the place for you to grow. So be a volunteer. Participate in small groups. Create significant relationships." [01:51:06]
5. "This generates identification. Participate actively in your local context, condominium, neighborhood or city. Dear ones, go to the concerts, go to the theaters. Access the city hall site." [01:46:08]
6. "Persevere in doing good. We are church, we can't get tired of doing good to the next, we can't, that's why, let me give you some tips on how to intentionally testify in our relationship with the next." [01:40:08]
7. "It is a very difficult relationship. So, the Christian needs to cultivate healthy relationships where God positioned him from his gifts and talents. It is not to slander, it is not to fight, it is to pacify." [01:31:31]
8. "We need to obey the authorities. We need to serve with enthusiasm and cultivate good relationships, healthy relationships, because the church is the mission of God in the world." [01:32:03]
9. "This new life is flowing in you. This new life is being conformed to the image of Jesus. Die for yourself. And allow Jesus to live through you." [01:52:58]
10. "The responsibility of Christians. I'll tell you to do something but you do not have the power to do that because Jesus does not dwell in you." [01:10:34]
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